Sid Harkness, speaking on behalf of the Belfast based Northern Ireland Housing Executive, reports the four Shibaura SG280 slope mowers acquired earlier this year through local dealership Cyril Johnston, have been a resounding success.

Commenting he said, “the SG 280’s have very quickly become a key part of our maintenance fleet. We have been working them predominantly in Londonderry, on both steep banking up to 30degrees and flatter areas and their arrival has enabled us to address operator health & safety issues and also dispense with certain equipment that was not fit for purpose. We did have operatives working with strimmers in potentially unsafe situations. The SG280’s can also be used year round for other work. Our operatives report on their strength performance and reliability and we anticipate purchasing more in the not too distant future”

Brian Bergin, Area Manager for FGM Claymore, the UK Distributor for the Shibaura range added, “with low noise & vibration levels, fully adjustable horizontal rolling seat to compensate for working angle and a twenty six litre fuel tank for more efficient working, the SG280 is an extremely operator friendly machine & the Shibaura 20.6HP 3 cylinder diesel engine complies with current emission regulations. The SG280’s solid 50-50 weight distribution, together with a 1500mm wheel base and low centre of gravity, delivers the stability and safety of operation required when at work on steep inclines making it one of the most cost effective solutions for working on slopes”

Simon Richard, the UK sales agent for Shibaura concluded, “we have been all over the UK carrying out demonstrations to a wide range of eager customers. The response to the SG280 has been superb. It is the affordable, cost-effective solution for the Local Authority and professional sectors where lifetime cost, value for money and addressing of health and safety issues are the priorities”