ROBOT Review
Conclusions
ONCE all the three groups had seen each machine we all got together in the Pavilion to round up the day. Our guests were all surprised to find out how well advanced the production of robotic mowers was - indeed some of them were not even aware that robotic mowers existed, let alone that they were being marketed and were available for general purchase. They were very interested in talking to the manufacturers and understanding each machine’s capabilities. They also commented that they felt more comfortable about what robotic mowers had to offer the industry and it made them think about what part they may play in its future. Importantly, they had been
asked to think about different applications and didn’t regard them as a threat. They were satisfied that none of the four machines on the pitch were a gimmick, and that each had the technology and the usability to be a viable management tool that complements what they do. James Mead, the Head
Groundsman from Rugby School said that he could see many benefits from the development and use of these
mowers in helping maintain sportsturf. In particular, he would welcome the fact that his staff could carry on with other important tasks which would improve the playability and condition of his pitches whilst the machine mowed. Our groups suggested that the machines could be adapted to carry out other operations such as sweeping, aerating and scarifying - often mundane jobs which take up a lot of time and resources. The majority of delegates
were from Local Authorities and therefore understood that neither the McMurty MAS01 nor the BigMow were suitable for working in L.A. environments in their present format. Many recognised that the
Bigmow would be more suited to the private domestic market, maintaining lawns for lazy gardeners and at the same time creating a good talking point for the neighbours - a definite ‘boys toy’. Several guests expressed concern that it might be a target for thieves who wouldn’t know that that machine is useless without its docking station or cabling. It was also suggested that BigMow would make an ideal Mole deterrent
if it runs randomly across the lawn throughout the night. Although impressed with the
McMurty mowers advanced laser technology, many thought that organisations and sports clubs would be put off by its £30,000 price tag. They suggested that grounds managers in America would be more likely to use it, where there are larger areas that need maintaining. In the States, new technology is welcomed and embraced and the groups thought that the UK turf industry is still very much for keeping with traditional groundmanship values and tools. However, many recognised
the potential of the MAS02 rotary mower, especially for use on horse racing and polo fields in the UK as you can leave it to mow unattended during the night. One gentleman suggested it could be used on air fields, cutting the great expanses of grass between runways. And, probably due to our mainly Local Authority guests, it was the Ransomes Spider that created most interest. ‘Gadgets’ have always been popular and there’s no doubt that using the Spider at the demo was fun. Our guests
thought the normally dull, and difficult, prospect of mowing banks could suddenly become the task that everybody fights over if they purchased one. Especially as it is a lot easier than walking up, down and along steep banks and slopes. Like all machines, there is a danger level to be considered, especially with the nature of the terrain it has been built to work on. The event gave everyone who attended the unique opportunity to see the machines working and to form their own opinions. Crucially, the manufacturers were able to gauge this opinion and gain valuable feedback from our guests. They were pleased with the level of interest their machines received and we hope it will encourage them to continue pushing machine technology forward for the benefit of the end user and the surfaces they maintain.
Editors note:- Pitchcare is looking for product review venues across the UK. If you'd like to host a similar event, please email
Laurence@pitchcare.com.
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