James Duke Garden Maintenance, based in Whitstable, Kent, has experienced a significant boost in productivity after investing in an Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower.

James explains that the decision to upgrade came from a growing need to handle larger sites more efficiently.

“Some of the grounds we look after can be quite large in size,” says James. “We also care for small residential gardens and commercial sites. Beforehand, we were using pedestrian mowers on the bigger areas, and it was hard work — it took a long time. So, we started looking for a ride-on.”

After exploring various brands, it was Etesia’s Hydro 80 that stood out — particularly following a demonstration arranged after meeting the team at GroundsFest last year.

“We were highly impressed with what they had to say,” James recalls. “Ian from Etesia came down, dropped off some mowers for us to try out on site, and we were blown away. We tried the Hydro 80 and as soon as we did, we ordered one.”

Since making the switch, the difference has been remarkable.

“Compared to using pedestrian mowers, the Hydro 80 is just so much quicker,” he says. “It’s freeing up so much more time for us — we’re finishing jobs earlier or fitting more in. I’d say we’re getting the jobs done in about half the time, which is fantastic.”

The Etesia Hydro 80 is packed with features that make it ideal for both large areas and tricky, confined spaces. With an 80cm cutting width and a tight turning circle, it’s easily manoeuvrable and can pass through small gateways or between parked cars with ease.

“The size is incredible — we can get it through tight spaces, around buildings, and even in between cars,” James explains. “And because it’s so compact, it fits straight into the back of our van at the end of the day.”

The Hydro 80 is powered by a 15hp twin-cylinder Kawasaki engine, delivering reliable performance across varying conditions. Its hydrostatic drive makes operation smooth and user-friendly, and James and his team noticed the ease of use immediately.

“From the get-go, we found the mower so easy to use. The controls are simple, and the machine feels great to operate — it’s a joy, an absolute pleasure.”

One of the key benefits of the Hydro 80 is its ability to cut and collect both long and short grass without clogging, even in wet conditions — a huge improvement for James and his team, who previously battled with constant blockages.

“The collection is fantastic — especially in the wet,” he says. “With our old pedestrian mowers, they were always clogging up and we had to stop to clear out underneath the deck. We don’t have that hassle anymore. It’s saving us so much time.”

The Hydro 80’s 240-litre grassbox can be emptied from the driving seat and features a buzzer to indicate when it’s full.

“The grass box is huge — we can just keep going and going,” says James. “With the pedestrian mowers, we were stopping every five minutes. Now we can mow huge areas before we need to empty. And when we do, it’s so easy — just lift the handle and tip the grass out from the comfort of the seat.”

The versatility of the Hydro 80 has also impressed James.

“It collects, it mulches, it side discharges — it ticks all the boxes for what we need. We’ve used the mulch plug and it leaves a great finish. It just does everything we ask of it. We haven’t found a single issue with it. It’s solid, dependable, and just brilliant to use.”

Reflecting on the buying process, James also praised the support and communication from the Etesia team.

“They were absolutely brilliant to work with from the start. They talked us through everything, gave us the chance to try out the mowers, and let us see how good they really are.”

Asked whether he would recommend the Hydro 80 to others, James doesn’t hesitate: “Absolutely. If you’re in the market for a ride-on that can collect, mulch, or side discharge — this mower ticks all the boxes. It’s small, nimble, and a total game changer for our business.”

Pellenc has announced the launch of the Essential Line – a range of on-board battery tools which offer a practical and cost-effective solution for maintaining green and urban spaces.

Pellenc is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.

Known for its expertise in lithium-ion battery technology, Pellenc continues to develop lightweight, powerful tools that make life easier for professionals. The new range includes the Helion Essential hedge trimmer, two Excelion Essential brush cutters, Airion Essential blower, and the ULiB 200E and 400E batteries—providing a complete package for professionals seeking reliable and efficient tools.

Helion Essential: Trim with Ease
The Helion Essential hedge trimmer delivers exceptional performance for trimming and finishing tasks. Its 64 cm (24.8 in) blade with double-edged teeth ensures precise, clean cuts. The trimmer’s balanced design improves manoeuvrability, while its ergonomic swivel handle and protective guard enhance user safety and comfort.

The tool features an advanced HMI (Human-Machine Interface) that displays the remaining battery charge and allows the user to select from three cutting speeds. Compatible with the ULiB 200E integrated battery with up to 3 hours runtime and Pellenc’s ULiB backpack battery range, the Helion Essential provides extended operating time—ideal for professionals who need dependable performance.

Excelion Essential: Power Through Large Areas
The Excelion Essential brush cutter combines high performance with ergonomic design, making it perfect for noise-sensitive areas. Powered by a brushless motor, it boasts a cutting diameter of up to 460 mm (18.1 in) with the Tap Cut 3 cutting head, allowing professionals to cover large areas quickly and efficiently.

Available with a choice of double (cow horn) or loop handle models, the Excelion Essential adapts to different work environments. Its LED screen displays battery levels and allows users to select from three speed settings, adjusting performance based on the task. As with other Essential tools, it is compatible with the ULiB 200E and 400E (recommended) batteries with run times up to 2 hrs and the Pellenc ULiB backpack battery range, that offers significant increases in run time.

Airion Essential: Blow with Power and Comfort
The Airion Essential leaf blower combines power, comfort, and efficiency in a lightweight, ambidextrous design that reduces wrist fatigue. With its angled air intake, the blower limits strain on the user, enabling comfortable operation over long periods.
The blower’s LED screen provides real-time battery information and offers control options such as Boost mode for a powerful 23N thrust, Cruise Control, and three adjustable working speeds to suit different tasks. Quiet and lightweight, the Airion Essential is ideal for work in urban settings and noise-sensitive environments. It’s compatible with the ULiB 200E and 400E (recommended) batteries, with up to 2 hrs runtime for demanding tasks.

ULiB 200E & 400E Batteries: Compact, Reliable Power
The ULiB 200E and 400E batteries offer a reliable power source for all Essential tools. Compact and ergonomic, these batteries feature an easy-to-use clipping system and a clear battery level display.

ULiB 200E: Weighing only 1.4 kg (3.08 lbs), it provides 189 W/h of power, making it ideal for tasks where a balance between weight and power is essential.

ULiB 400E: At 2.4 kg (5.29 lbs), it delivers 389 W/h of power, perfect for longer, more demanding tasks.

Both models come equipped with RFID diagnostics to ensure consistent, reliable performance.

With the launch of the Essential range, Pellenc continues its tradition of delivering innovative, high-performance solutions for green space professionals. These practical and affordable tools combine power, comfort, and durability—ensuring that top-tier performance is accessible to all.

Pellenc battery-powered equipment is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.

Etesia UK recently welcomed dealers from across the UK and Ireland to an insightful and engaging dealer day at Primrose Hill Farm in Oxfordshire. Attendees gathered to explore Etesia’s latest product innovations, gain industry insights, and connect with key figures in the sector.

A major highlight of the day was the official UK launch of the Pellenc Essential range, which generated significant interest among dealers looking to expand their battery-powered offerings. In addition, four new models were unveiled in the ET Lander range, further strengthening Etesia’s commitment to delivering high-performance, eco-friendly solutions.

Attendees were also treated to an exclusive preview of new battery and flail products, which are set to be officially launched at GroundsFest this September. These innovations signal Etesia’s continued investment in battery technology, reflecting the growing shift within the industry towards sustainable equipment.

The dealer day featured an impressive line-up of speakers, offering valuable insights across a range of topics:

• Thomas Meyher, President of Etesia SAS – Highlighted the company’s global vision and ongoing commitment to innovation.
• Leo Copping, Kramp – Discussed Etesia’s partnership with Kramp and the importance of efficient parts stocking.
• Matt Fasham, AEA – Delivered an informative session on the safe handling and storage of batteries.
• Nick Darking, BAGMA – Outlined the benefits of BAGMA membership and its relevance to dealers.
• Andy Stafferton – Spoke about working capital finance and stocking plans, helping dealers navigate financial considerations.

Attendees were split into three groups and rotated between three stations, allowing them to experience a variety of interactive sessions. This approach ensured that dealers had ample opportunity to engage with the new products and deepen their understanding of Etesia’s latest offerings.

The event left a lasting impression on attendees, with many praising the opportunity to see new equipment up close, as well as the balance between practical demonstrations and informative presentations.

Nathan Lewis, Lewis Gardening Services, appreciated the opportunity to learn about new battery technology:

“It has been a great day; good to come and see kit that I know and have used, but it has also been nice to see the new and upcoming kit from Etesia. The speakers have enlightened me on some battery equipment that I wasn’t aware of regarding safety, so it has been a good and insightful event.”

Scott Reynolds, RT Machinery, emphasised the value of staying informed about evolving technologies:

“The new products that we’ve seen today have been an eye-opener. A huge amount of our customers are talking about battery products every single day and are introducing them into their businesses. It has been a really good event – a great balance between indoor presentations and hands-on demonstrations.”

With the growing emphasis on battery technology and the unveiling of exciting new products, Etesia UK continues to strengthen its position as a leader in providing sustainable, high-performance equipment for the landscaping and groundscare sectors.

Etesia UK is pleased to announce TFM Farm and Country Superstore as its newest dealer, bringing the high-performance Etesia range to the rural communities of Shropshire and beyond. This partnership is set to offer local customers a robust selection of commercial-grade grass-cutting machinery, including pedestrian mowers, ride-on mowers, and brushcutters.

TFM Farm and Country Superstore, a family-run business with a deep-rooted history in serving the rural workforce, is well-known for its vast range of agricultural, construction, and country living products. Group Buyer Hayley Cole explained the importance of introducing the Etesia brand to their customers:

“Where we are based, a lot of customers start with domestic ride-ons, but they often find they’re not up to the job when tackling larger gardens or paddocks. We needed something at a more commercial level, and Etesia was the perfect fit,” said Hayley.

Etesia, a leader in grass-cutting innovation since 1989, is renowned for its reliability, durability, and performance across diverse conditions. With a product lineup that includes pedestrian and ride-on mowers, brushcutters, and the award-winning ET Lander electric utility vehicle, Etesia machines are designed to meet the demands of both domestic and commercial users.

TFM discovered Etesia at GroundsFest 2024, where the brand’s impressive display left a lasting impression. “We had a good look at their machines at the event and later visited their UK head office in Banbury to learn more. The capabilities of the machines really stood out, especially the design where the chute into the collector box is right next to the cutting deck—it’s ideal for preventing blockages,” Hayley added.

Etesia’s ability to cut and collect even in wet conditions, along with their solid construction, also caught the TFM team’s attention. “Our customers often cut grass at knee height, and domestic ride-ons just can’t handle that. These machines are built to perform,” Hayley noted.
TFM is excited to offer Etesia products to a diverse customer base, from councils and housing associations to domestic users with larger land areas. “I think there will be some crossover between domestic and commercial customers—those with land needing a more robust mower and councils requiring reliable machines,” said Hayley.

The partnership with Etesia extends beyond product sales. “The Etesia team is great to deal with,” Hayley shared. “They’re coming to deliver training on all the machines, and we know we can always pick up the phone if needed. Their support has been excellent.”
This collaboration marks a significant step for both TFM and Etesia in meeting the needs of rural communities with high-quality, dependable machinery. TFM customers can look forward to seeing the Etesia range ahead of the cutting season, with demonstrations and hiring options available.

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.