Last week, Turney Groundcare had the incredible opportunity to take a new customer to the Ransomes Jacobsen Factory in Ipswich, Suffolk.
Wellington College, a beautiful and expansive centre of educational excellence, is set on 400 acres of parkland made up of woodlands, lakes, formal gardens, playing fields, and a 9-hole golf course. Land of this size requires an incredibly competent and experienced Grounds and Gardens Team to keep the college pristine.
With variable turf, and lots of it, Wellington College needed a mower that could go the distance, producing a high-quality cut with maximum customisation.
That is where the Jacobsen LF570 comes in, meeting all turf care needs. The LF570’s SureTrac™ parallel-cross-series traction system ensures superior traction on hills and side slopes, with four high-torque wheel motors and an adjustable cutting height from 0.375 to 1.125 inches (9.5 to 28.6 mm), as well as an optional high-cut kit (1.56 inches or 39.6 mm). The LF570 is also equipped with Jacobsen’s high-capacity cutting units and a cutting width of 100 inches (2.54 metres). It offers ultimate comfort through its adjustable steering and hydrostatic power wheel.
Inspired by this purchase, Wellington College seized the opportunity to witness how their on-order SLF530 transforms from poles of high-quality steel into a fully functioning machine, ready to tackle vast areas of land. The SLF530 is designed for those who demand the best, a super-lightweight mower combining Jacobsen’s finest cutting reels with meticulous design, ensuring greens and fairways are always in spectacular condition.
Our day began bright and early, and we all had a long way to travel. After a few backseat snoozes, we arrived at our destination, half sleepy yet full of excitement. We were met by Rob Hayward, Jacobsen Product Trainer, and Rachel Doyle, our Account Manager, and taken to a truly impressive meeting room complete with cushioned chairs, hot and cold refreshments, and a large screen welcoming our guests. What followed was an engaging presentation, where Ransomes Jacobsen demonstrated their deep research and genuine passion for sharing the story of their company.
Then came the main event. Decked out in high-visibility gear and protective goggles, with safety being the top priority, Ransomes Jacobsen began the tour. In 2020, Textron, the Fortune 500 parent company of Ransomes Jacobsen, relocated all Jacobsen professional turf equipment manufacturing to Ipswich in an unprecedented effort to make the UK factory a centre of excellence. This move aimed to leverage expertise, streamline investment, and improve efficiency, particularly beneficial for Turney’s in the UK. As expected, the Ipswich factory proved to be a haven of knowledge and support.
It was large, efficient, and full of energy. We began by learning about their impressive refurbishment services, where aged or worn machines are re-manufactured into near-new condition and sold back for a fraction of the cost of a new model. After a challenging year in the Groundcare industry, it was inspiring to see a company helping customers cut costs without compromising quality.
From there, we observed the skilled teams who tirelessly build the cylinder blades, nuts, bolts, frames, handles, gear sticks, brakes, and much more. We toured the Genuine Parts department, where Ransomes Jacobsen produces over 34,000 Genuine Parts each year to support machines post-purchase. We learned about the intense organisation required to manage the parts department and the efficiency gained through modern technology.
We passed through the quality check department, where thousands of parts are thoroughly inspected for a uniform finish, correct colour, material hardness, weight, and precise dimensions to ensure seamless fitment. For example, a genuine cylinder reel has precision-machined edges and a uniform weld pattern, and any inconsistency or poor balance renders it unsuitable for use.
We then witnessed the impressive painting process, which begins with an acid shower to prepare the surface, ensuring that the paint adheres properly and lasts for years. Once washed, the products cannot come into contact with human skin, or the process must be repeated. From there, they are hung from an overhead conveyor and painted in the iconic Ransomes Jacobsen green, orange, and black.
Next, we visited the assembly line, seeing different mowers in all stages of construction. The engineers were carefully constructing, testing and building machines left, right and centre, and it was a true privilege to be so close to the action.
Finally, we ended the tour in a vast Ransomes Jacobsen warehouse, where hundreds of machines were laid out before us to admire.
What followed was a delicious lunch, and a proper catch-up with the Wellington College Grounds and Garden Team, who felt inspired and enthralled by the tour.
It was a lovely conclusion to an informative and memorable day, leaving us with immense respect for the craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication that go into every Ransomes Jacobsen machine.
We would like to thank Ransomes Jacobsen, Rob Hayward and Rachel Doyle for organising the tour, and Wellington College for being such wonderful guests. We look forward to our continued relationship!
