Tag Archive for: Power

Makita tools power the Eden Project

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Makita tools power the Eden Project: Makita UK has exclusively supplied the Eden Project with a range of its cordless outdoor power equipment to assist with the maintenance and redevelopment work at the famous site.

By adopting Makita’s battery-powered machinery, Eden Project is able to reduce emissions and ensure the maintenance team can work safely and efficiently – even when visitors are on site.

Makita tools power the Eden Project

Makita tools power the Eden Project

The Eden Project near St Austell in Cornwall is an educational charity and visitor attraction dedicated to showcasing the power of nature and inspiring visitors to think more sustainably. The site is famous for its bubble-like Mediterranean Biome and Rainforest Biome that house a wide range of plant life that all require regular care and maintenance to thrive.

As well as the Biomes, the Eden Project Living Landscapes team are responsible for maintaining the over 20 acres of outdoor gardens and over 140 acres of nursery grounds, parking areas, woodlands and wildflower fields. In order to do this, the team require a range of reliable, durable and high-power machines that can tackle any task, as well as allow the flexibility to move around the large site with ease.

Robin Lock, Head of Living Landscapes at the Eden Project explains: “At the Eden Project we are dedicated to using sustainable methods which is why we wanted to update our tool kit with more environmentally friendly alternatives. With Makita’s expertise in battery-power and its wide range of high-quality garden machinery and construction tools, we are able to complete day-to-day maintenance tasks in a safer, quieter and more efficient way.

“With battery-powered machines there is no need for the team to transport petrol around site and no emissions are produced, which is key. What’s more, the machines also produce lower vibration levels so the team can comfortably and safely use the machines daily and for extended periods. With no fuel or power leads to worry about, the machines can also be used when visitors are on site – and the low noise levels mean disruption is kept to a minimum.”

For example, Makita’s DUH601RT LXT 18V Hedge Trimmer is used to ensure the 100s of metres of hedge at the Eden Project remain neatly trimmed back. With such a large area to cover, the DUH601RT is ideal as the team require a lightweight, low vibration machine that is safe to use for extended periods of time. The DUH601RT features a five-position rotating rear handle so operators can easily adjust the angle of the machine to make the work easier and safer.

What’s more, the DUH601RT includes Makita’s triple-edged asymmetric blade design. The back tooth is square, which means it can easily hold the material and the front tooth is at an angle to ensure that it can easily slice through and create an efficient and clean cut. In addition, both top and bottom blades have sharpened edges and the whole system is double reciprocating to reduce vibration. The curved blade profile also reduces friction resistance so less energy is lost through heat production and run time is increased.

In addition, the DUB363 LXT Twin 18V Blower is ideal for keeping pathways clear of leaves and debris to ensure visitor safety. As there are no trailing cables, the team can use the DUB363 across the whole site – even in the Biomes. It is powered by two 18V LXT batteries, so operators can experience high air volume and speed, as well as long run times for maximum efficiency. The DUB363 is also compatible with Makita’s PDC01 and PDC1200 backpack batteries which offer extended run times for larger tasks, such as clearing pathways throughout the Rainforest Biome.

Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for garden machinery at Makita said: “We are delighted to be working with Eden Project to assist the team with everyday maintenance and larger redevelopment work at this prestigious site. With over 270 models in our LXT range alone, the team have a huge selection of our battery powered tools and equipment to hand, to tackle any task with the simple switch of a battery.

“Our partnership with Eden Project is also a great opportunity for us to get feedback on how our machines perform in unique environments like the Rainforest Biome – and we are excited to be able to utilise this as part of future product development to ensure that the Makita products can perform at their optimum, regardless of the conditions.”

To find out more about how Makita’s machines have transformed groundscare at Eden Project, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kucXboNDi_M

To find out more about Makita and its range of cordless machines visit: www.makitauk.com

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Makita continues to provide the power

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Makita continues to provide the power: As part of its new October product releases, leading power tool manufacturer, Makita UK has revealed a number of new 40VMax cordless machines that have been added to its exciting XGT range.

The new high-powered products provide a one-battery solution to handle the most demanding jobs and environments, without sacrificing run time.

40VMAX LS004G XGT MITRE SAW

Driven by a 40VMax brushless motor, this XGT 260mm Slide Compound Mitre Saw provides a no load speed of up to 3,600rpm for high power cutting that is comparable to corded machines.

Makita continues to provide the power

Makita continues to provide the power

The rail-forward design allows users to maximise workspace as the machine can be positioned next to a wall and its single sliding system enables smooth operation to produce superior cuts.  Its 48o bevel range and 60o mitre range are easily adjusted with quick lock and release, making it simple to achieve the cut required.

This impressive tool is also packed with safety features including Auto-Start Wireless System technology (AWS), enabling the machine to connect to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth. When applied, the dust extractor is powered on and off while the saw is in use. An LED light improves task visibility, and for greater safety, an electric brake stops the blade in seconds.

80VMAX UR012GZ04 XGT BRUSH CUTTER

Delivering up to 6,400rpm and a maximum power output at 2.0kW, the powerful 80VMax (40Vx2) XGT Brushless Brush Cutter provides users with performance similar to a 40cc class engine grass trimmer, making this machine ideal for heavy duty applications.

Users can adjust speed according to the task with 3-stage control, and thanks to Makita’s innovative Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT), which adapts the cutting speed according to the load conditions, users can trust that the machine is always working at its optimum.

The UR012GZ04 also features Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT) that shuts down the tool if the rotation speed suddenly slows, protecting the user against kickback. And the useful reverse switch removes any material that gets stuck in the blade, reducing user downtime.

On the announcement, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “Our XGT platform was designed to provide professionals with even more power to meet high demand applications with ease. All of our XGT solutions are engineered with built-in programming, that provides digital communication between the battery and the tool, so that both work together for optimum performance and sustained power.

“We are pleased to expand the XGT range with our latest 40VMax and 80VMax equipment and tools, so that professionals can fully experience a truly cordless job site.”

To find out more about Makita and its wide range of products visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Kubota puts power down gently

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Kubota puts power down gently: A big Kubota tractor with a light tread has hit the ground running for sportsfield renovations in the north west.

The Kubota M7152 is a new addition to the line up for national grounds maintenance contractor idverde’s St Helens depot this summer and has already made a big impression.

Kubota puts power down gently

Kubota puts power down gently

“It’s a bit bigger and more powerful than the tractor it replaced, but shod on Nokian turf tyres it doesn’t leave a mark,” says operator Ryan Stirling. “It’s proving very productive and will be capable of handling a wide range of sportsfield renovation implements including a sand spreader, vertidrain and overseeder.”

Powered by a 150hp Kubota four-cylinder engine, the M7152 benefits from Kubota’s KVT stepless transmission, and Ryan notes:

“It makes the tractor very easy to operate with renovation implements as I can use the A-B buttons to set maximum and minimum revs and then select the auto setting and cruise control. There’s a great touchscreen monitor which I’ve been able to get the hang of really quickly, and it also offers auto pto engagement which will be really useful with the vertidrain, as it automatically disengages and re-engages the pto when lifting and lowering the linkage at the end of a run.”

The impressive rear linkage lift capacity of 9,400kg makes working with larger implements such as the vertidrain a breeze and idverde has plans to get even more out of the tractor.

“We’ll use it for a lot of haulage too, and the cab’s very spacious, which along with the air suspension and KVT transmission makes it really good to drive on the road,” says Ryan.

“For the autumn and winter it will have a reach arm flail fitted, and the front linkage and pto means that we can pair it with a front flail which will make verge mowing much quicker. We’re also looking to have a front loader fitted.”

Ryan notes that the M7152’s Kubota engine is pleasingly frugal, the 330 litre fuel tank giving an extra day between fill ups compared to his previous tractor, and says that the tractor has clearly been designed with the operator in mind.

“Access for routine maintenance is really good – I particularly like the flip up radiator which makes it easy to blow debris out and there are plenty of worklights. It’s very straightforward to drive and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve with it.”

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Portable power whenever you need it

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Portable power whenever you need it: The new Nexus Escape PAD1500E from EGO provides access to power whenever and wherever it is needed. With a 240V AC power outlet and two USB ports, the new unit can be used to power a range of equipment, from laptops and mobile phones to TVs, outdoor lighting and other equipment that requires access to a flexible, portable power source.

With a long history of creating cordless power tools and gardening equipment, EGO have harnessed the power of their industry-leading 56V Arc Lithium batteries to create a multi-purpose power source, which offers low-noise and zero emissions. The Nexus Escape can be paired with any of EGO’s 56V Arc Lithium hand-held batteries, which range from 2.5Ah to 10Ah.

Portable power whenever you need it

Portable power whenever you need it

EGO offer the industry’s highest energy capacity in a portable handheld battery. The innovative arc design and ‘keep cool’ technology ensure that battery temperature is kept low and prevents overheating. Recharge times vary depending on capacity, but average around 80 minutes with a standard charger, or 30 minutes with a rapid charger. Once charged, the batteries simply click into the Nexus Escape to provide a reliable, quiet and portable power source.

Weighing in at 0.5KG, with an integrated carrying handle, the Nexus Escape is easy to transport and small enough to fit into a backpack. Its compact size and low weight mean the Nexus can be used as a temporary power source for anything from business trips to beach visits, festivals and camping trips. With enough power to charge 5 laptops for ten hours (when paired with a 7.5Ah battery), the Nexus is also a great solution for home offices or small businesses looking for reliable back-up power.

The Nexus Escape PAD1500E retails at £84.99. It is also available as a kit, complete with battery and charger, at only £219. Visit www.egopowerplus.co.uk for more information.

EGO Power+ products come with extended domestic warranties up to five years when registered within 30 days of purchase.

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Ascernity approval adds new power

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Ascernity approval adds new power: The exciting new dual-action Syngenta turf fungicide Ascernity® has gained approval for use on sports turf surfaces – bringing a step change in disease control for high pressure conditions.

The initial approval enables use only on fully enclosed sports turf in the UK, including such football, rugby and cricket stadiums, training facilities, tennis courts and bowls, for example. The move is the first step in submissions for future extended approval for golf and other turf surfaces.

Ascernity approval adds new power

Ascernity approval adds new power

Ascernity brings an entirely new active for turf disease management, SolatenolTM, in combination with difenconazole – designed to together give the optimum balance of internal and leaf surface protection.

This balanced systemicity of Ascernity ensures the whole plant leaf remains protected for longer and giving sustained disease control in growing conditions, reported Glenn Kirby, Syngenta Technical Manager for UK and Ireland.

“It is especially well suited to stadium conditions where turf growth continues all year around, particularly with artificial lights and undersoil heating,” he advocated. “The addition of Ascernity is extremely welcome for enclosed situations that create continuously high disease pressure, which seriously challenge existing limited options for managers.”

The approval for Ascernity in the UK specifically states use only on fully enclosed sports turf where access by large herbivorous animals – hares and rabbits – can be excluded. Use areas in the future are expected to be extended when Syngenta is ready with further supporting data.

Glenn believes Ascernity will become a key fungicide option in the programme whenever turf is actively growing, particularly enabling stadium pitch renovations to establish strongly. Its use has proven safe from the two-leaf stage in seedlings and with no adverse effects on any turf.

“Targeting disease earlier prevents damage to the leaf, reduces stress on the plant and effectively breaks the disease cycle – enabling fungicide programmes to maintain playing surface quality and longer lasting results throughout the season.

“The dual action of Ascernity is so effective since it initially stops germinating spores from developing hyphae on the surface. But if disease has penetrated through into the leaf, it can still act to stop further development – before visible damage breaks out.”

Results from over 70 trials throughout Europe have shown effective performance against a full range of key turf diseases, including Microdochium nivale (fusarium patch), anthracnose and dollar spot. Trials have also shown activity on brown patch, red thread, fairy ring, take-all and leaf spot.  Activity has been demonstrated with Solatenol use on grey leaf spot.

Ascernity is approved for two applications per season, at a rate of 3.0 l/ha. Applications must be made using LERAP 3-star rated nozzles, along with compliance of a six-metre buffer zone.

Research has shown it can be used to complement Instrata Elite and Medallion TL in a powerful disease control programme for turf quality.

Launching Ascernity in the UK, Syngenta Turf Business Manager, Daniel Lightfoot, added there has been huge excitement for the successfully approval and introduction of a new active ingredient for turf management.

“The investment in achieving approval for Ascernity underlines our commitment to delivering effective solutions for turf disease control, along with the research, support and advice to get the best results.”

He pointed out that the power of the actives in Ascernity will perfectly complement other Syngenta turf fungicides, to enable turf managers to plan a strategic disease control approach, alongside advanced innovative technologies in wetting agents, pigments and amino acid biostimulant programmes.

“Used as a strategic part of an integrated Turf Management (ITM) plan, Ascernity can assure a sustainable long-term future for effective turf disease control in stadiums,” he added.

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