Edwin’s helping hands
Mower mechanics, and particularly engineers, who can strip down and make their own parts are becoming a rare breed. The combination of a throwaway society and the development of more technically advanced mowers has led to a drop in the demand for their services. Most domestic mowers now tend to be styled and designed on the rotary or strimming technologies, offering cheap, disposable mowers that are used until they break down and are then dumped. On the professional side of sportsturf
maintenance major technological developments have led to more sophisticated pedestrian and ride on mowers. However, these mowers come at a price (between £3- 30K) and often require specialist equipment to keep them maintained and serviced. With such a high investment it is generally the case that repairs and maintenance are carried out by a specialist dealer. The above factors have, not surprisingly,
led to the demise of the proper, old fashioned mower mechanic, but there is still the odd one or two knocking about if you look hard enough. During a recent visit to the Nottingham
CCC Groundmen’s AGM I heard about one such engineer still plying his trade in and around the Derbyshire area, with a reputation for helping out local bowling and cricket clubs. So, off I went to meet him at his lock up behind a flower wholesalers on an industrial estate in Derby city centre. His name is Edwin Roberts and his company, Classic Mowers, has been in existence since 1999 specialising in maintaining older pedestrian mowers and sports ground equipment such as SISIS aerators and scarifiers. Edwin mainly deals with mowers and
leaving school he took on a number of engineering jobs with local companies and local authorities where he was able to learn and develop his trade. Over the years Edwin got to know many of the local groundsmen and realised there was a market to service their needs so, in 1999, he set up Classic Mowers. He now looks after over 30 cricket and bowling clubs in the locality along with a number of domestic customers. The company also hires and sells machinery. Edwin gives the machines a complete
overhaul with new bearings, bushes and seals etc. and, if required, makes or adapts the necessary replacement parts. In fact the machines go out almost as good as new and will generally last the club another 20 years if maintained regularly. However, problems with the machines do still occur and Edwin cites the following as the main factors:
• Lack of lubrication • Dirty fuel and dirty air filters • Poorly adjusted mowing blades, brushes or tines
• Lack of cleaning and maintenance • Lack of lubrication.
outfield machinery from between 1950- 1980, many of which are still used by bowling and cricket clubs, and most of which have been purchased from the second hand sales market.
He recognises that many of the bowling and cricket clubs have very little funding to buy new machinery and have to make do with what they have, so it is essential they maintain these machines properly and have access to someone who can obtain or manufacture spare parts.
EDWIN began his career way back in the late 1960’s having first experienced the joys of engineering whilst watching his father working on steam trains.
After
checked prior to use” says Edwin. “A new engine can cost anything from £250, a half litre of SAE 50 motor grade oil costs less than £3. For the sake of a few quid and a bit of time you can prolong the life of your engine.” “Likewise chains and drives require oil or grease to prevent wear. Regular inspection of moving parts and bearings, and the use of a grease gun will again prolong the life and wearing of key moving parts.” “In the case of the Ransomes Auto Certes,
rear rollers tend to cease up due to the lack of lubrication, even though there are two accessible greasing points set in the rear roller.”
drives and moving parts of scarifiers and aerators” says Edwin. “Vibration is high on these machines, so it is important to check all bolts and screws, ensuring they remain tight and fixed. Most damage is caused by operators asking the machine to do the impossible, or using it when the soil conditions are too hard or dry. And always inspect your machines before and after use.” “Dirty fuel and poorly set carburettors
“It is important to inspect and check all “It is essential that the engine oil is
from dirty containers.” “Poorly adjusted blades, tines and brushes will result in poor standard of workmanship, whilst at the same time putting additional strain on moving parts and the performance of the engine. Badly worn rollers could affect the cutting height by as much as 1mm, which on fine turf facilities is quite considerable.” “It is essential to keep machinery clean,
particularly after use; a build up of dirt, grime and dust will play havoc with moving parts. Ideally, you need to wash or blow-dry your machine after use. Do not use a power washer, as this may lead to water ingress to parts of the machine and could be detrimental to its performance. It only takes between 5-10 minutes to clean off after use. It is always easier to set-up a clean machine rather than one caked in debris and dirt.” “It is also important to check all moving
parts and change bushes and bearings at the first sign of wear. If you can see gaps between the bearings or feel excessive wear you will need to replace them.” “The life expectancy of these machines will be greater if looked after, plus the machine will perform well when it is set up and maintained properly. Nine times out of ten the reason the machine breaks down, or does not perform, is due to the lack of maintenance and annual servicing. In most cases this is down to laziness or lack of knowledge on the part of the operator.”
often prevent the engines from running or even starting. Fuel from garages is clean, the problem usually stems from decanting fuel
providing a series of articles on the servicing and maintenance of a number of well-known pedestrian machines.
Days OFF! In the coming months Edwin will be
... or what Pitchcare readers get up to out of office hours
DAVID MEHARG, MD of Synergy Products Ltd: Responsible for the design and development of the popular range of Groundsman aerators and turf cutting machines. I suppose I am very lucky in that my office is based at home, near Seend in Wiltshire, so when I manage to take some time off I spend it relaxing in our large walled garden. I am a very keen gardener enjoying the challenge of growing a variety of vegetables and flowers. My wife, Sue, and I particularly enjoy growing herbs and spices that we use constantly in our cooking recipes, with both traditional and Indian cuisine being our favourite food. I also have a grass tennis court, which I enjoy. I set myself a challenge to produce the best playing surface with the hope of playing some decent tennis during my days off. I have always been a keen sportsman having played a number of sports in the past. I keep a watch on the Irish clubs, especially Ballymena RFC who I played for in the early 1970’s, having the pleasure of playing regularly with Willie John McBride, the famous British Lions captain of the formidable 1974 Lions Team. In recent years my role with Synergy has kept me in touch with so many sports, particularly golf; I still try and play a few occasional rounds to maintain my handicap of 16.
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