Tag Archive for: Tools

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 tools create new gardens

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Makita tools create new gardens: Landscape and garden specialist, Landform Consultants has used a wide range of Makita tools on the creation of three new gardens at RHS Garden Wisley, which surround the new state-of-the-art RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science, the UK’s first dedicated horticultural scientific centre of excellence.

The new Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) facility, RHS Hilltop, is the UK’s first scientific centre of excellence dedicated to horticulture. The three gardens, which form an integral part of the new centre, have been developed by leading and award winning garden designers Matt Keightley and Ann-Marie Powell.

Makita tools create new gardens

Makita tools create new gardens

The ‘Wellbeing Garden’ designed by Matt Keightley was the first to be built. It consists of a series of garden rooms that showcase the role of gardens in health and wellbeing including how they can provide physical and psychological therapy as well as natural healthcare. This area also aims to inform young people about the importance of plants in health.

The Wildlife Garden, designed by Ann-Marie Powell, demonstrates the link between gardens and nature in the British Isles and highlights the importance of plant diversity in supporting wildlife, especially declining species. Also designed by Ann-Marie, the World Food Garden aims to provide a ‘plot to plate’ experience for visitors. Adding a contemporary and innovative angle to a traditional kitchen garden, it aims to inspire and educate with features such as an outdoor demonstration kitchen and ‘edible maze’.

Mark Gregory, Managing Director at Landform Consultants, who began his career at RHS Garden Wisley, explained: “This multi-million pound project spans all the disciplines we offer as a business and encompasses a wide range of different elements. The task of bringing these inspirational garden concepts to life required everything from preparing the nearly four acre site to creating paths, ponds, walkways and seating in addition to the extensive planting and landscaping.

“Having the right tools for the job was essential and the Makita range of both mains-powered and cordless machines provided exactly what we needed. On this highly demanding project we have used everything from drills, impact wrenches and impact drivers to breakers, angle grinders, masonry cutters, wood saws and multi-tools.”

By removing the need for cables, cordless tools offer improved safety by eliminating a potential trip and snagging hazard. Cordless power also provides greater flexibility and freedom for users – something that was important on this project. To minimise disruption to the team on site and help boost productivity, Landform Consultants utilised Makita’s PDC01 Pack Battery power units. The pack, which can be free-standing or backpack-mounted, contains four Makita 18V LXT batteries to provide two to four times longer runtimes for cordless tools. The batteries in the pack can also be changed quickly when the charge levels are low to further minimise lost time.

Mark Gregory added: “One of the big advantages of Makita cordless machines is the ability to use the same 18V batteries across a wide variety of tools and other cordless products. This includes the Twin 18V machines that offer 36v power for the tasks that need it.”

All Makita cordless power tools are driven by one of three battery platforms: the 12VMax CXT, 18V LXT or 40VMax XGT. The LXT batteries can be used on more than 270 different products, which includes lights and job-site radios as well as power tools and garden machinery.

“Having worked at RHS Garden Wisley at the start of my career I understand its horticultural and educational importance, especially with the creation of the new research and learning facilities.” Mark commented. “It has been a privilege to have worked on such a high profile and prestigious project as this. The Makita tools, as well as the support from the Makita team, have really contributed to our success on this project.”

Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for Outdoor Power Equipment at Makita said: “We have worked with Mark and the Landform team for many years now and we are always keen to help them find the right tools for any job. The RHS Garden Wisley project truly demonstrates the strength and versatility of cordless technology. I’m proud to say our tools played a part in creating these remarkable gardens.”

To find out more about the Makita range of power tools, garden machinery and accessories visit www.makitauk.com.

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Makita’s new XGT tools

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Makita’s new XGT tools: Makita has expanded its high-performance 40VMax XGT range with the launch of nine new tools, including the company’s first twin 40VMax (80VMax) machines. The new additions include both construction tools and garden maintenance machinery, and all feature Makita’s high efficiency brushless motors.

Demolition Hammers

The new 40VMax x2 (80VMax) XGT Brushless Rotary Demolition Hammer (HR006GZ) features variable speed control and two operating modes – rotary hammer and hammer only. It has a rotary speed of 150 to 310 rpm and delivers 1,100 to 2,250 blows per minute (bpm). It is compatible with SDS-MAX chisels, drill bits up to 52mm and core bits up to 160mm. For user safety the HR006GZ includes a torque limiter and Makita’s Active Feedback sensing Technology (AFT), which shuts down the tool if the rotation speed suddenly slows.

Makita's new XGT tools

Makita’s new XGT tools

The 40VMax x2 (80VMax) XGT Brushless Demolition Hammer (HM002GZ03) features a compact design, variable speed control and a slide lever for trigger lock-on or lock-off. It provides 950 to 1,900 bpm and an impressive impact energy per stroke of 20.9 Joules (J). Also added to the range is the lighter class HM001G 40VMax Brushless Demolition Hammer XGT, which offers the same features with a 2,650 bpm and a 9.4 J impact energy per stroke.

All three feature a soft-no-load function and Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT), to reduce the levels of tool vibration and therefore extend safe trigger times, as well as Makita’s innovative Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) functionality. The AWS allows the tool to connect to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth when fitted with an AWS chip, so the extractor can run automatically while the tool is in use, meaning simple dust management for a cleaner and healthier environment.

Combi Drill, Brad Nailer and Circular Saws

Makita has also launched a Brushless Combi Drill, Brushless Brad Nailer and two Brushless Circular saws all of which utilise the powerful 40VMax XGT battery system.

The versatile HP002GZ 40VMax XGT Brushless Combi Drill has a mechanical 2-speed control (high and low), a variable speed trigger and 21 torque settings for full user control. The new 40VMax XGT Brushless Brad Nailer 18Ga (FN001G) has a slim nose for improved access when fixing in restricted areas, ergonomic design and will drive up to 5000 nails on a single 2.5Ah battery charge.

In addition, the new RS001GZ and RS002GZ are 40VMax Brushless Circular Saws with 185mm and 260mm blades respectively. Both offer a comparable performance to the equivalent corded tool and the rear handle design makes them ideal for ripping down sheet materials. The 185mm RS001GZ offers a maximum cutting depth of 65mm and a 53-degree max bevel, while the 260mm RS002GZ delivers an impressive 95mm cutting depth and 56-degree bevel.

Outdoor Power Equipment

As the first XGT products launched in the garden maintenance category, Makita has also introduced the UR003GZ 40VMax XGT Brushless Linetrimmer and UX01G 40VMax XGT Brushless Split-Shaft. The IPX4 weather resistant linetrimmer has three speed settings, High, Medium and Low, and features Automatic Torque Drive Technology, which changes the cutting speed according to the load condition. The similarly weather resistant, UX01G Split-Shaft Multi-tool offers flexibility and versatility with a range of compatible attachments available to cover a wide variety of grounds maintenance applications. Both machines feature Makita’s AFT technology to protect the tool from damage if the speed slows, as well as a reverse switch for easy removal of trapped grass or debris.

Each of the new additions to the XGT range offers leading performance and run-times due to advances in battery technology and Makita’s innovative brushless motors that minimise friction and wasted energy within the machine.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “We are delighted to launch the new additions to the XGT range, including the first of our 80VMax XGT line up. These new high performance tools provide customers with even greater choice in utilising cordless power. With Makita’s expertise in battery technology, users are now offered the performance levels and productivity of specialist corded tools but with all the safety and flexibility that cordless offers.”

To find out more about Makita’s range of high performance XGT tools visit: www.makitauk.com.

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ECHO tools up with accessories

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ECHO tools up with accessories: ECHO Tools UK has introduced a new catalogue of its comprehensive accessory and PPE ranges. Safety is always paramount when using power equipment and a good place to start is with protective clothing.

Professional safety gear is essential for protection and comfort whilst working and ECHO offers two series: Performance Series and Pro-Tech Series. Both have been designed for the professional market and as such are also suitable for domestic users. Performance offers two styles of chainsaw trouser, both featuring six layers of blocking material for protection against accidental chainsaw contact. The chainsaw flex trousers have Polyamide and elastane for high flexibility and comfort, with Pezaflex aqua waterproof reinforcement for weather protection. High visibility with reflective elements is common to the chainsaw and brushcutter trousers in the Pro-Tech Series while being lightweight yet highly protective in extreme weather conditions. Heavy-duty gloves, chainsaw gloves, a multi-purpose helmet, protective sleeves and braces complete the PPE line-up.

ECHO tools up with accessories

ECHO tools up with accessories

The ECHO range of accessories and consumables include oils and grease, batteries and chargers, harnesses, trimmer line, hedge trimmer tip guards, the Rotary Scissor Head and YOUCAN kits. ECHO batteries are specifically designed for ECHO electric power tools. Including both 2Ah and 4Ah variants, they fit the 50V or 58V Lithium-ion ranges and are interchangeable between selected tools in the range.  The chargers and rapid chargers ensure batteries are topped up for maximum productivity. The Rotary Scissor Head is a brushcutter attachment which features two contra-rotating blades for safer, more precise cutting. ECHO trimmer lines are made for high durability and performance, being manufactured with copolymer resins and outstanding extrusion techniques. There are four ranges to suit all professional and consumer needs. There is also a range of versatile metal blades.

Among the ECHO consumables are own-brand chain oils, two-stroke oils and grease for optimum lubrication and long-lasting protection. A sharp chain makes all the difference in cutting speed, productivity, comfort and safety. ECHO chainsaw files are high quality and help reduce servicing costs by maintaining a well-sharpened saw. There is also a complete range of guide bars and chains.

By staying on top of recommended maintenance schedules, users not only prolong the life of their ECHO equipment, they also save time and money by reducing the possibility of large-scale repairs. YOUCAN is ECHO’s maintenance kit for tuning up a selection of chainsaws, brushcutters, hedge trimmers and power blowers. It comprises air filter, fuel filter and spark plug to keep tools ship-shape, with genuine ECHO replacement parts. ECHO batteries have a 2-year warranty, the Rotary Scissor Head has a 1-year domestic guarantee and 180-day professional warranty and ECHO clothing comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee. You can find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer. You can also visit https://www.echo-tools.co.uk/product-category/accessories/ or call 01844 278800 for more information.

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Greenkeeping tools taken

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Greenkeeping tools taken: If you were in the Callan area earlier this week & noticed suspicious activity then gardai want to hear from you.

Read the full article from KCLR here

Greenkeeping tools taken

Greenkeeping tools taken

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