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Meadows Equipment

It is the aim of the Meadows Trust to protect Hollingbourne’s countryside, by encouraging the biodiversity of native plants and animals, whilst making the whole of its land freely accessible for all to walk and enjoy.

The Trust manages approximately 30 acres of farmland and is obligated to maintain and improve safe and unrestricted public access. To achieve these standards the Trust requires access to a minimum level of equipment.

To date we have relied on the good will of local farmers and Trust members to donate, or loan this equipment. Unfortunately this situation is unsustainable and the Trust is now in a position where it must have ownership of this essential equipment.

We are seeking sponsorship of the following essential equipment:

► Fleming 1.5 ton Tipping Trailer (Sponsored 12th July 2016)
► Kubota GR2120s Mower
► Oxdale Grass Weeder Harrow
► Ritchie Grassland Aerator 1.5m
► Ritchie Grassland Harrow 2.2m Mounted
► STIHL FS240 1.7kw Petrol Brushcutter
► Takeuchi TB216 Mini Excavator

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Fleming Hydraulic Tipping Trailer (Sponsored 12th July 2016)

The Trust has relied on a borrowed trailer. This is frequently used to transport materials such as wood chippings, manure, mulch, soil, tools and during the summer months it doubles as a water bowser. The trailer is not always available, is non-tipping, has narrow tyres and is towed by a heavy 4x4 which restricts its use when the ground is soft. Currently to get over this problem the volunteers rely on a fleet of wheel barrows, which for 30 acres is back breaking and far from ideal..

The Trust would like to purchase the following trailer:

Fleming Hydraulic Tipping Trailer fitted with wide turf tyres. This is the best 6ft x 4ft 1.5 ton trailer on the market. Excellent design and build quality with a strong and sturdy structure which allows for multi-purpose use. The compact Tipping Trailer model TR1 features removable sides, 2.5mm reinforced floor and side chimes fabricated in one piece for extra strength, reinforced sides and hinge points, high tip for clean unloading, structural steel chassis with 23 x 10.50 x 12 tyres as standard on 5 stud axle, 1,500kg capacity & parking jack as standard.

Cost including VAT and delivery: £1980-00

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Kubota GR2120s Mower

The Trust is currently using a donated Westwood T1200 domestic mower, at over 30 years old it has now reached the end of its serviceable life.

This mower has been invaluable in maintaining the footpaths and mowing in between the newly planted trees. This piece of equipment is now in urgent need of replacement.

The Trust would like to replace it with a Kubota GR2120s which has similar capabilities and provide greater flexibility. The GR2120s is powerful and highly capable, built for heavy duty use and features a side discharge deck for cuttings or mulching.

The GR2120s incorporates the Kubota Glide Steer System, HST transmission and 4WD plus an increased ground clearance to 140mm for versatile operation.

Cost including VAT and delivery: £9000-00 (Approx.)

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Oxdale Grass Weeder Harrow

This essential equipment is required to keep the grassed footpaths in good condition.

The Oxdale tine weeder harrow is built in the UK to a high specification. Designed for strength and effective work output. Complete with 3 rows of 12 hard wearing tines and is very effective at renovating grassland by rejuvenating and stimulating healthier growth whilst removing thatch.

Cost including VAT and delivery: £600-00

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Ritchie Grassland Aerator 1.5m

This essential equipment is required to keep the grassed footpaths in good condition. If the paths are not maintained they will soon become compacted and result in a waterlogged, muddy and ‘poached’ surface due to excessive use. Regular aeration of the top 100mm improves the performance of the grass, allowing water, air and nutrients to easily access the roots. The process also tears the existing root structures to generate new growth, alleviates compaction and improves water drainage.

The Ritchie Grassland Aerator has a hot dip galvanised frame, with 24 boron steel blades 170mm long mounted to a solid shaft.

The best times to aerate are early in the season, prior to the grass starting to grow and after the last cut of the year.

Cost including VAT and delivery: £1580-00

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Ritchie Grassland Harrow 2.2m Mounted

This essential equipment is required to keep the grassed footpaths in good condition and can additionally be used for the renovation of wild flower meadows by over seeding.

The harrow is fully mounted in a hot dip galvanised frame, with a floating top link. The frame is fitted with a four row reversible cast iron harrow mat which offers short teeth on one side and long teeth on the other side.

It is ideal for levelling mole hills, dispersing manure and preparing ground for over seeding.

Cost including VAT and delivery: £980-00

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STIHL FS240 1.7kw Petrol Brushcutter

The Trust has relied on borrowing a brushcutter for the past five years. This has been used to mow the grass around sign posts, dog bins and difficult to mow areas.

With the growing amount of usage the Trust now needs a brushcutter of its own.

The STIHL FS240 is highly durable, robust and is a ergonomically enhanced 1.7 kw petrol brushcutter. With ErgoStart simplified starting procedure for increased comfort. Powered by a low-emission, fuel-efficient STIHL 2-MIX engine. Ideal for agricultural and horticultural mowing work.

Cost including VAT and delivery: £700-00

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Takeuchi TB216 Mini Excavator

This essential piece of equipment has multiple uses, from planting trees to installing fencing, clearing drainage ditches, grading uneven areas, loading mulch, general project work and when and where ever a hole needs to be dug.

The highly versatile TB216 is one of Takeuchi’s bestselling mini-excavators worldwide. It is a simple to operate mini excavator available in both a cab and canopy.

Cost including VAT and delivery: £16,800

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