Pro Landscaper Equipment Supplement May 2023

EQUIPMENT SUPPLEMENT

DLM432CT2, DLM432PG2, DLM460PT4, DLM460PG2, DLM462PT4, DLM462PG2, DLM480CT2, DLM481CT2, DLM530PT4, DLM530PG2, DLM532PT4, DLM532PG2, DLM533PT4, DLM533PG2, DLM538CT2, DLM539CT2, DUA301PG2, DUA301PT2, DUB362PG2, DUB362PT2,

WELCOME

We’ve all likely felt the impact of shortages caused by the pandemic, and equipment manufacturers are no different. Longer lead times put the pressure on those in need of kit, and secondhand machinery saw a spike in demand. Unfortunately, that’s not the only thing that surged. Just two months into the first lockdown, the Construction Equipment Association reported that construction site crime had soared by 50% since lockdown began. Is purchasing equipment even worth the hassle? Find out more about this on page 5.

We’re also seeing the first signs of summer being on its way, with the sun hanging around for longer into the evenings. If we experience a heatwave similar to last year, it is vital that teams working outdoors are kept safe and hydrated. Are you ensuring your employees are protected from the sun when on site? Take a look at Maylim’s top tips for working outdoors in the heat on page 12.

As has come to be expected in Pro Landscaper’s annual equipment supplement, you can also find the latest kit on offer, from battery powered kit – which continues to see remarkable innovations – to PPE, turn tables, trailers, stone cutting tools and the latest from Ego. Enjoy!

TWO

INTO THE FIRST LOCKDOWN, THE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION REPORTED THAT CONSTRUCTION SITE CRIME HAD SOARED BY 50% SINCE LOCKDOWN BEGAN

IT’S A STEAL

DOES CONTINUING TOOL THEFT MAKE PURCHASING KIT A LESS ATTRACTIVE OPTION?

Tool theft is rampant. When we put out a request recently for people to get in touch who had experienced it, one follower commented that it would be “harder to find a company that has not been a victim of tool theft”. Another added that those who had found good solutions to prevent it would be unlikely

“to broadcast it in public for fear of giving away how it’s done.”

More than a third of van drivers fell victim to tool theft in the last 12 months – up from a quarter the year before, according to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VCV) published in September. With the average value of equipment stored in a van at £2,500, VCV puts the cost of replacing tools at £4.4bn in total every year. On top of that, it says victims are losing out on six days of work on average, costing UK businesses £5.2bn each year. Scotland, the North West and the North East recorded huge surges in theft in the past year. London, perhaps surprisingly, reported a reduction – though still remains a “theft hot spot”, says VCV. A study by Herts Tools found that nearly £17.5m worth of tools were stolen in the capital in 2020.

“Tool theft continues to be a huge problem and it’s worrying to see the problem spreading across the country. We’re shocked to see that cases have risen so much in the past year, as we know the impact on businesses and workers is massive,” says David Hanna, head of direct sales at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

“Hopefully, these findings will prompt those with expensive equipment to take extra precautions, whether that’s additional security features on their vans,

avoiding parking in secluded, poorly-lit areas, or taking an extra 15 minutes at the end of the day to unload their vans.”

It’s not just van theft; more than a fifth (21%) of construction companies claimed their sites are robbed on a weekly basis in a survey by the Chartered Institute of Building.

To avoid losing their own hard-earned equipment, hiring kit might seem a more attractive option. At least, that’s what ATM is likely hoping for with its new offering. The landscape contractor – which offers a range of services including vegetation management and ecology – launched a new machinery rental business based out of its head office in Yorkshire at the start of the year. Commercial users will be able to hire ATM’s “top-of-therange fleet” of plant and machinery, such as woodchippers, excavators, clearance machines and skid steers.

“As part of ATM’s ongoing growth, ATM Hire will complement our existing business streams and utilise our machines when not being used, servicing our ongoing contracts; this in turn will assist with further additions/fleet expansion as we continue to provide the most efficient and up to date machines possible to our clients and now

THERE IS SO MUCH THEFT GOING ON THESE DAYS FROM LANDSCAPERS TO GROUND WORKERS THAT IF YOU LET IT PUT YOU OFF, YOU’D NEVER BUY ANYTHING STUART ASHWORTH, ASHWORTH LANDSCAPES

our customers via ATM Hire,” explains Darren Andrew, national fleet and depots manager.

Tool theft isn’t enough to put off Ashworth Landscapes’ managing director Stuart Ashworth from investing in plant and machinery, though. “There is so much theft going on these days from landscapers to ground workers that if you let it put you off, you’d never buy anything,” he says.

Fortunately, Ashworth has invested in a bigger yard which is large and secure enough to be able to store equipment and machinery when it isn’t being kept on site. This, combined with a growing order book and a desire to take the load off his workers to carry out projects more efficiently, led to Ashworth purchasing two diggers and an Avant 755.

“Work was picking up, and the gardens we’re building now – high-end designed gardens – require a lot of heavy materials. The Avant helps out the team on site so they can move materials faster and not become so tired.”

Ashworth calls the Avant “the best machine a landscaper could own” because of the sheer number of attachments available. He purchased the large bucket and the pallet forks but says he can easily hire other attachments locally and will purchase other attachments as and when needed.

He adds that hire charges seemed to have increased too. “It was cheaper to borrow money and far more beneficial in the long run to take the leap and buy them at the start of last year. Per month, the diggers cost what I would pay to hire them for just one week, so it’s about four times cheaper to have bought them.”

Ashworth admits, though, that he probably wouldn’t make the same decision now as purchase prices have also increased. He bought “at the right time”, as did Radial Landscapes’ Will Burberry, who says purchasing has been easier over the last year thanks to a government initiative.

A 130% ‘super-deduction’ in tax for the investment in new and unused plant and machinery was available through to the end of March this year. Introduced in the Spring Budget in 2021, the initiative enabled companies to be able to obtain an extra 30% tax deduction from profits for each item purchased.

Now, Radial Landscapes owns most of its kit, but continues to hire diggers and dumpers when required. “Every job is so different that if I was going to buy these, I’d have to buy two or three in different sizes,” explains Burberry, who adds that he would only buy these if he had more teams and multiple jobs running at the same time, which is not the aim of the company.

Like Ashworth, Burberry does own an Avant to make it easier to move heavy materials such as paving. “The re-sale value of an Avant is quite high; there are no secondhand ones on the market, so they hold a lot of their value, and they’re expensive to hire. I charge it back to the customer as a ‘pre-lim’ so that it’s making the money back every week that it’s on the job.”

Burberry was told about the “incentive” by his accountant, who learned that Radial had purchased a secondhand track barrow – one of the first larger items of kit the company had purchased. From that point on, he decided to buy new over secondhand, at least until March this year. There are benefits when purchasing equipment brand new, such as maintenance deals and warranties, says Burberry. They also look “more professional and cleaner” to clients.

He is somewhat paranoid about theft, though. The risk is lower when you hire, says Burberry, and there are other risks when taking out loans to purchase kit as a small business when the managing director is carrying out work on site themselves.

“If I broke my leg and couldn’t work for a few months, I wouldn’t have to worry about thousands of pounds of outgoings a month if I put everything on finance. At least with hired kit you can hand it back and you’re then not paying a penny for it or paying to maintain it. I try to keep my monthly outgoings as low as possible.”

Burberry advises those purchasing expensive plant and machinery to spend a little extra in order to prevent theft. “If you’re going to spend £20K on a machine, you may as well spend an extra £1k on an immobiliser system.” Taking precautions cannot guarantee that equipment will not be stolen, of course, but theft is seemingly not the deciding factor for whether to buy or hire; that comes down to necessity and weighing up the monthly costs to the business.

AT LEAST WITH HIRED KIT YOU CAN HAND IT BACK AND YOU’RE THEN NOT PAYING A PENNY FOR IT OR PAYING TO MAINTAIN IT. I TRY TO KEEP MY MONTHLY OUTGOINGS AS LOW AS POSSIBLE WILL BURBERRY, RADIAL LANDSCAPES

HOW IT WORKS

BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP

GROUNDTECH DETAILS THE RANGE OF ROBOTIC MOWING SOLUTIONS IT OFFERS FOR A RANGE OF SITES

The seeds of the GroundTech business were first sown over 20 years ago, when we first branched into the grounds maintenance industry, and could see first-hand the labour and manual work that went into the management of lawns, turfs, pitches, and landscapes.

SAVE 50% OF TIME AND MONEY WITH A ROBOTIC MOWER

From this, and as a result of the countless hours spent mowing, trimming, pruning and perfecting, we recognised a need for innovation in the outdoor management industry.

Lucky for us, the increasing need for innovation came at a time when technology was on the rise, with every day seeming to bring another product and another techenhanced solution to the market.

GRASS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT –MINUTE CLIPPINGS ARE RECYCLED BACK INTO THE GRASS OFFERING AN ORGANIC AND 100% NATURAL FERTILISER WITH NO NEED FOR ADDED CHEMICALS AND NO WASTE REMOVAL REQUIREMENT

Which is when we came across the concept of robotics, specifically the models which streamline outdoor work and make expansive grounds management not only easier, but effortless. As a family-owned and operated business, we pride ourselves in the time and experience that has got us to where we are today. Our business expertise blends in with our personal values every day, with every member of the team offering professional and hands-on support to every client we partner with.

WHO WE WORK WITH

• Sports clubs

• Schools, colleges and universities

• Airports

• Hospitality

• Football pitches

• Public sector

• Domestic

• Contractors

OPTIMISED LABOUR, LEAVING TEAM FREE TO FOCUS ON OTHER TASKS

We believe that the best solutions are grown from the seeds of experience, energy, and enthusiasm – and that the world of robotics is only just starting to blossom.

Step One: Initial Consultation

Step one involves an initial consultation with a member of our expert team, during which we will work to identify your needs and how our solutions can help to maximise the efficiency of your outdoor team. This consultation comes with no obligations and allows you to understand how our products work and, crucially, how they could work for you.

Step Two: Meet Your New Recruit

If you decide to go ahead with a Ground Tech solution, step two is the exciting bit. Following a meeting with one of our experts, during which you will get the chance to learn more about our different models and products, you will be invited to select the robotic recruit best suited to your grounds and what you need to achieve. Our experts will also make sure to run through all the relevant features so that you can leave 100% confident in the product you’ve chosen and how it works.

Step Three: The Probation Period

The probation period is, as with any new recruit, open for three months. In this three-month period, Ground Tech will install your selected automated solutions* and keep in touch to monitor how you are managing. This is a great time to ask more questions and get to know the features and benefits of your chosen robot – before committing indefinitely. *For an agreed set-up fee.

Step Four: You’re Ready to Go!

The final step is to enjoy a more efficient, productive, and reliable approach to outdoor grounds management, with your chosen automated solution.

1 2 3 4 5

Step Five: Ongoing Maintenance

We offer an ongoing maintenance service to ensure maximum efficiency. Our trained technicians will visit site on a six-weekly basis to check the robot health, carry out vital cleaning and blade changes where required. Regular maintenance of the robot will prolong the life, help the cutting capacity and avoid future spend.

OPTIMUM

PORTAL

PARCMOW CONNECTED BIGMOW CONNECTED

• Mowing capacity;

• Standard model: 24,000m2

• GPS RTK model: 75,000m2

• Cutting method: 5 floating heads

• Average power consumption: 830kWh per year

• Electricity costs: Approximately £130/year

• Slope: Gradient of 30% (or 45% with kit)

• Safety: 5 Sonars

• Mowing capacity;

• Standard model: 12,000m2

• GPS RTK model: 45,000m2

• Cutting method: 3 floating heads

• Average power consumption: 830kWh per year

• Electricity costs: Approximately £86/year

• Slope: Gradient of 35%

• Safety: 5 Sonars

Our client Sigma Trust is a partnership of schools located in Essex. In June 2022, we installed two robotic mowers, replacing our traditional method of maintaining their sports pitch.

We carried out the initial install of the robots and charging points in one day alongside training for the Trust’s facilities manager. Training consisted of plotting the cut boundaries and basic control panel use.

SIGMA TRUST, ESSEX

• Using two robots negates the need for a tractor to drive to site fortnightly for the cut, eliminating annually approximately 150 hours of a diesel tractor burning fossil fuels.

• A magnetic strip along the bottom of the mower serves as a litter collecting device alongside a safety feature. If one of the blades were to fall off, the magnetic strip would pick this up.

• The robots do not create any noise pollution for neighbouring properties.

Due to time constraints from the school, cutting time for the 45,000m2 field is restricted between the hours of 6pm and 6.30am with both mowers being used autonomously. The mowers are programmed to return to the charging stations once the cut time is completed, remaining there until the following day's cut time begins. Cutting automatically resumes where finished the previous morning. By using the two mowers in this manner the total cut time for the field is 24 hours.

The robots installed are guided by on board GPS – RTK (real-time kinematic) assisted navigation meaning they work systematically, avoiding overlapping trajectories resulting in larger areas cut in less time and less wear and tear on the components.

During the initial install the permitter and boundaries were configured and recorded on the app. This can be adjusted remotely along with the cutting height, mowing times, return points

• Live updates

• Detailed activity history

• Notifications and alarms

• Status of robot

• Monitor battery levels

• Set and change cutting schedule and height

PORTAL CASE STUDY

and the fleet management system allowing us to view the performance of the mowers.

Nick Goodwin, site manager for Harwich and Dovercourt High School, says: “The quality of the cut and no arisings being left on the field at any time has led to positive feedback from all users of our main field. Any maintenance on the machines has been carried out efficiently. Very impressive all round and we are looking to secure funding to roll these out across the trust.”

REMOTELY C ONTROLLED VIA AN APP AND WITH ANTI-THEFT SOLUTION AND GEOFENCING ALERT

“We are delighted with the use of the robotic mowers on our pitches,” says Phil Burtsal, Sigma assistant trust estates manager. “The grass has dramatically improved since the installation; with the cut consistency greatly benefiting students and teaching staff with no disruptions or down time like we saw with traditional grass cutting methods. The support given by the team at GroundTech has been invaluable, from the basic training, boundary set up and the ongoing reports generated. We look forward to moving forward together.”

PRECISION AND CUT REGARDLESS OF LUMPS AND BUMPS IN AND ACROSS THE GROUNDS

TOP TIPS MAYLIM’S TOP TIPS FOR SUMMER WORKING: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WORKFORCE OUTDOORS

Take breaks

Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to various health issues, including skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. To help protect yourself and your teammates in the summer, Maylim’s head of HSEQ, Michelle Rice, has compiled a list of top tips for working outside in the summer months.

1 2

Keep covered up

Wear your standard PPE to keep covered up, and select the right equipment based on your working conditions. This may include safety (sun)glasses and a neck hi-vis cape.

Wear UV-blocking safety glasses

Avoid staring directly at the sun and wear UV-blocking glasses to reduce the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and cancer.

Take regular breaks from your work and go inside and look for a shady spot. Taking time to rest before heading back into the sun is essential when working for extended periods in hot weather.

Stay hydrated

Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. Installing additional water stations across your sites is a great way to remind your teams to stay hydrated. Maylim provides reusable water bottles on-site to help keep colleagues hydrated throughout the day.

3 4 5

Check your skin regularly

Check your skin for unusual moles or spots, paying attention to any changes in shape, size, colour, itching or bleeding. If any changes are detected, you should book an appointment with your GP to check it.

SPOT THE SIGNS: HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body experiences a loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. It is important to recognise the symptoms of heat exhaustion in order to take appropriate action to prevent it from progressing to heat stroke, a potentially lifethreatening condition.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

• Headache

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Weakness

• Irritability

• Thirst

• Heavy sweating

• Elevated body temperature

• Decreased urine output

6 7

Apply sunscreen

Make sure you use a minimum of SPF30 sunscreen, applying it to all exposed skin and reapplying it liberally and frequently according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sunscreen should be applied throughout the day if working in the sun for an extended period of time. Introduce sunscreen stations on-site during periods of hot weather!

Drivers!

If you work in a tower crane, are a plant operator, or travel to and from work in a car, don’t forget that UV rays can penetrate glass. If you have a long drive home at the end of your shift, take a break, as an increased temperature can lead to feeling drowsy!

Excessive exposure to sunlight can have damaging effects on your skin, leading to issues such as sunburn, blistering, premature skin ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of cancer in the UK. Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s rays can still reach your skin, so taking precautions to protect yourself is crucial. UV rays in the sunlight are the primary cause of skin damage, so it is recommended to check the UV index daily and take the appropriate measures to protect yourself and your colleagues.

If you, or someone you are working with, experiences any of these symptoms, move to a cool or shaded area and drink fluids such as water or a sports drink that contains electrolytes. A cold compress will also help to lower the body temperature. If the symptoms do not improve or worsen, seek medical attention immediately.

ABOUT MICHELLE RICE

Michelle is a health and safety professional with over 12 years of experience in the industry. She joined the Maylim team in December 2022 as head of HSEQ and has since been spearheading innovative solutions and initiatives. She has a unique approach to health and safety, which focuses on unifying and consolidating the organisation and its projects to work as an efficient collective. maylim.co.uk

SUN EXPOSURE: THE PROBLEM

LATEST KIT

TURN TABLES & TRAILERS

MAKE MOVING ITEMS EASY WITH A VARIETY OF OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM

SCH SUPPLIES LTD

FOUR-WHEELED TURN TABLE TROLLEY (FBT2)

A four-wheeled turn table trolley which is ideal for gardeners and landscapers. The handle allows the trolley to be pulled by hand or towed by a vehicle.

• Carrying capacity of up to 500kgs (10cwt)

• Runs on four 400 x 8 pneumatic wheels complete with bearings

FORESTEEL

The versatile FT-1600 Leaf Trailer is designed to maximise efficiency for professional landscapers and property managers, offering a spacious load capacity, compact maneuverability, and powerful leaf shredding capabilities.

• Heavy-duty frame and reinforced vacuum construction

• Versatile design – modular tipper and leaf trailer in one

• Compact and easily maneuverable with minimal landscape impact

• Powerful suction for efficient, fast leaf and debris collection

• Shredder blades – 10x smaller leaves, boosted capacity. foresteel.eu

GREENTEK

LOW LOADING TRAILER

Versatile trailer system for all types of groundcare equipment with a drop-down tailgate for easy loading. Rubber mats, sliding dividers and mower clamps are available for extra security during transportation.

• Superior fully welded construction

• Hot dip galvanized for maximum durability

• Drive-in tailgate ramp suitable for all kinds of small machinery

• Standard trailer: 152x99x43cm with 400kg load capacity

• Super low trailer: 200x122x43cm with 600kg load capacity. greentek.uk.com

DEBON TRAILERS

The Debon PW3.6 is an electric three-way tipper trailer with twin axles and a maximum gross weight of 3500kg and 2700kg payload.

• Hot-dipped galvanized chassis with aluminium sides

• 350mm removable aluminium drop sides

DEBON PW3.6

FT-1600 LEAF TRAILER

PULVEX LTD

PULVEX PREMIUM, DIAMOND CUTTING & BULLNOSING KIT

High performance

diamond tools for cutting, bullnosing and polishing 20mm porcelain paving, granite or slate.

• 250mm precision

premium diamond bridge saw blade

• 20mm full bullnose wet or dry use profile wheel

• 115mm fast cut, diamond blade with mesh type continuous rim

• Polishing pads, handheld and three grit size pads for grinders

• 50mm x M14 diamond chamferring bit. pulvex.co.uk

MAKITA UK

CE001GT201 – XGT 80VMAX 355MM DISC CUTTER WITH 2X 5.0AH (40VMAX) BATTERIES & TWIN PORT CHARGER

A powerful cordless solution, equivalent to traditional two-stroke alternatives. Delivers an impressive maximum output of 3,600W and a no-load speed of 5,300 rpm to offer a cutting capacity of 127mm.

• Large 355mm wheel diameter

• Low vibration mechanism – atfFront handle 2.0m/s²

• Water supply kit can be connected to the machine

• Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT) protects user and machine

• Overload indicator lamp and anti-restart function.

makitauk.com

LATEST KIT

STONE CUTTING TOOLS

TOOLS THAT COULD 'MAKE THE CUT' TO BECOME THE NEWEST MEMBER OF YOUR STONE CUTTING EQUIPMENT

RUBI

HALF AND FULL BULLNOSE GRINDER ATTACHMENTS

The RUBI half and full bullnose grinder attachments are ideal for creating the perfect bevel and round profile edge for porcelain, natural stone, and other landscaping materials up to 20mm thick.

• Suitable for porcelain and natural stone up to 20mm thick

• M14 thread connection

• Easy to use

• For use with a variable speed grinder, dry cutting only

• 6,000 to 8,000 rpm is recommended, no more than 14,000 rpm. rubi.com

HALF BULLNOSE ATTACHMENT FULL BULLNOSE ATTACHMENT

PRODUCT DNA

MAKITA 36V (18V X2) DCU604Z LXT BRUSHLESS WHEELBARROW

The 36V Brushless motor is powered by two 18V LXT Li-ion batteries in series. To extend run times, the DCU604 holds four batteries – so once the first pair has discharged, simply flick the switch to change over to the second set, to provide a travelling distance of up to 7.2km (when used with 4x BL1860B batteries), or a continuous run time run time of 100 minutes (with 4x BL1860B batteries on flat ground, loaded with 300kg at 5.0km/h).

Transport heavy loads around site easily. The combination of Makita’s motor power and battery technology means this versatile mobile device can carry loads of up to 300kg on flat ground. It is also capable of climbing up a 12° slope loaded with up to 180kg of cargo, which is ideal for easing the burden when working on steeper terrain or even unloading onto a skip.

Travelling speeds to suit the user. The machine features three forward speeds of either 1.5km/h for a gentle walking pace, or 3.5km/h, or 5.0km/h. The unit can also be reversed, and the variable speed trigger provides optimum speed control to get around as quickly and safely as possible. Constant speed control automatically applies additional power to the motor to maintain speed under load.

Specialised wheel design.

The front two drive wheels are joined by a limited slip differential to aid cornering and driving on soft, or uneven surfaces. Furthermore, the rear wheel axle is designed to tilt to enable the front driving wheels to keep stable contact with the ground, even on rough terrain. The rear wheels are lockable to help to maintain a straight path with heavy loads, or they can be unlocked to swivel 360º to allow for sharp directional changes.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Battery powered wheelbarrow

• Pipe frame, ideal for container boxes and bagged materials

• Max climbing ability up to 12° incline

• 300kg max load capacity up to 3° incline

• 180kg max load capacity on slope between 3° – 12° incline

• 7.2km travelling distance with 4x 6.0Ah batteries (sold separately)

• Variable speed up to 5.0km/h + reverse

Wet Guard / IPX4-compatible

Designed for user comfort. Not only does this workhorse take the load of carrying materials around site, but it also features tool-less handle height adjustment, so the user can easily adapt the level of the handle to the position that is most comfortable.

High water resistance. The unit is IXP4 compatible to offer maximum protection when working outdoors in all weathers and seasons. It also makes cleaning the machine safe and simple.

It’s part of Makita’s innovative LXT platform. The LXT system is the world’s largest compatible 18V slide-style battery system with over 325 solutions in the range, meaning professionals can easily switch between tasks anywhere on site simply by swapping the battery and the tool is ready to go. The range includes pole saws, chainsaws, hedge trimmers as well as tools for hard landscaping such as demolition hammers, disc cutters and nailers.

makitauk.com

Much of Ego’s product range sits in what its international trainer James McCrory calls a “grey area”. The battery brand was first founded in the US in 2012, and its tools continue to be largely driven by the US domestic market, where homeowners tend to have larger gardens and require more powerful tools. So, whilst some products are marketed for domestic use, they verge into the professional sector in the EMEA market, which Ego delved into in 2014.

This looks set to change, though. McCrory hints that the professional sector in Europe will be a key focus for the brand next year, with new launches geared towards landscapers and grounds maintenance operatives.

It already has its three ranges: Ego Power Plus for domestic users, Ego Power Professional for large gardens and professional use, and Ego Power Plus Professional X for more specialist use. The 14 new product launches for 2023 are more for the first category, but there are a few which may appeal to the professional user, all of which are distributed across the UK through the dealer network of Henton & Chattell.

Take the new backpack blower (LBP8000E), which includes a new motor for greater air speed. The product incorporates Ego’s Peak Power, where two batteries run simultaneously. Or the PS1000E pole saw, launched with commercial customers in mind. It comes with a shaft made from carbon fibre, which McCrory says is a “lighter, stronger and more flexible material” and which Ego is introducing on a growing number of its products.

So, what might draw people

EGO BOOST

EGO’S GEARING UP ITS PRODUCT RANGE FOR PROFESSIONALS

powered tools over petrol too. In 2020, it kickstarted its “call to arms” Challenge 2025 “to make battery power the principal power source”. Ego’s marketing manager Emma Gayler says that, whilst “a lot of the petrol tools have caught up” with reducing vibration, they have not been able to do so with noise.

It produced ‘The Report’, showcasing the results of surveys and insights from local authorities, kit users and emissions testing. It found leaf blowers to be “particularly concerning”. “When compared to an average car, which produces 0.5g of carbon monoxide every kilometre at 30mph, a petrol-powered leaf blower produces 21.73g over an equivalent time. And when it comes to noise, they perform just as badly, producing levels in excess of daily exposure limits,” reads the report.

towards Ego’s battery line-up?

For a start, the company – which is part of the Chervon Group – is solely focused on battery, and its innovations reflect this. Its ‘Keep Cool’ technology, for instance, transfers heat to a sleeve, which at 55°C turns a solid into a liquid, stabilising the temperature of the cells and giving extra run time.

Design, which differs from

arranged “in an optimised way” to dissipate heat more effectively and

63% of professionals use petrol tools, it adds. Of the 262 local authorities it spoke to, 89% of the tools being used to maintain their green spaces are powered by 2-stroke petrol engines, using nearly 600,000L of fuel each year – which

WHEN COMPARED TO AN AVERAGE CAR, WHICH PRODUCES 0.5G OF CARBON MONOXIDE EVERY KILOMETRE AT 30MPH, A PETROL-POWERED LEAF BLOWER PRODUCES 21.73G OVER AN EQUIVALENT TIME

PS1000E TELESCOPIC POLE SAW

PS1000E TELESCOPIC POLE SAW

LBP8000E BACKPACK BLOWER

LATEST KIT

BATTERY POWERED

SWITCHING TO BATTERY HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER WITH THE WIDE RANGE ON OFFER

MAKITA UK

LM001G 40VMAX 48CM

BRUSHLESS LAWNMOWER XGT

Cover large and dense areas without cords or petrol. With a max speed of 3,200rpm, this self-propelled machine can work continuously to cover up to 2,600m2

• 480mm cutting width, collecting, mulching, rear/side discharging

• 10 cutting height positions –from 20mm up to 100mm

• 3 cutting modes: Normal, Soft No-Load, or Noise Reduction

• IPX4 weather-resistant construction

• Foldable handle design for easy, vertical storage. makitauk.com

HUSQVARNA HUSQVARNA 550IBTX BATTERY BACKPACK BLOWER

The Husqvarna 550iBTX is a well-balanced backpack battery blower designed with ergonomics in mind. Perfect for green space professionals, this blower features leading power, low vibrations and noise levels, allowing you to work in public settings, even in noise restricted areas.

• 21N blow force equal to that of a petrol 50cc blower

• Boost mode gives unlimited maximised blow

torque-to-weight ratio offers increased efficiency, reliability and longer lifetime

• A ventilated and load-reducing harness with hip belt and wide shoulder straps

• Low noise levels make working in noise sensitive and restricted areas possible. husqvarna.com/uk

STIHL BGA 300

The BGA 300 is Stihl’s first cordless backpack blower. This new addition is a powerful tool designed for professionals to efficiently clear leaves, debris and green cuttings.

• Innovative Stihl Noise Reduction System, ideal for work near public

• High blowing force of 26N (equivalent to BR 430 petrol model)

• Cruise control with 4 power levels including boost function

• Compatible with AP System Backpack Batteries – up to 140 mins working time. stihl.co.uk

This four-metre telescopic pole saw for professionals puts the ease back into tree maintenance; with the lightweight but sturdy carbon fibre shaft, users can keep the tool steady and their cuts accurate.

• Alternative lengths up to 4m with the telescopic feature

• Carbon fibre shaft allows for lightweight manoeuvrability

• LED lights for accurate visibility when cutting higher branches

• High chain speed of 20m/s with 25cm bar

• Tool-free handle adjustment for increased usability. egopowerplus.co.uk

sensitive areas and at night

• Protects the environment and the health of the user.

kaercher.com/uk

PUT SAFETY FIRST WITH THESE FUNCTIONAL AND EFFECTIVE PPE OPTIONS

3M 3M™ AURA™ DISPOSABLE RESPIRATOR 9300+GEN 3 SERIES

Get comfortable and reliable FFP2 and FFP3 breathing protection in hazardous work environments with the

3M™ Aura™ Disposable Respirator 9300+Gen3 Series, featuring a three-panel, flat-fold design.

• 3-panel, flat-fold design fits a wide range of face shapes

• 3M™ Advanced Electret (filter) Media helps you breathe easier

• Braided headbands are colour-coded for quick and easy identification

• Embossed upper panel reduces eyewear fogging

• Flat-fold design and individual wrapping. 3m.co.uk

STIHL ADVANCE PROCOM

Stihl's ADVANCE ProCOM is an innovative headset for landscaping professionals, combining excellent ear protection with intelligent communication functionalities. The set is lightweight, designed for maximum comfort and long-wear.

• Communication range of up to 600m between each headset

• Up to 16 headsets per group to span huge working sites Automatic connection of all headsets. Small groups are set up in app

• All day battery life of 16 hours

• Noise cancelling function reduces machine noise for high audio quality.

stihl.co.uk

HUSQVARNA

HUSQVARNA FUNCTIONAL HIGH VIZ RAIN JACKET

Made from a strong yet light and noiseless fabric, Husqvarna’s 'Functional High Viz Rain Jacket' is durable and enables airflow within the jacket for long working hours in the rain.

• Fulfils requirements of the highest classification in the high visibility standard

• The rain lip helps the rain to drain at the sides, keeping you dry longer

• Ventilated yoke over the chest, arms and back with mesh help you keep cool when working hard

• Pockets are equipped with a flap and hidden press buttons to prevent water from entering. husqvarna.com/uk

ARBORTEC

CHAINSAW TROUSERS

Arbortec believes that comfort and safety should never be compromised. That's why it created chainsaw trousers that deliver on both fronts, with their heavy-duty construction and innovative design.

• Available in 10 styles

• Available in 16 colours.

PPE LATEST KIT

Make life in the treetops better

Section cutting made easy

Powerful, versatile and with excellent cutting capacity, Husqvarna T540 XP® Mark III is designed to deliver a precise cut even in the most demanding jobs. It’s easy to start and easy to manoeuvre, so you can always rely on it whether you’re felling or working in tight spaces – while the ergonomic design makes cutting and climbing easier and more comfortable. Read more at husqvarna.com