Utility Vehicles Open Day

If you are contemplating the purchase of a new Utility Vehicle, then here's the ultimate FREE demo day to attend.

In kind co-operation with James Mead (Grounds Manager) and Rugby School, Warwickshire, Pitchcare has invited a number of Utility Vehicle manufacturers to supply a range of models for impartial testing and review by James and his staff.

All submitted UVs will be assessed using a pre-determined set of criteria as listed below, and the results will be correlated and published on the Pitchcare website and in the October/November edition of the Pitchcare magazine.

The testing will take place during the week commencing Monday 20th September, with an Open Demo Day on Friday 24th September.

Groundsmen, Greenkeepers, Council Officers, Contractors, in fact anyone who's thinking about purchasing a UV, are invited to come along and see the vehicles in use in the ultimate comparison test.

The following companies have confirmed their attendance :- John Deere, Ransomes Jacobsen (E-Z-Go), Toro, Kubota, Kawasaki, Reco and JCB. We are awaiting final confirmation from Polaris and New Holland.

Anyone wishing to attend the Demo Day on Friday 24th September must book in advance, to allow for sufficient catering.

Please e-mail laurence@pitchcare with names of people wishing to attend.

There will be a representative from each manufacturer to give a short talk on their machine and, after refreshments, delegates will be able to test drive and ask further questions.

Demo Day Itinerary

Friday 24th September
9:15am-10.00am - Arrival - coffee/tea at playing fields
10.00am-1.00pm - Presentations on Utility Vehicles by manufacturer's representatives
1.00pm-1:45pm - Refreshments
1:45pm-3:00pm - Open afternoon for delegates to test drive and learn more about the UVs.

(Hot and cold drinks will be available throughout the day).

Venue

Rugby School (Cricket Pavilion Playing Field).
Rugby School
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV22 5EH

Attendance

For further details or confirm attendance email laurence@pitchcare.com

Press by invitation only

1. First impressions of the vehicle (looks, style, design)

2. Assessment of the vehicles handling ability in terms of operator comfort, seating, position and layout of vehicle controls, gears, steering, brakes, light switches etc.

3. Suspension, ground clearance (comfortable ride)

4. Noise and Vibration levels of engine/vehicle, stationary and in use

5. Braking performance, how good are the brakes? Is the vehicle equipped with hydraulic brakes?
Are there brakes to all four wheels?

6. Assessment of steering, easy to control, turning circle

7. Visibility (cab enclosures, canopy tops, windshields) if fitted

8. Is the vehicle available in petrol, diesel, gas and /or electric?
Fuel / Battery (consumption performance )

9. Access to engine compartment and greasing points (good / bad)

10. Is the vehicle equipped with headlights, tail lights, brake lights? How effective are they?

In addition to the operator criteria the article will also focus on the technical aspects of each vehicle - versatility, standard and optional extras, storage, drive system, payload, hydraulics etc.