Aztec Rental: The Backfill

Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg of the Mike and Mike in the Morning radio show on ESPN Radio and ESPN2 were the two late entries into the STIHL Timbersports series. Ok, so they just tried out some of the events in a Stihl Timbersports expedition on the ESPN campus.  Needless to say, from the looks of it Golic wanted to do everything and Greenberg…well, not so much.

Both hosts wanted to know why they had been sent to the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS exhibition set up in the parking lot on the campus of ESPN.

Greenberg stood in nice jeans and a button up shirt, eating a bowl of yogurt mixed with cereal. He stared at the logrolling pool, the 40-foot speed-climbing trees and lumberjacks holding axes, and asked the question aloud.

“Why am I here?”

Golic wore shorts, an Under Armour shirt and a huge smile. He was on a mission from the moment he stepped into the parking lot to find out why ESPN wouldn’t let him try any of the chopping or sawing events. Once it was confirmed that he’d only be allowed to try the logroll and speed climb, he frustratingly asked the same question.

“Why am I here? I want to use an ax.”

Full Article: Making a splash – Polar opposites Mike and Mike try their hand at a STIHL TIMBERSPORTS exhibition

STIHL’s promotional communications manager Roger Phelps (follow on twitter @uphelpsr) who was in attendance for this spectacular showing of athleticism, was kind enough to give THE BACKFILL a behind the scenes look at what he got to experience first hand on the ESPN campus.

Every now and then you get to do something with the job that is just plain fun.  That’s the way it was when we headed to ESPN Headquarters in Bristol CT to produce a special demonstration of the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series. The event is part of our 25th anniversary celebration and ESPN invited STIHL to bring a demonstration to their campus to give their employees a chance to interact with their second longest running program. Joining us were STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® athletes Mike Sullivan, Dave Jewett, Will Roberts, Nathan Waterfield, Katie Rick and Shana Martin. The goal was to give the ESPN folks a taste of all the disciplines featured in the show.

ESPN rolled out the welcome mat, flying our flag center of campus and publicizing the event with signs and intra-office emails. Our first guest was the team of the Mike & Mike morning show. Mike Golic and Mike Green watched the demonstrations, provided commentary on the skill of the athletes, and then got in to the action taking on the speed climb and log roll. Both commentators had a great time getting involved in the events, and walked away with a new found respect for the competitors in the sport.

Our film crews were on site and clips can be seen at stihltimbersports.com or our Facebook page. We will also be incorporating elements of this event into our show that will air in September.

In the afternoon we set up demos and interactive event for the ESPN staff. STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Competitors demonstrated their skills across the eight disciplines while taking questions from the crowd about their equipment, training regimen, and the development of the sport over the years. We later opened up the venue to the large crowd of ESPN staff to attempt the different disciplines for themselves while learning more about the techniques of the sport. Sportcenter.com staff joined us as well and took on the log roll challenge.

We want to thank everyone who helped make this event possible including our production teams of Granite State Lumberjack Shows, Lumberjack Sports International and JM Associates. And of course our sincere thanks to our great hosts at ESPN.

Not only did Roger give us that take but he even spent a few minutes with us to answer 5 questions for a BACKFILL interview. 

1)  What is the best thing about the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series and why should people tune in or make it to an event?

It really is the original extreme sports. I mean you can just imagine two lumberjacks sitting around the camp 100 years ago and saying “bet I can chop that log faster than you.” The thing I love about the sport is that the competitors are still doing it just for the love of the sport. While the prize money is good, they all have normal jobs and don’t make the millions that most professional sports do. I think that is what attracts fans to them. They are still real.

2) Who is your favorite STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series competitor, and why?

Nice try. There is no way you are getting me to go there! They are all great folks, and as the organizer I am completely impartial and have no favorites.

3) If you were putting together a team, what STIHL TIMBERSPORT Series discipline would Golic and Greenberg anchor for your team?

I would have Greenberg supplying the athletes with water. He didn’t seem comfortable with participating. Golic on the other hand would probably be my single bucker. He has the meat and the power.

4) Which Mike would you want to sit down and have a beer with and which Mike would win at “words with friends”?

I would really like to learn more about Golic’s sports career and what he is doing now. Greenberg appears to be a bit more cerebral, so he is my scrabble man.

5)What STIHL product should every man and woman have in their garage?

STIHL KombiSystem. 11 tools, one power head. Can’t go wrong there.

Bonus question: What blog is a must read for you, and what do you like best about it?; this may or may not be a loaded question.

For balanced journalism and objective product reviews, I would think that there really is only one choice, THE BACKFILL

Follow Roger Phelps on Twitter for outstanding STIHL information and news and join the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Facebook page.

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[STIHL Timbersports on ESPN]
[List of 2010 STIHL Timbersports Pros]
[STIHL Products]
[Aztec Rental]

 No Gasoline. No Emissions. No Power Cord.

STIHL HSA 65 36-Volt STIHL Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer

These are just a few of the benefits offered by this state-of-the-art cordless hedge trimmer. Powered by the advanced 36-volt STIHL Lithium-Ion battery technology, the STIHL HSA helps achieve environmentally responsible hedge trimming with professional results! Ideal for pro users, government agencies, and homeowners who want environmentally responsible performance without sacrificing results, this hedge trimmer is four times quieter than its gasoline-powered equivalent. The STIHL HSA 65 features diamond-ground blade edges for cleaner cuts, and high cutting speeds to trim job times as fast as it cuts fuel costs!
 
STIHL customers can now rely on the STIHL HSA 65 cordless hedge trimmer in addition to the existing power options for pruning hedges. With zero exhaust emissions and reduced noise, the new cordless hedge trimmer is ideal for use in noise- and emission-sensitive places such as interior landscaping properties, residential areas, public parks, roof gardens, hospitals and municipalities. The STIHL HSA 65 is an excellent choice for users who are not prepared to compromise when it comes to performance, comfort and durability.

[Press Release]
[STIHL HSA 65]
[STIHL Products]

Independent research has shown that STIHL is the most popular handheld outdoor power equipment choice by consumers and professionals from coast to coast.

Our network of independent Dealers provide dependable, versatile, reliable equipment, and serve as a knowledgeable resource for outdoor power equipment. From grass trimmers and leaf blowers to pole pruners and chain saws, we can match you with the right tool, and hand it to you fully assembled, fueled and ready to run.

CONGRATULATIONS to STIHL, Aztec Rental is proud to be one of your dealers!

Get the #1 selling brand of handheld outdoor power equipment in America at Aztec Rental.

We had the privilege of seeing a fantastic show last week. 

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, in Ketchikan, Alaska.  It is a show sponsored by our friends over at STIHL.

Yes it is a tourist show, but make no mistake about it, these are real lumberjacks performing real events.  These are not actors pretending to be lumberjacks, they are world champion athletes on the circuit. 

There is chopping, sawing, log-rolling, climbing, axe throwing all based around a competition with a side of comedy.  Not to mention all equipment used is STIHL products from the chain saws to the safety equipment. 

The show is a close up representation of a lumberjack competition with the addition of production and entertainment value.  Put on well and very entertaining.

If you are visiting Ketchikan, Alaska it is well worth the ticket price. 

[Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Brochure]
[STIHL Website]
[STIHL Products]

Looking to buy a STIHL chainsaw, trimmer, blower or other outdoor power product and have no idea how to decide on what the right size and model is right for you?

Don’t get all bent out of shape, we are here to help!  There are a few ways to go about tackling this issue and feeling good about the product you select.

Option #1)  If you are in the greater Houston area go to either of Aztec Rental’s locations and our experienced and knowledgeable staff will help put you on the correct equipment for your needs and application.  If you are not in Houston go to your local STIHL dealer and our guess is they will have someone who knows STIHL products as well. 

*NOTE – You will not find any STIHL products in any “box stores” (ie. Home Depot & Lowes)!  Why? Great question! Check out the answer here.

Option #2) On the STIHL website they provide a great product selector tool.  All you have to do is answer a few questions about what application you want to use the product for and BOOM, it spits out a few suggestions of models and sizes that will be right for you.  Then you call up Aztec Rental or your local dealer and tell us what product you want and we will have it serviced and ready for you to pick up at your convience!

Here is the link:  STIHL Interactive Product Selectors

Now take a deep breath, relax and feel confident now that you know Aztec Rental and Stihl will put you on the right outdoor power equipment for YOU!

Good tips on chainsaw safety and felling trees.

Might be a little slow, but always good to remind yourself of the proper way to use a chainsaw.

[Stihl Chainsaws]

Stihl has added two new mid-range chain saws that feature low-emissions technology to their product line.

MS 311 Chain Saw Mid-Range User

This mid-range chain saw features an advanced anti-vibration system, improved fuel efficiency and reduced-emission technology as compared to previous models. The antivibration system ensures comfortable handling and operation, reducing operator fatigue. The improved engine technology reduces emissions by 50% and improves fuel efficiency by up to 20% as compared to previous models. It’s the ideal chain saw for felling, firewood cutting and storm cleanup. For longer operation time between filter changes, the MS 311 is also equipped with a new air filtration system.

Standard Features:

• Advanced engine technology (Low fuel consumption and reduced emissions/more power)
• Pre-separation air filtration system
• Advanced anti-vibration system
• Toolless fuel and oil caps with retainers
• Side-access chain tensioner
• Decompression valve
• View standard features common to many STIHL chain saws

MS 391 Chain Saw Mid-Range User

A mid-range chain saw with advanced engine technology, the STIHL MS 391 improves fuel efficiency by up to 20% compared to previous models, saving you time and money. An advanced anti-vibration system increases comfort during all applications, including felling trees, firewood cutting, storm cleanup and more. Fifty percent lower emissions compared to previous models – combined with an exclusive air filtration system that allows for fewer filter changes – make the MS 391 an environmentally conscious choice for professionals and serious users.

As part of a new platform concept design series of power equipment, the MS 391 allows for quicker, more streamlined serviceability from your local STIHL Dealer.

Standard Features:

• Advanced engine technology (Low fuel consumption and reduced emissions/more power)
• Pre-separation air filtration system
• Advanced anti-vibration system
• Toolless fuel and oil caps with retainers
• Side-access chain tensioner
• lntelliCarb™ compensating carburetor
• View standard features common to many STIHL chain saws

[Stihl Equipment]
[Stihl Chainsaws]
[Press Release]

We understand that it is not always easy or you don’t have enough time to get into Aztec Rental, where you can see our Stihl display and all of the outdoor power equipment – but we got you covered.  Below are pictures of our showroom. 

You’re Welcome.

Now, as always we are here to help!  We have two alternate options for you, if you can’t make it into the store, that will give you the proper information and research tools to find the Stihl product that is right for you.

[Option 1] - Stihl exclusive site, that acts as the catalog with any and all information.  You can even select and buy Stihl products online, and we will have them serviced and ready for pick up at your convenience.

[Option 2] – Online catalog, which is just the virtual version of the catalog you would get when you come to Aztec Rental.  Take a look at it, then contact us with any questions.

Simple.

[Exclusive Stihl Site]
[Online Stihl Catalog]

25th Anniversary of the Stihl Timbersports series to be held at the Oregon State Fair in Salem, Oregon.  If you have never seen the Timbersports series with the Lumberjacks and Jills, check it out, it is some compelling competition.

STIHL Inc., creator and owner of the premier lumberjack sports event, the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series presented by Carhartt, today announced that it has selected the Oregon State Fair in Salem, Ore., as the host venue for its 25th anniversary season of the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series. The Series’ quarterfinals, semifinals, U.S. Championship and Collegiate Championship will take place during the fair’s opening weekend Friday, Aug. 27-Sunday, Aug. 29.

ESPN2 will be at the event with the worlds best in lumberjack sports.

[Stihl Timbersports Series]