Product roundup: Stihl introduces BR 700 X backpack blower

Photo: Stihl

Stihl has introduced the BR 700 X backpack blower (64.8 cc), and the company says it is one of the most powerful blowers in the Stihl range, delivering 34 newtons of blowing force.

Featuring a fixed-length tube that is a half-pound lighter than the Stihl BR 700 backpack blower, the company says this product has a more flexible pleated connecting hose, which reduces fatigue and increases the speed of cleanups by up to 20 percent. Stihl says the BR 700 X delivers ultimate power and comfort to tackle tough jobs and large property maintenance.

“Users can swivel the tube quickly, leading to a fast-walking speed, helping cover large surface areas in less time,” said Thomas Techow, Stihl Inc. product manager. “The BR 700 X is packed with professional features making it an excellent choice on any jobsite.”

This blower, the company says, is great for tough tasks like heavy debris cleanup and year-round use with its low-emission, fuel-efficient engine and low cost of operation. Stihl adds that the blower’s optimal power-to-weight ratio makes it comfortable to use during big jobs that take more time.

The BR 700 X has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $549.95.

Other features include:

• A simplified starting procedure and semi-automatic choke.
• A one-touch stop switch that allows users to turn off the engine with the simple press of a button. When the engine is off, the one-touch stop switch automatically returns the blower to the start position.
• Adjustable control handle that doesn’t require tools.
• Two blower tube lengths.
• Standard comfort elements include an adjustable support harness, rubberized handle grips, anti-vibration system, extra-wide straps and backpack pad.

Shelf life extended for Actinovate SP and Actinovate Lawn and Garden fungicides

Mycorrhizal Applications LLC (MA) announced new developments in the packaging technology for Actinovate SP and Actinovate Lawn and Garden 18 oz. Biological Fungicide packages.

Photo: Business Wire

As of Sept. 1, 2017, the Actinovate brand horticulture products now provide a one-year shelf life for all 18 oz. packages, which is double the original shelf life. This, the company says, is a key benefit to retailers, distributors and end-users who seek a dependable product adapted to various handling and operational situations.

Actinovate is a biological fungicide based on the beneficial soil bacterium Streptomyces lydicus WYEC 108 used to combat fungal plant pathogens such as damping off, turf brown patch, gray mold, root rot, powdery mildew and downy mildew.

“With its change to a one-year shelf life, Actinovate is one of the most versatile biological fungicides available to growers,” stated Blair Busenbark, sales and commercial marketing manager at MA. “Actinovate offers a broad spectrum of performance as both a foliar and drench fungicide, which can now be stored under standard warehouse conditions for up to one year from date of manufacture. With this improvement, Actinovate becomes an even more valuable tool for a grower’s Integrated Pest Management toolbox.”

Actinovate SP is available from most major horticulture distributors in the United States and is labeled for professional use in landscaping, nurseries, greenhouses and other applications. Actinovate Lawn and Garden is labeled for home garden use and is available is garden centers and retail stores across the United States.

Actinovate SP is distributed by MA and Nufarm Americas Inc., and Actinovate Lawn and Garden is distributed exclusively by MA.

Champion introduces PowerX2 full synthetic 2-cycle oil

Photo: Champion

Champion says its PowerX2 full synthetic 2-cycle oil with ethanol protection and fuel stabilizer is specifically designed for the demands of 2-stroke and 4-mix engines found in today’s landscaping industry.

The company says it meets and exceeds API TC, JASO FD and ISO-L-EGD specifications.

Champion says that the PowerX2 full synthetic 2-cycle oil with ethanol protection and fuel stabilizer provides exceptional performance in the most demanding applications. The company says it is also designed specifically to protect equipment and maximize the life of engines, exhaust systems and spark plugs, and they add that it maximizes uptime and productivity.

Other product properties include:

• Part#: 4145
• Appearance: Purple Liquid
• Odor: Mild Petroleum
• Flash Point: 99°C / 210°F (ASTM D92)
• Density:9 mg/cu. cm @15.6°C
• Solubility: Insoluble in water, alcohols; soluble in organics
• Viscosity: 84 cSt @ 40°C