Steve Bullman

APF 2024 have just announced a record £10000 prize fund for this years Husqvarna World 25m Poleclimbing Championships being held at Ragley Estate on the 19/20/21st September. The prize fund consists of both cash and Husqvarna goods. The winners of the Expert, Tree Surgeon and Ladies classes will win a Husqvarna 540 XP III. The best time for a beginner and a veteran will win a Spire Vent X Arborist helmet. Cash prizes are available for the fastest climbs in all three main categories each day as well the finals on Saturday 21st. Exhibition Secretary Ian Millward commented “This is biggest prize fund we have ever had for the World championships. Our thanks go to Husqvarna for their ongoing generous sponsorship of the event. This prize fund is bound to attract the very best climbers around and we are looking forward to a great competition” Entries are now open for the competition. Entry forms, rules and the full prize list can be found in the Competitions & Events page of the APF 2024 website. As an incentive to enter early there is free access and camping to the show for the first forty entry forms received.

Outstanding personal service and brilliant British build quality has sealed the deal on the first GreenMech woodchipper to join the fleet of Transform Arboriculture. Following a significant period of growth, the team were looking for a powerful 6” machine to lend a helping hand on domestic work undertaken throughout the London boroughs – an EVO 165D proved the perfect match! Liphook-based Transform Landscapes were founded in 1988, predominately focussed on construction and garden projects. Demand for arboricultural services saw the start of a dedicated Arb Team in 2005 and more recently, the decision was made to launch Transform Arboriculture as a separate division. Now Arb Association approved, the team of 12 are tasked with large commercial and local authority projects, together with residential works throughout London, Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex under the guidance of Arb Manager Dave Read. He explains, “We have five machines from another brand that, in the field, just aren’t cutting the mustard. From the very beginning, the communication and service we had from Matt Textor at our local GreenMech dealer GA Groundcare Ltd was fantastic. He brought a couple of units out to us, including a used model for us to put through its paces and I liked that. I liked that you could get an honest experience and not just be wowed by a shiny exterior.” Dave and the team opted for the EVO 165D, combining a 6” chipping capacity with a 25hp Kubota diesel engine. “We were impressed straight away. We liked that it was British built, and the robust steel and quality materials gives the chipper great integrity and strength. The operators all really enjoy using it– it’s evident the design has been well thought out.” He goes on to also compliment the aesthetics. “As well as the performance, it just looks good. The finish and the paintwork seem to last better than competitor machines.” Following its delivery in May 2024, the EVO 165D has been out most days, put to task on a variety of pruning and pollarding projects. “Matt has been checking in with us regularly to see how things are going and we literally have nothing bad to tell him! The level of aftercare has been poles apart from what we’ve had from other brands, inspiring us all with the confidence that GreenMech is the way to go as we continue to review and grow our operation.”