Tag Archive for: First

Putting service first with Makita

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Putting service first with Makita: In a move that reaffirms its commitment to delivering outstanding customer service, leading power tool manufacturer, Makita UK is delighted to unveil its new Factory Service Centre (FSC) in Blakelands, Milton Keynes.

Makita UK has relocated its Milton Keynes Factory Service Centre site (located at the company’s headquarters), to a new, larger location to house regional servicing activity. The new 20,000-sqft premises in Blakelands, which is scheduled to officially open on April 6th, will enable Makita to bolster its customer repair and service support commitments and completes a portfolio of three dedicated centres in London, Glasgow and Milton Keynes.

Putting service first with Makita

Putting service first with Makita

Makita’s Factory Service Centres deliver an exceptional service and repair offering for end-users. Products covered under the company’s warranty agreement can be posted (by arranging a collection) or dropped off (with prior booking), at each FSC for Makita’s technical experts and engineers to perform product servicing, detailed diagnostics and high standards of repair work when needed.

With a focus on improving levels of technical knowledge across the construction sector, the new larger premises in Blakelands will also be used to host Makita UK accredited service training, as well as Authorised Service Agents (ASA) workshops and seminars. Furthermore, Makita will use the new site to host apprenticeship training sessions focusing on the electrical and mechanical service requirements of Makita tools.

Speaking on the FSC opening, Tony Coleman, Technical Manager at Makita UK commented: “Opening this new, larger site is testament to the growing popularity of our tools, as well as our long-lasting commitment to delivering exceptional customer support. We’re now in a better position than ever to deal with service and repair demands, as well as to promote high-quality industry training. The spacious new centre also provides us with ample opportunity to continue growing our operations as we look to develop into new sectors and industries.”

All three of Makita’s FSC sites are currently following COVID-19 guidelines and customers are advised to follow the most up-to date guidance on arranging servicing or repairs, published on the company’s website.

For more information about Makita’s FSC sites, services and procedures please visit: www.makitauk.com/factory-service-centres

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Kawasaki launches industry first

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Kawasaki launches industry first: Kawasaki Motors Europe has launched a resource on its website that makes it easier and quicker for professional gardeners, landscapers and groundsmen to find machines and equipment Powered By Kawasaki wherever they are in Europe.

In an industry first, Kawasaki Motors Europe has introduced a section on its website to showcase participating OEMs ranges of Powered By Kawasaki machines. Meanwhile having a section of the website dedicated to OEM products means customers can see the range of Kawasaki powered machines available from different OEMs all in one place.

Kawasaki launches industry first

Kawasaki launches industry first

Louise Topp, Marketing Manager for Kawasaki Motors Europe who has co-ordinated the unique project, says: “What we wanted to do is streamline the purchasing process for customers. We appreciate how busy professional gardeners, landscapers and groundmen are and how any way to work more efficiently is valued. This is a resource that brings value to both the distribution network and its customers. It’s the only place online where customers can go and see what Powered By Kawasaki product lines are available, from which brands and from where, all on one website. It saves time researching their next purchasing decision and makes the process so much easier and quicker.”

In a nutshell, this resource removes the guesswork, as Louise explains: “If you are looking for a specific brand of mower or brushcutter with a Kawasaki engine you can rely on, then this new functionality makes finding it so much simpler. It can even help you find a brand using a specific engine type, such as Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) engines.

“When the customer identifies a brand and product line they’re interested in, it’s only a couple of steps to enquire and be led to a dealer locator. There’s also the option to enter an ongoing prize-draw to win a powerful brushcutter.”

Most of Kawasaki’s European OEMs are participating, says Louise: “When we explained the concept to them, they responded really favourably, and within weeks over 80 percent wanted to be involved. We have a wide-reaching European professional audience network and we wanted to be able to bring that together with us and our customers. We’ve got a strong platform to do this and it’s been well received. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

One of the OEMs involved is Husqvarna. Kawasaki powers an impressive range of lawncare products from Husqvarna – professional lawn mowers, garden tractors, ride-on mowers and commercial front mowers; and all these lines appear on the Kawasaki website.

Michael Axelsson, Product Marketing Communication – robotics and wheeled of Husqvarna, said of the pages Kawasaki produced for Husqvarna for the initiative: “This looks really good! Impressive ambition from your side – I hope it will be successful for both of us!”

Alongside Husqvarna, taking advantage of this service are many other industry leading turfcare brands.

Louise concludes by saying it’s all about working in partnership: “It’s great working together like this, we have a common goal to make sure customers get the machines they need in the easiest way possible and this provides that.”

The resource is supported by Kawasaki with an advertising and social media campaign to help inform professional gardeners, landscapers and groundsmen across the continent. To find out more visit Kawasaki-engines.eu/en/powered-by-kawasaki

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Spring into the first cut with Countax

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Spring into the first cut with Countax: As soon as the ambient soil temperature rises in spring our British lawns put on a growth spurt and it is time for the first cut. Which could mean considering a new mower or, if you have a large grass area or even a paddock, a ride-on garden tractor.

Making the sizeable investment in one needs careful consideration. Will your choice of ride-on be used only for mowing? Or could it be an all-year-round workhorse, performing a wide variety of garden tasks from spring through to winter? To make the most of your investment it is worth looking at a Countax garden tractor to fit the bill in all respects.

Spring into the first cut with Countax

Spring into the first cut with Countax

Firstly, it is designed for the British garden and built in Britain for the vagaries of our weather. Secondly, it will make gardening life a whole lot easier. The first spring mow needs to be at a high height, gradually lowering the cutting deck as the season progresses. This is easily done with the Countax deck height setting ranging from 101mm/4” down to 12mm/1/2”. There is a choice of cut and collect, mulching using an optional mulching kit or a High Grass Mulching deck for rougher areas. For those of you who like a striped lawn, you cannot better the Countax Powered Grass Collector (PGC) and roller system, powered by the tractor’s Power Take-Off (PTO). Which brings us to the PGC+, the accessory that transforms a Countax C or B Series into that multi-use, year-round workhorse.

The PGC+ is a cassette system that allows you to quickly and easily switch accessories. It means you only need one machine to maintain the lawn, paddock, drive, path and other garden areas. The Grass Sweeper cassette comes as standard and clicks into place with brushes that rotate at over 1100rpm to sweep grass clippings, fallen leaves and other debris into the hopper, even when the grass is wet.

Spring is also a good time to scarify the lawn to rid it of winter accumulated moss and thatch and that is simply done by switching to the easy-to-insert Scarifier cassette. Which means you don’t need to spend money on a separate scarifier.

So, all-round a Countax will work for you through the seasons. Using the PTO you can also drive other accessories such as a powered broadcast spreader, which is ideal for spreading salt and grit on paths and drives to keep them ice-free. Choose a B Series Countax and you have the benefit of the unique 4TRAC four-wheel-drive system giving you a ‘go anywhere, mow anywhere’ garden tractor capable of tackling slopes, mud and rough ground. It also makes the perfect partner for a snowblade to clear your way in the depths of winter. Find out more by contacting Countax on 01844 278800 or visit www.countax.co.uk/find-a-dealer/ to find your local dealer.

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EGO’s first cordless mower with multi-blade system

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EGO’s first cordless mower with multi-blade system: As a leading provider of cordless gardening tools, EGO Power+ is on a mission to deliver products that will surpass even the expectations of professional gardeners. With the introduction of their latest product – the LM2130E-SP 52cm Self Propelled Mower – the company have created a product that delivers precision mowing with a host of useful features.

At 52cm, the extra wide cutting width is ideal for covering large areas quickly, while the 70-litre cutting bag with fill-level indicator means less time-consuming trips to the compost heap.

EGO releases first cordless mower

EGO releases first cordless mower

The Select Cut™ multi-blade cutting system consists of an EGO Upper Blade used in combination with a lower blade to slice the grass into fine fragments; this greatly enhances cutting performance with all grass types. The Bagging Blade supplied with the mower is a heavy-duty blade that ensures cut grass is collected and thrown efficiently into the grass bag. The Mulching Blade set which can be purchased separately is ideal for weekly mowing, giving you the cut quality and run time expected from a high-end petrol mower. Both blades can be used interchangeably based on the desired cut.

EGO’s Self-Propelled Touch Drive™ Technology comes from years of research and development. Touch Drive™ Technology puts complete control of the self-propelled system in the palm of your hands by using pressure to engage the system. Easily control the variable speed with a dial positioned at your fingertips for safe and convenient operation.

For those looking for a pitch-perfect finish, centralised height adjustment at 25/32/40/51/64/77/90mm makes achieving precision well within reach. With lower noise output, less vibrations and zero emissions, the mower is cleaner, safer and quieter than its petrol-powered rivals.

With a dual deck system crafted out of high strength polypropylene, users benefit from impact, corrosion and weather resistance which outstrips metal equivalents. The lightweight deck also reduces the overall weight of the mower, easing the strain on both the lawn and the operator alike. Sturdy and robust wheels with double ball bearings offer a longer life and smoother glide over rougher terrain.

Powered by industry leading 56V Arc Lithium technology, you won’t need to worry about being constrained by cable length and won’t have to deal with petrol or refuelling. The 7.5Ah battery can cut up to 1000sqm on a single charge, while the market-leading rapid charger can get you moving again quickly, with a recharge time of just 60 minutes.

With the LM2130E-SP 52cm Self Propelled Mower (RRP £849), EGO has added to its market leading range of cordless equipment, offering a greener, cleaner alternative to petrol power.

EGO Power+ products come with extended domestic warranties up to five years when registered within 30 days of purchase. For more information, visit www.egopowerplus.co.uk.

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STIHL launches first climbing helmet

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STIHL launches first climbing helmet: Offering the highest levels of safety for arborists and tree surgeons, STIHL has launched its first multi-norm helmet, the X-Climb. Designed for use on the ground as well as climbing, it offers full ear and face protection.

Ideal for professionals working both on the ground as well as in trees, the well-balanced X-Climb features a high visibility all-round reflective strip, plus large side and rear helmet openings for better ventilation. The four-point chinstrap with innovative magnetic buckle makes for quick-fastening when suiting up and the headband is easily adjusted using the rotary knob to find the best position.

STIHL launches first climbing helmet

STIHL launches first climbing helmet

The nylon visor provides sturdy eye protection even in the toughest working conditions and the ear-defenders feature high insulation hearing protection capsules with a value of SNR 28 (H: 35, M: 26, L: 16).

Conforming to both EN 397 for industrial safety helmets (or “hard hats”) and EN 12492 for climbing and mountaineering helmets, the X-Climb is compatible with a number of accessories, including the BT ear defender adapters and rain and debris neck protection scarf.

For more information on STIHL’s extensive range of Personal Protective Equipment, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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GMA announces first ever #GroundsWeek

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GMA announces first ever #GroundsWeek: Grounds Management Association (GMA), the leading not-for-profit membership body for grounds professionals and volunteers, announces the launch of #GroundsWeek.

The inaugural celebration week will take place March (1 -7 March 2021) and will celebrate and highlight the vital role of professional grounds staff, volunteers, and the turf sector play in making sport possible.

GMA announces first ever #GroundsWeek

GMA announces first ever #GroundsWeek

Following a difficult year for the sector, due to the impact of Covid-19, the GMA aims to showcase grounds staff and the amazing work that they do – and have continued to do – despite sport coming to a grinding halt. It also comes after a year where parks and green spaces have been valuable to the public’s health – with increased use for ‘daily exercise’ and physical activity.

Grounds management continues to be challenging beyond 2020 due to limited resources and budgets, coupled with more varied and unpredictable weather conditions that makes planning tasks more difficult.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, said: “We know that the skill involved is often misunderstood. We want to inspire sports fans and the general public to celebrate alongside us and get even more people to enter the profession and lend a helping hand at pitches across the country.

“Without the vital work that grounds staff do, many sports would face cancellations and potentially closure. This is a chance to recognise all the hard work that goes into making sport possible and keeping green spaces accessible.”

The GMA’s campaign will encourage individuals and organisations across the industry, whether they have a career in grounds management or volunteer for an hour a week, to get involved both on the pitch and on social media.

Further details about the campaign will follow in February, alongside #GroundsWeek graphics and content for wider use. This will include top tips and a social media pack for organisations wanting to get involved. Businesses can also get involved by pledging to be a #GroundsWeek partner.

Geoff continued:

“Grounds staff are vital and the work they do is essential to getting the nation active – from professional athletes to local communities. After a really tough year, we’re launching this celebration week to raise awareness and give our members the opportunity to get the recognition they deserve.

For more information about the GMA and the important work they do within grounds maintenance, visit: https://thegma.org.uk/

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AH75 the solution to excessive first cuts

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AH75 the solution to excessive first cuts: With the impending difficulty some green space professionals will soon be experiencing from a delayed first cut, many are turning to the Etesia Attila AH75 brushcutter as a solution. 

The Etesia Attila AH75 brushcutter offers ride-on performance in a pedestrian machine and has been designed to work in the toughest of conditions. This powerful workhorse effectively deals with clearing vegetation from a wide variety of sites – long grass, weeds, bracken and brambles on woodland paths or orchards. Ease of operation and manoeuvrability ensure total efficiency and high output.

AH75 the solution to excessive first cuts

AH75 the solution to excessive first cuts

At a time when many will be facing excessive first cuts, green space professionals – particularly those working for local authorities and landscape contractors, will find the Etesia Attila AH75 a cost-effective solution. At just £3,200 plus VAT, this reliable and powerful machine has been proven to outperform many of its counterparts at a fraction of the price.

The Attila AH75 is powered by the Honda GXV 390 engine and fitted with a T3 transmission combining differential lock and front wheel locking system with a simple height of cut adjustment from the new handle bar design which allows movement into offset for use on slopes.

Efficiency

  • Heavy-duty brush cutting (up to Ø30)
  • Mowing on the most difficult slopes (up to 20°) thanks to the hydraulic transmission with a differential lock
  • Two idlers that can be locked without a tool for improved stability on slopes
  • Possibility to fit two wider rear wheels as an option
  • Cutting height adjustment with three positions from the new handle bar design
  • Handle offset control from the operating position with three working positions and one transport position

Comfort

  • High manoeuvrability thanks to the hydraulic transmission – three forward speeds and one reverse speed
  • Differential lock can be engaged without interrupting movement
  • All operating controls are available from the operating position for convenience and safety
  • Central handle bar that allows easier access to low controls (parking brake, forward transmission bypass, engine starter), with full protection for cables
  • Parking brake for safe immobilisation
  • Anti-vibration rubber handles

Ruggedness

  • Machine can be moved into vertical position to gain access to the cutter blade for maintenance and cleaning
  • Maintenance-free hydrostatic transmission with forced-air cooling, integrated expansion vessel
  • Flail blades: reversible, protect the blade transmission system, low maintenance costs
  • Rugged and reliable engine: Engine crank shaft mounted on bearings.

A full two-year commercial warranty comes as standard.

You can view a video of the machine in action: https://youtu.be/LDpj7a013Ys

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on Twitter @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK.

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First Toro fleet for Cotswold Hills

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First Toro fleet for Cotswold Hills: When it comes to golf course machinery, time is money, and as such efficient machines are fast becoming a must have for golf courses across the country. Which is exactly the reason Cotswold Hills opted for the Groundsmaster 5900-D in its first Toro fleet deal.

“We have a team of six here to maintain a 157 acre course,” explains course manager Wayne Vincent. “Plus, with the course draining naturally because of its position on Limestone rock it’s playable year-round, which means there’s no let up on maintenance. That’s why it’s so important to have efficient machines that get the job done quickly to a high standard.”

First Toro fleet for Cotswold Hills

First Toro fleet for Cotswold Hills

The 18-hole, 6,800-yard course at Cotswold Hills is situated at the top a hill 850 feet above sea level. With the club’s impressive views and stunning tree-lined course, it’s attracted a membership of near 1000, with member expectations for the course as high as they are above sea level.

With that in mind, updating the club’s machinery fleet after years of replacing one machine at a time was of the utmost importance. And it’s the Groundsmaster 5900-D, capable of mowing 17 acres an hour, that heads up the new fleet of efficient Toro machinery.

“We have a lot of rough to cover on the course and previously we were spending three days each week cutting it,” says Wayne. “It was obvious we needed a larger machine to get the job done quicker. Although our fleet was already predominantly Toro and had served us well, we looked into other brands for due diligence. But there wasn’t another brand that had the size of machine we wanted available – no one could match the offering that Toro provided not only when it came to the spec of the GM5900-D, but the fleet too.

“The GM5900-D has cut our rough cutting time in half already,” Wayne says. “With the increase in cutting width and speed, alongside its excellent contour following, we can now get the whole course done in a day and a half and the finish of cut is brilliant.”

Joined by a new Reelmaster 3100-D Sidewinder, RM3575-D and a Greensmaster Flex 2120 pedestrian mower, the new Toro fleet has certainly made an impression.

“From experience I know that Toro machines are incredibly durable, which is why we’ve had a fleet of purchased Toro machines for so long. But having these four new machines with the latest upgrades and technological advancements has made a vast difference already.

“The Greensmaster Flex 2120 follows contours really well and is helping us extend the collar cut into the aprons and run offs and the Reelmaster 3100-D Sidewinder is giving us a better, cleaner cut, particularly in wet conditions.”

And going forward, this first lease deal with Toro is just the beginning of a longer term investment in the club’s machinery to help improve the course.

“Continuing an agreement plan with Toro will mean that we can consistently bring to the course the newest technology and upgrades, while simultaneously reducing machinery downtime. We’ve already seen the team’s productivity increase after only having these new machines for a few months, so it’s definitely proven to be the right move for the club” concludes Wayne.

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Engcon’s part in the first Cat® 330

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Engcon’s part in the first Cat® 330: The tiltrotator manufacturer Engcon is an important part of the world’s first Cat® 330 Next Gen equipped with both a front blade and a tiltrotator – which has proven to be a successful combination.

A one of a kind excavator
Behind the controls of this unique excavator is Kristoffer Westman from Sundbergs Åkeri, a Swedish plant and transportation company. He puts the excavator to work on constructing a forest road, taking advantage of the greater flexibility and efficiency the combination of the front blade and tiltrotator bring.

Engcon's part in the first Cat® 330

At the end of 2018, Caterpillar launched the next generation excavators in the 30-ton class – 330 and 330 GC. When Sundbergs Åkeri chose equipment for its newly acquired Cat® 330 Next Gen in early 2019, among other things, a tiltrotator and grading bucket from Engcon were selected.

Together with a custom-built excavator blade from Nyströms Verkstadsservice in Edsbro, Sundbergs Åkeri now has a one of a kind excavator that delivers significant improvements in efficiency with the company’s road construction work.

“From just scooping up material which I then have levelling with the bucket, I can now plan where to place the material with the front blade. This means that I now roll the material in front of the blade, which results in larger stones falling to the bottom and finer material settling on the surface. It also makes the road easier to adjust before gravelling” says Kristoffer Westman.

A successful combination
Up until now when building forest roads it has been uncommon to use an excavator with a tiltrotator, but for Kristoffer it has so far brought only benefits, especially in combination with the front blade.

“I haven’t driven more than a couple of hundred hours, but this is how an excavator should be. The tiltrotator complements the front blade very well as I can use it to rotate the grading bucket to a position where it acts as a wing along the front blade. That way I can either steer in or out of the ground from the embankment” says Kristoffer Westman.

Kristoffer Westman goes on to say that his new Cat® 330 is also equipped with Engcon’s automatic quick mounting system with EC-Oil.

“Thanks to EC-Oil, it only takes 10 seconds for me to hang the tiltrotator and switch on the tooth bucket in case I need extra breaking power. This without me even having to leave the cab to connect some hoses” Kristoffer concludes.

The new excavator is currently being used in the construction of a new forest road west of Örnsköldsvik in the northern part of Sweden. The front blade is controlled via Engcon’s proportional joysticks MIG2, which means that Kristoffer does not need to change the grip to dig or excavate. The control of the tracks is also connected to Engcon’s control system DC2.

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First chainsaw with Auto Choke

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First chainsaw with Auto Choke: ECHO has launched the world’s first chainsaw with Auto Choke. The CS-352AC is an all-round rear handle chainsaw, with the patented Auto Choke feature enabling quicker, easier and safer starting.

All that’s needed is one pull, regardless of the engine temperature, and the chainsaw starts first time – without the risk of flooding the engine.

First chainsaw with Auto Choke

The chainsaw has a 34.0cc professional-grade ECHO two-stroke engine which provides powerful cutting with low emissions and low noise levels. The Auto Choke comprises a solenoid valve on the engine’s carburettor to control the amount of fuel depending on the engine temperature, giving optimal performance in all conditions. The usual steps of pulling and pushing the choke, starting with partial throttle and pulling the throttle trigger are all dispensed with. The chainsaw is started on idle speed, making it altogether simpler for infrequent users who want to operate their chainsaw without the need to adjust the choke before starting. Combined with ECHO’s ES-Start system you get fast and effortless starting.

The CS-352AC is ideal for pruning and cutting firewood. It is built to ECHO’s usual professional standards for optimum performance, durability and ergonomics. Another key feature of this saw is the professional-grade anti-vibration system, which improves user comfort without sacrificing on power. The inboard clutch enables both easy bar and chain replacement and easy maintenance. Additionally, a large cassette-type air filter, with an aerodynamic air passage, reduces dust discharge entering the airflow into the engine. The CS-352AC comes with a 90PX (0.043 gauge) chain for smoother and faster cutting.

ECHO power tools come with a five-year domestic warranty or two-year warranty in professional use. You can find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer. You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 01844 278800 for more information

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