STIHL launches first professional quality cordless hedge trimmer - with lithium ion technology

Re-defining the performance of a cordless outdoor power tool, the renowned STIHL brand launches two new cordless hedge trimmers to the market this spring. The new STIHL HSA 65 and HSA 85 hedge trimmers may be cordless, but they are certainly not toothless - delivering the same high standards of performance and build as STIHL’s respected petrol-driven models. And that means even demanding professional users can enjoy the benefits of a cordless machine. Powered by a clean and long-lasting 36 V lithium ion battery pack, the new hedge trimmers’ quality, high-speed blades ensure a swift and clean cut and the trimmers’ relative low-noise will make them particularly popular for use in public and noise-sensitive environments. The new STIHL HSA 65 and HSA 85 cordless hedge trimmers are available from the STIHL network of specialist dealers now.

Lasting power and performance : the STIHL cordless combination
Coupling a high-power and long-lasting battery with a high-speed, quality cutter configuration, the technical experts at STIHL have developed two cordless hedge trimmers that not only deliver outstanding performance, they comfortably meet the stringent demands of professional use. The 36 V lithium ion battery pack for example, powers the hedge trimmer cutters smoothly and comfortably through even sturdy hedges; and with a running time of up to 45 minutes, the battery has real stamina - enabling the STIHL HSA 65 and HSA 85 to tackle even long hedges without pause. The trimmer blades’ rapid stroke rate: up to 3,000 strokes per minute, ensures a smooth and swift cut and STIHL has equipped the new cordless hedge trimmers with its usual high quality cutters; their wide tooth spacing and long tooth length means they speed cleanly and comfortably through branches up to 22 mm thick. The HSA 65 has a 50 cm long cutter bar with diamond-ground teeth; the HSA 85 is an extended 62 cm long and its teeth are ground on both sides for an extra-smooth finished cut.

Professional working comfort
Performance is not the only thing that makes the new STIHL cordless hedge trimmers a valid power tool user’s choice. Their handling is equally impressive. The STIHL development team has used its significant market experience to design a hedge trimmer that is ergonomically pleasant and easy to use, incorporating features like the two comfort-grip handles with integrated controls and a design configuration that is suited to both left and right-handed use. Cutter speed is varied by the rear handle control, and a gentle squeeze of both handles is all that is needed for the hedge trimmers to go.

Working pleasure is enhanced by the hedge trimmers’ excellent balance, which is due in no small part to the carefully calculated, central positioning of the battery pack. The result is a comfortable, strength-saving hold, and trimmers that are highly manoeuvrable and easy to use. Particularly important for professional users, the new cordless hedge trimmers also both enjoy very low vibration levels, their values falling below EU guidelines at just 2.2 m/s2 a hv,eq.

Clean and easy : the power pack
The STIHL AP 80 battery pack, the core of the new cordless power tools, also embodies the proverbial STIHL quality. Its 20 lithium ion cells are characterised by a low self-discharge and they retain their entire performance capacity, even if the battery is only partially discharged before being fully re-charged. That’s because it has no memory effect – as commonly experienced with other battery technologies.

When it comes to re-charging the battery, STIHL offers a choice of two compact chargers: the standard AL 100 charges the battery pack to 80 per cent capacity in just 70 minutes, and the quick charger AL 300 achieves the same level of charge in an impressive 25 minutes – just enough time to have a cup of tea or clear up the trimmings. The hedge trimmer is then ready for up to 40 minutes more work. Using two battery packs alternately means the hedge trimmers can keep on working all day - a clear and distinct benefit of these handy new tools. The STIHL HSA 85 is supplied with two AP 80 batteries and the AL 300 quick charger as standard; the HSA 65 comes with one AP 80 battery and the AL 100 charger. Additional chargers and batteries can also be purchased separately.

The new STIHL HSA 65 and HSA 85 cordless hedge trimmers are available from Grassnyer Kliniek Pretoria/Lawnmower Clinic Pretoria.

Brand new - the Echo Bed Redefiner...

ECHO, Incorporated announced that the revolutionary BRD-280 Bed Redefiner is entering its second season of use. The power bed edger has already proven to be an effective turf cutter as well as a cost saver in terms of time, money and crew productivity.

Unique in the marketplace, the BRD-280 won the 2008 Dealers Choice Award - handheld category, recognizing innovation and new technology at the GIE+EXPO in Louisville, KY. The BRD-280 cuts costs right out of the trailer and makes crews more efficient, allowing them to finish more quickly and get on to the next job.

“We ran four BRD’s this summer and, instead of doing the work with a spade edge, they resulted in a 15% cost savings equivalent to almost seven personnel,” said Patrick Palmer of Palmers Property Maintenance in Northern Virginia. “This is a tool the industry definitely needed.”

Based on a handheld design, the revolutionary BRD-280 allows landscapers to perform routine flowerbed and garden edge maintenance without the “bulk” of wheeled machines or the time-consuming, hard work associated with the use of shovels. It is also significantly less expensive and easier to use than a wheeled unit. The unique six-fingered blade with carbide tips creates the crisp beveled groove and is powered by a 28.1cc Power Boost Vortex™ engine.

Phone us now for a demonstration.

Exciting new product! A Gangmower...

We now have an exciting new gangmower available, ideal for schools, and large properties. The 1.5m cylinder mower can be pulled behind a ride-on lawnmower, or an ATV.

Managed Turfgrass reduces you Carbon Footprint!

When properly managed and maintained, the benefits of turfgrass are multifold:

Captures Water Runoff and Dust
- Turfgrass does an excellent job of capturing water runoff and lessening dust and particulate matter pollution, versus alternatives such as hard surfaces, mulched areas and impervious or bare surfaces.

According to a Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) 2006 Publication, turfgrass decreases dust emissions and for controlling soil erosion, a live, functioning grass cover, including urban lawns, is a cost-effective option, since a grass root system is one of the most effective in soil stabilization because of the fibrous, dense character of its roots.

Lessens Heat Island Effect
- Turfgrass lessens the “heat island” effect, especially in urban areas. Urban areas generally have higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas, well known as the urban "heat island" effect. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that “the annual mean air temperature of a city with 1 million people or more can be 1.8–5.4°F (1–3°C) warmer than its surroundings. In the evening, the difference can be as high as 22°F (12°C).”

Captures, Stores Carbon in Roots
- Properly managed turf areas are significant carbon sinks. When kept in a growing state, carbon sequestration in turf areas can range anywhere from four to seven times the carbon emissions, according to a report, Technical Assessment of the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Managed Turfgrass in the United States by Dr. Ranajit (Ron) Sahu.

Boosts the Oxygen Footprint
- Turfgrass can boost your oxygen footprint. Compared to bare ground, non-green areas, and lawn substitutes, such as painted concrete or even artificial turf, actual grass and green areas generate oxygen. For example, a turf area 50' x 50' produces enough oxygen to meet the everyday needs of a family of four and each acre of grass produces enough oxygen for 64 people a day. (Source: http://www.turfgrasssod.org)

How to Maximize Environmental Benefits:
- To realize these benefits a pragmatic approach should be taken in fertilizing and watering turfgrass. While considerations of water availability are real and important, it’s not an either/or situation. Rather consumers should learn how, when and what turfgrass to plant depending on where they live in the country. Here are some important ways to maintain turfgrass responsibly and maximize its benefits:

Water Sensibly
Turfgrass can be successful in both wet – and dry – climates. Grow turfgrass and other greenery that suits the native climate. For example, drought resistant species need to be planted in water-challenged regions, while turfgrass is often viewed as a critical need in wet climates.

Consumers should speak to a professional landscaper or visit http://www.thelawninstitute.org/ to find out how, when and what to plant depending on where they live or http://urbanext.illinois.edu/lawnchallenge/lesson4.html to learn how to water lawns the right way.

Fertilize Naturally
The largest amount of carbon intake occurs with the recycling of nitrogen contained in grass clippings. Leave clippings on the ground to break down and recycle.

Keep it Growing
Your lawn, if managed properly, can both reduce our carbon footprint and increase oxygen generated through photosynthesis. The key is to actively manage your lawn to improve its carbon intake, and not letting it “go to seed” and into a “dormant” state.

Our New Campaign - Live Green, Love Green, Think Green

Another winner!

Our second winner out of the 4 so far in the nationwide Briggs & Stratton Centenary competition. Mr Roelf Du Preez from Nelspruit bought a Briggs & Stratton 13hp engine for his ride-on mower in December, and was pleasantly suprised when he found out about the generator, valued at R6000, that he won. 

Enter the competition now by purchasing any Briggs & Stratton product in our shop, and stand an excellent chance of walking away with a prize yourself! You have two more chances left!

Winner!

Mr Gerrit Behrens, one of our customers, was the December winner of a brand new Briggs & Stratton generator in the national draw. 

The monthly draw is part of the centenary celebrations of Briggs & Stratton. Purchase any Briggs & Stratton product from us before 28 February 2009 and stand the chance to win a generator.

Mr Behrens was excited to receive the generator just before Christmas, and commented that it was the first time he has won a prize, and that he was already shopping around for a generator. Congratulations!

Porsche Engineering Group Finds STIHL BR 600 More Fuel Efficient Than Competitors

A study conducted by the Porsche Engineering Group GmbH found that the STIHL BR 600 backpack blower is up to 28% more fuel efficient than competitive models, which can provide up to $644 in fuel savings per unit in two seasons, depending on fuel costs and run time. 

The STIHL BR 600 is also the cleanest running backpack blower in its class with 73% less emissions than current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements (based upon information reported as of December 8, 2008 on the EPA Web site)
Learn more

Stihl on fire!