Since 2023 the municipality of Waalwijk has been using professional robot mowers for the maintenance of its sports fields.
- 36 grass sports fields spread across 8 sites
- 12 Bigmows deployed
- Involvement of sports clubs in the monitoring of the robots
- “An original and successful cooperation!”, says project leader Wilbert Scheerders.
A requirement for quality and durability for the maintenance of sports fields
As the maintenance contract is coming to an end, the municipality of Waalwijk has put out a call for tenders for its takeover. Thijs Zandwijk, team manager of Sportbedrijf Waalwijk, explains: “One important element of the tender was the commitment to sustainability and quality. We try to take every opportunity to work more sustainably. For example, we have been practicing chemical-free management for some time now“.
Using professional robot lawn mowers worked to the advantage of local entrepreneur Van Wijlen when he submitted his bid, because robot mowers meet these sustainability criteria.
No more underground wires to install robot mowers!
The first generations of robot mowers required the demarcation of areas by underground wires. This was not practical in the case of a sports field: some essential parts went unmowed and these wires hindered the ventilation of the field.
The new Belrobotics robot mowers are controlled wirelessly by an on-board GPS-RTK navigation system and mow in strips. If, very occasionally, a wire should still be necessary, for example due to a weak GPS signal, it is always outside the mowing area.
Fully automated maintenance of sports fields
The 12 Bigmows were delivered and installed by local Belrobotics dealer Vos Capelle at the 8 sports centres in the municipality of Waalwijk. Then, the machines were almost forgotten! Belrobotics’ Connected Line robot mowers work completely autonomously. The times, cutting heights and area to be mowed are easily entered into the software and, when the robot needs to be recharged, it just drives itself to the charging station. Monitoring can be carried out anywhere, anytime, via a dedicated application.
A cutting program designed for sports clubs
The programming was carried out in close collaboration with the sports clubs. This logistical headache was worth it though, because such consultation with the clubs is another important element in the success of the deployment of the robots. Good information in advance has made it possible to remove a certain resistance to change. And now, everyone sees and feels the benefits of this new cutting method!
Two advantages of robot mowers for the maintenance of sports fields appreciated in Waalwijk
- The mowing season is longer because the light weight of the robots (70 kg) allows them to mow even when weather conditions worsen.
- The field always looks impeccable, thanks to regular mowing and strip cutting.
Efficient cooperation for impeccable sports field maintenance
In Waalwijk, the challenge lies in the involvement of several parties in these municipal sports fields: for entrepreneur Van Wijlen, it is a matter of managing 8 separate sites belonging to the municipality and used by clubs and associations.
The people in charge stress that the cooperation of clubs is key to the success of the project. Every six weeks, the partners meet to discuss the maintenance of the sports fields and, once a year, those fields are the object of a joint inspection. It is a way of explaining to associations and clubs how maintenance works. Mr. Scheerder explains: ”This way, we can promote the understanding of our approach and whether adjustments are necessary. The most important thing is that we communicate continuously and know what to expect from each other”.
Encouraging results in terms of cutting quality and durability
After a year of use the conclusions are positive and the users enthusiastic: thanks to professional robot mowers, the sports fields look great and the local council is reaching its objectives in terms of sustainable development, namely chemical-free field management and reduced CO2 emissions.
Do you too want to optimize the maintenance of your sports field? ? Ask for a quote!