For SP Landscapes, reliability is everything.
Operating across East Anglia and beyond, the family-run business has built a reputation on delivering commercial grounds maintenance contracts and domestic works to the highest standard and for more than 30 years, equipment from Kubota has played a pivotal role in that success.
Contracts Manager Bobby Luckings explains the importance of the partnership and how, today, Kubota is powering around 80% of their grass cutting operation.
Founded by Bobby’s stepdad Steve Pammenter, SP Landscapes has grown from a garden shed, one van and one push mower to 25 field staff, a large machinery fleet and contracts covering highways, district councils, housing developments and commercial sites. Bobby, himself, has been involved with the company for 20 years – starting off ‘on the tools’ which even then, revolved around Kubota.
Kubota a ‘constant presence’
“Kubota has been a constant presence for us and every machine we’ve ever used from them is simple to use, reliable and up to task” says Bobby. “We currently have two Kubota ST35’s which power implements for landscaping and groundworks, a BX2200 and multiple mowers from the G and F Series, all supplied by our local dealers Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS).”
Two of their most recent purchases include the Kubota F391 out-front mower and a G231HD from the popular, professional G-Series. With a 22hp diesel engine, 48” mower deck and high dump collector, the G231HD offers impressive performance, combined with excellent operator comfort and cut capability whether grass is tall or dense, wet or dry. “This has brought fantastic productivity to the cutting of commercial areas, with the high dump feature meaning we can easily empty clippings into the van for recycling at Thetford power station.”
“The F391’s meanwhile are fantastic at manoeuvring around obstacles, so are our go-to for quickly and efficiently cutting some of our larger residential lawns and council green spaces.” Bobby adds, “With the exception of some of the highways and verge maintenance and the really big spaces, everything we cut is done with a Kubota.”
Regular Maintenance
With in-house workshop facilities, the SP team make a concerted effort to keep on top of routine maintenance, which pays dividends in terms of reliability and in-field performance. “We service every machine after 100 hours, grease them daily and clean them down after use. If we look after them, they look after us by return.” This dependability extends to other equipment on the fleet, much of which is powered by Kubota engines. “We’ve so rarely had an issue with an engine that we get real peace of mind when we purchase equipment for other areas of our business and it comes with a Kubota engine!”
On the rare occasion, parts or advice are required, Bobby praises the support from local dealers TNS who have worked alongside SP Landscapes for more than three decades. “They’re knowledgeable, hold a good stock of parts and are always on hand to answer any questions or keep us in the loop with new products or demonstrations.”
