STIGA has been delivering their brand new robot machines to rugby clubs across England.
The multi-year partnership with England Rugby supports volunteers and grounds teams, helping keep pitches match-ready while driving rugby forward from grassroots to the elite game, proving that great surfaces are the real foundation of every winning try.
As part of the agreement, STIGA is rolling out equipment to clubs and sports facilities nationwide, supporting the upkeep of pitches and green spaces across the country - including to Leamington RFC.
We asked Jim Poynter, of Leamington RFC, some questions as to how the STIGA robots have been used and how beneficial they have been to the club.
Leamington Rugby Football Club operate two STIGA robotic mowers at the present time, two A5000 models used on the playing pitches.
How often do the robots mow each area?
Our pitches are used for Rugby Union and League, Walking Rugby, Frisbee, and keep-fit groups. Pitches are used during the day and into the late evening with evening games & training sessions through the week. We operate the mowers overnight from 9pm to 9am in three mowing sessions, and if we can get 3rd we will cover all playing surfaces.
Roughly how much staff time have the robots saved each week?
We’re replacing approximately 6 hours of tractor-drawn mowing with automated STIGA mowing duty.
Has this reduced overtime or weekend work?
This has reduced weekday and Saturday morning preparation.
What tasks has it freed your team up to focus on?
We can give more time to general site maintenance and repairs.
How does the cut quality compare to traditional mowers?
STIGA mowers provide a consistent and configurable cut length across all our pitches.
Does frequent, light cutting improve presentation?
Yes. We have fewer grass cuttings than with traditional towed mowing operations.
Has match-day presentation improved?
Yes. We can deliver a consistent pitch appearance with a chessboard cut for goal area appearance and a 6-week alternating or chevron main pitch appearance.
Has it changed how coaches schedule pitch use?
We’re able to guarantee pitch availability with automated mowing overnight.
Clubs can still sign up for their free mowers ...to read more about the STIGA partnership with England Rugby, and how to sign up, click here: www.stiga.com/uk/stiga-x-rfu
