Steve Bullman

ECHO have launched the DPB-2500 power blower – the latest addition to the 56v eFORCE range. Perfect for medium duty use by professional gardeners, the blower is packed with features that make it effective and comfortable to use in a wide range of different applications. First and foremost, the DPB-2500 is a very capable handheld blower. It has a blowing force of 16N at an impressive 65.9m/s. All this from a machine that weighs just 2.6kg (without battery). For larger clearing jobs, there is a throttle-lock ‘cruise control’ setting, which reduces operator hand fatigue during longer working sessions. When precision is required, the highly tactile, variable speed throttle allows for refined, feathered control of the air flow – giving you the ability to accurately steer leaves and debris wherever you want. A ‘boost’ function helps things a long when blowing clumped leaves or heavier material. Rubber, over-molded handle grips provide the user with comfortable control – with or without gloves; and dual-sided air intakes eliminate blockages caused by trouser fabric getting sucked against the inlets. Being an ECHO tool, there is near perfect weight distribution, making the DPB-2500 comfortable to operate over long periods of time. The ECHO DPB-2500 is available now from ECHO dealers nationwide and is priced at £299 (inc-VAT).

Improving the working environment of landscapers and ground professionals for over 40 years, Aspen Fuel will be returning to GroundsFest 2024 to showcase the many benefits of their 2 and 4-stroke Alkylate petrol. Stand OSA490 is the place to find out more and also the place where brave participants can partake in the ‘Aspen Challenge’ for the chance to win some awesome Aspen prizes! Aspen alkylate petrol is virtually free from sulphur, benzene and solvents making it much less harmful than regular petrol. The reduction in hazardous and toxic hydrocarbons contributes to a cleaner burn, improving not just the reliability of the engine but the immediate operator environment - freeing users from headaches and other health concerns associated with working in close proximity to petrol-powered equipment. Standard E10 pump fuel now contains around 10% ethanol, the moisture-attracting properties of which can often be the cause of starting difficulties or engine failures in smaller equipment such as strimmers and leaf blowers. Ethanol-free Aspen 2 with its cleaner combustion leaves very little residue or carbon deposits, extending engine lifespan and retaining its original performance for longer. The benefits for the equipment and the operator, together with a reduction in environmental impact, make Aspen a versatile and economically-viable choice for operators in all sectors looking to move towards more sustainable working practice. Those wanting to discover how Aspen can change their own working environments can also enquire about the risk-free, money-back trial which enables business owners to try Aspen without incurring any increase in their fuel cost, and the option to return the unused fuel if they don’t ‘experience the difference’. Visitors will also have the opportunity to test their strength in the ‘Aspen Challenge’ which returns for another year - with the chance to win some fantastic prizes over the course of the two days!

FSI Stump Cutters are set to unveil something new at APF 2024, as the UK subsidiary of the world’s only dedicated stump grinder manufacturer takes a stand at the event for the very first time. While details of the launch are being kept closely under wraps, visitors to stand 1560/1580 this September are assured to find an exciting new addition to their industry-leading portfolio, along with the chance to win a free 3-month hire of an FSI B21. No strangers to the Ragley Estate, FSI have long had a presence at APF but 2024 marks the company’s debut under the banner of FSI Stump Cutters UK. Stand 1560/1580 will bring together stump grinding solutions for all professional situations with the expert advice and support of representatives from FSI UK and Denmark, as well as a number of FSI’s UK dealer partners. Founded in 2002, FSI Stump Cutters have one of the industry’s widest ranges of quality-built stump grinders spanning engine, hydraulic and PTO-powered models – the latest addition to which will be unveiled on the opening morning. Other stand highlights promise to include the ever-popular FSI B21, which sets the industry standard for walk-behind grinders. The FSI B21 features a 14hp engine and pivoting cutter arm, offering a sweep of up to 90cm and removing stumps downs to depths of 25cm below ground. Visitors will also have the chance to win a free 3-month hire of an FSI B21 by signing up for the on-stand competition and taking a spin on the ‘Cutterwheel of Fortune’ where a range of FSI goodies will be up for grabs. More information on FSI and full terms & conditions of the competition can be found by speaking to the UK technical team who will be on hand to assist visitors across the three days.

The revolutionary EVO 205TT is set to take centre stage at APF 2024 as leading woodchipper manufacturers GreenMech return to Ragley Estate this September. Launched to much acclaim earlier in 2024, the versatility, safety and unparalleled performance of the EVO 205TT will be showcased on stand 1270-1310 alongside a number of other chipping solutions to suit tasks and timber of all shapes and sizes. GreenMech’s EVO Series has firmly cemented its status as the professional commercial choice, with 6” and 8” variants in tracked and road-tow configurations designed to meet the demanding requirements of the modern-day arborist. Incorporating all of the features now synonymous with the series including wide-in feed chute, horizontal rollers and heavy-duty flywheel, the EVO 205TT turntable model was introduced to provide maximum flexibility in positioning for safe and efficient operation. With a Stage V Kubota 50hp diesel engine at its core, the 8” EVO 205TT delivers powerful performance – with fuel consumption optimised by GreenMech’s ‘Smart Sense’ controller system. The 360o turntable allows you to chip from any angle, with bulky material and brash processed with ease by the disc-blade configuration which not only delivers accurate chipping but stays sharper for longer thanks to the unique ability to rotate the cutting edge. The GreenMech team will be on hand for the show duration to answer visitor questions on the EVO 205TT and all other models on display, including the EVO 205D SURE-Trak. GreenMech’s SURE-Trak system allows each track to be raised or lowered independently on the move, ensuring the machine maintains a horizontal position when climbing or descending slopes. Providing unrivalled climbing ability and up to 540mm of ground clearance, the 205D SURE-Trak will provide ultimate manoeuvrability for the operator and maximise stability when traversing uneven ground. Visitors will also have the opportunity to get their hands on some GreenMech goodies by entering the ‘Spin to Win’ competition on the stand.

STIHL has launched the new BGA 250, a battery-powered blower that offers professional users an impressive power-to-weight ratio and a new standard of performance and efficiency. Thanks to the constant power output technology, the BGA 250 offers 100% power even as the battery discharges, making it the world’s most powerful handheld battery-powered blower throughout the full battery charge. Weighing only 2.7kg, the BGA 250 is lighter than its BGA 86 counterpart and boasts a significantly higher blowing output of 26 newtons. The battery is located inside the BGA 250, making the new handheld blower practical for smaller jobs that require high power. The maximum blowing force can be selected from the simple-to-use speed level controls, allowing for efficient energy management and longer working times. Boost mode may also be selected to provide maximum power for the toughest clearing jobs. Furthermore, the new blower features an LED power display and a cruise control function to maximise battery use. In addition to excellent performance, the BGA 250 features an improved battery location directly under the handle, which not only gives the blower perfect balance, but also improves the manoeuvrability of the machine thanks to its shortened design. The BGA 250 also features a nozzle with a shallow bend which directs the ‘push back’ force through the handle, ensuring the blower stays in place during operation with no wrist strain. Other features include an IPX4 rating, ensuring the new blower can be used in all weathers. The BGA 250 is also compatible with STIHL’s Smart Connector 2 A, a device that plugs directly into the control module and collects useful working time and maintenance information. For more information on the BGA 250 and STIHL’s wide range of professional battery tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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