Tag Archive for: gun

ISEKI fleet is the top gun

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ISEKI fleet is the top gun: A landscape maintenance contractor has revealed why he insists on using ISEKI tractors for maintaining two former RAF (Royal Air Force) stations.

Keith Clipsham works for Urban and Civic, and he looks after two unique, former RAF stations. RAF Waterbeach and RAF Alconbury have since made way for new housing developments and Keith is the man responsible for keeping the vast areas of green space intact.

ISEKI fleet is the top gun

ISEKI fleet is the top gun

“We cut approximately 350 acres at Alconbury and 400 acres at Waterbeach, so we need machinery that is 100% reliable,” he said. “This is why we have three ISEKI machines.”

“My first ever ISEKI tractor was a 47hp, and that has carried out approximately 3,500 hours with a flail on the back of it which is still going strong. Based on the success of that, we bought a larger 80hp model and again it is brilliant.

“Most recently we wanted one in between the two models we already have and our dealer, Fentons of Bourne, recommended the ISEKI TG6687.”

The ISEKI TG6687 is fitted with a Stage V 67hp engine and is compact in size with all the accessories and options of the higher specification tractors. The technology allows for easy operation and less fatigue on the driver.

With a superior lift capacity of up to 1,600kg, the ISEKI TG6687 allows you to run all your implements without the need to increase the size or horsepower of your tractor.

The HST model also gives users the benefit of cruise control, which is perfect for a variety of turf maintenance implements where accuracy is required. The PS model has an F12/R12 Power Shuttle transmission.

It is safe to say that Keith is pleased with the newest addition to his ISEKI fleet.

“It is excellent for what we want it to do,” continued Keith. “It is so quiet in operation and its fuel consumption is between 50-60 litres per day which we are very happy with. Furthermore, it is very user-friendly and comfortable. On other brands of tractors, I struggle with leg length, but I don’t with an ISEKI. The options to adjust the seat are great and you are not jumping about like a kangaroo like you are on others. None of us that use the ISEKI machines struggle with bad backs which is a good sign!

“The air-conditioning is very beneficial, and maintenance wise it is very simple – for example it is very easy to declutter the radiators of any debris, dirt or dust.

“Overall, I would highly recommend ISEKI – it cuts a huge amount of grass and cuts it quickly.”

Full video interview can be found at https://www.iseki.co.uk/iseki-fleet-is-the-top-gun/

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Kubota tractor is top gun

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Kubota tractor is top gun: The latest generation of Kubota’s renowned compact tractors is flying high at a leading military base. Set in a stunning location off the coast of North Wales, RAF Valley on Anglesey is home to No 4 Flying Training School, responsible for the UK’s next generation of world-class fighter pilots.

Aircrew are trained at RAF Valley for mountain and maritime operations throughout the world and it is also home to the Mountain Rescue Service, the military’s search and rescue, aircraft post-crash management asset.

Kubota tractor is top gun

Kubota tractor is top gun

A total of 1,500 service personnel, civil servants and contractors work at RAF Valley, and in addition to the extensive grass areas for operational use, the site has a large sports and leisure complex for the use of staff and the community.

It is one of a number of MOD sites maintained by national contractor idverde, and in October 2021, a new Kubota L2-622 compact tractor was added to the machinery fleet to work at RAF Valley.

“We had an older L series tractor and Lloyds five-unit gang mower,” explains operator Chris Hickey, “But we needed to update the mowing equipment to suit the often wet condition of the grounds, so a Trimax Snake S2 gang roller mower and the latest Kubota L2-622 were purchased.”

Over the winter, the L2 did duty with a front end loader to fill gritters and keep the site operational in icy weather, but since March it has been dedicated to mowing.

“We are cutting five days a week, maintaining all of the airfield and any other short grass such as the sportsfields,” Chris says. “The mower has to be able to cut at a range of heights, including below 25mm for areas where the Instrument Landing System is in operation, to avoid interference from the grass to the radar.”

With such a key role, reliability of machinery is vital, which is where Kubota excels.

“I was familiar with the tractors having driven the previous L series,” he comments. “But this new L2 seems a lot smoother and more comfortable to drive. Hydrostatic transmission was specified for the speed of operation and to make use of the cruise control on long runs, and the move to a single pedal makes it much more convenient to use.”

He also praises the manoeuvrability of the tractor, which is highly compact for its 62hp output.

“It will virtually turn in its own length, and handles the steeper terrain on the site well with its low transmission range and well-balanced design; plus there’s always plenty of power.”

Standard turf tyres handle the work on a range of surfaces and also provide a light tread in North Wales’s often wet conditions, he points out.

One of the most significant upgrades on the latest L Series tractors is a new, more spacious cab, and this comes in for particular praise from Chris.

“It’s a big improvement, very-user friendly. Small details such as the sun visor, air conditioning and radio make a difference when you are in the tractor all day, and the opening three quarter windows at the rear allow fresh air in. It’s a great tractor to drive and work with.”

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Nottingham Gun Club credits Husqvarna

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Nottingham Gun Club credits Husqvarna: Nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest lies Nottingham & District Gun Club, established for over 55 years, the club has turned its attention to robotic mowing, crediting Husqvarna Automower® for maintaining the club’s immaculate grounds.

Directing their attention to innovative mowing in 2019, the Club chose Husqvarna Automower® 550 to maintain four of its shooting layouts. Covering up to an acre of land, the robotic mower has enabled the grounds team to free up hours of time, previously spent mowing.

Nottingham Gun Club credits Husqvarna

Nottingham Gun Club credits Husqvarna

Offering lessons, shooting memberships, events, and stag and hen parties, the Gun Club requires picture-perfect grounds, all year round. With a restricted amount of time to mow, fears of theft, and the limitations of shared equipment, the Club turned to B&B Tractors and Husqvarna Automower®, to help assist with their challenges.

Carl Smith, Owner at Nottingham & District Gun Club, discussed the switch to Automower®: “For many years we’ve worked with the team at B&B Tractors as their service has always been fantastic. When we discussed the idea of turning to robotic mowing, it quickly became evident that it would be the smart thing to do, and Husqvarna Automower® stood out as the obvious choice.

“The Club has always had the challenge of maintaining the grounds when clients are there, which means limited hours in which to do so. Time is the most precious thing that the ground staff has, but with limited hours to work in, it’s never something we’ve had surplus of.

“Trying to keep the layout tidy has always been a challenge we’ve faced, with dandelions and daisies becoming a particular issue in the past. As quick as we’d be at removing them, the quicker they’d be at growing. We knew we needed an innovative solution, and so purchased Automower® 550.

Ever since the first Automower® was introduced in 1995, Husqvarna has been known as the world leader in robotic mowing. With over 2 million sold worldwide, Automower® is renowned for its low energy consumption, zero emissions, low noise and high productivity. Covering everything from smaller urban gardens to challenging areas up to 5,000m2, Automower® can also handle difficult inclines up to 70%.

Carl continued: “Shortly after our Automower® was installed, it wasn’t long until we were seeing the fruits of its labour. Being able to mow day or night, in rain or shine, our layouts looked better than ever. The dandelions and daisies were also no longer an issue, as Automower® keeps the grass at a short length. Just as we need it.”

One of the biggest issues the Gun Club faced was the breakage of garden machinery while being swapped between the grounds team, and the threat of theft while being stored overnight. Carl discussed: “Storing expensive equipment has always been a worry in case of break-in’s, and when tools are being swapped between many different team members, breakages are inevitable, and so it became a conscious decision to stop buying expensive equipment.

“Using lower-quality equipment was okay in the short-term, but eventually we decided it was time to invest in Automower®, thanks to its abilities to avoid these issues.”

Featuring GPS theft tracking which registers the mower’s GPS position every 30 seconds, as well as a high-pitch alarm which starts when moved and can only be deactivated with the mower’s unique pin code, extra security is provided with the Automower® models.

“One of the best things about Automower® is that it never gets ill, doesn’t need any holidays, and can work day or night, in any weather condition. With minimal input needed, the risk of damage is minimal, which has eased my worries about breakages significantly. In addition, the amount of time it has saved our team is incredible and allows us to spend more hours on tasks that require more skill and precision.”

“With the Automower® Connect app, we’ve been able to remotely control the mower through our phones and tablets. We’re able to change its settings, track its movements, and check its status, at any time, wherever we are, it’s really remarkable.”

“I have to admit, I was initially sceptical whether the Automower® would be able to deliver all that it promised, but it has certainly proved its worth. In the future we look forward to expanding our Automower® range and taking further advantage of Husqvarna’s innovation.”

For more information on Husqvarna Automower®, visit: https://www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/robotic-lawn-mowers/

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Makita’s new 18V cordless grease gun

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Makita’s new 18V cordless grease gun: Makita UK has announced the launch of its new 18V DGP180 LXT Grease Gun. Delivering up to 10,000 psi operating pressure, the new solution is ideal for professionals working on demanding lubrication applications for vehicles and machinery.

Makita’s new DGP180 18V LXT Grease Gun combines powerful performance with the versatility and flexibility of a cordless tool.

Makita's new 18V cordless grease gun

Makita’s new 18V cordless grease gun

The grease gun can reach a maximum 10,000psi discharge pressure level, whilst maintaining a 290mL/min discharge rate. As such, the new system is able to dispense grease even at high pressure for the most demanding of applications.

Designed with efficiency and productivity in mind, the new DGP180 features an automatic pressure switching function, which detects the pressure and automatically reduces the grease flow rate as machinery components are filled. For greater control, the variable speed trigger allows users to manage the amount of grease that is dispensed depending on the job or requirements. For hard to reach areas and fittings, the tool is equipped with a long 1,200mm flexible hose and a bright LED light to usefully illuminate job areas.

Utilising Makita’s innovative Lithium-ion (LXT) batteries, the DGP180 Grease Gun can dispense 410g grease cartridges or the 455g cylinder can be bulk filled. In turn, the added power can help those using the tool to increase their performance and productivity levels. Charging can take as little as 45 minutes when using a 5.0Ah battery.

As well as providing powerful performance, the product benefits from an ergonomically designed handle with a soft grip to allow long-term, comfortable use. A shoulder belt provides users with greater convenience for transportation around site, or for applications that require working at different heights.

Speaking on the new product, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “We’re delighted to introduce our new DGP180 18V LXT Grease Gun as part of our growing LXT range of cordless solutions. The DGP180 is particularly ideal for those working in the agricultural, automotive and farming sectors, enabling users to easily and efficiently manoeuvre around, and grease, large machinery and equipment without the constraints of cables.”

The new DGP180 18V LXT Grease Gun joins an exciting roadmap of new LXT and XGT product launches this year, including the recent launch of the 40VMax XGT Brushless Circular Saw and 40VMax XGT Brushless Linetrimmer.

For more information about Makita’s power tools and equipment, visit www.makitauk.com

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