Steve Bullman

The purchase of an Arborist 150D Max from GreenMech has changed operations for the Heart of England Forest, providing usable woodchip to projects across their 7,500 acres of forest habitat. As the only woodchipper on their fleet, the purchase in February 2024 is compact yet powerful enough to tackle coppicing projects and pruning works as the charity strive to create and manage woodland across Worcestershire and Warwickshire. The Heart of England Forest (HOEF) is looking to create and manage a 30,000 acre forest with the aim of restoring forest cover, biodiversity and peoples connection with nature. Ian Hayward is a Senior Forest Ranger and works with a 21-strong forestry team on the broad range of maintenance needed in a woodland setting. “In the summer we’re access mowing our trail networks, looking after our young trees or conducting biodiversity surveys, then in winter it’s tree planting and maintenance, including coppicing and selective thinning – which is where our new GreenMech woodchipper comes in” he explains. “As a local company to us, and proud British manufacturer, GreenMech was our first port of call and the machines we saw seriously impressed. After trying a couple of models, we opted for the Arborist 150D Max – diesel-powered, capable of processing all the by-products from our forestry work, and meeting both our budget and the needs of the team.” The 150D Max is the latest addition to GreenMech’s Arborist range, one of the most successful and sought-after 6” chipper collections on the market. Powered by a 25hp Kubota diesel engine, the Arborist 150D Max utilises GreenMech’s disc-blade chipping technology and ‘No-Stress’ in-feed system to offer reliable, durable performance on timber and bushy brash. Ian goes on to emphasise the simplicity of both the purchase process and the chippers operation. “We received training on the machine and the team find its straight-forward operation a really positive feature. The communication we’ve had from GreenMech throughout has been top-notch, especially from Neal Hussey who went out of his way to help us throughout the procurement process.” “It’s currently our only chipper and will be really helpful when we’re doing coppicing projects as well as being utilised for clearance of material from tree safety and pruning work.” He continues, “As the forest grows, the amount of maintenance will increase the demand for the Arborist 150D Max with things like selective thinning needed more frequently. Here, we can turn the top end brash into woodchip for use on our woodland trails.” “With this woodchipper we will be able to handle greater volumes of material and repurpose it for more positive projects – it will change how we operate.”

Last year, the FSI B31-749 stump grinder took the arboricultural market by storm, with its 26.5hp engine combined with a compact, manoeuvrable design. While the B31-749 quickly became a favourite with professionals, FSI listened to industry feedback and recognised the appetite for even more power. In direct response to this demand, FSI are pleased to introduce the new, higher horsepower, FSI B31-980. As the world’s only dedicated stump grinder manufacturer, FSI have a long and proven history of industry firsts. FSI were the first to introduce a pivot point design on pedestrian stump grinders, and continued innovation has seen features like the FSI power-clutch, safety bar and hill hold brake system going on to set the industry standards. “The market is constantly evolving, and we strive to always stay ahead of the curve” explains FSI Managing Director Kim Schmidt. “By actively listening to our customers, we can identify emerging trends and develop products that truly meet their needs.” Responding to customer feedback has driven the introduction of the FSI B31-980. Building on the success of the B31-749, the new model retains the same narrow design (74cm), reliable performance, stability and manoeuvrability operators have come to expect from FSI. However, the increase from a 26.5hp to 38hp engine, delivers the additional power users require to quickly and effectively tackle stumps and navigate challenging terrain. The compact build, combined with counter-rotating tracks and low centre of gravity, optimise manoeuvrability of the FSI B31-980 making it ideal for a diverse range of working environments. When navigating tough terrain, or cutting on slopes, the built-in hydraulic motor brakes and counterbalance valve found on the B31 range ensures stability during intensive operations. Efficiency is assured thanks to two hydraulic cylinders which enable it to cover 120cm in a single sweep, while the ergonomic operator panel offers an exceptional view of the working area and conveniently places all necessary controls at your fingertips. Like the FSI B31-749, routine maintenance also remains simple. The hydraulically-driven cutter wheel on the FSI B31 eliminates the need for daily maintenance, minimising operating costs and reducing time spent in the workshop. “At FSI we are always listening and are proud to respond to what the market needs – whether it’s a completely new feature or a request for more power. We are committed to delivering the solutions our customer’s demand.” Kim continues, “We are delighted to be showcasing the FSI B31-980 at a number of events with our FSI partners throughout Europe over the next few months, including GaLaBau in Germany, Groen Techniek in The Netherlands, Salon Vert in France and APF in the United Kingdom.”

Book Your Free Place Today (Limited Availability) Sorbus will be delivering a Hitech Presentation/Demonstration at Moulton College, Moulton, Northampton NN3 7RR on Thursday 17 October 2024. Places are limited, and although free, must be booked in advance. We will be presenting a range of hitech equipment/systems and Tree Care products followed by practical demonstrations where ‘hands on’ participation is actively encouraged. Suitable for students at all levels and all Arb professionals (Consultants, Contractors, Local Authority Tree Officers, public & private landowners etc). This event is part of a series that we regularly organise at Universities & Colleges throughout the UK to give students and experienced professionals knowledge & practical experience of these products – much better than just reading about them! The session will commence at 10am; finished by lunchtime and is free of charge to attend. The itinerary is as follows: Introduction to Sorbus – who we are & what we do. IML microdrills for decay/defect assessment in trees and other wooden structures; focussing on the latest Resi-PD microdrill. This includes describing the PD in detail, how it is used and how to interpret the results. The PICUS range of tree assessment devices including the market leading PICUS 3 sonic tomography system, the TreeTronic 3 ERT (Electrical Resistance Tomography) system, TreeQinetic Tree Pulling and the latest TMS 3 (TreeMotion Sensors) that monitor tree rootplate & stem movement under natural wind conditions. Full descriptions are given along with methodology and result interpretation. Haglof Survey Devices for height /distance measurement and much more – from the entry level ECII-D electronic clinometer to the multi-functional laser/ultrasound GEO devices. PICUS Tension Drought Stress Monitors for trees/plants - The relevant measurement principle of the Tension is the soil water tension, expressed as a pF value, which indicates the force with which the water is held in the pores of the soil, i.e. the Tension not only measures soil moisture content but importantly how much force trees/plants must exert to extract the water. BITE Tree Infusion system to stimulate trees that are under stress or in decline using the patented EnerBite sap compatible treatment – description, methodology, benefits. How many times have you surveyed a tree that needs a boost to help it thrive & survive? The BITE system provides a very viable option. MycoSolutions Range including Avengelus Trichoderma soil enhancer/fertiliser, Tree Balm wound treatment & Ascovert organic liquid extract to support plants/trees during abiotic stress. BioSecurity – Awareness & importance of taking adequate measures to help prevent the spread of pests & diseases. Description of the Sorbus BioSecurity kits/accessories, Cleankill & Propellar disinfectants. PocketDiagnostic Lateral Flow Test Kits for the rapid & early in field identification of Phytophthora & other pathogens in trees, plants etc Practical session including demonstrations of various pieces of equipment where those attending are encouraged to get ‘hands on’ experience. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to reserve your place at this event.