Steve Bullman

Bandit has unveiled the new Intimidator 15XCT woodchipper, developed in direct response to feedback from UK industry professionals. Designed to meet the specific needs of tree care and forestry experts, the 15XCT features a replaceable chip breaker system, with individual breakers that can be changed independently - a key request from customers of Global Machinery Solutions, Bandit’s exclusive UK supplier, to enhance performance and uptime. The Intimidator 15XCT is powered by a high-torque Stage V diesel engine and a four-knife chipping drum capable of processing material up to 15 inches in diameter. Its rubber track undercarriage provides excellent stability, flotation, and low ground pressure, making it ideal for uneven, soft, or muddy terrain. For applications requiring extra durability, an optional steel undercarriage is also available. Operators benefit from a wireless radio remote control, which manages the track drive, feed direction, feed wheel positioning, discharge swivel, chip flipper, and infeed pan. The fish-mouth style infeed improves visibility and approach, while the wide hydraulic infeed tray accommodates irregular timber and multi-piece loading. Edward Baker, Managing Director of Global Machinery Solutions, commented: "The wide infeed delivers faster processing, fewer blockages, and a smoother, more productive workflow. It ensures consistent chip quality, reduces overs, and meets biomass or specification-led chipping requirements. “We’ve listened to our customers and worked with Bandit to configure a machine that truly delivers for tree professionals. It’s a significant addition to the Bandit range and the forestry industry, which we’re proud to launch." As the UK’s official Bandit supplier, Global Machinery Solutions provides nationwide delivery, flexible payment options, comprehensive parts and service support, and expert advice, including on-site demonstrations.

STIHL has unveiled its most powerful battery-powered cut-off machine to date. The TSA 500, with 16”/350mm cutting wheel, is the latest addition to STIHL’s AP System range. It offers a power output of 4.2kW and provides an equivalent cutting performance to the petrol-powered TS 500i, with 3.9kW mechanical performance. To deliver this performance, it requires two AP 500 S batteries, powering a 72-volt system. Featuring an adjustable magnesium guard, the tool is ideal for construction, landscaping, and rescue service professionals. Built for optimised handling for tougher cutting tasks, the TSA 500 provides smooth operation and low vibration, allowing for precise guidance of the tool. With its 350mm cutting disc, the machine allows for accurate and ergonomic cutting of a range of materials, including stone, structural steel, metal and composite materials, to depths of 125mm. The new machine boasts an electronic control panel and a simple control system. The TSA 500’s STIHL Power Boost technology ensures optimal performance and consistent cutting power throughout its runtime, comparable to that of petrol alternatives. The tool also provides consistent power for 20-40 minutes, depending on the material being cut, when used with two AP 500 S batteries. Being battery operated, the TSA 500 is particularly suited to indoor cutting tasks or situations where the simplicity of a battery machine excels. In addition, its run-out break, with recuperation function, feeds the energy generated during braking, back into its batteries, for maximum efficiency and productivity. This also means the cutting wheel comes to a stop in less than 4 seconds after use. What’s more, for optimum tool performance and longevity, the TSA 500’s newly developed magnetic filter protects the machine from the particles generated during metal cutting operation. For ease of use, users can select one of three power modes according to task via its digital controls, with a modern display, which also provides information on the tool’s battery charge level. With its built-in connected function, the tool can also integrate seamlessly into the STIHL Connected digital fleet management system, which delivers up-to-date information on usage and maintenance status, reducing downtime. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, the TSA 500 is IPX 4-rated, making it safe to use in wet conditions. For more information on the STIHL TSA 500, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

‘Your environment, our responsibility’ is not just the strapline of contractors GVA - it’s very much a motto the company embody everyday in their operations with National Highways, utility providers, countryside managers and other leading land agencies throughout the UK. Longstanding users of Aspen 2 and Aspen 4 across their machinery fleet, their confidence in the environmental and operator benefits of alkylate fuel has moved from being simply their fuel of choice to a core element of their brand new GVA Training school. Already familiar with the firm from over 20 years’ experience in the arboricultural industry, Andrew Fletcher joined GVA in September 2024 to become their new Corporate Training Instructor and Coordinator. He came with a clear vision – to build a training centre that reflects best practice across the industry and just a few short months later, and with LANTRA qualifications to teach across 10 specialist disciplines under his belt, that vision became a reality in the form of GVA Training. “It’s been incredibly exciting – to develop this new project within such an established and well-respected business” Andrew explains. “Because of GVA’s growth, we see a steady stream of new recruits so it made complete sense to develop a training model to run alongside our operations which supports our clients and demonstrates our commitment to continual professional development and high safety standards.” Courses are open to anyone, and include a dedicated segment on fuelling – focussed on the science, environmental and operator health benefits and practical advantages of Aspen Fuel over regular petrol. “We see it in our day-to-day business – the reduction in smoke/haze, the lack of strong odour, the benefits it brings to engine life and equipment performance. It’s now about informing the next generation, many of whom have heard about Aspen but some who only experience it hands-on for the first time when they come and learn with us. They notice the difference straight away” he adds. “During the morning maintenance session, trainees get the chance to inspect machines from GVA’s own fleet which is where they can clearly see Aspen’s cleaner burn and reduced carbon deposits. Come the afternoon, its outdoor training using both battery tools and conventional equipment fuelled exclusively with Aspen.” This combination of theory and practice, Andrew says, helps to overcome any perceived barriers some of the attendees sometimes have. “Cost always comes up, but when you factor in that Aspen is pre-mixed with 2-stroke oil, the reduction in machinery maintenance, downtime, not to mention the health benefits, it pays for itself. We’re fully converted which makes it easy to present with confidence.” With support from their local Aspen distributor Stuart Taylors International, GVA Training has welcomed over 100 students since the scheme launched in April 2025 and with demand steadily increasing, they expect numbers to grow rapidly over the coming year. “We use Aspen because it works. Now it’s brilliant that we can teach so many others why!”