In the heart of picturesque Bakewell, the town’s Christmas Tree Team has found a revolutionary ally in the Pellenc Fixion 2 Tying Machine.

Bakewell, nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, is renowned for its festive charm. Each year the Bakewell Christmas Tree Team, led by Robert Boyle, adds a touch of magic to the town, creating an enchanting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

“Each year we erect between 80 and 120 5ft Christmas trees, including one 25ft tree,” said Robert. “We cable tie Christmas lights onto every tree, and they need to survive all kinds of harsh weather. It is an arduous job and I have always been looking at ways to make that more efficient and try to be a little bit more environmentally friendly.”

After much research, Robert identified that the Pellenc Fixion 2 was the tool which could make a difference.

Lightweight and easy to handle, the new generation Fixion 2 vine tying machine boosts productivity. Time savings compared to hand tying mean that the investment pays for itself very quickly. Its record weight of 800g, including the battery, offers great freedom to move around while you work. Its ergonomic handle and battery life lets the operator hold the tool securely in their hand throughout a full working day.

Putting up over 100 Christmas trees in Bakewell’s world-renowned town is no small feat, and Robert shared how the Fixion 2 has transformed their Christmas tree decorating tradition: “It has saved us about 40% of the time we would normally spend putting the lights on the trees.

Also, we can wear gloves now – whereas before we couldn’t put cable ties on with gloves because they were just too fiddly. This has massively improved operator comfort.”

Furthermore, Robert highlighted the environmental benefits of using the Fixion 2; “It has allowed us to be more confident in the ways that we recycle the trees after use.”

By replacing traditional cable ties with the Fixion 2, the team has eliminated the use of over 5,000 individual plastic bits, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly Christmas tradition.

The biodegradable nature of Fixion 2 ensures no plastic residue is left on the trees, offering peace of mind when recycling.

“Instead of going in shredders and being taken straight to composting they now go to a local animal sanctuary where they are used for alpacas and goats,” added Robert.

The Pellenc Fixion 2 Tying Machine has not only saved time for the Bakewell Christmas Tree Team but has also elevated their commitment to environmental sustainability. As Bakewell continues to shine with Christmas spirit, the Fixion 2 stands tall as an indispensable tool ensuring the tradition sparkles with efficiency and eco-conscious brilliance.

Pellenc products are exclusively distributed in the UK by Etesia UK.

Etesia UK is delighted to announce that Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery, a long-standing family business based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has officially become the latest dealer for Etesia products.

The partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Fisco, enabling the company to expand its commercial product offerings while reinforcing Etesia’s presence in the region.

Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery has been a family-run business in Wakefield for over 60 years. Founded by Clifford Broadhead as Farmers Ironmongery Supply Co, it later expanded to meet the changing needs of the agricultural industry. Today, Fisco continues to evolve, now offering leading brands like Etesia to enhance its product range for both domestic and commercial clients.

Ryan Powala-Higgins, Manager of Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery, explained that becoming an Etesia dealer is a strategic move to grow the company’s commercial opportunities. “We are a single branch, and for a long time we were predominantly in the domestic market,” said Ryan. “But over the past few years, we’ve started to take on more commercial products to boost sales in that area. We felt like we were missing out, and that’s why we decided to take on Etesia.”

Etesia, a company known for high-quality grass-cutting equipment since 1989, has become a key player in both the professional and domestic markets. Their extensive product range includes walk-behind and ride-on mowers, brush cutters, and innovative green technology solutions, such as the award-winning ET Lander electric utility vehicle. Fisco’s decision to partner with Etesia aligns with the growing demand for reliable, high-performance commercial machinery that can handle the toughest conditions.

Ryan added that Etesia had been on their radar for some time: “We’ve known about Etesia for a while. There was a bit of a gap in our portfolio, and a lot of customers were asking about the brand. We’ve always known the products are good.”

Ryan credited Etesia UK’s Business Development Manager, Stephen Muir, for making the dealership process smooth and efficient. “Stephen came out to see us and he was very accommodating. The whole company is a pleasure to deal with. We appreciate that Etesia is willing to come and talk to us face-to-face. It’s refreshing in a time when so much business is done online.”

Part of the appeal of Etesia, Ryan explained, is their focus on mowers that perform exceptionally well in all weather conditions—especially when it comes to grass collection. “Etesia’s ability to collect grass even in wet conditions is a key selling point for landscapers, grounds maintenance companies, and local councils,” Ryan shared. “In terms of collection, nothing beats Etesia.”

Among the products that have already caught Fisco’s attention are the Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower and the 18-inch pedestrian mowers, which Ryan described as “perfect machines” for their customer base. “The feedback we’ve had from clients who already own Etesia machines is overwhelmingly positive. They say these are the machines to have.”

Looking ahead, Ryan expressed enthusiasm about the future of Fisco’s partnership with Etesia. “We’re very excited about what’s to come,” he said.

Etesia UK is excited to return to GroundsFest for the second consecutive year. Attendees can visit stand OSA150 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 10 and 11 September to explore Etesia’s impressive lineup, including pedestrian and ride-on mowers, brushcutters, and the award-winning ET Lander electric utility vehicle.

Etesia UK, known for its high-quality grass cutting equipment, will unveil the ET Lander’s new differential lock feature, which enhances traction and versatility for off-road use. This innovative electric utility vehicle is fully N1 homologation compliant, making it road-legal and capable of extended off-road use. Its lithium-ion batteries offer a range of up to 100km and compatibility with standard type 2 EV car chargers.

The ET Lander, a 100% electric vehicle, is spacious, user-friendly, and built on a robust chassis. It boasts a three-way tipper bed with dual control from the two-seater cab or remote control. With a compact length of 3.72 meters, power steering, a short turning radius of 4.40 meters, and 360° visibility, it manoeuvres easily in tight spaces. The vehicle can transport loads up to 940kg and tow up to 750kg, with a full day’s autonomy and no noise pollution.

Etesia will also feature the Electric Bahia M2EL, the world’s first 100% electric professional ride-on mower with grass collection. Powered by a 48V, 100Ah lithium battery, the Bahia M2EL offers up to 4 hours and 30 minutes of operation on a single charge. Its compact size, tight turning circle, and excellent stability on slopes make it ideal for various mowing tasks.

The electric Bahia is also highly economical, with running costs of £0.35 compared to £3.57 for its petrol counterpart, and reduced maintenance needs.

Etesia’s knowledgeable staff will be available throughout GroundsFest to provide expert advice and assistance on all products.

Maintaining the expansive grounds of Repton School requires precision, efficiency, and innovation. For Andrew Butler, Head of Grounds and Gardens, and his team, the introduction of the Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower has not only streamlined operations but also revolutionised the way they manage the school’s green spaces.

Repton School, nestled in the serene surroundings of Derbyshire, boasts extensive grounds that demand meticulous care. From ornamental gardens to sprawling lawns surrounding boarding houses, every corner of the campus requires attention. However, with limited time and resources, the grounds and gardens team found themselves struggling to keep up with the demands of manual mowing using pedestrian mowers.

Andrew explains, “There is a lot of mowing carried out around the boarding house where the team were previously using pedestrian mowers. I felt it was just taking too long, and then other jobs were getting neglected because of it. It just felt like the gardening team were out mowing all the time, and less time was being spent on the actual gardening.”

Introducing the Etesia Hydro 80, a compact yet powerful ride-on mower designed to tackle both long and short grass with ease. Featuring a hydrostatic drive and a robust 15hp twin-cylinder Kawasaki engine, the Hydro 80 offers unparalleled efficiency and output. Its specially contoured deck ensures clippings are collected without clogging, even in wet conditions, while anti-scalp rollers maintain a pristine finish on uneven terrain.

Andrew recounts the transformation brought about by the Hydro 80, stating, “Now instead of spending all week mowing, it literally takes just a couple of days. This means that we can concentrate on the gardens instead such as getting more colour into various areas. The time management is significantly better.”

One of the Hydro 80’s most impressive features is its ability to navigate tight spaces with ease. Andrew notes, “The reason we were using pedestrian mowers is because there was always the problem of getting a ride-on mower in and out of gates, so we thought about taking various gates out to make the job easier, but then we came across the Etesia Hydro 80. It allows us to get into areas where previously we had to use pedestrian mowers. These areas, which previously would have taken an hour or two, are now taking just 15-20 minutes.

“Its ability to cut and collect in the rain is amazing,” continues Andrew. “Even in the heavy rain the Hydro 80 is going out and cutting, so again it improves our efficiency.”

Beyond its efficiency, the Hydro 80’s durability and manoeuvrability have earned high praise from Andrew and his team. “I like the durability of it, how quick it is, how easy it is to manoeuvre it, and how it can get through longer grass with no problem at all,” Andrew remarks.

As Repton School continues to uphold its reputation for excellence, the Etesia Hydro 80 stands as a testament to the power of innovation in grounds management, ensuring that the campus remains a source of pride and inspiration for all who visit.