Allett Mowers invited industry leaders to Twickenham Rugby Stadium on May 14th to showcase their new C34E battery powered mower and hold informal talks on sustainability.

Attendance at the venue represented dealers, football, rugby, cricket, Royal Households, and Oxford and Cambridge University colleges.

Austin Jarrett, Allett’s managing director, gave a talk on the company’s battery machine strategy and the technology behind battery electric power helping to drive the future for professionals. He emphasised the health and safety benefits of non-particulate power and sustainability with zero emissions at the point of use, low noise, low vibrations and minimum maintenance.

Twickenham Rugby Stadium’s head groundsman, Keith Kent, talked about how he maintains a world class pitch, providing the same standards whatever the use, be it international rugby, leisure events or even schools tournaments. The third speaker, sustainability expert Professor David Stubbs, presented on the challenges in the industry, using a case study of the London 2012 Olympic Games. His talk embraced climate change and how sport can help address major global ecological problems.

The talks were followed by pitchside demonstrations with everyone allowed access to the hallowed turf and a very green pitch in bright sunlight. The C34E was first seen at Saltex 2018 and since then Allett say they have spent the months in trials and further developments, to bring the mower to the stage where it is ready to go into production.

Powered by the latest Lithium-ion system battery technology, the C34E has a new chassis design while maintaining compatibility with Allett’s turf maintenance system. The mower features interchangeable cartridges for powered raking, aerating and brushing. 

Austin Jarrett said, “We’ll be using the debate and feedback from the customers to form part of Allett decision making and future planning in our battery machine strategy. The industry is rapidly changing and while we aim to be at the forefront we will only be launching twenty C34E this year. When a customer buys one of the first 20 machines we will work with them and their dealer on any developments of the machine before we go into mass production next year. They will become an Allett Pioneer Programme member and attend focus groups and factory visits and will also get exclusive Pioneer merchandise.”

Allett say the consensus after the meeting was general agreement the industry is quickly learning about sustainability and recognising the need to gain greater momentum in the face of climate change.