Steve Bullman

Having developed the first ever backpack blower in the early 1970s, ECHO know a thing or two about blowers. They have recently launched the PB-9010T backpack blower. Built for professional users and heavy-duty applications, it boasts an industry-leading 48.9N of blowing force, making debris removal almost effortless. The PB-9010T is the culmination of years of designing machines that are not only powerful, but put operator comfort at the forefront of the process. The combination of a powerful 79.9cc engine, air speed of 97.8m/s and a maximum air volume of 1907m³/h enables operators to complete tasks faster and more efficiently . With operator comfort in mind, the PB-9010T features a 5-point anti-vibration system, ergonomic backpack straps, and a hip belt to reduce fatigue. The unique operator back ventilation system provides cooling airflow during hot weather and can be disabled for colder conditions, ensuring year-round comfort. A patented metal wear ring enhances durability and protects the blower tube from wear, while the top-mounted, tool-less air filter allows quick maintenance in the field. Built-in cruise control means constant speed is easy to maintain. The ECHO PB-9010T is available now from ECHO dealers nationwide and is priced at £899 (inc-VAT).

After a busy winters work, operating in all weathers and ground conditions, nesting season provides the ideal opportunity to consider giving your woodchipper some well-needed TLC! GreenMech offer operators some top tips on simple, routine maintenance to consider conducting over the summer months to prevent costly repairs and downtime. Looking firstly at towed woodchippers. If you’ve been working in dusty environments, check and clean radiators and filters to ensure water-cooled engines retain adequate airflow to perform effectively. If your engine is air-cooled, the engine inspection panels and any debris should be removed to prevent any ‘hot spotting’ of the cylinders. Like a vehicle, fluid levels should be monitored to maintain the operational integrity of your chipper. If the radiator has a header tank, check the level in the radiator and change the fluids/filters as instructed in the machine manual. Grease the chipper as per the manufacturer’s instructions and inspect all safety features such as the control bar and cut-out switches to ensure these are working as intended. Sharpen the blades to avoid the transfer of shock loads into the bearings – a good edge on the shear bar/anvil is also needed for efficient chipping. As obvious as it may seem, give the chipper a wash down! Keeping your investment clean will help to prevent degradation of the paint from residual dirt and salt. While inspecting your towed chipper, don’t forget the trailer. Ensure the brakes, lights, floor, ramps, securing points and tyres (including the jockey wheel) are all in good, road-legal condition. For tracked woodchippers, all of the above tips also apply. In addition, ensure that the tracks are in good order, with no visible signs of damage and that tracking components and controls are operating as intended. Next, double check the toolbox – if you needed to refit a lost track as per the manufacturer’s instructions, would you have the right tools to do so? Finally, check the condition of any additional accessories, particularly winches which should be equipped with quality rope in good condition. Those operating a tractor mounted/powered woodchipper will note that many of the pointers already listed will be applicable to both the chipper and the tractor. In this scenario, you’ll also want to ensure that the correct specification PTO shaft is fitted, in good order and with the correct guarding. Some have a ‘slip clutch’ which will need to be set at the correct torque settings. Others may need a ‘shear bolt lobe’, so check you have some spare bolts in the toolbox. Check the hydraulic hoses are correctly fitted and that the in-cab controls are working as they should. If a 12v supply is needed to run the ‘No Stress’ device or beacon, ensure that the correct light cable is refitted if the tractor is intended for highway use. Finally, grease as required – not forgetting the UJ spiders and plastic guards covering the shaft. More details can be found within GreenMech operator manuals or by speaking to your local approved dealer. To find your nearest GreenMech expert, visit www.greenmech.co.uk