Unplanned downtime can quickly derail grounds operations, especially for facilities managing large properties with limited equipment and staff. While breakdowns can never be eliminated entirely, manufacturers are increasingly focused on design choices and maintenance practices that make repairs faster, inspections easier and wear-related failures less frequent.
In this manufacturer roundtable, Facility Maintenance Decisions asked mower manufacturers what design principles and maintenance practices most effectively support ease of service and keep equipment running longer with fewer disruptions.
FMD: Downtime can significantly disrupt grounds operations. What practices or design principles most effectively support ease of maintenance and long-term equipment reliability?
“Having a service and maintenance plan is important. Think of how many times a unit comes back to the shop with a problem and now it is too late to go get the parts. Now, that machine is not only down for the portion of that day, but also for the portion of the following days until they are able to get the part and perform the repair or service.”
— Lenny Mangnall, marketing manager, Exmark
“The single most important action for ensuring the long-term reliability of your grounds equipment is keeping your equipment clean. The daily practice of blowing off, washing and cleaning out equipment is vital to reducing wear and tear. It also forces you to give the machine a quick visual inspection. It is amazing how often minor issues are identified and addressed during this simple task before they become costly problems.”
— Matt Anderson, district sales manager – sports fields & grounds, Toro
“Speaking about ride-on products, there is a lot to be said for simple design and access to components. For example, lift the footplate and seat to see how open of a design the product is. Reduced areas for debris buildup and water accumulation combined with good access to components, particularly electrical systems, are a plus. Unhindered access to the engine for maintenance and minimized grease points are also important. Items like flat-free casters and rear tires are also key to reduced productivity.”
— Sean Dwyer, senior product manager – commercial wheeled products, Husqvarna
“Mowing decks are the most likely cause of downtime. Spindles and blades, along with bent decks, are the main culprits. Reinforced, anvil-edged decks will absorb the shock of bumping into solid objects at higher speeds. Extra thick spindle flanges, double layered steel deck tops and eight-inch spindle housings also spread the load of sudden impacts. Look for spindles with double-sealed ball bearings designed for high rotational speeds. MARBAIN steel, through-hardened blades will hold their edge longer, reduce sharpening or replacement time and help deliver the quality cut you want to deliver to your clients.
It is important to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for engine and mower maintenance. Wear points should be lubricated according to those recommendations. Proper fuel and lubricants should be used to avoid downtime due to neglect or cutting corners with cheaper items.”
— Brian Schoenthaler, marketing specialist, Grasshopper
Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market.
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