As the first team moves into AFC Bournemouth’s new training complex at Canford Magna, a new fleet of Toro machinery has also arrived to look after the first four pitches to be built.

Ian Lucas, head of grounds at AFC Bournemouth, right, with Reesink’s Mark Winder 

Head of grounds, Ian Lucas, says the machinery choices have been strategically regarding how to cut more efficiently according to European regulations and meet the Premier League standards in place for all pitches. 

Ian explains, “The products we chose come with adjustments to match the width of cut to the pitches exactly. The Toro Reelmaster 3100 with SideWinder, which is usually a mower favoured by golf clubs for cutting around bunkers and obstacles, allows us to mow as efficiently as possible with no overlap.”

Also assisting Ian and his team of 11 looking after the 57-acre training grounds are the manufacturer's Workman HDX utility vehicles with cabs and a Reelmaster 3550 for its light footprint and turf-friendly tyres. 

This will be followed up with another machinery order in the new year as the next four pitches for the £36 million Performance Centre open. Ian comments: “We’re ready for that. I’ve already chosen the Toro machines I want and submitted the lists. I’ve been using Toro for around 15 years, so I know how good it is, especially with the back-up and support of Reesink, our local dealer D J Scott and our mobile mechanic Lee Read.”