Andy Richards, Grounds Manager at Haileybury School, has praised the Dennis ES-34R battery-powered rotary mower for its sustainability, quiet operation, and exceptional performance.
At the prestigious independent school in Hertfordshire, which boasts over 500 acres and 180 acres which are sports facilities, Andy has been using the ES-34R across a variety of playing surfaces and is delighted with its versatility and environmental benefits.
“In my sixth year as Grounds Manager here, I oversee a large site with a team of 11,” Andy explained. “Our school is renowned not just for its academic excellence but also for its impressive co-curricular programme, particularly sports. From rugby and football to hockey, ensuring our pitches meet high standards is crucial. The Dennis ES-34R has played an important role in that.”
Sustainability is a key focus at Haileybury, and Andy was drawn to the ES-34R’s eco-friendly credentials. As a battery-powered mower, the Dennis ES-34R significantly reduces emissions and noise pollution - two factors that are especially important in a school environment.
“Quietness is massive for us,” said Andy. “Exams seem to be constant, so the ability to work without disturbing students is invaluable. Sustainability is also hugely important to the school, and the ES-34R ticks both boxes. On top of that, it’s incredibly user-friendly.”
The ES-34R is built for precision and ease of use. Its 34-inch cutting width, contra-rotating twin blades, and low chute design ensure exceptional collection performance in both wet and dry conditions. The mower’s advanced LCD control panel provides operators with real-time feedback, allowing them to adjust settings such as ground speed and blade speed to suit different conditions.
Andy and his team have found the mower versatile enough to use year-round on various surfaces.
“We use the ES-34R on football and rugby pitches during the winter and then switch to cricket squares in the summer. It’s great for cleaning up after matches or tidying wickets—it’s incredibly versatile,” Andy explained.
With ultra-low noise levels, minimal vibration, and rapid charging, the ES-34R offers significant advantages over traditional petrol mowers. For Andy, the cost savings and low maintenance requirements were standout benefits.
“The ES-34R is much more user-friendly than petrol mowers, and the savings on fuel alone make it worth it. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and reliable, which is so important when you’re managing as many pitches as we are.”
Andy has relied on Dennis mowers throughout his career but the ES-34R is the first battery-powered Dennis machine he has used.
“The electric range is a real step forward. The team at Dennis even adjusted it to cut down to 8mm for me so I could use it to cut the cricket squares. I’m quite fussy about my equipment but I’ve used Dennis my whole career. I believe in the brand; I believe in the mowers, and I think they are the best on the market. I can’t ever see myself changing to anything else.”
For Andy, the ES-34R represents the future of sustainable grounds management without compromising performance.
As Haileybury continues to set the bar for excellence both on and off the field, the Dennis ES-34R is helping Andy and his team maintain pitches that match the school’s reputation - all while championing sustainability.
For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com
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