Steve Bullman

GreenMech Ltd have announced a rationalisation of their dealer network in the South and South East, which will see an expansion in coverage area for existing dealer GA Groundcare Ltd, with effect from 1st January 2021. Operating from their purpose-built depot in Poulshot, Wiltshire, GA Groundcare Ltd will become exclusive to the GreenMech franchise, offering supply and support across the full pedestrian, road-tow and tracked chipper portfolio – together with stocking a comprehensive range of GreenMech replacement parts. Having originally been appointed in 2017 for the counties of Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, the success of the partnership sees their territory extended to cover Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Commenting on the expanded area, GA Groundcare Ltd Director Ashley Stevens said, “With over 9 years of experience working with the GreenMech product line, I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to develop this further across a broader territory. We will be increasing our sales and aftermarket resources to ensure we can deliver advice and support to customers, both existing and new.” GreenMech Sales Director Martin Lucas added, “Having seen how well GA Groundcare Ltd have performed with our range, we are confident that they will make a success of raising the level of both sales and aftermarket support in this key territory.” All existing warranties relating to GreenMech chippers, sold by Hunt Forest Group and Burden Bros Agri, will continue to be supported by GA Groundcare Ltd.

STIHL has launched the new MS 881, the world’s most powerful series-produced chainsaw, ideal for professional heavy-duty felling, logging and mobile saw mills. With 121.6cc of displacement and 8.6hp/6.4kW output, the MS 881 is not only 19% more powerful than the heavy duty MS 661, but also the only saw in the STIHL line-up to drive a 0.404 pitch chain. With standard bar lengths up to 41” and able to accept guide bars up to 59”, the new saw is the ideal machine to tackle even the most demanding forestry jobs. At the heart of the MS 881 is the STIHL 2-MIX engine that ensures the machine is the only chainsaw in its performance class that meets the strict requirements of the European Euro-5 (EU5) exhaust emission standard. In addition to EU5 compliance, the MS 881 has been engineered with maintaining a great power-to-weight ratio. New construction of cylinders, slimmer sprocket covers, and the development of lightweight components have resulted in an impressive weight-to-power ratio of 1.55Kg/Kw, whilst maintaining robustness and durability. In addition to outstanding power, the new chainsaw is designed with operator comfort in mind thanks to a one-touch stop button, ensuring the MS 881 is ready to start at any time, whenever it is warm. Other design features include captive nuts on the optimised chain sprocket cover that offer additional convenience when changing the chain, as well as a new oil pump that regulates oil flow rate according to demand, guaranteeing optimum oil flow at all times. A long service life and ease of maintenance are improved through the use of a new HD2 air filter with a radial seal that provides excellent protection against fine dust often created when planking and in saw mill environments. The introduction of a diagnostic socket means that specialist dealers can quickly identify a fault and eliminate it quickly. For more information on STIHL’s extensive range of forestry saws please visit www.stihl.co.uk.