Safety first for Aberdour Castle

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Health & Safety is a serious matter and has become a key issue for many involved in grounds maintenance. It certainly played a major role in the decision making process which led Historic Scotland, an executive agency of the Scottish Government, to work with Etesia as one of their mowing partners for the up-keep of the agency’s large number of grass areas around their conservation sites.

The latest Etesia Bahia MHHE ride-on purchased from local dealer, Angus Chain Saws, is to be used to keep grassed areas in pristine condition all-year-round for visitors to Aberdour Castle in Fife.

Dating back to the 12th century, Aberdour Castle is Scotland’s oldest standing stone castle and as well as attracting over 13 thousand visitors each year, the castle is also a wedding ceremony venue. A high level of round the calendar upkeep is essential with Angus Cook, Head Gardener at the site, ensuring the 16th and 17th century walled garden and terraces which overlook the Forth are in top order at all times.

Previously, grass cutting had been carried out by a pedestrian mower, and when it came to replacing this, an extensive search was carried out by Scott MacFarlane, National Planning and Resources Manager for Historic Scotland. After looking at what machines there were on the market, it was felt the Etesia Bahia offered everything the Gardens needed for grass maintenance as well as being narrow enough to drive through narrow gates and be stored in a secure shed at the castle.

“We are looking at best practice working policies and which plant equipment to buy which is suitable for gardeners to use without risk of HAVS and other health and safety related issues,” said Scott. “We are constantly looking at improving the working conditions of our staff and now have a central procurement policy to purchase equipment from an approved list in place with service from the supplier, vibration levels of the equipment and reliability of great importance.

“Etesia’s mowers have many safety features which come as standard. We have worked with Etesia before on different sites, so we know their machines and their performance.

The compact ride-on mower is ideal for multi-tasking and easily adapts to every terrain, every grass cutting situation and every task. The pocket-size cut and collect mower, at just 0.82 m wide and 1.98 m long, features an incredibly tight turning circle and is able to nip into every nook and cranny as well as being able to be easily transported in the back of a van or on the back of a trailer.

“In normal working conditions we cut the grass in the gardens and on the terraces once a week,” said Angus. “Compared to our old walk-behind mower, I’ve managed to half the time it takes to cut and collect which leaves me time to carry out other tasks.

“The Bahia is small enough to go through tight openings and gates and is extremely good in tight spaces which were previously inaccessible. I’m now able to cut the grounds before the castle opens to visitors so that it’s presentable as they stroll around.”

Etesia UK Appoints Three New Dealerships

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Etesia UK is pleased to announce the appointment of three new dealerships, covering Norfolk & Suffolk, North Oxfordshire & Warwickshire borders and Worcester & Hereford.

Ron Smith and Company, with depots in Worcester and Hereford is a family run business with over 40 years of experience and has grown to become one of the largest garden machinery retailers in the UK. The company will be responsible for both Etesia and Pellenc products within their allocated areas.

“We needed a high quality, commercial range of mowers to add to our existing product range,” said Mark Smith, Director at Ron Smith and Company. “There is a definite trend at the moment with our customers wanting better equipment, which while the initial investment may be larger, the overall lifetime cost is low due to better reliability and fewer breakdowns. We’ve also seen a large amount of customers looking at environmentally friendly options and the Pellenc products sit perfectly with what people are wanting.”

New Norfolk and Suffolk dealer for both Etesia and Pellenc products is Bartram Mowers. Operating from two sites, one in Norwich and one in Ipswich, both sites have showrooms, spare parts departments, and fully equipped workshops, which also have service vans that carry out on site repairs ensuring that all customers can rely on Bartram Mowers’ excellent customer support. The service team has an in-depth experience of maintaining both domestic and commercial machinery and regularly attend manufacturer’s courses to keep up to date with new machinery. The company was awarded the Royal Warrant in 1978 for supplying machinery to Sandringham and has held it ever since.

“Etesia Products have such a good reputation for being able to do exactly what you say they can do,” said Adrian Kersey, Bartram Mower’s Branch Manager. “They are probably the best professional mowers on the market at being able to cut and collect in one pass and we see them being sold to our vast range of customers including local authorities, landscape contractors, schools and colleges.

“Pellenc is something new to us, but we are very excited to be able to show our customers a revolutionary and environmentally friendly range of products. We’re looking to expand our customer base and Pellenc sits perfectly with this.”

Finally, New Etesia and Pellenc dealer for North Oxfordshire and Warwickshire borders is FN Pile and sons. Recognised as one of the leading suppliers of garden and grounds care machinery in the area, FN Pile is known for the high levels of pre- and after-sales support it provides to customers of both new and pre-owned machinery. This support includes expert purchase advice and assistance and comprehensive service and repair facilities.

“We have been selling the usual brands of garden machinery for some time and decided to move into something more professional, for our more demanding customers,” said Managing Director Frank Pile. “After a lot of looking around we found the answer was on our doorstep, just 3 miles away. The people at Etesia were helpful and gave us guidance as to what we were looking for, so as to satisfy our customer’s needs. We were looking for a ride-on mower with a diesel engine with a good build quality, strong, reliable and have good back up. The main selling point with Pellenc machines is the way in which they appeal to the commercial customer who is becoming concerned at the rocketing price of petrol and the hassle involved in purchasing and storing petrol in cans.  Etesia and Pellenc ticked all the right boxes for us.”

Les Malin, Etesia UK General Manager, said: “I am delighted to welcome the three new dealers into our network. All companies have a wealth of experience in the groundscare industry and will maintain the standards of excellence that our customers expect.”

Etesia UK is pleased to announce the appointment of three new dealerships, covering Norfolk & Suffolk, North Oxfordshire & Warwickshire borders and Worcester & Hereford.

Ron Smith and Company, with depots in Worcester and Hereford is a family run business with over 40 years of experience and has grown to become one of the largest garden machinery retailers in the UK. The company will be responsible for both Etesia and Pellenc products within their allocated areas.

“We needed a high quality, commercial range of mowers to add to our existing product range,” said Mark Smith, Director at Ron Smith and Company. “There is a definite trend at the moment with our customers wanting better equipment, which while the initial investment may be larger, the overall lifetime cost is low due to better reliability and fewer breakdowns. We’ve also seen a large amount of customers looking at environmentally friendly options and the Pellenc products sit perfectly with what people are wanting.”

New Norfolk and Suffolk dealer for both Etesia and Pellenc products is Bartram Mowers. Operating from two sites, one in Norwich and one in Ipswich, both sites have showrooms, spare parts departments, and fully equipped workshops, which also have service vans that carry out on site repairs ensuring that all customers can rely on Bartram Mowers’ excellent customer support. The service team has an in-depth experience of maintaining both domestic and commercial machinery and regularly attend manufacturer’s courses to keep up to date with new machinery. The company was awarded the Royal Warrant in 1978 for supplying machinery to Sandringham and has held it ever since.

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Etesia Products have such a good reputation for being able to do exactly what you say they can do,” said Adrian Kersey, Bartram Mower’s Branch Manager. “They are probably the best professional mowers on the market at being able to cut and collect in one pass and we see them being sold to our vast range of customers including local authorities, landscape contractors, schools and colleges.

“Pellenc is something new to us, but we are very excited to be able to show our customers a revolutionary and environmentally friendly range of products. We’re looking to expand our customer base and Pellenc sits perfectly with this.”

Finally, New Etesia and Pellenc dealer for North Oxfordshire and Warwickshire borders is FN Pile and sons. Recognised as one of the leading suppliers of garden and grounds care machinery in the area, FN Pile is known for the high levels of pre- and after-sales support it provides to customers of both new and pre-owned machinery. This support includes expert purchase advice and assistance and comprehensive service and repair facilities.

“We have been selling the usual brands of garden machinery for some time and decided to move into something more professional, for our more demanding customers,” said Managing Director Frank Pile. “After a lot of looking around we found the answer was on our doorstep, just 3 miles away. The people at Etesia were helpful and gave us guidance as to what we were looking for, so as to satisfy our customer’s needs. We were looking for a ride-on mower with a diesel engine with a good build quality, strong, reliable and have good back up. The main selling point with Pellenc machines is the way in which they appeal to the commercial customer who is becoming concerned at the rocketing price of petrol and the hassle involved in purchasing and storing petrol in cans. Etesia and Pellenc ticked all the right boxes for us.”

Les Malin, Etesia UK General Manager, said: “I am delighted to welcome the three new dealers into our network. All companies have a wealth of experience in the groundscare industry and will maintain the standards of excellence that our customers expect.”

The Hunt is Over

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Earlier this year, Etesia ran a competition titled ‘The Hunt is on’. The aim was to find the oldest working Hydro 100 ride-on mower from across Europe.

After receiving hundreds of entries from users still using their respective machines, it came down to two entries which were determined by only two months. The winner, Iain Hart of Lincolnshire was still using his H100 which was first registered in 1990 until the day before he exchanged it for a brand new Hydro 100 Evolution, worth over £8,500.

Iain’s machine, which has nearly 2,500 hours on the clock, has been in his family since new, with his father-in-law originally purchasing the mower back in 1990 from their local Etesia dealer at the time, Chandlers (Farm Equipment). The new Hydro 100 model was presented to Iain and his family at new Etesia dealer Charles H. Hill, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire.

“The mower has been in our family since new with my father-in-law purchasing an ex-demonstration model,” said Iain. “I saw the competition details in a trade publication and had a chat with my father-in-law to see how old he thought it was. The mower was still doing a fantastic job and was easy to use, so I was surprised just how old it was at first.

“Etesia manufacture very reliable and long lasting equipment suitable for large domestic users or full time contractors like me. The mower has made mowing long, wet grass possible because of the way it collect and does not block.”

The fact that the mower is still working just as good now as it did over twenty years ago is a credit to the excellent service that Iain has received from his Etesia dealer. “I’ve dealt with Charles Hill for a number of years and their staff are all very knowledgeable with a well stocked parts department.”   

The new Hydro 100 Evolution has a unique concept that cuts and collects grass in all weathers, even the pouring rain. Top quality manufacturing allows mowing, season after season, ensuring that this machine out-performs all other ride-on mowers in its class. A more powerful engine, large capacity 500 litre grass collector which is emptied without leaving the driver’s seat and more operator comfort sees the Hydro 100 Evolution really setting the standard for all ride-on mowers.

“The competition and level of the entrants really surprised us,” said Les Malin, Etesia UK’s General Manager. “Our network of dealers scoured the country and beyond to find the oldest working machine and when we found Iain’s mower, we were pleasantly surprised in what good condition it was in.

“This competition has made us look at and appreciate the mowers we design and manufacture. When people see how long that they have lasted, they will realise what we tell them is true. Our build quality is far superior and that is why we tell customers to examine entire life-time costs and not just the new price when looking to purchase any new product.”

Iain’s old machine will now take pride of place in the reception area of Etesia UK’s head office in Shenington, Oxfordshire.

Etesia UK Announces New Area Sales Appointment

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As part of its plan to significantly increase business and provide customers with the highest level of technical expertise, Etesia UK has appointed Ian Collington as Southern area Sales Manager for its range of Etesia and Pellenc products. Ian returns to the company after leaving 18 months ago and will be responsible for the South East, South West of England, East Anglia as well as parts of the Midlands.

Favoured by many of the UK’s top councils as well as landscapers and groundsmen, including National Trust gardens, both Etesia and Pellenc has gained a reputation for producing equipment that are highly reliable with low maintenance, making them the number one choice for many users.

Ian re-joins Etesia with more than 20 years of experience in the groundcare sales industry and is well known around the country.

“I am looking forward to meeting the dealers and end-users in my area, addressing new challenges and promoting the Etesia and Pellenc brands, especially the company’s exciting new products”.

Commenting on Ian’s appointment, Etesia UK General Manager Les Malin said: “We are very pleased Ian has chosen to re-join the Etesia family. His excellent technical, product and industry knowledge will benefit all of our customers through professional advice and first class customer service. This key appointment is part of our ongoing strategy and further strengthens our sales team.”

Ian can be contacted on 07792 894 273 or iancollington@etesia.co.uk

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Vistors to France See a Royal Show

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pr37Etesia S.A.S recently welcomed new UK dealers and members of the press to its Wissembourg headquarters for a trip which demonstrated how the company is at the cutting edge of green space maintenance.

Attendees were given a presentation on the advances in technology, a sneak preview of the new products which will be launched for the 2013 season, followed by a tour of the high tech state-of-the-art factory.

Les Malin, Etesia UK’s General Manager, then gave an interesting presentation on the manufacturer’s green credentials, the relationship with Forest Green Rovers – the recent IOG Environmental Project of the Year Award winner, as well as the company’s continual digital media efforts offering plenty food for thought for all concerned.

The trip was concluded with a visit to the Royal Palace, Kirrwiller which saw everyone enjoy live music, acrobats, dancers and a motor cycle display team.

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Etesia announce PRO Offers

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pr37Favoured by many of the UK’s top professionals, Etesia has gained a reputation for producing pedestrian and ride-on mowers that are highly reliable with low maintenance, making them the number one choice for many users.

A special ‘PRO Offer’ from the French manufacturer is designed to help the vast range of customers, from contractors, local authorities and amenity managers to estate and National Trust property managers.

There are ten models in the offer, which runs until 31st May 2013, including eight ride-on mowers and two pedestrian mowers, with savings of over £3,500 in some cases.  

Machines included in the offer are the highly popular H124 DX, H124DN, H124DS OHD, H124DS, HVHPX, HVHP, HVSP, H144MX, PRO 53 LKX and the PRO 53 LH.

The versatility of Etesia’s ride-on mowers can also be enhanced with a range of utility attachments such as a cab, snow blade, salt/sand spreader or brush.

All Etesia accessories are easily fitted to most ride-on models in the range. The front-mounted snow-blade can also be angled left or right and lifted when travelling between sites.

To take advantage of the PRO Offer, or for further information on the promotion and participating dealers, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680 120

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Etesia Trailer Offer Tipped for Success

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pr39Contractors, landscapers and grounds maintenance professionals who are in search of a versatile, small trailer that tackles a wide variety of jobs need look no further than Etesia’s MRM Multi-Purpose Trailer.

Whether you want to carry tools, sand, compost, leaves or mowing waste, the unique easy-emptying with foot pedal control makes manoeuvring around any site effortless.

As part of the up-coming range of special offers that Etesia UK will shortly be announcing, the French manufacturer is selling the trailer at better than half price until further notice.

The trailer can simply be pulled as a wheelbarrow by hand or trailed behind a ride-on lawnmower, ATV or tractor, making it ideal for transporting soil, paving slabs, compost, and other heavy materials.

Perhaps its most important and unique feature is that the skip’s outer-body is double-skinned, forming a tank with the capacity to transport up to 85 litres of water or other liquids such as plant-care products. This is especially useful when working on remote sites where a tap or hose are not nearby.

The trailer incorporates a rack to carry tools such as rakes, brooms, shovels or other long-handled implements. A foot-controlled rear-tipper enables the skip’s contents to be easily deposited onto the ground.

To increase the 180 litre capacity of the skip, it has dual-purpose side-extension panels – when raised to their full height they increase the load capability to a huge 400 litres.

Now priced at just £459 including VAT and delivery, Etesia’s MRM Multi-Purpose Trailer is a little workhorse which can turn its hand to a wide number of uses, making it a ‘must’ for anybody involved in grounds maintenance.

To take advantage of the offer, or for further information on the promotion and participating dealers, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680 120.

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Etesia Quietly Announces Pellenc Winter Promotions

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pr38Etesia UK has announced three new Pellenc promotions for UK customers. The offers, which are only available from participating UK Pellenc dealers is available from now until 31st May 2013.

Pellenc is the only manufacturer in the world to be able to produce commercial lithium-ion battery-powered products that can be used in the landscape, forestry and local authority industry for up to a full day’s work on a single charge.

The first offer, the Treebox promotion, is designed for arborists, landscapers and professionals with an interest in maintaining trees. The box includes Treelion pruning shears, Selion hand-held chainsaw and a ULB40 battery to power the equipment. Offer price is £2050 +vat.

Under the second offer, the Hedgebox promotion is designed for local authorities, landscapers, estate managers and professionals who maintain hedges. The box includes a Helion Universal hedge- cutter, 51cm blade and ULB40 battery. Offer price is £1100 +vat.

The third and final offer, the Vitibox promotion is designed for vineyards and commercial growers. The box includes Lixion Evolution pruning shears with adaptable cable, Selion hand-held chainsaw and a ULB40 battery. Offer price is £1900 +vat.

The use of Pellenc products ensures no more fuel mixing, no power cables, and greatly reduced engine maintenance and at the same time guarantees use with no odour, no pollution and virtually no noise making them a truly environmentally friendly product, which can be used near noise-sensitive areas such as hospitals, schools, towns and visitor attractions.

Further advice and demonstrations are available from participating dealers. The offers are open until the end of May 2013.

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Dealers Recognised in Etesia “Partners in Excellence Awards”

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tpi_8881The success of the Etesia and Pellenc brands in the UK has been recognised at the company’s re-launched ‘Partners in Excellence’ awards, which were held in November at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

The ceremony followed a day of new product launches for the 2013 season and a hands-on product test session. The Awards were given to the dealerships which have delivered the best performance over the previous 12 months, not solely in terms of sales but also in backup, sales and service support including marketing of both brands.

The evening started with Patrick Vives, President of Etesia SAS congratulating all Etesia and Pellenc dealers in a tough economic climate: “As we have seen from past events, this process does more than simply recognizing the great work already done; it also provides encouragement and impetus to dealers to continue working towards building a robust business and making the Etesia and Pellenc brands the success that they already are.”

Introducing the winners, Les Malin, UK General Manager for Etesia said: “We have built our reputation on not only our innovative products but also the dealers who sell them.”

Awarded the prestigious ‘Overall Partner of the Year’ award was RT Machinery of Buckinghamshire. “RT Machinery has not only demonstrated outstanding performance across all market sectors and product ranges, but they have also shown tremendous commitment to both Etesia and Pellenc, and without exception they continue to dominate their area. They thoroughly deserve all three of their awards and in particular the title of Etesia ‘Partner of the Year,” said Malin.

The complete list of winners were as follows:

New partner of the year – Balmers Garden Machinery, Lancashire.

Best marketing and promotion for 2012 – RT Machinery, Buckinghamshire.

Best Etesia ride-on sales 2012 – Angus Chainsaws, Arbroath.

Best Etesia pedestrian sales 2012 – Alex McDougall Mowers, East Kilbride.

Best Attila sales 2012 – RT Machinery, Buckinghamshire.

Pellenc partner of the year 2012 – Tomlinson Groundcare, Suffolk.

Etesia partner of the year 2012 – RT Machinery, Buckinghamshire.

The awards then handed over to professional Ricky Gervais look-a-like Tim Oliver to give his unique take on business management.

‘Mowerthon’ machine to go to auction

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Following the successful ‘Mowerthon’ challenge last month, the Etesia H124 ride-on mower that completed the 1250 miles will be sold to the highest bidder via online auction house EBay, with the profits being donated to Perennial, the national horticultural charity.

BIDDING NOW OPEN

Phil Voice of the Landscape Juice Network set off from Bergerac in France on the Etesia ride-on mower on 1 October. With an average speed of just 7.5 mph he successfully reached John O’Groats exactly two weeks later.

The Hydro 124D from Etesia is the first mower that combines direct rear-ejection, integrated collection and high-lift emptying, up to a maximum of 1.8 metres without leaving the driver’s seat, all features that make it one of the most highly efficient machines on the market. The machine in question also comes fitted with an all-weather cab complete with heating system, windscreen wipers and lighting system, making the H124 an all-year-round workhorse worth in excess of £36,000.

The auction starts on 7th January 2013 from 09:00, with bids starting at £19,000.  Further details can be found by visiting www.etesia.co.uk or by searching for Etesia ‘Mowerthon’ 124DN ride-on mower on the auction website in January.

Donations for the Mowerthon are still coming in, with the final total expected to raise more than its £10,000 target. Anyone who still wishes to donate can do so at: www.justgiving.com/mowerthon