Steve Bullman

Few work environments present such a variation of potential hazards as the forestry, arboriculture and outdoor work sectors. From extreme weather to difficult underfoot terrain, working with cutting tools, to working at height, wearers in these industries demand more from their protective footwear than any other. Specialist functional footwear manufacturer HAIX understands that exceptional demands require exceptional footwear. That’s why the Protector Forest 2.1, Protector Ultra 2.0 and Trekker Mountain 2.0 have been designed from the sole up to provide the comfort and protection that arborists and forestry workers need, no matter the demands of the task at hand. The Haix Protector Forest 2.1 features Class 2 Cut Protection to give wearers operating chainsaws and cutting tools up to 24m/s peace of mind when undertaking challenging felling and clearing tasks. The anatomically designed Protective Toe Cap provides added defence from stubs and falling objects. Featuring a GORE-TEX® Performance inner lining that is waterproof, abrasion-proof and highly breathable, the Protector Forest 2.1 offers enhanced climate comfort, no matter the weather conditions. Developed with a sturdy VIBRAM/PU sole, the boots provide a confident grip in slippery underfoot environments while ensuring exceptional impact absorption and correct heel-to-toe movement. The Haix Protector Ultra 2.0 features are as striking as its exterior. Designed with waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® materials and a highly stable VIBRAM® sole, the Protector Ultra 2.0 makes sure wearers can tackle the day with exceptional grip on various terrains, no matter the weather, even when temperatures fall below zero. The Haix Protector Ultra 2.0 model offers the security of Class 2 Cut Protection while remaining stable and light. A soft, close-fitting sleeve gently encases the foot and prevents sawdust or dirt from getting into the boot, avoiding potential chafing and discomfort. Its two-zone lacing system means the boot can be adjusted for the perfect fit. An antibacterial, moisture-repellent inlay with a separate heel cup further enhances the boot's shock absorption properties and ensures wearers reap the benefits of outstanding heel-to-toe movement. The Haix Trekker Mountain 2.0 is made from rugged, high-quality oiled nubuck leather and features a 4-layer GORE-TEX® membrane to keep feet fully protected from the elements. The boot also features a rolling eyelet lacing system, allowing smoother and quicker lacing, ensuring boots stay firmly on the feet. The anatomically formed, protective steel toe cap and puncture-resistant steel midsole offer protection from falling objects and underfoot hazards. An integrated heel bend works with the wearer's movements to avoid chafing and blistering. Simon Ash, UK Sales Manager for HAIX®, says, “HAIX® has worked hard to maintain the qualities of our forestry range that wearers around the world have come to expect, while also adding features inspired by the challenges arborists and outdoor workers face, to make their jobs safer and more comfortable.”

As part of an active campaign to reduce their impact on the environment, the grounds department at Chester University have recently made the switch to aspen Fuel for their remaining petrol-powered equipment. This is not the first time that Grounds & Gardens Coordinator Dan Cristofoli has used aspen 2 and 4-Stroke petrol, however for his team, the improvements the fuel makes to both the running of the machinery and their working conditions are now being discovered! Sustainability is a big focus across the University campus, with Dan and his team of six grounds technicians overseeing a number of wildlife and biodiversity projects, along with maintaining everything around the site that is green and growing! “We have been progressively switching some of our fleet over to battery powered equipment to reduce our carbon footprint” explains Dan, who has been at the university for three years. “However, there’s some items which are difficult to substitute and that’s where the aspen product comes in – helping us to reduce pollutants, both for the operator and to the environment.” Dan first heard about aspen when he undertook a chainsaw training course in a previous role, with Phil Dunford of chainsawtraining.com. As an Alkylate petrol, aspen is virtually free from benzene, as well as sulphur and many other harmful hydrocarbons meaning it burns 99% cleaner than ordinary petrol. Also being free from ethanol, aspen maintains engine performance and preserves the life of component parts which can be susceptible to failure. “We made the switch at the start of the growing season and straight away discovered the convenience and time-savings associated with having the aspen fuel delivered by the pallet directly to our site. From a risk assessment perspective, reducing the need to make regular trips to the petrol station is a great plus point. On the ground, the operators have all commented on the reduction in odours when operating the equipment and with the chainsaws, they’ve noticed how much smoother they’re running.” “As we head towards the winter months, another benefit is Aspen’s extended shelf-life” Dan adds. “We can continue to run equipment and then put it into storage and not have to worry about it clogging up, causing problems when we come to use it again in the new year.”

Following on from the launch of the road-tow version earlier in the year, GreenMech are pleased to announce the introduction of the EVO 205D SURE-Trak. Continuing the legacy created by their iconic 19-28 SAFE-Trak and SURE-Trak models, the new 8” EVO 205D combines even more aggressive chipping performance with unrivalled climbing ability. GreenMech’s SURE-Trak system (patent pending) allows each track to be raised or lowered independently on the move, ensuring the machine maintains a horizontal position when climbing or descending slopes. Providing up to 540mm of ground clearance, the 205D SURE-Trak will provide ultimate manoeuvrability for the operator and maximise stability when traversing uneven ground, together with protecting machine components and engine lubrication. A 50hp, Stage V Compliant Kubota Diesel engine, also means the latest model in the EVO series delivers outstanding processing power, with horizontal rollers and a 6-blade heavy-duty flywheel promising to make light work of bulky brash and timber. In addition, GreenMech’s new ‘Smart Sense’ controller provides no-stress overload protection to ensure optimum chipping performance. As with the 19-28 SURE-Trak model, the new EVO 205D SURE-Trak comes with a range of factory-fitted optional extras to allow the operator to tailor the final specification of the machine to fit their unique requirements. Amongst the range of additional options are a winch, lighting tower, recovery kit, remote control and fitted toolboxes. Like the entire GreenMech range, it comes with a no-quibble, three-year parts and labour warranty and can be made purchased conveniently with a range of finance options available through GreenMech Finance. The EVO 205D SURE-Trak paves the way for more models to follow in the EVO 205 range, including SAFE-Trak and fixed-tracked variants, expected to be available in 2022.

Green Plant UK Ltd is delighted to announce that it has recently become the new UK distributor for rayco Stump grinders, taking over from Westcon Equipment UK Ltd with their support. “We would like to thank Westcon for all their help and guidance during the transition process. Green Plant has been selling and hiring rayco stump grinders for many years and these machines are renowned in the industry for their build quality and reliability We are looking forward to working closely with Morbark and rayco Manufacturing to ensure the prestigious rayco brand continues to be promoted strongly across the UK and the product responds to the evolving market’s needs.” said Rosemary Brennan, MD of Green Plant UK. rayco Stump grinders The rayco stump grinder range includes the Mini Work-Force line of rugged handlebar stump cutters such as the RG13 Series II and the RG25HD which provide a commercial-grade solution in a compact size. The wheeled and tracked larger hydraulic stump grinder ranges have swing out operator controls and offer a variety of engine sizes including the RG37 and the RG55. Remote control operation is also a feature of the larger units from RG55 model upwards. For more information on the range please visit the Green Plant rayco webpage https://www.greenplantuk.com/rayco-stumpgrinders or call Green Plant UK on 01483 235111.

STIHL has updated its HSA 94 R and HSA 94 T hedge trimmers, now offering professional users reduced vibration and sound levels, as well as a new EC motor and the ability to connect to STIHL’s new Smart Connector 2 A. STIHL’s most powerful cordless hedge trimmers are available for professional users, where both models boast a new EC motor featuring embedded magnets, leading to improved durability. The new motor also has an automatic motor rotation reversal feature, meaning the blades can be released if they become jammed in an extreme application, preventing blade damage and downtime. The HSA 94 R delivers a lower blade speed for cutting thicker growth and managing tougher hedges, while the HSA 94 T offers a faster blade speed more suited to trimming ornamental hedges neatly and efficiently to leave a fine finish. Both tools feature 3 blade speed settings, allowing users to choose the ideal blade speed for any task; up to 3,200 rpm on the R version and 5,000 rpm on the T version. As well as the tool's impressive performance, the hedge trimmers also provide high levels of operator comfort, as both models include rotating multi-function control handles for side and top cutting that are quick and easy to adjust, allowing for improved user comfort and reduced wrist strain when working for long durations. With a low weight of just 3.9kg for the T version and 4.1kg for the R version, the hedge trimmer is perfectly balanced, allowing for easy handling and operation. In addition, both hedge trimmers have a loop handle with an inner switch that prevents one handed operation and improves safety levels. STIHL's AP batteries and AR backpack batteries can power both tools - and for optimal performance, both trimmers will be ready for use with STIHL’s Smart Connector 2 A, plugging directly into the machines control unit where valuable data can be transmitted to any smartphone or tablet within range via Bluetooth. More information on STIHL’s Smart Connector 2 A coming soon. For more information on STIHL’s HSA 94 hedge trimmer models or its extensive range of cordless machinery, please visit www.stihl.co.uk