Electricity vehicles for Newcastle City Parks
By Peter Driver
The Council has purchased eight electric E-Z-GO MPT light utility vehicles from Hexham based turf equipment dealer, Rickerby Ltd, and they are being used specifically in local parks because of their pollution free operation and low noise.
The new vehicles, distributed throughout Europe by Ransomes Jacobsen, have been specially adapted with a totally enclosed cab for maximum operator comfort and a bespoke trailer for carrying pedestrian mowers and other equipment.
Tony McKenna, Newcastle's Parks & Countryside Manager commented,
"We hope that the introduction of these vehicles will play a successful part in our bid to achieve a coveted Green Flag award. However, they don't just benefit the environment, they are also a very practical work vehicle and will help us improve productivity by lightening the workload of our park keepers.
"We have already seen considerable improvements to our operations while at the same time allowing people to enjoy our parks in even greater tranquillity."
The MPT 1000 is a rugged utility vehicle powered by a 48 volt electric motor with a carrying capacity of over 450kg. It features a self tipping rustproof polyethylene cargo box and can reach speeds of 22km/h. The specially designed cab provides a totally waterproof and comfortable environment for the operator and the bespoke trailer has a drop down tailgate which acts as a ramp for loading and unloading pedestrian mowers.
