2
Glendale claims machine switch cut fuel consumption by 20 per cent National green services provider, Glendale formerly used two-stroke machines but replaced these with four-stroke blowers, line- trimmers and pole hedge trimmers, all by Matika. Glendale engineer Mark McKinnon said the company had also reduced oil costs by 78 per cent, based on machine use in the same conditions. "We have cut petrol consumption by 20 per cent since buying Makita four-stroke machines which gives us a significant advantage on tight, fixed term contracts," he said. "Makita four-strokes also cut the risk of complete machines 'lost' from fuel and oil mixing issues and offer savings on those very expensive two-stroke repair costs. Other factors which are important to the operators and the general public, who could be nearby, are the lower levels of vibration, noise and pollution. These all add to the higher environmental credentials that the Makita four-stroke machines promote." The majority of Glendale's business is centred on fixed term contracts and so improving operating efficiency is central to successful service delivery. McKinnon said that the capital cost of the four-stroke machines is higher than the equivalent two- stroke but the fuel and oil savings have meant that cost had been recovered within the first six months of operation.
