As Eddie takes me on a guided tour we pass augers and torque heads ready for delivery to their extensive client list. Tucked away amongst the new kit are
Sales record book entries start in 1932
three old rollers - circa 1960 at a guess - that have been taken in part exchange. At some stage these will be re-powered and sold on but, as Eddie explains, manufacturing is flat out at the moment.
Veterans kept out of loyalty to the model St Albans School staff with ‘old’ and new
At the back of the complex there are two further old models that are probably beyond saving. I get the impression that these two veterans remain on site simply out of affection and loyalty to the product. Back inside, I am shown around the manufacturing plant. Here, Turftroopers are being assembled. This product was, initially, part of the Allen Power Equipment line-up but manufactured for them by Autoguide. When Allen’s went bust, Autoguide retained the product as their own, making considerable improvements along the way. Believed to be the world’s smallest triple cylinder mower, it sits in the semi-professional sector - large gardens, estates and such like - but, at under £7,000, is now finding favour with cash strapped councils looking to make savings anywhere they can. “The improvements that have been made since bringing the product into our portfolio has increased interest from the professional market,” explains Eddie. “Mowing at two acres per hour, we believe it is worthy of
consideration for all manner of mowing tasks.” A re-powered roller sits ready to be
taken to Saltex, along with a re-power kit, both roller models and a Starstrimmer. Looking around the factory, with its paint shop, modest parts depot - what can go wrong with a two tonne roller? - and various tooling and welding equipment, it is fair to say that this is no lean ‘Flymo’ type slick operation. Instead, the criteria is firmly established as ‘build quality’ first and foremost across all products. As Eddie and I return to his office a company 4x4 and trailer laden with a roller swings into the yard. “This is Bath University’s roller which has come in for repair,” says Eddie. “We’ve let them have a replacement until we have completed the work.”
It is just that ethos that has kept Autoguide very much at the heart of British manufacturing and the turfcare industry. Long may it continue.
Autoguide Equipment
Rolling our way to victory! Designed and built in the UK 46 For more details please call 01380 850 885 email:
sales@autoguide.co.uk www.autoguide.co.uk
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