Glendale claims machine switch cut fuel consumption by 20per cent

National green services provider, Glendaleformerly used two-stroke machines butreplaced these with four-stroke blowers, line-trimmers and pole hedge trimmers, all byMatika.

Glendale engineer Mark McKinnon said thecompany had also reduced oil costs by 78 percent, based on machine use in the sameconditions.

"We have cut petrol consumption by 20 per centsince buying Makita four-stroke machines which gives us a significant advantage on tight, fixed termcontracts," he said.

"Makita four-strokes also cut the risk of complete machines 'lost' from fuel and oil mixing issues andoffer savings on those very expensive two-stroke repair costs. Other factors which are important tothe operators and the general public, who could be nearby, are the lower levels of vibration, noiseand pollution. These all add to the higher environmental credentials that the Makita four-strokemachines promote."

The majority of Glendale's business is centred on fixed term contracts and so improving operatingefficiency 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 sixmonths of operation.

http://www.hortweek.com/glendale-claims-machine-switch-cut-fuel-consumption-20-per-cent/products-kit/article/1341673