the stihl AR 2000

The Stihl AR 2000 battery pack

The Stihl Cordless Battery range uses lithium-ion technology. This is the better battery technology out there, which offers simplified starting, better operation and reduced maintenance.  While Stihl Battery Powered Tools have excellent power and are extremely appealing for their ease of handling, minimal vibration on the hands, reduced weight, and quieter operation, they are not suitable for heavy-duty use out of the box — this is due to the constraints placed on them by the current state of lithium battery technology which reduces run time significantly. This is where the Stihl AR 2000 battery backpack comes in.the stihl AR 2000

The Stihl AR 2000

Stihl designed their battery-powered products to be interoperable. Whether you use an onboard battery or the AR 2000, they will all work together without a hitch. The AR Battery system supports the more full professional product line and also heavy-duty domestic users.  You wear the AR 2000 on your back. Weighing in at 7.8 kg, this backpack provides a total of 916 Watt-hours of battery energy.  This is almost four times the power you’d get from a Stihl AP300 battery pack.

Reducing Weight and Fatigue

With the backpack, you plug a cable directly into the handheld tool. Since there’s no battery hanging off the tool in your hands, the tool is much lighter.  This makes it ideal for extended use.  The AR 2000 works seamlessly with your electric tool’s built-in power settings. It has an in-built processor to communicate with the tool you’re using. The control unit talks to the motor and battery to make sure the perfect amount of current is supplied to give the best efficiency and performance during use.  There are also diagnostic tools available If you need to have your tool run for more extended periods, simply adjust it to its lower power settings and this will allow you to extend the length of time you’re able to use the tool.

Alternatives to the Stihl AR 2000

If the Stihl AR 2000 is too much power (or weight) for your needs, you can use different Stihl battery pouches to carry the batteries. You strap these onto the battery belt on the waist.  Like the backpack, they reduce fatigue and improve handling when compared with having the battery attached directly to the tool.  Have any other questions about our Stihl Battery Powered range? Please don’t hesitate to contact us today on 021-4965132.

 

the stihl electric kombi

The Stihl Electric Kombi

At Douglas Forest and Garden, Stihl is one of our preferred manufacturers for garden and forestry tools. Stihl makes solid, robust and user-friendly products. The Stihl Electric Kombi, the KMA 130 R is no exception. The 130 R is basically multiple tools in one. Including a strimmer and hedge cutter,

The Stihl Electric Kombi’s Handling

The electric motor has an impressive amount of power for strimming, brush cutting, hedge cutting, etc. When you compare the 130 R to regular machines, it is extremely lightweight. And because it uses electricity rather than a combustion engine, it’s also lighter and much quieter than a traditional system. It’s not running with a two-stroke engine,  so you don’t get the numbness/discomfort you’d typically get from a machine vibrating in your hands for extended periods. Because of this, it’s really easy on your body and is perfect for those who need a tool that has excellent handling. the stihl electric kombi

Runtime

The KMA 130 R Kombi runs on battery, so its runtime is limited by the state of the art in battery technology. You can use it along with a battery pack to extend its runtime on a single charge. But even with the Stihl AP300 battery pack, there is a limit to its runtime which will allow you to get a morning’s work done, but it may make it less-than-ideal as a primary tool for professional use. For example, as a hedge cutter, you might get it to run for about 60-90 mins.  As a strimmer, you will get about 20 mins runtime on full throttle. 

Who is the Stihl Electric Kombi for?

If you’re a home-owner with a medium to small sized garden and need to do some hedge cutting and strimming, but you don’t want to spend extra money or take up extra space with multiple tools, then the KMA 130 R is ideal. The KMA 130 R is also excellent for those with mobility issues who need something with excellent handling, or who for whatever reason may have difficulty with the numbing effects of a handheld combustion engine tool. It is also cost-effective when you compare it with professional-level equipment. If you are a professional, you may not want it as your primary tool unless you are using it in conjunction with a backpack, such as the Stihl AR 2000. 

Any more questions? Please call us today on 021-4965132.

battery powered hedge cutter

Battery Powered Hedge Cutter: The Stihl HSA 45

At Douglas Forest and Garden, we are proud suppliers of the Stihl range. The Stihl HSA 45 is Stihl’s lightest hedge cutter and it’s ideal for lighter work around your home and garden. As part of Stihl’s Lithium Ion range, the HSA 45 has an integrated battery and is lightweight, quiet and well balanced, making it really easy to handle when cutting small trees and hedges. This battery powered hedge cutter has enough power to trim branches of up to 8mm in diameter. This allows you to keep your shrubs and hedging well maintained. View our full range of hedge cutters.

Battery Powered Hedge Cutter Range

The Stihl HSA 45 can handle up to 40 mins of runtime with its standard battery. This allows you to cover up to 80 square metres of hedging in one charge.  There’s also a clear LED battery level indicator on the side of the device so you know how much time you have left before you need to recharge. battery powered hedge cutter

Performance

The Stihl HSA 45 hedge cutter uses double-sided, single-edged cutting blades. These work quite well on lighter annual growth. There’s also a plastic ‘tip protector’ at the end of the blades, which helps prevent you from damaging it if you’re cutting near a wall or steel fencing. This protector also has a handy hole so you can hang the hedge cutter when you’re not using it. 

Stihl Battery Powered Hedge Cutter Safety

To prevent the cutter from being switched on accidentally, it comes with an insertable ‘activation key’. Remove this when the machine is charging or stored away. This keeps it safe from kids or accidental activation. It also has a standard two-handed safety handle which requires activation with both hands in order to function. 

How Does it Compare with Regular Hedge Cutters?

As with any battery powered garden tool, you get lightness, ease of handling and convenience at the expense of power and also run time. So for this reason, we recommend our range of higher powered hedge cutters for professional level work or larger gardens with thicker growth. If you’d like to discuss further, please give us a call today on 021-4965132

swimming pool maintenance

Swimming Pool Maintenance: How To Maintain Your EXIT Swimming Pool

At Douglas Forest and Garden, we provide a whole range of EXIT swimming pools. Known for their durability and longevity, EXIT above ground pools are perfect for the summer. But as with anything, swimming pool maintenance is a must. The water, in particular, must be kept clean. Here’s how.

Swimming Pool Maintenance

Because still water is at risk of infestation from algae, mould and bacteria, it requires a filter pump to remove the dirt and aerate the water, keeping it clear and clean. EXIT pool cartridges are used with your filter pump to help clean your pool.  Because still water is at risk, it’s important to keep the filter pumps on even when the swimming pool is not in use.

Removing debris is the first step in swimming pool maintenance, but this will only go so far as microbes are everywhere. It’s only a matter of time before bacteria breeds. For this reason, you’ll also want to regularly disinfect the water with chlorine. The most common way to do this is by using chlorine tablets. These can be combined with with the EXIT floating chlorine dispenser. The dispenser floats across the pool surface, spreading the chlorine more evenly than if the tablet was simply left to dissolve in one area of the pool.

Maintaining Water Balance

Chlorine will not effectively clean the pool water if the PH balance is inaccurate. We provide water test strips to monitor your water’s PH balance, as well as the water’s chlorine level and alkalinity. Quickly dip and remove one of the testing strips into the pool. Hold it horizontally and check the results on the colour chart printed on the container. The test strips highlight the water’s pH balance, as well as Total Alkalinity levels. Three separate sections indicate each individual level. swimming pool maintenance

Keep It Covered

With anything from wind and rain likely to add dirt into the mix, it’s best to use a pool cover when you’re not using it. And while the pump will do a good job of cleaning the water, it’s still advisable to perform a quick clean before each use using the EXIT swimming pool maintenance kit. This kit includes a net and a vacuum head for getting rid of debris. 

If you have any other questions about maintaining your swimming pool, please give us a call today on 021-4965132.

The stihl battery powered chainsaw

Are Battery Powered Chainsaws Any Good?

We’re often asked, “Are Battery Powered Chainsaws Any Good?” Our answer is always, “it depends on the job”. It goes without saying that if you’re a professional you’re going to need a high powered performance chainsaw. But these saws are heavy, extremely powerful. They are overkill for domestic use. If you’re looking for a saw for your home and garden, perhaps for cutting firewood, then a battery-powered chainsaw is a good choice.

The Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ

The stihl battery powered chainsaw

The thing about an electric saw is that it’s light and easy to use. For example, the Stihl MSA 120 weighs in at just 3.7kg. It’s also much, much quieter than a higher powered chainsaw. It makes short work of medium and small sized pieces of wood. You can also maintain your outdoor area or use it for chopping firewood.

How long does the battery last?

The Runtime depends on the battery you use. For this reason, we recommend the AK20 Battery, which will give your Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ a running time of up to 35 minutes. This might not sound like much, but it’s really plenty of time for basic maintenance and also for wood cutting for your home fire, where you’re only going to be using the battery-powered chainsaw for a few minutes at a time.  It really is the right tool for the job for most domestic cases, and that’s why we recommend it. 

Are battery powered chainsaws any good for cutting medium sized branches? 

For this, we’d recommend the slightly larger MSA 140. The Stihl Msa 140 C-bq Chainsaw, which provides 20% more cutting power. It’s more suitable for larger trees (as well as for cutting firewood). It is still compact and easy to handle. Though please keep in mind that for safety reasons, with any chainsaw we cannot offer free shipping as they need to be purchased in-person.  Please feel free to call in to us here at Douglas Forest and Garden in order to check it out and see if it’s right for you. Chainsaws have caused dozens of serious injuries and deaths in Ireland over the past 15 years and battery-powered or otherwise, they must be treated with respect. We also provide training materials for safe usage of chainsaws. To find out more please call in or ring us today on 021-4965132.

Bouncy Castles for Sale: The H20GO! Turbo Splash Water Parks

Looking for bouncy castles for sale? Summertime is all about getting out and making the most of the weather while it lasts, and this is doubly the case for kids. These days it can be a challenge to get them to lift their eyes from the screens. At Douglas Forest & Garden, we have a range of kids outdoor toys that can encourage even the squarest of eyes to get out and enjoy the outdoors. And this year, we’re delighted to announce we now have the H2GO! bouncy castles for sale.

The H20Go Bouncy Castles are the kind of thing we all dreamt of having when we were small. They provide hours and days of fun for your kids. Suitable for young people aged from five to ten years of age, and with the capacity for four to give kids at a time, they’ll have an absolute blast this summer. (This can also be a great way to distract kids while the grown-ups enjoy the hot tub). Here are the 3 bouncy castles we have for sale:

1. H20go! Turbo Splash Water Park Bouncy Castle

The H20Go Turbo Splash is composed of a climbing wall, water slide and splash pool (which is also a great zone for your kids to soak their friends using the built-in water blaster). There’s also a hidden bucket that will randomly soak people trying to get into the slide while also keeping the slide nice and slippery.bouncy castles for sale

The H20Go! Turbo splash includes an auto-inflater, so this thing will be up and ready within about 2 minutes. Then it’s just a matter of plugging in the water supply. This is all very easy — and easier again is letting the kids enjoy themselves outdoors.

2.  H20go! Tsunami Waves Water Park Bouncy Castle

The Tsunami Waves bouncy castle has the capacity for up to seven kids and has two slides, a tunnel and a larger pool. This ensures that your kids can have fun even when there are a few extra friends around. As with the Turbo, this inflates in a couple of minutes making it really easy to set up (and put away).

3. The H20go! Hurricane Blast Water Park Bouncy Castle

The Hurricane Blast features a ‘shower tunnel’ to soak your kids as they use the slide, and also a safe ‘blob pool’ at the end of the slide so that they land safely and don’t take off across the garden! The main feature of this model is the curved slide, which kids love.  The Hurricane is also easy to set up using the heavy-duty inflation device included.

BGA 45 Cordless Blower

Is a Handheld Leaf Blower Suitable For You?

Stihl has some of the best quality products that you can get for your money. They do what they say they’ll do, and they’re always reliable. The Stihl BGA 45 Cordless Leaf Blower is as good a handheld leaf blower as you’ll get with our current battery technology. But handheld leaf blowers have limitations which make them suitable for very specific use cases. Let’s touch on a few of those so you can decide if it’s what you need.

The Lightest Handheld Leaf Blower

The Stihl BGA 45 is hands-down one of the lightest handheld leaf blowers you can get. It weighs only 2kg. It has been designed for home use, specifically on garden paths, driveways or similar areas. And it has been designed to be used by anyone of any age — but designed for older people in particular. But the lightness and usability come with some very large downsides which make handheld leaf blowers suitable only for specific domestic purposes.

A Battery Powered, Handheld Leaf Blower

The Stihl BGA 45 uses a lithium-ion battery. This makes it very easy to maintain, very easy to use, and light. But it also means the battery only lasts for about 10 minutes of use. This means it’s absolutely not an industrial or professional-level leaf blower, or even for a medium or large sized garden.  A handheld Leaf Blower works well in a home with a small BGA 45 Cordless Blowergarden, a semi-outdoor or confined area, a garden shed, entrance, or any small area where leaves, dirt and dust gather. 

Long Recharge Time

The Stihl BGA 45 is perfect if you only plan to do a quick sweep for 5-10 minutes at most. After 10 minutes, the battery runs out and it will take a few hours to recharge. This is too long for many use cases, but if you’re not looking to do a large amount of blowing, you’ll find this more than adequate for keeping things tidy every day. If you plan to do anything on a larger sized garden or if you plan to spend any longer than 5-10 minutes clearing out the garden, you’re going to require something else.

We hope this gives you some clarity on handheld leaf blowers. Feel free to check out our high powered leaf blowers, and if you have any questions about this product or any of the other leaf blowers we have in stock, you can reach us on 021-4965132.

Free Shipping Makes For a Cheap Hot Tub

We often get customers asking if we can recommend a cheap hot tub. We don’t stock cheap tubs that break down after only a few weeks. But we do offer affordable hot tubs that are built to last.  We only stock Lay-Z-Spas, which, while affordable, are also very high quality. Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs use durable materials. Plus, the ability to easily put them away in storage when you’re not using it makes it ideal for our Irish climate. But despite our weather, it’s predicted to be a scorcher of a summer, which is why we’re delighted to announce we are offering free shipping for all of our Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs in Ireland. 

Currently On Sale and with Free Delivery  — You Won’t Get Another Cheap Hot Tub That Matches The Quality and Affordability of the Lay-Z-Spa Miami Airjet

The Lay-Z-Spa Miami Airjet is one of Lay-Z-Spa’s most popular tubs. Shipping costs can be the biggest downside with hot tubs. But with that out of the way, plus a decent shave off the original price down to just €479.00, you really can’t go wrong. the lay-z-spa miami hot tub If you’re looking to buy a cheap hot tub that’s not just affordable but also top quality, highly portable and easy to set up, this is a no-brainer. Even when you’re going for something cheap, you still want it to last. It’s all about compromise, and with the discount and free delivery, it’s us who are doing the compromising. 

Lay-Z-Spa Hot Tubs Are Affordable — But Built to Last

Lay-Z-Spa built their “Miami” hot tub from durable materials that can be used again and again. The Miami allows 2-4 adults to chill out and relax comfortably. It uses an automatic inflation system so it’s portable and very easy to assemble. Once you unpack it, you just need to plug it in and let it inflate itself.  Then you just connect your water supply and let it do its thing.

It’ll only take about 10 minutes to set up. And once the water is in, it will be heated to 40c within a few hours. You can view some of our other affordable hot tubs, or if you’d like to speak to someone please call us today on 021-4965132

 

trampoline maintenance

4 Trampoline Maintenance Tips

At Douglas Forest and Garden, we have a range of trampolines available to suit everyone, young and old.  We use BERG trampolines for their durability and strength. We choose BERG for their top quality materials, but you’ll still need to perform trampoline maintenance to ensure it last years. Here are a few things to watch out for.

Make Sure Your Trampoline is on Level Ground

If your trampoline isn’t properly adjusted for slopes or bumps on the ground, the frame could suffer localised stresses over time. It doesn’t take much to shift the forces of energy into one area, so take the time to level out the ground and ensure your trampoline is well placed. Perform regular maintenance to ensure that the trampoline hasn’t shifted and everything is still firm and level.

Keep It in The Shade

We’ve had people replace otherwise perfectly good trampolines because they started to look worn after a few years. While this is more of a cosmetic issue, it’s still one that is important for many. If you can, we recommend keeping your trampoline out of direct sunlight as over time the surface will be sun damaged, causing discolouration and a more worn look.

Trampoline Maintenance Is All About Keeping It Clean

It’s easy for mud and debris to build up over time on any product left outdoors. Keeping everything clean and clear will increase your trampoline’s lifespan. trampoline maintenanceWhile performing trampoline maintenance, be sure to give the surfaces a wipe with warm soapy water using a bristled brush. In particular, take time to clean mud out from around the springs. Afterwards, apply a light spray of oil on the springs.

Put It Away When It’s Not In Use

You can purchase trampoline covers which help keep it clear of dirt, debris and water damage. But if you don’t plan on using the trampoline over the colder months, it’s best to put it in storage when possible. Remove the springs and mat. You can leave the frame itself outside (though you may want to apply a liberal spray of oil just to be sure).  Keep the mat and springs in a dry place, and oil them when you re-attach them in the spring. 

 

If you have any further questions, or you’re looking to purchase a trampoline, please don’t hesitate to drop by, or call Douglas Forest and Garden on 021-4965132

hot tub accessories

4 Great Hot Tub Accessories

At Douglas Forest and Garden, we have a range of Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs for sale. We have a number of  hot tub accessories designed for the Lay-Z-Spa brand, which can greatly increase their fun and function. Here are a few we’d recommend if you’re planning to have a get-together. Lay-Z-Spa tubs are perfect for our Irish climate since they’re not permanent fixtures and can be automatically inflated within minutes, then deflated when not in use (though you will also need to allow time to heat the water). 

Hot Tub Accessories

The Lay-Z-Spa Entertainment Station

The Lay-Z-Spa Entertainment Station is compatible with all Lay-Z-Spa models.  It has built-in Bluetooth for playing your own music or speaking to someone on the loudspeaker.  It is water resistant and has a digital control panel, beneath which is a storage area for belongings to keep them safe from the water. The Entertainment Station has a rechargeable long-life battery and also mains compatible, and there are two handy cup holders built-in. Though you can also buy additional drinks holders if you’re having friends over. 

2. Spa Surrounds

Lay-Z-Spa provides both a square and round version to suit your model. Surrounds allow you to easily enter and exit the spa. Lay-Z-Spa makes these from the same resilient, inflatable material as the spa itself. When the sun is out and friends and family are over, it’s great to have extra seating for everyone to chill out and enjoy. Lay-Z-Spa’s surrounds allow more friends to balm out and enjoy the conversation.

hot tub accessories

Although these are inflatable, they have a strong support system built-in. They are then connected together around the spa with velcro ends.

3. Spa Pillows

Spas help you relax and unwind. The Lay-Z-Spa Pillows connect around the edge of your spa so that you can kick back, close your eyes and relax completely. They’re compatible with all models except the Monaco & Helsinki.

4. The Lay-Z-Spa Dome

The dome is perfect for our Irish weather. Rain can be really pleasurable when you’re in a hot tub, but if you have friends over and they’d like to join you beside the tub, the dome allows people to continue enjoying their drinks and conversation without having to leave the spa area. The sides are also closeable which allows you to close yourself off from a cool breeze if you’d prefer. 

 

We hope that gives you an idea of some of the hot tub accessories available. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us on 021-4965132

kids outdoor toys

Kids Outdoor Toys For This Summer

Our reliance on technology increases year after year. With this shift, it’s becoming increasingly important to encourage kids to get outside and play. Physical activity is essential for a child’s mental development. But it can be hard sometimes getting them to choose the real world over their gadgets. At Douglas Forest and Garden, you can view our full range of kids outdoor toys to help get them outside, having fun. 

Berg has a range of fun “Real Life” gadgets to keep your kids away from the screens and out in the garden. Berg is well known for their kid’s Go-Karts, with a range covering from ages 10 months to 8 years. And these can be great fun when combined with their accessories. Combined, they make the perfect kids outdoor toys.

Berg G0-Kart Accessories: The perfect outdoor toys for kids

Berg’s range of accessories includes trailers which can be used for play as well as for practical work (some kids will consider tidying up the garden as ‘play’ if you frame it right!). kids outdoor toysYou can also purchase flags to hang from the kart, reminiscent of a rally car, and just in case your kids aren’t loud enough already, there’s the ‘Berg Buddy Siren’ attachment which has three different siren sound effects and also serves as a loudspeaker. Kids love this when combined with the Berg Blue Flashing Light.

For the more industrious kids, there are ‘farming attachments‘, which include a pallet fork, bulldozer and lifting unit. These actually work — albeit slowly. Still, it’s enough for your kids to have hours of fun outside, which is the main thing. See it in action here

That’s just some of the kids’ outdoor toys we stock here at Douglas Forest and Garden. If you have any questions or are looking for further ideas for your kids, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 021-4965132

hendon ladder

Hendon Ladders

If you’re doing a lot of hedge work then a good ladder is an important tool.  If you view our Hendon Tripod Ladders, you will see they have all three legs adjustable so they’re excellent for unstable ground. For extra security, they also have a chain from the front leg to the two ‘main’ legs, which prevents the front leg from spreading too far apart, which prevents the ladder from collapsing.

Hendon Ladder Construction

Hendon ladders are very strong and light. The legs height can be individually adjusted quite easily using a spring-loaded pin. This makes it easy to adjust but still very strong and safe. Each leg can be adjusted in about 12-inch increments. This means that you’re rarely if ever in a position where you’re unable to level-out the ladder. 

The front leg can adjust quite a lot so you can get it into situations, such as getting right in near a raised bed without losing stability. It can also allow you to avoid crushing shrubbery or a flowerbed in aways you would likely cause damage with a normal ladder.

Hendon Ladder Safety

The steps are comfortable with a 4-inch leg width. You don’t feel as if your feet are pressing into the steps, which is often the case with a ladder. This, plus the wide base and adjustment features, makes it ideal for use with heavy equipment such as a pole saw.hendon ladder

Hendon builds great ladders. They don’t bend or dent easily. Once you have one you’ll wonder how you managed without it. As a professional, you’ll be taking it out with you every day. 

Hendon Ladder Sizes

We provide various Hendon ladders in multiple sizes, including 6,8,10 and 12-foot ladders. This covers the vast majority of use cases and we can recommend them for professional use. 

Do you have any other questions? If so, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 021-4965132

 

stihl-br700

The Stihl BR700 Leafblower

At Douglas Forest & Garden, we provide some of the best quality leaf blowers available on the market. For example, the Stihl BR700, which is a professional-level leaf blower often used by landscapers and groundskeepers. View our full range of leaf blowers. Or read on to learn a little more about the Stihl BR700.

Is the Stihl BR700 Powerful?

The BR700 is extremely powerful, making it perfect for professionals. The blowing power makes it exceptional for our Irish weather, where leaves and grass clippings are often quite wet and tend to stick to the ground. The power also means you can blow up twigs and small sticks and get everything neatly rounded up into piles for mulching.stihl-br700

The downside of having such a strong, effective leafblower is that the powerful engine is heavy. Weighing 10.8kg (1.7 stone), wearing this backpack for long periods of time is not easy. As a result, some professionals will buy this for the heavy-duty work and then have a second, lighter and lower output leafblower for smaller properties.

Stihl BR700’s Comfort and Efficiency

The BR700’s blowing tube is quite ergonomic and easy to set up for different people. You can change the tube length to get it closer or further from the ground. The handle is also adjustable for different arm lengths. It’s very simple and straight-forward to switch between different users, which is an excellent feature for professional use.

With a powerful leaf blower, you are usually going to trade off on lightness and comfortability. The backpack is strong and well built. But it’s not as comfortable for day-to-day use as a lighter leafblower would be. Because of the extra weight, it has a great deal more power that is excellent for certain situations but overkill for smaller areas.

The other downside of the powerful Stihl BR700 is that it’s going to guzzle petrol, so this is something to keep in mind when you’re making your purchasing decision.

Do you have any other questions on the Stihl BR700? If so, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Douglas Forest & Garden on 021-4965132.

forestry chainsaws

Domestic VS Forestry Chainsaws

We’re sometimes asked about the difference between consumer-level and forestry chainsaws. Frequently this question comes from those who want something built to last, has the highest quality materials and does the job effectively. )View our full range of Chainsaws in Cork). 

To help you decide, we’ll give you a quick comparison of two of the higher-grade STIHL chainsaws, comparing a professional-level saw versus an agricultural model. Keep in mind that for chainsaws it is essential that we speak directly with you to ensure we are providing you with the correct equipment and you are given appropriate safety and handling instructions.

Professional / Forestry Chainsaws

The STIHL 261 C-M is a good mid-range example of a typical professional-level chainsaw. It has a 50.22cc engine. The powerhead (the motor/handling section, as opposed to the blade itself) runs at 5.21kgs.  The 261 C-M outputs 3/4.1 kW/bhp (mechanical horsepower). 

Farming Saws

The STIHL MS 271 Agricultural Saw has no significant difference in its construction compared with STIHL’s consumer-level saws. The primary differences are the size of the blade and the power of the engine. Compared with the pro-level saws, the MS 271’s powerhead weighs 5.57kg’s, making it significantly heavier than the Pro-level saw.  forestry chainsaws

The MS 271 has less strength, outputting 2,6/3,5 kW/bhp (about .45 kW/bhp less than the professional model).

Power-to-Weight Ratio

When it comes to higher end chainsaws, the key metric is its power-to-weight ratio. When you compare these two factors (power and weight) on the professional grade 261 C-M, you get a power-to-weight ratio of .34 horsepower per pound. 

Compare this with the Farming MS 271 model’s .284 horsepower per pound, you start to see a significant difference.

Construction

Farming saws tend to use materials like polycarbonate clamshell frames to protect the workings. Forestry chainsaws are built with a Magnesium side-cover, frame and a built-in crankshaft to reduce weight.  The STIHL 261 C-M also has an electronic component which monitors the fuel levels, which optimises the quality of the fuel, temperature, air pressure, etc., and adjusts the motor as needed for optimal output.

The pro-level chainsaw also has an easy-release cover for the air filter so that you can easily clean it. The air filter itself is different in the forestry saw; It’s comparable to a car’s air filter. It has a larger surface area so it can run for longer without negatively affecting the air pressure.

We hope this gives you some idea of the difference between farming and forestry chainsaws. If you would like to organise a meeting with one of our professionals to discuss chainsaws, please contact us today on 021-4965132

zrt mower

ZRT Mowers VS Lawn Tractor Mowers: What’s the Difference?

What is the difference between ZRT mowers (zero turn mower) versus a standard lawn tractor? At Douglas Forest and Garden, we provide the best quality products for home and professional use. You can view our stock of professional-level zero turn mowers.

The clear advantages of a tractor mower make them a must for larger lawns, fields and garden areas. Tractor mowers cover a greater area, easier, and faster than a push mower. ZRT mowers are the next step up.

ZRT Mowers

When you compare a regular tractor mower with a zero turn lawn mower, you see increased speed and better control. A ZRT mower achieves an almost zero turning radius. It does this by replacing a regular steering wheel with two forward-back levers. Each leaver operates one of the two rear wheels. To allow for turning, its two front wheels are not connected to the engine. This offers the advantage of far better turning — at the expense of stability. A Zero turn mower is all about precision and increased speed. If you have a large area to cover and it is mostly flat,  a zero turn mower is going to be the better option versus a tractor mower.zrt mower

Are ZRT Mowers Good on Slopes?

One of the key disadvantages of zero turn mowers is that they tend to be unstable in sloped areas. This can make them unsuitable for some Irish terrain. Manufacturers recommend that you don’t operate a zero turn mower on anything greater than a 10-degree incline. Anything greater should be done with a regular mower or tractor mower as ZRT’s are less stable and there is a risk of toppling.

Disadvantages of a ZRT Mower

A zero turn lawn mower is a professional-level piece of equipment. It is also more difficult to steer and handle, which means there is a learning curve involved in operating it effectively without damaging your lawn. Because they offer increased speed and faster results that can cut your time spent by 50%, they come with a larger price tag which makes them unsuitable for most non-professionals. 

ZRT’s are also unsuitable for anything other than mowing the grass. You can get accessories for ride on lawn mowers that can be used to increase its utility. Zero turn mowers rarely have this ability and even when they have a tow bar, we do not recommend most of them for heavy-duty accessories. 

I hope that answers some of your questions. In addition to providing tractor mowers, we also provide high-quality service and maintenance. If you have any further questions relating to ZRT tractor mowers, please call us today on 021-4965132.

hot tub vs jacuzzi

Jacuzzi VS Hot Tubs: What’s The Difference?

When people talk about hot tubs, jet baths, whirlpools, a spa, or a jacuzzi — are they talking about the same thing or is there a difference? The term ‘Spa’ comes from ancient ideas of the curative power of mineral water. This dates back to before the Romans and continued right up through the middle ages. Historically, a ‘Spa’ (the word hasn’t changed in centuries) was a natural wellspring or hot spring. People historically built structures around these natural springs so that people could bathe in the curative waters. These days, however, a Spa can also mean a hot tub, or any heated pool, in any shape size or format, or even a resort.

What Exactly Is a Jacuzzi?

In the same way that we often refer to vacuum cleaners as ‘hoovers’ after the American ‘Hoover Company’, which sold the world’s first vacuum cleaners in the 1910s, we now name hot tubs (or Spas) ‘Jacuzzi’. Jacuzzi was originally an Italian aircraft manufacturer in the hot tub vs jacuzzi1920s, before becoming a manufacturer of whirlpools and heated baths. is one of the leading manufacturers of ‘whirlpools’ and hot tubs/spas. Established in the late 70’s, their first mainstream product was an at-home system of jets (pictured here) that you plugged into your bath so that you could get some at-home hydrotherapy.

Jacuzzi VS Hot Tub

In terms of the product, a hot tub and a jacuzzi are the same thing. Hot tubs are heated pools that use water jets to provide a rhythmic massage effect to help release and relax tense muscles (aka Hydrotherapy)

What About Whirlpools?

Interestingly, Jacuzzi owns the term “Whirlpool Bath”. They trademarked this for use as a product name. They use it specifically for their domestic or hotel bathtubs with fitted water jets used for hydrotherapy. These are the same jets used in their hot tubs.

So, when people ask us, “Do you sell Jacuzzis”, the answer is yes and no. While we don’t sell the branded ‘Jacuzzi’ products, we do sell Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs. Lay-Z-Spa uses similar technology; a heating and filtration system, plus hydrotherapy jets. The advantage of the Lay-Z-Spa design is that they are inflatable, and easy to set up and put away when not in use. This makes them easier to put out of the way when not in use.

Have any other questions? Interested in buying a hot tub? Please contact us today on 021-4965132

viking petrol mowers

What Happened to Viking Petrol Mowers?

We’ve recently been asked what happened to Viking Petrol Mowers. Viking is known for being the best manufacturers in the business and some people were confused about why we discontinued supplying their products. In actuality, Viking, which is based in Langkampfen, Austria, fully integrated with fellow Germany company STIHL in 2017. STIHL had owned Viking since 1992, so the only thing that has changed is the branding.  If you already own a Viking mower, ride on lawn mower, or any other Viking product, then don’t worry, you’re still covered.

What’s the difference?

Almost nothing has changed with Viking Petrol Mowers, except for the paint job. Ten years ago, STIHL tried selling Viking handheld power tools under the STIHL brand name. As a result, they saw significant increases in the sales of these tools. Based on this outcome they decided to do the same with their range of Viking lawnmowers. viking petrol mowers

Nothing has changed except the brand name and colour. Every green Viking-branded product was changed to the STIHL orange. Viking adopted STIHL’s brand name since they are the better-known company.  The products themselves are still manufactured at the Viking plant in Langkampfen. The only thing that has changed in terms of the quality of their lawn mowers is that they now produce more of them, having hired more staff at that location.

Viking Spare Parts?

Your warranty remains intact, and you are still entitled to all Viking services and spare parts without any changes.  As you may know, we also provide full service and repairs for lawnmowers.

For those who are unsure about the change, the future for STIHL is positive. The German manufacturer has been around for 90 years and is only getting bigger. We supply many STIHL tools and machinery because they are one of the best in the business and we make no exception with their lawn mowers. If you have any other questions about your Viking Lawnmower, please contact us today on 021-4965132.

outdoor activities for toddlers

Outdoor Activities for Toddlers

Are you looking for some outdoor activities for toddlers? In recent years, society has become highly focused on safety, sometimes at the expense of allowing kids freedom to play and explore. Luckily, there are things that even toddlers can enjoy outdoors which, under supervision, allow them to explore and have fun without putting them at risk. Go-Karts have been around in different forms for decades, but the BERG models are simple and functional while using materials for the 21st century. 

BERG offers an entire range of superior quality toys for kids and adults alike. BERG’s Go-Karts for Toddlers are no exception. These Go Karts are solid yet lightweight. Let your toddlers play and have fun safely with BERG’s go-karts.outdoor activities for toddlers

Children aged 10-30 months love the BERG Go. The BERG Go has fold-up pedals so that your toddler can scoot without the pedals getting in the way.  This allows your child to learn to scoot around until he or she is ready for the next stage. 

Can You Use A BERG GO On A Lawn?

The Berg Go is made for paved yards and indoor use. Its thick, wide wheels allow it to roll in the garden on a well-cut lawn. Make sure there are no excessive slopes. The BERG GO does not have brakes, so adult supervision is required at all times. To ensure safety at all times, ensure that your child is clear from any areas used by vehicles (including your own driveway).

Is Trampolining Safe For Toddlers?

We’re often asked about outdoor activities for toddlers. Sometimes we’re asked if it’s safe for toddlers to use a small trampoline. The simple answer is no. We do not recommend trampolines for children under the age of three. For young children over the age of 3,  we can recommend our regular trampolines. These trampolines are off the ground, so we advise you to purchase one with safety netting. Especially if you plan to leave your children without constant hands-on guidance. 

Looking for more outdoor ideas for toddlers? If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 021-4965132

hot tub setup

Setting Up Your Hot Tub

Looking for tips for your hot tub setup? There are a couple of extra things to consider when setting up hot tubs in Ireland. Namely, insulation, which I’ll explain in a moment. After you’ve ordered your hot tub, you’ll receive a (large) package containing the tub and entire system. The first thing is to clear a bit of space for your hot tub. You will need an area with clear, flat ground. We would recommend you also purchase treatments, filters and a floating dispenser for your chlorine tablets to help keep the tub clean.

While the spa comes with a rubber mat for beneath the spa, you can also purchase some foam floor tiles (similar to what you’d use for flooring in an at-home gym or workshop) to place under the hot tub to provide additional protection to the base, as well as offer an extra layer of insulation beneath the hot tub to keep the water warm.

Our preferred brand is are Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs. These are inflatable and come vacuum wrapped in the box.  The water pump system is weighty, so take your time removing it from the box. The pump has a storage hatch to hide away the pipes for inflating your spa.

Hot Tub Setup

Place the insulating foam pads down on the space you have cleared for your hot tub. These pads are usually interlocking, but you can also tape them together to keep it solid. 

Next, place the included rubber mat down on top of your foam pads. hot tub setup

Inflate the Hot Tub

Plug in your pump and connect the pipes (inside the pump) to the hot tub to begin inflating it. This is quite easy, you just have to fix the pipe to the screw-in socket on the side of the spa. It only takes about 5 minutes to inflate.

Place the Cover

Next, you must inflate the ‘lid’, which goes over the hot tub when it’s not in use. This is also inflatable and only takes a moment to inflate. This helps keep the water warm and clean.

Connect the filter to the Spa

The spa’s pump needs to be on a level surface right beside the spa, as it connects directly into the spa with no flexible piping between them. Once they are aligned, insert the pipe and use the screw-on cap to seal the connection. The pump will now be ready to heat and filter the water.

Remove the Cover

On the inside of the spa, remove the covers on the heating inlet and filter. Keep them safe for when you want to disassemble.  Then screw on the filtration outlet.  

Fill Up Your Spa

It should take about 45 minutes to fill your spa up with water.  It will start to heat immediately, and this can take up to 24 hours so keep that in mind if you plan on getting on for the summer.

Overall, aside from the weight of the parts, hot tub setup is very straightforward and simple when you go with the Lay-Z-Spa brand.  But if you have any further questions or would like help assembling your hot tub in Cork, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 021-4965132

Are Robotic Lawn Mowers Any Good?

We’re often asked, “Are robotic lawn mowers any good?”.  Robotic lawn mowers have become more and more popular over the past 10 years and they’re becoming more advanced. The question of whether they are any good comes down to what results you’re after. If you want a “well-manicured”, clean, green look, then how a lawn mower’s blades cut of the grass matters. You will want a machine which doesn’t fray or tear the blades of grass (which can cause browning and drying), so in this case, we would still recommend one of our range of push lawn mowers in Cork.

Push and ride-on lawn mowers have more powerful engines and higher RPM. This cuts the grass cleanly, which tends to keep it green and soft. Manual mowers also allow you to give your lawn that clean ‘striped’ appearance. A robotic lawn mower like the iMow cuts in a random pattern. But if you want an almost entirely automated management of your lawn, which never overgrows, we recommend a robotic lawnmower. Here’s a breakdown.

 

The Stihl iMow

We stock Stihl’s iMow lawnmowers, and the higher range model, the Stihl iMow 632 PC can cut an area of grass up to 4,000 square metres. You can remove the keypad so it’s easy to program (you don’t have to be crouched down to set it up). We currently have this model on sale.

The iMow RMI 422 P is the smaller model than the 632. It can cover up to 1,000 square metres — perfect for most homes. All Stihl iMowers run off Lithium-Ion batteries and are completely self-sufficient once they’re installed. This means that, theoretically, once they’re set up and properly programmed you shouldn’t have to touch them again. They have a timer scheduling system that’s very similar to that of a water sprinkler, so you can choose the days and times you want it to start cutting your grass. 

The iMow knows its own battery life and will automatically return to its charging dock without your help. Once recharged, it can resume cutting if needs be. 

Safety

One of the chief concerns with robotic lawn mowers is their safety. Are they safe to run unsupervised? The simple answer is yes. The iMow has built-in safety sensors. If it hits an obstruction like a rock, football, or tree or something left in the garden, the lawn mower will bump into it and then turn away in the opposite direction.

If someone tries to reach under, sensors will instantly stop the blades, and then the iMow will turn around 180 degrees and move 10 feet away before re-activating the blade.

The blade is deep inside the unit and is surrounded by a safety skirt so that the sensors can detect danger long before anything is at risk of ever touching the blades. To increase safety, rather than the blade itself being height-adjustable, the entire unit raises or lowers closer to the ground.

Adjustability

The eight adjustable heights (from 1-8) are adjusted by simply turning a knob on the panel. This raises or lowers the entire deck rather than the blade. You can also set it up to go to up to 4 different zones, and have it go to some zones more often than others. If you see one area needs more attention than another, you can change the plan so that it spends more time in that area than other areas. This ensures that your lawn can look good all of the time.

Parts

The iMow is the only robotic lawn mower that uses a standard lawnmower blade. Both sides of the blade are sharp, and to increase the lifetime of the blade, every time the iMow hits an obstruction it stops, then automatically reverses the direction of the blade until it hits another obstruction. This means that over time, wear and tear is evened out and the blade lasts twice as long. 

Results

So, is a robotic lawn mower any good? It’s a question of the results you’re after. It depends on what you are personally after. If you want a well-maintained garden with no work on your part, we recommend the iMow hands down. If you want lush, green grass, you may prefer a regular lawn mower.

I hope this answers some of your questions. If you have any other queries don’t hesitate to check out our range, or call us on 021-4965132.