Kubota investment matches top quality facilities

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate in York has purchased nine Kubota machines from dealer Russell’s, including two L4240 compact tractors, four W831R-PRO pedestrian walk-behind mowers, two G23 ride-on mowers, the RTVX900 utility vehicle and two Kubota trailers.

Opened in 1912, the Independent boarding school’s sporting curriculum is one of the most expansive in the country, with tennis, basketball, handball, hockey, rugby, football and cricket just a few of the sports on offer.

With £20 million invested in new pitches alone in the past six years, the team’s daily maintenance requires high power machinery as they have natural grass, synthetic, water-based and traditional sand-based pitches to contend with.

Grounds Manager Ben Grigor explains: “When we were resourcing new groundcare machines, it was paramount that we chose equipment that facilitated the consistent maintenance of 22 pitches, day in – day out.”

“When I joined the Collegiate in September, they already had some older Kubota machines that had done thousands of hours of work and they’re still going strong. So I knew that Kubota was up to the task.”

The two L4240 compact tractors offer easy operation for the team when completing spraying, top dressing and aeration work. G23 ride-on mowers are at the forefront of the pitches’ daily maintenance, providing clean and consistent cutting every day, while also being a useful tool during winter for cleaning up leaves and debris after professional and school matches.

“The Collegiate’s recent investment into its facilities, staff and machinery already reflects their continued commitment to making the sporting ground one of the best in the country. Big changes are set for the year ahead and it’s up to us and our machines to ensure that the pitches are kept to the highest possible standards,” comments Ben.