Page 10 - OPE Sep-Oct 2021

MARKETPLACE
Trimmers & Brushcutters
PREMIUM
BATTERY LINE
TRIMMER
THE FSA60 R LINE trimmer is the premium model
in STIHL’s AK battery range and is designed to handle tough grass trimming tasks in medium to large gardens. Weighing only 3.3kg without the battery, it’s easy to manoeuvre while the loop handle ensures great freedom of movement and easy handling.
The FSA 60 R has an EC (brushless) motor with variable speed trigger to regulate the speed of the mowing head during use, offering greater control and more efficient power delivery compared to the DC (single-speed)
motor used in entry-level models.
A durable, full-length aluminium shaft accepts
different cutting tools to suit the job and heads are easily exchanged without the need for tools.
STIHL is also supporting customers with a unique recycling programme for OPE batteries, taking back free of charge any OPE battery at the end of its
life and recycling 99 per cent of it to prevent it ending up in landfill.
www.stihl.co.nz
Cost-effective brushcutter kit
THE GROWING LAWNMASTER Lithium range offers
strong reliability and emissions-free performance along with quiet operation and low vibration levels compared with petrol equivalent products.
Each Lithium tool is powered by an interchangeable, high-density 40V Lithium-ion battery, for excellent power, less bulk and fast charging.
LawnMaster has recently added a Brushcutter Kit to its Lithium line-up. Powered by a 40V brushless motor, the brushcutter is light in weight and additional attachments include a hedge trimmer, pole saw and extension pole.
www.steelfort.co.nz
goods in addition to contactless delivery to homes.
“Our e-commerce has definitely been steadier this year and all our online systems and processes are running really smoothly. It’s no longer a case of learning as we go.
“We’ve also been running a constant ‘Ask an Expert’ chat function online. Product experts who might normally be servicing products have been online dealing with a constant stream of people looking for advice and tips. In fact, it’s been so successful, it’s something we’d like to continue.”
The biggest problem Stace identifies has been transporting goods. “STIHL has done a good job of increasing factory capacity and has actually added production lines. We’ve occasionally run short of product but we’ve always got another similar product in plentiful supply, so we’ve never felt the full impact of global supply issues.”
And there’s much more to come, he adds: “There’s so much product development
in the pipeline that it’s not funny, so the pandemic might be affecting the timing of new products but not the desire to produce even better ones.”
He says each of STIHL’s three main
factory product categories is expanding rapidly, with outdoor power pros in particular taking to battery powered products.
“Battery is the focus for growth and we’re going headlong into developing
that tech. The pace of development is
quite phenomenal, and we regularly find professional contractors are now exclusively using battery-powered gear.”
In fact, he adds: “There are numerous contractors whose point of difference is that they’ve got no petrol products in their suite.
“They might be working in sensitive areas like city parks or around rest homes and it’s become part of their competitive advantage that they operate without fumes and have plentiful power to do it.”
Combinations have promo appeal
Turning from pros to consumers now, focusing on trimmers and brushcutters, Gavin Lowndes says Steelfort is now “going to the next level” by providing promotional kits in the LawnMaster range to satisfy
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010 NZOUTDOORPOWEREQUIPMENT SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER2021
moreat www.facebook.com/NZOPEmagazine
EXTRA-TOUGH TRIMMER LINE
MANUFACTURED IN PHOENIX,
Arizona since 1978, Desert Extrusion trimmer line is highly regarded by contractors due to its excellent tensile and high-impact strength, superior flex life and wear resistance, and optimum performance in hot, cold, dry or wet conditions.
In fact, distributor Cama Products reports rigorous testing by a large contractor found that Desert Extrusion can last up to four times as long
as other trimmer lines, making it a compelling option in the harshest Kiwi conditions.
www.camaproducts.co.nz