Steve Bullman

STIHL has launched the new HTA 66 and HTA 86, updating its range of lightweight and powerful cordless pole pruners, designed for both domestic users, as well as landscaping and gardening professionals and arborists. Replacing the popular HTA 65 and HTA 85 models, the new long-reach cordless pole pruners are equipped with a 1/4” PM3 saw chain as standard, offering users precise, high cutting performance, ideal for grounds maintenance, orchards, tree maintenance and arboriculture tasks. The battery slot is repositioned to make these pole pruners exceptionally well balanced, providing easier handling and reduced fatigue when working over longer periods. Both the HTA 66 and HTA 86 feature a powerful EC motor that allows the user to vary chain speed with their finger, and the tools impress with quick acceleration, no emissions and a low noise output, meaning no ear defenders are required. Both models feature a new ergonomic control handle with an intuitive, yet well thought out start-up process to ensure the tool is only started when intended. The new handle design also ensures that the tool is comfortable to use whether right-handed or left-handed and features anti-slip protection for further safety and comfort. The HTA 66 has an overall length of 240cm, whilst the HTA 86 has a newly designed square telescopic shaft that not only can be adjusted between 270cm and 390cm without tools, but also offers high shaft stiffness to protect against twisting and deflection for precise positioning even at full extension. In addition, the cutting lengths of 25cm (HTA 66) and 30cm (HTA 86) enable even thicker branches to be shortened precisely and efficiently. A new robust branch hook on both models helps with removing loose cuttings. Other features include simple chain tensioning that makes it easy to re-tension the saw chain, as well as the captive nut on the sprocket cover that allows for a quick chain change. In addition, users can always keep track of oil levels thanks to the semi-transparent oil tank and the patented innovative lock allows the tank to be opened and closed quickly without tools and minimum effort. Both the HTA 66 and HTA 86 can be used with STIHL’s high-performance 36V AP battery system and are compatible with more than 20 tools to meet the needs of a wide range of gardens and applications. For more information on STIHL’s range of cordless pole pruners, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

Kay Green has today joined STIHL Great Britain as Managing Director, following the retirement of long-standing predecessor Robin Lennie in December 2020. For the last three years, Kay has been UK and Ireland Country Manager for Hasbro UK Ltd. During her career at Hasbro, she also held a number of senior commercial roles including director level positions in both sales and marketing, and a two-year period as Nordic Country Manager in Copenhagen. Kay joins a thriving and resilient STIHL GB, with the business recording over a decade of year-on-year growth and a doubling of turnover from £57m in 2008 to £125m in 2020. Commenting on her new role, Kay said: “I’m delighted to be joining this iconic global brand and to be building on Robin’s tremendous legacy. 2020 was a record year for STIHL GB, despite the global circumstances. The business saw growth across most markets and categories thanks to the support and commitment of the STIHL Approved Dealer network and of course our professional and domestic end-users. I’m very much looking forward to meeting our partners across the industry as soon as the situation allows. It’s a genuinely exciting time to be taking the helm at STIHL GB. We have a game-changing new range of pro cordless tools launching this year, continued investment in consumer brand-building and plans continuing apace for our sustainable new GB Headquarters in Surrey. 2021 has all the potential to be another landmark year for the brand and our customers.” Kay is STIHL GB’s first female Managing Director and joins an ever-increasing number of women in senior positions across the global STIHL business. Kay spent her childhood growing up on a farm and is married with two teenage children.