A choice cut for The Landscape Group

John Deere dealer BS Mowers of Bristol has supplied leading landscape construction and maintenance contractor The Landscape Group with a fleet of eight new 1570 TerrainCut front rotary mowers

"It's our weapon of choice where 60in outfront rotaries are concerned," says Angus Lindsay, The Landscape Group's head of assets and fleet. "The preference is the result of a long-term review of the front mowers we use, in which the John Deere models consistently came out as the best and most reliable machines.

"They were also the most favoured by our drivers, which is crucial - if an operator feels at home on a machine there is a definite increase in productivity, which we monitor daily on all our equipment. Analysis shows that 18 out of the top 25 machines are John Deere, and four of these are the new 1570 TerrainCut mowers. This shows us that when the operators are happy, they make the machines work."

This opinion is confirmed by first-time John Deere front rotary mower operators Chris Savage and Robert Hughes. "It is definitely our favourite mower. It's easy to use, has a very smooth drive and leaves a nice finish. It is also easy to maintain. Although it's our first season operating the 1570, it feels like we've been using the mower for years."

The 1570s were bought outright using John Deere finance. "John Deere Financial's rates are extremely favourable and the process is very quick. It's a one-stop shop in which one manufacturer supplies both the machine and the finance," says Angus Lindsay.

"BS Mowers was chosen as the provider for a specific reason - where possible, with all our machinery manufacturers, we use the local dealer so our managers have support close by. John Deere is not the lowest cost make, but buying on price is not the driver. The dealer and manufacturer back-up is key, and BS Mowers and John Deere are very proactive.

"As a direct replacement for the extremely reliable workhorse that was the 1445 outfront rotary model, these are the first new 1570 mowers we have taken and they are used to maintain verges, housing estates and open spaces in Wiltshire and other locations. The 1570 is a good balance between width of cut and compactness, and it can be carried on the back of a truck. The ergonomics have been improved, with all the controls close to hand, and overall it's a simple and straightforward machine."

Angus Lindsay also does not anticipate reliability being a problem during the five years the 1570s TerrainCuts will be in the fleet, but adds: "While the new generation engine is cleaner and more efficient, it may require more frequent servicing - time will tell."

For more information, visit www.deere.co.uk.