Steve Bullman

A pair of QuadChip160D woodchippers from GreenMech have been hailed a ‘gamechanger’ by Community Housing, bringing newfound convenience and safety to domestic tree works. Purchased in the autumn of 2024, the arborist team of three were impressed by more than just the 360o turntable, with the outstanding manoeuvrability and performance of the QuadChip allowing the operators to simply ‘turn up, turn it and crack on!’ Community Housing look after more than 6000 properties in the Wyre Forest, with Arb Team Supervisor Ed Acutt, together with colleagues Adam and Ryan, in charge of all residential tree maintenance across an area spanning Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport on Severn. As a housing association, the fleet of equipment is periodically renewed. Ed explains how, after a look at all the alternatives, the GreenMech machines emerged head and shoulders above the competition. “We tried various makes and models, but as soon as we demonstrated the turntable QuadChip’s we were sold! We have all-but eliminated issues to do with restricted access, no longer having to compromise operator safety by loading in the road or having to ask the tenant to move their vehicles. With these chippers we can quickly and easily spin the unit to get the infeed at the ideal angle, reducing the time spent transporting material from back gardens to the chipper and completing every job more efficiently.” Ed continues, “Not only that, but the power from the 25hp diesel engine, large infeed and impressive pull-through means it can handle the wide variety of materials we come across in this job with no issue.” The specification of the QuadChip 160D also features GreenMech’s renowned disc-blade chipping system, which allows for rotation of the cutting edge and extends the time between sharpening. “We alternate between the machines to manage wear, though we were fortunate enough to have a tour of the GreenMech factory prior to our purchase so we have no concerns over build quality whatsoever” he adds. “GreenMech, in particular Neal Hussey, went above and beyond to ensure we had all the information to hand to make an informed decision. Not only that, but it’s great to be supporting British manufacturing and working with a company just a stone’s throw away from our headquarters, meaning support will always be there should we need it.”

Three years after receiving the initial recommendation, the team at The Worcestershire Golf Club are continuing to discover the benefits of running their 2-stroke equipment on Aspen Fuel. Course Manager Steve Lloyd explains how Aspen alkylate petrol is providing clean, reliable power for an array of high-output hand tools and claims that, since switching, the club have all-but eliminated costly carburettor issues and machinery downtime. Nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills, The Worcestershire is proudly one of England’s oldest golf clubs – offering the membership a challenging, mature parkland course. It was here, in the purchase of new backpack blowers for the momentous task of leaf clearance, that Steve and his team of seven were put onto Aspen. “Tim Lane of ATH Machinery suggested we give Aspen-2 a try, explaining the benefits it could bring to engine life and reliability and also for the cleaner working environment it creates for the operator. We’ve not looked back since” Steve says. “Aspen-2 being pre-mixed gives us unbeatable consistency which is not only far better for the health and function of the engine but is quicker and safer for the operators not having to manually mix. The transformation in engine performance and reduction in emissions was evident very quickly.” He continues, “This saw us convert over to Aspen for not just the backpack blowers, but also our strimmers, chainsaws and other high-output hand tools which – as it stands – are not viable to run efficiently or economically on battery-power.” Virtually free from ethanol, aromatics and benzene, Aspen alkylate petrol presents a 99% cleaner fuel than ordinary petrol in regard to the levels of hazardous hydrocarbons. This equates to benefits for operators, equipment and the wider environment alike – where the significant reduction in toxic emissions makes it a popular choice for professional users and those pursuing greater sustainability in their maintenance operations. “I think people can sometimes be deterred by the cost implications of using an alternative fuel” Steve adds. “In our experience, this has been offset by the lack of mechanical and component issues we’ve experienced since using Aspen, together with the convenience of it being pre-mixed and the time saved by having the 60L drums delivered to site.” Those wishing to trial Aspen within their businesses can now do so, risk-free, with a money back guarantee. Subject to a bulk purchase, if you don’t ‘Experience the Difference’, Aspen will refund you the cost difference compared to what you would have spent on pump fuel. More details on this can be found on the Aspen website, or by speaking to the team at BTME on stand 423.

Designed for tree care, the GTA 40 is the first professional pruner available in the STIHL AS System of battery-powered tools. Combining low weight and compact design with high cutting performance, the GTA 40 excels at pruning on the ground as well as maintenance and corrective pruning in trees by trained climbing arborists. Thanks to the low weight, excellent balance and impressive cutting speed, the GTA 40 is a viable alternative to using top handled chainsaws for tree canopy maintenance. In areas of overgrown and dense foliage, the compact and slim design of the GTA 40 is a particular advantage. Two AS System batteries provide enough charge for up to 190 cuts when cutting spruce with a diameter of 5x5 cm. Like all STIHL professional battery-powered tools, the batteries and the pruner are IPX4 certified, resulting in reliable use in rain and wet conditions. Equipped with a 6” STIHL Light 01 guide bar with low-friction sprocket nose and a narrow STIHL 1/4" Picco saw chain, the GTA 40 ensures fast cutting performance and a smooth cutting result. The partially transparent chain oil tank ensures the operator is always aware of when the tank needs to be refilled. Like many battery-powered tools, the GTA 40 is so quiet that no hearing protection is required, and to ensure the tool fits comfortably in your hand, the grip points are coated with a durable non-slip soft material. Features such as the lateral chain tensioner and charge level indicator also help to ensure effortless operation. Suspension eyelets on both sides allow a lanyard to be attached. Alternatively, a holster is available as part of STIHL’s X-Flex Harness System, for even greater ease of use. A heavy-duty storage and transport case is included with all GTA 40 sets, with ample room for the AL 5-2 multi-charger and up to 6 AS 2 batteries. The GTA 40 pruner can be integrated into the cloud-based STIHL Connected system solution via a Smart Connector attached to the motor housing. This digital fleet management system offers professional users a detailed overview of the operating time of the tool, as well as upcoming maintenance tasks and maintenance history records. For more information on the GTA 40 and STIHL’s wide range of professional battery tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.