Marshalling his troops - Pitchcare

A more modest stock of parts Various bench marks for height of cut
per genuine set. Bob believes fitting
genuine blades ensures the machine
performs correctly and, being correctly
balanced, eliminates vibration. When the
blades become worn they will be replaced
with a new set.
Bob explained that if the blades are
sharpened, and a piece of metal becomes
detached hitting a person and/or
damaging the machine, the mechanic is
responsible. Bob reminded me of the
phrase, “where there is blame there is a
claim.”
Bob identifies the parts he requires
online and is also able to check stock and
price. If required, he can receive parts
ordered before 2.00pm by 9.00am the
next morning. He has a shortlist of
suppliers that includes Abbey Mowers,
Turner Groundscare, Crown Oils, and
Pearmans. He restricts the number of
suppliers used to help reduce the
amount of administration required.
All Toro machines at the Forest of
Arden are replaced as part of a rolling
five year programme but, even as they
approach replacement, it is difficult to
see the difference between new and old
due to the care they receive.
The other machinery is replaced
following an annual consultation between
Rob and Bob. Both offer their thoughts
and reasoned arguments before deciding
on their final choices.
Indeed, this year, Bob was adamant the
sprayer should be replaced and has even
sacrificed a new grinder for his workshop
to secure the purchase. However,
recognition of the value of the workshop
is supported by the investment in a new
two post ramp, able to lift three and four
wheel machines, and a new heating
system to keep him warm in the winter
months!.
Bob is passionate about Toro
machinery. He believes they are the
forerunners as the machines are tested
for longer. However, when quizzed as to
his favourite machine Bob replied “Each
manufacturer has its own top products.
Toro has golf equipment and John Deere
has tractors.”
Bob remains a little sceptical about
hybrid and electric machines “You have
still got an engine and hydraulics,” he
said. “And battery technology, at this
point in time, is still in its early stages.
Some mowers are claimed to be able to
cut 18 greens on a charge but, if you are
double cutting, then you have 36
greens.” It was to be proven if the cost
comparisons between a standard
machine and a hybrid machine would
stack up, he says.
Bob is also a solver of problems. To
protect the sprayer booms and assist the
operator, Bob designed and fitted a self
levelling system when operators of the
5410s were finding that the boxes were
jumping off. He came up with a hook to
restrain the boxes. His ideas and
solutions for Toro machines are passed to
Clive Pinnock of Lely UK, who he has
known through the service side from the
1980s. Once approved, these solutions
are communicated to dealers throughout
the UK.
One of Bob’s worst experiences was an
accident at work, in which his right hand
was crushed between a loader ram and
the loader boom. Perhaps a case of
shutting the door once the horse has
bolted, he has since strictly coordinated a
health and safety programme. All
grounds staff using any mechanical
equipment receive an induction on how
to operate each machine safely.
Each operator has their own machine
All machines are thoroughly cleaned ... ... and parked up neatly!
safety log, which is similar to a driving
licence, and only allows them to use a
machine once it has been signed off.
Every day, except Thursdays, when a full
health and safety meeting is held, short
refresher or tool box talks are given by
Bob to ensure safety awareness is in the
front of their minds. Through his own
hard lesson Bob now instils putting your
own safety first. He says, if in doubt, stop
and complete a risk assessment and, if
you are still unsure, ask!
During the winter Bob runs lectures on
machinery maintenance. Time spent
explaining how to use, set up and service
a machine can add considerably to its
working life and save costly call outs to
simple fixes. His training is designed to
be ‘hands-on’ practical, so participants
enjoy the course and leave with a sense
of achievement. Bob recognises that
there is a lack of knowledge within the
industry and tries to encourage new
mechanics to his courses.
Marriott’s Spirit to Serve philosophy
recognises ‘people are the most
important asset’, and Bob Hill is one
such asset. Whilst any championship
course with 36 holes could justify its own
mechanic, I have seen that the role of a
mechanic can
encompass so
much more. In
fact, you could
say that Bob
Hill is worth a
couple of Bobs!
Simon Atkins
joined Pitchcare
as part of his
Guild of
Agricultural
Journalists/John
Deere Training
Award 2010
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