How one simple addition to groundskeeper training can help government agencies cut costs

Safety often takes center stage when it comes to groundskeeper training. But there is one, often overlooked aspect of grounds crew training that can have an impact on not only safety, but also productivity and operating expenses.

Well-rounded equipment training helps ensure that both mechanics and operators understand how to protect and maintain their groundskeeping equipment.

“Grasshopper has developed an effective equipment training platform over literally decades of working with government fleets,” says Brent Dobson, Director of Government Accounts at Grasshopper.

When should equipment training take place?

Basic equipment operator training is provided whenever a Grasshopper dealer delivers new zero-turn mowers to an agency. Then, a second round of operator training is beneficial after a crew has been running those mowers for a few months. This allows trainers to evaluate how operators have been using the zero-turn mowers to identify areas where more training may be needed.

Dobson explains why Grasshopper product specialists and local dealers are more than willing to provide this training.

“We like to go to the agency’s facility to provide the training,” Dobson points out. “This makes it easier for the agency, especially if they have quite a few employees who will be attending the training. It’s also more effective to provide operator training in an environment where operators will actually be running the mowers.”

What does the training involve?

Grasshopper equipment training involves a combination of classroom and hands-on training.

If an agency desires, separate training can be provided for mower operators and mechanics since each requires different areas of focus.

Mechanic training. Grasshopper trainers go through Grasshopper’s Fleet Resource Guide, explaining the design features of the Grasshopper zero-turn lawn mower, regular maintenance procedures that need to be performed, and more advanced information pertaining to things like engines, transmissions, and electrical systems. Service tips are also discussed, such as how to properly clean a radiator screen.

One popular section in Grasshopper’s Fleet Resource Guide is the Daily Maintenance Checklist. “Many of our government customers have told us how the checklist helps mechanics keep track of everything that needs to be done to keep their mowers running properly, which has led to longer component life, fewer repairs, and less downtime,” Dobson says.

Mechanic training also involves some time in the agency’s shop for hands-on training with Grasshopper service experts.

Mower operator training. The classroom portion provides an overview of Grasshopper zero-turn mower features and basic safety information as outlined in the operator’s manual. Hands-on training involves operating the mowers in their actual environment.

“We like to deliver operator training at one of the agency’s sites,” Dobson says. “That way our trainers can see what the grounds crew will encounter on a regular basis, such as grass conditions etc…This helps trainers tailor the training to a crew’s specific needs.”

Grasshopper trainers also use this opportunity to correct any issues that have developed during the crew’s first few months of using the mowers.

“A good example is mowing circles around trees,” Dobson says. “A lot of operators assume that is the right thing to do. In reality, that can cause compaction around a tree which makes it harder for the ground to absorb moisture. A tree could end up drying out and dying. Our trainers will explain this and demonstrate the proper way to mow around trees and other obstacles.”

Grasshopper trainers also check for any mower adjustments that may need to be made after a few months of use. Dobson points to things like deck leveling, belt re-tensioning, and blade sharpening as examples. When operators understand the importance of these maintenance measures, along with the symptoms to watch for that indicate they are needed, it’s less likely they’ll be overlooked by mechanics when mowers are in the shop.

How does this training help agencies control costs?

Building on the above point, Dobson says “cause and effect training” is what makes Grasshopper equipment training particularly valuable to government agencies.

“If you take the time to train the operator on how their mower actually works, they’ll think more about what they’re doing to the machine when they operate it,” Dobson explains.

This can help agencies reduce equipment damage and repair costs, as well as equipment downtime, and lost productivity.

For example, Under-greasing and over-greasing each cause their own set of problems that can lead to shortened component life. Failing to burnish the clutch after sitting during the winter can shorten the clutch life. Improper tire pressure can impact traction and cut quality. Properly sharpened mowing blades will help extend belt life etc…

“If you teach these types of things to the operator, the operator will usually pay much better attention to how the machine is cutting, how many operating hours have accumulated, and so forth,” Dobson says. “Communication between the operators and mechanics will improve, which will help ensure that each mower is better taken care of.”

As mentioned earlier, Dobson says this type of training is beneficial after a crew has been using their mowers for a few months. Most agencies like to offer the training every year, particularly those that experience a higher amount of employee turnover. Whatever the case, Dobson says Grasshopper will be there as the equipment training resource a government agency needs to help improve safety, productivity, and total cost of equipment ownership.