Ransomes Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has provided the Environment Agency with three Ransomes Spider radio-controlled mowers to maintain river banks and sloping ground across Devon and Dorset.
“Health and safety issues are an absolute priority for us”, says Julian Sandford for the Environment Agency in Devon. “The Ransomes Spider allows an individual operative to cut grass on slopes at up to 45 degrees whilst standing safely on firm, level ground.”
It is a view shared by the Environment Agency’s John Holmes, who is based in Dorset. “People working on steep banks frequently turn their ankles”, he said. “Since using the radio-controlled Spider, none of my colleagues have encountered that problem. And, because of the remote operation, hand and arm vibration is completely eliminated. This means that every member of my team - including those with white finger restrictions or limitations - can now mow banks and slopes. That has had a very positive effect on operational efficiency.”
Julian Sandford first saw the Ransomes Spider being demonstrated at Saltex in September 2005. As a radio controlled model car enthusiast, he was immediately attracted by the simple, intuitive operation. His question was ‘Does it really cut grass?’
To answer that question the Environment Agency hired a Ransomes Spider from PJ Flegg, Ransomes Jacobsen’s dealer for the South West. After two days impressive performance in the field, the Environment Agency bought the Spider for operations in West Dorset. The Agency then ordered two more, which are now at work in North and South Devon.
Ransomes Jacobsen is a subsidiary of Textron Inc., a $10 billion multi-industry company operating in 33 countries with approximately 37,000 employees in continuing operations. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com. |
