For those who have attended before, you might have an idea of what you can expect but since the last time we held Gammies Live was back in 2019 there are a few things that might be different.

This event is a specially designed event for our professional customers who work in the Ground care, Agriculture, and Forestry industries.

It is a FREE event open to everyone so if you’re just interested in the latest technological innovations and machinery you are welcome to come along!

Brands.

What makes Gammies Live a success is the support of our manufacturers who come along and bring their machines for display and demonstration. We have a wonderful lineup of brands this year with some returning brands such as Husqvarna, Stihl, and Greenmech as well as a few brands that for them will be their first time attending Gammies Live such as Yanmar and Iseki.

This year we have over 25 brands covering machinery from across a variety of professional sectors from Groundcare, Agriculture, Forestry, and Construction so you can imagine there will be quite a range of equipment available for display and demonstration.

Browse our full lineup on our Facebook or Events Page.

Talks.

Something we have introduced this year which have not been held previously at Gammies Live is that we are hosting educational talks designed for specialists in the industry.

These talks will be provided by leading manufacturers and will discuss the latest technology and innovations designed to support professionals across a range of Industries.

The topics of the talks will be:

• GPS: How GPS in a groundcare environment could work for you – Provided by McCormick UK and Ireland & Topcon
• Robotics: Are robotic mowers the future of the commercial world? – Provided by Husqvarna
• Asset Management: Learn about connecting your fleet and controlling your assets. – Provided by Stihl
• Battery & Cordless: Discuss the future of groundcare maintenance, What benefits battery powered machinery bring to professional environment – Provided by Reesink Agriculture (Distributors of Farmtrac) & Toro and Hayter 

Machinery

We will have over 100 pieces of machinery with us at Gammies Live. We will have a large variety of machines from various industry, including;

Groundcare & Agriculture – Tractors and attachments, profihoppers, lawnmowers, ride on mowers, robotic mowers, remote control mowers, scarifiers, trailers and handheld equipment.

Forestry – Woodchippers, log splitters, Chainsaws, UTV’s & ATV’s

Construction – Compact excavators, cement mixers, dumpers

& More!

We will also be showcasing machinery from our hire fleet & our parts department will be there to discuss what brands we source. 

Things to do

One of the key parts of Gammies Live that sets it apart is that the machinery isn’t just for display, but we encourage you to try it out for yourself.

There will be a range of demonstrations taking place for you to view machinery at work, but we also encourage you to get in on the action and take the machines for a spin. We will have a large demo area to test out machines, and plenty of staff on hand to give you the rundown of all the controls and features.

Additionally, there will be a range of brand representatives available for you to talk to throughout the day. We will also host a raffle, allow you to put your skills to the test in some competitions and catering will also be provided.

Gammies Live is being held on the 23^rd of August 2023

At Edzell Base, Brechin, DD97XH

From 9.30 am until 7 pm.

We welcome you to come along, see the latest machinery from your favorite brands and put it to the test yourselves.

This event is FREE to attend. Reserve your free goodybag by registering for a FREE ticket here. 

The post Gammies Live 2023: What to Expect appeared first on Gammies.

First off, Scarifiers…

What are they & why are they useful?

A Scarifier is a device that removes thatch, moss, and other debris which get compacted into your lawn. These machines are particularly useful because they prevent the thatch and debris from creating a barrier on your lawn which prevents air from being able to circulate properly as well as blocking water.

Scarifiers don’t need to be used a lot, once or twice a year depending on the condition of your lawn will suffice. The time of year you scarify is important, once you have scarified, your lawn needs time to recover. It shouldn’t be in the height of summer when the grass receives a lot of heat and it should definitely be after your last frost (if scarifying in April), if you think you’re going to get a last-minute bout of frost then it’s better to hold off.

Scarifiers

There are different ways you can scarify, if you only have a small lawn and don’t mind a bit of a workout then a rake may suffice. But if you have a larger garden or are looking for a mechanical option then there are plenty of great scarifies out there.

If you prefer the power of a petrol machine, then the Toro Petrol scarifier is ideal for the job, this model is designed with a durable steel deck and boasts enough power to deal with difficult lawn conditions.

Or perhaps you’re looking for a battery powered alternative, the Husqvarna S138i scarifier is lightweight and cordless. The depth can be adjusted and it has a powerful engine designed for efficiency.

You might be thinking, why would I purchase a machine I’m only going to use once or twice a year? Well a lot of people have the same concerns, this is why you are able to hire a scarifier for the time that you need it. Saves you time, money and effort.

Learn more about our hires or Browse Gammies hire catalogue

How to get the most out of your scarifier

Once you have scarified, your lawn might be looking a little worse for wear, don’t worry about this. You can add some fertilizer to help it recover more quickly and be sure to keep an eye on it. If you’re going through a particularly dry period, then water it and give it plenty of time to recover, soon you will see the results.

Next, Aerators

What are they & why are they useful?

Aerators create small holes within the soil of your lawn which in turn allows for air to circulate better and allows more water and nutrients to reach the roots of your lawn. This is particularly useful for gardens which may have compacted soil or poor drainage.

Soil can become compact easier than you might think. Areas which are played on, driven on, or walked through frequently can become compact.

Similar to scarifying, the best time to aerate your lawn is either within Spring or Autumn due to the amount of growth from your grass. Since your grass is growing it has a chance to fill the areas you expose, and you will have less of a chance of damaging the lawn.

Aerator Machine

Similar to scarifying, if you have a smaller lawn then there is a manual tool you can use to aerate your lawn it is typically called an aerator prong. However this can take a lot of time as well as effort, it is typically a lot easier to use a machine especially if you have a large area of grass to cover.

If you aren’t looking to purchase a machine you may not get frequent use out of then you also have the option of hiring one.

Aerating tips

• Try not to aearate on a thirsty lawn, wait till the day after rain.
• You don’t need to clear the remaining soil plugs off your lawn, letting them naturally break down and be absorbed will benefit your soil.
• After aerating you can fertilizer your lawn to help your lawn recover and get that thick, healthy appearance you’re looking for.

Both Scarifying and Aerating should be done at the right time and the requirement for them depends on your lawns condition. It is always important if you are unsure, to consult an expert.

The post How to care for your Lawn: Scarifiers and Aerators appeared first on Gammies.

The grass.

The focal point of the garden and most people’s main concern is the grass. Depending on the weather you have been having in your area, your lawn could need a bit of TLC to ensure it is in top condition from Spring and Summer.

Scarifying.

People often scarify their lawns in March. Scarifying is the process of raking or utilizing a Scarifier to remove thatch or moss from your lawn, this can be built up over the winter and if left can cause your lawn to look patchy and unhealthy. Because of this, depending on your lawn, people often scarify once a year, either in Spring or later in Autumn.

What time of year you do this is often up to both personal preference as well as weather conditions in your area. You need to ensure that if you are going to scarify your lawn, you need to allow it time to recover, this means that if it looks like you’re going to get a last-minute frost, it’s better to hold off.

Scarifiers.

You can scarify your lawn with a rake, or if you have a larger lawn it’s probably easier to use a scarifier to do the hard work for you. Most of these machines also allow you to adjust the depth, to control for the condition of your lawn or to aerate the roots simultaneously. Browse our range of scarifiers here

Our Recommendations

Petrol

A great petrol scarifier that is ideal for de-thatching and revitalizing your turf is the Toro 54610 scarifier. This machine features a steel deck and has a Briggs & Stratton engine.

Cordless

If you’re transitioning your machinery into cordless, you don’t have to miss out on scarifiers. The RLA 240 Stihl cordless scarifier is designed for smaller lawns and is powered by a 35v lithium-ion battery, with no emissions, and no cord. You are also able to adjust the working depth to suit your lawn.

The first mow.

Perhaps you’ve already scarified in August, or decided to skip it this year. You may just be bringing your mower out ready to give your lawn its first mow of the season.

If you’re getting your mower out of the garage or shed, before you even think about using it you should give it a once over and ensure that it’s in good condition, check the battery, fuel, and oil.

Perhaps it needs servicing? This is recommended once a year to ensure your mower is working to its best efficiency and to prevent issues when it’s being used more in the busy season. Make sure you beat the rush and get your mower in early. Get in touch to arrange a servicing.

Some tips for your first mow

• Ensure you mow when the grass is dry
• Start with a higher cut than normal
• Avoid cutting before your last frost.

Thinking about a new mower?

If you’ve taken your mower out of storage and discovered it won’t start, you are presented with a choice. You can either pop it in to get repaired and cross your fingers that it’s an easy fix, or you may decide that after a few years, it’s time for an upgrade.

If you’re in the market for a new mower, Spring & Summer is the ideal time to purchase as a few brands are in the midst of their Summer sales, offering large savings.

Currently offers include:

Honda.

Honda currently has savings on their Miimo range and their ride-on and pedestrian mower range. If you’ve had enough of mowing altogether, then you may be looking at investing in a robotic mower. Honda is currently offering up to £500 off their Miimo range, depending on the model. They also have offers of up to £200 on their pedestrian electric mowers and up to £400 on ride-on’s!

Stiga.

Stiga is offering £200 cashback on selected petrol ride-on mowers this summer. It’s never been a better time to buy.

Trimming lawn edges

If you’re looking for a quick fix to make your garden look a bit tidier, trimming lawn edges always helps give it a neater look. Even if you have a robotic mower, you are still going to need to touch up the edges where your robotic mower just can’t reach.

There are a couple of ways you can go about this. If equipment is limited and you have good patience and don’t mind a bit of graft then some shears could do the job. Simply trim along the edges of corners, paths, or plant beds.

If you’re looking for an easier way then you could simply use your strimmer to trim the grass within the corners, sides, or small places which your mower can’t reach. However, unless you have good skills, it can be difficult to get the perfectly shaped edges you might be looking for.

Browse our Strimmer range

If you have a multi-tool, an edger attachment is your best friend. This is a simple way to get neat edges with little effort. Simply click on your multitool, adjust the support wheel, and run it along your edges. Browse our attachments here.

There are plenty of tasks to do in March but the majority of them include tidying up after Winter. This year we are having a cold spell rather late so it’s always best to use the weather as a timer for when to start these garden tasks rather than the month to avoid damaging your lawn.

The post Lawncare in March. What should you be doing? appeared first on Gammies.

But it’s not just how it looks. For garden enthusiast lawn health is one of their top priorities, moss on a lawn can have an impact on the health of the lawn. This includes the fact that the grass growing alongside has to compete with the moss for space, water, and nutrients. As well as this, if the moss is left to its own devices, it is likely to spread and once it reaches summer, the moss can die off and leave bald patches on your lawn.

At some point, most people will struggle with moss on their lawn, it’s a strong plant that can thrive in lots of areas even in damp and dark conditions. Moss has been around for over 350 million years, and the modern day is no different. Moss can appear on unhealthy or struggling lawns, if this happens to you, how can you tackle it?

Types of moss.

There isn’t just one type of moss there are said to be over 10,000 different species of moss in the world.

There are three common moss species found in lawns within the UK.

• Trailing Moss: This moss is typically caused by poor drainage and has a feather-like appearance.
• Upright moss- typically caused by low PH levels and is usually found at the base of trees, this moss is often called vertically tufted.
• Cushion-forming moss: this moss is typically found on lawns that have been cut too short and are found in clusters which is what gives it its cushion name.

Getting rid of moss.

Simply removing the moss would not be enough to curb it. If you do have moss on your lawn then this is most likely due to an underlying issue. This means that removing the moss is yes, essential but ensuring it isn’t going to come back by addressing the main issue with the health of your lawn is going to save you a lot of headaches in the future.

Identifying the cause.

There are a lot of factors that can contribute to poor growing conditions which can lead to moss on your lawn. This can include (But is not limited to)

• Worn down areas of turf
• Shady areas (under trees or objects)
• Compacted soil
• Poorly maintained lawn
• Lawn that was cut too short or mown too close
• Wet weather and poor drainage

Removal.

Before turning to chemical solutions, trying to physically remove the moss is recommended for the health of your lawn. This can be done by scarifying your lawn to remove all moss and thatch. For smaller areas, this can be achieved using a rake, for larger areas a scarifier is recommended. Browse our range of scarifiers.

Once you have removed the moss then you can simply add it to the compost heap, however it takes longer than normal garden waste to break down some gardeners recommend a separate compost bin for the moss.

Moss killer?

A chemical moss killer is also an option, although as a chemical you can imagine it won’t be the gentlest on your lawn, so this treatment is only recommended if the situation is extensive. If you are going to use it, there are different kinds of courses. There are preventative ones that specialize in moss prevention and then there are the killers designed to get rid of moss that is actively on your lawn.

It is recommended to use moss killer after the process of scarifying or raking. If you treat what remains you are more likely to get a better grasp of control.

If you’re interested more in the specific kinds of moss killer then this article is ideal, from Lawn smith which highlights the best types to use.

The original issue.

Once the moss is under control, you can then focus your attention on treating the original issue which caused the moss’s growth. Hopefully, between an examination of your garden and identification of the type of moss growing, you can get a clearer idea of what exactly the underlying issue was. Read more about the suggested solutions to common issues which cause moss on the green thumb blog.

The post Moss on your lawn: What’s the cause and how do you deal with it? appeared first on Gammies.

You can adjust the height with precision, features include a spacious collecting bag with a 60-liter capacity that can collect moss making your job easier. As well as this there is a fold-down handlebar which allows for easy storage.

Specifications:

• Engine: 4.0 HP B&S series 550 (Eco Liner)
• Operating width: 400mm
• fixed blades (number/thickness): 14/3mm
• Loose blades (number/thickness): 26/2,5mm
• Double cut blades (number/thickness): 24/1.5mm
• Clutch: vertical belt tension
• handlebar: foldable
• collecting box capacity: 60 L- 16 gallons
• Depth adjuster: front continuously rear: 2-position
• chassis: steel 2 and 3 mm
• Transmission: V-belt
• Weight: 40kg- 88lbs.

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Designed to be powerful and reliable this scarifier is ideal for the de-thatching of lawns to allow for healthy root growth.

This model features a durable steel deck and ensures enough power to be able to pull out bad thatch and eliminate moss issues within your turf.

The general recommendation for scarifiers is to use them twice a year to remove the build-up of dead grass and weeds, this is designed to improve turf health.

Specifications:

• Engine: Briggs & Stratton® 163cc CT-750 series
• Cutting width: 40cm
• Height of cut: 1-point +10 to -15mm
• Starter: Recoil
• Drive system: push
• Deck material: steel
• Mulch, bag, side discharge: rear bag
• Bagger capacity: 50 litres
• Weight: 41kg

The post TORO 54610 appeared first on Gammies.

Features include: 

• Powered by a 36v lithium-ion battery allows higher maneuverability with no cord.
• Zero emissions.
• Working width of 34cm and can work well on lawns that are shaped trickily, particularly with corners.
• Option of either scraping the turf using the scarifying blades unit for increased aeration or combing the dead grass and moss out of your lawn using the spring tine roller.
• Adjustable working depth
• 50-liter grass box.
• Lightweight and robust polymer housing.
• Easy-running wheels
• Foldable handlebar
• The height of the attachments can be adjusted from 7.5mm above ground to 9.5 mm below the ground surface.

Specifications:

• Cutting width cm: 34
• Sound power level LWad dB(A): 92
• uncertainty factor K m/s2: 2.4
• Rated capacity W: 900
• Working depth mm: 15
• Vibration level ahw m/s2: 4.8
• Rated output (W)/rated speed (rpm) W/rpm: 3.300

The working area covered with recommended AK 30 battery is 250m2.

*Please note this is unit only batteries and chargers sold separately.

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This model features a 3.0L fuel tank and 40cm working width which ensures you can scarify large areas of grass quickly. It has a centralized adjustment system that makes setting your blade height simple and allows you to aerate your soil to the depth it needs to stay healthy.

Specifications:

Power:

• Power source: Petro 4-stroke
• Power: 4 kW
• Displacement: 182cm3
• Engine rotation speed: 3600 rpm
• Maximum engine speed: 3600 rpm
• Starter: recoil
• Fuel tank capacity: 3 L
• engine oil tank capacity: 0.6 L
• Carburetor type: Butterfly Valve
• Cutting system Working method: 32
• floating knives working width: 40cm
• Working depth: 1.5cm
• Equipment collector capacity: 50 L
• Wheels size: 180mm

Vibration and Noise Data:

• Measured sound pressure vel at operator ear dB(A): 86.54
• Measured sound power level dB(A): 99
• Guaranteed sound power level (LwA) dB(A): 100

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Those eager to get back into their gardens and prepare it for warmer weather where we can enjoy being outside again without shivering will know the, what may seem like, momentous task that lies before them. Winter often leaves our gardens in disarray, but with the right tools for the task a hard day’s work can be turned into an enjoyable and simple clean up job.

Task: Clearing up

Most people would rather leave Winter to have its way with their Garden than brace the cold and potter about during freezing temperatures, rightly so. However, this can leave a big clean up job for when the sun starts to emerge again. An abundance of debris like leaves, twigs, branches, dead plants and if you were the unlucky recipient of a storm or two over the winter perhaps you have some fallen trees or your neighbor’s trampoline to deal with.

Tools: Blower, Chainsaw, Hedge trimmer, Stump Grinder

Blower

A high-speed blower will take care of leaves and other lighter debris quicker than a rake and if you have a lot of ground to cover this can be a huge time and effort saver.

• Everyday Gardener, Occasional Use: Husqvarna 120iB Cordless Blower
• Professional, Frequent Use: Husqvarna 525iB Battery Powered Blower

Chainsaw

For taking down small to large branches which may have gotten out of control, most people with larger Gardens or estates will require a chainsaw at some point but even those with smaller gardens will benefit from the ease of a chainsaw in comparison to an axe.

Everyday Gardener, Occasional Use: Stihl MSA 140 C-B Cordless Chainsaw

Professional, Frequent use: Stihl M391 Petrol Chainsaw

Brush cutter/Pole Pruner

Depending on the number of bushes which have been left to overgrow during winter you may be looking at a large pruning job. As well as this height can also be a factor which may persuade you into the ease of a brush cutter or pole pruner. Throw those rusty sheers away and turn an all day job into a quick trim with the different variety of brush cutters available alongside extendable pole pruners to give you additional height and avoid having to haul your wobbly ladder out the shed.

• Everyday, Domestic user: Husqvarna 122HD60
• Heavy Duty, Professional: Husqvarna 525HE4
• Long reach Pole Saw: Husqvarna 120ITK4-P

Stump Grinder

Perhaps a tree fell during a storm or you finally want to get round to getting rid of the stump that has been sticking out of the center of your Garden for years, Hire yourself a Stump grinder.

Task: Lawn maintenance

Once you’ve cleared up the worst of the mess, it’s time to finally give your Lawn some TLC. This can mean giving it a trim, sowing some new grass in any patchy or recently cleared areas or scarifying your lawn to remove debris and prevent waterlogging.

Tools: Lawnmower, Strimmer & Scarifier

Mower

Mowing your lawn can be a tedious job to some and a hobby to others, sometimes it’s up to the machine to determine which. Lawnmowers are advancing constantly and their recent advancements in concern to autonomous, robotic mowers have made it as easy as tapping on an app, to keep your lawn freshly cut.

• Petrol Mower: Honda HRX 426 SX Petrol Lawnmower
• Electric Mower: Husqvarna LC353 IVX Battery Lawnmower
• Ride-on Mower: ISEKI SXG 323-48LT Ride on Mower

Strimmer

Sometimes mowers aren’t suitable for the harder to reach, more complex areas or for ensuring a clean edge around the corners or garden furnishings. In this case a strimmer is more appropriate. Mentioned earlier was brush cutters or pole pruners, if you are seeking the use of all three of these tools a more affordable alternative to purchasing a fleet of tools which you’re going to struggle to shove in a shed would be a Multi-tool or ‘Combi’ These systems are designed with different attachments for different jobs and can save both money, time and space.

• Everyday Gardener: Stihl FS55
• Heavy duty, Professional: Husqvarna 535LK
• Multi-tool system: Honda UMC435E

Scarifier

Scarifying your lawn is ideally done in the Springtime to eliminate debris, moss and organic matter which has collected at the base of the grass throughout the winter as these will be a barrier to good, dense growth of your lawn. This process can be done with a rake, although Scarifiers are designed to make the tasks easier for larger areas as well improve the quality of the job which will in turn improve the health and quality of grass.

• Battery powered: Husqvarna Battery powered S138i Scarifier
• Petrol: Stihl RL 540 Lawn Scarifier

Task: Plant Preparation

One of the most exciting parts abut spring preparation is planning for all the plants and flowers you are going to grow for the summer, perhaps you want to have some home-grown veggies or you just want to make your garden a thriving variety of color with different flowers, either way soil preparation is essential. So get your gloves out and get weeding and then it’s time to turn over the soil.

Tools: Tillers, Spreaders

Tiller

Top priority in soil preparation is ensuring it is in the best state to produce the best quality crops possible. The use of a tiller has many more benefits than just saving your back from raking the soil yourself. Tillers allow you to alter the depth and as they do, they improve aeration and the further the loosened soil, the quicker and easier it is for your plants to take root.

• Everyday Gardener, Domestic use: Honda FG320
• Heavy duty, Professional: Honda FF500

Fertilizer & Manure

Ensuring you soil is fully prepared for whatever you decide to plant is essential. Depending on the quality of you soil your plants may need some additional nutrients, be that from bought fertilizer or a home-made concoction. The use of a spreader will ensure even coverage and make it easier to fertilize larger areas without the hassle. Both fertilizer and pedestrian spreaders are available from Gammies In-Store.

Proper preparation of you Garden in Spring will determine the outcome you receive in Summer, so if you’re looking for a bright, colorful, and clean Garden to relax in when the sun emerges, don’t scrimp on the preparation.

All Products Available at Gammies, Available to purchase Instore or online with our VIP Gammies delivery service or for In-Store Collection. Looking for something specific? Give us a call or come visit us In-Store.

The post Getting Your Garden Ready For Spring appeared first on Gammies.

This powerful integrated battery is designed for demanding domestic use and features a high capacity to allow it to have longer run times.

Specifications

• Type: 36V lI-ion
• Capacity: 7.5Ah
• Energy: 270 Wh
• Weight: 1.9kg

Fits to Model

Brush cutters: 325iR, 325iRJ

Chainsaws: 340i, 225i, 240i

Grass trimmers and cutters: 110iL, 215iL, 325iLK, 315iC, 325iL

Hedge trimmers & Hedge cutters: 120iTK4-H, 215iHD45, 322iHD60

Leaf blowers: 120iB, 325iB, 340iBT

Lawnmowers: LC137i, LC142i, LB146i, LC137i, LC142iS, LC142i, LC247i, LC142iS, LC347iVX

Pole Saws: 120iTK4-P, 120iTK4-PH

Scarifiers and dethatches: S138i

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