Michael Curtis, Head Groundsman at Bury F.C’s JD Stadium at Gigg Lane, has been at the club for almost 30 years.

With the stadium pitch and three training pitches to look after, Michael and his team have their work cut out, so it is vital they have the correct equipment to meet the demands of the job.


Dennis G860 in action at Gigg Lane, Bury FC

“We used to have a triple mower which struggled in wet conditions. We had wheel spinning, the weight was an issue and it was even sinking in places. So we looked at numerous other options and Dennis came out on top. That was about eight years ago now. Since then we have used five of their machines and recently purchased another three,” said Michael.

Michael said the main reason he purchased the G860 was because of the machine's weight. At just 166kg it is one of the lightest machines designed specifically for stadium pitch mowing.

“The presentation that the G860 delivers is absolutely top draw. We are on television most weeks and I can honestly say that our pitch always looks one of the best. It produces beautiful mowing stripes and aesthetically it just looks fantastic.

“We use the brush cassette to pick up all the debris after a match and also use the scarifier cassette two or three times a month just to dig the thatch out and rejuvenate the roots and shoots.”

Michael uses an eight bladed cutting cassette which he says gives a finer cut and sharper finish. He also says it is imperative that the machine is comfortable to use and this is something which the G860 is renowned for with its low vibration handlebars.

“I would definitely recommend the G860 to any groundsman; the speed of cut, the weight, the interchangeable cassettes, the overall performance – I’m very impressed indeed,” said Michael.