Steve Bullman

After a four-year absence, May sees the return of The Arb Show, with GreenMech back and kickstarting their 30th anniversary celebrations with a showcase of their revolutionary EVO series. The 2019 event was the launch platform for the EVO 165 range which, from introduction, set the benchmark for its category. EVO models are now available in both 6” and 8” capacities and in road-tow and tracked formats, many of which will be on display at Westonbirt Arboretum on stand C09-C10. Launched in 6” diesel format, the EVO boasts more aggressive torque, more powerful bite and improved throughput. A petrol EVO 165P model quickly followed before the ‘big brother’ arrived in the form of the powerful 8” EVO 205D. GreenMech’s long and illustrious reputation for providing the ultimate tracked offering continues with the EVO Series, with fixed track, SAFE-Trak and SURE-Trak options now available. Visitors will also have the opportunity to witness the performance first hand on GreenMech’s dedicated demonstration area, located on stand D06. In addition to showcasing a selection of machines from the EVO Series, The Arb Show will be the first UK outing for the ECO 135 – a new concept 5” capacity entry-level woodchipper, ideally suited to the more price-conscious arborist, landscaper and rental markets. The entire GreenMech range comes with a 3-year, no-quibble guarantee and the support of their nationwide dealer network. The team will also be on hand across the two days to answer any questions and explain the variety of flexible finance options available via GreenMech Finance.

Highlighting the benefits of ethanol-free alkylate fuel for machinery, people and the planet, aspen will be back at The Arb Show on stand A08, as it returns to Westonbirt Arboretum this May. Celebrating 35 years as pioneers of alkylate fuel during 2023, aspen are delighted to be extending their ‘Experience the Difference’ trial – giving businesses the opportunity to use the 2 and 4-stroke fuel risk-free and discover the improvements for themselves… or get their money-back! Being free from ethanol, benzene and most other hazardous hydrocarbons found in traditional pump petrol, aspen Fuel powers a cleaner, greener workstyle for many leading landscape, arboriculture and ground care professionals. The cleaner burn achieved with aspen not only makes for a more pleasant operator environment, but engine performance is maintained without many of the costly reliability issues associated with component failure – particularly when equipment is left for extended periods in storage. Concerns around the cost or logistics can often delay the decision to make the switch to aspen which triggered the ‘Experience the Difference’ offer, meaning business owners can trial the fuel without incurring any additional cost. “We typically find that most companies overestimate their total annual fuel consumption” explains Business Development Manager Axel Hildebrand. “Through this initiative, people discover the simple accounting and all the sustainability benefits of protecting equipment, operators and the surrounding environment that makes aspen an option too good to ignore.” One of those who knows how advantageous aspen can be is Tony Gascoyne who has been using aspen Alkylate fuel in his business, The Arborist Limited, since 2016. Tony, along with the aspen team, will be on stand A08 across the two days to answer any visitor questions and discuss his own first-hand experience of using aspen in his day-to-day tree management operation.

STIHL has launched upgraded versions of its popular AP System MSA 160 C-B, MSA 200 C-B, and MSA 220 C-B cordless chainsaws, offering professional users a new streamlined design, improved battery performance, faster cutting and enhanced operational features. The new MSA 160 C-B is more powerful than the previous version, boasting a larger motor and compatibility with the recommended AP 300 S AP System battery, which ensures an increased electrical output of 1.5 kW for faster cutting performance. Moreover, the enhanced MSA 220 now comes as standard with a 3/8P pitch, 1.1mm gauge PS3 PRO chain, which improves cutting performance by up to 20% due to its narrower kerf. The new chain has been specifically designed for use with STIHL’s new Light 04 1.1mm guide bar, allowing more cuts to be made per battery charge. The MSA 160 C-B and MSA 200 C-B feature a 1/4P chain for smooth and precise cuts. All three new models have seen numerous upgraded operational features introduced to improve the user experience. These include improved visibility of the chain oil level for faster checks, a thumb lever and OPC starting switch for increased comfort and safety, as well as a soft rubberised grip and optimally balanced handle position for maximum control and comfort. In addition, all new models feature quick chain tensioning for fast and tool-less replacement or tensioning of the chain, as well as bayonet style oil tank caps which can be opened quickly and easily while wearing gloves. All the new saws are compatible with the STIHL Smart Connectors, part of the STIHL Connected fleet management system. Smart Connectors record and transmit the working time of the tool to the user’s smartphone, giving prompts to complete important maintenance tasks exactly when they’re required. More for information on STIHL’s enhanced MSA cordless chainsaw range, visit www.stihl.co.uk

Newark Golf Club are one of a growing list of UK courses discovering the many benefits that aspen Fuel brings to the operation of their petrol-powered equipment. It’s been three years since Course Manager Alex Clarricoates made the switch to aspen 2 and aspen 4 for a selection of their machinery and hand tools – including seasonal equipment which now starts first time, every time, even after significant periods in storage. “We were familiar with aspen and decided to give it a try during COVID, when we started to encounter difficulties in accessing pump fuel” explains Alex, who has been at the 18-hole parkland course for 15 years. “It’s not until you incorporate it into the day to day operations that you really begin to appreciate the improvements that an ethanol-free alkylate fuel can have for both the operators and the equipment. The biggest benefit for me is the shelf-life of aspen, which has seen us get equipment out of the shed which has been dormant for a year and starts again with no trouble at all.” Together with damaging plastic and rubber components, ethanol binds moisture which then acidifies, causing the issues commonly experienced with ‘gummy deposits’, reliability issues and reduced storage life. Being free from ethanol as well as benzene, sulphur and many other harmful substances, aspen Alkylate petrol offers a clean alternative for both 2 and 4-stroke engines – available in a range of pack sizes and bulk ordering available, which includes safe and convenient delivery to site. “We use roughly 400 litres of the 4-stroke aspen, and 200 litres of the 2-stroke each year, both delivered in 200 litre barrels and stored exactly where we need it. Another benefit we’ve found is the aspen 2 being pre-mixed which has eliminated issues we’ve experienced in the past where incorrect fuel to oil ratios have resulted in faults with some of our 2-stroke engines.” Along with reduction in service time and the associated costs, Alex notes that improvements have also been observed to the operator working environment. “The cleaner burn results in a big reduction in noxious fumes so, when you’re working with a chainsaw in dense woodland for example, you’ll notice that come the end of the day you don’t have headaches.” These qualities have also been well received by the club. “Like a lot of venues we’re looking at sustainability and ways of reducing the impact we make on our surroundings. aspen Alkylate powering our petrol equipment is a great step forward in us being more environmentally friendly.”