Long-time Fairways GM customer, NHS Tayside, goes for Iseki SF450 with Muthing Flail

Wednesday, 28 April 2021

Malcolm Ross, Grounds Maintenance Manager at NHS Tayside has been buying kit from Fairways GM’s Kinross depot since its inception, 18 years ago. His team is responsible for grounds maintenance of NHS Tayside’s portfolio of properties throughout Angus, Dundee, Perth and Kinross, which covers a variety of NHS locations of different sizes, settings and challenges.

“We’re not just municipal parks, we are hospital sites, and our aim is to create a well maintained and attractive greenspace environment when public come for treatment or to visit and when members of staff come to work or wish to enjoy our greens space at break times. The grounds are uplifting and create a feeling of well-being.

“We’ve had a long association with Fairways GM over the years, purchasing a Jacobsen HR300 which came with a Muthing Flail, a Ransomes 312 Triple, various cutting decks and trailing gangs, but the first was our Iseki SF300 in 2003. Due to the superior build quality and service, our machines have lasted the test of time hence, we haven’t purchased that many new pieces of equipment, until now, with Fairways GM Kinross our first port of call,” said Malcolm Ross.

“Iseki build is renowned; our SF300 has been super reliable so it’s testimony to its excellent quality that it is still going strong.  Admittedly, it has not been heavily used, but it still “punches above its weight”. The new machine will be a direct replacement.”

According to Malcolm, the SF450 has the adaptability his team requires: “We’re hoping it’s as consistently reliable as the last. Our previous out-front Muthing Flail proved its worth on our Ransome Jacobsen HR 300 so the new cut and collect facility will be a big plus for us; the engine is more powerful, so more able to deal with wet and longer grasses when needed.”

Bobby McDougall, Commercial Sales Manager for Fairways GM said: “The out-front flail deck gives a very impressive striped finish. Presentation must be on point for Malcolm’s team, but now they have the flexibility of being able to cut longer grasses with pristine results.  Throughout the year, they use other attachments and implements for gathering leaves or clearing snow, so this Iseki, with 48 hp, will be of enormous help.”