A more modest stock of parts
per genuine set. Bob believes fitting genuine blades ensures the machine performs correctly and, being correctly balanced, eliminates vibration. When the blades become worn they will be replaced with a new set. Bob explained that if the blades are sharpened, and a piece of metal becomes detached hitting a person and/or damaging the machine, the mechanic is responsible. Bob reminded me of the phrase, “where there is blame there is a claim.”
Bob identifies the parts he requires online and is also able to check stock and price. If required, he can receive parts ordered before 2.00pm by 9.00am the next morning. He has a shortlist of suppliers that includes Abbey Mowers, Turner Groundscare, Crown Oils, and Pearmans. He restricts the number of suppliers used to help reduce the amount of administration required. All Toro machines at the Forest of
Arden are replaced as part of a rolling five year programme but, even as they approach replacement, it is difficult to see the difference between new and old due to the care they receive. The other machinery is replaced following an annual consultation between Rob and Bob. Both offer their thoughts and reasoned arguments before deciding on their final choices. Indeed, this year, Bob was adamant the sprayer should be replaced and has even sacrificed a new grinder for his workshop to secure the purchase. However, recognition of the value of the workshop is supported by the investment in a new two post ramp, able to lift three and four wheel machines, and a new heating system to keep him warm in the winter months!.
Various bench marks for height of cut
Bob is passionate about Toro machinery. He believes they are the forerunners as the machines are tested for longer. However, when quizzed as to his favourite machine Bob replied “Each manufacturer has its own top products. Toro has golf equipment and John Deere has tractors.” Bob remains a little sceptical about hybrid and electric machines “You have still got an engine and hydraulics,” he said. “And battery technology, at this point in time, is still in its early stages. Some mowers are claimed to be able to cut 18 greens on a charge but, if you are double cutting, then you have 36 greens.” It was to be proven if the cost comparisons between a standard machine and a hybrid machine would stack up, he says.
Bob is also a solver of problems. To
protect the sprayer booms and assist the operator, Bob designed and fitted a self levelling system when operators of the 5410s were finding that the boxes were jumping off. He came up with a hook to restrain the boxes. His ideas and solutions for Toro machines are passed to Clive Pinnock of Lely UK, who he has known through the service side from the 1980s. Once approved, these solutions are communicated to dealers throughout the UK.
One of Bob’s worst experiences was an accident at work, in which his right hand was crushed between a loader ram and the loader boom. Perhaps a case of shutting the door once the horse has bolted, he has since strictly coordinated a health and safety programme. All grounds staff using any mechanical equipment receive an induction on how to operate each machine safely. Each operator has their own machine
safety log, which is similar to a driving licence, and only allows them to use a machine once it has been signed off. Every day, except Thursdays, when a full health and safety meeting is held, short refresher or tool box talks are given by Bob to ensure safety awareness is in the front of their minds. Through his own hard lesson Bob now instils putting your own safety first. He says, if in doubt, stop and complete a risk assessment and, if you are still unsure, ask!
During the winter Bob runs lectures on machinery maintenance. Time spent explaining how to use, set up and service a machine can add considerably to its working life and save costly call outs to simple fixes. His training is designed to be ‘hands-on’ practical, so participants enjoy the course and leave with a sense of achievement. Bob recognises that there is a lack of knowledge within the industry and tries to encourage new mechanics to his courses. Marriott’s Spirit to Serve philosophy
recognises ‘people are the most important asset’, and Bob Hill is one such asset. Whilst any championship course with 36 holes could justify its own mechanic, I have seen that the role of a mechanic can encompass so much more. In fact, you could say that Bob Hill is worth a couple of Bobs!
Simon Atkins joined Pitchcare as part of his Guild of Agricultural Journalists/John Deere Training Award 2010
All machines are thoroughly cleaned ...
... and parked up neatly! 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156