Tag Archive for: First

World first from STIGA

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World first from STIGA: The world’s first ride-on mower with interchangeable batteries that will power hand-held garden products from the range is launched in the UK by STIGA.

As one of the leading manufacturers of ride-on mowers, STIGA sets brand new standards in ePower with its Swift lawn tractor.   The batteries from the mower can be used to power strimmers, blowers and hedge cutters.

World first from STIGA

World first from STIGA

Swift batteries are compatible with STIGA handheld equipment.

The STIGA Swift is equipped with a combined 25 Ah battery pack comprising four 48V batteries (2 x 5 Ah + 2 x 7.5 Ah), included in standard delivery. Innovative interchangeable batteries make for virtually limitless riding time, rendering the Swift ideally suited for use on expansive, demanding lawns. The batteries work synchronously and constantly balance the available energy: Onboard charging supplies new energy to one battery after the other, so that the first one is ready for use again after just 30 minutes. A further innovative feature is the system compatibility of the high-performance power units:

The interchangeable batteries can be used seamlessly in a wide variety of STIGA range handheld equipment. Mowing the lawn and cleaning up pavements at the same time with a leaf blower or trimming back hedges with a multitool? No problem! The Swift runs reliably and efficiently even on only three batteries. Users will benefit from the flexibility of these batteries and can always count on full ePower.

Link to product video: https://bit.ly/3JXN5JM

Short turning radius, smart mowing mode

The Swift is the optimal solution for mowing complex gardens. Why? Featuring a width of just 735 mm, it has proved to master even the “narrowest” of challenges. It also has an extremely low minimum outer turning radius of 1,620 mm, offering the greatest possible manoeuvrability, which is why it works cleanly and precisely even in areas with many obstacles. Cutting-edge mowing technology and smart mowing modes optimise Swift operation. Three mowing options are available in total according to demand and energy consumption: While the standard mode provides a performance of 3,500 rpm, the boost mode with 3,700 rpm masters even dense, tall lawns with ease. Eco mode (3,200 rpm) saves users up to 40% energy, covering an area of around 2,800 sqm.

Comfortable and safe handling

Equally convincing is the comfortable handling: Low-vibration, ergonomic features and a reduced noise level guarantee pleasant and quiet operation. While the steering wheel can be turned easily with just one finger, the one-button start, cruise control and STIGA One Pedal Drive ensure intuitive start-up and driving. The tractor stops automatically when the drive pedal is released. The parking brake also activates automatically as soon as the machine comes to a stop, with no need for manual intervention. Using the extended connectivity with the STIGA.GO app and the virtual dashboard, users can always keep track of the current battery status and also adjust the various settings to suit their personal needs. With a low centre of gravity of 351 mm, the Swift brings manageability and safety to every cut. The new dual-blade mowing deck is designed for more efficient airflow inside the tunnel and at the blades, which also improves the collection of clippings. The shredded grass is fed reliably, quickly and without clogging into the 170 l catcher bag. With the special washing attachment, cleaning only takes a few seconds after the work is done.

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STIHL’s first backpack cordless professional blower

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STIHL’s first backpack cordless professional blower: The new BGA 300 is STIHL’s first cordless backpack blower for professional users, offering high performance and a significantly less disruptive sound thanks to its innovative STIHL Noise Reduction System.

With a blowing force of 26 newton, STIHL’s new BGA 300 cordless backpack blower is the most powerful in the STIHL cordless range and features a high air speed to ensure even wet, heavy autumn leaves can be cleared quickly and efficiently. The new cordless blower is powered using STIHL’s professional AR 2000 L or AR 3000 L backpack batteries.

STIHL’s first backpack cordless professional blower

STIHL’s first backpack cordless professional blower

Thanks to the STIHL Noise Reduction System, the BGA 300 produces fewer high pitch frequencies often associated with cordless blowers, meaning operation is much more pleasant and less intrusive for bystanders. Thanks to this, the BGA 300 is well suited for use in noise-sensitive areas such as schools, parks or around public amenities.

The maximum blowing force can be selected from three power setting options via the selector switch, allowing for efficient energy management and longer runtimes. Boost mode may also be selected to provide maximum power for the toughest clearing jobs. Furthermore, the new cordless blower features an LED power display and cruise control function to enable simple energy management and comfort.

For the optimum blowing angle the BGA 300 boasts a curved nozzle as standard, and the blower tube length can easily be adjusted to meet different requirements and operating situations. A straight nozzle is also available as an accessory

The BGA 300 is exceptionally easy to handle thanks to its slim design and comfortable carrying system that optimally distributes the weight of the backpack device and reduces the strain on the user when used for long periods.

Other features include wide feet for secure footing whilst on the ground, a hook for the blower tube for easy transport and storage, as well as compatibility with the new Smart Connector 2 A.

The BGA 300 will be available from Autumn 2022.

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First all-electric tractor at SALTEX

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First all-electric tractor at SALTEX: The industry’s first all-electric tractor, Farmtrac’s FT25G, makes quite the debut at SALTEX 2021 having been named as a finalist in the Environmental/Sustainability category of the SALTEX Innovation Awards.

Ever since it hit the market in 2019, the FT25G has hit the headlines and generated much interest from those wanting a clean energy alternative for their grounds.

First all-electric tractor at SALTEX

First all-electric tractor at SALTEX

Revered for its efficiency on sought-after green credentials, Farmtrac’s flagship model is powered by a 72v lithium-ion battery and onboard charger. It can be charged from any domestic socket to 100 percent in eight hours, and with seven hours of charge it won’t run out of power in the middle of a job.

It boasts a 450kg lift capacity and can be paired with a front loader, making it a versatile workhorse suitable for a range of tasks from lifting and towing to transporting.

The only tractor on the market to feature a lithium-ion battery means costly diesel fuel is cut out along with the complicated maintenance that comes with diesel engine machinery, so customers see real savings in the long-term.

Cutting-edge and cost-effective, choosing the Farmtrac FT25G electric tractor means choosing zero emissions and less noise and making the conscious decision to reduce carbon footprint without compromising on productivity.

Steven Haynes, tractor sales manager at Reesink, says: “By now news of the industry’s first all-electric tractor from Farmtrac is widely known. With its compact size, it can manoeuvre between narrow spaces and has all the functions and features of a compact tractor, with the benefits of quiet, clean electric power.

“This environmentally-friendly model in the Farmtrac range is undoubtedly its flagship model, but it’s just the start of all that is good and innovative about Farmtrac’s offering.

“Performance and value while being simple and intuitive to operate. Not only that, but it had to be from a brand that paves the way with its product development. All of these points are evident across the Farmtrac range, but none more so than in the effective and innovative electric model.”

The SALTEX Innovation Awards take place at SALTEX on 3 November. To find out more about Farmtrac, visit stand K078 at SALTEX, where customers can see a selection of electric options for their grounds.

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First tournament with synthetic bunkers

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First tournament with synthetic bunkers: The Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open, which takes place this week on the new Dumbarnie Links course in Fife, will be the first tier one professional event in Europe ever to be played at a venue with synthetic-edged bunkers.

Dumbarnie, which was designed by Clive Clark and opened last year will play host to its first major event as the Ladies European Tour descends on the course as part of a two-week links swing that will be completed by next week’s Women’s British Open at Carnoustie.

First tournament with synthetic bunkers

First tournament with synthetic bunkers

“Dumbarnie features some really impressive, bold revetted bunker walls, some of which are in the region eight to nine feet high,” says Richard Allen, CEO of EcoBunker Ltd. “Back in 2007 my original aim was to invent a resilient and affordable system for low edge bunkers, but soon I was designing solutions for higher and higher links style bunkers. The change in design parameters prompted me to invent a new construction method, which is now Patent Pending, using a cement modified backfill for increased stiffness and stability. It was the perfect solution for Dumbarnie, and the EcoBunker walls built by our team in 2018 are maturing naturally and beautifully.”

The course’s fairway bunkers are built in a naturalistic style, with a ragged fescue edge, but the majority of bunkers are hard against greens, or surrounded by short grass, and these are fully revetted using EcoBunkerʼs synthetic solution.

Dumbarnie, promoted OB Sports and Landscapes Unlimited, was one of EcoBunker’s first and largest contracting jobs. Construction manager Llewelyn Matthews – like architect Clark a former Walker Cup player – led a five-strong construction crew to build the bunkers, over a eighteen week period.

EcoBunker CEO Richard Allen, the inventor both of synthetic revetting and of the later Ecobunker Advanced method, says: “All our team look back with immense pride on the Dumbarnie job. It was truly the job on which Llew Matthews came of age as one of the world’s best bunker builders, and we are delighted to have played a part in the construction of such a stunning course. To see the world’s leading women professionals playing over the course this week will be wonderful, and I’m prepared to bet that course manager Grahame Taylor will spend less time worrying about his bunkers than most people who are hosting a tournament of this stature.”

Richard Allen, the inventor both of synthetic revetting and of the later Ecobunker Advanced method, adds: “All our team look back with immense pride on the Dumbarnie job. It was truly the job on which Llew Matthews came of age as one of the world’s best bunker builders, and we are delighted to have played a part in the construction of such a stunning course. To see the world’s leading women professionals playing over the course this week will be wonderful, and I’m prepared to bet that course manager Grahame Taylor will spend less time worrying about his bunkers than most people who are hosting a tournament of this stature.”

Architect Clive Clark says: “As the golf course matures, seeds fly into the tiny crevices in the bunker walls, and just like a natural sod bunker, you get grasses in the face that dominate. If 100 golfers played this course, I doubt if five would notice that the bunkers weren’t natural sod.”

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A first from Ariens

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A first from Ariens: Ariens has introduced the APEX 48 RD rear discharge, petrol zero-turn mower, designed specifically for the European and UK markets. Manufacturing the APEX 48 RD with rear discharge deck shows the company’s firm commitment to their European presence, says Ariens. They will build the new model in their Oxfordshire factory.   

A rear discharge zero-turn offers the professional operator significant benefits, especially for council, local authority and amenity work. There is less risk of objects being ejected from the side and hitting pedestrians or causing damage to cars and property, which may incur compensation. The operator can also trim on either side of the deck without the need to change direction in order to avoid discharging grass cuttings on the road, pavement or flower beds. Containing the clippings behind the wheels and dropping them in the zero-turn’s path saves time and cleaning up.

A first from Ariens

A first from Ariens

The APEX 48 RD boasts the same class-leading specifications as Ariens APEX 48, but with the 122cm (48”) rear discharge deck which is fully fabricated, 10-gauge, and offers superior airflow with exceptional cutting performance. The deck lift system is foot-operated, and a spring-assisted lift allows you to adjust effortlessly between 15 cutting positions. The industry-leading solid and fully welded frame supports the overall design and an optional ROPS (Rollover Protection System) can be fitted to order. Large tyres, 55.9cm (22”) rear and 33cm (13”) front, provide solid traction and a comfortable ride. All-day comfort is also emphasised with the high-back plush seat and padded armrests. Power comes from a Kawasaki FR691 V-Twin engine and a self-adjusting belt drive minimises wear and tear with little to no maintenance required.

The APEX 48 RD comes with a 4-year or 500 hours warranty and a range of other optional accessories is available. For further information on the APEX 48 RD, contact your dealer or visit ariens-uk.com

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