How Two Kress KR237E Mowers Transformed 40,000m² of Playing Fields
Maintaining large school playing fields is no small task — and when a school recently lost their groundsman, they were suddenly faced with a tough decision.
Do they outsource grass cutting at a high ongoing cost?
Or is there a smarter, more sustainable way forward?
That’s when we stepped in with a plan built around the Kress KR237E Commercial robotic mower.
The Challenge: No Groundsman, Rising Costs
With approximately 40,000m² of playing fields to maintain, contracting out the work initially seemed like the only option. However, the projected costs were high — and there was still no guarantee of consistency, especially through the wet winter months.
The school needed:
- Reliable, year-round grass cutting
- High-quality football pitches
- Minimal disruption to pupils
- Predictable, reduced maintenance costs
The Plan: Two KR237E Mowers, One Complete Solution
Rather than outsourcing, we proposed a tailored solution using two Kress KR237E Commercial mowers, carefully planned to cover the entire site efficiently and consistently.
Just as importantly, the mowing schedule was designed around the school day. The robots were programmed to operate outside of lesson times, ensuring:
- No disruption to teaching
- Safe, quiet operation while pupils are on site
- Seamless integration into the school’s daily routine
Once the plan was approved, installation was completed and the mowers were set to work immediately.
Immediate Results — Even in January
Despite it being January, traditionally one of the toughest months for pitch maintenance, the results were impressive.
The school reported:
- The best-looking football pitches they’ve ever seen at this time of year
- Consistent cutting, even in wet weather
- A visibly more professional finish across all playing areas
Where traditional mowing or contractors would struggle, the KR237E units kept working — quietly and reliably.
Drier Pitches Through Smarter Cutting
One of the most unexpected — and valuable — benefits was how much drier the pitches became.
Because the grass is cut little and often, it doesn’t become long and heavy. Longer grass tends to trap moisture, but with regular cutting:
- Water drains away more effectively
- Surfaces dry faster after rainfall
- Pitches remain playable for longer
The result is better-quality, safer playing surfaces, even during prolonged wet periods.
A Significant Reduction in Costs
From a financial perspective, the impact was just as strong.
By choosing robotic mowing over contracted services, the school has seen a massive reduction in ongoing maintenance costs, while actually improving pitch quality — a rare win-win.
The Verdict
What began as a staffing challenge has turned into a long-term upgrade in grounds maintenance.
✔ No reliance on contractors
✔ Reduced costs
✔ Scheduled safely around lesson times
✔ Consistent cutting in wet weather
✔ Drier, higher-quality pitches
✔ Outstanding results — even in winter
The Kress KR237E Commercial mower has proven itself as a reliable, cost-effective solution for schools and sports facilities looking to maintain professional standards without professional-level costs.
If your school, sports club, or facility is facing similar challenges, get in touch with us to see how a tailored Kress solution could work for you.