Fleet finance proves the best option

In a bid to improve the overall course presentation and reduce the downtime caused by an ageing machinery fleet, two sister golf clubs in Worcestershire - Gaudet Luce at Hadzor near Droitwich Spa, and Little Lakes at Lye Head, Bewdley - have replaced all of the main mowing machinery at both clubs with a new fleet of John Deere equipment. These have been bought on a three year replacement finance programme from local dealer Parks & Grounds Machinery of Bidford on Avon, Warwickshire.

"After trying out many different makes on demonstration, we decided that John Deere's machines provided proven quality and the best all round finish, leaving a nice clean and clear cut. With great service and parts backup from the local dealership, they were easily the best option for us," says group head greenkeeper Andrew Laing.

The new fleet included two 2500E greensmowers, a 2653A tees and surrounds mower, an X748 lawn tractor with 560MCS grass collector - one of the first sold in the UK - a 3235C fairway mower, a 3245C semi-roughs rotary mower and a 4320 compact tractor.

"With these new mowers we can spend more time on the course as opposed to in the workshop setting up and repairing old machines," adds Andrew. "After three years they will be part exchanged for newer models, which means that we will never again have to spend more time repairing machines than using them."

Photo caption: The photograph shows (front, left to right) group head greenkeeper Andrew Laing, owner/managing director Martin Fernihough and John Deere dealer salesman John Lewis of Parks & Grounds Machinery at Gaudet Luce Golf Club, with the greenkeeping staff and John Deere machinery fleet.