In this series of articles, we will be sharing exclusive coverage from all aspects of APF 2022. 

THERE was plenty to celebrate on the Först stand. Not only did staff pick up the coveted Alan Cobb Memorial Trophy for best exhibitor – fighting off some fine competition – but they were able to give visitors a first look at the brand's new woodchipper. 

The ST6P HD is a 6", 885 kg petrol chipper, with a 37 hp engine. Or to put it in the words of Doug Ghinn, it's a "no-holds-barred" version of the ST6P. 

Building on the legacy of Först's best-selling machine, the ST6P HD comes shortly after a change in the UK's towing laws, which mean drivers no longer need an additional licence for weights of up to 3,500kg.

Forestry Journal:

It's a seriously impressive piece of kit, with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from the manufacturer. 

"With towing regulations relaxed in the UK, the 750 kg limit is out the window now," said Doug, Först's commercial director. "We have given operators a no-holds-barred option now, which is a heavy-duty version of our most popular machine – the ST6P. 

"It is a 37 hp petrol machine, with full steel bonnet, steel chipping gear – just a few tweaks to give users the most-robust option. 

"The ST6P is our best seller, and is a fantastic machine. The arborists, tree surgeons, and rental companies who are looking for a high-performance machine will love the ST6P HD." 

Forestry Journal: There was plenty to see on the stand There was plenty to see on the stand (Image: FJ)

Having "come a long way" since the last APF, Först, like many others, experienced a boom during Covid. And while that's died down as the pandemic has, Doug remains excited about the future ahead. 

"It's interesting times," he said. "We still maintain that we are very busy, which is excellent. Covid was a bit of a boom, and domestic tree surgery went crazy. 

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