Jim Portas, head groundsman at Boston United FC, has explained how a new Dennis G860 is helping him to deliver the best pitch he possibly can at the club’s new stadium. 

The Dennis G860 and range of cassettes was purchased by Burdens Group for Boston United as part of a sponsorship agreement with the club at the new stadium. 

Last year, work commenced to construct Boston United’s new stadium. The club’s chairman, David Newton, said that the new build was to give Boston United and its community foundation a secure future.  

“This new stadium is the start of an exciting new era,” said Jim. “It is giving us our own place and it is a far better pitch than we had at York Street. The chairman has promised fans that we will deliver the best ground we possibly can, and we’re working towards that goal.” 

The multi-million-pound project includes a recently constructed fibre sand pitch and it is for this reason that Jim decided that new turf maintenance equipment was essential.  

“At our old pitch we were always supplied a mower from Burdens Group. However, going to this fantastic new pitch we needed something new; a premium mower which would benefit the pitch. 

“We did a bit of research, looked at a lot of different brands and I decided that I really liked the Dennis G860 cylinder mower. It seemed to be the best option for a football pitch.” 

Jim isn’t the only groundsman to be of this opinion as many of his peers have long relied on the Dennis G860 to provide the perfect cut for sports turf. Lightweight at just 166kg; it is easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to operate. The handlebar console houses the controls for – throttle, parking brake, roller drive and cutting cylinder drive. 

The mower features a large diameter front roller with an adjustable scraper which has been designed for a precise height of cut control, giving an excellent finish on every occasion. The Dennis G860 also features an interchangeable cassette system to assist with a wide range of tasks such as including scarifying, verticutting, brushing, spiking, and slitting. 

“We’ve got five of the cassettes – which is my favourite aspect of the G860,” continued Jim. “The ability to carry out various jobs with just one power unit is so beneficial. In the past we have had to rely on pieces of equipment from Burdens Group. With the G860, we no longer have this problem. We simply put in whichever cassette we need and off we go. It’s so easy to change the cassette over as well. 

“The G860 is a sturdy, reliable piece of machinery and it gives a perfect finish every time. I’m cutting at a length of 30mm at the minute while we are not playing, and on matchdays it will be between 25mm and 30mm depending on what the manager requires. 

“It’s just a pleasure to use. With a new stadium, a new pitch, and a new mower – it certainly is exciting times here at Boston United FC. I would also like to thank Norman Burden and the Burdens Group for their continued support.” 

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