new products and production has been extremely welcome”


“The immediate investment in


employees will work longer hours to ensure that production targets are met. As production tales off in the summer the employees work less hours benefiting both the company and employees.” David’s engineering


background means that he is well respected on the factory floor and he keeps himself up- to-date with the latest manufacturing processes. “Even though I am now in Sales & Marketing I still find it fascinating how a collection of components made from raw materials ends up as the final product.” I asked David what the significant changes have been since the Toro purchase. “Toro have a more active involvement in our business than previous owners, as you would expect,” said David. “The immediate investment in new products and production equipment has been extremely welcome. We have also converted over to a new SAP computer system to be compatible with the rest of the Toro organisation. We have also started to look at other areas such as joint sourcing of components and future product development opportunities.” “There have already been some product changes since the acquisition. For example,


we no longer manufacture the FM524 Fairway Mower. In addition, the products that we supply to continental Europe are now in Toro livery and are supplied through Toro distribution. We will continue to add more Toro manufactured products to the range that are specific to the local authority/contractor market place. These already include a ride-on Zero Turn Rotary and a 21” Pedestrian Rotary."


Did the company’s non- appearance at the IOG and BIGGA shows have any significant impact on sales? “I don’t believe so,” said David. “The case for Hayter and the other major machinery suppliers to exhibit at two major turfcare shows in the UK every year does not stack up. We are working with the two organisations to find a solution that works for all parties. I do find the proposed merger interesting and hope that common sense will prevail.” So how are the figures stacking up? “2006 was a difficult year for every company in the consumer industry as the dry weather virtually put a halt to mower sales. Hayter were no exception. But that’s nothing new in a weather-affected


Tools of the Trade


industry like garden machinery. Fortunately, to counter balance that, sales of our commercial products were really buoyant. All in all Hayter are in a strong position.” There was one final


announcement that David had to make and that was the acquisition by Hayter of the Allen Hover Mower business from APEL Holdings. “This is an exciting addition to the company as it fits extremely well with both our commercial and consumer businesses.” So, as you arrive at


Spellbrook on the outskirts of Bishop’s Stortford nothing appears to have changed. The old bicycle shed is still standing and the staff canteen still serves up good


wholesome food. It is only when you step inside that you see, and feel, a change in this very British of companies.


appearing in the holding area


Toro livery


Hayter LT324 fitted with


ROPS - now standard on all


ride-ons


David Sturges


By Jon Lawrence CRICKET PITCH MARKING FRAME


There are many Groundsmen involved in preparing cricket pitches who still advocate the use of string lines for marking out. To be fair, there is nothing wrong with this method, although it does take longer to complete, requires accurate measuring and several strings and straight edges. In recent years we have seen a number of marking frames coming on to the market, and some Groundsmen have also resorted to making their own. Some of these frames have been endorsed and approved by the M.C.C. The frames tend to be made of lightweight aluminum or galvanised steel.


Setting up procedure


As with any pitch marking operations a number of key location markers will be required.


Most cricket Groundsmen will already have these in place, namely the position of the stump lines or corners of the square. Initially, these markers will have been set using the triangle 3,4, 5 method to obtain parallel lines at either end of the square 22 yards (20.12m) apart. These are the stump lines.


Groundsman can work out the position of each and every centre stump hole and clearly mark them with marker paint. Check that the centre holes for each pitch are in line by measuring the distance between them; they should, of course, be exactly 22 yards apart. Then measure and mark a spot


1.32m (4’ 4”) on either side of the middle stump marking along the stump line. This gives the positions of the return crease. As a double check, extend a piece of string or tape diagonally from one return crease marker to the opposite one at the other end


Once these are in place the


of the pitch. The measurements should be 20.29m. If the diagonals are right then the pitch will be the correct width and length. Now place the frame, as per the image, with the marker hole on the frame over the centre stump hole, and with that same edge of the frame along the stump line. Once the frame is properly positioned it is then just a case of accurately painting or spraying along the frame’s template. Remember, the width of the line should be as near to 12mm as possible but no wider than 18mm.


Costs


Prices vary depending on the material used. Typically, a good quality aluminum one weighing about 15kg, with tape, will cost around £235.00. Available from the Pitchcare shop.


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