Maintain Your Grounds

Maintaining your grounds and developing new areas and features is key to keeping visitors engaged in the beauty and value of your site. Part of that job is making sure you have well-trained staff with the right equipment to handle the job.

Q: What kinds of equipment will help our maintenance crew take care of our grounds?

A: The right equipment is key to keeping grounds pristine for visitors. However, there are many different property types, and a vast number of machines designed to maintain grounds. Compact utility tractors have a reputation for being the Swiss army knife of equipment, as these machines can be transformed using a vast array of implements to tackle just about any task. From mowing and aerating to blowers, blades, backhoes and loaders, compact utility tractors are ideal because of the versatility of the machine. Through the simple addition of implements—hundreds of which are available—a compact utility tractor can be used for everything from digging and trenching to grading and moving materials, as well as mowing.

Other types of machines to consider include wide-area mowers, zero-turns or specialty equipment if the property includes sports fields. Additionally, consider a utility vehicle, which can be used for routine cleanup such as trash collection, and transformed with attachments and accessories to tackle other tasks, such as spraying and seeding.

It's best to work with a dealer to determine the right machines for the property. Once a piece of equipment has been selected, the dealer can help with the purchasing process.

Q: What should we know about developing new areas and features?

A: New areas can add value to your recreation site, providing more things to do and see for visitors. When developing new areas, the right equipment can make the job easier. Fortunately, compact utility tractors are great for site development. Implements can be used for grading, moving materials or digging holes, as well as many other jobs. If the project is bigger, it might be worth renting additional equipment—such as a skid steer or compact track loader—or working with a third-party company to get the job done.

Q: What should we know about maintaining our equipment?

A: Each day before you start work, do a daily walkaround. Check for loose parts or worn belts that may need to be replaced and any leaks that require immediate attention. Also keep an eye on tires—especially when winter rolls around—to ensure they are properly inflated. Check the tire pressure and tread, and add air or replace tires if needed.

Routine maintenance is crucial for keeping machines up and running. Reference your owner's manual, which will outline the maintenance schedule for each machine, as well as the recommended types of fluid requirements. Consider working with a dealer to help with routine maintenance and keeping parts in stock. Many dealerships offer maintenance and parts packages to help streamline routine work and ensure that you have the right parts when you need them. If you are financing a piece of equipment, depending on your financial institution, you might be able to wrap in parts and service as a part of your monthly payment, streamlining costs.