More State-of-the Art Electric Utility Vehicles for Notcutts

More State-of-the Art Electric Utility Vehicles for Notcutts

Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd.

These latest vehicles are the first in the horticultural industry to feature on-board chargers and a unique single point battery filling system.

"These additional features will make the operation of these excellent vehicles that little bit easier", said production director, Paul Masters. "With on-board chargers we can now charge the vehicles from any 13 amp socket around the facility here at Pettistree, freeing up more space and making better use of the previous charging area. The battery filling system also makes routine checking and maintenance extremely simple. It's a labour-saving innovation and only requires a quick check; if any cell is low on electrolyte it can be topped up in seconds.

"This is very much a local partnership between two of Suffolk's most successful companies. We are in the second year of a preferred supplier agreement with Ransomes Jacobsen and now have a fleet of 17 vehicles plus a four-seater electric people carrier to transport visitors around our Pettistree nursery."

The staff at Notcutts have embraced the electric vehicles since they began replacing the aging compact tractors previously used to transport trailers loaded with plants, shrubs and trees around the nurseries in 2003.

"They find them much quieter, easier to operate and they provide a more comfortable ride which minimises fatigue. All of the vehicles are in constant use and most have over 1,000 hours on their clocks", Paul Masters added. "Our environmental policy states that we will proactively minimise our effect on the environment through best practice and the use of these vehicles demonstrates our commitment to this."

Photo: Mark Battram of supplying dealer Bartrams Professional, Paul Masters of Notcutts and Nick Brown of Ransomes Jacobsen.