NATIONAL STADIUM CHOOSES LITHIUM

PICTURED ABOVE: Reesink’s Mike Turnbull with Stephen Bache, head groundsman at Hampden Park

Electric mowing has arrived at Hampden Park, Scotland’s national stadium.

Stephen Bache, head groundsman at the venue in Glasgow has recently taken delivery of a Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 lithium-ion battery powered ride-on greensmower. He said, “We want to provide the best possible surface for our players in the most sustainable way, but also, we are keen to play our part in the collective effort to make a credible contribution to the sustainable future for the next generations of football players and fans. 

“This latest machinery order sees us continue doing that as we welcome battery powered mowers to our stadium for the first time and that is quite a milestone, but to us it was simply the next logical step and I hope we pave the way for others by demonstrating the capabilities and benefits electric mowing brings to responsible pitch management.”

Stephen continued, "I know with Toro we’re going to get everything done right, meet the UEFA standards and conform to the rules reliably, first time around. So, I expected the quality of the cut from the eTriFlex to be outstanding and it is, but what’s stands out is just how convenient this method of mowing is.

“We’re an urban site southside of Glasgow with flats and houses neighbouring the stadium. Residents have been known to complain about mowing noise. The quietness of the eTriFlex almost takes you by surprise, a bit like an electric car when you don’t hear it coming up behind you, you genuinely can’t believe how quiet it is.”

Stephen also confirmed how the machines make time management easier on match days, He said, “There’s no rush with filming, interviews and broadcaster set up now, they can take as long as they need, and we work around them if needs be.”

With Stephen’s term in post at Hampden Park stretching back to 2002, he’s overseen many changes to the famous turf and now he's presiding over a new era of new technology and mowing practises, and one that he believes will  leave a lasting legacy.