Chester Farm project gets underway with TYM's help

Covering 34 hectares, which includes a large area designated as a Scheduled Monument and a complex of Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings, the Council has begun work to preserve Chester Farm's outstanding historic environment and archaeological assets, while also developing the site to make it accessible and enjoyable to all.

As well as including a walled Roman town, ancient field systems, deserted medieval village, 17th century farm-house and an orchard, the site also offers a valuable 'green space' with plentiful flora and fauna, set to open to the public in April next year.

The recently delivered tractor was brought on board to clear the area for development, providing much-needed power on site, and for ongoing land management and general maintenance post-opening.

Opting to purchase the TYM 433HST model, with a loader and industrial tyres,

Andy Russell, facilities supervisor for the Council's Chester Farm site, says that a solid build was high on his priority list when choosing which tractor to invest in.

"We put out a tender and trialled other tractors, both high end and budget brands, but TYM stood out as the best. I found the TYM was more stable, solid and sturdy, which was important given the ground on site is very uneven," he says.

Offering good economy and great performance, the 433HST features an ergonomic design, wet disc brakes for real stopping power, an easy-to-operate instrument panel and hydrostatic power steering for ease of handling.

"There was also a good support mechanism in place," adds Andy. "I had great advice from Lely [sole TYM distributors in the UK] on model and tyre choice, which were important considerations with the site having a Scheduled Monument. I also had a weight limit and wanted a loader. The 433HST ticked all the boxes and offered the right price."

Continuing, Andy points out the main benefits he's experienced since having the new tractor on-site.

"I've found it has a good, quick pace, and its heavy lifting abilities take care of things which would have previously been too heavy to lift. We also had 4ft tall stinging nettles and the 433 just seemed to chew through them with ease!" he says.

Email turfcare.uk@lely.com or visit turfcare-uk.lely.com