With 22ha of grass to cut, a powerful mowing solution is a must for Newbury Racecourse.
The popular Berkshire track races all year round with flat and jumps meetings, including the Group 1 Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes and renowned Ladbrokes Trophy steeplechase, so top quality results are also essential.
Deputy Head Groundsperson Sean Revell explains: “We needed to replace a ride-on mower, and I was keen to use a tractor mounted mower, as I’d had good results with them in my previous role at Chepstow. That meant finding the right tractor, with enough power for a high capacity mower, but with a light tread to avoid damaging the turf.”
Kubota dealer Lister Wilder came up with the perfect solution – a M4072 with 74hp engine and 18×18 speed 40kph transmission.
With its generous lift capacity of 2500kg, it’s a great match for the 6m Trimax rotary mower, and the combination is in use three to four times a week in the busy flat racing season.
“The tractor has everything you need,” comments Head Groundsman Steve Robinson. “It has a very comfortable cab and the controls are very well laid out and straightforward.”
The addition of a Kubota LA1365 fore-end loader increases versatility, and in the winter, the M4072 does duty on materials handling tasks such as moving stone to maintain the service road that runs around the track to provide access for emergency vehicles.
“We find the all-round visibility very good on the M4072, which is important for manoeuvring around the course and yard as well as for loader work. Plus, it’s good to have a tractor that anyone can drive if necessary,” comments Sean. “In my previous role, we used agricultural-type tractors which were over-complicated as well as being heavy. The Kubota is nice and lightweight so we can use it on the course with confidence.”
Reliability is also praised, along with steadfast back-up from Lister Wilder, whose Reading branch take care of all servicing on site. “They are just a phone call away if we ever need anything, but the Kubota has been very good,” comments Sean. “It’s a mowing combination that we can truly depend upon.”
