74 FARMSTAR LTD FEB / MAR 2022 • farmers-mart . co . uk
HIGH POWER KUBOTA IN A SMALL , LIGHTWEIGHT PACKAGE
With the lion ’ s share of his work now on solar farms , Paul Page of East Anglia Ground Maintenance ( EAGM ), wanted small yet highly manoeuvrable tractors with a big punch , to handle flail mowers .
“ WE wanted the smallest , lightest , most powerful tractors you could buy , for solar park applications ,” says Paul Page . “ I researched loads of different tractors , and while there ’ s plenty of models out there that are similar in size and power , none are as light as the Kubotas .”
Having invested in a 93hp M5091 Narrow and a 52hp L5040 from Farmstar ’ s Newark depot , both tractors and their respective front- and rear-mounted flail mowers can be moved using with 4x4s and trailers , instead of lorries .
“ Using trailers is cost-effective , more economical and far easier than running lorries ,” he adds . “ My business has grown way beyond East Anglia , but keeping a practical approach is as important as the high-quality finish we achieve for our customers .”
“ Each tractor has its own dedicated trailer , and the toppers we use can go on a third trailer ,” says Paul . “ It ’ s a straightforward
With front- and rear-offset flail mowers , the 93hp M5091 cuts up to 3.5m in one pass .
Operator Alan Hare ( left ) with Paul Page of EAGM , are pleased with their tractor choices .
solution , made possible by the lightweight , yet powerful Kubota tractors .”
His M5091 carries a 2.2m flail on its front linkage , with a 1.6m unit on the rear . With offset capabilities , this lets him cut 3.5m in one pass .
“ We don ’ t want full-sized farm equipment ,” he adds . “ Sites are not generous with space , and we need to move easily between the rows . So you don ’ t want big clumsy kit for that . The M5 Narrow and the L-series , are perfect tractors for this application .”
On sites where under-panel clearance is tight , Paul says the L-series uses a rear-mounted cutterbar that slides under the front edge of the panels to cut down growth .
“ When we spray these sites , an offset nozzle on the front of the tractor reaches under the panels , while the rear flail leaves a clean , tidy finish . So it ’ s job done , very efficiently , in one pass .”
He says he ’ d be happy to buy a second M5091 when the time comes to replace the L-series .
“ The M5 is such a brilliant combination of size and power ,” says Paul . “ There are cheaper tractors out there , but you only have to look at old Kubotas to see that even with many thousands of hours on their clocks , they ’ re still going strong .”
“ Basically , they ’ re bullet-proof . I can ’ t fault them , they are solid bits of kit ,” he says .
RTV GOES RED FOR ROVERS
THE home of Doncaster Rovers Football Club is showing its true colours with a specially-liveried Kubota RTV X-900 , designed as part of dealer Farmstar ’ s sponsorship agreement with the club .
The Eco-Power Stadium is also home to Doncaster Rugby League Club and Doncaster Rovers Belles Ladies Football Club , and rose to international fame recently as the venue for the England Ladies ’ team ’ s historic 20-0 defeat of Latvia .
Club Doncaster ’ s business development manager Michael Kilby-Scott explains : “ We have a close working relationship with our sponsors and we like to offer them business where appropriate . Farmstar ’ s Gaynor Waddington suggested painting the RTV in our red livery and adding both of our logos and we think it highlights our relationship with the company perfectly .”
Doncaster Rovers also has Kubota B2410 and B2261 tractors at the purpose-built stadium , which became the club ’ s base in 2006 .
As well as sporting events , the Eco-Power Stadium is a popular conference and event venue , is host to
Club Doncaster ’ s business development manager Michael Kilby-Scott , with Farmstar ’ s Gaynor Waddington at the Eco-Power stadium .
Doncaster Sports College and has operated as a test and vaccination centre during the COVID crisis , underlining its community role .
The RTV X-900 is powered by Kubota ’ s proven 22hp engine and has a continuously variable transmission for easy operation by any member of the groundcare team .
At the Eco-Power Stadium , it plays an essential role as the club ‘ workhorse ’, collecting and transporting clippings from hand mowers on the pitch , moving tools and equipment and helping with setting up before , and tidying up after , the stadium ’ s popular car boot sales .
“ The RTV ’ s a really useful piece of kit , and very easy to drive and use ,” comments groundsman Ryan Skelton . “ We find it very handy for getting around the site and it treads gently on the pitch , too .”
Farmstar has a bit of history with customised RTVs – its demonstrator vehicle with its distinctive zebra striped wrap has starred this year in a promotional video filmed at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park and in a special edition of DIY SOS for the BBC ’ s Children in Need appeal . What will they come up with next ?