Steve Bullman

The STIHL MS 400 C-M, the world’s first chainsaw with magnesium piston technology, has been recognised by the International Magnesium Association (IMA) with the prestigious Award of Excellence 2020. The IMA’s Awards of Excellence is an annual award ceremony that brings together companies who demonstrate outstanding magnesium products and innovative manufacturing technologies. The component and the production process specially developed for the magnesium piston technology utilised in the MS 400 C-M was the winner of the Commercial (non-automotive) Cast Product or Process category. Paul Hicks at STIHL GB, said: “At STIHL, we have more than 60 years’ experience working with magnesium and fabricating it and we constantly strive to set new benchmarks in machinery development and production. “Although we use magnesium in many products, the desire to continue to enhance machinery performance led us to using magnesium piston technology in a chainsaw for the first time. Thanks in no small part to this and the consistent lightweight design, we have succeeded in reducing the weight of the piston and increasing the rpm in the STIHL MS 400 C-M, providing more power and torque to the pro user.” The IMA Award of Excellence win quickly follows the MS 400 C-M receiving the top prize at the Euroguss 2020 industry trade fair in the “magnesium components” category. The MS 400 C-M chainsaw has been designed with forestry and arb professionals in mind, offering the highest maximum speed (14,000 rpm) in the 60cm3 class. The lightweight and durable piston weighs just 70g, helping contribute to the machine’s excellent power-to-weight ratio of 1.5 kg per kilowatt, making it ideal for use when working in a forest, particularly over prolonged periods. For more information on STIHL’s extensive range of forestry saws please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

Vermeer UK are pleased to be able to supply the first Vermeer chippers NOW MADE IN EUROPE The New 2021 Vermeer BC200 is a 57hp Chipper, built for UK arborists that need a powerful and reliable 8” chipper. Unlike previous models, this unit has been designed for your market. It is designed and made in Europe with the emphasis on, weight, fuel saving, ease of use and quiet city operation. It is lighter through design, whilst being fitted to a robust chassis for durability on UK roads. The SMARTFEED Anti-Stress System keeps the BC200 chipping smoothly and the Eco-ldle engine control system boosts fuel efficiency and reduces jobsite noise. The twin offset infeed rollers easily drag material to the oversized solid disc 4 blade cutting system. For more information please contact: Vermeer UK O: 01933 274400 E: [email protected] Out of hours Mobile/WhatsApp or Text: 07879600050 Or visit our website: www.vermeeruk.co.uk

ECHO Tools UK has introduced a new catalogue of its comprehensive accessory and PPE ranges. Safety is always paramount when using power equipment and a good place to start is with protective clothing. Professional safety gear is essential for protection and comfort whilst working and ECHO offers two series: Performance Series and Pro-Tech Series. Both have been designed for the professional market and as such are also suitable for domestic users. Performance offers two styles of chainsaw trouser, both featuring six layers of blocking material for protection against accidental chainsaw contact. The chainsaw flex trousers have Polyamide and elastane for high flexibility and comfort, with Pezaflex aqua waterproof reinforcement for weather protection. High visibility with reflective elements is common to the chainsaw and brushcutter trousers in the Pro-Tech Series while being lightweight yet highly protective in extreme weather conditions. Heavy-duty gloves, chainsaw gloves, a multi-purpose helmet, protective sleeves and braces complete the PPE line-up. The ECHO range of accessories and consumables include oils and grease, batteries and chargers, harnesses, trimmer line, hedge trimmer tip guards, the Rotary Scissor Head and YOUCAN kits. ECHO batteries are specifically designed for ECHO electric power tools. Including both 2Ah and 4Ah variants, they fit the 50V or 58V Lithium-ion ranges and are interchangeable between selected tools in the range. The chargers and rapid chargers ensure batteries are topped up for maximum productivity. The Rotary Scissor Head is a brushcutter attachment which features two contra-rotating blades for safer, more precise cutting. ECHO trimmer lines are made for high durability and performance, being manufactured with copolymer resins and outstanding extrusion techniques. There are four ranges to suit all professional and consumer needs. There is also a range of versatile metal blades. Among the ECHO consumables are own-brand chain oils, two-stroke oils and grease for optimum lubrication and long-lasting protection. A sharp chain makes all the difference in cutting speed, productivity, comfort and safety. ECHO chainsaw files are high quality and help reduce servicing costs by maintaining a well-sharpened saw. There is also a complete range of guide bars and chains. By staying on top of recommended maintenance schedules, users not only prolong the life of their ECHO equipment, they also save time and money by reducing the possibility of large-scale repairs. YOUCAN is ECHO’s maintenance kit for tuning up a selection of chainsaws, brushcutters, hedge trimmers and power blowers. It comprises air filter, fuel filter and spark plug to keep tools ship-shape, with genuine ECHO replacement parts. ECHO batteries have a 2-year warranty, the Rotary Scissor Head has a 1-year domestic guarantee and 180-day professional warranty and ECHO clothing comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee. You can find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer. You can also visit https://www.echo-tools.co.uk/product-category/accessories/