Steve Bullman

An FSI B21 stump grinder is proving that compact certainly does not mean a compromise in efficiency and performance for Joe Baker of JB Tree Services. With the majority of jobs coming from residential customers in and around Trowbridge, his recently purchased FSI B21 gives him the manoeuvrability to tackle stumps in tight and restricted spaces as well as providing full control over his work schedule compared to the trepidation of relying on hire machines. After working as a tree surgeon for Bath Council for six years, Joe started working for himself full-time in 2021. Commercial and council work for Trowbridge Town Council remains a key part of his offering, but he explains that the majority of demand for him and his team of two comes from residential customers. “These sorts of customers are looking for a ‘one stop shop’ - if they’re having a tree removed, they also want the stump dealt with on the same day.” “I started off hiring a stump grinder as and when I needed one, but found they’d turn up used and abused, nearly always blunt. The time was definitely right to invest in our own machine that would be well maintained and available whenever we needed it.” While no stranger to stump grinders, Joe had no prior experience of an FSI, but admits it took little convincing that the brand was the perfect solution! “We had the slightly bigger FSI B31 on demonstration from GA Groundcare Ltd and the first thing we noticed was the outstanding build quality. The whole team had the opportunity to use it and all agreed that of all the various makes and models they’d used, in operation, this was by far the best.” Decision made, the pedestrian FSI B21 stump grinder joined the machinery fleet in August 2024. “There’s a lot to like about this machine, with a lot of features bringing newfound efficiency to stump removal.” He explains, “Firstly, the 14hp engine delivers impressive power. The turntable feature is brilliant in terms of operator comfort, the safety bar allows us to disengage the cutter wheel for safe and unhindered movement around the stump. The hill-hold system which is unique to FSI is another gamechanger – blocking any forward wheel motion and allowing us to pull the machine backwards to easily navigate ramps, steps and uneven terrain.” “The peace of mind of being able to fell a tree in the morning and having the FSI B21 to hand to grind the stump in the afternoon is brilliant, seeing the machine in high demand since we’ve had it. The back-up from GA Groundcare has also been excellent. We can’t fault the machine or the service we’ve had from start to finish.”

Weighing in at 1,498kg, the Vermeer BC200 increases your productivity with its twin offset horizontal rollers and 8” X 12” throat capacity. The Kubota 44.3hp V1505-CR-TES Diesel Engine keeps the chip flowing smoothly. Vermeer UK cover all of the UK & Ireland with a dedicated team of sales and engineering staff backed by well stocked parts department. If you’re in the market for a powerful and robust chipper then get in touch to arrange a demonstration. For more information about the great range of Vermeer Chippers in the UK, call us on 01933 274400, email [email protected], or visit our website at www.vermeeruk.co.uk

One of the country’s leading treework, grounds and estate contractors has praised the role of Aspen Fuel in powering their environmentally-friendly maintenance operation. Based on the outskirts of Cardiff, TR33 is utilising Aspen alkylate petrol in all of their 2-stroke equipment, playing its part in a wider ‘green’ strategy and helping the firm to win a number of commercial groundcare tenders. Undertaking all elements of tree surgery, grounds and estate management, TR33 are proud to work for a number of local governments, housing associations, retail and park managers within a 90-minute radius of their base in Michaelston Y Fedw. Neil Davies has been one of TR33’s Managers for the last four years and oversees a team of over 50 operatives. “Whether you call it humility, respect or admiration for nature or being ‘green’ or environmentally aware, TR33’s ethos right from the outset 20 years ago is to work in harmony with our surroundings” says Neil. “Our use of Aspen Fuel pre-dates me, but the reasons we continue to use it for all of our two-stroke equipment remains the same –this being the benefits it brings to the environment and the health of our operators.” Free from ethanol and many of the hazardous hydrocarbons found in traditional unleaded petrol, Aspen alkylate petrol burns cleaner. Its use, compared with pump fuel, reduces ground-level ozone – which can negatively affect plant growth and reduce carbon uptake - by up to 40%. Together with keeping engine components healthier for longer, using Aspen also all but eliminates the smell and knock-on health implications of prolonged exposure to the haze omitted from petrol-powered equipment. “Ultimately we’re nothing without our staff so putting their welfare front and centre is incredibly important to us.” He continues, “The Aspen 2 is delivered in barrels supplied by Forest Park & Garden to our yard and arrives pre-mixed which avoids us having to police how the 2-stroke oil and petrol is being mixed, further improving health and safety and giving us fantastic consistency for our chainsaws, hedge cutters, leaf blowers and other 2-stroke equipment.” When it comes to commercial tenders, Neil explains that it’s important for TR33 to demonstrate that they are practicing what they preach. “Explaining that we use Aspen Fuel is another way for us to demonstrate our environmental credentials. This has undoubtedly played its part in securing some of our big commercial contracts over the years.” He adds, “People will be aware there is a cost implication for using an alternative fuel such as Aspen, but for us that is more than offset by the knowledge that our team can go about their business in a way which is not detrimental to their health. It’s something appreciated by the operators, our customers and, increasingly, by the market as a whole.”

An excavator, woodchipper and sawmill are allowing one Suffolk farmer to manage his woodland and produce timber for his own fencing and outbuildings. After retiring from his Suffolk-based contracting business, Brockhill Contracts, Mick Murfitt decided to buy a 170-acre farm as a new personal project. With around 65-acres of the farm being woodland, Mick taught himself the art of felling, logging, sawmilling and wood chipping - and now produces material from the trees to construct facilities for his family’s onsite horse yard. It is a fully self-sufficient process - and no wood is used for commercial purposes. The woodland consists of non-native coniferous trees, which had been left in its natural state. He’s now working with the Forestry Commission and Woodland Trust to replace the pines with native species to benefit the local environment. Already more than 400 trees have been planted – and there’s plans to introduce even more. So far Mick’s produced timber to build fencing, stables and field shelters for the horses – and there’s already a new menage in the pipeline, along with other shelters, outbuildings, and even a solar-powered fan log drying barn, so Mick doesn’t have to wait as long to process the logs. Each stage is carried on the farm, so from woodland to construction, Mick’s material never leaves the site. At nearly 70 years of age and solely carrying out the woodland operations, Mick needs high performing machinery that’s practical, comfortable, economical. The first machine Mick bought was a Norwood Lumbermax HD38 sawmill which allows him to produce perfect rails and beams for his fencing and buildings – and being hydraulic means it’s easy to operate. Following this, a Pronar M15 woodchipper was then added to his arsenal to process the increasing amount of material and shred woodland brash. Mick then realised he needed a more compact excavator to pick up logs and put them on the trailer ahead of being milled or chipped. He chose the SANY SY50U for its ability to operate in the confined space – a particularly important feature when operating in the condense woodland. Mick said: “The excavator, sawmill and woodchipper are now fundamental in my operations. I had never milled or processed wood before I met Global Machinery Solutions’ Andy Dudley - and without his advice and onsite demonstrations, I would never have been able to accomplish what I’ve done on the farm. His knowledge is exceptional, and I can’t thank him enough. “Being able to manage the woodland, process logs and construct fencing, field shelters and outbuildings – all self-sufficiently – is so rewarding. The machines have also saved me so much money from having to buy materials.” Andy said: “Mick is a delight to work with and it’s fantastic to see how he manages his woodland and is enhancing his land by constructing fencing and field shelters from the byproduct - rather than chopping it for firewood.” Contact Global Machinery Services to discuss your forestry machinery needs.

ABOUT OUR OPPORTUNITY We currently have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, energetic Professional Product Specialist with a passion for STIHL products, to join our expanding Commercial Solutions team. This role involves promoting and selling our range of professional products. The role requires a self-starter who enjoys engaging with our customers in various settings, from outdoor events to presenting in a board room. Key responsibilities include demonstrating product features, providing expert advice, and building strong customer relationships. You will have a keen interest in battery technology, robotics and the development of our products of the future. This position offers the opportunity to combine a love for machinery and the outdoors with a rewarding sales career. Operating across the South, this role works closely with the Sales team and the dealer network. RESPONSIBILITIES Demonstrate STIHL products to dealers, prospects, large end-users and local authorities. Liaise directly with relevant teams regarding customer requirements and requests. Participate in trade and regional shows to promote STIHL product solutions. Develop detailed knowledge of battery product range/understand the training requirements. Support sales growth in parts and accessories with professional large end users. Support sales in the commercial market for STIHL Connected. Maintain records using our sales management system. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE Experience of STIHL products and working in the garden machinery or power tool industry would be advantageous Confident presenter, with the ability to communicate effectively Effective time management and planning Self-motivated and target oriented MS Office skills and competent in the use of business systems Driving licence and willingness to travel extensively with nights away WHAT’S ON OFFER AT STIHL Competitive salary plus excellent benefits package including performance bonus Everything you need to do well in the job; fully equipped company van, IT, software, mobile phone, STIHL branded clothing and PPE, training and support from L&D and the wider STIHL team 22 days holiday per year plus Christmas shutdown Excellent pension scheme Private medical and dental schemes Gymflex and cycle to work schemes Product discounts Excellent working environment CONTACT For more information or to apply, please send a CV and covering letter to [email protected]