Kit Bag Essentials

In this article, Mark Earles, Business Development Manager at Makita, identifies some practical accessories that can benefit the task at hand, to make jobs easier for landscaping professionals.

 

Sawhorse

An often overlooked, yet really useful addition to a professional’s kit store is a sawhorse that enables woodworking tasks to be completed quickly and efficiently. These are robust frames that hold wood or timber securely in place when undertaking cutting tasks. They are particularly useful when using a chainsaw for safe and stable sawing and can also be used as a handy clamp when working with paint and allowing painted timber to dry.

 

Look for models with a self-adjusting secure clamp and adjustable height positions which allows for increased comfort when in use and that can be neatly folded which not only saves space but also makes transportation around site easier, such as the Makita P-71691.

 

Brush Cutter Harness

An ergonomically designed brush cutter harness is the perfect accessory to pair with a brush cutting tool to evenly balance the load of the machine whilst working, allowing professionals to work for longer with less fatigue. By offering an improved range of movement and balance, the harness provides comfortable and stable support to achieve a more even cut to the task at hand.

 

Products that are designed with padding and shock absorption are ideal as these will help to minimise vibrations from the tool when in use. For those working over extended periods, a double shoulder strap design provides greater weight distribution of the tool to improve user comfort. Furthermore, models that have been manufactured with breathable materials are ideal for year-round use,

 

It’s important to choose models that are the correct size, as a harness that is too large can slip across the torso and make cutting tasks unsafe. A fully adjustable harness will help to ensure a secure fit.

 

Brush Cutter Blades

The design and quality of a brush cutter blade can make a significant difference to the efficiency of cutting grass, shrubs, underwood and the pruning of thorny bushes or tangled vines. Choosing a versatile metal blade such as the Makita D-73324 for these tasks will provide a powerful cutting performance, ensuring that the task of cutting back the toughest of bushes and plants is completed with minimal effort.

 

A curved serrated plastic blade is ideal for creating clean, crisp lines between beds and other outdoor areas such as the border between a patio and lawn, or around the base of fence posts and trees. Makita’s range of plastic edging blades retract for safety in the event of hitting any obstacles during use and are easy to install and replace.

 

 

Split-Shaft Attachments

A split-shaft system is a wonderfully versatile tool that can tackle a wide range of outdoor tasks, thanks to its clever design. The body of the split-shaft is effectively the motor and can be paired with a range of attachments, such as a leaf-blowing nozzle, a line trimmer blade, a hedge trimming blade, pruning saw, or cultivator to name just a few, to offer the flexibility to accomplish a multitude of tasks with just one machine. This is particularly ideal for those looking to save space and money as users only need to purchase and store one split shaft plus the required attachments, rather than lots of different power tools.

 

Tool Belt
A toolbelt is a very important accessory to offer professionals a convenient, wearable solution for carrying essential kit such as screws and nails as well as hand tools such as drills, hammers and axes, to tackle those unexpected jobs when working across site. With multiple pockets, loops and clips, tools and essential items remain organised and secure for easy transportation from the van and around the work area, while keeping both hands free.

 

There are many tool belts available on the market offering different configurations to suit the user. For example, Makita’s third generation of tool belts, holsters and pouches are all designed to work together to offer a flexible system that the user can customise and build to their preference. The range incorporates Makita’s Anti-Slip Technology, to firmly secure tools and prevent unnecessary damage from slips or accidents.

 

To find out more about Makita and its range of products visit: www.makitauk.com. Or to book a product demonstration with Makita’s Product Specialists visit: www.makitauk.com/booking.

 

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