Steve Bullman

It’s well documented that time is a precious commodity for every greenkeeping team. At Bungay & Waveney Valley Golf Club it’s no different, with woodland maintenance one of the biggest pulls on Tony Moore and his team during the autumn and winter months. That all changed however with the delivery of their GreenMech Arborist 130 woodchipper in November 2024, which has not only slashed the time it takes to thin-out and raise lower branches, it’s also significantly reduced the amount of traffic moving around the course. Affectionately named the ‘Hidden Jewel of Suffolk’, the course is nestled in the picturesque Waveney Valley and is lined with a mixture of mature oak, birch and pine trees which need attention in the winter months to improve airflow and ensure good lines of sight. “Some years we’ll do more work than others, but either way, any tree work ties up multiple people who end up killing time while someone runs backwards and forwards with branches in a trailer” explains Head Greenkeeper Tony. “I got in touch with GreenMech’s Neal Hussey who coordinated with our local dealer TNS to bring us a couple of chippers in on demonstration. We were really impressed with the capacity of the Arborist 130, the fact that it’s very easy to use and, importantly, the price.” Delivered in November, the Arborist 130 was put straight to work. He continues, “Neal came back to get the team trained up on how to use the chipper, but it’s pretty foolproof so we were up and running with it really quickly. With the chipper, we now have less hands on the job and are having to make significantly fewer trips with the trailer which reduces our fuel consumption and is better for the course when the ground conditions are softer.” The Arborist 130 is an ideal fit for golf courses, landscapers and contractors looking for a low-maintenance, high-output 6” machine. Equipped with a number of GreenMech’s unique features including a wide infeed chute, no-stress in-feed system and disc-blade chipping technology, the chipper is a robust, capable addition to any machinery fleet. “We can get the machine exactly where we need it which means we can achieve more in less time, and free up labour for other tasks around the course. It’s been a gamechanger for us” he concludes.

Designed for professional use, STIHL has launched the new BRA 500 and BRA 600 battery-operated backpack blowers, with maximum blowing force for clearing large areas. The two new battery-powered machines provide high air speed, with a maximum blowing force of up to 32 (BRA 500) and 35 newtons (BRA 600), available throughout the entire tool’s operating time, making them ideal for removing heavy, wet leaves quickly and efficiently. Users can also regulate the required blowing force by selecting one of the tool’s three levels using its digital control, with an additional boost mode available to achieve the machine’s maximum power. Built to reduce strain over prolonged use, both tools have a comfortable carrying system which distributes the weight of the machine across your shoulders and hips, allowing for maximum comfort. With STIHL’s Noise Reduction System built in, the machine offers reduced noise as well as a tuned sound to make them less intrusive when used in public areas, allowing professional users to work productively at all times of day. As STIHL’s first 72 V professional machines, the BRA 500 and BRA 600 draw energy simultaneously from two powerful AP System batteries. For maximum working time, STIHL’s AP 500 S battery packs are recommended. Complete with an LED display, which details the mode the device is working in and battery charge levels, the tools can also be incorporated into STIHL’s Connected digital fleet management system. The Connected system provides a detailed overview of all relevant machine data and provides the option to reduce the tool’s power remotely via the STIHL Connected app. To facilitate use in the rain, both the BRA 500 and BRA 600 are IPX4-certified To find out more about the STIHL BRA 500 and BRA 600, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

For over a decade, PROTOS® has been setting new standards and is now the number 1 head protector in the world. As the leader in innovative safety solutions, PROTOS® is proud to announce the launch of the NEW PROTOS® Safety Glasses SB 1–4 EVO. Designed for professionals working in industry, construction, arboriculture and forestry, the new safety glasses deliver enhanced protection and superior comfort to meet the latest EU safety standard (EN ISO 16321). The legal adoption date for this standard is the 11th November 2025. Building on the success of the previous model, the PROTOS® SB 1–4 EVO features a significantly expanded protection area, ensuring maximum eye safety even in the most demanding environments. The newly designed ergonomic nose bridge guarantees a secure and comfortable fit — even during long shifts and constantly changing conditions. As with the previous model, the PROTOS® SB 1–4 EVO Safety Glasses click into position on the helmet headband, and when not in use, they conveniently slide up inside the helmet. “PROTOS® is committed to maximum security for all heads and understands that reliable eye protection is crucial for workers in all industries,” said Andrew Hunter, Managing Director at Outwear — the Importer and Distributor of PROTOS® in the UK and Ireland. “The PROTOS® SB 1–4 EVO not only exceeds current safety standards but also provides unparalleled comfort for the wearer.” Key Features of the PROTOS® Safety Glasses SB 1–4 EVO: Expanded protection area for superior safety. Fully compliant with the latest EU safety standards (EN ISO 16321). Ergonomic, secure fit for all-day comfort. Clear vision and ultimate protection in every situation. The new PROTOS® SB 1–4 EVO are now available in Clear, Yellow, Amber, and Mirror through the PROTOS® retail network and is set to become the go-to choice for professionals demanding the best in eye protection. www.protos-integral.co.uk/retailers