Taking school sports into the 21st century

publication date: Jun 26, 2008

 | 

author/source: David Harris

Oldham Hulme Grammar Schools Estate Manager Richard Gaskell and Head Groundsman John Watkinson were supplied with a couple of New Holland tractors on demonstration to help them select the right model, and they eventually opted for the TC31DA. Powered by a 31hp three cylinder engine, the TC31DA has a lift capacity of 973kg to handle a wider range of implements, but remains light and nimble enough for delicate turf and restricted areas.The tractor is used for ‘just about everything’ as John says. “With pitches for football, cricket and hockey, it is kept busy all year round with a variety of attachments.

“The linkage is really well designed – it is so easy to swap implements around,” he comments. “It is just a matter of fitting or removing a split pin. Previously there was the danger of wrecking the linkage as it was so stiff and fiddly. I also appreciate the way that the hydraulic lift can be altered in speed and is so sturdy. I have a lot of control when using attachments.”

John has also noticed a big difference in the power offered by the TC31DA, and the tractor has been particularly useful preparing the cricket pitch for the season in less than ideal weather conditions.