It really is an impressive piece of kit. Even more impressive is the quality of cut produced by this mower in even the most challenging conditions.
This is the Ransomes MP495 cylinder mower and we visited the University of Warwick’s Coventry campus in April where, only a few weeks after delivery, it has already proved its worth on the sports pitches.
Head Groundsman Charlie Yeomans has been looking after the University’s turf for 31 years and has always favoured cylinder mowers for the areas which need a perfect finish: “We had been using a Ransomes Commander for the last 14 years which was an excellent machine, but it had worked hard and was worn out so we knew we would have to replace it this year.”
When it comes to Ransomes and Jacobsen machines Charlie knows that he will get great support from
T H WHITE, and in particular local rep Lee Miles. “Lee arranged a demo for us on a couple of machines,” said Charlie, “both cylinder and rotary models. I know there have been great advances in rotary mowers – in fact we use them for many of the rougher areas around the campus – so I was keen to try both cylinder and rotary mowers on the pitches. However, for me there was no contest – the cylinder mower is a little more expensive and requires a slightly higher level of maintenance, but it delivers the very fine quality of cut I was looking for.”
The Ransomes MP495 is one of the latest series of Ransomes mowers built on a new, rugged platform that was developed from the ground up to create a new generation of adaptable and practical wide area mowers. Powered by a direct injection 49hp Kubota Diesel engine the MP495 has ample power for the five cutting units and features electronic lift controls making it highly manoeuvrable and easy to transport.
The high spec and cut quality clinched the deal for Charlie, who placed an order for the MP495 with one important extra – the all-weather cab. “Our 15 pitches – for football, cricket, rugby, American Football and Lacrosse – are always in high demand, not only from within the University but also for external matches and tournaments. That means we often have only a small window to carry out maintenance and repair and we have to get the work done whatever the weather.
“Soon after Lee delivered our new MP495 we had a wet spell and the decision to have the cab fitted was much appreciated by our groundsman, Trevor! More important than that, though, is the fact that the MP495 performs fantastically well in the wet, no clogging and no clumping, allowing high quality cutting when you normally wouldn’t even consider going out mowing.”
Charlie is clearly a man who makes his choices carefully and, having had the previous Ransomes Commander for 14 years, he envisages the MP495 being part of the University of Warwick groundcare armoury for at least the next 10-plus years. “Part of keeping machines running in the long term definitely depends on the relationship you have with the supplier. With Lee and T H WHITE we have a great relationship of trust – he is really helpful and will do whatever it takes to help us keep things running efficiently. You can’t really say fairer than that.”
When you are considering your next machine for any kind of grounds or pitch maintenance, why not call your local T H WHITE Groundcare branch? We offer a vast range of specialist equipment and we can help to assemble a package to meet your precise requirements.
