Detailed evaluation to review grass cutting operations

Perth & Kinross Council’s Direct Services department has purchased four Iseki compact tractors for the 2010 season from their local Ransomes Jacobsen dealer, Fairways GM.

Nigel Taylor, assistant operations manager with responsibility for grounds maintenance, street sweeping and burials, commented on the new machines saying, “We recognised the need for multi-use tractors that were capable of delivering best value and could be used with flail attachments, spraying equipment and also for general duties in conjunction with a trailer. These Iseki TH4330s with cabs fitted certainly meet our fit-for-purpose requirements and have performed very well this season.”

In order to deliver the best possible return to residents across the region, the Council are currently evaluating the new tractors fitted with Ransomes mounted 213 gang mowers with a view to replacing some of the 12 Parkway ride-on cylinder mowers that are used at present.

“The Ransomes Parkway is, in my opinion, the Rolls Royce of triple mowers; you only have to look at our grassed open spaces to appreciate that,” Nigel Taylor added, “However, we only get around seven months use from them. With the TH4330 and mounted 213 combination we have a unit that produces very acceptable results when the grass is growing, but also have the use of the tractors for gritting, snow clearing and other duties throughout the winter. Once we have looked at all the data from the evaluation we’ll have a much clearer picture on the delivery of services in the medium term.

“We have a long association with the Ransomes product range and on our larger open spaces we use two Ransomes TG3400 five cylinder trailed gang mowers and two TG4650 seven cylinder trailed gangs pulled by four New Holland tractors. We’ve been working with Fairways since they were first awarded the franchise for Scotland six years ago and their service has been exemplary. We have a very positive working relationship, which is beneficial to both parties. Long may it continue.”