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EDITOR'S BLOG

TESTING TIME
Trying out new cordless products
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I was recently offered the opportunity to try out a range of new battery powered tools, which are being marketed to turf professionals.

Last week, I was fortunate to be invited to a special event ran by STIHL at the Environmental Training Centre (ETC) in Stafford.

TurfPro and a number of other leading industry publications, were afforded the opportunity to catch up with several new product launches from the manufacturer. The day was centred around trying out new battery powered products including chainsaws, strimmers, pole saws, hedge trimmers and blowers.

New cordless launches

Simon Hewitt, head of marketing at STIHL GB welcomed us and introduced us to sales retail trainer Reuben Wilson, who talked about the new products we would be seeing and testing throughout the day.

Ruben began his presentation talking about the new enhanced battery technologies that STIHL had developed, with the launch of their new AP 500 S, described as the most powerful AP battery in the company’s range and the first to feature power laminate technology.

Designed for use with any professional STIHL AP System tool, the 36V AP 500 S features flat power laminate cells instead of traditional round cells, which the company says helps to double the service life of the battery up to 2,400 charge cycles and ensures a long working life of up to 10 years.

What’s more, we were told, the AP 500 S boasts a 20% higher capacity and increased operating time for only an extra 200g of weight.

The AP 500 S is also the only battery compatible with the new MSA 300, STIHL’s most powerful cordless chainsaw for professional users. In addition, the new battery can also be integrated with STIHL Connected, the company’s fleet management tool, to monitor total discharge time and location of the battery.

Ruben then spoke about the new Rapid Hexa chain system that the company has designed for forestry professionals. Hexa consists of a patented hexagonal file and a full chisel chain with a V shaped side plate. The company boasts this results in a chain that cuts up to 10% faster than standard RS chains, is easier to sharpen, and stays sharper for longer.

Ruben also talked about the FSA 135 and FSA 135 R the latest additions to their range of professional brushcutters.

The FSA 135 bike handle brushcutter comes with the GrassCut 260-2 blade as standard and has an expected working time of 100 minutes when used with the recommended AP 300 S battery. The FSA 135 R loop handle version comes with an AutoCut 26-2 line head and has an expected working time of 45 minutes when used with an AP 300 S battery.

Next, Ruben ran through the new BGA 300 STIHL’s first cordless backpack blower for professional users that utilises their noise reduction system.

With a blowing force of 26 newton, we were told this blower is the most powerful in their cordless range and features a high air speed to ensure wet, heavy autumn leaves can be cleared. The unit is powered using the AR 2000 L or AR 3000 L backpack batteries.

We also were told about the new MSA 300, which is apparently the most powerful cordless chainsaw in the AP System. Suitable for felling, cross-cutting, snedding and processing, we heard that the saw offers pro users plenty of power for taking on larger cutting tasks.

Powered by the new AP 500 S battery, the MSA 300 is recommended with a 16” Light 04 guide bar and .325” RS Pro chain for fast cutting. The recommended cutting attachments are identical to the MS 261 C-M, with a maximum recommended guide bar length of 18”.

To help keep all these new products running efficiently, STIHL have developed a new AL 301-4 multi-charger, which is the first charger in its range to hold up to four AP and AR batteries at one time. The company believe this unit is suitable for landscapers, councils and large end-users to mount in a vehicle or workshop for quick charging.

It can charge up to four batteries consecutively and will switch off automatically once charging has completed. The company told us charging allows AP batteries to be fully recharged in 90 minutes or less, leading to reduced downtime and a quick turnaround.

Finally, we also were told how the manufacturer continues to extended its range of lightweight cordless pole pruners with the recent introduction of the HTA 135, their most powerful model to date.

Pro user roadshow this month

All in all, I have to say it was a very informative day and it was good to have the opportunity to try out this vast new range of products.

In fact if readers were interested in trying out some new kit for themselves, STIHL have announced that they are conducting what the are calling the Fully Charged Cordless Roadshow that will allow larger professional users, such as councils and major landscaping contractors, exclusive access to its range of cordless machines.

Starting tomorrow, professional users will be able to get hands on with the manufacturer's latest range of cordless products, as well as gain insight from their team who will be on hand to offer advice and recommendations. Refreshments will be available on the day, as well as offers and discounts all redeemable through STIHL's specialist Approved Dealers.

The 11 locations being visited throughout March, are:

8th March - Stirling - Stirling County Rugby Football Club, FK9 5AP
9th March - Durham - East Durham College, DH1 3SG
10th March - Harrogate - Pavillions of Harrogate, HG2 8NZ
16th March - Newport - Harper Adams, TF10 8NB
17th March - Cheshire - Reaseheath College, CW5 6DF
22nd March - Melton Mowbray - Brooksby Melton College, LE13 0HJ
23rd March - Avonbank - Pershore College, WR10 3JP
24th March - Swansea - St Hilary's Church, SA2 7DZ
29th March - Devon - Bicton College, EX9 7BY
30th March - Guildford - Merrist Wood College, GU3 3PE
31st March - Essex - Writtle College, CM1 3RR

NEWS

BIGGA AWARDS FINALISTS REVEALED
To be presented at BTME

In our first WEB ONLY story the Association says their finalists have showcased ingenuity, innovation and determination in the face of global turmoil.

50% OF TOPSOILS UNSUITABLE FOR USE
According to testing results

In our next WEB ONLY story, almost 50% of topsoils are unsuitable for use in general purpose landscaping schemes, not meeting the latest British Standard, according to recent testing of products.

FIRST ORDER IN OVER A DECADE!
For specialist sports turf machine

Manufacturer reports resurgence of interest in their specialist machine, with the first sale in over ten years.

Mastenbroek, the designer of drainage trenchers, has reported an unexpected resurgence of interest in its specialist sports field machine.

The company say that last month, they received their first order for one of their 10/12D trenchers in over a decade.

The machine has been bought by AgriPower - who say they have recently won several large, contracts creating the need for a new machine.

The 2022 10/12D will work alongside AgriPower's other Mastenbroek machines: a 30/20, 20/15 and CT12.

"We have never retired the 10/12D," says Mastenbroek's commercial director, Christopher Pett. "It's always been available, but for some unknown reason, we haven't sold one since 2009. That changed late last year when Graham Longdin at AgriPower contacted us. Since then, it's been a bit like the saying about London buses and, following Graham's order, we sold another 10/12D and received four other enquiries about it!"

AgriPower, which is based in Buckinghamshire but operates across the country, secured several large contracts at the back end of 2021, including work at the Webb Ellis Fields for Rugby school, several other public schools, local authorities and golf courses.

"We have enjoyed a buoyant period recently, with a significant number of organisations wanting to install new sports fields or improve the drainage of existing playing fields and golf courses, which is great news for us," says Mr Longdin, director at AgriPower.

"With the new contracts coming on top of a very successful recent trading period, we've decided to update our front line machines to remain ahead of the game.

"The Mastenbroek 10/12D was the ideal choice. We could use a spinning disc type trencher behind a tractor, which would be fine on graded pitch work, but when faced with undulating ground, deep or wide trenching, the disc trenchers cannot cope, and fail to give the required accuracy. The 10/12D handles this type of terrain effortlessly.”

HEADLINERS FOR EDUCATION CONFERENCE CONFIRMED
3-day event

Members of The R&A Agronomy Team will shed a light on the hosting of The Open

The R&A’s agronomy team and London Olympics’ lead ‘Games maker’ to headline education programme at Continue To Learn.

BIGGA has confirmed its headline speakers for its Continue To Learn education conference that takes place alongside BTME.

The three-day Continue to Learn: Conference will be hosted by former BBC Sports editor Gareth Jones. Headlining that element of the programme will be The R&A’s Championship Agronomy team, which is responsible for presenting host venues each year for The R&A’s championships, including The Open.

Members of The R&A Agronomy team will reveal how they work, the preparation and data collection processes involved with championship preparation, the interactions with the host greenkeeping team and give an insight into the modern requirements for the delivery of golf’s greatest championship. Joining The R&A team of Alistair Beggs, Richard Windows and Adam Newton at Continue to Learn will be Paul Larsen, course manager at Royal St George’s Golf Club, host venue for The 149th Open in 2021.

Alistair Beggs, Head of Agronomy at The R&A, said: “It is a privilege for The R&A Agronomy Team to work with the host venue for The Open and its staff to help deliver the stage on which it is played each year. In 2021 Royal St George’s hosted The Open and despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it developed into a great championship.

“This session provides the opportunity to learn a little more about Royal St George’s journey to being a championship venue, both from the perspective of The R&A and Royal St George’s own links manager, Paul Larsen. This will include the years building up to 2021, playing surface and rough preparation, environmental management and delivery of the championship itself.

“We are incredibly excited to be attending BTME and are thankful to BIGGA for giving us the opportunity to share our experiences of The Open in this way.”

Also revealed to be taking part in the Continue to Learn: Conference schedule is Linda Moir, who led the Spectator Services team at the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, where 15,000 volunteer Games makers hosted 9 million spectators. Prior to that, Linda accepted the challenge from Sir Richard Branson to join Virgin Atlantic and ‘make flying fun’. As director of In Flight Services she was responsible for the airline’s award winning on-board service.

Continue to Learn runs alongside BTME and will be held 20 to 23 March 2022 at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

FENTONS LAUNCH INTO GOLF SECTOR
New system for the industry

Fentons have launched into the golf sector

Dealers Fentons of Bourne Ltd say they now offer a solution for the golf sector to help course managers resolve drainage issues.

Dealers Fentons of Bourne Ltd have been distributors of Homburg drain-cleaning equipment to the agricultural and horticultural sectors for past 28 years.

Now, with the introduction of two new dedicated machines, Homburg are entering the golf sector to help course managers resolve drainage issues.

To alleviate the problem of waterlogging on courses caused by blocked or damaged drainage systems, Homburg has introduced two models, the Blizz and Delta, both tractor mounted and pto-driven pipe cleaning systems. Using an available water source, such as a pond, ditch or attached water bowser, the system is transportable using a 40 hp (or larger) tractor.

Glen Bellamy of Fentons said, “For over 28 years we have represented Homburg Draincleaners in the agricultural and horticultural sectors. This latest venture into the golf sector is another opportunity for us and with significant expertise in this field, we look forward to helping golf courses alleviate any drainage issues they may have.”

SALES OFFERED FOR FIRST TIME
New dealership for Polaris

A business has expanded beyond just repairs and servicing to now offer sales of the full Polaris agricultural line-up.

Polaris has appointed R Ward Vehicle & Machinery Repairs as a new dealer covering the areas of north, west and south Norfolk.

Located on the Sandringham Estate, the dealership will offer the full Polaris agricultural line-up of the Ranger, Sportsman, General and Youth as well as parts and accessories for each model.

Richard Ward, owner of R Ward Vehicle & Machinery Repairs said, “I’ve been servicing and repairing Polaris machinery for around ten years and when the opportunity arose that I could become a Polaris dealer and expand the business beyond just repairs and servicing, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

Coming from an ATV repairing background with over 20 years of experience, R Ward Vehicle & Machinery Repairs believes that the maintenance and care of an off-road vehicle is just as important as selling the machine itself. They will now have a stock of parts and will carry out repairs and maintenance in both their workshop and at the customers’ premises.

FURTHER DEALER APPOINTMENTS
For Corvus

Boss have made two more dealer appointments

Boss ORV have announced two more dealers have joined their network for the 4x4 utility vehicles.

BOSS ORV, the sole UK distributor for Corvus Terrain 4x4 utility vehicles, has expanded their UK dealer network further with the appointment of B&B Tractors and Kirkland UK.

L-R: Phil Everett, MD Boss ORV with Tim Norman, B&B workshop manager

B&B Tractors is a family owned and managed business with four depots covering Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire.

“We wanted to work with B&B Tractors because of their delivery of the highest levels of customer care to their agricultural, municipal and industrial customers,” said Phil Everett, BOSS ORV’s managing director. “Not only can they represent the Corvus Terrain range to those sectors, they can also provide the highest levels of service and support that go hand in hand with being Corvus dealers, as they have shown with the other brands offered by the business.”

L-R: Phil Everett with Scott Worsley, Kirkland MD and Ben Devine, Kirkland sales manager

Scott Worsley of Kirkland UK says he's excited to bring the brand to the south-east of England. He said, “We found Corvus UTV’s to be the perfect addition to our range of machinery solutions for our customers."

Phil Everett added, “It was obvious that Kirkland UK would be a natural fit with us. We share the same passion for success and rapid growth and an impatience to achieve. They are an extremely customer focused organisation and hungry to grow the business and explore diverse opportunities to achieve this."

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