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Initially, I would say your decision depends on the site's specification.
Firstly, do you have that option?
Secondly, what is cut frequency? As you approach 10-14 days between cuts quality becomes an issue.
Thirdly, what is the type of grassed area - fine, utlity or rough?
There are a number of commerical pedestrian and ride-on's that will provide collect, let fly or mulch, or you go for a dedicated mulcher.
How would a dedicated machine fit in with your other sites?
We have option for either
Cut frequency is 14 days,but certain sites can grow quicker than others
Grass areas are mainly fine, with one or two rough areas
My main concern is wether mulching would make the sites look shabby and leave trails on the developments that are residential
Some residents like to see us collect the grass,but with the wet weather in Scotland this can be difficult with the current ride on machines we use
My supplier has recommended a Countax but i have no knowledge of this machine other than i believe Ariens build it now.
Mulching requires sticking rigidly to a schedule otherwise you are 'buying' trouble and poor finish.
Talk long and hard to your Dealer about the Countax. Make sure he really understands what you intend putting it through. My view is that a Countax may not take the load. If he will stand by his recommendation in terms of Warranty and Dealer back up then consider further.
Do you have a budget in mind ?
I think possibly i will out rule mulching as some of my sites can be fussy about grass clippings.
In a perfect world we would have machines for all jobs,but that requires a endless budget
realistically i am looking at a budget of £3500-£5000 max
Thanks James, Etesia seems to tick the boxes and apparently its not bad at collecting in the wet
I used to have a Countax D range. Its was good at mowing as long as the cuts where regular and you are not trying to mow to short. The down side is that it really isn't up to commercial work imo. It used to have a fair few deck repairs after mowing some rougher sites. Currently have a Kubota G2160, very good machine, tough as old boots but not the finest of cuts (deck dons't float very well.).
Evening all... I agree with Gary, the most important aspect is the site spec, if it says cut and collect but you decide to mulch you stand a chance of losing the contract.
However, it also comes down to cost.. if you have to collect the clippings you need to add the waste disposal costs into the equation, also bear in mind that if you go down the route of a dedicated mulcher and you're cutting 10-14 day cycles, if the grass is wet, it's going to leave a fairly rough finish.
Maybe a scag type mower if quality of finish is not the main concern as it would prove useful for many different jobs.
I suppose the question you need to answer first is how much you want to spend in new machine/s?
how much to spend is a mine field, machines vary from £3000-£12000
so product knowledge such as does the machine collect well in the wt come in to factor
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