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STIHL’s new CB 1 charging box allows for the efficient transportation and charging of STIHL AP batteries on the go. The all-in-one charging solution, ideal for landscaping and forestry professionals, comes in the form of a sturdy aluminium box which is built to transport and store AP System batteries. For ease-of-use, the CB 1 can be equipped with up to two STIHL AL 301-4 multi-chargers and can be easily mounted onto or underneath a vehicle, meaning the system can charge and transport up to eight STIHL AP System battery packs. Once back at the workshop, or on-site, the CB 1 box can be connected to a 230-volt socket using a standard GB plug. What’s more, once professionals are finished for the day, they can leave the batteries in the lockable box overnight for charging. The next day, simply unplug and drive to the first workplace with fully charged batteries. Additionally, the CB 1 is IPX4 certified, meaning it is protected underneath a vehicle or from rain on top of a flat-bed truck. To find out more about the STIHL CB 1, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

STIHL’s BGA 160 battery-powered blower offers landscaping teams a convenient and quiet means of cleaning surfaces and paths, effortlessly tackling such tasks with a high air flow rate of up to 940 m3/h. When compared with the powerful BGA 250 hand-held blower, the BGA 160 offers longer working times and a lower blowing force. A welcome support for removing leaves, grass cuttings and debris from paths, driveways, and green spaces, the BGA 160’s blowing force can be controlled using the trigger and locked into place with a built-in cruise control. A boost mode can be activated by fully compressing the trigger for 21 newtons of blowing force, with the setting constantly available over the tool’s entire operating time, should it be required. For ultimate ease-of-use, this new professional machine has a compact design and a curved blower tube, resulting in reduced wrist strain and excellent manoeuvrability. In addition, thanks to STIHL’s Sound Engineering, the blower’s higher pitched frequencies and noise peaks have been eliminated, making it exceptionally quiet to operate, ideal for noise-sensitive areas. As part of STIHL’s AP System, the BGA 160 meets the requirements for professional use, drawing power from a 36 V lithium-ion battery. Use with the AP 300 S is recommended, which provides sufficient energy for up to 110 minutes on the low power setting and up to 15 minutes in boost mode. The battery-operated BGA 160 can also be used in the rain and is IPX4 certified, enabling it to meet the professional user’s needs all year round. To find out more about the STIHL BGA 160, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

As one of the UK’s leading arboricultural businesses, Gristwood & Toms (G&T) rely on a vast and varied fleet of high-performance 2-stroke equipment to deliver consistent reliability on jobs around the country. Powering that operation for the last seven years has been Aspen Fuel, enhancing the longevity of their equipment and improving the health and safety for operators of today and tomorrow – with the benefits of Aspen alkylate petrol forming an important part of training on the G&T apprenticeship programme. Aspen 2 is used exclusively across the full range of 2-stroke machinery, with the longevity of the partnership testament to the transformative impact the fuel has had on Gristwood & Toms business. “Through using Aspen Fuel we have seen a huge reduction in machinery breakdowns and repairs” explains G&T Managing Director Andrew Brightman. “Without all of the nasties in traditional unleaded, we’re achieving better reliability on site and extending the lifespan of our equipment – both of which has positive financial implications.” “Another major advantage is Aspen 2’s pre-mixed formulation, which eliminates the need for operatives to mix fuel on-site, removing the risk of incorrect fuel mixtures and ensuring consistency on every job” he adds. For Andrew and their sizeable workforce, the benefits of Aspen extends way beyond equipment performance – it’s the healthier environment it creates for the operators and their customers. “It’s not just better for our machines; it gives off no smell making for a much better working environment for our people. In fact, it’s a popular choice at all levels of our business, with Aspen well received by our supply chain and end users alike. There’s no doubt that this simple commitment to sustainability and the welfare of our workforce has helped us secure numerous commercial contracts.” Not content with improving the working conditions for the team of today, G&T are looking to steer the next generation of arboricultural specialists into more environmentally conscious decision making via the Gristwood & Toms apprenticeship programme. Andrew continues, “Understanding the options and importance of clean, consistent fuel forms a key part of our training for new arborists. We show the students the benefits of Aspen and what can go wrong if you don’t use it. It’s part of setting future professionals up for success.” Virtually free from ethanol, benzene and many of the other aromatic hydrocarbons found in traditional petrol, Aspen Fuel presents a drastic reduction in pollutants and cleaner option for operators and equipment. To discover the benefits Aspen could bring to your business, contact Roy Narbey – Commercial Business Manager for Aspen Fuel – on [email protected]

Wavy Wood Sawmill is an independent sawmilling business that was set up by Nick Garton. Before Wavy Wood Sawmill, Nick ran a groundwork business. He also produced and sold firewood, with timber locally sourced from FSC-approved plantations, which he still does, alongside the sawmilling. Nick became interested in sawmilling after realising he could profit from finished and milled timer – rather than just selling firewood. He researched different sawmill models and brands – and came across Global Machinery Solutions, who he called – and spoke to Technical Consultant, Andy Dudley. Nick decided to invest in the Frontier OS27 due to its capabilities yet affordable price. He then started milling logs – again locally and sustainably sourced – to produce timber for himself and local people who needed fencing materials and bespoke-measured timber for home and building projects. He also began making wooden bases for lobster and crab pots for local fishermen – and when he found the time, created a large shed to house his Frontier sawmill. The sawmilling was an overnight success, with Nick producing more than 10,000 lobster and crab pot bottoms – and around 220 tonnes of fencing in less than two years, all whilst working a full-time job at the local steelworks at the same time! Nick decided to document his sawmill journey on social media and has racked up more than 1m viewers on YouTube with his quirky, candid, and humorous videos. As he’d became so established in just nine months, Andy Dudley invited Nick to join the Global Machinery Solutions team at the 2022 APF Forestry Show to demonstrate the Norwood sawmills, including the HD38. Nick loved using the HD38 so much during the show, he said he “had to have it”! Funding from local authority As a growing independent business, which supported the local community, Nick received funding from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to purchase the Norwood HD38 sawmill. The new machine springboarded Nick into new realms, not only in terms of being able to mill more logs, but also moving to a larger premises, albeit a stone’s throw from his existing site. The Frontier OS27 still processes logs for fencing – however, the HD38 now allows Nick to mill much larger logs for his new furniture venture. His garden chairs and picnic tables are very popular and providing another source of income. Another major advantage of the HD38 is the intelliset system, which allows Nick to operate the sawmill by remote control. It removes the manual process of adjusting the cut thickness – and manually pushing the carriage through the log. With Nick having Douglas Fir logs more than 1m wide, the HD38 makes light work of the milling and producing the wide slabs needed for his picnic tables. The HD38 – along with all Norwood and Frontier sawmills – can be adapted to suit each owner’s requirements, including the bed length. Again, this enables Nick to process the wider and longer logs to maximise the amount of finished timber. Back-up as valuable as the machine Andy continues to support Nick throughout his journey and regularly visits Wavy Wood Sawmill to sort any technical niggles, install and demonstrate new modifications. Nick is learning along the way and Andy is always there to assist when needed. The future of Wavy Wood Sawmill Nick’s been inspired by both his sawmills and always looking for new ways to generate more income from his timber. This includes selling logs to a professional wood sculptor who transforms them into works of art. Through his YouTube channel Nick’s also formed close links with other sawmillers – and this summer is visiting an American counterpart with whom he will attend the Ohio Forestry Association’s Paul Bunyan Show. What Nick from Wavy Wood Sawmill said “The Frontier OS27 and Norwood HD38 sawmills have welcomed me into a whole new sawmilling world, and it’s been life changing. There are many sawmill brands out there – however, what sold the Norwood and Frontier for me, is the back-up provided by Global Machinery Solutions – particularly Andy, who’s opened so many doors for me.” “I’d had enough of grounds work – and although I was already selling firewood, knew there were so many other opportunities. The Frontier set me on the path by processing logs for fence panels and timber. The HD38 was the game changer though and I now spend as much time as I can – in between my other full-time job – milling larger slabs and building garden furniture to sell.” “The Frontier and Norwood sawmills - and Global’s support - have allowed my business to snowball. I’m excited about my sawmilling future and hope to use them to generate even more income for my family.” What Andy from Global Machinery Solutions said “It’s been an absolute delight working with Nick and seeing his business flourish following the investment in his sawmills. It’s wonderful to see the fruits of his labour pay off through the income he earns from his timber and furniture – and his work ethic is inspiring. Wavy Wood Sawmill is a marvellous success story and I’m looking forward to working with him for many years to come.”

Farmers and landowners across North Devon can now manage their woodlands more productively by using a sawmill secured by North Devon Biosphere. The Norwood HD38 Lumbermax sawmill was subsidised through the Rural England Prosperity Fund via North Devon Plus and is now available to hire by woodland owners across the region to process their own timber. Training at RHS Rosemoor was provided by Andy Dudley from East Midlands-based Global Machinery Solutions. He demonstrated how the sawmill can handle logs up to 95cm diameter using the hydraulic lift and precisely mill wood to required thicknesses. Andy said: “Sawmilling is a sustainable way for farmers and landowners to produce their own timber for fencing, outbuildings. It can also produce additional income if sold as building supplies or furniture making for example. “Global Machinery Solutions sells a range of sawmills – however, the HD38 can handle the largest logs ideal for professionals and hobbyists to make the most out of their timber. It’s fantastic to see Devon woodland owners being encouraged to learn this new skill to benefit their land and local environment.” Andy Bell, North Devon Biosphere’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We believe 50% of the forest area in the region is not being managed, which is putting its long-term health and resilience at risk. However, having the Norwood sawmill now means we can now support more effective woodland management which is a real gamechanger for us. “We’re looking forward to working with famers and landowners throughout this exciting new scheme and grateful to Global Machinery Solutions for their invaluable and continued support.” To find out more about hiring the sawmill, email [email protected] - or visit globalmachinerysolutions.co.uk/brands/Norwood to view the full Norwood sawmill range.