stihl kombi for sale

Stihl Kombi For Sale

If you are looking for a Stihl Kombi for sale, we have three recommendations with free shipping. As all Stihl Kombis will power KombiTools, your choice is down to whether you need one for professional or domestic use. The higher-end models are more powerful and have less vibration and are built for long-term or professional use. You can also view our full range of Stihl Kombi engines.

The Stihl KM 131 Kombi for Sale €696.00 €599.00

The Stihl KM 131 is suited for professional use. As Stihls highest range kombi engine, it has significantly reduced vibration while providing excellent power output at 1.4/1.9 kW/bhp. This current sale puts the KM 131 at a lower price than the 111R. The KM 131 uses the updated 4-MIX engine. Naturally, as a kombi engine, it will power many different attachments for property and garden maintenance. The KM 131 is compact and easy to transport. As with all the other Stihl Kombis, it weighs in at just four and a half kilograms before adding extensions or fuel. The KM 131 can take up to .75 litres of petrol at a time while maintaining a comfortable weight and balance during your workday.

Stihl KM 94 RC-E €599.00 €499.00

The KM 94 is a domestic power tool. Its powerful engine outputs 0.9/1.2 kW/bhp. The kombi only weighs four kilograms, this is a great weight-to-power ratio for around the home. The KM 94 does not have the newer engine of the KM 131, and so there is roughly 15% more vibration levels. But since this is more for domestic use, this isn’t going to be much of an issue unless you’re doing extended periods of work day-in and day-out.

KM 56 RC-E Stihl Kombi For Sale €428.00 €299.00stihl kombi for sale

The KM 56 has a power output of 0.8/1.1 kW/bhp. A little less than the KM 94 and roughly 50% less power than the professional level KM 131. It weighs in at 4.3 kilograms, which makes it .3 kilograms heavier than the 94. This model works best in domestic use cases without prolonged intensive use. 

We hope this gives you a sense of some of our Stihl Kombi range. Remember that all Stihl Komibis for sale come with free shipping anywhere in Ireland. Be sure to check out the Stihl Kombi Attachments to see just how versatile these power tools can be. And if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us on 021-4965132 and we will do our best to assist you.

power hose for sale

Power Hose For Sale

Looking for a power hose for sale? At Douglas Forest and Garden, we are a supplier of Stihl products and offer free shipping for our power hoses. They’re one of the best out there, and one of their advantages is that they always provide a great range of products to suit each individual’s needs and budget. While you can view all our Stihl Power Hoses, here are a few on sale.

Stihl RE 143 Plus Power Hose  €832.00 €769.00

Since the RE 143 is the most expensive of Stihl’s power hose on sale, and so it is also the one for the biggest budget. Its hose is twice the length of entry-level power hoses. It operates at a max pressure of 140 bar, which is 40% greater than the entry-level model. So this tool is excellent for really difficult to remove problems like moss and slime build-up on decking. As with the other models, it comes with a detergent tank for when you want to wash the car or decking with soap. It uses lightweight aluminium for the telescopic handle, making it easy to handle.

Stihl RE 88 Power Hose on Sale for €214.00

The RE 88 will get the job done around your home, including the car, the deck, cleaning the yard and concrete. It has a six-metre high-pressure hose, can operate in a pressure range of 10-100 bar. While 40% less powerful, the RE 88 is relatively lightweight at only 9kg compared with the RE 143’s 27kgs. So it’s much better suited for around the home, especially for people with mobility issues or who just don’t want the hassle or need the extra power. 

Stihl RE 129 Plus €510.00 €449.00

While the other RE 143 can manage a max pressure of 140, the RE 129 is just shy of that with a pressure range of 10-135 bar. In terms of its weight, it’s very much ‘mid-range’ weighing in at 20kgs. Not as bulky as the 143 but nowhere near as portable as the RE 88. However, it is able to handle hot water with temperatures up to 60c compared with the RE 88’s 40. This means it’s going to be more efficient for cleaning decking and cars.  It has a 5-metre cable and a 9-metre pressure hose.

 We hope this gives you an idea of what is on offer. If you have any questions or would like to view our equipment in the store, please feel free to contact us on 021-4965132

the best robot mower

Best Robot Mower: Which Stihl iMow Is Best For You?

The Best Robot Mower is the best one for the task at hand. At Douglas Forest and Garden, we believe in the right tool for the job. Not everyone needs the newest, fastest, most powerful gadget. Sometimes less is more. So with that in mind, let’s talk about Stihl’s range of robot mowers. 

Stihl is one of our go-to manufacturers for professional and domestic gardening equipment. They have superior quality in everything they do, with robust materials built to last. Their robot mower range is no exception.  Stihl has a range of six different robot mowers ranging from entry-level for small gardens to a more professional level for large lawns.

The Best Robot Mower for Small-Medium Sized Gardens

The Stihl RMI 422 is the entry-level robot mower which can maintain lawns up to 800 square metres in size. Yet it’s still packed with nifty features. Once you install it, it’ll mow, recharge and schedule itself automatically. As with the other models, it mulches the grass rather than collecting it. Its cutting height can be adjusted between 2-6 centimetres. 

The Best Robot Mower for Gardens up to 3000 square meters

The Stihl RMI 632 can cover almost four times more than the entry-level robot thanks to a much larger lithium-ion battery. Aside from that, it shares most of the same features. It has the same cutting height of 2-6 centimetres. Its cutting width is about 33 percent larger than the 422 at 28 centimetres versus the 422’s 20cm. Its larger battery adds an extra five kilos to its weight so that the 632 is fourteen kilos versus the 422’s nine.

The Best Robot Mower for Lawns Up To 5000 square metresthe best robot mower

The Stihl 632 can cover the largest area while also satisfying gadget lovers. The 632 allows you to control the iMow using a smartphone app. This lets you change your mowing plan, check on its status, or tell it to delay a mowing session if it’s not a convenient time (Sunday mornings for example!).

As you know, robotic mowers aren’t toys (at least not toys for children). So during its active times, young children, bystanders and animals need to be kept clear of the working area. Please refer to the operating instructions for further information.

Thank you for reading. We hope this was helpful. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us on 021-4965132

loading ramps

Loading Ramps

Loading ramps are essential if you’re using a small vehicle for work, such as a tractor mower. At Douglas Forest and Garden, we provide a range of small vehicles that may require carriage for a job. We sell small vehicles like tractor mowers, and Forzaline’s aluminium curved van ramps are ideal for this task. As you’d expect, they come as a set of two. The van ramp’s length is two metres, and each ramp is .2 metres in width. The max load of the combined ramps is 400kg which is more than enough to handle most tractor mowers.

loading rampsForzaline Loading Ramps

The arched aluminium loading ramps are very lightweight. This makes it easy to load your tractor mower or vehicles up onto your trailer. Straps that come with the ramp are used to keep your ramps secure to your trailer without them sliding away when you’re loading and unloading.  The loading ramps are ideal for heavier vehicles that are lower to the ground. It has a rough surface to maintain grip while you’re travelling up. 

The aluminium is corrosion resistant, it’s easy to load up, take off, store away. And it has far less weight than the typical steal ramp but still able to handle a large capacity of up to 400kg. You can use the ramps with a van or a trailer. If you use something like an American-style pickup truck with a tailboard, be aware that hinged doors can slip or break under a load. Ensure that the tailboard is fully secured and able to handle the weight before you use the ramps.

Loading Ramp Safety Tips

Never drive a vehicle up the ramps. Your vehicle’s wheel torque may pull the ramps away from underneath it. The vehicle must be put in neutral and towed onto the vehicle. Take extra care to ensure nobody is directly behind the vehicle when you are pushing it onto the trailer or van, and ensure there is ample space behind you so that no persons or property are at risk. Once your ride-on mower or vehicle is loaded to your trailer or van we recommend you strap it down.

We hope this helps. If you’d like to view the ramps or speak to someone about your needs, please give us a call today on 021 4965 132.

best ride-on lawnmower

Best Ride On Lawnmower: Which Ride On Lawnmower Is Best For You?

The Best Ride On Lawnmower depends on the job at hand and what you need. At Douglas Forest & Garden, we have a full range of ride-on lawnmowers. When you’re talking about which one is best for you, we’re talking about the difference in price, range and speed at which it can cover the given range. Often it’s the size of the mower that makes the difference.

The Best Ride On Lawnmower for Lawns under 4,000 Square metres

The Stihl RT 4082 is relatively compact and manoeuvrable compared to many larger, more expensive models. It has a small turning circle, and it easily mounted with a design more like an electric buggy than a tractor. It has a two hundred and fifty-litre grass collection box which can be dumped using a lever by the driver’s seat.

At 86db, it’s one of the quietest models but earplugs are still recommended. Its cutting width is .8 of a metre. It can cut the grass down to a height of 35-90 millimetres, and it has a 6l tank capacity. Notably, this has a relatively slow RPM for the blades at 2.700 RMP.

The Best Ride On Lawnmower For 8,000 Square Metres and Less

The STIHL RT 5112 Z ride-on mower can manage twice the distance of the RT 4082, with a range of up to 8,000 square metres.

It also has a spring-loaded seat which acts like suspension and has adjustable heights. Its cutting width is 1.1 metres, about 300cms more than the 4082. And it’s able to cut the grass to a broader range, from 30-90mm. Its catcher box can handle an extra 100l of clippings at 350 litres, and it has a 33% larger tank capacity at 9 litres.

The Best Ride On Lawnmower for Under 10,000 Square Metres

best ride-on lawnmower

The Stihl RT 6127 ZL is a higher range ride on lawnmower with similar features to the RT 5112. The main difference is that it can handle a higher cutting height from 30-100 millimetres. Its cutting width is far wide at 1.25 metres, though it has the same tank capacity as the RT 5112 at 9 litres, it can manage an additional 2,000 square metres in the same amount of time. It has a working speed of 3,000 RPM which means if the blades are well sharpened it’ll give a good cut. It is also equipped with a 350-litre grass catcher box. One thing to be aware of is that it’s notably louder at 89db, so you want to be wearing ear protection during the use of this vehicle.

We hope this gives you an idea of what you can expect. Please be sure to view our full range of ride on lawnmowers.

best hot tub

Best Hot Tub: Which Hot Tub Is Best For You?

The best hot tub is the one most suited to your needs. Everyone wants a model that is durable, long-lasting and most importantly, relaxing and fun. At Douglas Forest and Garden, we supply Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs because we think they’re the best for Irish conditions. In addition to being robust, they’re portable. You can put them away during times of the year when they’re not being used, so they don’t get worn away by the weather. You can also view the full range of what we think are the best hot tubs for Ireland.

3 Best Hot Tubs By Lay-Z-Spa

Sometimes, the best place to start is with the lowest-cost offering. We’ll then look at the Lay-Z-Spa’s best price-to-value offering, and then, of course, the more luxurious offering. This will help you get a sense of the range before you decide to look further.

The “Miami Airjet”: Best Hot Tub for Value

While the Miami Airjet is an entry-level model by Lay-Z-Spa standards and is the lowest cost model (currently selling at €479.00). It doesn’t skimp on features. Named after the city in the “Sunshine State”. The Miami is able to allow up to four people (two is most comfortable) to relax and enjoy. It heats the water to a nice 40 degrees Celcius and has the patented massage jet system that we all want in a hot tub.

As with the other Lay-Z-Spa offerings, it can be set up anywhere with a flat surface, indoors or outdoors, and once inflated and the piping has been connected up (which takes a few minutes), you just need let the water heat up and away you go. The Miami Airjet is the best hot tub for couples or those with smaller families, and if you’re not planning a big party this is ideal.

The “Monaco” Airjet Hot Tub: Best Hot Tub For Large Groups

best hot tub

The Monaco is the best value hot tub for larger groups. It can comfortably seat six to eight people. Its walls have a more ‘rigid’ construction than the Miami, which allows for thinner walls and greater internal space in addition to larger dimensions (201cm x 69cm for the Monaco compared with the Miami’s 1.80m x 65 cm). The Monaco has only 90 air jets, four more than the Miami’s 86 but still much less concentrated in comparison.

The “Hawaii” Hot Tub: Best Hot Tub for Capacity and Features

The Hawaii is Lay-Z-Spa’s second hot tub from the top of its range. It for those who want everything but don’t mind skipping a few extra features. In addition to having a capacity of up to six people (versus seven with the larger version), it also has eight HydroJets and one hundred and twenty AirJets. Hydro jets are where hot tubs really start getting interesting. They’re the high-pressure water jets that massage your body as you relax.

We hope this gives you an idea of the range available. If you want to find out more we recommend you check out the hot tubs on sale, or contact us today on 021-4965132

shop vacs

Shop Vacs

Shop Vacs are robust vacuum cleaners that are suitable for cleaning various kinds of debris in various industrial and domestic tasks. Stihl’s range of Shop Vacs can clean various kinds of spillages and debris, including loose chippings and liquids.  At Douglas Forest and Garden, we supply the Stihl SE 122 and SE 62 shop vacs. View both Stihl wet and dry vacuums.

The Stihl SE 122 Shop Vac is robust and comes with several attachments. As a shop vac, it’s excellent for domestic and professional use. Both the 122 and the 62 have high suction power with different settings for different surfaces. The SE 122 has different bags for different types of cleaning or filtration. Like most shop vacs, the Stihl 122 has incredible suction power. It can clean carpets and mats easily. This includes professional use cases such as hotel lobbies and meeting rooms. The various attachments mean this shop vac is also capable of cleaning upholstery and car interiors.  The suction tube on the Stihl SE 122 is 3 metres in length which allows for plenty of room for manoeuvering and reaching those awkward to reach places. 

Using shop vacsStihl Shop Vacs on Debris and Water Spillages

In certain industrial situations, your vacuum filters are going to block often. You can clean the Stihl 122 shop vac air filter without opening the device. Just press the filter cleaning button and the Stihl’s excellent suction will clean its own filter.

Whether there’s a spillage in a kitchen, a dairy farm or industrial area, the Stihl Shop Vac can handle it with ease. Note, however, that to handle spillages, you must first remove the dry filter and replace it with the wet filter. After you clean the spillage, remember to re-install the dry filter. 

If you’re looking for a shop vac or you have questions relating to the Stihl range, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0214965132.

yellow grass after mowing

Do You Get Yellow Grass After Mowing?

Yellow grass can occur for a number of reasons. Two common causes are poorly maintained lawnmower blades and a low-quality lawnmower. At Douglas Forest and Garden, we provide a lawnmower service to help sharpen your lawnmower blades and keep the engine running well. Here are some things to check before calling out. 

Do You Get Yellow Grass After Mowing?

Check the grass to see if you notice signs of drying out at the tips where the cut took place. Rather than a clean cut, has the lawnmower blade shredded and torn the grass?  This is a sure sign that either the lawnmower blade isn’t sharp enough or it’s a low-quality lawnmower where the blade is not turning fast enough to cut properly. Either way, the issue is damaging your lawn. Compare its specifications with our range of high-powered lawnmowers.

Is The Yellow Grass Weather Dependent?

Often if the soil quality is problematic you can get issues. The soil can cause yellow grass if it drains too quicyellow grass after mowingkly or holds too much water. If you get yellow patches in certain areas, check if the soil is sandier than the surrounding areas and therefore drying out faster. In those areas, you can always add something to the upper layers of soil to help increase its water retention, such as compost or mulch.

If there are rocks or stones in some areas of the garden that can also cause yellowing in some areas rather than others as the grass’ root system is inconsistent. If the species of grass bunches (such as tall fescue), then this is also going to make it more suspectable to yellowing after moving. In bunching species, it’s usually advised to keep the grass taller than 8cm.

We hope that this gives you some idea of why you may be experiencing yellow grass. If you still have any questions or concerns please feel free to stop by or give us a call on 0214965132.

sunken trampolines

Sunken Trampolines: When And Why To Choose One

A sunken trampoline might be something to consider as a great excuse for kids and adults alike to get out and enjoy the great summer weather.  While a traditional trampoline is just as fun, one downside is that they can create a messy look in your garden or outdoor space. The other issue, in particular, if your outdoor space is exposed, is that wind can get under and send it flying. If you forget to take it in during a storm you can place your property at risk of damage. View our range of sunken trampolines, AKA flat ground trampolines. 

What are Sunken Trampolines?

You install a sunken trampoline into the ground level. This is especially useful if you have a smaller garden as it blends in better with the surroundings. Kids seem to enjoy the in-ground trampoline more as they’re able to access it more easily and run and jump onto it, rather than having to climb onto the stage first. 

Sunken Trampolines: Setupsunken trampolines

Sunken trampolines require the digging of a large hole. This requires a lot of work, but the advantage is that the trampoline remains hidden away and tidy. The other unintended advantage is noise. Traditional trampolines can become quite loud and creaky. This is far less of an issue with a sunken trampoline, as the only active part of the setup are the springs. There are no metal leg supports and so the energy of the jump goes into the earth rather than into a steel frame. 

We recommend using a BERG sunken trampoline since it uses “Airflow” technology. The Airflow allows air to pass through the springing surface so that pockets of air beneath the trampoline don’t cushion your fall and thereby reduce its springiness.  This is especially important in this setup, as under the ground the air has nowhere else to go. 

If you have any other questions regarding our range of trampolines, please don’t hesitate to contact us today on 021-4965132

battery powered go-kart

Battery Powered Go-Karts

Battery Powered Go-Karts are relatively new, but Go-Karting is a time-tested way for kids (and adults) to have fun. While there are an incredible array of options out there for all ages and sizes, we only stock BERG battery-powered go-karts for a few reasons. Firstly, BERG is an excellent manufacturer of outdoor toys. They also build outdoor pools, sports toys and more. BERG build their equipment to last years. The BERG Electric Go-Kart range is no exception. 

Just like their pedal-powered Go-Karts, the E-BFR range is robust, solid with a “heavy” feel to them that makes you feel comfortable strapping your tikes in there and letting them whizz around the garden and drive.

Battery-powered Go-Karts: Speed

The Berg E-BFR is equipped with a 250-watt E-Motor with hybrid pedal support. Some of the Berg Electric Go-karts can reach speeds of up to 16km per hour when combined with pedalling. Without pedalling, they can still coast along at good speeds that will keep both kids and adults happy.

They’re easy to steer and are comfortable for kids and adults alike. The braking system uses a back-pedalling. When you come to a complete halt, backpedalling switches from a braking function to a reversal function. 

How Long Does the Go-Kart Battery last?

battery powered go-kart

 

The BERG Battery Powered Go-Kart uses a 24V removable battery which provides a minimum of 2 hours of driving – if you aren’t pedalling. The battery longevity depends on what mode you use the battery. The most basic battery assistance is through the “ECO” and “Tour” modes, which help remove the heaviness of pedalling and allow you to cruise with less effort at decent speeds. Models equipped with the “Sport” and “Turbo” modes are able to enjoy faster acceleration and higher speeds without any pedal assistance. Due to the speed of some of these models they are not suitable for children under 6 and children under 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Battery Powered Go-Kart: Comfort

BERG’s Electric Go-karts have highly adjustable, very comfortable seating, which means that the Go-Kart can adapt as your child (or you!) grow. Provided you are under 100kg. BERG  Go-karts use pneumatic tyres which mean they are natural shock absorbers, and the front wheel axel will move with rough terrain in a way that reduces bumps and vibrations from the ground beneath you.

If you have any other questions regarding our range of Go-Karts, please don’t hesitate to contact us today on 021-4965132

playhouse for kids

Playhouse For Kids: View Our Full Selection

A playhouse for kids is not like most other toys. While many toys come and go and there is little mass placed on them, a playhouse can become a touchpoint for fun, activities, and incredible memories that last a lifetime.  View our full selection of incredible EXIT playhouses for kids.

EXIT provides three main categories of playhouse. The ‘Aksent’, the ‘Crooky’, and the ‘Loft. Each category differs mainly in its base ‘house’, with extendable integrated toys and swings available to extend their functionality.

Playhouse for Kids: The Aksent 

The Aksent is described as a ‘wooden play tower’. Its base has a tall-standing house with a slide and a sandpit underneath. One of the great things about EXIT’s playhouses is that they actually look great. EXIT constructed the Aksent from cedar wood and it has a lovely Scandinavian, cartoonish finish to it so that it looks great and also fun for the kids. To add to its fun, you can purchase the versions with either a single or double swing attachment. 

Kid’s Playhouse: The Crooky

EXIT made the ‘Crooky’ base to look like the kind of cartoon-Western log cabin where you would find Yosemite Sam. With an incredible cedarwood finish that makes it weatherproof, it’s going to look good and provide plenty of fun for your kids. Some of its upgradable designs include a version with a balcony.

Kid’s Playhouses: The Loft

playhouse for kids

The Loft range goes for a more ornate appearance compared with the Crooky and Askent. EXIT Built these to look like a Scandinavian home. They look great and will provide months and months of fun for your kids. The Loft series comes with different sizes for the slide for younger or older children, so it’s just a matter of finding the best style for your kids.

While kids are going to differ in terms of their interests, age and size, most will enjoy any of these options. We would recommend stopping by, checking out the options and seeing what makes the most sense for the look and feel you’re after in your garden. 

If you have any questions about our kids’ playhouses or anything else, please give us a call today on 021-4965132.

outdoor toys

Outdoor Toys

Outdoor toys let kids (and adults) have a great time while staying active. At Douglas Forest and Garden we have it all. Check out our full selection of outdoor garden toys for all ages.  

Outdoor Toys for Sports

Whether you need sports toys like football goals or basketball nets, trampolines, or go-karts, it’s all here. We have eight different types of EXIT goals, including the super handy and low-cost EXIT Flexx pop-out goals that you can take with you to the park.

We also have a great selection of basketball nets and backboards for hanging up in the drive or back garden. These come in sizes for kids, teens and adults, so there’s no excuse not to get out and throw a ball around. We also currently have deals going on for basketballs. 

Go-Karting down Patrick’s Hill dressed as Batman is one thing. But if you’re looking for Go-Karts for around the garden and estate, we have a great selection of BERG kids’ Go-Karts, that come in sizes for kids aged three months to six years plus.

If you’re a jumpy sort of person we also have a great selection of BERG trampolines. These have come on leaps and bounds in the past few years. We stock regular ‘on-ground’ trampolines and also the ‘in-ground’ variety which is more permanent but also more discreet and accessible. 

Outdoor Toys for Kidsoutdoor toys

Possibly one of the cooler things we stock (if you’re a kid) are the playhouses. EXIT is one of our two main providers for all things outdoors. Their playhouses, like their other toys, are robust, long-lasting and lots of fun. Let’s admit it, we all wished we had a playhouse when we were kids.

These playhouses can take a lot of weight. Yes, even our weight, with most being stress tested to handle up to 125kgs at a time… but unfortunately, as adults, we won’t fit … Still, hope is not lost! We might not have had one ourselves, but let us instead live vicariously through our children!

These come with various options and features to provide months and months of fond memories for you and your kids. We hope this quick rundown of some of the items we stock was helpful. To view the whole selection please see all our toys for outdoors. And if you have any questions, please give us a call on 021-4965132

hendon adjustable tripod ladder

Adjustable Tripod Ladders: Which One Is Right For You?

Adjustable tripod ladders are vital for certain tasks. At Douglas Forest and Garden, we solely stock Hendon because their ladders offer a sturdy, excellently designed, safe way to trim trees, bushes and hedges at medium to tall heights. The advantage of the 3-leg adjustable ladder is that it is self-supporting, and because it’s adjustable, you can use it on uneven ground with confidence. Hendon is one of the few manufacturers on the market that meet the BSI EN131 Professional standard, whendon adjustable tripod ladder

What is the Best Adjustable Tripod Ladder?

Hendon adjustable ladders are some of the best in the business. Their back leg is telescopic and can adjust in 150mm (5.8 inch) increments, while the front two legs can be independently adjusted in 50mm steps using its spring loading pins.

Like Hendon’s standard Tripod ladders, Hendon makes the 3-leg adjustable ladder from welded aluminium alloy extrusions, making it lightweight yet strong. The ladder’s Safe Working Load is 100kg (15.7 stone, or 220 pounds).

What About Non Adjustable Tripod Ladders?

We’re sometimes asked which of the four ladder types is the best for a given task. For most of our customers, one of the Standard Hendon Tripod Ladders is more than adequate. These come in a range of lengths from 1.2 metres to 4.8 metres. 

The ‘Heavy Duty Hendon Tripod Ladder‘  is best for heavier users, or for professionals looking for something even more robust and durable. It has greater durability and strength thanks to an extra-thick frame, as well as a different geometry to allow it to withstand greater forces of pressure and weight. These adjustments give the Heavy Duty range a Safe Working Load of 150kg (23.6 stone or 330 pounds).

The ‘Hendon Tripod Ladder Platform‘ range offers similar sizes as the heavy-duty and standard range. But the main difference with this range is that they have a platform and safety handle on the upper rung, designed for those who are not comfortable at heights and would like some extra security while reaching those extra-high places. Hendon achieves this by making the top working step much deeper, at 175mm (6.89 inches). They also added a handrail for you to lean on or hold on to, making it ideal for more cautious gardeners.

Have any further questions? Feel free to give us a call today on 021-4965132.

EXIT portable basketball board

Portable Basketball Backboards by EXIT

Portable basketball backboards provide the best playing experience compared with wall-mounted nets. Let’s look at the features of these two EXIT basketball nets. EXIT makes very high-quality products which we are proud to supply here at Douglas Forest and Garden. Their outdoor toys and swimming pools are also very well built with a solid frame, so we’re comfortable standing behind their build quality.

EXIT Portable Basketball Backboards are Height Adjustable

Both are height adjustable and come in different sizes for different age groups and settings.  The EXIT Comet is adjustable to six different heights, (230cm, 245cm, 260cm, 275cm,  290cm, and 305 cm). This is very simple to do, with a lever on the extension arm, the net will smoothly glide up and down to your desired height. It takes seconds and is a one-person job.EXIT portable basketball board

The base of the frame on either basketball backboard had two wheels and a counterweight. You can easily move the EXIT basketball backboard by tilting the frame slightly so that it’s supported on the wheels only. EXIT supply five sandbags for counterweights. You fill them with sand and this does a good job of keeping the frame in place when you’re playing a game.

The EXIT “Hoopy Junior” Basketball Backboard

This model is designed for younger kids. It can follow them as they grow into their teens. It has an adjustable height, catering to smaller people (165cm – 175 – 190 – 205 – 220 cm).

The EXIT Galaxy Portable Basketball Backboard

The EXIT Galaxy model has a ‘dunkable’ basketball net. Meaning that it’s solid, durable and flexible and can take a beating. It also gives a satisfying ‘spring’ when you score. These nets are suitable for all ages from juniors to seniors, though of course, the dunking feature is not going to be attainable for young kids so if you are purchasing one of these for younger children then you probably don’t need this feature.

We hope this answers some of your questions. If you’d like to find out more about our outdoor toys and equipment, please contact us today on 021-4965132.

Low Cost Tractor Mowers

We’re often asked if the low cost tractor mowers we stock, such as the Cub Cadet LT2, are any good.  The Cub Cadet LT2 is actually a solid machine.  Here’s a quick rundown of its best features.

Ergonomics

The LT2 has great ergonomics. If you’re familiar to ride-on lawnmowers you won’t have an issue with it. The steering wheel is exceptionally light. It can be turned with one hand and has a nice tight turning circle for this type of tractor.  It easily has one of the most comfortable seats you can get on a lawnmower, with a high backrest and solid weight springs that aren’t too bouncy but have plenty of suspension for bumpier gardens. 

Whereas many ride-on lawnmowers have access to the petrol tank behind or under the sat, with the LT2 it is in an ergonomic position high up beside the steering wheel. This means to refill you don’t have to go opening up the seat or bonnet as in many other models. It’s a small thing but if you’re doing a lot of mowing this makes a difference. 

Low Cost Tractor Mowers: Safety

It includes a safety feature so that if you come off the seat the mower will stop.

Some mowers have features that prevent you from reversing or force you to push and hold a button to reverse. This can be problematic. If you want to reverse the LT2, you move the ignition key. Once it’s on (with a clear warning light), you are able to move in reverse without any hassle. low cost tractor mower

The reverse is slow, but it’s good enough – and you don’t want to be going that first in reverse for safety reasons. 

Low Cost Tractor Mowers: Build

Cadet makes many of its components with durable plastic, including the panel for the ignition key. Cadet made it with a solid plastic, but the only thing that’s somewhat ‘pokey’ is the engine speed lever — so you would have to take care when putting it in storage that it’s not at risk of being damaged by heavy items in storage. But other than that it’s not an issue.

You need to get the wheels greased whenever you’re getting it serviced.  The rear exhaust has a plastic lid covering it, which is durable but is still something to be mindful of if you are driving on an area with solid obstacles. 

Overall, except for some very minor things, this is an excellent machine and one we highly recommend if you’re looking for a low cost tractor mower. For more information please feel free to stop by or call us today. 

toys for outdoors

3 EXIT Toys For Outdoors

When the fair Irish summer weather kicks in, we really must try to enjoy it while it lasts. The more we can do to keep kids having fun and getting outdoors the better. At Douglas Forest and Garden, we stock some of the best quality garden toys in Ireland.  EXIT is one of our go-to manufacturers for outdoor sports and leisure equipment. Here are four of their popular toys for outdoors.

1. The EXIT Spinner SeeSaw

toys for outdoors

Kids these days aren’t always as easily amused as we were. The EXIT Spinner SeeSaw tackles boredom on both the X and Y axis. Up and down is for us old fogies. The future is up, down and sideways! Kids from ages 3+ love the Spinner Seesaw. It has a solid steel frame with a tripod design that can be anchored for stability while still easily moved if you need to shift things around to cut the grass.

2. The EXIT Galaxy Basketball Backboard with Hoop and Net

Basketball is a great, healthy activity for kids and adults alike. It increases stamina, reaction times and encourages whole-body movement and jumping — which promotes strong muscles, bone density and lymphatic drainage. Most importantly it’s a whole lot of fun. Every net needs a ball, and EXIT provides a great indoor/outdoor basketball which is competition size and has a good grip. 

3. The EXIT AquaFlow Water Track 

This AquaFlow Water Track is one of the most fun and educational toys for outdoors. Younger kids are endlessly fascinated by water and they love this toy. It uses a series of water gutters and bins to help children explore and have fun with water and physics. 

Your kids will be able to sail their bath toys through the water chute. You can adjust how much water flows through the track.  It uses a bin at the end of the track to collect and re-use the water and it’s very easy to clean.  We hope this gives you some ideas, but if you have any questions or would like to see our full range, please stop by or call today on 021-4965132.

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.