Taking the number on their fleet to fourteen and supplied by local dealers Cyril Johnston, the Education Authority for Northern Ireland has taken delivery of a further seven Shibaura SG280 ride-on compact slope mowers.
For the authority, Service Manager Hugh Mc Callan said: "The SG 280's are the core of our maintenance fleet for both steep banking up to 30 degrees and a wide range of year round tasks.
"They are used right across our area, maintaining education authority property and their performance, capability and safety is second to none. The 26 litre fuel tank gives us more efficient working and the fully adjustable horizontal rolling seat to compensate for working angle is a real hit with our operatives."
Paul Butterly, for FGM Claymore, UK Distributor for the Shibaura range added: "With low noise & vibration levels the SG280 is an extremely operator friendly machine. The Shibaura 28HP 3 cylinder diesel engine complies with current emission regulations and the solid 50-50 weight distribution, together with a 1500mm wheel base and low centre of gravity, delivers the stability and safety of operation required when at work on steep inclines.
"The SG280 is one of the most cost effective solutions for working on slopes and the ideal choice for the local authority and professional user where lifetime cost, value for money and addressing of health and safety issues are priorities. The Shibaura compact professional brand is recognized for offering added value and we are seeing sustained tractor sales growth in the UK. If I could describe the Shibaura in a few words it would be reliability and performance. The feed-back we get from end users is extremely positive."