Grounds care

Power tools - petrol, electric and battery - will dominate at this year's show, with equipment on offer covering all sectors. Battery power provides several benefits, including low noise, reduced vibration levels and no emissions. The Husqvarna professional battery series provides up to 35 minutes of continuous operation from a single charge of the Li-ion battery, while the saveE energy-saving mode optimises the run time to get the most out of every charge.

The series already features 20m/s chainsaws and heavy-duty commercial grass trimmers with two-way rotation of the mowing head. Husqvarna has now introduced backpack battery models for those who want to work all day without recharging.

The Husqvarna BLi 520X and BLi 940X are described as high-performance 36V Li-ion batteries. The BLi 520X has 520Wh of energy, a capacity of 14,4Ah and a charging time of 130 minutes. It weighs 5.9kg. For all-day operation, the BLi 940X boasts energy of 940Wh, a 26,1Ah battery capacity, a charging time of 235 minutes and a weight of 6.7kg.

Also new for 2014 is a professional battery hedge trimmer with a pivoting rear handle, cutting length of 60cm and a tooth opening of 30mm. It will be on show for the first time at IoG Saltex.

STIHL has introduced more advanced engine technologies into its product line-up this year and entered two new product groups to make outdoor professionals' tasks quicker and more efficient. Visitors to IoG Saltex can view an extended range of quiet, cordless power tools, a new backpack battery and advanced chainsaws, as well as more hard-working products for brushcutters. A new range of floor sweepers has also arrived this year, plus tools for construction and hard landscaping, including a world first - a two-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection that drives a cut-off saw.

Anyone clearing tough weeds from verges and embankments should welcome STIHL's new backpack brushcutter. The FR 460 TC-EM is the first backpack model to feature the M-Tronic self-tuning engine, making it easy to use and maintain. Its DuoCut mowing heads, which are compatible with all of STIHL's 28 petrol-powered brushcutters, allow the simple insertion of pre-cut lengths of line. The company has also added the FS PROTECT brushcutter trousers to its range. These tough yet breathable trousers provide extra impact protection to the lower leg.

Husqvarna has introduced a range of low-weight, 25cc trimmers and brushcutters aimed at the commercial landscaping and grounds care markets. "Commercial operators need products that not only deliver high work rates and quality finishing, but wherever possible can reduce costly man hours and maximise profitability," says commercial landscaping and groundcare manager Kevin Ashmore.

Featuring a 25cc two-stroke X-Torq engine, these machines focus on being easy to manoeuvre.

The 525LK Combi Unit and 525RJX feature a loop handle and SmartStart. The 525RXT, weighing 5.4kg, comes with comfort handlebars, T35X line head, grass blade and Balance 55 harness.

A new entrant to the power-tools market, Hyundai Power Equipment, makes its first appearance at IoG Saltex with a range suited to estate and amenity use. The line-up encompasses lawnmowers and string trimmers, a multi-tool and a pair of brushcutters. Chainsaws, a petrol-engined hedge trimmer, backpack blowers, a handheld blower/vac and three pressure washers join the Genpower generator units for which Hyundai is already known.

"The move into the wider garden, estate and professional grounds-maintenance sector is an exciting and important step for Genpower and for Hyundai Power Equipment in the UK and Ireland," says managing director Roland Llewellin. The company has secured the knowledge and expertise of Mark Osborne as head of sales and marketing.

Makita has introduced a four-stroke, 43cc brushcutter for all-day work with right/left vibration figures of 2.1m/s2 and 2.0m/s2. The benefits include cost savings, less environmental impact and increased user comfort. The engine delivers 2hp at 7,000rpm to drive the cutter head. The machine weighs 8.6kg and is supplied with a full professional harness that includes a rigid back-spreader plate and wide belt.

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