The Most Important Groundwork Equipment and Tools: From Road Gritters to Remote Control Lawn Mowers

Whether you’re the owner of a large property, a groundskeeper or an individual looking for a reliable means of maintaining your premises, you’ll be aware of the level of experience and hard work it takes to stay on top of physical tasks and general upkeep. What’s more, there is no denying that the world of ground maintenance is constantly evolving; new equipment and technology is always being introduced to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

For those of us working within the profession, staying up to date with equipment and tools enables our work to be carried out in a timely manner without sacrificing quality. No matter the task, be it weeding, land clearance, tree surgery, gritting or snow clearance, the right equipment allows work to be carried out in a range of conditions.

Of course, the range of equipment and skill needed can seem daunting but, for those considering hiring a grounds maintenance contractor or hiring out equipment, it is useful to understand which tools are crucial for the task at hand.

Here at GMCB, we’ve put together a guide to the most important groundwork equipment and tools.

Mowers

First on our list are among the most widely used pieces of groundwork kit on the market. Lawn mowers of varying sizes and functions are used all over the world for a number of different tasks. Although there is a tendency to assume all mowers perform the same job, there are many different types, designed for a plethora of functions and maintenance tasks.

You might imagine that a ground maintenance contractor will use the same style of mower you use for your front lawn, but this isn’t the case.

Remote Control Mowers

As is the case in all industries, the advancement of technology has brought incredibly helpful developments to mowers. One piece of essential equipment for many ground maintenance contractors is a remote control mower.

As the name suggests, remote control mowers allow individuals to cut grass in areas that may not be suitable for traditional or ride-on mowers. This type of mower enables the operator to wirelessly control it from a distance.

Flail Mowers

Flail mowers are agile and powerful remote controlled mowers, designed for the cutting of grass on hills, river embankments and large reservoirs that a normal mower would not have the strength to tackle.

What’s more, a flail mower is the perfect tool for overcoming wet conditions, cutting effectively and neatly while removing the risk of injury or accident to the operator.

Leaf Blower

Next on the list is the leaf blower. While these devices are simple in their design, their usefulness should not be underestimated. For many, a leaf blower is a crucial piece of equipment, enabling leaves, dirt, dust and light debris to be cleared from an area with ease.

Mulchers & Wood Chippers

Here at GMCB, we carry out a wide range of land clearance and management work. Included in the many pieces of equipment crucial to this process are mulchers and wood chippers. Whilst both of these machines carry out similar functions, the main difference is their size.

Wood chippers are heavy duty machines designed to break down bigger pieces of wood and trees into chips, whereas mulchers are useful for smaller greenery and debris.

Using our fixed-tooth forestry mulchers, we are able to tackle thick vegetation and branches to wood chips, removing the need for tree surgeons to work in dangerous conditions. Moreover, mulchers are an environmentally friendly solution, allowing the disposal of waste and improving soil quality.

Hedge Trimmers

Another essential bit of kit for those of us working in ground maintenance and clearance are hedge trimmers. Much like mowers, these tools vary in size and function depending on the task at hand.

It is worth noting that understanding which equipment is most appropriate for a situation is as important as the equipment itself. Certain scenarios such as tighter spots or smaller jobs will require more agile hand-held trimmers, whereas larger scale commercial groundwork may call for ride-on hedge cutting equipment. Here at GMCB, our knowledgeable team will always select the most appropriate tools for the job.

Chainsaws

Following the theme of cutting and trimming, chainsaws are another must-have tool for our NPTC certified tree-surgeons and commercial landscape contractors. Keeping trees in a condition which is not only visually appealing but also safe is a crucial aspect of grounds maintenance; chainsaws are an essential part of this process.

As the removal of trees is sometimes the safest and most logical solution, a high-quality chainsaw is crucial to carry out this task swiftly and efficiently.

Weed Killing Essentials

No matter the size or scale of a property, be it a small garden or an entire estate, there is no avoiding weeds. These irritating little plants are enough to drive any groundskeeper or proud homeowner crazy, so it’s important they are dealt with properly and thoroughly.

As well as their expertise, our professional team relies on a variety of weed killing tools to get the job done. From pesticides to pressurised sprayers, we use a range of equipment and materials to ensure the efficient removal and prevention of unwanted pests.

Road Gritters

Here at GMCB, in addition to our range of grounds maintenance and land clearance services, we also offer gritting and snow clearance to ensure safety during the colder months. One piece of equipment that is crucial to this process is a road gritter.

From preventative measures, to emergency gritting, our vehicles enable the clearance of ice and snow from roads and paths. In turn, this allows businesses to open as usual, as well as the regular operation of emergency services. Of course gritters vary in size and coverage, but their purpose remains the same.

Hand Tools

Of course, no discussion of essential groundworking equipment would be complete without recognising the importance of traditional hand tools. While modernised machines and technology such as remote control mowers have revolutionised the industry, certain jobs require the use of hand tools.

Equipment such as shovels, rakes, shears and secateurs are still used on the largest clearance projects as they are versatile, agile and manoeuvrable. As with all equipment, high-quality hand tools are essential as they will last longer and enable work to be carried out efficiently.

Knowledge

Last on our list of the most important groundwork tools and equipment is knowledge. Whilst this isn’t a physical tool, it is one of the most important elements in any contractor’s arsenal as it is only through years of experience on a range of projects that the tricks of the trade can be acquired.

Understanding which tools are appropriate for certain situations as well as how to operate equipment safely and effectively is absolutely crucial. Here at GCMB, we pride ourselves on the years of experience that have allowed us to build a reputation as a skilled, reliable and friendly team.

GMCB: Experienced Grounds Maintenance Contractors

When it comes to ground maintenance of any kind, the aforementioned tools and equipment are crucial for completing jobs thoroughly and efficiently. If you’re in need of a reliable grounds maintenance contractor, equipped with the tools and knowledge for any task, look no further than GMCB.

We are a family-run business with years of experience behind us and a genuine passion for the work we do. What’s more, our services are available throughout the year, meaning that our friendly team is able to work in all conditions. From snow-clearance and gritting to weed killing and sport ground maintenance, don’t hesitate to get in contact.

For a free quote, call us now on 07903 211 499 or send an email to enquiries@gmcbltd.co.uk.