Model airplanes are all about precision. Not only in the air, but also on the ground. The association for model airplanes Delta in Oss knows this better than anyone. An even, short mowed lawn is essential for the small wheels of their radio-controlled airplanes. But how do you keep the lawn in perfect condition, without it becoming a burden for the volunteers? The answer lied in the innovative technology of robot mowers, which are specially designed for large areas.
Why should the grass always be ultra short?
“Our grass should be the quality of that of a golf course” says Leonce Bimbergen, an enthusiastic model flyer and member of the association. “We fly almost every day, whether it is for training, demonstrations or matches. The airfield should always be perfect.” This makes the maintenance standard of the lawn, which was mowed with a cylindric mower before, very high Although the result was fine, the maintenance of the mower became more and more expensive. Moreover, the association needed a team of five retired volunteers to mow the lawn twice a week. For an airfield of this proportions, that was a hell of a job.
The switch to robot mowing
Their search for a more efficient solution led the association to the BM-850 of Belrobotics, a professional robot mower, designed for large areas, such as ballparks. Bimbergen, who already used a robot mower of the same brand at home, was the driving force behind the purchase. “My experiences with my own mower were good and I approached Vitaro, the supplier, to see what they could offer us. The BM-850 appeared to be perfect for our airfield.”
Technology on the airfield: Sonar and GPS
The BM-850 applies advanced technologies that ensure a perfect result on the large area of the airfield for model airplanes:
- Accurate mowing: Two floating heads and ecologic mulching ensures that the grass is cut evenly and accurately.
- Obstacle detection: Sonar detects and avoids obstacles and ensures a trouble-free operation of the professional robot mower.
- GPS control: With the GPS RTK technology, the robot mower can be programmed up to a millimeter precisely. This makes it possible to mow the different zones of the field at different heights.
- Available 24/7 The robot mower works day and night, regardless of the weather conditions.
Always working: mowing 24/7
One of the greatest advantages of the robot mower, is that it can work 24 hours per day, regardless of the weather conditions. The main field is being mowed at night and early in the morning, while the side fields and the camping area are being mowed during the day. This way the mower does not bother the model flyers during their activities.
“Another advantage is that the robot mower does not leave any tracks, even after heavy rainfall”, Bimbergen tells us. “That was a big problem with our old mower. Now our airfield remains even and short, exactly how we need it to be.”
The advantages for the association for model airplanes
Switching to a professional robot mower turned out to profit the association in different ways:
- Time saved: Volunteers do not have to spend several hours a week on mowing the airfield. This gives them time to focus on other tasks.
- Perfect grass: The grass is always even and ultrashort, exactly what is needed for the small wheels of the model airplanes.
- Flexibility: Due to the programmable zones and mowing heights, the mower can maintain the different fields perfectly, like the camping area next to the airfield for the model airplanes.
- Eco-friendly: The robot mower works electrically, which makes it a sustainable alternative for the traditional petrol mower.
An investment for the future
The choice for a robot mower brought numerous benefits to the association of model airplanes, Delta. Not only the airfield is in perfect condition, but the volunteers are also relieved of the heavy work. Moreover, the maintenance of the robot mower is much cheaper compared to the previous cylindric mower.
“It is an investment that is earned back easily”, Bimberg concludes happily. “With the BM-850 we have found the perfect combination between technology, efficiency and quality. Our airfield is always ready for the next flight.”
With this innovative approach, the association of model airplanes, Delta, proves that progressive thinking is not only reserved for their airplanes, but is also applied for the maintenance of the airfield. An excellent example of how technology can support people’s hobbies and passions.