Tag Archive for: Tool

Free Sustainability Assessment Tool from GroundsFest Academy

/in , /by

Free Sustainability Assessment Tool from GroundsFest Academy: The GroundsFest Academy, in collaboration with John Moverley OBE, has launched a free online sustainability assessment tool designed to help organisations evaluate and strengthen their sustainable practices.

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a core requirement across the industry, yet many organisations are still uncertain about what practical steps they should be taking. The new tool has been developed to help address this challenge by providing a straightforward first step for businesses and organisations to generally assess where they currently stand.

Free Sustainability Assessment Tool from GroundsFest Academy

Free Sustainability Assessment Tool from GroundsFest Academy

Through a series of simple questions, the online tool enables users to assess how well their organisation is performing, identify what more could be achieved with existing resources, and discover the skills and information already available to them. It also helps highlight areas where further improvements might be made.

Developed by GroundsFest Academy with input and advice from John Moverley, the initiative brings together practical industry knowledge with a clear focus on supporting organisations at every stage of their sustainability journey.

John is widely recognised as one of the amenity industry’s most respected voices and brings a breadth of experience across all areas of the sector. An elected Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies, he also holds honorary Fellowships from both the University of Central Lancashire and Myerscough College.

Commenting on the new initiative John said:

“It is important that organisations of any size or type demonstrate sustainable practice and, increasingly, it is being seen as a requirement in many aspects of activity. However, particularly at practitioner level, there remains some uncertainty about what steps to take.

Also, many are undertaking sustainable practice to varying degrees but may not always be aware of this. This online tool seeks to help organisations make an initial assessment of how well they are doing already and seeks to create a starting point both for them to assess what more can be done and the skills and information available to them. I am delighted to support this initiative led by the GroundsFest team.”

The tool can also highlight where further support may be beneficial, including opportunities for a more detailed sustainability audit, training, or one-to-one discussions with specialist consultants.

Chris Bennett, Marketing Director for GroundsFest, said:

“Sustainability is one of the biggest priorities for the industry and for many organisations it can be difficult to know where to begin. This tool provides a simple but effective way for organisations of all sizes to take a step back and assess what they are already doing and where there may be opportunities to improve. We’re also delighted to be working with John Moverley on this initiative. His knowledge, experience and standing within the industry bring enormous value to the project.”

The free sustainability assessment tool is now available at www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFestAcademy for much more news, reviews and insightful views

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Amp up your tool kit with a free Makita XGT 40V battery

/in , /by

Amp up your tool kit with a free Makita XGT 40V battery: Leading power tool and outdoor power equipment manufacturer Makita UK has launched a new ‘Professional Cordless Garden Machinery’ redemption promotion, where end users can claim a free XGT 4.0Ah high-capacity ‘Tabless Technology’ battery (BL4040F) with the purchase of qualifying XGT and Connect-X outdoor power equipment.

To qualify for the free XGT 4.0Ah BL4040F battery, end users must purchase any of the selected Makita models from an authorised dealer between 1st March 2025 and 30th September 2025 and register the proof of purchase on Makita’s online claim form within 28 days. Once the claim has been verified, claimants will receive their free battery after 30 days.

Amp up your tool kit with a free Makita XGT 40V battery

Amp up your tool kit with a free Makita XGT 40V battery

The free battery on offer as part of Makita’s redemption scheme, is one of the company’s latest innovations in battery technology. Specifically, the BL4040F has been engineered with tabless lithium-ion cells. This design improves battery efficiency, thermal management, and overall battery performance, allowing for a much more efficient method of power delivery and making the BL4040F ideal for high demand applications such as chainsaws, breakers, and disc cutters. In fact, the BL4040F battery delivers up to 36% longer runtimes and operates 32% cooler compared to the standard 4.0Ah BL4040.

Like all Makita batteries, the tabless BL4040F features a digital communication system with the tool to protect against overload, over-discharge, and overheating, meaning performance is optimised for every task. The BL4040F also has an enhanced cooling system to ensure tools are able to maintain peak performance under heavy, continuous loads, extending the overall service life of the battery.

Kevin Brannigan (Marketing Manager) at Makita commented: “With over 100 years of engineering experience and almost fifty years since we launched our first battery powered tool, Makita is an expert in developing battery and motor technology that meets the demands of professional use. The XGT range makes even the most demanding tasks easy to complete without the constraint of a cord or fuel and includes cordless lawn mowers, blowers, hedge trimmers, split shafts, chainsaws among others – all of which are included as qualifying models in our latest redemption promotion for end users to claim this fantastic tabless battery.”

To find out more information about the promotion, eligible products, and terms and conditions, visit: www.makitauk.com/redemption

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

The Toro “must have tool”

/in , , /by

The Toro “must have tool”: The latest club to invest in a Toro ProCore 648 aerator is Royal Aberdeen Golf Club with Course Manager Richard Johnstone declaring it a must have tool for golf aeration.

Prior to Richard’s arrival a tractor-mounted aerator was being used on the classic Scottish links course but when Richard joined the club 10 months ago it was one of the first things he looked to change.

The Toro "must have tool"

The Toro “must have tool”

Richard explains: “The Balgownie course in particular is known for having undulating greens and surrounds with steep slopes rising to tees situated high up in the dunes. The proximity of the tees and slopes are small and tight making it difficult for the tractor-mounted aerator to access everywhere we needed it to.”

Richard knew there was a solution, that it came from Toro and was called the ProCore 648. He says: “I was at Nairn Dunbar Golf Club for eight years as Course Manager prior to arriving in Aberdeen, where we’d had a ProCore 648 since 2013. It was nimble, manoeuvrable, effective, and easy to use. When you’ve had an experience like that with a piece of machinery you don’t tend to look any further. I did however have a team to persuade, so we enquired about getting a demo model in to ensure it was right for our particular site.

“Everyone on the team got to trial the aerator and evaluate it on a feedback sheet, and it scored very highly. The conclusion was that it was the best pedestrian aerator for our site.”

This probably isn’t too surprising for many to read. The Toro ProCore 648 is, after all, the market-leading, customer-favourite aerator that, no matter your brand preference, there’s no denying is the best in the business. A statement Richard readily agreed with: “Absolutely, it does what it’s supposed to do well.”

The ProCore arrives in time to assist in some course construction, as Richard explains: “We’re hollow coring two hectares of greens and approaches to reduce the organic matter within the profile and the cores will be used to construct a new green and approach within our practice ground. This will provide consistency and a perfect match for the type of grasses maintained across the greens within our site.”

When asked if there was anything else in terms of machine highlights, Richard didn’t hesitate in explaining just how satisfying it is to use: “It’s fast and neat whatever kind of aeration it is doing. We do a variety of solid, pencil, and hollow tine in the main and whichever you’re doing you can use it all day without feeling it. The vibrations are negligible.”

To find out more about the aerator which sets the gold standard for greens aeration, visit Reesink Turfcare at reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Milwaukee Tool at SALTEX

/in , /by

Milwaukee Tool at SALTEX: Milwaukee Tool UK has announced that it will be exhibiting at this year’s SALTEX, where it will be showcasing its latest innovations in battery-powered and cordless outdoor power equipment (OPE)

At the event, Milwaukee Tool will be introducing the all-new DUAL BATTERY 50CM CHAINSAW, designed to get the job done fuss-free, along with FORGE batteries that deliver its most powerful and fastest-charging solutions in yet.

Milwaukee Tool at SALTEX

Milwaukee Tool at SALTEX

Rhys Adams, national sales manager OPE at Milwaukee Tool UK, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming professionals from across the landscaping and outdoor maintenance industry to our stand at this year’s SALTEX.

“At this year’s event, we’ll be showcasing our existing OPE product range, while giving visitors a taste of what is yet to come in 2025.”

At booth H075, Milwaukee Tool will be offering interactive demonstrations and the opportunity to get hands-on with its complete range of OPE products. This line-up includes a first look at the M18 FUEL QUIK-LOK MULTI-HEAD, M18 FUEL EDGER, the second generation of the M18 BACK PACK SPRAYER, M18 FUEL DUAL BATTERY BRUSH CUTTER, along with updates to the M18 FUEL HEDGE TRIMMER range – all of which are set to enter the market in 2025.

Rhys added: “Visitors can test the exceptional performance and durability characterising Milwaukee Tool’s products, such as our all-new DUAL BATTERY 50CM CHAINSAW as well as our complete range of rear-handled and top-handled chainsaws.”

Milwaukee Tool is dedicated to more than just OPE. Visitors to the stand will also have the opportunity to explore the company’s comprehensive range of head-to-toe workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE), which showcase the company’s emphasis on safety and comfort in the workplace.

For those looking for expert advice, the Milwaukee Tool job site solutions (JSS) sales team will also be on hand to provide specialist advice tailored to their needs and arrange personalised product trials. These conversations can help business owners and professionals learn more about the best solutions specifically designed to address their unique requirements and challenges

Rhys concluded: “If you are looking for the latest trends and technologies, connecting with industry leaders or finding the best solutions to your biggest challenges, join us at stand H075 where we can help you find the right equipment for you and your business.”

To join us at SALTEX at the NEC, Birmingham between 30 – 31 October, get your free ticket here.

To discover Milwaukee Tool’s full range of outdoor power equipment and battery technology today, click here or visit https://uk.milwaukeetool.eu/.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Milwaukee Tool is just getting started

/in , /by

Milwaukee Tool is just getting started: Global manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools, accessories and hand tools for professional users worldwide, Milwaukee Tool, has expanded its range of outdoor power equipment (OPE) to help provide industry professionals with a one-stop shop of the tools they need to complete the job at hand.

First launched in 2017, Milwaukee Tool’s OPE range has grown to feature more than 60 tools and cordless solutions, and the manufacturer is continuing to develop equipment to meet the demands of its customers, with the latest releases including updates to its range of lawn mowers, blowers, pole saws, hedge trimmers and more.

Milwaukee Tool is just getting started

Milwaukee Tool is just getting started

Rhys Adams, national sales manager OPE commented: “Thanks to our extensive OPE range, professionals have access to a singular battery platform with the right tools to ensure they can get the job done with ease and efficiency. To further support our customers, we’ve invested heavily in the development of our leading battery powered equipment, ensuring the needs of the end user are put first, each and every time.”

Among the products launching this year is the M18 FUEL DUAL BATTERY SELF PROPELLED LAWN MOWER with a 46cm (M18 F2LM46) steel deck and blade design. Following the successful launch of its flagship 53cm (M18 F2LM53) lawn mower in 2022, Milwaukee Tool has expanded the range to provide users with a more compact, 46cm option suitable for a range of grass types. Furthermore, the 46cm lawn mower provides gardening, landscaping and agriculture professionals with more manoeuvrability, allowing them to reach tighter spaces for a best-in-class cut.

It is joined by not one but two M18 FUEL HEDGE TRIMMER options to provide a range of solutions for professionals in the gardening, horticultural and landscaping sectors. The first features a double sharpened 45cm (M18 FHET45) blade which allows users to cut through branches up to 19mm thick. Meanwhile, the 60cm (M18 FHET60) option can tackle branches up to 20cm thick – providing a powerful yet flexible solution to achieve a cleaner cut, every time.

To help professionals reach new heights, the M18 BUSHLESS TELESCOPIC SHEAR (M18 BLTS) allows users to expand the tool from 2.1 metres up to 3 metres 2.1m up to 3m, with the power to cut through branches up to 4.4cm thick in those hard-to-reach places. The shear’s retractable branch hook not only helps users keep a compressed profile for better access but also provides a sturdy solution for pulling down tangled branches with ease.

Further expanding the range’s telescoping capabilities, Milwaukee Tool has developed the M18 FUEL TELESCOPING POLE SAW 30 CM (M18 FTPS30) to achieve precise cuts in higher tree areas. Providing users with powerful cutting performance and balance, even when extended to up to 400cm, the pole saw can achieve powerful cutting performance due to a chain speed of 25.4m/s, high torque and a 30cm cutting length for fast and effective results.

Rhys added: “We’re excited to be expanding this range in 2024, to bring even more solutions to tackle the challenges our customers are facing at work every day. With these new releases, landscaping, horticultural and agricultural professionals can utilise their existing Milwaukee Tool battery platforms to guarantee that the same level of power and performance is achieved across their complete tool set.”

More products are set to join the range later this year including a DUAL BATTERY BACKPACK BLOWER and a third-generation release of its M18 FUEL BLOWER, as well as a variety of new attachments for Milwaukee Tool’s M18 FUEL OUTDOOR POWER HEAD WITH QUIK-LOK.

To find out more about these products, or to discover the full range of outdoor power equipment available from Milwaukee Tools click here or visit https://uk.milwaukeetool.eu/.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.