Steve Bullman

Supporting the rapid growth and expansion of the Sussex Tree Specialists, an STS Arboricultural Group Company, is a trio of woodchippers from GreenMech. Proud to be backing sustainable British-made products, Chief Operating Officer Darren Regan explains that the pair of EVO 165D’s and an EVO 205 SAFE-Trak are ticking the boxes for performance, safety and outstanding back up support. Darren, who worked for one of the world's largest stockbrokers for over three decades, is now applying his extensive experience in leading technology and compliance service operations to the arboriculture sector. He has teamed up with Matt Bell, the founder of Sussex Tree Specialists, to build on the fantastic business foundation Matt has already established. "Now we're looking at how we can play our role in supporting diverse and productive woodlands, helping others within the sector, and expanding our offering," Darren explains. "To do that, we need the right people and the right equipment to keep us at the forefront of our industry." With an ever-increasing order book from commercial customers including local authorities, highways, schools and housing associations, the group invested in the EVO 205 SAFE-Trak, delivered by dealers GA Groundcare Ltd in April 2024. “Our previous chipper was forever breaking down and the EVO 205 presented itself as more capable and in-line with what we were trying to deliver. It is constructed with quality components and materials giving us not only reliable chipping performance in the field, but also – as a British manufacturer - the peace of mind that parts and support is available locally should we ever need it.” “Even more importantly, this machine excels when it comes to health and safety” he adds. The EVO 205D SAFE-Trak is fitted with GreenMech’s award-winning track-based system, allowing ground clearance of up to 530mm and offering unbeatable safety when traversing slopes or challenging terrain. “They’ve listened to the industry and know exactly what’s needed. GreenMech clearly have the same appetite for safety as we do, the machine is packed with features.” “Delivered in August 2024, our pair of EVO 165D’s give us all of this assurance in a smaller package – ideal for smaller commercial jobs and the wealth of domestic work we still undertake” he adds. “We have big ambitions for the Sussex Tree Specialists and the wider STS Group of companies, and with these machines on our fleet we feel we’ve made a big step in the right direction. We have also gained the support of some great people in the form of GreenMech and GA Groundcare Ltd into our network who will all undoubtedly help us as we move onwards and upwards!”

Working in proud partnership with J S Wright & Sons, C J Ashby Forestry are contract felling and harvesting the willow which goes into making around 75% of the world’s cricket bats. Powering the operation for the last 15 years is Aspen Fuel, which owner Colin Ashby says provides the clean, convenience they look for across their suite of two and four-stroke equipment. Colin is the fourth generation of the family to take the helm and leads a team of 17 operatives nationwide looking after all stages of the willow production – from procuring and planting the trees, through to harvesting and hauling. “Our journey with Aspen began 15 years ago when we started experiencing a number of issues with our petrol-powered chainsaws” he explains. “I was working on a farm at the time, and the farmer suggested the source of the problem was the fuel. Later that day I picked up a copy of a forestry magazine and started reading about Aspen Fuel and the rest, as they say, is history!” “We purchased a few cans to give it a try and we’ve been using it ever since – starting with Aspen-2 initially in our handheld tools and then moving onto the Aspen-4 for our larger bits of equipment such as the mechanical arbor.” “It’s easy to store, cleaner to use and provides a healthier environment for the operator to work in.” He explains, “Very often, we’re working in densely populated woodland and/or in very close proximity to our equipment. As soon as we started using Aspen Fuel, all of the headaches and sore throats you just became accustomed to stopped, immediately.” Virtually free from sulphur, benzene and solvents, Aspen alkylate petrol is much less harmful that pump unleaded. By removing these ingredients, operators can breathe clean air, contributing to a healthier and cleaner working environment. The omission of ethanol also makes Aspen better for engine health, providing maximum performance while simultaneously extending equipment life and reliability. “Chainsaws which may have lasted 12 months previously, now give us three years of reliable performance. Across the board, I’d say since we switched to Aspen our hand tools are lasting twice as long and our maintenance and repair bills have halved” Colin adds. The team also enjoy the convenience angle that comes with being an Aspen customer. “We can order what we need easily, and it’s delivered to our site in a mixture of cans and drums just a couple of days later. It eliminates trips to the forecourt and makes it easy to ensure that each team has the necessary quantity and type of fuel on board. Aspen-2 being pre-mixed also takes away the need to mix on-site, reducing spillages and giving us peace of mind that we’re getting the right mix every time.”