Mowing Made Easy

Mowing Made Easy: Maintaining the expansive grounds of Repton School requires precision, efficiency, and innovation.

For Andrew Butler, Head of Grounds and Gardens, and his team, the introduction of the Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower has not only streamlined operations but also revolutionised the way they manage the school’s green spaces.

Mowing Made Easy

Mowing Made Easy

Repton School, nestled in the serene surroundings of Derbyshire, boasts extensive grounds that demand meticulous care. From ornamental gardens to sprawling lawns surrounding boarding houses, every corner of the campus requires attention. However, with limited time and resources, the grounds and gardens team found themselves struggling to keep up with the demands of manual mowing using pedestrian mowers.

Andrew explains, “There is a lot of mowing carried out around the boarding house where the team were previously using pedestrian mowers. I felt it was just taking too long, and then other jobs were getting neglected because of it. It just felt like the gardening team were out mowing all the time, and less time was being spent on the actual gardening.”

Introducing the Etesia Hydro 80, a compact yet powerful ride-on mower designed to tackle both long and short grass with ease. Featuring a hydrostatic drive and a robust 15hp twin-cylinder Kawasaki engine, the Hydro 80 offers unparalleled efficiency and output. Its specially contoured deck ensures clippings are collected without clogging, even in wet conditions, while anti-scalp rollers maintain a pristine finish on uneven terrain.

Andrew recounts the transformation brought about by the Hydro 80, stating, “Now instead of spending all week mowing, it literally takes just a couple of days. This means that we can concentrate on the gardens instead such as getting more colour into various areas. The time management is significantly better.”

One of the Hydro 80’s most impressive features is its ability to navigate tight spaces with ease. Andrew notes, “The reason we were using pedestrian mowers is because there was always the problem of getting a ride-on mower in and out of gates, so we thought about taking various gates out to make the job easier, but then we came across the Etesia Hydro 80. It allows us to get into areas where previously we had to use pedestrian mowers. These areas, which previously would have taken an hour or two, are now taking just 15-20 minutes.

“Its ability to cut and collect in the rain is amazing,” continues Andrew. “Even in the heavy rain the Hydro 80 is going out and cutting, so again it improves our efficiency.”

Beyond its efficiency, the Hydro 80’s durability and manoeuvrability have earned high praise from Andrew and his team. “I like the durability of it, how quick it is, how easy it is to manoeuvre it, and how it can get through longer grass with no problem at all,” Andrew remarks.

As Repton School continues to uphold its reputation for excellence, the Etesia Hydro 80 stands as a testament to the power of innovation in grounds management, ensuring that the campus remains a source of pride and inspiration for all who visit.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on Twitter @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

GroundsFest visitor registration soars

GroundsFest visitor registration soars: See, try, and compare hundreds of products all in one place—experience the only event where you can get hands-on with the latest equipment.

GroundsFest 2024 is set to become the largest and most dynamic event in the groundscare and landscaping industries, with thousands of visitors already signed up since registration went live. This overwhelming response proves that GroundsFest is the event the industry has been eagerly anticipating.

GroundsFest visitor registration soars

GroundsFest visitor registration soars

Why GroundsFest Stands Out:

Hands-On Experience: GroundsFest is not just another trade show—it’s the only event where visitors can see machinery in action and get hands-on experience with the latest equipment. This immersive approach allows attendees to gain a real understanding of how the machinery performs in real-world conditions, making it an invaluable experience for professionals across the industry.

Unmatched Variety: At GroundsFest, you’ll find hundreds of leading brands, each bringing their latest innovations and solutions to the forefront. Whether you’re looking for advanced machinery, cutting-edge tools, or the latest in green technology, GroundsFest has it all. No other event offers such a comprehensive display of products and solutions for the groundscare and landscaping industries.

Battle of the Brands: Witness top brands compete in thrilling face-offs, showcasing the best products in action. This new area also features equipment challenges where visitors can compete against friends and colleagues for a chance to win fantastic prizes.

Exclusive Offers and Discounts: Many exhibitors will be running exclusive offers and discounts, making GroundsFest the perfect place to secure great deals on the equipment you need.

Live Music Festival: After a day of exploration and learning, unwind with live music, street food, and fun activities such as bumper cars. Enjoy performances from great DJs and live bands, including the returning Queen tribute band and new acts. The festival area has been expanded to accommodate the growing number of attendees.

Free Registration and Special Prizes: Registration for GroundsFest 2024 is now open and free for all attendees. Every registrant will be entered into a draw to win a Toro ProStripe® 560 mower. This versatile machine is designed to provide a precise cut and clean striped finish, making it ideal for sports fields, fine turf applications, and residential gardens.

Support Education: By attending GroundsFest, you’re also supporting the GroundsFest Education Fund. Profits from the event are reinvested back into the industry to provide invaluable support to students at land-based colleges, ensuring they can overcome specific barriers that might otherwise hinder their educational journey.

The surge in visitor registrations is a clear indication of the industry’s excitement for GroundsFest 2024. Thousands have already secured their spots, eager to experience the unique opportunities GroundsFest offers.

“GroundsFest is more than just a trade show—it’s a celebration of the groundscare and landscaping industries. The incredible response from visitors underscores the demand for an event that offers hands-on experiences, live demos, and comprehensive networking opportunities,” says Christopher Bassett, Event Director.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the industry’s must-attend event. Register now for free at www.groundsfest.com and prepare for an unforgettable experience at GroundsFest 2024.

For more information, visit the GroundsFest website at www.groundsfest.com.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.