Executive Hire News › Archives › October 2009 › Executive Report : On show at Saltex
Executive Report : On show at Saltex
EHN assesses some of the innovative products unveiled at the popular grounds care equipment exhibition held in Windsor last month.
Timberwolf’s big performer
Timberwolf displayed a prototype of a new chipper that is scheduled to go into production early next year. Still to be given a model number,
the machine has the largest capacity of any model in the manufacturer’s line-up, being able to handle material of up to 21.5cm in diameter.
It differs in design, however, having an infeed opening wider than it is high, and this, together with a more open chute, facilitates loading.
Three versions will be available, including a tracked model, a road-tow machine with a turntable, and one driven by a tractor’s power take-off.
A 64hp Hatz Silent Pack diesel engine is fitted, which gives low noise levels.
“The machine is targeted at users who want the highest possible capacity without having to use the larger and more expensive units used in commercial forestry operations,” says Alex Ball, Timberwolf’s Sales Director. “Normally, most users would need a machine capable of processing vegetation of up to 15cm diameter, as larger material would normally be processed into other wood products. However, this machine gives landscapers, local authorities and contractors flexibility beyond what they usually require. For many operators, it will be the largest chipper they will need.”
01449 765800
www.timberwolf-uk.com
Husqvarna’s high Performance
Husqvarna introduced its Performance Program, a service contract package that is available to purchasers of its PT26D and BZ34D professional ride-on mowers. This offers fixed-price regular servicing, meaning that operators’ only other costs are for fuel, and repairs to damage caused by the user. In addition, an electronic tag can be fitted to the machine to record data such as high-speed operation, blade running time and four-wheel drive usage.
On returning to the workshop, data is downloaded automatically via a wireless connection and is displayed on a secure web portal, allowing users to calculate the machine’s operational efficiency. Husqvarna Professional Products MD, Sebastian Poccard (pictured), says the technology could be applied to some of the manufacturer’s other products in the future.
01453 820300
www.husqvarna.co.uk
Briggs & Stratton goes green
Environmental friendliness was a key theme on the Briggs & Stratton stand, which featured new EVE and ECO Plus versions of direct overhead valve engines, suitable for lawn mowers and other powered machinery. They are scheduled for launch next year.
EVE models are designed to reduce evaporative emissions of hydrocarbons from the fuel tank and fuel lines by up to 72%, incorporating features such as taller filler caps. The ECO Plus series models tackle both evaporative and exhaust emissions, with figures that are claimed to be significantly lower than the maximum permitted levels under both current and anticipated European legislation.
Also new is the 140CC direct overhead valve, air-cooled petrol engine, which incorporates the manufacturer’s ReadyStart system for easy starting, as well as the 550 series of single cylinder, four-stroke air-cooled overhead valve engines, which are heavy-duty models suitable for powering equipment like pressure washers, generators and cultivators.
01606 862182
www.briggsandstratton.com
Southern shows Western additions
Southern Tank Services, a dealer for Western Environmental, displayed several of the manufacturer’s transportable fuel tanks, including the new TransCube Cab. A version of the popular double wall TransCube, it can be specified with a large single or double lockable storage cabinet within the secondary containment area, for keeping fuel cans, hose reels, spill kits and large pump options.
The model on show was the H17TCGCAB, which has a highway chassis and a capacity of 1700 litres. Other versions are available with capacities from 960-2000 litres.
01454 227277
www.transcube.net
Groundsman Industries goes deeper
Groundsman Industries’ new DT30150 deep tine aerator incorporates no fewer than four patented features. These include an independent crank suspension that absorbs impacts, helping to protect the machine, tines and operator. Multiple tines can be released via a single bolt, and an automatic depth control option enables consistent performance on rolling terrain.
The DT30150 has an operating width of 1.5m, can penetrate to depths of 30cm and requires a tractor of 45hp to power it. A 2.25m wide version is planned to be launched next June.
028 2766 7049
www.groundsmanindustries.com
Kersten sweeps in
Kersten (UK), a supplier of specialist site maintenance equipment, believes that hire companies could profitably offer its K series power units and attachments for tasks such as sweeping and clearing moss from pathways.
“Some hirers say they don’t receive requests for machines like these, but that is because their customers do not realise they are available,” says MD Chris Faulkner. “We receive so many enquiries that we actually hire out some units ourselves, and we can achieve a good rate. Three months ago we listed machines on the erento on-line hire marketplace, and we have won business as a result. This is definitely an opportunity that tool and equipment hirers can benefit from.”
0118 983 4337
www.kersten-machines.com
Probst lightens the load
Lifting and handling equipment specialist, Probst, which this year celebrates 25 years of operation in the UK, demonstrated the new Uni Mobil UM, a self-contained vacuum unit designed for the easy handling of concrete blocks or kerbs weighing up to 150kg. When lowering the load, the energy produced is stored, enabling the operator to lift the boom without using any extra force after installing the blocks.
Also new is the VM 401, a four-wheeled machine with a cab, designed to enable efficient installation of paving without any manual handling. Carrying capacity is 600kg and Probst believes the unit is ideal for use in the construction of car parks, airports and hard landscaping features.
01939 235325
www.probst-handling.co.uk
Avant Tecno shows new attachments
As well as promoting its 700 Series of mini loaders, Avant Tecno (UK) unveiled several new implements for use with the manufacturer’s range of machines. These include a lift boom attachment for handling loads such as kerbstones, providing a maximum lift height of approximately 4.5m.
Other new attachments include rotating pallet forks, a sieve for removing large rubble and stones from construction sites, and a turf edger. MD Jukka Vaatovaara says that there are now more than 100 implements available for the machines.
01953 714896
www.avanttecno.co.uk
Stihl sounds good
Stihl reported strong interest in its recently launched HSA 65 and HSA 85 cordless hedge trimmers, which are powered by 36V lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The smaller machine has a 50cm long cutter bar, while the HAS 85 has a 62cm cutter bar with teeth ground on both sides for an extra-smooth cut. “The tools are ideal for work in noise-sensitive locations, such as near schools and hospitals, and the batteries give an approximate running time equivalent to two tankfuls of fuel on a petrol powered machine,” said Steve Parkin, National Sales Manager.
Also new on the stand was the FR 480 C-F backpack brushcutter, which features electric start so that the operator does not need to take off the harness to restart the 2.2kW two-stroke engine. Included in the Saltex line-up was the Viking GE 35, which can be used as a chipper or a shredder by simply switching the rotational direction of the cutter blade mechanism. Powered by a 2.5kW electric motor, it can be used to shred domestic waste and light vegetation, and for chipping bushy twigs and hedge clippings.
01276 20202
www.stihl.co.uk
GreenMech’s cutting edge
GreenMech launched its Quad-Chip 150 chipper, which has an infeed capacity of up to 15cm. It incorporates a turntable to enable optimum positioning of the infeed chute for convenient access in confined spaces, and for safe use when working from a roadside. When the chute is moved to 90° of the drawbar, the rear of the machine stays within the width of the axle and does not protrude into the path of traffic.
The machine can be specified with a 34hp Daihatsu turbocharged engine, which keeps its weight to below 750kg to facilitate towing. A heavier 35hp naturally aspirated Kubota engine can also be fitted. The chipper incorporates blades designed for longer life and easy maintenance.
01789 400044
www.greenmech.co.uk
Kanga in upbeat mood
Kanga Loaders (UK) welcomed a steady flow of visitors to its stand, keen to watch demonstrations of its multi-tasking, stand-on skid steer loaders, which can be found in the fleets of national hire organisations like A-Plant, HSS, Hirebase, TP Hire and Jewsons, as well as many independents.
“We have noticed a dramatic increase in sales of machines across the range since the beginning of June, and this, together with recent upbeat statements in the national media about greater consumer confidence, should encourage people to think more positively about the economic situation,” said MD Andy Cairns. “Certainly, our Saltex stand has been really buzzing.”
In attendance on the stand from Kanga Loaders of Australia was National Sales & Export Manager, Robert Shearer, who told EHN that several product innovations and new attachments for the machines will be launched in 2010.
0845 260 4800
www.kangaloader.co.uk
Ransomes’ Highway star
Ransomes Jacobsen launched the Ransomes Highway 3 triplex cylinder mower, specifically designed for municipal and commercial contract applications. It is 6.7% lighter than the current Highway 2130 model, giving improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs.
The machine features a swing-out centre cutting unit, a design adapted from the Jacobsen G-Plex III golf greens mower, for ease of servicing. It can also be fitted with an optional stability enhancement system that helps prevent the operator from using the mower on slopes that are beyond its safe working angle. With a narrow transport width of 1325mm and a short wheelbase of 1350mm, the Highway 3 gives greater manoeuvrability in areas of limited access and when being loaded on to a trailer.
01473 276000
www.ransomesjacobsen.co.uk
Camon launches new rotavator
Tracmaster, which manufactures the Camon range of gardening and landscaping machines, displayed its new C8000 rotavator,
a heavy-duty machine that will be available from next spring.
Power is provided by a 13hp Honda engine, and the high work rate machine has fully adjustable handlebars designed for low vibration.
Sales & Marketing Director, Alex Pitt, says “we have wanted to have a machine of this capacity in our range for some time, and we will be manufacturing the C8000 in-house at our Burgess Hill headquarters.” Another recent development is that Alex’s brother, Anthony, has joined the company as Area Sales Manager. He will be responsible for a region covering central England.
01444 247689
www.tracmaster.co.uk
Demon bowser makes its debut
Exhibiting for the first time at Saltex, Demon International’s stand display included the new Tornado Plant Watering Bowser. It has an integral 150-litre tank to provide a supply of water for work in hard to reach areas, and is powered by a Honda WX10 Centrifugal pump, incorporating a gate valve to control the output. A hose and spray gun are supplied as standard.
The machine, which is designed to meet the rigours of hire industry usage, can be operated by one person and can be transported in a van, eliminating the need to tow a larger bowser to undertake smaller jobs. Pneumatic wheels facilitate transport over uneven ground, and a lockable parking brake is incorporated.
01752 690690
www.demon-pressure-washers.co.uk
All the threes from Bobcat
To support the launch of its 2.3 tonne T110 compact tracked loader, which was the subject of a hands-on assessment in last month’s issue, Bobcat is offering a special package called 3+3+3 for the machine, comprising three year’s free finance, warranty and servicing.
Measuring only 1.2m wide and less than 2.3m without an attachment fitted, the T110 is suitable for tasks in landscaping, forestry, agriculture, construction and other industries all-year-round. Equipped with 250mm wide rubber tracks, it exerts very low ground pressure and offers good traction on soft ground and slopes.
Bobcat also promoted its new E14 and E16 mini excavators. Featuring as standard a retractable undercarriage, the E14, equipped with canopy and bucket, has an operating weight of 1303kg. The E16 is available in two versions. The base model, with a fixed undercarriage, has a 1515kg operating weight, but it can be fitted with a retractable undercarriage, increasing the weight to 1555kg.
0800 756 6813
www.bobcat.eu
CTE shows new platform
New from CTE UK is the ZED 26J articulated work platform, which offers a maximum working height of 26m, outreach of 14m and a basket capacity of 230kg. The machine was shown at Saltex mounted on an Iveco 7.5 tone truck, but Sales Manager Jonathan Wiseman told EHN that it can also be fitted to a more compact Isuzu vehicle, making it more suitable for work in urban locations and at roadsides.
“Another feature that makes this machine attractive from a hirer’s perspective is that all the controls and set-up procedures are the same as on our other 14, 17 and 20m machines, making them easier for existing end users to operate.”
0116 286 6743
www.ctelift.com
Deep down with Digga
Among the grounds care and landscaping attachments promoted on the Digga stand was the Hydrive XD trencher, designed for use with the latest generation of variable speed hydrostatic tractors. It can cut to depths of 1200mm, with trench widths of 150-300mm.
Various chain options are available to suit different ground conditions, and the implement’s adjustable frame gives a choice of five digging depths, while allowing for varying three-point linkage heights. Digga says that work rates of up to 400m an hour are achievable in optimum conditions.
01264 351365
www.digga.com |
