Steve Bullman

Following the formation of FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd at the end of 2023, the stump grinder manufacturer has now released further details about their newly established network of FSI partners. With nationwide coverage, customers past, present and future can be assured of quality sales and service matched with consistent and localised support throughout the United Kingdom. In what has been a busy few months for Lee Hatton, Sales Director for FSI Stump Cutters UK Ltd, and FSI Managing Director Kim Schmidt visiting dealerships across the country, twelve FSI partners have been officially signed up – some having worked with the brand previously, and others new to the franchise. All, however, have been carefully selected for their alignment with the FSI values and vision to deliver industry-leading service and support. Confirmed partners at time of publishing are Davies Implements, DJB Machinery, Eastern Garden Machinery, Elmstar Machinery, FH & J Alviti Ltd, GA Groundcare Ltd, GGM, Global Plant Sales, ILH Groundcare, Landpower Machinery, Pro Arb and Stag Machinery. Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and Guernsey, Alderney and Sark in the Channel Islands will be managed directly by FSI UK. The move to a more regionalised approach ensures that an FSI expert is never far away, meaning that advice and support is available in an efficient and timely manner. Commenting on the network, Lee adds, “The strength we have as a manufacturer-owned UK business is now paired with the support of our partners to the benefit of our customers. I am passionate about providing an industry-leading package based on three pillars – products, parts and service and I am pleased to be hearing reports from happy customers about their own positive experiences of working with FSI and our partners in our new era in the UK.” More details on the FSI partner network are available on the new FSI UK website, where product information, technical specifications and in-field videos can also be found, alongside the ability to request a demonstration. Please visit www.fsi-stumpcutters.co.uk for further information.

The team at Camel Valley Projects Ltd (CVP) Gardening & Property Maintenance admit to being ‘bowled over’ by the power and performance delivered by their new CS100 from GreenMech. The chipper’s ability to handle wood and green waste of all shapes and sizes has resulted in improved efficiency and cost-savings on jobs conducted across the west coast of Cornwall – so much so that Director Joe Herzberg claims the purchase via Vincent Tractors in early 2024 has ‘transformed his business’. Joe established CVP Gardening & Property Maintenance in 2016, quickly growing the business from one garden and one operative to six full-time staff and over 100 satisfied regular customers! As the scale of the operation increased, as did the demand for Joe to invest in a machine capable of tackling the waste produced from hedge, tree and woodland maintenance. “Clients were either having to fork out on cross-hire machinery, or we were spending time and money disposing of the waste at approved sites” he explains. “Now we can process everything ourselves, charging to cover the cost of our investment and producing re-usable chip and mulch at the same time. In that sense, it has transformed my business.” “I cannot fault the experience we’ve had with GreenMech and Vincent Tractors.” Joe continues, “I was really impressed with the showroom and, most importantly, the service, help and guidance I received from GreenMech & Vincent Tractors in Fraddon – everyone was incredibly friendly and accommodating throughout the demonstration, purchase and post-purchase process which made the team and I very comfortable with investing in our first woodchipper.” For chipping in confined spaces, GreenMech’s CS100 is the solution. At just 760mm wide, access to properties, pathways or hard-to-reach locations is no problem, with its 18hp electric start petrol-engine providing reliable power for ‘on-the-spot’ chipping. “We’ve found it to be easy to operate, simple to transport and it’s delivering the power and performance of a much bigger machine – we’re bowled over by what this machine can do.” Since its delivery, the CS100 has been flat out on a large estate project, and other jobs where material was safely stored ready to be chipped. “We’ve got plans in the pipeline for the next month and more including estates work, woodland management and thinning out some of the bulk waste stored in my own field under our EA waste licence. It is clear this machine will pay for itself in no time, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our decision.”

STIHL has introduced the KMA 120 R battery KombiEngine to its AP System, offering compatibility with all the main attachments ranging from blowers and hedge trimmers to pole pruners and sweepers. The KMA 120 R offers professional users’ exceptional versatility, ensuring a wide range of tasks can be completed quickly and efficiently. The lightweight and powerful KMA 120 R can be used with up to twelve different attachments and is designed with maximum comfort and working efficiency in mind. The machine comes with a tool-free adjustable loop handle for easy adjustment and features an ergonomic control, non-slip handle and easy-to-use lockout lever with a simple symmetrical design. Boasting two speed settings and a variable speed trigger, the KMA 120 R features an ECO mode that reduces the motor rpm, maximising working time; ideal for hedge trimming and lawn edging tasks. In addition, the new model features an adjustable harness hook for optimum balance with no tools required, and has the option of a support foot accessory, providing extra reach and protection for the battery housing. For more information on the KMA 120 R and STIHL’s wide range of professional battery tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

We are currently offering an exciting Technician opportunity for someone with experience in mechanical maintenance to join our Technical Services team, based at our new purpose-built workshop at our new Camberley site. ABOUT OUR OPPORTUNITY The purpose of this role is to carry out technical inspections, repairs and servicing works on STIHL products. As a Technician, you will be instrumental in investigating and establishing root cause of failures within the STIHL product range to provide support to the dealer network. ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES Produce timely, informative and accurate inspection/servicing reports to support our dealer network and give positive outcomes from product returns Maintain product knowledge for current models to carry out inspection servicing and repair of product failures. Interaction and communication directly with the dealer network, by means of telephone, email and other business software systems as required. To support junior team members and provide sound engineering guidance Comply with health and safety policies within the Technical Services Workshop and wider business. ROLE REQUIREMENTS We are looking for someone with a technical background who has experience in carrying out inspection, servicing and repairs of product failures. You should also have effective communication skills to provide technical helpline support. The following requirements are essential: An engineering qualification would be advantageous Prior Technical experience working with gasoline and battery products, and ideally robotics Understanding of engineering principles, material science and failure analysis IT skills across MS Office, including Excel Competent in the use of technical business systems. Ability to communicate results and findings to stakeholders Self-motivated and target-oriented CONTACT For more information or to apply, please send a CV and covering letter to [email protected]