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Cooler than the rest with Makita

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Cooler than the rest with Makita: As part of its extensive LXT cordless range, leading power tool manufacturer, Makita has announced the release of its DCW180Z 18V Cordless Cooler & Warmer Box. The new release is ideal for keeping food and drinks cool or warm in any season.

Keep food and drinks either cool, or warm on-site with Makita’s new 20-litre DCW180Z Cordless Cooler & Warmer Box. Powered by an 18v LXT battery, this handy product has two 18V LXT battery ports so you can attach two batteries in series for extended operating times. When the first battery is depleted the unit automatically switches to the second battery. This model can also be powered via 240v mains or with an in-vehicle 12v / 24v AC socket. When set at 5°C (normal fridge temperature) the cooler will run for up to 17 hours with 2x 6.0Ah batteries.

Cooler than the rest with Makita

Cooler than the rest with Makita

The 18V Cooler & Warmer Box is a versatile unit with a large 20-litre capacity of storage space and as an example, it can hold approximately 30 cans, or 15 x 600ml water bottles. The solution can operate at two warming settings of 55° and 60°, with five cooling settings of -18°, -10°, 0°, 5° and 10°. The unit can run at its coldest setting of -18° for five hours and its warmest setting of 60° for around four hours.

The box features large 100mm wheels and a pull handle for convenient transport, and side grips for easy lifting as well as a comfortable shoulder strap. It is highly durable for outdoor use with an IPX4 rating.

The solution is fitted with a convenient LED display, to provide users with temperature and battery levels and easily change settings at the touch of a button.

Speaking on the new release, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “We’re excited to bring the new DCW180Z Cordless Cooler & Warmer Box to market as a useful addition to use at home, at work, or for leisure. The powerful, cordless solution is as durable as it is functional and can run for up to 17 hours on a single charge. Whether at the park, fishing, camping, or on the jobsite, the DCW180 is a must have if you’re looking to keep drinks cold, or to ensure that hot lunches stay warm, regardless of the season. What’s more, the product even features a bottle opener and a useful USB output to charge a mobile device if needed.”

The new release forms part of a wider collection of new cordless solutions from Makita in 2021. The company has recently announced a range of new products, including the TW004GZ XGT 40VMax Impact Wrench, the DUR368LZ Twin 18V (36V) LXT Linetrimmer and the PDC01 Portable LXT Power Supply Backpack

For more information about Makita, please visit: www.makitauk.com

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More for the outdoors with Makita

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More for the outdoors with Makita: Leading power tool manufacturer, Makita has announced the release of a new Twin 18V (36V) LXT Brushless Linetrimmer and 36V LXT Brushless Blower, as part of its expanding outdoor equipment range.

The 18Vx2 (36V) DUR368L LXT Brushless Linetrimmer is powered by the company’s innovative lithium-ion LXT battery technology; a system that allows operators to interchange battery power between over 270 LXT cordless Makita products. The new 36V UB001CZ Brushless Blower is powered by Makita’s back-pack battery system giving users the option to use the machine with either the PDC01 backpack battery that utilises interchangeable 18V LXT batteries, or the new PDC1200 solid state 33Ah backpack battery to offer even longer run-times for contractors.

More for the outdoors with Makita

More for the outdoors with Makita

Brushless Linetrimmer

The powerful 36V DUR368L brushless motor can reach fast cutting speeds of up to 6,500rpm and offers a cutting diameter of 350mm. Thanks to Makita’s Automatic Torque Drive Technology (ADT), speed and torque levels are automatically adjusted according to the density of weeds and the machine also features Makita’s highly responsive Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT), that shuts down the tool to protect the user if the rotation speed suddenly slows down.

With greater usability in mind, the machine is also fitted with an ergonomic soft grip and comes with a small protector to allow for a better view of the cutting area, as well as a reverse switch for easy removal of any tangled grass.

Brushless Blower

Powered by Makita’s PDC01 or PDC1200 backpack battery systems (sold separately), the brushless UB001CZ LXT Blower performs at 36V high power for extended run times and outstanding performance similar to a 50cc class engine machine, offering speeds of up to 24,000rpm in boost mode.

For the most efficient clearing operation, the blower has been engineered with an optimised grip to frame angle, providing the best nozzle to ground position. The lightweight and compact design is perfect for single handed operation but can also be attached to a shoulder belt for added comfort. Furthermore, as the machine is designed for use with backpack battery power, operators need only carry the weight of the bare machine, enabling work for longer periods with reduced fatigue.

As well as a variable speed control by trigger and a cruise control lever, the powerful, portable tool has a three-stage telescopic long nozzle attached as standard.

Speaking on the new devices, Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for Outdoor Power Equipment at Makita UK, commented: “We are pleased to launch these new outdoor products which form part of an exciting roadmap for our cordless garden machinery range this year. Our complete line up of cordless outdoor solutions continues to transform the way professionals work with new levels of productivity and efficiency. Both new solutions feature Makita’s brushless motor technology for longer machine life and with the support of the world’s largest cordless system, professionals can rely on a wide range of Makita tools that will get the job done without the limitations of petrol or cords.”

For more information about the range, please visit: www.makitauk.com

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Ranger on the rails

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Ranger on the rails: Known as ‘rail buggies’, utility vehicles are not new to the railway maintenance industry, but the development of the custom Polaris Rail Ranger presented an opportunity to innovate the design, including the introduction of technology and equipment which is normally reserved for bigger, more expensive plant equipment.

The custom Ranger was built by Fitzgerald Plant Services Ltd, an established provider of specialist services for the rail and construction industries, including repair work, maintenance, engineering and heavy haulage transport. Based in Cwmbran, South Wales, Fitzgerald Plant Services aims to provide a one-stop-shop for all of their customers’ requirements – including specialist solutions like the Polaris Ranger.

Ranger on the rails

Ranger on the rails

“These machines are very versatile and can be utilised in a number of different ways,” said Clayton Greenman, Fitzgerald Plant Services Ltd Engineering Manager. “That’s one reason why they’re so suited to working on the rails because it depends a lot on what kind of maintenance work the contractors are undertaking. Transporting personnel, towing trailers with tools and equipment, weed spraying, leaf clearance, track inspections – the Rail Ranger is the ideal vehicle to do it all.”

Supported by their local Polaris dealer – Usk & Wye Valley ATV Ltd – who serve the Monmouth and Forest of Dean areas, the Polaris Ranger was selected because of its refined cab that offers the option to be fully enclosed with the addition of doors, a windshield, rear panel and roof, alongside its class-leading capabilities and durability.

Initially building a prototype with a Polaris Ranger Diesel, Fitzgerald Plant Services will have delivered four Polaris Ranger vehicles to operate across UK rail lines by the end of this year, with many more custom builds planned for 2021.

“From the initial brief to the delivered prototype, the diesel machine took around three years to develop,” continued Clayton. “Building the machine in compliance with the Network Rail standards is understandably very time consuming due to the testing and documentation required. Development of the prototype petrol Ranger Crew XP 1000 took less than 4 months as we gained a lot of experience from the previous diesel project. Now we’re in series production, we can complete a full rail conversion in about 3 weeks.”

The custom Ranger vehicles are fitted with spacers to give them a wider track width, ensuring the tyres sit correctly on the railhead, as well as specially-mounted rail gear, an air braking system and hydraulic systems. As the Polaris chassis has been designed to accommodate a snow plough, the same mounting points could be utilised to fit the front rail equipment, however, the chassis had to be specially adapted for the rear equipment. The hydraulic system controls the raising and lowering of the rail bogies and the hydraulic trailer park brake, using a 12-volt DC electro/hydraulic power pack powered from the battery. There is also a 12-volt DC twin air compressor which powers the air brake system – a requirement for towing trailers on the UK rail infrastructure.

Fitzgerald Plant Services Ltd added its own custom display, controllers and software to control the various rail systems and operate as effectively as possible. The operator can get real-time updates on machine status and operate the functions via a user interface. There are also password-protected menus for service engineers where all the system diagnostic information and calibration settings are found.

For more information on the Polaris Ranger, please visit the Polaris Britain website here.

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Meet the latest Corvus family members

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Meet the latest Corvus family members: “Two more significant pieces in the Corvus UK 4×4 utility dealer network jigsaw are complete.” Says Phil Everett, MD of BOSS ORV, the UK distributor of the Corvus Terrain range.

A big welcome to the family is extended to Colin Catley and all his team at Catley Engineering in Leicestershire, and to RHS in the North East of Scotland. Both dealerships will be selling, supporting and servicing the Corvus Terrain range of utility Side by Side vehicles.

Meet the latest Corvus family members

Meet the latest Corvus family members

Based in the Leicestershire village of Peckleton, Catley Engineering has been supporting the local agricultural industry for almost a decade, offering a whole range of services in the sale, repair and servicing of tractors and agricultural machinery. “Our passion is providing the highest quality engineering and machinery sales at great value for money.” Says Colin Catley.

“It’s great to have such a professional and customer service orientated company join the future of UTVs.” Says Phil.

Meet the latest Corvus family members

Meet the latest Corvus family members

North of the border, RHS is a family run company established in 1995 with a depot and 24- hour on-site service specialising in hoses and hydraulic systems together with a specialist ATV centre. “I am absolutely delighted to announce that RHS Ltd is the latest member of the Corvus family.” Says Phil. “I have known and worked (on and off) with Neil, Heather and Iain for over 25 years so I fully understand the exceptional levels of customer support and service levels they will bring to our dealer network. If ever the old adage of ‘you could eat your dinner off the workshop floor’ applies to anywhere it is here. It’s great that they are now embracing the future with Corvus UTVs and also by bringing in Fraser Reid (in photo) to fully secure the future of RHS.”

For more information about the Corvus Terrain range, you can call 01597 810188, E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk or visit www.bossorv.co.uk

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Confidence is the key

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Confidence is the key: Bruce Elliot, Crystal Palace FC’s Head of Grounds and Estates, claims that his overall confidence in the Dennis brand was a major factor in the club’s decision to purchase six PRO 34R rotary mowers.

After using smaller rotary mowers for several years, Bruce decided that it was time to start exploring larger machines. The aim was to speed up the task of cleaning pitches after games and training sessions. However, his first experience of larger rotary mowers was not quite what he was expecting.

Confidence is the key

Confidence is the key

“The smaller rotaries were good but time consuming, so this was the reason we wanted larger rotaries,” said Bruce. “The Dennis rotary mowers hadn’t been launched at that moment in time, so we went with an alternative machine which unfortunately didn’t work out as we had expected.

“Therefore, when the Dennis PRO 34R’s were launched, it was something we seriously looked at because we place great trust in the reliability and the quality of the rest of the Dennis machinery. We had the confidence to just go and get the units and we purchased six – four for the first team training ground and two for Selhurst Park.”

Bruce may well have had to wait a while for the release of the PRO 34R but no stone was left unturned in its creation. Following the original prototype, the mower was refined and developed over a period of 12 months based on the input from the groundsmen who would eventually be using it.

Designed to help groundsmen achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface the Dennis PRO 34R is a 34” (860mm) rotary mower ideal for sports pitches and lawns producing the enviable ‘Dennis Stripes’ while a powerful vacuum flow collects debris quickly and efficiently.

The angle of the cutting deck and twin blades can be easily adjusted using a single ‘click adjuster’ ensuring the mower is suitable for changing conditions and meeting groundsmen’s requirements.

It wasn’t long before the Dennis PRO 34R’s were performing in exactly the way Bruce wanted them to.

“With the smaller rotary mowers, we used to be able to do one pitch with four members of staff and it would take an hour. With the PRO 34R’s we can still do a pitch in an hour but only with two people – which is a huge benefit and is exactly what we wanted to achieve.

“Freeing up two members of staff, who can then tend to other tasks such as spraying, verticutting, or whatever it may be, is brilliant for us. We can either put all the staff on the rotaries and get the job done even more quickly or we can divide the workload – it’s nice to have that flexibility.”

Bruce further explained just how effective the PRO 34R’s are:

“The mowers are set to pick debris up and they do a fantastic job because the brush unit at the front flicks all the grass up as well,” he said. “In fact, I think this was part of the reason why we were so successful on the stadium pitch last season because we were constantly cleaning out the debris with the PRO 34R’s.

“They are used predominately to clean the debris up but we do use them to cut when the grass is actively growing well – the presentation from the machines is of such a high quality that I am confident to present pitches with them.

“We are now looking to buy four more for the academy ground so that would give us ten PRO 34R’s in total,” continued Bruce. “I think this shows just how confident we are in these mowers – the grounds team enjoy using them; they are robust, and they are efficient.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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