FULHAM FOOTBALL CLUB GOES INTO TRAINING WITH TORO

By Lucy Ohsten

Martin Chivers, Head Groundsman at the 30-acre site, said: "We wanted a wider version of our 3100-D to help us speed up the cutting operation, and found the 6500-D was the best choice. We use it for three to four hours every day with a box set attached. It's very efficient.

The ProCore was brought in because it was vital that we had the right aeration programme," added Martin. "We couldn't do all the work with Verti-draining or spiking, and two of the pitches have been upgraded to sand ameliorated with Fibre Turf, so we needed a machine that was quick and versatile. The ProCore was recommended to us by several clubs, including Derby County. We use it with hollow and needle tines of varying sizes, and I'm delighted with the results."

Martin and his team of four Groundsmen have to maintain six training pitches that are in constant use by the first team and reserves, the Under 19s and 17s, plus other youth players.

He began his drive towards improved turf care at Motspur Park three years ago by investing in his first Toro machine, the Reelmaster 3100-D Sidewinder mower.

"We evaluated it against other machines on the market, and it was our first choice," he explained. "It's so user-friendly and easy to set up, very quiet because the engine is at the back and there's good all-round vision. The three cutting units give a lovely finish too - overall it's really helped with productivity.

It's very important to me that the training pitches are in the best possible condition, and that's the main reason why we chose Toro - consistency and top quality."

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For further details contact Lely (UK) Limited, Station Road, St Neots, Cambs, PE19 1QH;

tel: 01480 226800, fax: 01480 226801, email: toro.sales@lely.co.uk.

Lely Ireland Limited, Kilboggin, Nurney, Co. Kildare, Ireland;

tel: 00 353 (0)45 526170, fax: 00 353 (0)45 526649, email: info@lely.ie. website: www.toro.com