Buyers Guide Dennis FT Mower Range is a blog asking those most asked questions by groundstaff and greenkeepers, we ask Dennis Mowers questions such as what makes the FT range stand out in the market, what is the future for fossil fuel engines and much more in this informative blog. Questions submitted by a working groundsman.
Tell us briefly about the history of the FT range of machines?
In 1990, Howardson purchased JP Mowers which had a reputation for being the Rolls Royce of domestic mowers. Their range included 10” push mowers through to 24” self-propelled cylinder mowers.
Howardson saw the potential to offer this kind of machine to bowls and cricket clubs etc that the larger Dennis traditional machines never filled.
The JP cassette system became the basis of the design for the FT range of machines
What makes the FT range stand out in the market?
The Dennis machines are often referred to as the Rolls Royce of mowers because of its build quality giving longevity of a mower allowing a club to purchase with confidence.
Quality of cut, ease of operation and maintenance are all other key customer requirements, together with the level of customer support from ourselves and our dealerships, pre- and post-sale.
Do the machines have anything unique about it?
The machine has a unique roller clutch drive for a smooth take up and variable clip rate for that ultimate finish. It has Honda Q9 low noise, low vibration technology power and low vibration mounts on the handlebar frame.
What are the range of widths of machines?
The FT range is available in three different cutting widths – 430mm (17”), 510mm (20”) and 610mm (24”).
Can you explain the difference between having either 5-10 bladed cylinder knifes?
We offer two different cylinder bladed cutting cassettes for the FT range. The 5 bladed cylinder is generally used for longer grass that is cut less frequently, whereas the 10 bladed cutting cylinder is used more frequently and gives a finer cut i.e. for a bowls green, golf green or cricket strip.
How easy is it to change the height of the cut?
The FT Range has a simple and robust click height adjustment of 0.25mm increment for each click without the need for any tools.
What cassette options are these for this machine?
A selection of 12 quick change cassettes are available allowing a user to perform a wide variety of essential turf maintenance tasks. They include: cutting cylinders, scarifiers, brushes, verticutters, a sarel roller, Slitter and spring tine rake.
Are machines available to demo?
We offer free no obligation demonstrations of all the Dennis machines. Demonstrations are usually booked through the local dealership and carried out by our own field support team.
What makes the FT range so robust?
We use the latest high-performance materials and with a highly qualified skilled team of engineers, we produce quality components for enhanced reliability, hence the longevity of a Dennis product.
There are a lot of budget brand mowers, why do you think the FT range stands above these?
British manufacturing at its best. When people visit our factory and see for themselves the quality of components, the processes they go through, they instantly recognise the value of the machine they are looking to purchase.
Knowing your club are investing in a quality product and built to last that is backed by excellent customer service provides peace of mind.
Can clubs buy direct?
We work with a network of dealerships across the country that have been chosen for their high level of customer support and knowledge amongst many things and clubs like to purchase locally because of the back up being close by.
Is there a long-term future for fossil fuel engines over electric powered machinery?
Good question. Certainly, at the moment there is a requirement for both fossil fuel and battery options due to different market segments and size of clubs meaning some clubs can choose the electric version, whereas some clubs still need to look at purchasing fossil fuelled machines. Long term will be determined by other factors such as funding availability to clubs.
Can electric power units be fitted to fuel type engines?
The answer to the question is that no you cannot put a battery onto a petrol machine as it is totally different chassis.
Are grants available for electric power-driven machines for those looking at the electric options, such as the ES 510?
Grants have/ are available particularly for cricket clubs i.e. the ECB grants over the course of the last couple of years.
Big thanks to Dennis Mowers for working with us on this informative Q&A- Brian on behalf of the TurfCareBlog Community
Have you seen our range of in house reviews, including one of the Dennis Pro 34 – https://turfcareblog.com/reviews/
