Tag Archive for: Impact

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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#GroundsWeek polling reveals positive impact

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#GroundsWeek polling reveals positive impact: Following the first-ever #GroundsWeek (1-7 March 2021), an awareness campaign for the turf-care sector launched by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), polling reveals its positive impact for the future of groundscare. Following the campaign, the not-for-profit membership organisation measured results to inform future activities.

In a survey issued to professional and volunteer groundspeople, as well as industry suppliers, 79% of respondents stated that the week had helped celebrate the sector, fulfilling one the initial aims of the campaign; to mark the challenging year brought on by the pandemic.

#GroundsWeek polling reveals positive impact

#GroundsWeek polling reveals positive impact

Over 61% of respondents said that #GroundsWeek helped educate them on the turf-care sector and the tasks involved in grounds maintenance. These individuals agreed that they had learned something new and felt better-connected as a result of the week taking place.

#GroundsWeek also peaked interest in volunteering with 76% agreeing that the week raised awareness of the sector and 50% responding that they had got involved during the week itself. Individuals also shared their availability across social media for volunteering opportunities.

Scott Tingley, Head Groundsman at Watford FC, following #GroundsWeek, said:

“GroundsWeek enabled myself and so many others to promote our industry. We are in a very fortunate position at top level football clubs, but the industry is so much more than that. It’s important the industry is recognised at all levels to ensure we are attracting the next generation, and the Grounds Management Association has given us the platform to demonstrate that with their #GroundsWeek initiative.”

Overall, 29 million people were reached by #GroundsWeek content across social media and through media coverage, with over 6,000 positively engaging with #GroundsWeek content on social media platforms.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, commented:

“We were thrilled with the response and impact of this year’s #GroundsWeek campaign. It surpassed expectations and I was overwhelmed with the level of interaction online – especially seeing potential volunteers reaching out to grounds staff to find out how they could get involved.

“We are committed to helping further educate the wider public, and those who rely on the surfaces that grounds staff maintain, through #GroundsWeek 2022 to keep our industry thriving.”

The GMA has confirmed that #GroundsWeek will be happening once again next year from 28th February – 6th March 2022. So far confirmed as sponsors for next year’s event are; Agrigem Ltd (Nutrigow), British Sugar Topsoil, Infinicut, Premier Pitches, Kubota, SIS-Grass, John Deere Ltd, Redexim, Origin Amenity Solutions, Husqvana, and idverde.

For brands looking to support the campaign, please contact communications@thegma.org.uk

For further information about this year’s #GroundsWeek, visit: www.thegma.org.uk/groundsweek

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Covid impact on tee times

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Covid impact on tee times: The British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association commissioned a survey to find out the impact full tee times had on courses. The results are astonishing.

Read the full article from National Club Golfer here

Covid impact on tee times

Covid impact on tee times

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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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Biodegradable tree guards reduce environmental impact

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Biodegradable tree guards reduce environmental impact: A NEW RANGE of biodegradable guards are now available, helping to reduce the environmental impact of planting new whips and improving landscape management.

WhiptecBio tree and hedge guards are made from recycled material and are 100% sustainable, biodegradable and compostable. Developed with expert arboriculturists during the past 14 years, the guards have been successfully trialled in a range of scenarios and are now available exclusively from Agrovista Amenity.

Biodegradable tree guards reduce environmental impact

Biodegradable tree guards reduce environmental impact

Landscape Team Manager for Agrovista Amenity, Ed Smith, said: “Although they play a vital role in establishing young saplings, there has also been some negativity surrounding tree guards and their impact on the environment.

“The majority are single-use and not always removed once the tree or hedge has established, leaving micro plastics in the ground and posing a risk to wildlife if ingested.

“The new WhiptecBio range is a great solution. They offer all the usual benefits of plastic tree guards such as improved establishment and protection from grazing animals, whilst also being kinder to the environment.”

The average lifespan of the WhiptecBio range is around 3-4 years, due to the product containing a natural additive that makes the guards biodegradable and compostable. Flat packed and easy to install, the guards are secured with a cane, negating the need for plastic ties.

An additional benefit of the product degrading naturally is there is no need to remove the guards – easing the burden on landscape management and improving workload efficiency.

Ed added: “Tree planting is firmly on the Government’s agenda in order to offset carbon emissions and improve the UK’s sustainable credentials.

“Trees are also often planted to restrict flooding and are therefore near to watercourses. In those instances, using WhiptecBio tree guards is even more important to reduce the risk of plastics entering watercourses and damaging our ecosystem.

“Of course, there will be instances where traditional plastic tree guards are more suitable, such as if they are required for a longer period of time. But, it’s paramount that in those cases, the guards are removed once the trees have successfully established.

“As landscape professionals, we all have a role to play in reducing the environmental impact associated with our work. Something as simple as improving our use of tree guards will be a considerable contribution.”

WhiptecBio tree guards are manufactured by Ezee Tree and available to purchase through Agrovista Amenity.

For more information about Agrovista Amenity, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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