Top cut

An industrious amateur groundsman from Somerset has ensured he remains a cut above the rest after designing and building his own range of cylinder mowers.

Andrew Fox, of East Harptree Cricket Club, a small village around 15 miles south of Bristol, hit upon the idea after the supply of used Atco machines he sold after renovating started to run dry.

The self-taught engineer, realising that many clubs could ill afford the higher end mowers that cost in the region of £4,500 - £7,000 started designing his own brand to satisfy demand from clubs that wanted a good quality product at a price they could afford.

When his partner Louise took a job as an education advisor in Saudi Arabia, the 44-year-old businessman tinkered about in his garage and the 14 blade Fox Cylinder mower was born.

“I’ve been renovating Atco mowers since the 80s,” said the self-confessed mower fantastic. “When I was 11 I took apart my father’s when he was at work one day and I’ve been working on them ever since.

“People started to give me their mowers to fix and this led to me reconditioning used cylinder mowers.

“When demand for reconditioned models outstripped supply the alternative was either cheap Chinese imports or more expensive models that the majority of clubs couldn’t really afford so I took to designing my own.

“I import the chassis, bolt on a Briggs & Stratton engine, re-engineer key components such as improved height mechanisms and ensure that parts don’t vibrate loose. I then install the 14 blade cylinder that gives a finer cut that can cut grass down to 1.4mm if needed although the average club wicket in the UK is around 3-5mm.

“All in all it takes around six hours to build from start to finish and I sign and date each one as a sign of authenticity.”

Such is Fox’s attention to detail he even came up with the idea of lining the front roller with Teflon to ensure the minimum amount of soil is collected.

“It stops mud from collecting under the roller,” added Fox. “If mud collects on the roller, it lofts the roller up and gives an uneven cut. With this system, any soil that’s collected can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to ensure the best cut for your wicket.”

A company director with Bristol Oilskins by day, the mower enthusiast builds the bespoke machines on evenings and weekends.

“At the end of the day it’s a hobby,” he added. “It’s a hobby for me and not a full-time business so hopefully I’m helping out clubs along the way by supplying them with a quality mower at a more agreeable price.”

The Fox cylinder mower costs £1,765 with no VAT applicable.

Clubs thinking of buying a new cylinder mower for the forthcoming season can book a demonstration by contacting Andrew on 07768 950678 or email: af@foxwear.co.uk

Specifications:

• 20"- 80kg all steel Chassis complimented with the bullet proof Briggs and Stratton 5 series engine.
• Bespoke Yorkshire manufactured 12 or 14 bladed cylinder.
• Impressive cylinder/bottom blade adjustment assembly.
• Weighted single front roller specifically sprayed & baked with non-stick outer coating.
• Single lockable height adjustment.
• Height indicator providing pin point accuracy when returning to a pre-set height
• Engine enhancement.
• Gearing and cylinder tip speed calibration providing absolute precision cutting.
• Very easy to use and adjust.