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Midlothian Council making an impact with Pellenc

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Midlothian Council making an impact with Pellenc: Midlothian may be one of the smallest councils in Scotland, but it is certainly making a big impact with a little help from a range of Pellenc battery-powered equipment.  

“I think we are the second smallest local authority by area in Scotland,” said Jim Hay, Grounds Maintenance Manager for Midlothian Council. “However, as far as we are aware we have more electric equipment than any of the other councils and we’re trying to lead the way in this respect.”

Midlothian Council making an impact with Pellenc

Midlothian Council making an impact with Pellenc

From managing teams to choosing equipment, Jim is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of all the grounds and green spaces throughout Midlothian. One of his biggest responsibilities is the health and safety of the personnel who are operating grounds maintenance equipment, and it is for this very reason that he first started exploring battery-powered technology.

“We identified that the Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) measurements on the majority of our petrol equipment were not ideal and felt that battery-powered machinery was the solution,” said Jim. “For this reason, we looked at a wide-range of equipment from various manufacturers. Unfortunately, we found that most of the equipment was not to a professional standard – it appeared to be more suited to domestic use.

“Pellenc however, was different. As far as we are concerned, Pellenc is by far the best professional equipment in the battery-powered market.”

A forerunner when it comes to lithium-ion technology, Pellenc has established itself as the number one choice in the ‘zero emission’ professional power tools market for the maintenance of urban and green-spaces.

Light, odourless, noise-free, with no starting problems and enough power to enable professional users to work for a full day on a single charge, it’s no wonder more and more professional users are turning to Pellenc. It is an attractive alternative to those who have, for several years, been relying on fuel-based machinery.

A demonstration was arranged through Pellenc dealer Agrovista Amenity, and Midlothian Council purchased a wide range of Pellenc products which included Rasion pedestrian mowers, Helion hedge trimmers, Selion chainsaws, Excelion grass strimmers and Airion blowers.

The equipment is already making a positive difference in many areas throughout the borough of Midlothian as Jim explained.

“The Pellenc tools are used in a lot of the local schools because we can operate them when classes are on or when exams are in progress, due to how quiet the machinery is. It’s the same when we work close to residential homes or the public in general.

“Aside from the equipment being so quiet it is just so much easier and more comfortable for the staff. With our old petrol machinery, they could only use it for three hours at a time because of the HAV levels, but they can use the Pellenc tools all day. The battery life is excellent, and we can run them all day if needed.

“I’ve had nothing but positive feedback from everyone using it.”

Jim claims that his experience has been boosted by the dedicated Pellenc technical centre – which was launched after Agrovista Amenity joined forces with Edinburgh City Council. It means that customers like Jim, have access to dedicated Pellenc operatives who have been fully trained at the state-of-the-art Pellenc factory in Pertuis, France.

“We have definitely benefited from the Pellenc service centre,” he said. “Whenever I need a machine serviced, looking at, or need any advice then I can just call the team there. It’s a fantastic service and when the Pellenc equipment goes in for a service it is always returned very quickly.”

Jim feels that the purchase of the Pellenc equipment is another step in the right direction for Midlothian Council.

“The public are becoming more ‘green aware’ – and we are doing our utmost to boost our green credentials. We first started investing in electric equipment five years ago we are proud of what we have achieved already.

“Going forward we are keen to record the savings in CO2 emissions from this change in power source to further demonstrate our green credentials. We are already telling people to keep their eyes peeled because we have more electric equipment coming.”

Pellenc is distributed exclusively in the UK by Etesia UK.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.pellencuk.com

You can also follow Pellenc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PellencUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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An update from Scott MacCallum

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An update from Scott MacCallum: It has been a long hard 21 months for us all since Covid loomed over the horizon in March 2020 and started to dominate our lives. As I write, we are facing yet another escalation and we can see the dream of normality slipping away again- well into 2022.

My thoughts go to Jim Croxton and his BIGGA team who have had to slide BTME to the end of March. They have taken decisive action and hopefully they are rewarded with a successful, if belated, Harrogate.

An update from Scott MacCallum

An update from Scott MacCallum

For many in our beloved profession we have had to keep the wheels of our mowers turning at times when other industries have seen their wheels grind to a halt – that grass keeps growing. But while we have been able to keep working, we have also had to face the same concerns and stresses of the rest of the population when it comes to health.

Here we are at Christmas and while we would love to kick back, pull a few crackers and drink some eggnog, travel and social restrictions may mean disappointment for some families.

That aside, I do hope all of the Turf Matters’ family enjoy some festive time off and, like me, look forward to next year when it’s the sound of Santa coming over that horizon and not more Covid.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Scott MacCallum

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An offer not to be refused

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An offer not to be refused: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK is giving end users the chance to get their hands on a free DMR110 DAB+ Site Radio or MR002GZ01 XGT Bluetooth Radio when they purchase selected garden machines between 1st October and 31st December 2021.

Makita radios are fantastic for keeping you entertained on site or at home in the garden – and thanks to the company’s latest redemption offer end users have the chance to redeem a free DMR110 DAB+ site radio when they purchase from a chosen selection of 18V LXT and Twin 18V LXT garden machinery products. In addition, those who purchase any of the qualifying XGT 40VMax outdoor products can redeem the MR002GZ01 XGT Bluetooth Radio.

An offer not to be refused

An offer not to be refused

The DMR110 is compatible with Makita’s LXT, CXT and 7.2V Li-ion batteries, making it the ideal addition to any professional’s existing collection of Makita products. It features a two speaker stereo system for maximum output and has an easy to read digital tuner with an LCD display for ease of use. This model has also been designed to endure tough on-site conditions with elastomer bumpers to protect it against knocks and scuffs – and it is IP64 rated for being dust and shower proof.

Alternatively, the durable and easy to use MR002GZ01 Bluetooth Radio is compatible with Makita’s XGT, LXT, CXT batteries. Thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, the MR002GZ01 can be easily connected to mobile devices within a 10m range – it even has a USB output port for charging devices on site. Impressively, the MR002GZ01 can run for up to 27.5 hours when powered by a 4.0Ah XGT 40VMax battery.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “The DMR110 and MR002GZ01 are the perfect job site companions and we are delighted to be able to offer end-users the chance to add some entertainment to the working day. Thanks to the DMR110 and MR002GZ01’s clever design, professionals can use their existing XGT, LXT or CXT batteries to power the radios for convenience.”

Makita is running this promotion from 1st October 2021 until 31st December 2021. Anyone who purchases and registers a qualifying Makita garden machinery product from an authorised Makita dealer during this period can claim a free DMR110 or MR002GZ01 radio. Simply register the claim and proof of purchase within 28 days of purchase, via a dedicated microsite. On successful application, customers will receive their free gift after 30 days.

To find out more about Makita’s latest promotion, including the full list of qualifying products, how to claim and terms and conditions visit: https://makitauk.com/freeradio

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An insight into GKB’s Distributors

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An insight into GKB’s Distributors: GKB Machines, the company behind sustainable, reliable and robust maintenance machinery for natural, synthetic and hybrid turf recently caught up with one of their loyal UK distributors, Balmers GM Ltd.

UK Operations Director, Tom Shinkins has worked for GKB since GKB Machines Ltd was founded in 2015 and a key part of his role is to work with the UK distributors throughout the year. Andrew Meeks, Commercial Sales Manager at Balmers GM Ltd has been with the company for 20 years and has fallen in love with GKB machines.

An insight into GKB's Distributors

An insight into GKB’s Distributors

Offering some insight into what it’s like to be a GKB distributor, Tom discusses with Andrew why they decided to become a distributor, what their customer experience has been like and ultimately what their favourite machine is!

What do you like about GKB Machines?

To put it simply, their build. We like the fact that these machines are built by contractors for use by like-minded people. Built robustly and to last, simple and easy to operate. The machines that we use are so reliable, we trust that they will get the job done everytime. Our ethos here at Balmers is perfectly matched with GKB’s. We want to supply our customers the best machines for use and reliability, as well as getting the support from the manufacturer which GKB offer exactly that. The question should be what do I not like about GKB Machines because then I would struggle to answer!

What do your customers like?

Our customers’ minds work like ours so, what we like, they tend to like too. They like the fact we are providing them with the best machines that they can rely on time after time.

How long have you been a dealer for?

We’ve been a dealer for nearly three years but knew about the products way before that. The way GKB keep bringing out new innovations and technologies to make their machines even better really excites us. We look forward to working with GKB for many years to come.

What is your favourite GKB Machines and why?

Now this is a difficult question! It’s almost like asking who’s your favourite child.  I love the SP100 Topdresser, it’s the machine that started our relations and outperforms the competition hands down. The GKB Combiseeder is also high on the list again for its ease of use, its simplicity and ultimately its performance and result.

Why did you become a dealer?

We became a dealer because we were looking for a mounted topdresser to supply our customer base with that fitted the John Deere ProGatorTM. We had supplied other manufacturers previously and were not happy with various things. We wanted a product with a direct line to the manufacturer rather than via the importer, simply to reduce the supply chain and improve communication. As we deal directly with the manufacturer now we’re able to provide customer feedback right to the people who built the product. On a typical wet and windy English weather day, Tom brought a demonstrator for us to try and we were blown away by its performance. The product range suited our portfolio and the rest is history.

What’s your customer experience like from GKB?

If I had to use one word it would be fantastic. Tom has been invaluable, providing a vast wealth of knowledge and support. We also spent time with the guys over in the factory in Holland, which really helped to build relationships. Ultimately for us, it’s a company and a product range that’s growing which we thrive on. They are constantly innovating without creating solutions to problems that aren’t there. For that, we thank GKB.

For more on GKB Machines and their reliable and robust range of machinery for natural, hybrid and synthetic turf and to learn more about becoming a GKB distributor, please visit www.gkbmachines.com or contact Tom Shinkins on 07495 883617.

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Makita makes an impact

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Makita makes an impact: Leading power tool manufacturer Makita has expanded its XGT 40VMax line up with a new brushless impact wrench. The TW004G is an incredibly powerful machine that can deliver up to 4,000 impacts per minute, for optimum performance.

Powered by Makita’s 40VMax XGT technology, the TW004G (which follows on from the TW001G) is an incredibly versatile machine that reliably delivers the power needed to tackle mid-range torque applications with a maximum fastening torque of 350Nm and nut busting torque of 630Nm. The TW004G also has a half inch Square Drive (C-ring), making it ideal for automotive applications.

Makita makes an impact

Makita makes an impact

Operators can choose from four power settings and six application modes – so the output can be easily adjusted depending on the task and for ease of use, the TW004G features a forward and reverse mode for tightening and loosening nuts effortlessly. To improve user safety, the TW004G includes an electric brake and Makita’s Auto-Stop system to make fastening and unfastening bolts much safer. The constant speed control function ensures smooth operation.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita explains more: “The new TW004G impact wrench benefits from our 40VMax XGT technology, that provides operators with high output, tough design and fast charge times – to maximise user productivity and keep the machine working at optimum efficiency for longer. Powered by a brushless motor, the TW004G is also incredibly durable. As there are no moving parts within the motor causing friction, wear and tear and ongoing maintenance costs are minimised. No friction also means that no energy is lost through heat production – which increases run times and reduces the need to regularly stop to replace or recharge the batteries.”

The TW004G benefits from a compact design that makes it suitable for use in tight and awkward spaces. It is also lighter in comparison to alternative models, reducing user fatigue and improving productivity. The in-built LED job light ensures clear visibility (and improved safety) when the machine is in use.

To find out more about Makita’s expanding 40V Max XGT range visit: www.makitauk.com

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