McMurtry MAS01 & MAS02
operates in conjunction with a number of fixed reflectors around the pitch. The on-board computer uses the laser to continuously calculate the machine’s position on the pitch, sending signals to the steering system to keep to the pre-programmed path with exceptional accuracy. Like BigMow, once it has been
programmed it can be left to McMurtry
BigMow looked considerably ‘little’ compared to the other two machines making their way up and down the rugby pitch. Ben and Richard McMurtry had bought their MAS01 and MAS02 mowers along for us all to see. The grey and yellow MAS01 cylinder mower has been designed for large stadia and sports grounds. The largest of the machines on show during the day, it was an impressive sight to see it gliding up and down the field. It was noticeably quiet, producing nothing more than a soft hum as it mowed the distinctive stripes into the surface. And if you’re a groundsman who likes to explore your creative side at work, it’s able to create a range of geometric patterns on turf. It can even be programmed to vary the pattern each time it cuts to avoid compaction of the surface by following the same route each time. We wondered how a machine of that size could create these patterns with such accuracy. Ben pressed a button and lifted the grass collection box at the front of the machine to reveal the 36 inch wide cutting blade. It’s this, coupled with the laser-guided steering system that controls the precise pattern creation. On top of the machine is a long-range, eye-safe laser scanner which
mow the entire pitch unattended. Powered by rechargeable batteries and electric motors, it can mow for more than six hours and can cover more than 12,000 square metres before it needs recharging. There are four settings of cut - normal, quality, quick and slow for a first cut. For greater aesthetics, the cutting cylinder can be turned off for pitch rolling and striping without mowing and those concerned about putting large pieces of machinery on a worn surface were told that the machine can also be programmed to avoid muddy goal-mouths. There is an option to let clippings fly or have them delivered via a chute into the 70- litre capacity grass box. You can programme the MAS01 to run to any part of the stadium and empty the high-lift box completely automatically, when full.
All programming is done on a
control pad which slots into the top of the machine. It’s connected by a flexible wire so that an operator can manually over-ride the automatic operation if they choose. The prospect of such a large machine running unattended in a football stadium meant that the group was understandably interested in its safety features. A warning sound is given when it starts up and a beacon on the rear
flashes when it's moving. It has ultrasonic obstacle detection, bringing the machine to a complete halt if an object is in its path. It also has fail-safe soft bumpers at the front and rear and three emergency stop buttons on top for instant shut-down. Our guests were quite obviously
impressed with the technology being demonstrated by the MAS01, but eyebrows were certainly raised when the brothers told them how operator and machine communicate with eachother. The operator is able to supervise the mower from their mobile phone and can even check up on its progress via text message. Likewise, once the mower has finished its match day preparation and wants to head back to the garage for a cup of tea (sorry- couldn’t resist it!), it’ll text the operator to tell him the job’s done. Groundsmen needn’t have nightmares about coming into work on a matchday and finding half the pitch uncut as the machine will also text to alert the operator if there’s problem. The absence of an engine means low maintenance and running costs - less than 50p per pitch. There’s no petrol and therefore no harmful emissions. However, the group thought it will take a groundsman to understand the value of freeing up a member of staff to carry out other tasks before they’d consider paying its £30,000 price tag. The McMurtry brothers also kindly bought along their new prototype MAS02, which works on the same principles as the MAS01 but is a rotary version intended for use by contractors. With a 60” (1.5m) mulching cutting deck and a zero turn radius, it can cover up to 1.7 acres per hour and can run for up to nine hours. The MAS02 will be launched in 2006 with a price tag of £25,000.
MAS01
& 02
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