Tag Archive for: Load

GKB Leaf-Blower promises more airflow with less load

GKB Leaf-Blower promises more airflow with less load: Visitors to BTME 2025 were the first to see a brand new addition to the GKB machinery portfolio, as the Leaf-Blower (LB100) made its global debut. Delivering more airflow with less power demand on your tractor, the LB100 promises greater efficiency and fast, effective clearance of leaves and other debris.

In development for a number of years, the GKB Leaf-Blower has been designed to meet the exacting requirements of modern golf course and sports turf management. With low power requirements of under 40hp and a PTO-driven fan, the blower offers powerful performance with limited load on your tractor.

GKB Leaf-Blower promises more airflow with less load

GKB Leaf-Blower promises more airflow with less load

As is now expected with GKB, the new machine incorporates the very best of robust, precision engineering for durable, long-lasting reliability. It features solid tyres, an anti-scalp roller and a lightweight, yet study, 875mm diameter metal fan. With an air capacity of 380 m³/min, the Leaf-Blower provides outstanding productivity for the fast and effective clearance of leaves, pine needles and other debris.

The hydraulically operated rear chute allows you to swiftly change speed or direction of airflow, saving time on the job. The freewheel PTO and gearbox transmission ensure smooth operation and long ma­chine life, while attaching the unit and setting the working height is quick and simple.

Its compact dimensions, weight of 360kg and a noise level of only 97 decibels make the GKB Leaf-Blower suitable for daily use on golf courses and other amenity spaces in close proximity to the public.

Commenting on its introduction, UK Operations Manager Tom Shinkins said, “It was great to finally be able to introduce the Leaf-Blower into the GKB range, and what better place to get it in front of thousands of turf professionals than at BTME! We had an incredibly positive reaction from visitor and dealers alike, all excited to get out and get hands-on with the machine in the field ahead of the busy autumn season. Sitting alongside sustainable solutions like the GKB Leaf Reducer, we now offer the full complement of machinery for leaf clearance to suit all sports, situations and settings.”

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Load up with Makita’s DCU602 wheelbarrow

Load up with Makita’s DCU602 wheelbarrow: As part of the expansion of its LXT cordless range, Makita has unveiled the DCU602 four-wheeled battery-powered wheelbarrow, which boasts an increased maximum load capacity of up to 300kg on flat ground.

The DCU602 wheelbarrow is powered by two 18V LXT Li-Ion batteries in series, but up to four can be used if a longer runtime is required – of up to 100 minutes, where the operator can switch to the second pair of batteries when the first pair are depleted.

Load up with Makita's DCU602 wheelbarrow

Load up with Makita’s DCU602 wheelbarrow

The model is equipped with a dump bucket which can be operated electronically or manually. Easily controlled, the wheelbarrow has three forward speeds – 1.5, 3.5 and 5 km/h – and one reverse; and is equipped with electric and electromagnetic brakes on top of a hand lever operated mechanical brake. A swivel lock also fixes the direction of the rear tyres. In addition, the DCU602 features head and taillights, as well as a warning beeper and level gauge.

Compared to petrol-powered alternatives, the DCU602 offers equivalent power – without the exhaust fumes and CO2 emissions – and is also silent running. The brushless motor is long-life and maintenance free and a battery protection circuit protects against overloading, over-discharging and over-heating.

Makita’s Marketing Manager, Kevin Brannigan, said: “The DCU602 is an ideal solution for landscapers and builders looking to reduce manual handling on site. The DCU602 offers them a powerful and dependable method of safely transporting materials, without the environmental drawbacks of petrol alternatives.”

To find out more about the DCU602 wheelbarrow and download its technical documents, visit: www.makitauk.com

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GreenMech QuadChip Lightens The Load

GreenMech QuadChip Lightens The Load: Housing association Karbon Homes is responsible for the management and maintenance of almost 30,000 properties, making it one of the largest organisations of its kind in the North East and Yorkshire. As part of a business partnership with the Byker Community Trust (BCT), Karbon Homes provide BCT with a dedicated Grounds Maintenance Team, responsible for the upkeep of the Grade II* Listed Byker Estate. Helping Grounds Maintenance Officer Dan Thompson and his team of five with the woodland maintenance is a QuadChip 160 from GreenMech.

The summer sees the majority of the Byker team’s time taken up with grass cutting but in the winter the maintenance programme switches over to include leaf clearance, tree work and shrub maintenance. “As well as over 2,500 trees, there are lots of hedgerows and open spaces that all require upkeep” explains Dan, who has been with Karbon Homes for two and a half years. “As the estate was constructed in the 1970’s, it’s quite complex in nature with tight spaces in which to manoeuvre any equipment we purchase.”

GreenMech QuadChip Lightens The Load

“My manager suggested we looked at the QuadChip because of its turntable, giving the operator discretion over the direction of the chip and improving manoeuvrability and safety. Peter Bagguley from GreenMech came in to do the demo and there were a number of factors that confirmed it was going to be the right machine for the estate. Firstly, and importantly, it’s under 750kg meaning all the guys can tow and operate it without an additional licence. The hopper is a generous size meaning it can handle larger timber than similar models, and it was also quieter than other chippers we’ve used which is great for working earlier in urban areas.” Following the successful demonstration, Dan took delivery of his GreenMech QuadChip 160 in March 2018, from their local dealer Lloyd Ltd.

Prior to its purchase, Dan and the team were borrowing a chipper from another Karbon Grounds Maintenance Team. “Having our own machine means it’s there and ready for any response jobs through the summer, and then in use daily for all of the winter maintenance. My team really have their work cut out and having the QuadChip has made the busy winter period that much easier.”

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