Leading national grounds maintenance contractor Idverde added five new Kubota F-series mowers to its fleet this year to work on its local authority contract based in Basildon, Essex, and the latest generation in Kubota’s renowned commercial mower series has already proved its versatility.
“The Kubotas have their main role in maintaining verges and public spaces,” explains contracts manager Andrew Newman, “but they also provide important back-up to tractor mowers for parks and sportsfields.”
The new F-series mowers, which will be joined by a second tranche in 2023, have been equipped with Trimax Flaildeks, making a great partnership for more demanding work.
“It’s an ideal combination where cut frequencies have been reduced or for longer grass at the start and end of the season,” comments Andrew. “We also look after some wildflower areas, and the deck is useful for maintaining these, too.”
Kubota’s F series mowers have been the mainstay of municipal mowing fleets for many years, but in latest version the company takes advantage of the move to engines compliant with Stage V emissions legislation to make a raft of improvements. Powered by the latest 38hp Kubota diesel engine, the F391 chosen by idverde uses a two-range hydrostatic transmission and on-demand four-wheel drive for optimum performance. Power steering makes for exceptional manoeuvrability yet, with a travel speed of 19.6kph it can cover large areas in the working day.
Operator Barry Hedges comments: “It’s a well-designed machine that has been built with the driver in mind with its comfortable seat, solid ROPS for protection and quieter running with the new engine. The controls are well laid out and convenient, and the simplicity of the lever controls and parking brake make it easy to use.”
The mowers are in use for six hours a day, five days a week from March to October, and the workload in Essex involves some travel on often busy roads.
“While much of our work is in 30mph zones, we can be in faster traffic,” notes Barry. “The lights are very good which helps to see and be seen and it feels safe to drive on the road with a decent travel speed.”
Access for maintenance is also praised: “It’s easy to get at the battery, and the wide opening bonnet and location of items such as the air filter makes routine checks quicker,” he says. “Even small details such as placing the service chart on the inside of the bonnet are helpful with our busy workload.”
The mowers were part of a substantial Kubota order from idverde for depots across the country; the contractor is responsible for an extensive portfolio of grounds maintenance work for clients including the Ministry of Defence, Royal Parks and numerous local authorities.