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Pellenc is the way for Border Lawns

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Pellenc is the way for Border Lawns: Angus Roberts believes he has an opportunity to make his new business – Border Lawns, stand out from the competition and he claims that his recent investment in a range of Pellenc products will certainly help his cause.

Angus recently announced that he was stepping away from greenkeeping to set-up a new landscaping business called Border Lawns in Scotland. He admits to it being not without risk though, especially as he held a prominent position as the deputy course manager at the Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course. However, with youth and experience on his side, it seems a logical decision – even more so when you refer to his already impressive CV.

Pellenc is the way for Border Lawns

Pellenc is the way for Border Lawns

Angus left school and began an apprenticeship at the Roxburghe in 2017 but he got his first taste of tournament preparation in 2016 when he volunteered to be part of the BIGGA Volunteer Support Team that helped at the British Masters in 2016.

A year later and he was awarded the prestigious Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year. It was an incredible achievement for someone who had just a year’s full-time greenkeeping experience. Never one to rest on his laurels, Angus continued to impress and as well as achieving his level 3 qualification in greenkeeping, he also received successive promotions at the Roxburghe. However, he now feels the time is right to go it alone.

“I’ve branched out from greenkeeping to form Border Lawns and it is something I have been working on in my spare time for a while now,” said Angus. “The company specialises in lawn treatment and other general services such as mowing and hedge cutting. There is a lot of competition with other big franchise companies but after a lot of research, I do feel there is an opportunity for my company to stand out from the crowd.”

To do this, Angus believes in only using market leading equipment and it is for this reason that he had his heart set on the Pellenc range of battery-powered equipment.

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.

With an extensive product list available from Pellenc, Angus chose to invest in a whole new fleet consisting of chainsaws, blowers, hedge cutters, brushcutters pole saws, grass strimmers and mowers. All these products will be powered by 1200 and 1500 ultra-lithium batteries.

“I first saw the products being demonstrated by Agrovista Amenity when I was working at the golf course and I was taken aback,” he said. “I have used lots of petrol-powered machinery over the years and they have been great but there is an expense to keep them going, and you do get issues with them. As a company I would like to be environmentally sustainable and benefit from the long-term savings that can be achieved through battery-powered products.

As Angus says, not only will users see a huge amount of savings by eliminating the necessity of purchasing fuel but by using the Pellenc equipment, they will be contributing to protecting the environment by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and noise pollution.

“The fact that they are so quiet and comfortable are huge benefits too,” continued Angus. “I can start work earlier in the morning because the equipment doesn’t disturb anyone, and I can work for longer periods because the machinery doesn’t scream my head off!

“The run time of the Pellenc equipment is so far ahead of all of the other electric products out there. They are waterproof with an IP54 rating too so I can work in any weather – which is vital. Another big benefit is that the batteries are recyclable.

Pellenc UK recently announced the launch of an industry leading four-year commercial warranty for all batteries and three-year warranty for all tools – something which further impressed Angus.

“The warranty is a great peace of mind,” he said. “Ultimately, the Pellenc equipment is powerful, reliable, environmentally friendly and keeps its worth for several years – it is a good investment in my opinion. Allan Wright from Agrovista Amenity, who supplied the equipment, has also been very helpful – that’s exactly what you need from a dealer.”

Pellenc products are exclusively distributed 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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Beautiful lawns the sustainable way

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Beautiful lawns the sustainable way: Some say that it must be impossible to have a lawn that is both good to look at and good for the environment.   This is simply a myth that needs busting once and for all!

The Lawn Association team know that lawn care should be taken seriously as its vital to our living environment and more importantly, to our planet.  The team believe in the ethical and organic promotion of grass as an integral part of our living landscape and will never support practices or products that damage or destroy our natural habitats and our environment.

Beautiful lawns the sustainable way

Beautiful lawns the sustainable way

Today, due to excellent modern technology, more and more mowers are produced which are powered by lithium batteries. Lawn feed has come on in leaps and bounds too, a new lawn feed that will be launched soon through the Lawn Association is made from re-constituted food waste and into plant food and soil conditioner for your grass and soils. It’s the ultimate in green gardening – and your lawn will love it!

We must not forget the benefits to us from lavishing love on our lawns either, lawn care is beneficial for our mental health, with scientific research pinpointing several reasons why it reduces stress. The first key reason is simply being outdoors. Secondly, the exercise involved in mowing a lawn is not only great for our physical health but can also boost our mood. This also has an element of mindfulness, of being in the moment.  And finally, the act of nurturing our lawns and seeing them flourish, give us a feeling of positivity.

To say that we cannot have stunning lawns produced in a sustainable way is simply not true and risk whisking away one of the greatest pleasures we will have in the coming seasons.  This is a myth constantly pushed by some.  Our countryside is green and certainly, grass and Britain’s lawns are green. If you don’t think so then well be happy to talk.

For more information on how to look after your lawn in a modern, sustainable way throughout the year why not join the ‘Lawn Association’?

Our core mission is to make accurate lawn care information readily available via our website and through our Free Membership Scheme for gardening enthusiasts. Go to the @LawnAssociation Facebook page to join the Lawn Enthusiasts Group, and get free association membership via the website, www.lawnassociation.org.uk 

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Kubota introduces the F-251 front mower

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Kubota introduces the F-251 front mower: Kubota continues to expand its ground care machinery offering, with the addition of the F-251 to the company’s front mower range. This professional mower benefits from the latest engine technology to offer enhanced performance alongside features designed for productivity and high-quality cutting.

The new model uses a powerful three-cylinder 1123cc Kubota diesel engine which complies with the most recent EU Stage V emissions directive, while delivering 25hp for increased productivity.

Kubota introduces the F-251 front mower

Kubota introduces the F-251 front mower

A highly efficient two-range HST transmission offers on demand four-wheel drive (4WD) with the capability of selecting permanent 4WD.

This new F-251 model will also see the introduction of newly designed 1.52m (60in) side and rear discharge mowing decks with improved cutting quality. Both new decks have optional mulch kits available which offer a high-quality finish. All the controls are perfectly positioned, and the instrument panel is clear and easy to read in all light conditions, making work easier and quicker. Operators can set the adjustable steering wheel to the position that suits them best for comfort and convenience, and the F-251 is equipped with LED headlights for optimum visibility and as a key safety feature. To add extra reliability, the decks are equipped with puncture-proof tyres and for ease of maintenance, the engine cowling can be fully opened, and blades are quick to replace. It has also been designed for easy transportation, with tie down points at the front and rear for reliable and secure anchoring when transported on a trailer.

Once again, Kubota has demonstrated its commitment to making ground care tasks easier and quicker by means of innovation and market research, and will continue to do so and support its customers around the world, offering the best solutions for their needs, whatever they may be.

About Kubota

Kubota has been a leading manufacturer of agricultural, turf and construction equipment and Industrial Engines since 1890. With world Headquarters in Osaka Japan, and offices in more than 120 countries, and with over 41,000 employees throughout North America, Europe and

Asia, Kubota achieved revenues in 2020 of $17.3 billion. Although agricultural equipment is Kubota’s primary line of products, Kubota also produces a diverse portfolio of other products including city wide water filtration systems, irrigation, piping, roofing, housing and large underground valves.

Our Mission

Our mission, “For Earth, For Life,” speaks of our commitment to the preservation of the Earth’s natural environment while aiding the production of food and water supplies that are vital to societal needs as our world population continues to grow. That mission is realized each time a Kubota tractor harvests the land to produce life-sustaining food or our construction equipment

excavates to transport water resources or provide shelter. For more information on Kubota, please visit www.kubota-global.net or www.kubota-eu.com.

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Makita: powering the Eden Project

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Makita: powering the Eden Project: Makita UK has been appointed as the dedicated outdoor equipment supplier to the Eden Project.

The leading power tool manufacturer has been awarded the prestigious contract to exclusively supply its cordless garden machinery and power tools to assist with maintenance and redevelopment work at the home of the famous Biomes near St Austell in Cornwall.

Makita: powering the Eden Project

Makita: powering the Eden Project

With its wide range of cordless machinery offering a reliable and powerful alternative to petrol powered equipment and a one battery fits all solution for cordless construction and grounds maintenance tools, Makita was the ideal choice to help Eden meet its sustainable vision and ecological ethos. The partnership will see the Eden Project team replace its existing petrol and corded machines with Makita’s battery-powered products.

Si Bellamy, Interim Chief Operating Officer at the Eden Project, said: “Eden is dedicated to using sustainable methods and we wanted to update our grounds equipment with more environmentally friendly kit without compromising on power or performance.

“With Makita’s extensive range of cordless power tools and garden machinery, we can make the transition over to cordless incredibly easily. Makita’s cordless range will enable us to complete day-to-day maintenance tasks and larger projects in a safer, quieter, more efficient way.

“The use of battery power as fuel completely eliminates the need for our team to transport and handle petrol and as no fumes are omitted during operation there are zero gas emissions – which is fantastic for reducing our carbon footprint further. What’s more, there is no need to consider the safe placement of cables as with corded machines. As a result, we will be able to safely carry out work when visitors are on site.”

Makita’s innovative cordless technology also means that the machines work for long periods of time without needing to be charged. As a result, Eden team can work on large areas and tasks without needing to stop to replace or recharge the batteries, improving productivity further.

Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for garden machinery at Makita said: “The Eden Project is an educational charity and visitor attraction focused on showcasing the power of nature and inspiring visitors to think more sustainably. We are thrilled to be working with the team, as part of its efforts to improve environmental efficiency, by delivering cordless solutions to help the team work more efficiently on site.

“With over 270 cordless products in our LXT portfolio, we can ensure that the Eden Project have access to the machines they need, no matter the task. Our battery platforms also mean that the team can switch between tools and tasks effortlessly, reducing downtime and improving productivity.”

Makita’s product range is designed to work in tough outdoor environments, making the partnership an ideal backdrop for the Eden Project team to put the kit through its paces in unique settings, such as the heat of the Eden Project’s Rainforest Biome. Makita will be using this as a long-term opportunity to gain user feedback on the performance of the machines, to assist with research and development into new models and tool technologies.

Si Bellamy added: “We are really excited to kick off our partnership with Makita and see what we can achieve together over the next five years and beyond. It is really important for us to develop a strong partnership with Makita and work collaboratively with them to further our capabilities here at the Eden Project.”

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

For more information about the Eden Project visit: www.edenproject.com

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Setting the Standard

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Setting the Standard: Amenity management is the description encompassing all aspects of the management of public and sports spaces, keeping them safe, healthy and fit for purpose.

It includes parks, green spaces, transport networks, domestic lawns, and golf and sports surfaces. Those employing organisations for amenity management and those using and enjoying such spaces quite rightly look for assurance that those undertaking the operations are at a UK recognised professional level just as if they were employing an electrical or similar trade contractor. In terms of weed, pest and disease management, the Amenity Standard provides that assurance. It indicates that the organisation responsible for that work is a member of an approved assurance scheme ensuring operators are fully qualified, committed to best practice and updating and using authorised products and equipment.

The UK Amenity Standard was launched in January 2020 and has rapidly developed with many now insisting that the Standard is met to provide full assurance of professional standards. It is a UK Standard and is independently managed and overseen by the Amenity Forum. Given below are some comments from the sector about the Standard. If you require more information please go to the website www.theamenitystandard.co.uk or contact Kate at admin@amenityforum.net

Setting the Standard

Setting the Standard

Tom Arnold, Vice Chair of the UK Lawn Care Association (UKLCA) says ‘’ We became involved in the Amenity Standard as part of a programme of continuous professional development in the lawn care sector.  Our main use of plant protection products is in the area of selective weed control within lawns and this is a critical tool in improving people’s lawns that is impossible to achieve effectively by other methods. Our members are already qualified to apply products via the Government’s recognised qualifications and the Amenity Standard offers us a UK recognised way of  showing that our members engage with a recognised assurance scheme ( in our case Lawn Assured) that demonstrates their professionalism and that they are upholding the high standards we expect of them. The UKLCA is pleased and proud to promote the Amenity Standard.’’

Steve Hodgson, CEO of the Property Care Association says ‘’ The public is right to be cautious about the use of plant protection products and need assurance that they are being applied by trained, qualified and highly skilled individuals who will utilize them in a measured and targeted way. As a responsible Trade Association, we share this view.  The Amenity Standard empowers professionals and consumers to recognise and choose organisations that operate far beyond basic legal requirements. In so doing we make visible those who have demonstrated their operational track record and a willingness and to work safely, sustainably and responsibly. Property Care Association and its members have welcomed the creation of the sector wide Amenity Standard. Our members are proud to be amongst the first to adopt the Standard and display this independently assessed accreditation. We hope that it soon becomes the Standard that all those who control plants and pests in our open spaces will be forced have to measure up to’’

Duncan Jones, Director at Hortech says ‘’Hortech where the first company to gain the Amenity Standard and we are very proud of that. For me it is vitally important that Hortech can demonstrate to clients and the general public that we are working to the highest possible standards.  When it comes to undertaking vegetation management, whether by cultural means or using herbicides there is no room for error or complacency. The Amenity Standard ensures that we maintain those high standards year on year. It is my hope that all procurement teams across the UK set the Amenity Standard as a must have for tender pre-qualification’’    

Ian Graham, MD of Complete Weed Control says ‘’ Complete Weed Control for decades has aimed to deliver the highest of standards within our service provision, key in that endeavour is the support of the organisations that exist to improve the industry as a whole such as the Amenity Forum. The Amenity Standard is without question the single most important initiative. The Amenity weed control industry has never been under greater scrutiny than currently. Spraying operations that take place in public places are naturally and quite properly questioned. Being able to demonstrate that operators conform to a recognised and well-structured Standard is extremely important. The sooner that organisations are compelled to meet the Amenity Standard the better.

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