With recent wild weather having felled thousands of trees across eastern NSW, experts warn against taking a casual approach to post-storm clean-ups.

Leading Australian garden care expert Victa advises that chainsaw owners should take key precautions if attempting to clear debris themselves.

With serious injury a possible consequence of incorrect chainsaw use, they recommend the following safety tips when either limbing (removing branches from
a downed tree) or bucking (cutting the trunk of a downed tree to length). It’s vital to follow these tips and also refer to your operator’s manual,
otherwise serious injury could occur.

• Protective equipment: Always opt for sturdy boots, long pants, long-sleeve shirt, gloves, ear and eye protection, and Kevlar chainsaw
  chaps. Hard hats are also a great idea, especially in a storm-ravaged environment.
  
• Pre-cut checklist: Before you even start the chainsaw, make sure everything is in working order. Undertake a quick check of the controls,
  handles, bar, chain sharpness and tension. For petrol powered chainsaws, don’t forget to fill both the petrol and bar oil reservoirs. Running out
  of bar oil will cause friction that could damage your saw.
  
• Handling the saw: Maintain a solid footing and watch out for dangerous tripping hazards. Also maintain a good balance by not overreaching
  with the saw or assuming an uncomfortable body position while cutting. Ensure that your left hand (including your thumb) is firmly positioned around
  the front handle for full control. Always stand to one side of the saw – never directly behind it. Start all cuts with a full throttle before touching
  the wood, and never cut above shoulder height.
  
• Chain tension: Re-check it after every hour of use and adjust if necessary. Due to stretching, new chains need to be checked after
  20 minutes.
  
• Monitoring the tip: Be aware of the tip position at all times and never engage the saw with the upper corner of the bar. This is essential
  for guarding against kickback, which occurs when the top corner of the bar tip hits something hard or becomes pinched. In these instances, the
  energy of the saw forces the bar up and towards the operator with great speed and power.
  
• Moving around: It’s crucial that you don’t move around with the chainsaw running. In the event you trip or stumble, the engine can
  accelerate and start the chain spinning.
  
• Be aware of others: Instruct others to never blindly approach you while you’re operating the chainsaw – and never cut trees/branches
  alone. It’s also integral that bystanders and animals are a minimum of 20 metres from the hazard zone (i.e. where you are using the chainsaw).
  If an accident occurs, you’ll need someone to administer first aid as well as summon medical assistance. That’s also the reason to keep your mobile
  phone with you while cutting.
  

For specific information on your chainsaw and its operation refer to the operator’s manual.

Victa garden and lawn care equipment is available from leading outdoor power equipment specialists. Call 1800 356 632 or visit www.victa.com.au to find your local stockist.

Whether it’s tidying up the backyard with a bit of pruning, or cutting up logs in preparation for wood fires through winter, Rover’s all new RCS range
of chainsaws will make light work of your next job at home or on the property.

Consisting of the RCS 35 and the RCS 40, Rover’s newest set of backyard beauties come with the sturdy long-life OREGON® bar and chain for extended durability.
The innovative SpringAssist™ starting system makes start-up as easy as ever and reduces pulling effort. This allows the users to fire up the
chainsaw first time, every time with a one easy pull.

Rover’s RCS 35 comes with a 37cc engine that is full of grunt and the 35cm cutting blade makes it the ultimate option for pruning and lopping small to
medium sized trees and branches around the home and backyard.

On the other hand, the larger RCS 40 has a big 40cc engine for added power and a longer 40cm blade, which is the perfect answer for those bigger obstacles
and can be used for cutting larger logs around the paddock and tidying up the work site.

The Rover RCS range has user well-being at the forefront and comes with a side-mounted chain tensioning system, which makes for safe and easy chain tensioning
and chainsaw maintenance. To help reduce operator fatigue, Rover has integrated a 6-point anti-vibration system to help you feel fresher for longer
while you’re getting the job done. 

For more information on Rover’s new chainsaw range head to www.rover.com.au or head
into your local Rover lawn care specialist.

John Purtell, one of the most well-known personalities in the turf industry in New South Wales, has joined JT Turf Pty Ltd as Director of Sales.

New staff joining JT Turf Pty Ltd are (L to R) Sophie Matheson, John Purtell and Hailey Tiernan.

He is joined by Hailey Tiernan, who will be responsible for Parts administration, and Sophie Matheson in an administrative role. All three have moved
from the previous distributor and provide both experience and continuity to the new business.

JT Turf Pty Ltd Managing Director John Woodham said he was delighted with John joining the business.

“He has decades of experience in the sector and is known to virtually everyone in our territory. Sophie and Hailey have been working closely with John
for several years and know the Jacobsen brand inside out; all three will be a tremendous asset for the business. I am delighted to have secured
their services and their combined experience,” Mr Woodham said.

JT Turf Pty Ltd is a newly set up distribution company owned and operated by John & Lyndal Woodham who are also the distributors for Jacobsen in
New Zealand and the South Pacific (including the Fijian Islands). Their distribution company was awarded the Asia Pacific Jacobsen Distributor
of the Year for 2014 as well as Asia Pacific Jacobsen Service Provider of the Year in 2013.

Jacobsen launched the all-new Jacobsen Truckster XD heavy-duty utility vehicle at the Golf Industries Show in San Antonio, Texas in late February.

The new Jacobsen Truckster XD

Serving as a replacement for the venerable Cushman Turf-Truckster — the turf industry’s original heavy-duty utility vehicle — the all-new
Jacobsen Truckster XD sets a new standard for capacity, power, strength and comfort.

The new Truckster XD boasts a massive, class-leading 1,610kg standard payload capacity, supported by the toughest bed in the industry, with steel up
to 75% thicker than comparable boxes and 20% more volume.

Two class-leading power units are available: the diesel version — more commonly used throughout Europe, with 24.8hp and 71.5nm of torque; and
the petrol model — which is used predominantly in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, providing 32.5hp and 70nm of torque.

The new Truckster XD was built to handle the daily rigours on the golf course, therefore the Jacobsen engineers have put a priority on comfort, giving
the operator area 25% more room than the competition.

“When we started this project, the first thing we did was ask hundreds of superintendents, greenkeepers and sports turf managers what they wanted from
a heavy-duty utility vehicle,” said Richard Comely, Director of Global Product Management at Ransomes Jacobsen.

“The feedback was unanimous: they told us they wanted a truck with more capacity, power and comfort. Nothing on the market was able to fulfill their
needs properly. Based on the extensive field testing and feedback we’ve received over the past year, we’ve delivered exactly what turf professionals
asked for.

“We have two main goals with this new vehicle: to make turf managers’ jobs easier and to satisfy their unmet needs. When you look at what is currently
available on the market today, there’s nothing as tough, powerful or comfortable as the Jacobsen Truckster XD. As a result, we believe it will
serve as a game changer in the heavy duty utility vehicle category.”

Following the official launch at the Golf Industry Show, the first units will be available in the UK and Europe in the second half of 2015. A full
range of accessories and attachments will also be available with kits enabling the retrofitting of existing and competitor equipment.

To learn more about the development of the Jacobsen Truckster XD watch the video below.

When Konnongorring farmer Nathan Davey delivered drumMUSTER’s 25 millionth drum on March 20, 2015 to the Goomalling collection site, he had no idea what
it signified for the thousands of people involved with the program over the past 16 years.

Nathan Davey, Kevin Ryan, Doug Sewell and Bevan Henderson at the Goomalling collection site.

For students at Goomalling Primary School and Sacred Heart Catholic School, it meant Nathan’s drums would contribute valuable funds towards school camps,
equipment and other essential needs.

“I started using drumMUSTER because the property I bought was littered with drums from the previous owner,” said Mr Davey.

“I now seek out drumMUSTER eligible containers because I know the program aligns itself with high quality chemicals.”

For Doug Sewell, President of Goomalling Shire Council and long-time drumMUSTER supporter and inspector, the milestone container indicated a job well done.

“Not only did Nathan deliver the 25 millionth drum, but he was also the first person to deliver his agvet containers to the Goomalling collection site
when it first opened in April 2002,” said Mr Sewell.

“Over 80,000 empty containers have been collected by the council since then, with 80% of chemical users in the Goomalling district participating in the
program. When we first started, farmers would turn up with dirty containers in a jumble. Now they know to properly rinse and sort them before delivery.
This makes my job so much easier.”

drumMUSTER National Program Manager Allan McGann said the program has come a long way since its first collection in early 1999.

“The program has gone from strength to strength. We started with yearly collections of around one million containers, but are now edging towards two million
containers per annum,” he said.

“This goes to show the growing support drumMUSTER has garnered. We’ve established ourselves as a valuable program for farmers and growers. We’re here to
stay.”

25 million containers represents over 30,000 tonnes of materials which have avoided landfill. Once collected, the containers are shredded or granulated
and transformed into new products like plastic cable covers, wheelie bins, road signs and bollards.

“The great thing about drumMUSTER is that it’s changed the habits of people who use agvet chemicals. With a good footprint of collection points and greater
access, it is now much easier for chemical users to recycle their containers,” said Mr McGann.

The program’s regional consultant for Western Australia, Bevan Henderson, agreed.

“There have been various changes to the size of chemical containers over the years, and consequently, farmers have had to change the way they operate to
accommodate this. Almost all of the farmers who participate in the program now are repeat customers because they find drumMUSTER a vital tool and good
farm stewardship.”

While most compounds are managed by local councils at waste management sites and transfer stations, others are operated by community groups and charities.

“drumMUSTER continues to support various community groups across Australia as they bring about environmental change in rural regions,” Mr McGann said.

“We have seen a noteworthy increase in participation over the past few years with 119 community groups now involved in the program. They have collected
an impressive 3.5 million drums and raised $880,000 between them.” 

In the Goomalling Shire alone, seven community groups have benefited from the program. These range from local schools to the Lyons Club, Country Women’s
Association, St John Ambulance Service, Senior Citizens group and Sports Council, who have shared $16,000 between them.

The new milestone comes less than two years after drumMUSTER received the 20 millionth drum in NSW, signifying the incredible growth the program has experienced.

The record was celebrated with an event on March 25, 2015 in Guildford, Western Australia, to thank all the people and communities involved in the
program’s success.

“drumMUSTER is leading the way in product stewardship. We thank agvet chemical manufacturers, local government and program users for their commitment to
sharing in the responsibility for a sustainable future in Australian agriculture,” said Mr McGann.

Chairman of AgStewardship Australia Lauchlan McIntosh said, “drumMUSTER requires the time and effort of many people to operate. From participating manufacturers
to dedicated farmers and inspectors, the program has grown to become a good model story around the country.”

On the back of 25 million drums, Western Australia is also celebrating a milestone of its own with the four millionth drum delivered to the Harvey collection
site by Mia and Graeme Rose on March 24, 2015.

“We like to keep our farm clean and tidy,” said Ms Rose. “Delivering our drums is not only good for the environment, but it ensures that we meet our QA
requirements.”

Mr Henderson said that Western Australian chemical users who utilise drumMUSTER are very good at what they do.

“Cleanliness standards are high and there is a real sense of motivation behind the stewardship,” said Mr Henderson.

drumMUSTER operates 796 collection sites across Australia. To find your nearest site, simply enter your postcode and state under ‘Collection locations’
on the drumMUSTER website. A map will appear with the closest site in your area marked.

For further information on the program, call 1800 008 707 or log onto www.drummuster.com.au.

Renowned lawn and garden care company Victa® has extended it’s range offering with the launch of Victa Pro — specially designed for commercial users
and professional gardeners.

The Victa Pro range offers power, strength and endurance to help get the job done faster and more efficiently. The new range comprises a commercial
lawn mower, line trimmer, chainsaw, hedge trimmer and blower/vacuum.

“The Victa Pro range has a myriad of extra features that will appeal to professional lawn and garden care specialists,” says Joel Hawkins, Victa Category
Manager, Lawn and Garden Products.

“We have taken the very best from our Victa range of products and added in extra features and benefits to take the range to the next level — as expected
by discerning customers.”

Victa Pro Mower

Powered by a reliable Honda® GXV160 engine, the Victa Pro Mower features a durable 19” cast alloy chassis for long life. The Quad–Blade Cutting System
uses four swing-back blades to deliver a cleaner cut and improved catching in thick, wet grass.

The unique mulching blade disc design generates air circulation beneath the mower and cuts the grass into a fine mulch while you mow. Generous 8” front
and rear ball bearing wheels facilitate excellent manoeuvrability and the 13mm to 72mm adjustable cutting height provides options for all kinds of
mowing conditions.

The mower is backed by a three year commercial chassis and a two year limited engine warranty.

Victa Pro Trimmer

Powered by a dependable 25cc 4-stroke Honda GX25 engine, the Victa Pro Trimmer features an advanced anti-vibration system for added comfort and reduced
operator fatigue. With operator comfort firmly in mind, the Victa Pro Trimmer features a comfortable, multi-directional ‘Easy Change’ handle design.
It also comes with a complimentary padded shoulder strap for ease of use.

Designed to withstand the demanding workload of a professional grounds-care specialist or enthusiastic home gardener, the 16” (420mm) cutting width provides
maximum coverage and manoeuvrability.

The trimmer includes a bonus conversion kit which easily converts it into a brushcutter, effectively giving you two products for the price of one.

Built-in durability, reliability and key features ensure the job will be completed quickly with a professional finish.

Victa Pro Chainsaw

The Victa Pro Chainsaw is powered by a reliable, 45cc full-crank 2-stroke engine with an easy starting mechanism and in-built clutch for durability and
safety.

Featuring a quality Oregon® 18” (457mm) low kickback chainsaw bar and chain, the Victa Pro Chainsaw also includes an extra Oregon® full chisel chain and
a sharpening kit to ensure your Victa Pro Chainsaw is at its cutting best.

Operator comfort is addressed with an advanced anti-vibration system to reduce operator fatigue, while the inertia activated chain brake ensures operator
safety plus a complimentary tool kit is included with the chainsaw for convenience.

This chainsaw will make cutting jobs easier, quicker and more comfortable to complete.

Victa Pro Hedge Trimmer

The Victa Pro Hedge Trimmer is designed to withstand the demanding workload of the professional grounds-care specialist.

Powered by an easy starting 26cc full-crank 2-stroke engine with a built-in clutch for durability and safety, the Victa Pro Hedge Trimmer features a 24”
(600mm) double shear action stainless steel blade with a 25mm cutting capacity to deliver a fast cut.

Advanced shock absorbing anti-vibration suspension mounts that reduce engine vibration help to significantly reduce operator fatigue.

Difficult jobs are made easier with the 180° multi-position rotatable rear handle, providing versatility for the user.

The ergonomic wrap-around handle design enables maximum comfort and grip whilst operating in both horizontal and vertical positions — a handy feature
when you are trying to access hard to reach areas.

The double sided hedging blade ensures the job is completed quickly with a professional finish.

Victa Pro Blower & Vacuum


The Victa Pro Blower & Vacuum is able to switch between functions to get the job done as quickly as possible. With high velocity, improved airflow
and a powerful 26cc 2-stroke full-crank engine, it powers through to complete even the biggest tasks easily.

The lightweight design makes it easier for the user to carry and control, and the simple prime and pull mechanism delivers stress-free starting. Also,
the metal mulching impeller turns leaves into a fine garden mulch for use around the yard.

The Victa Pro Blower & Vacuum comes complete with a vacuum conversion kit plus a 2 year limited warranty.

For more information on the Victa Pro range call 1800 356 632 or visit www.victapro.com.au to find your local stockist.

Jacobsen has recognised its top-performing dealers and salespeople during the Golf Industry Show in San Antonio, Texas recently.

Among the Asia-Pacific distributors recognised for their dedication and exceptional contribution to the Jacobsen business were McIntosh and Son, of Western
Australia, and Power Turf New Zealand Ltd of Rangiora, near Christchurch.

McIntosh and Son were the recipients of the Sales Conquest Award, and Power Turf received the Investment in Aftersales Award, coming on the back of last
year’s APAC Dealer of the Year award.

Chuck Greif, Managing Director of Jacobsen Asia Pacific commented highly on the achievements of both businesses.

“Strong demonstration programs along with exceptional field support over the past 12 months have enabled McIntosh and Son to capture three key accounts
in Western Australia, all of them competitive. Such were their efforts that they signed all three of these conquest accounts to five year Preferred
Supplier Agreements, paving the way for future growth for their business and Jacobsen in Western Australia.

(L to R): David Withers – President of Jacobsen, Mike Healy – McIntosh and Son, and Chuck Greif – Managing Director, Jacobsen Asia-Pacific.

“With year-over-year double digit growth, Power Turf has shown that they can lead the market in support of turf maintenance equipment. This dealer reaches
beyond just support of equipment with service and parts, but also contributes extensive time and effort investing in the future of the turf industry
in New Zealand. A typical example is their key support of Jacobsen’s Future Turf Managers development program in the country,” Chuck concluded.

(L to R): David Withers – President of Jacobsen, John Woodham – Managing Director of Power Turf and Chuck Greif – Managing Director, Jacobsen Asia-Pacific.

It’s not everyday you come across hand tools that can make your job twice as easy as it should be — but the Pivot Force pliers from GearWrench do
exactly that.

With their unique pivoting action producing maximum leverage, they are the perfect tool for automotive technicians, tradesman and DIY enthusiasts alike.

These professional grade pliers have the same cutting and gripping power as regular pliers, but with the added bonus of using 40% less effort than their
conventional distant cousins. The innovative pivoting compound action design provides a better transition of power from the handle to the jaws, so
you can grip stronger, cut quicker, and get the job done faster day after day, again and again, with less fatigue.

Available in either diagonal cutting or long nose varieties, the latter of the two is designed to allow access in tight and confined spaces. The clear
anti-rust coating and easy clean handle grips makes looking after these tools a breeze, and all the while backed by GearWrench’s lifetime warranty.

The Pivot Force pliers comfortably meet and exceed ASME cut test requirements. These pliers are made from forged steel for superior strength and have an
induction-hardened cutting edge for added durability. In short, these are the tools you should reach for when you need the job done quickly and easily.

For more information on the Pivot Force range or any other GearWrench products head to www.gearwrench.com.
To find your nearest store click here.

People buy from people and this is clear from the relationship between Rodney Cook, Superintendent at The Grand Golf Club on the Gold Coast and Barry Moore
of Jacobsen distributor KC Turf Equipment.

Ray Grech of Jacobsen, Rodney Cook and Barry Moore of KC Turf Equipment at The Grand.

Cook started his career at McLeod Country Club in Brisbane and then spent some time at Indooroopilly Golf Club before moving to The Grand, some 18 years
ago. Barry Moore has fostered the relationship since he first met Rod all those years ago at McLeod.

When Rod first started working at The Grand, it was a newly constructed course and they did trials with a lot of different machinery before deciding to
go with a predominantly Jacobsen range.

One of the most important things in any relationship is trust and loyalty, and the relationship between KC Turf Equipment and The Grand Golf Club is certainly
a strong one, although nothing is ever taken for granted.

Rod says that in the end, it was the after sales service and support from Jacobsen and KC Turf Equipment that got them across the line.

“I don’t think there is much to choose between all of the major companies products now, but it does come down to the service you receive. Whether you are
a big or small club, that is really what you are looking for,” says Rod. “And we have been happy with KC Turf Equipment and Jacobsen for the whole
time.

“My favourite machine in the current Jacobsen range is the latest Eclipse mower with its 15-blade reel and programmable frequency of cut function. Jacobsen
have made some good advances through the years; you can hop on any of their machines now and the controls are pretty much the same. You can go from
a fairway mower to a greens mower to a tees mower and it is just like the flick of a switch. They are very easy to use and it’s simple to train staff
to move from one machine to another,” Rod said.

The all-electric Eclipse 322; Rodney Cook’s favourite Mower.

Rod’s first Eclipse was an all-electric Eclipse 322, which he purchased when he had a noise compliance issue with the local council. This was two years
ago and he has since purchased a further 322, but this time a hybrid version with a small diesel engine generating the power for the mower’s electrical
system. He was surprised at how quiet the hybrid was and plans to purchase another one later this year.

Ray Grech, Product Support Manager for Jacobsen Asia Pacific, which includes Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, added that Jacobsen always
strives to provide good service to end-users.

“We work with our local distributors to provide great maintenance service. We are here to provide our dealers and end users 110 per cent with maintenance
support,” Ray said.

The Grand is situated in the rainforest of the Gold Coast hinterland

Zero Turn mowers are known for their manoeuvrability (usually through steering one or both of the rear wheels), their versatility, low centre of gravity,
as well as their high price —  but not anymore.

The new PZT60 “Challenger” from Parklands makes easy work of larger mowing areas at a lower cost.

The New Challenger series of zero turn mowers in the Parklander range — first introduced by Parklands in 1985 — has had the price lowered but
not the quality, thanks to greater volumes and a new cost perspective.

The top-of-the-line PZT60 “Challenger” mower is powered by a 26hp Briggs and Stratton Extended Life Series V-Twin engine with turbo air cleaner. The 60”
cut uses three high performance discharge blades mounted on massive 8” (200mm) spindles, in a SUPERFLOW fabricated 5½” deep heavy duty deck, which
can process more grass than other machines in it’s class.

An operating speed of 16kph gives you a professional looking lawn in a shorter space of time — making easy work of larger mowing areas. Eight cutting
height settings, from 25mm – 130mm (1” to 5”), allows the operator the versatility of adjusting the exact cutting height.

Twin ZT5400 Hydro-gear commercial-grade transaxles and large 20x10x8 rear tyres allow smooth movement on uneven surfaces and provide superior operator
comfort. A high-back seat with adjustable armrests can be positioned to allow for more legroom, providing the operator with the ability to achieve
optimum comfort and seating position for all mowing jobs. Optional sunshades are available to improve comfort.

A very large 38.5 litre centre-mounted fuel tank means working larger areas can be done faster with less refuelling stops and safer with better stability
on slopes.

For ease of operation other features include spring-assisted deck lift, electronic fingertip blade engagement control and, for level cutting, anti-scalp
rollers.

Three other models in the range are the PZT42C “Challenger”, PZT48C “Challenger” and the PZT52C “Challenger” with 20hp and 42”, 20hp and 48”, and 26hp
and 52”cutting widths respectively.

Like other Parklander products, the PZT mowers come with a standard two-year limited Homeowner Warranty, and start with a RRP from $6,000, including tax,
but not including delivery for some country areas.

For more information telephone 1300 284 377 or visit the Parklands website at www.parklands.net

Starting a little over 12 years ago in the Netherlands, Maredo has developed innovative turf maintenance machines like the GT 230 Core Dethatcher and the
GT 410 Vibe Spike Overseeder, which are proving to be their most popular greensmower tools.

The GT 230 Core Dethatcher heads keep the turf in perfect condition during thatch removal.

These heads attach to a triplex greensmower to turn the machine into a coring or seeding device, which is ideal as the heads follow the ground’s undulations
perfectly. With the high working speed, light weight and manoeuvrability of the greensmower, maintenance jobs have become easy to accomplish in a very
efficient manner.

The GT 230 Core Dethatcher heads remove the thatch by pulling a core up to 25mm (1”) deep, and the perfectly cut holes heal within two to three days —
compared with a verticut slit which may take two to three weeks before it recovers. The turf stays in perfect condition during the thatch removal and
the quality is improved.

The GT 410 Vibe Spike Overseeder is very precise and efficient as it plants the seed in holes made by rolling spike sections that vibrate. This vibration
guarantees perfect and clean holes which also heal in two to three days.

In addition to the above head attachments, the latest invention by Maredo is the MFrame, which is attached behind a (compact) tractor. The heads are mechanically
driven via PTO shafts, and all heads can follow the undulations independently. Curves can be made and the height adjusted without the need for any
tools. The working width of the MFrame is 1.9 metres (76”).

The MFrame allows current and future Maredo heads to work with compact tractors.

The first available heads for the MFrame are the MT200 Verticutters. These have a working depth up to 25mm (1”) and the standard carbide disc spacing is
30mm (1¼”). The blades counter-rotate to remove more material, which goes over the top and is laid down on the surface, providing a safer method of
operation.

Maredo is continuing to innovate with more new heads to follow in the future.

For more information visit Maredo’s website at www.maredo-bv.com and for enquiries please
email Marinus Reincke at sales@maredo-bv.com