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Kubota has issued a timely reminder to potential purchasers of its used mini excavators fitted with their unique key-based 'ANTI-THEFT' system to ensure that they obtain both the operational keys and the master key.

The 'ANTI-THEFT' system has been supplied as standard equipment on all new Kubota 1.5 to 8 tonne models since Autumn 2005, with some of these machines now possibly entering the used market.

The individually programmed Black Operational Key has a unique identification code embedded in an IC chip that incorporates a state-of-the-art immobiliser system. This replaces the traditional universal starter key.

An additional Red Master Key gives owners the opportunity of changing the operational key's identification code by re-programming new unique Black Operational Keys via the machine' digital dashboard panel.

Said Richard Harrison, Kubota UK Sales & Marketing Manager: “With some of our machines fitted with the 'ANTI-THEFT' system now possibly entering the used arena, it's vital that when purchased they are supplied complete with all black keys, as well as the red master key which enables owners to alter the machine's unique identification code.”

“If the Red Master Key is missing a replacement can only be obtained direct from Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment Division, through one of our authorised dealers, and this has significant cost implications. In order to avoid any inconvenience and the extra cost involved, buyers of used models fitted with the 'ANTI-THEFT' security system should therefore always ensure that all the black and red keys are supplied with the machine.”

The Kubota 'ANTI-THEFT' security system, which was the first and is still the only one of its kind fitted as standard equipment by a mini excavator manufacturer, has been enthusiastically received by plant hire companies & end-users alike, and has already proved its worth by foiling attempts to steal Kubota machines.

The operational key starts and stops the engine and also opens the machine's cab door, fuel filler cap and engine canopy. Without it, the fuel, hydraulic and electric systems are fully immobilised and any attempt to start the machines with an un-programmed key activates the system's alarm.

Owners of used Kubota models can also have their machines retro-fitted with satellite tracking systems through the national network of specialist appointed Kubota dealers.

As the European and world market leader with the largest range of mini excavators from a single manufacturer, comprising 18 base models and spanning the weight categories from 0.85 to 8 tonnes, Kubota also offers the widest choice of highly versatile zero tail swing machines.

Kubota minis have a legendary reputation for quality, performance, reliability, versatility and excellent residual values, coupled with first-class dealer support, making them the ideal tools for many different applications and end-users, from civil engineering to landscaping and plant hirers to owner operators.

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At the heart of the newly developed changing room complex at its St James’ Park stadium, Premiership football club Newcastle United has installed twelve Rada Sense digital showers in the shower room complex.

Many Premiership teams have Rada equipment installed in the shower and washroom areas of their changing rooms but in opting for Rada Sense in the home changing rooms, Newcastle is leading the way with Rada’s digital washroom technology.

As the facilities manager at St James Park Eddie Rutherford explains, “we were looking to create a five star facility for the new changing rooms and having seen at first hand the Rada Sense installation at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. I was immediately impressed and recommended the system for our shower rooms.

“They are highly efficient and the players are very impressed with their no touch flow and temperature controls,” he adds.

With their chrome plated control panels and high quality fittings, Rada Sense brings a very modern look to complement the high quality design and fittings of the changing rooms which have a black and white theme to complement the famous Newcastle United colours.

Aesthetics and showering performance aside, with its T-logic digital intelligence, Rada Sense is also smarter, safer and more hygienic than any other tap or shower control on the market and satisfies a range of issues addressed by The Health and Safety Commission’s ‘Approved Code of Practice L8’.

“Rada Sense is not an ordinary ‘no-touch’ control because not only does it allow the user to initiate water flow, it also allows the selection of the water temperature without touching the panel,” explains Roy Minett, marketing manager for Rada.

“For safety, precise maximum and minimum water temperatures and flow times can be pre-set using a remote hand held computer and these settings are maintained even if there are water pressure or temperature fluctuations.

“The Rada Sense digital mixing valve also incorporates an intelligent ‘duty flush’ feature that monitors the time since the outlet was last used. If it has not been used for a pre-determined time (say 24 hours) it automatically flushes through at a safe temperature,” he adds.

This feature is particularly relevant to shower areas that are not in daily use but where, in order to maintain best practice in the water supply system, regular flushing of the showers to prevent potential legionella and bacteria problems developing within the hot water system dead legs must be undertaken. This can be both time consuming and labour intensive if undertaken manually.

“The Health and Safety Commission’s ‘AcoP L8’ also recommends routine thermal disinfection as a means of preventing or controlling legionella,” explains Roy Minett. “With Rada Sense this can be achieved by activating its thermal disinfection mode which – under supervision – allows hot water at a temperature of at least 60°C to be flushed through the electronic mixing valve and all outlet pipe-work. Of course this is simply not possible where conventional TMV’s are fitted,” explains Roy Minett.

Other key features of the Rada Sense T-logic technology include a facility that performs 5 safety checks, 40 times a second, a ‘lock out’ facility that activates if a fault is detected and a second temperature sensor that will close down the system if for any reason the water temperature exceeds a safe level. The mixing unit is also supplied factory-set to comply with TMV3 safe temperature settings.

While Newcastle United have pioneered the use of Rada Sense in the players changing rooms, other Premiership clubs who use Rada showering and washroom equipment include Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa along with Championship clubs West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers to name a few.

The complete re-furbishing project – including the plumbing and Rada Sense installation – was undertaken by Newcastle United’s in house maintenance team. “Graham Buckham, Rada’s local commercial specification manager gave the plumber and electrician a quick run through and they had absolutely no problems with installation. The plumber’s actual words were – it was a doddle! –“ concludes Eddie Rutherford.

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The UK has a new monthly specialist magazine devoted entirely to construction and quarry plant and equipment.

Following the success of Machinery Movers Ireland, which was launched only a year ago with a circulation of 8,000 across the whole of Ireland, the first edition of Machinery Movers UK will be published in November/December 2007, following which it will then appear monthly.

Its publisher, Brian Coogan, said: “Machinery Movers Ireland has grown rapidly to become the No1 dedicated construction and quarry equipment title in Ireland and we anticipate similar success for our new UK edition.”

“Like its Irish counterpart, Machinery Movers UK will be packed full of interesting and informative news and features, with regular sections on plant news, rental & plant hire, health & safety, new & used machinery and operator reviews, combined with extensive manufacturer and distributor profiles.

“The practical, hard working, down-to-earth, no nonsense approach with our Irish publication has been enthusiastically received by readers and advertisers alike and its our intention to replicate this in the UK market.”

“This success to date has also been achieved in no small part by constantly listening to the views and opinions of our readers and advertisers. We're always interested to hear from them with any news, comments or suggestions they may have”, he added.

Distribution of the new magazine across the UK mainland will be through a combination of subscription and specialist news trade sales, together with mailings to selected named individuals, covering the construction, quarrying, civil engineering, recycling, demolition, plant hire and rental sectors, as well as distributors, local authorities and utilities.

The first issue of Machinery Movers UK will contain in-depth features on Mini Excavators and Mobile, Static & Mini Crushers; looking at what's new and available from the leading manufacturers and distributors.

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Rada, the commercial division of Kohler Mira, has introduced the Tripoint-™ electronic basin tap, an ideal no touch tap for public washrooms and hand washing environments such as offices, hotels, leisure and sports facilities, surgeries and similar.

Easy to install and serviceable from above the basin, Tripoint-F makes use of a unique battery powered infrared sensor technology called Tripoint™ that works in a similar manner to an auto focus camera. This produces highly reliable operation, accurately sensing the true distance of an object in relation to the infrared eye, regardless of reflections, clothing colour or light variations.

Tripoint-F is a three in one product, having the capability to be installed with pre-mixed supplies and with or without temperature adjustment when installed with separate hot and cold supplies.

The Tripoint-F features a transmitter and receiver. When the user approaches the tap and their hands enter the ‘triangle’ – approximately 14cms – it activates the water flow. Because of the accuracy of the beam transmission and reflection, false activations – a problem prevalent with many infrared designs – are greatly reduced.

Tripoint-F taps also feature an energy reducing timed flow facility, a mixer temperature control, a vandal proof design, in line filters and a self cleaning diaphragm. All models are supplied with WRAS approved flexible hoses.

Being battery operated the Tripoint-F can be installed without calling on the services of an electrician, a feature that opens up a range of new possibilities for installing infrared taps in areas where they had previously been uneconomic to install.

Once installed Tripoint-F taps are inherently reliable. Power consumption is minimal with the 6v lithium battery having an expected life span of between 3 and 5 years. Watertight seals protect the sensors and control electronics and any servicing that is required is undertaken quickly, with all serviceable components accessible from above the basin.

The Rada Tripoint-F is competitively priced and will be available through merchants. It provides the smaller commercial user with a highly reliable, cost effective alternative to conventional infrared water control systems with the advantages of ease of installation and highly reliable performance.

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Aerial survey company BlueSky has launched a brand new buy online service; www.bluesky-world.com/mapshop, providing instant access to the most accurate, up-to-date and detailed aerial photomaps covering the whole of England and Wales. BlueSky's 'Shop for Home: Buy for Business' service enables visitors to select an area of interest, view the aerial image and then purchase either a digital image or hardcopy print. The BlueSky map shop uses advanced data hosting technology coupled with sophisticated web service software to ensure an easy to use, fast and secure web experience.

“By combining the best aerial photography with state of the art hardware, software and webware our site is set to facilitate a host of professional applications and domestic requirements,” said Rachel Eddy, Managing Director of BlueSky.

Visitors to BlueSky's map shop can select their area of interest by simply entering a postcode, place name or geographic co-ordinate. An overview image of the chosen area is displayed and the user can zoom in or out and pan around the image to refine the search. The site currently offers visitors access to aerial photography of every inch of England and Wales supplemented by additional data layers, including Digital Surface and Terrain Models (DSM and DTM) all available for instant download.

The BlueSky map shop uses proprietary technology to ensure rapid access to the large volumes of data associated with aerial photography and Storage Area Network for improved access and security. The facility provides 37 terabytes of online storage – equivalent to nearly 55,000 CD-ROMs. Once a visitor to the BlueSky site has selected an aerial photograph the digital image is extracted using a totally automated process so the file is ready for download or despatch on CD/DVD in a matter of seconds.

More advanced ordering options, such as polygon selection and shape file import, are offered to registered users. Purchasing options include instant payment using a secure credit card service or an account service with monthly billing.

BlueSky is a UK based company specialising in aerial imaging and remote sensing data collection and processing. With projects extending around the globe it has an international reputation for the creation of seamless, digital aerial photography and 3D landscape/cityscape visualisations. BlueSky's national mapping centre provides digital mapping, site maps, satellite imagery and detailed aerial photography.

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Underfloor heating thermostat offers multi-functional programming with large screen for ease of use

Timeguard continues to apply its controls expertise to the development of the Thermolay underfloor heating system, and has now added a compact 7-day programmable thermostat with a large, clear screen to its range.

As stylish as the rest of the controls in the range, the 24 hour/7-day Programmable Thermostat (TPT88), which mounts on a single gang flush or a wall mount box, is supplied complete with a temperature probe. It allows for up to 6 on/off settings per day and enables the homeowner to set two temperatures for different times of the day or week. Designed to complement the Thermolay range, it is of course suitable for use with other systems.

The Thermolay system offers a choice of cable or mat systems, which are chosen depending on the size and shape of the room to be heated. The basic mat and the Flexi-Mat system are ideal for large or unobstructed floor areas, while the cables or stretchable Flexi-mats cater for smaller areas with obstructions such as alcoves or bathroom fittings.

The free Thermolay design service enables installers to specify the most economical and heat-efficient specification for each room.

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A small chicken farm in the Waikato district of New Zealand has benefited from the installation of Hydropath Holdings ‘Agriflow’ water conditioning system. Fisher Farm experienced problems with drinking water drip feeders becoming blocked with limescale and therefore jamming up. This resulted in constant dripping, and the use of flocculants to reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels. In addition, algae and bacteria in drinking water are a problem when rearing chickens, as they are linked to potentially fatal leg infections of the flock.

The owner investigated the possible solutions to the problem, and opted for Hydropath’s patented water conditioning unit; Agriflow. The ‘A’ range is specifically designed for agricultural use and drinking water applications to eliminate limescale, bacteria and algae problems in commercial poultry houses. The A45 unit was easily fitted to the incoming bore at the chicken farm, supplying water to a large Magnum filter. The advantage of the ‘A’ range is that it integrates a built in power supply, making it particularly simple to install in agricultural environments.

Agriflow is a patented physical water conditioning system that does not use chemicals. Instead, it transmits a powerful signal throughout the entire water system, continually treating the water 24 hours a day. The signal works up and down stream. Even when there is no flow, Agriflow will provide protection against limescale build up. When there is water flowing past the water conditioner, Agriflow also protects against bacteria and algae. Agriflow will also flocculate suspended material, which means the treated bacteria and algae can be captured by standard filtration systems that would ordinarily allow the kernels of algae and bacteria to pass through.

The farm owner was impressed with the results, as immediately the new units eliminated calcium build up, and reduced scale in the drip feeder system. A noticeable improvement was noted in the stainless steel sinks in the preparation areas, which would previously be stained with calcium deposits. Following the installation of Agriflow, they are now stain free.

The Agriflow A45 fits pipe size up to 45mm outside diameter, and the A60 fits pipe size of up to 60mm. Larger Agriflow units are available to larger pipes for uncommon applications. There is also the option of the J60 for smaller applications, with outside pipe diameters up to 63mm, such as cooling mats, small/medium poultry rearing houses and for misting systems in small/medium greenhouses. For further information contact Hydropath Holdings on (0115) 986 9966 or email sales@hydropath.com.

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A whole new approach to wood floor treatments has been introduced by BonaKemi! Shrouded in secrecy during development at the Bona R & D centre in Sweden, new ‘Naturale’is now available in the UK.

It’s a one-component product designed for residential floors and, for the first time in a wood floor treatment, unique Naturale combines the best properties of oil, hard wax and lacquer and gives a look which is as close to the real wood as possible!

Contractors will love Naturale as it’s a true ‘one day’ system. There’s no need to use a primer, simply apply the first coat to bare wood with a roller, allow an hour’s drying time and repeat with the second coat. (The second coat will dry in around two to three hours.) That’s all there is to it to achieve a truly natural look and feel! 

Waterborne Naturale also has good resistance to wear, scuff marks and scratches as well as the usual food and drink spillages, and other household chemicals.  Unlike lacquered floors which have to be sanded and resealed completely when damaged, floors treated with Naturale can be spot repaired quickly and easily.

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