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The best machines for scrubland maintenance

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The best machines for scrubland maintenance: Scrublands are an extremely valuable habitat to many species, with the small patches of nettles and brambles, and the more densely packed young trees and gorse bushes, offering food and shelter.

Technically described as a ‘successional habitat’, scrub is temporary and transitions from one type of habitat to another. Despite this transitory nature, though, scrubs do require an element of maintenance to keep the area under control.

The best machines for scrubland maintenance

The best machines for scrubland maintenance

Preparing for scrubland maintenance

Before any scrubland maintenance can be done, preparation is essential for maintaining the area effectively and safely. A site survey should be conducted to ascertain what wildlife is present in the scrubland, allowing those carrying out the work to be mindful of these habitats. It’s also important to keep a variety of old and young scrub, to ensure variety and diversity is provided, making it appealing to a wider range of species.

When managing scrublands, it’s also important to maintain a direct link to surrounding habitats as this allows species to explore the landscape. Invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and rhododendron should also be controlled, as they have very little value for wildlife and will happily take over the site if allowed, causing more problems in the future.

Using a brushcutter on scrubland

There are a range of techniques that can be employed to control scrub when necessary, the most popular, of course, being the use of a brushcutter. These powerful machines are ideal for cutting through overgrown bushes and fields and for clearing through dense scrub. Billy Goat’s range of brushcutters have heavy-duty spindles, strong engines and ergonomic controls which make them easy to use in even the harshest environments, with a different model available for a variety of requirements.

The BC2600HEBB BC Series Pivoting Deck brushcutter has been engineered to glide over uneven terrain, like scrub, as its pivoting brush deck hugs the ground for a closer cut. Its improved traction also keeps the weight of the machine firmly on its extra wide tyres, helping to make user manoeuvrability as easy as possible. The machine also boasts a Tuff Torq™ variable hydrostatic transmission that features a fully automatic Enhanced Tractions Control (ETC), offering a superior traction in wet or uneven conditions and can cut saplings and brush at a rate of an acre per hour.

For those looking for a fixed deck, Billy Goat’s BC2600ICM BC Series Fixed Deck brushcutter is a great option as it provides excellent stability in deep vegetation. Powered by a Honda engine, the mechanical transaxle – which features three speeds forward and one reverse – is ideal for clearing meadows and fields or cutting paths and trails wherever dense brush and weeds present a clean-up challenge. The heavy-duty blade spindle is reinforced on four sides, so it can tackle even the toughest cutting conditions, including thick bushes, grass and weeds over 180cm tall, and saplings up to 5cm diameter.

For larger scrubland areas, the BCR3626BVECE 4WD Outback Rider is the ultimate brushcutter as it has been designed with a low centre of gravity, combined with a four-wheel drive system that enables it to tackle those hard-to-reach places that traditional machines are unable to reach. The spacious platform also provides sufficient space and operator comfort whilst the heavy-duty mower deck is equipped with swing-back cutter blades that swing away when accidental contact is made with solid objects. As well as protecting wildlife, these features also help protect the mower deck and cutter blades from accidental damage.

Whether it’s low level or extensive scrubland maintenance, Billy Goat has a range of brush cutters that make managing scrublands safe and easy.

Billy Goat products are available nationwide through Henton & Chattell’s dealer network. For more information and to see videos demonstrating their performance visit www.billygoat.co.uk.

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The next star player at SALTEX

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The next star player at SALTEX: Representing the future of the turfcare industry and on stand K078 at SALTEX for the first time will be Reesink e-Vehicles’ new STAR player, the Capella Work Machine.

This all-electric and versatile model from the award-winning brand STAR EV is the latest plug-in electric utility vehicle for the UK market, purposefully designed to help move people and equipment around grounds quietly, safely and efficiently.

The next star player at SALTEX

The next star player at SALTEX

The Capella Work Machine is powered by a 48v 5kW motor comes with a choice of two high powered lithium-ion batteries charged via an on-board Lester charger. With a 450A AC Curtis controller and direct drive, the Work Machine offers a range up to 60 miles of travel going at a maximum speed of 20mph for the ultimate productivity from an electric workhorse. Plus, it has a climbing ability of 20 percent meaning it’s just as good on the hills as it is on the flat.

This noiseless and emissions-free utility buggy can take two passengers at a time and has a hydraulic lift rear cargo utility box with an impressive 670kg (1477lbs) carry capacity.

It features carefully selected components for a smooth ride: there’s a double A-Arm independent suspension with adjustable shock absorbers, a double-ended self-compensating ‘rack and pinion’ steering and QDS drive system with temperature protection.

In addition to the key features above, the little things also matter and all the details that make for comfortable operation have been considered: there’s Bluetooth, a dashboard with digital display, holders for drinks, golf balls and tees and an LED lighting system.

The Capella Work Machine represents a range of 28 lithium and sealed battery-powered utility vehicles from STAR EV and available from Reesink e-Vehicles, which includes electric passenger buggies and small, medium and large capacity electric UTVs and people carriers for up to 23 people. All come with a rapid charge, good mileage per charge, and an extensive warranty – up to six years on batteries.

On stand ready to introduce this exciting buggy option will be Dave French, Reesink e-Vehicles’ new electric vehicle expert. He says: “Wherever you are and whatever sector you’re in, the ability to work more quietly, earlier and for longer will be an advantage. Specifically, urban sports stadiums and training grounds and golf courses and resorts with guest rooms or neighbouring residential areas will notice a big difference by switching to electric power.

“STAR EV is a brand that delivers strong technology, innovation, breadth of range, value proposition and, importantly, peak performance. Electric-powered technology is a fundamental part of the future; it’s growing rapidly, with customers keen to switch and the arrival of the STAR EV range brings more choice.

“The Capella Work Machine is a standout model for any maintenance team looking to get around the grounds easily and efficiently all day long all on a single charge and is well worth a trip to the Reesink e-Vehicles stand at SALTEX.”

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Reform Metrac H75 voted tractor of the year

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Reform Metrac H75 voted tractor of the year: The Reform Metrac H75 pro multi functional tool carrier, has been voted tractor of the year for twenty twenty two, in the best specialised tractor sector.

The award was presented at the EIMA International trade fair in Bologna on October 19th. The judges emphasized the excellent slope capability and versatility of the H75 model and also the high levels of comfort and safety for operators of the vehicle.

Reform Metrac H75 voted tractor of the year

Reform Metrac H75 voted tractor of the year

Simon Richard, UK Agent for the Reform range said, “the H75 was designed and built on  versatility, efficiency and both user and environmental friendliness. Hydrostatic drive with electronic control offers two speed ranges, two terrain gear reductions and foot and hand drive modes. When four-wheel steering is active, the front and rear wheels run exactly in the same line, ensuring tension-free traction on more difficult terrain. Front, rear, four wheel and crab steering as well as offset four-wheel steering can easily be switched at the push of a button. The system is completed by the electro-hydraulic spring brake with an auto hold function which allows smooth and judder-free setting off on slopes.

The 75hp Perkins common rail diesel engine delivers 300Nm torque and the newly designed all-terrain chassis delivers four wheel drive, a four wheel steering system and five steering modes. The new H75 also offers powerful working front and rear hydraulics with 1500kg lifting force and standard weight compensation and the high efficiency of the electro-hydraulic power shift PTO provides power precisely when needed.

Operator comfort is catered for with a newly designed cab which has been completely decoupled from other vehicle components. This results in a major reduction in noise level and significantly lowered vibrations. The ergonomic armrest with it’s central controls forms the basis for easy operation of the new Metrac H75. It is attached to the driver’s seat, allowing fatigue-free working on any terrain, without interference from vibrations or slopes. The multi-function joystick combines all functions for driving and for controlling attachments The focus here was on logical and intuitive operation.” For more information visit www.slopemower.co.uk

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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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Kubota tractor supports the air ambulance

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Kubota tractor supports the air ambulance: A new Kubota L1-452 HST tractor has joined the armoury at the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

A charity that relies on generous donations from the public, Wiltshire Air Ambulance has been supported by local Kubota dealer Howard & Sons, who have gifted the brand-new Kubota tractor for the next two years.

Kubota tractor supports the air ambulance

Kubota tractor supports the air ambulance

The 45hp tractor, which is powered by the latest Kubota Stage V emissions legislation-compliant engine, will be used to transport the fuel bowser around the base for refuelling the helicopter.

It will also aid the upkeep of the charity’s land, with a 1.5m cut Kubota FA 1500 finishing mower used to cut the large final approach and take-off (FATO) area and the option for a snow plough in wintry conditions. The tractor’s hydrostatic transmission makes for ease of operation, while its 1750kg rear linkage lift capacity can be matched to a wide range of implements.

Devizes-based Howard & Sons is a family company which has been involved in the agricultural industry for three generations.

The business sells farm machinery and tractors across the UK and exports worldwide. Howard & Sons have been preferred Kubota suppliers for the past three years.

Sales Manager Jason Howard said: “Wiltshire is an extremely rural area and we know the air ambulance is regularly called out to incidents on remote farm land and involving machinery.

“We wanted to play our small part and, having spoken to the staff at the airbase, it was felt this new Kubota tractor will be important for their work.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance ground base manager Richard Miller said: “We can’t thank Howard & Sons enough for their support with the gifting of this tractor, as well as taking care of its servicing and insurance.

“It will be a huge help to our team as we look to carry out our lifesaving service up to 19 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Each year it costs £4 million a year to keep the air ambulance flying and the charity receives no regular direct funding from the Government or National Lottery grants.

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