With a history steeped in innovation and quality, Kärcher have been leaders in cleaning technology since 1950, when the company released its first hot-water pressure washer.

Since then, they have continued to build on their success with a strong focus on innovation and high performance products.

The Kärcher Professional range features awide range of cleaning solutions including vehicle cleaning systems, drinking water treatment, scrubber driers, vacuum sweepers, industrial cleaning systems as well as Kärcher’s famous high pressure cleaners and vacuums.

To further develop the Professional brand and product offering in Australia, the range is being re-branded under a new prominent industrial grey (anthracite) to distinguish it from the consumer range.

The familiar Kärcher branding is synonymous with the quality expected by some of Australia’s most equipment dependant operations in the commercial and industrial sectors. Not just limited to cleaning businesses, the mining and automotive industries, as examples, rely heavily on the Kärcher Professional offering.

With the branding change of Kärcher Professional, they have made another step in the right direction by providing high quality cleaning solutions to the equipment-reliant industries across Australia.

Andrew Callinan, Professional Business Manager for Kärcher Australia, said that moving away from the iconic yellowrepresents much more than a simple stylistic change.

“Branding Professional in anthracite clearly separates it from the yellow of the Home and Garden products and communicates a strong sense of professionalism,” he stated. “Kärcher Professional is a new look, with new products but the same Kärcher quality.”

In addition to the new-look Professional range, they are about to open Kärcher Centers in locations across the country to reinforce their customer-oriented approach.

“The Kärcher Centers will hold the entire product range whilst offering support for dealers, retailers and the end user,” Mr Callinan concluded.

Yamaha Sky Division Australia represents the future of the agricultural industry and the introduction of the Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopters will enable
property owners, franchisees and contractors to maintain the land and crops remotely, from the air, and without the hassles that come with more traditional
farming methods.

The RMAX is a remote controlled helicopter designed specifically for the agricultural industry. Weighing in at 99kg and at a total length of 3.63m and
a height of 1.08m, each helicopter has a load capacity of 28kgs and runs on a 2 stroke, horizontally opposed 2-cylinder engine. The newest member of
the Yamaha Sky Division is the ultimate piece of farm machinery for the 21st century.

The versatility of this new technology means that operators can spray weeds, crops, or spread seed in a more cost effective and accurate manner. Because
RMAX is completely airborne, terrain is no longer an issue. Spraying dangerous aquatic weeds or accessing uneven ground is all part of the package,
and can be done in a time efficient way. Liquids and granules can be dispersed across a 400m range from the location of the operator, covering approximately
2 acres in just 6 minutes.

A high-performance Global Positioning System (GPS) combined, with the Yamaha Attitude Control System makes operation incredibly simple. These sophisticated
technologies, combined with a highly capable operator, ensure that the Yamaha RMAX maintains consistent and controlled speeds in all directions, as
well as excellent flight stability. It is this reliability that guarantees accurate and even spraying every time RMAX takes off.

Yamaha’s training school, Skytech Academy, incorporates classroom lessons, practical skill training, a proficiency test, and ongoing safety training and
updates, to create first-class RMAX operators. Completing an RMAX operator course takes just three weeks, and is a small price to pay for a revolutionised
farming experience, and massive increases in productivity.

Yamaha Sky Division spokesman, Mike Johnson is excited about this agricultural innovation.

“We’re proud to be releasing this new technology to the Australian agricultural industry,” Johnson enthused.

“RMAX has the ability to increase productivity, whilst reducing the risks surrounding the use of traditional farming equipment in adverse conditions.”

Yamaha’s RMAX unmanned helicopters are an innovative and exciting addition to what is already an extensive catalogue of high quality products. Incorporating
unparalleled performance with high quality safety systems, RMAX is truly the future of farming and land management.

At the recent CIVINEX Field Days in Sydney the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, NSW Division, granted the “Most Innovative Product Award”
to the Shibaura SG 280E Slope Mower.

This coveted prize recognises innovative engineering to satisfy both safety and operator comfort whilst bringing productivity benefits.

The judging panel made particular note of the inherent safety aspects of the SG 280E utilising an extremely low centre of gravity together with a 50/50
weight distribution. The unique tilting seat mechanism ensures that operators maintain correct posture on slopes up to a CE Certified 30 degrees.

Although the SG280E is a purpose-built 28hp diesel 4WD mower designed specifically for mowing on steep terrain, it is equally at home on the flat. Select
High Range two wheel drive and enjoy ground speeds of up to 18km/hr and productivity of up to 3.5 acres per hour.

Brief specs:

• Engine: 28hp Shibaura 3 cylinder 1.5L engine
• Drive line: hydraulic wheel motor selectable low and high range
• Cutter deck: shaft drive 60” side discharge, soft engage clutch
• Risk assessment documentation
• Certifications: CE certified for mowing operations to 30 degrees
• Certified ROPS together with seat tilt mechanism for correct operator posture
• 50/50 weight distribution for enhanced slope performance
• Standard slope indicator gauge fitted

The late Kerry Packer had a passion for polo that was all consuming — it stemmed from a decision he took back in the 1980s to get fit and, at the
age of 47, he chose the sport of polo as the vehicle to achieve this goal.

In 1987 he started building his polo estate at Ellerston in the Hunter Valley, NSW, which opened in February 1989 with players from all parts of the world
competing in the first tournament.

To maintain the turf he needed a reliable mower capable of mowing the seven polo fields at Ellerston, so in 1988 Packer and then polo manager Jim Gilmore
visited their local Jacobsen dealer, Deveson-Jahn in Sydney, and purchased the original Jacobsen HF 15 wide-area mower.

This original machine, now some 25 years old and with over 18,000 hours on the clock, is still used regularly in the growing season. Ellerston have supplemented
this with three second-hand HF 15s over the past 15 years to share the load of manicuring the 50-plus hectares of couch grass, which are cut three
times a week.

Ben Foley, Polo fields manager at Ellerston Polo said the fields are rated the best in the world by international players and patrons and the mowers have
been a big part of that.

“In 2007 we renovated a HF 15 from top to bottom and sent it to Stedham in the UK where the Packer family had established a polo complex in 1989. I went
over to the UK to help train the ground staff in the operation and maintenance of the mower. 

“That particular HF 15 even prepared the polo field for the 2007 Veuve Clicquot British Open Gold Cup final. It is one of the largest polo tournaments
in the world and takes place at Cowdray Park in England and that particular year was watched by a crowd of over 12,000,” Mr Foley said.

Late in 2011 Ben Foley and his team took delivery of a new Jacobsen LF4677, the latest seven unit gang mower produced by the US-based manufacture from
local dealer Chris Stig and his ProTurf team at Moorebank, NSW. He added another machine earlier this year.

Commenting on the improvements in the mower’s design over the past 25 years, Mr Foley said the technology in the cutting units has progressed over time
and the quality of cut has improved considerably.

“The cutting units deliver a superb cut on the toughest warm or cold season grasses and with a cutting width of over 3.5 metres we can get the job done
quicker. I’m hoping these will be lasting as long as the HF 15s!” he concluded.

Since its release in 2010, the popularity of Kubota’s GR2120 mower can be attributed to being the ideal mower for any type of landscape – whether mowing
on rolling terrain or flat land the GR2120 delivers.

A constant 4 wheel drive system offers excellent traction and stability on undulations. On level ground, Kubota’s GR2120 revolutionary Glide Steer system
delivers unmatched manoeuvrability for an all wheel drive mower.

Front tyres on the GR2120 have the ability to turn up to a remarkable 70 degrees. To achieve this, Kubota’s Glide Steer system disconnects the drive to
the inside rear wheel when the front wheel steering angle approaches its full turning lock. When full lock is reached the uncut area left by the GR2120
when fitted with a 48” mower deck is only 100cm and 900mm with a 54” mower deck. Even with such tight turning ability the GR2120 Glide Steer technology
prevents any damage to turf.

The GR2120 is equipped with a reliable 3 cylinder, 21 horsepower Kubota diesel engine. Also featured is a tough but easy to operate hydrostatic transmission
that can easily handle the demands of difficult mowing conditions. To make operations simple, all Kubota mowers including the GR2120 feature a single
foot pedal to operate the hydrostatic transmission. For better performance and long life the transmission is shaft driven, providing a smooth comfortable
ride which is enhanced by soft touch power steering that makes operating an effortless task.

To engage the mower deck a hydraulic clutch pack is fitted. Designed to offer rugged long life performance, the clutch is engaged via a lever and has an
extremely light operating action. To add to the ease of operation, raising and lowering of the mower deck is hydraulic.

Two sizes of shaft driven mower decks are available for the GR2120 mower. Both the 48” and 54” mower decks feature a deep deck design to ensure a professional
result. An easy to operate height adjusting dial allows cutting heights between 25 and 102mm in 6mm increments. A one piece mulching kit is easy to
install and the mulching system makes clippings disappear into the grass for healthier lawns.

To complete the GR2120 package a flat, easy access operating platform and a weight adjustable suspension seat make this mower a pleasure to operate. Add
these comfort features and you can see why the GR2120 mowers are the most comfortable and user friendly mowers available.

For further information ring free call 1800 334 653, or log on to www.kubota.com.au

Whether it’s pushing or moving dirt, digging holes or trenches, rotary hoeing the vegetable garden, slashing the paddock or mowing the lawn the Kubota
BX25 can be adapted to suit almost any application.

The BX25 is unique in its configuration. No other manufacturer can offer a sub compact Tractor/Loader/Backhoe (TLB) unit that quickly converts from a full-on
work horse to a nimble easy-to-operate lawn mower. With amazing simplicity the operator can quickly drop off the front end loader and backhoe to perform
tasks such as mowing.

Under the metal bonnet, the 23 horsepower fuel efficient Kubota diesel engine provides a combination of high torque rise, low noise and vibration, and
cleaner emissions. The engine powers a 2 range hydrostatic transmission featuring heel and toe operation that is ideally suited to loader and mowing
operations, where constant changes of direction are required. The BX25 transmission also comes standard with 4 wheel drive and rear differential lock
enabling the BX25 to perform in any conditions.

The BX25 is equipped with hydrostatic power steering to make steering effortless, even with a full loader bucket. A comfortable well padded seat with a
swivel base to reverse the seat direction for backhoe operations is also standard. A large uncluttered metal operating platform and metal fenders ensures
all pedals and operating levers are within easy reach of the operator, enhancing the comfort level of the BX25.

A digital tachometer delivers precise monitoring of engine revolutions when operating the PTO. When the engine is off, the display conveniently changes
to show the hour meter, an important item for servicing the BX25.

The main frame of the BX25 is reinforced to ensure its total ability to undertake front end loader and backhoe operations. This added strength permits
more powerful and stable front end loader and backhoe operations than with conventional means of mounting loaders and backhoes.

A Kubota BT601 backhoe is fitted standard to the BX25. This backhoe features a curved designed boom. The arched design of the boom allows the operator
to dig deeper, keeping the boom out of the way of the edges of the excavation area. It also gives a better lifting height to clear obstacles. The BT601
has a digging depth of 1889mm and has a bucket breakout force of 861kg.  A 20 degree angle of departure of the backhoe allows for easy loading
and unloading from trucks or trailers.

A Kubota LA240 front end loader is fitted to the BX25. The rounded style of the loader arms offers excellent visibility for operators while performing
loader work. All hydraulic hoses and pipes on both the backhoe and loader are fully protected against accidental damage.

Once the quick detach backhoe and loader is removed, the BX25 reverts to a conventional sub compact tractor complete with mid and rear PTO. An optional
54” or 60” mid mounted mower utilises the mid PTO to provide a professional finish to lawns. In addition an optional three point linkage kit can be
fitted allowing implements such as slasher or rotary hoe to be used. This makes the Kubota BX25 the most versatile sub compact tractor available.

For further information ring free call 1800 334 653 or log on to www.kubota.com.au

Briggs & Stratton recently supported mum of three, Megan Healey, on her journey from Melbourne to Sydney by providing the Ferris lawn mower she rode
on.

43-year-old Megan is affected daily by her aggressive form of Multiple Sclerosis, which prevents her from completing the most basic of everyday tasks,
from getting dressed to cooking for and taking care of her three young children.

On May 13 Megan departed from the Brain Centre in Parkville, Melbourne and finished her amazing journey 17 days later at Westmead Hospital in Sydney on
May 29, which was World MS Day.

Megan rode her Ferris mower from Melbourne to Sydney to raise awareness of how disabilities affect Australian families such as hers, in the hope the government
will increase aid and funds. She travelled through many towns and schools along the way in Victoria, NSW and the ACT.

During the journey, Megan appeared on numerous television programs including Channel 7’s Weekend Sunrise and Channel 9’s Today show aboard her specially
altered Ferris ride-on lawnmower to share her heart-warming story.

“This sort of thing shows my kids that the person they are helping all day long is not necessarily a useless person. This is the person I used to be; I
liked to get out and have fun and do something a bit different,” said Megan.

Briggs & Stratton aided Megan in promoting her cause in the lead up to, and during the event, and in doing so increased awareness for Megan’s cause
and raised funds for this debilitating disease. They also topped up her fundraising efforts with the donation of $10,000 to her cause.

Rob Mellor from Briggs & Stratton says they were delighted to be associated with such a worthwhile cause.

“Ferris zero-turn mowers were built from the ground up to be the hardest working and smoothest riding in the industry. They feature a patented suspension
technology which ensures comfort for the rider. And comfort was obviously a factor for Megan’s journey, given the long distance being travelled. Obviously
they are not designed for long journeys such as Megan’s quest, but her Ferris stood up admirably to the test, requiring only a single oil change in
the whole 1,046 kilometres she travelled,” says Rob.

If you wish to donate to Megan’s cause, visit Megan’s Facebook page.

Every gardener knows the pain of swapping between tools to achieve the perfect lawn, but the team at WORX power tools are the masters of efficiency, and
have released the ultimate tool in lawn care, the GT2.0 3-in-1 grass trimmer.

Effective as a powerful trimmer, a precision edger and a mini mower, this all in one lightweight, manoeuvrable, cordless tool is the peak of lawn equipment.

The standout element of the WORX 20VMax range is their utility and power saving capabilities. The all-new high-density Lithium Power battery has a capacity
rating almost twice that of previous WORX line trimmers and is compatible with all other products in the 20VMax Garden range. Only requiring a 45 minute
charge, you will be cutting back your yard faster than ever before.

Featuring a fully telescopic shaft that adjusts to the user’s height by a simple pull of a trigger, the GT2.0 is fully customisable to be as comfortable
for the operator as possible. Switching easily between trimming, edging and mowing modes, it represents the finest in ergonomic design.

With a 30cm cutting capacity, a spacer flower guard that protects your garden and furniture from the trimmers’ line and an adjustable set of wheels, the
tool can easily transform depending on your needs.

For more information on the WORX range or to locate your nearest stockist, visit www.worx.com. Alternatively,
you can call WORX on 1300 889 028.

Parklands have released a brand new wood chipper just in time for the colder months.

The Parklander PSC-13-B is set to turn Winter’s pruning and off-cuts, into magnificent mulch in preparation for your garden beds this Spring.

Most trees and shrubs benefit from annual pruning. The best time of year to take on this task is during the cooler months where most trees and shrubs lay
dormant. A good prune keeps them in shape, gets rid of dead and diseased wood and encourages new growth. Parklands latest chipper, shredder combo will
assist in putting all your off-cuts to good use, by turning them into woodchips, which can then be used as mulch in your garden beds.

The Parklander PSC-13-B chipper and shedder packs a real punch with a powerful 420cc, 13 horsepower Briggs and Stratton 4 stroke engine which can handle
almost anything. This chipper shredder combo also has a maximum of 10cm green waste input hopper for smaller debris and off-cuts such as leaves and
twigs.

The PSC-13-B also comes with its own personal protective equipment including; gloves, goggles and earmuffs. Parklander has also incorporated a tow hitch
for easy transport.

For more information on the Parklander PSC-13-B or to locate your nearest stockist please visit www.parklands.net or call 1800 671 417.

Ensuring car parks, school grounds, commercial sites and large properties are kept neat and tidy has never been easier thanks to the Tanaka TBL-4600EX.

This ultimate back-pack blower allows for maximum performance with minimum fuss, tailored to suit any professional or property owner’s needs.

Designed by Japan’s finest engineers, the back-pack mounted blower is a heavy-duty unit with a comfortable frame, complete with trigger control and swivel/flexi-tube.
The 2.3hp low emission two-stroke engine features a stress relieved, chrome plated cylinder, creating a longer engine life with higher air velocity
and volume.

Featuring a technologically advanced system designed for maximum comfort under operation, the Tanaka TBL-4600EX uses a unique air intake and muffler design
to drastically reduce engine noise, ensuring sound levels are kept to an absolute minimum for your hearing protection.

The Tanaka TBL-4600EX uses PureFire technology, which is world leading innovation promoting environmental sustainability by reducing fuel emissions by
70%, fuel consumption by 30%, and co2 exhaust by 50%.

The blower includes a multi-point anti-vibration frame, as well as a swivelling blower tube for awkward angles, reducing the need to shift body position.
A pivoting engine control arm provides easy access to the throttle and stop switch improving the ease of use of the power product. An extra-large fuel
take also improves operational efficiency of the TBL-4600EX, significantly reducing downtime.

All Tanaka products in Australia come with full spare parts back-up from Parklands Power Products as well as an exceptionally reassuring 5 year domestic
and 1 year commercial warranty.

For more information on the Tanaka range and other outdoor power equipment visit Parklands website www.parklands.net or contact 1800 671 417 for your nearest dealer.

The falling leaves mark the start of one of the most important and busy times on any contractor’s calendar — the pruning season.

Winter is a time where pruning trees, shrub and bushes becomes a top priority to increase the chances of a bountiful and beautiful garden in the warmer
months.

Ron Zacka, the founder and director of Parklands Power Products, has given his top tips for pruning during the winter months.

1. Start with a clean-up. Remove dead, diseased, and disorderly branches. Any branch that crosses over another at an odd angle, rubs against another branch,
   grows inward toward the centre, or is a duplication of another branch immediately below or above it, can be removed.
2. The right time. Most deciduous trees are best pruned when dormant, in late autumn or winter. Don’t prune in early spring, as many trees bleed sap
   if cut at this time of year because they’re already starting to produce new growth.
3. Cutting angles. Prune all vertically growing branches by making an angled cut. This will prevent water from stagnating on the wound and it speeds up
   the healing process and reduces the risk of disease. The slope of the angle should be away from the bud at the node, so that water will not run
   onto it. It is not essential to cut horizontal branches like this because any water will run off them naturally.
4. The right tool. Use the right tool for the right branch size. Hand pruners are generally appropriate for branches up to 1.5cm. Loppers are good for
   branches up to 2.5cm. However, loppers can be quite clumsy and don’t often make the cleanest cut. As a substitute, try using a pruning hand saw
   for branches over 1.5cm in thickness. Never use a carpenter’s saw as they’re designed to cut dead and seasoned timber, not living branches.
5. Find a pro for the big jobs. Please note that major surgery, chainsaw work and any pruning which is substantial, high, inaccessible, or requires a
   ladder, should be done by a qualified and registered expert, both for your own safety and also for the long-term health of your tree.

On May 24 Komma Media successfully acquired the exclusive rights from M.M.More Publications Pty Ltd to produce ‘The Groundsman’ magazine.

After 10 exciting, successful and thoroughly enjoyable years as the publishers of ‘The Groundsman’ the directors of M.M.More Publications, Amber Buhlmann
and Shannon Nicholls, decided it was time to sell.

‘The Groundsman’ started from humble beginnings, and only saw the success it did with the support of the fantastic people involved in the Australian Lawn
& Turf industry. Amber wished to thank all contributors of the magazine over the years.

“From the businesses who advertise, to the Councils, Golf Clubs, Bowling Clubs, Sporting Clubs, Turf Farms, Schools, Contractors and the everyday person,
whom have purchased The Groundsman on a bi-monthly basis over the past decade, we would have been nothing without you. We acknowledge this and would
like to sincerely thank you for it,” she said.

Clint Bowering, new owner of The Groundsman and proprietor of Komma Media, was grateful for the opportunity Amber and Shannon had provided.

“This is a huge opportunity, not just for Komma Media, but also for ‘The Groundsman’ magazine. There are a lot of ideas that Komma Media would like to
bring into the magazine to help it grow, and hopefully along with it the turf industry and it’s related subsidiary industries,” he said.

Clint has had over eight years experience working with M.M.More Publications to produce each issue of ‘The Groundsman’ so it only makes sense that Komma
Media now helps to continue the growth of The Groundsman — it is a partnership that has been ongoing for the last eight years.