The local authority of Barneveld in the East of the Netherlands has recently purchased a Multihog multi-purpose implement carrier which is being used to carry out a wide range of ground care and maintenance tasks in its sports facilities. The Multihog was deemed to be advantageous on many levels compared to other pieces of equipment, with a key factor being its year round capabilities and the consequent cost savings for the authority.

The authority has a considerable number of sports pitches to look after which are spread across a large rural area, and previously used a tractor as the base vehicle for its Ransomes 5/7 cylinder mower attachment. The Multihog was chosen as the new base vehicle when the tractor model was discontinued due to its much better operational flexibility and also as its higher road speed enables it to cover the distance between job locations much more quickly.

“The Multihog’s multi-functionality won us over, as did the fact that it is the most robust machine of its kind that we have seen on the market,” says Barneveld’s Chief of Operations Peter Agterveld. “When the grass cutting season is over we can use it to tow a tipper for distributing sand onto the pitches, and use a spreader attachment for fertilising fields. The wide range of winter resilience attachments available also means that when bad weather strikes it can be put into use for snow ploughing and blowing as well as salt spreading.”

The Multihog’s cab design offers excellent visibility for the driver, which affords a better view on road as well as of the attachments such as the mowing cylinders when out in the field. This in turn speeds up operations and an entire sports pitch can now be mown in just 20 minutes. The very low ground pressure and same track pivot steer is also of great benefit as it minimises ground disturbance and prevents compaction of the mown area. Drivers also appreciate the comfortable working environment of a roomier cab with low noise level, and the ease of operation of functions via a joystick.

“We now have a machine in place which perfectly meets our requirements, and one that we can use 365 days a year if needed. It has been a real boost for our ground care and maintenance operations,” says Peter Agterveld.