With Summer 2022 coming to an end, it’s time to turn our attention to Autumn. Have you got everything you need for the months ahead? Discover the some of our top picks from the STIHL Professional and Homeowner range below!
The Stihl BR700 professional backpack blower is one of the best on the market in terms of performance and quality. Featuring an adjustable blowing tube, high blowing force, lightweight design and comfortable carrying straps. Full details available here
The Stihl MS 362 C-M is a powerful professional and everyday forestry chainsaw. Featuring a 59cc engine and M-Tronic easy starting. Available with 16″, 18″ or 20″ guide bars. Full details available here
Powerful telescopic pole saw from Stihl with a total length of 270cm – 390cm and can reach heights of up to 5 metres. Featuring a multi function handle, magnesium gearbox and ergonomic quick adjustment. Full details available here
Compact petrol chainsaw, designed for domestic use. Perfect for cutting firewood or general clear up jobs around the garden. Available with 12″ or 14″ guide bar. This model features a single-lever master control so functions such as start, choke, throttle and stop can be operated via a single lever. You won’t go wrong with the MS 180 for all your household needs.
The BG 56 is a handheld petrol leaf blower from Stihl. Designed for domestic use and quickly clears leaves and grass cuttings from your lawn or drive. Lightweight and easy to use. Featuring a 27.2 cc engine and 60 m/s air speed, this is the ideal model for home use. Full details available here
This battery leaf blower from Stihl is extremely lightweight and user friendly. This option comes complete with an AK battery, AL101 charger. This eliminates the use of petrol and oil and makes it much easier to quickly get rid of those unwanted leaves. Again, this model is designed for homeowners.
Check out Stihl’s Autumn garden care for some advice and tips going forward as we leave behind another summer!
Berg Toys are releasing a number of New and Limited Edition go karts this year. The Buzzy Red-Black, The Buzzy Galaxy, The Buddy Blue and Buddy White in particular will be available at Robert Kee! So go for something different and stand out from the crowd with a limited edition model!
Berg Buddy Blue – Coming Soon!
The new Buddy Blue will be a great addition to the Buddy Orange, Cross, Lua, Jeep & John Deere here at Robert Kee. The BFR system allows for pedalling, braking and reversing using your pedals. Featuring 4 pneumatic tyres, adjustable seat and adjustable steering wheel, the Buddy range is perfect for 3-8 years so keep an eye on our website for its launch! 👀
Berg Buzzy Red-Black – Limited Edition!
This limited edition Buzzy Red-Black Junior go-kart is NEW for 2022. Suitable for age 2-5 years with the adjustable seat and steering wheel. This model is now in stock at Robert Kee, but you must be quick! Full details available here.
Berg Buzzy Galaxy – Limited Edition!
This sleek new orange and black design will be very popular this year. Again, the Buzzy Galaxy junior go kart is a limited edition model and is suitable for ages 2-5 years. Featuring Silent EVA Whisper Tyres ans swing axle, you can be sure to keep the 4 wheels firmly on the ground! This model is now in stock at Robert Kee! Full details available here.
Berg Buddy White – Coming Soon!
Keep an eye on our website for the New Limited Edition Buddy White coming soon to Robert Kee. Joining the range of Buddy karts, this option is ideal for 3-8 years.
With a range of Berg accessories also available, you can make your go kart stand out from the crowd with a trailer or a flag! Be sure to check the suitability for each kart before purchasing! Check out some top tips from Berg before choosing your new go kart!
The Stihl AS System is the smallest battery system available. These tools are perfect for occasional garden maintenance around the home. There are 3 tools available at the moment, HSA26 Cordless Shrub Shears, GTA26 Garden Pruner and the SEA20 Cordless Vacuum – all powered by a replaceable AS 2 battery. The complete set will have you kitted out for all those small jobs around the garden!
HSA 26 Cordless Shrub Shears
The Stihl HSA 26 cordless shrub shears are the perfect garden tool for maintaining small hedges and shrubs around your home. This product has been popular since its launch this year and we know why! This tool also comes with a grass trimmer attachment for edging lawns or flower beds. The small battery means it is super lightweight and easy to use. No fuel or oil needed, simply charge the battery and get to work. This tool makes light work of those dreaded trimming jobs in the garden. Features a comfortable rubberised handle and tool-less blade change. The run time on the AS 2 battery is up to 110 minutes giving you lots of time in the garden on one charge. Find out more about this model here!
GTA 26 Cordless Garden Pruner
The GTA 26 pruner has become a popular choice here at Robert Kee Power Equipment. This small handheld battery chainsaw is perfect for whether you are pruning trees, cutting wood, or doing some general tidying. Features a 4 inch light guide bar with a 1/4″ PM3 saw chain for precise cutting. The tool-less chain tensioner makes it easy to replace the chain. Run time on the AS 2 battery is up to 25 minutes, then simply put it on to charge. The full set comes with the machine including bar and chain, battery, charger, carrying bag and Stihl Multioil Bio. Find out more about this tool here! This model is also available body only so just give our store a call to enquire!
SEA 20 Cordless Vacuum – NEW!
NEW for 2022, the battery operated Vacuum from Stihl is ideal for vacuuming and cleaning your garage, car or workshop. Simple design with removable collection container for easy cleaning. Features a 2 level filter system to allow effective air filtration. This tool comes with a crevice nozzle and universal nozzle with removable bristle attachment. Like the other members of the AS team, this is suited to domestic occasional use. Lightweight and easy to operate meaning you can get those tasks done quickly and hassle free.
The AS 2 battery and AL 1 charger can be bought separately and since they are interchangeable, you can use them in any of the three machines in the AS team. Check out the Stihl Tutorial below on the HSA 26 Cordless Shrub Shears!
The summer is when we want our gardens to look their best. A place where we can enjoy some nice family time, late evening summer barbecues and just chill out! Having your lawn looking this great isn’t easy, so we’ve put together some top tips to help you along the way! Lawn maintenance in the summer can be a full time job! But it doesn’t have to be.
1. Mow little and often!
It is important to mow our lawn regularly in summer. This is to ensure the grass doesn’t get too long, thin and sparse. Instead, it allows the production of thicker stems, creating that thick green carpet effect! As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended you cut your grass by one third each time to keep a healthy lawn that can get plenty of nutrients!
2. Fertilise Early
Fertilising your lawn early in the summer gives your lawn the nutrients required before the high growth season commences. May/June would be a great time to do this if you haven’t already done so! Fertilising the grass will help keep away moss, prevent those unwanted weeds and keep your grass looking lush and green. Using one of our Agri-Fab push spreaders is a really effective way to do this. They range from the small 50lb spreader to the 125lb spreader meaning there is one for every shape and size of garden. If you have a bigger garden to cover you might be interested in the towed spreaders to hook on to the back of your ride on mower.
3. Don’t cut too low!
As tempting as it is to cut your grass low and keep it short, you might be doing more harm than good to be honest! Keep your blades higher in the summer as cutting too low can cause the lawn to burn, lose nutrients and dry out. It is also important to keep your blades on your lawnmower sharp as dull blades can damage the lawn. As mentioned above, taking 1/3 off your grass every cut is a good rule of thumb!
4. Collect or Mulch?
A lot of the time you will want to collect the grass and dispose of it, however sometimes it is better to let the clippings lie. By using a lawnmower with a mulching function, the machine can finely shred the grass clippings back into the lawn as a natural fertiliser. Not every mower has this function so be sure to check this if you are looking to some mulching! Many ride on mowers have this function. For example the Honda 2417 HME has Honda’s built in Versamow™ selective mulching system – a great way to naturally fertilise the lawn. Alternatively, the Husqvarna Automowers continuously cut the lawn leaving behind very fine clippings of grass, leaving the lawn looking its best all year round!
5. Keep your lawn hydrated!
Your lawn needs water just as much as you do. It’s fair to say that in Ireland, we get our fair share of rain so this might not be necessary but in the hope that we get a somewhat decent summer, you might want to keep this in mind for those heatwave days! It’s best to water early in the morning when it’s cooler.
6. Tidy the Edges
Once you’ve mastered the perfect cut, it’s time to tidy up the lawn edges using a grass trimmer or strimmer. This will leave your lawn looking sharp and fresh. It’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy!
The Husqvarna Automower® is the world leader in robotic lawnmowers. Designed for functionality and durability, they work quietly, efficiently and autonomously to give you a better finish than any other mower. With over 25 years of research and development, Husqvarna has designed a machine that will change how you cut your lawn forever. Developed in Sweden and produced in England, the Automower is one piece of European technology taking the world by storm. The Automower is not just an average lawn mower, it’s a fully robotic concept that does all the work for you, keeps your grass healthy with natural fertiliser, saves you money on fuel and works constantly without any supervision. Each Automower includes features such as the Pin Lock Anti-Theft & a user-friendly Display Screen for changing settings and more. The new X Line models are equipped with all the latest features such as Automower® Connect meaning you have full control of your Automower from your phone. It also features GPS assisted navigation, LED Headlights, front rubber bumper and X-Line body design. If you haven’t already, check out our blog “5 Reasons How The Husqvarna Automower Will Change Your Life”
Husqvarna 105 Automower
The 105 is the entry-level robotic mower from Husqvarna’s Automower range. Ideal for smaller and flatter lawns but still has the added reliability and performance of the larger models. Capable of covering areas up to 600m², has a mower time of 50 minutes and a cutting width of 17cm. This 3 wheeled machine is very easy to install, operate and maintain. Due to its extremely low noise nature, your neighbours won’t even notice it mowing, but they will definitely notice the clean cut every time. View full details of the Husqvarna Automower 105 here
Husqvarna 310 Mark II Automower
The NEW mark II model of the Husqvarna Automower 310 covers lawns up to 1000m² and slopes up to 40% incline.Perfect for domestic lawns! Efficient 4-wheeled robotic mower for larger and more complex grass areas and the intuitive menu system allows personal settings for when you’d like the machine to mow. This model features Automower Connect@HOME meaning you can control the mower from your smart phone within 30 metres. With remote starting points you have the option to start the mowing at 3 different locations along the guide wire. Full details of the 310 Mark II Automower here.
Husqvarna 315 Mark II Automower
New and improved Mark II version of the 315 Automower. Ideally, for your medium sized gardens that are more complexed, the 315 model can cover up to 1500m² areas and can handle slopes of up to 40%. Smart technology adapts the amount of mowing to the lawns growth rate, enables spot mowing of a limited area of longer grass and guides the mower through narrow passages. The intuitive menu system on the large, user-friendly display allows personal settings for when you would like the machine to mow. Automower is equipped with an effective PIN code system, which largely increases the protection of the mower. Full details of the Husqvarna 315 Automower here.
Husqvarna 405X Automower (X-Line Series)
The Husqvarna 405X is a reliable and high performance mower, best suited to smaller lawns up to 600m². The 405X features systematic passage mowing to cut through narrow passages. As an X-line series model it features Automower® Connect so you have full control of your mower from your mobile phone. This mower handles slopes up to 40% and also features onboard GPS assisted navigation so the mower can register which parts of the garden it has already covered and adjust the mowing pattern accordingly. Full details of the Husqvarna 405X available here!
Husqvarna 415 X Automower (X-Line Series)
The 415X model is the latest addition to the X- Line Series, launched at the end of 2021. It’s best suited for midsized complex lawns up to 1,500m². As a premium X line model it features the onboard GPS system, Automower® Connect app, LED Headlights and manages slopes up to 40%. The Automower® Connect app allows you to control the mower from your mobile phone. All Automower® Connect equipped robotic mowers are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This means all you need to do is give your smart speaker a voice command, and Husqvarna Automower® will jump to the task. It also features theft protection by using a PIN code and GPS location. Full details of the Husqvarna 415X available here.
Husqvarna 430X Automower (X-Line Series)
One of the higher premium models from Husqvarna’s domestic robotic, the 430X has generous in-built competence perfect for handling large complex areas and gardens. Equipped with the GPS navigation for efficient mowing of the most demanding grassed areas. Capable of covers areas up to 3200m² and steep slopes with inclines of as much as 45%. The main menu on the mower allows fast adjusting of cutting heights by the electrically operated height adjustment. The intuitive menu on the large, user-friendly LCD allows personal settings. The Automower Connect app keeps you in control: track, interact and stay updated at the touch of a screen, wherever you are in the world. Full details of the 430X Automower here
Husqvarna 450X Automower (X-Line Series)
The top of the line in the domestic range from the world leaders in robotic mowing! This highly intelligent machine can handle the largest and most complex gardens there is. Capable of covering a massive 5000m² (1.23 acres), this machine is packed full of the features available in lower spec models. The GPS navigation system and a host of features including Automower Connect make it the intelligent way to keep your lawn lush, healthy and perfectly mowed. The Automower Connect app keeps you in complete control: track, interact and stay updated at the touch of a screen, wherever you are in the world. Grass cutting technology at your fingertips! Full details of the Husqvarna Automower 450X Automower here.
Husqvarna 435X Automower AWD
Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD – a pioneer on the robotic lawnmower market. An all-wheel-drive model that covers lawns up to 3,500 m² and navigates obstacles, rough terrain and slopes of up to an impressive 70 % or35°. It’s rear body design allows excellent movement through complex lawns and rough terrain. Again being an X-Line model, it features the Automower® Connect App andthe new Automower Access user interaction with high-resolution color display. With Husqvarna AIM Technology you can use the app to create work areas with different cuttings heights and schedules, or stay-out zones for personalised zone control. Full details of the Husqvarna 435X AWD here.
Husqvarna 520 Automower
The Commerical 550 Automower®is designed for professional fleet use. Offering remote control including theft tracking through Husqvarna Fleet Services on PC/tablet, as well as full mower control and configuration via smartphone. With remote start points, you can start the mowing at 5 differen points along the guide wire. It features a PARK button on the charging staion, just push this to call the Automwoer back to the charging station in public areas such as football pitches or golf courses. GPS assisted navigation and weather timer ensures uniform coverage of complex lawns, while automatically adapting mowing frequency to lawn growth. Suitable for areas up to 2,400m² and handles slopes of 45%. Full details of the Husqvarna 520 Automower here.
Husqvarna 550 Automower
The Husqvarna 550 Commerical Automower for large complex lawns. Suitable for large areas of up to 5,000m².Featuring Husqvarna Fleet Services™ which gives you the possibility to monitor and control multiple numbers of mowers from your smartphone, tablet or laptop. You can overview your mower’s status or exact location, command them to start, stop or park them all before the storm arrives. This mower is also compatible with Huqvarna’s Automower Connect App to control the mower from your phone. This model is equipped with status LED indication and robust and easy to manage switch for START / STOP functionality. Simplifies use for inexperienced users and minimizes the serious impact on the mower in case of vandalism. Full surveillance from smartphones, tablet or laptop. Full details of the Husqvarna 550 Automower here.
What to Consider
What is the size and area of your lawn?
When
looking for the correct Automower to suit your garden, you should pick
one that can handle the terrain, the size and the slopes of your lawn.
Remember that the cutting capacity is generally based on flat, open and
easy to navigate lawns. If your lawn is undulating or there are bushes,
flowerbeds or trees throughout your garden it’s better to choose a mower
with a greater capacity and higher specifications. If your garden has
steep banks and slopes, it’s important to pick the right mower for the
job. As the mower even works in the rain, it’s crucial to pick one with
wheels that have a high grip rate and can handle the slopes of your
lawn. Use Husqvarna’s Lawn Calculator here
Is your garden complex?
The
Husqvarna Automower uses guiding wire to guide the mower through your
garden, staying away from any obstacles it shouldn’t cover. The wire
must be continued through different sections, passages and corridors of
your lawn. The more complex your garden is, the more guiding wire is
neccassary.
Security System
As
the Automower stays out in your garden for the better part of the year,
it’s important to know the robotic mower has a security system in place
through a pink lock code to ensure unauthorised use. If the mower is
lifted without unlocking the pin code, the machine will set off an alarm
and the machine will lock. The GPS-tracker is an extra security feature
on certain models. If your machine is ever stolen, report it to an
official Husqvarna dealer, who are able to blacklist your mower, thus
making future use of the mower impossible.
Is the display easy to understand?
It’s
important to have a full understanding of the display screen feature of
every model. Most people think the robotic mower is fully set upon
installation, but features such as time settings and cutting lengths
often change over the season. The display is user-friendly, but it’s
important to ask about any features and operations of the machine that
are accessible through the display screen.
Installation Guide
Let us do all the work!
At Robert Kee, we understand a robotic mower is a financial commitment and you might not fully understand how everything is installed and setup. We highly recommend that an official Husqvarna dealer installs the Automower. We offer a complete installation & set-up service using the Stiga Professional cable-laying machine. Once fully tested, we will run through all the features & benefits of your new Automower answering any questions you may have. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy never having to cut your lawn again! Give us a call for further information on locations covered – 074 97 21805.
Self Installation
The
Husqvarna Automower Fitting Kit includes all the pieces needed for the
Husqvarna Automower installation. The kit includes Loop Wire, Staples,
Splicers and Connectors in different number and lengths.
1 – Take your time!
Begin by looking and inspecting your lawn, removing all rocks, twigs, tools, toys. This will reduce the chances of the mower getting stuck or damaged. If your grass is longer than 10cms, you should cut your grass with a regular lawn mower one last time before setting the Automower.
2 – Place your charging station
Place the charging station flat on the ground of the cutting area with free space around it. Make sure the station is free from sunlight, out of reach of any taps and close to an electric power socket.
3 – Charge the battery
Once the charging station is in place and connected to a power supply, it’s time to charge your little robot up and let the fun begin! Put the mower on charge and move onto the next step. Charging an empty battery takes 80-100 minutes.
4 – Lay the guide wire
The purpose of the guide wire is to lead the Husqvarna Automower back to the charging station when the battery is running low on energy. Connect one end to the station and place the wire straight across the farthest part of your garden so that the robotic mower can easily find it. The other end is attached to the boundary wire where they intersect. Both the boundary and the guide wire are then connected to the charging station.
5 – Sit back, relax and enjoy never having to cut your garden again!
And that’s that! Turn on your Automower, select your four-digit security pin, adjust your cutting height and set the working hours. Once that mower leaves the charging station, you have official mowed the lawn yourself the last time!
A brushcutter or strimmer is an essential piece of garden equipment. It helps to tidy up the edges and corners of the garden that your lawnmower can’t reach. Whether you have a small garden to maintain or you work as a professional landscaper, STIHL will have an option to suit every need. From the traditional petrol options to the new battery powered and electric options, choosing the right strimmer can be a difficult. It all depends on the type of garden you have and your particular use for the machine! To give you some idea of what options are available from STIHL, we’ve chosen some of our most popular models
STIHL’s lightest and smallest petrol grass trimmer is the STIHL FS 38, ideal for tidying up lawn edges or small areas of grass around the home. It comes with an AutoCut C 6-2 cutting head and it perfect for putting the finishing touches to your lawn. For a larger option you have the STIHL FS 55 and the FS 55R, fitted with a comfortable bike handle or loop handle depending on the model. These are suitable for bigger gardens and still ideal for use around the home as a domestic use strimmer. The STIHL FS 111 and FS 111R step it up a gear in terms of engine power. Featuring a 31.4 cm³ engine, this model is more suited for large areas of landscape. With the help of various interchangeable cuttings tools, it can tackle weeds, thistles and rougher grass.
STIHL also have the FS 240 C which is best suited to agricultural and horticultural work. This machine features a 37.7 cm³ engine, multi functional control handle and is supplied with a comfortable harness. Finally we have the all NEW Professional FS 461 C-EM clearing saw, a replacement model for the FS 460 C-EM. Featuring a huge 45.6 cm³ engine, this is designed with the professional user in mind. It can handle areas of tough grass and features the STIHL Ergostart which cuts the effort required to start the tool by half!
Have you ever considered switching to battery powered tools? Battery powered options are fast becoming a popular choice for many homeowners and landscapers alike. They are quiet, produce zero emissions and there is no messing around with fuel and oil mixtures! Just charge up the battery and you’re ready to go! STIHL offers both the AK battery system and the AP battery system depending on the model.
The FSA 45 is the smallest battery model available. It actually comes with an integrated battery with charge level indicator so there is no need to buy a separate battery and charger. It is a very popular choice for light trimming jobs around the home. You might also like to use STIHL’s PolyCut plastic blades. Its super handy and lightweight and certainly a very popular option.
The FSA 57 is next up, this requires an AK 10 battery along with an AL101 charger. The AK battery can then be used in other STIHL battery powered machines that use the AK system. (Not to be confused with machine that use the AP System which requires a different battery!) Again, this is a very lightweight model and features a spacer for mowing around shrubs and plants.
The STIHL FSA 135R is a powerful battery operated brushcutter, rivaling the powerful petrol options, this features the AP battery system so it requires an AP300 or AP300s battery. The AP battery slots into the top of the machine allowing you to move freely around without the need for fuel or oil.
AK or AP Battery System?
I mentioned there are two battery systems available from STIHL – AK and AP. There are many other STIHL products that require AK batteries, including chainsaws, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and lawnmowers. You have 3 options: AK10, AK20 and AK30 batteries, each providing different outputs and different run times. They are all the same size so this means that you can use the same battery for a number of machines, however remember to look at the recommended battery as some tools require higher battery capacity.
The AP battery system includes tools that are more powerful. Again there are a number of options: AP100, AP200, AP300 and AP300s. These are also interchangeable. For example, you can use an AP300 battery instead of an AP200 for longer run times. Depending on which battery you have, there is the choice between the AL101, AL300 and AL500 chargers also. Be sure to check out the recommended batteries and chargers on STIHL’s website.
STIHL Electric Brushcutters
Finally the STIHL FSE 52 is the electric model of choice. It may not be the tool you need for the bigger jobs but it is perfect for noise sensitive areas and light work around the garden. It features an adjustable shaft to suit your height and the cable strain prevents the power cable from being accidentally disconnected.
STIHL Protective Equipment
Before you jump straight into using your new brushcutter, take a minute to look through the range of safety wear from STIHL. The range includes hearing protection, goggles or glasses, gloves and boots.
There is certainly a lot to think about when choosing a brushcutter, but hopefully this guide will help make things a little clearer! If you still need some information on the specifications of any machine, just give our store a call on 074 97 21805, where our sales team will be happy to help.
Spring is here. This is the time of year that the gardening season usually starts. The rain is starting to subside and the days are getting brighter. This Spring more than ever, due to COVID-19, more of us will be spending time at home whether we like it or not. So why not make the most of our time in self-isolating and start getting our gardens in order.
It was a pretty wild winter albeit a mild one, so there will be a good bit of growth on the lawn. What should we be doing first to start prepping our lawn for the cutting season ahead?
Clear The Lawn
Take a walk around your garden and pick up any branches or debris that has been lying on the lawn from the storms of January and February. You run a risk of damaging your lawnmower if you hit any of these when you start mowing. Use a blower to clear any dead leaves laying round and let any covered patches of lawn get some sunlight and air.
Let In the Spring Air
Next job on the list is to get some Spring air into the lawn. If your lawn has been covered in dead grass, moss and debris the past few months, rainwater will have been unable to penetrate the lawn which in turn will make your lawn water-logged. The excess water laying on the lawn will also cause extra moss growth which will make the problem worse. A great tool for this job is using the Agri-Fab 3in1 SmartLINK Master Platform with the Tine De-Thatcher attachment. This piece of equipment will attach onto the back of any ride on mower and can be pulled along. It features 20 heat treated spring-loaded tines will quickly remove any build-up of dead grass and moss from your lawn. This will allow your lawn to breathe again and allow water and nutrients into the soil. Doing this a couple of times a year will help to improve the appearance of your lawn.
Time for the First Cut of the Spring
Time now to take the top of the grass. The lawnmower deck should be set to a high height setting. You just want to remove the top of the grass on the first cut. This will encourage new growth and tidy it up a bit. For the next few cut’s you can lower the cutting deck until the grass is growing at a faster rate.
Most modern lawnmower will have a easy height adjustable lever with several different height settings to choose from. So whether its a Ride on Mower or Walk Behind Mower this function is available on almost all models.
Feed Me
It’s been a long winter, if you want your lawn looking great you need to give it some TLC. There is no other plant in your garden that gets as much abuse as the grass does. From people walking on it, dogs, children playing football and games the list is endless. Therefore, although it will always get some sunlight, it won’t always have nutrients so you must provide these from fertiliser. If you don’t apply fertilizer the grass will become thin and allow weeds and moss to build up on it. A properly fertilised lawn will be thicker and greener so it is definitely a job worth doing.
So from now on the work begins, there will be daily jobs that can be done in the garden. Hopefully now during this uncertain time we will have some pleasant weather where we can enjoy our outdoor space and the work we put in now will show in our gardens for the months to come.
If you would like advice on taking care of your lawn or would like any recommendations on machinery or products that can be used contact our helpful sales staff who will be delighted to assist you. We also have an in-house Garden Centre which supplies the finest plants, shrubbery and gardening products. David our horticulturist will be happy to provide advice where he can.
It’s been a pretty mild winter so far
this year but with a few months of cold weather yet to come, it could be the
perfect time to stock up on some more firewood to keep the house warm.
Check over your saw
If you haven’t used your chainsaw in a while make sure you do a basic maintenance check to ensure everything is as it should be including bar maintenance and lubrication.
A chainsaw will definitely run a lot smoother and is therefore safer to operate if it has a good sharp chain. A blunt saw chain will not cut at its best which will make the job harder on the user and also the saw so if it hasn’t been sharpened in a while either take it to your local dealer to have it sharpened or do it yourself at home. A handy tool for doing this is the 2 in 1 File Holder from STIHL. This enables you to sharpen both the cutting tooth and the depth gauge at the same time, which reduces maintenance time and also makes it easier for the correct cutting angle.
Another important check is to ensure the correct tensioning on the chain around the bar. Chainsaw chains can stretch during use and begin to sag on the guide bar, if it becomes too loose it can come off during operation and can cause a serious accident for the user.
Next check the oil levels in your
chainsaw to ensure there is enough lubrication in the engine and circulating
around the bar and chain. Improper
lubrication can cause damage to the engine.
Finally ensure you have enough fuel in your chainsaw to complete your
cutting job. Always check that you are
using the correct mix with your saw.
Chainsaw Safety First
So that’s your chainsaw all checked and ready for action, what next? Safety! Basic protective clothing and equipment is essential when using a chainsaw so ensure you are covered from head to toe. Face and head protection which covers your eyes, ears and face is a necessity. Good saw protective gloves and trousers are also essential as well as a chainsaw boots with a good grip.
Let’s get Cutting with your Chainsaw
A great piece of equipment to use if you are cutting firewood at home is a saw horse. Firstly, we would recommend that you cut tree trunks into manageable lengths. Place the lengths horizontally on the ground and ensure it will not roll away. The wood can now be cut down the middle along its entire length – approximately 10 cm deep. You can now prize the log apart using a splitting wedge. The split piece of wood can be loaded onto the saw horse and cut into smaller pieces. At robertkee.ie we stock a range of useful saw horses in a variety of price ranges. We also stock a range of useful forestry tools which will assist you when cutting timber.
Storing your firewood
Once you have the wood cut store it in such a way that the air will circulate through it and dry it out. You should then cover the stacks of wood with waterproof tarpaulin to protect it from the weather. So that’s you stocked up with firewood now so make yourself cosy in front of a lovely fire this winter.
If you are thinking of investing in a chainsaw take a look at our range of chainsaws suitable for homeowners or novice users. For the more experienced user we offer a large range of professional chainsaws. Call into any of our showrooms in Laghey or Letterkenny Co. Donegal and speak with one of our experienced salesteam who will advise you on the correct saw for your needs.
The ever popular Berg Go-Karts are always a huge hit at Christmas, there is something for all age groups and budgets. So if you are starting looking round for that extra special Christmas present then here is our guide to what is new this year.
There are 3 designs in the Reppy Range – The Reppy Rider, The Reppy Racer and the Reppy Rebel. Suitable for Age 2 1/2 to 6 these striking go-karts are perfect for your youngster. The features include bucket seat and a cool soundbox on the steering wheel which has 4 different sound effects. The adjustable seat will ensure this go-kart will grow with your child and they will have the best fun for years to come.
Some new additions to the Berg Buddy Range this year with the introduction of the Buddy Lua and the New Buddy B-Orange. The Buddy range is suitable for Age 3-8 years. The Lua comes in beautiful pink and mint colours with fantastic graphics it is a real eye-catching design. The Buddy B-Orange is very maneuverable and fast. In a bright orange colour with striking blue stickers it will definitely get noticed.
This cool, compact go-kart is ideal for children aged 4-12 years old. The BERG Rally Force comes in great colours and has a cool front spoiler. This makes it the ultimate racing edition within the rally go-kart series.
One of the larger Go-karts that is new for 2019, the BERG Black Edition BFR. Strong and indestructible, this is an impressive and robust go-kart. With a special black and orange design and sleek front spoiler and mudguards i’d say this will be a very popular go-kart this Christmas.
The perfect addition to your go-kart. This new Tandem XL trailer is suitable for use with all Large BERG BFR Model Go-Karts. It has a 40kg Max capacity weight and a large 75 litre load capacity so you will certainly be able to pull a large load around. It has a tipper function also for easy emptying of your trailer and double wheels for extra stability.
Overall we have some great new additions to the BERG Go-Kart range this winter along with all the old favourites such as the BERG Extra, Buddy Range and Buzzy. There is something for all age groups even the big kids!
Our Christmas savings club is now open and taking deposits for BERG Go-Karts and also Junior Quads and Petrol Buggy’s and bicycles. A minimum deposit of 10% is required to secure the item and the cost can be spread from now to Christmas. Secure online payment is available and also nationwide delivery.
If you need any advise please contact one of our sales team who will be happy to over you any information you need.
Stihl Backpack Blowers are ideal for professional users
A leaf blower is a really useful tool to use all year round in the garden, it can help you quickly clear away unwanted debris such as slippery leaves in Autumn/Winter to loose grass cuttings in Spring/Summer without it becoming a long back-breaking task. STIHL have an impressive range of leaf blowers with models available to suit homeowners and also professional users. At Robert Kee Power Equipment we stock a large range of STIHL Blowers here is a selection of our best selling machines.
Stihl BG86D Handheld Petrol Blower
Packed with power and run by a fuel-efficient low emissions engine, the STIHL BG86D Blower is another popular handheld blower. This machine is packed with features that even professional users will appreciate. It has STIHL ElastoStart which reduces the shock caused to joints and muscles during the starting of the engine. The BG86D also features one hand control with soft grip for comfort and also reduces user fatigue. An excellent powerful blower which will last for years.
The STIHL SH86CE Blower/Vac is a fuel efficient and user friendly machine, It is one of the most popular selling leaf blowers we stock at Robert Kee Power Equipment. This machine has a 2-MIX engine allowing a fuel saving of up to 20% compared to the standard STIHL 2-stroke engine. For easy starting it also features the STIHL ElastoStart re-coil starter which ensures a jerk free starting method. This model is supplied with a vacuum kit to allow you to collect garden waste easily. It also features a shredder blade which will quickly compact any waste collected.
One of the most powerful blowers in the STIHL range. This backpack blower is suitable for professional users or homeowners with a large area to maintain. It has ultra-high performance with length adjustable blower tube and handle adjustment. With high blowing force and low weight the BR700 Backpack blower will get the job done quickly and effortlessly. It is designed for best user comfort and features an ergonomic harness with hip belt to aid comfort during long working periods.
The STIHL BGA56 Blower is part of the STIHL Compact Cordless System. The new generation of garden machinery from STIHL which is definately on par with their petrol equivalents. These tools are so quiet you don’t even need to wear ear protection which is perfect if you don’t want to be disturbing the neighbours. The BGA56 is a powerful yet lightweight blower which is perfectly suited to clearing leaves, twigs and light debris from around the home and garden. It comes with a AK20 battery and AL101 Charger. It is a great blower for homeowners with a small area to tend too.
