Best of British
Few British engineering companies have the pedigree of Dennis.
The world-renowned brand dates back to the late 19th century, early products having included motor tricycles, cars, lorries and fire engines. Mower manufacture began in 1922 and Dennis soon became the name on the equipment used on the world’s fine lawns and sportsfields. In 1981, the company transferred to Derby and massive investment in new products and manufacture followed.
Today, Dennis machines are used by groundsmen, greenkeepers and landscapers at public and private sector facilities the world over.
“We succeed because we listen to our customers,” says Managing Director Ian Howard. “Many of our designs have directly followed discussions with turf professionals and we value their opinions. All customer feedback is vital, and it lands directly on my desk for action.” Ian adds that, “we have a sound knowledge of the UK market, built up over many years and so Dennis produces British products for British conditions.”
Another plus point is that Dennis, being a British manufacturer, are able to provide off-the-shelf spare parts from stock.
The company’s pro-active design philosophy is typified by the ingenious Dennis FT range of pedestrian cylinder mowers. They are among the very few products that have genuinely revolutionised turf maintenance because they feature specially developed cassette attachments that can be quickly interchanged.
These include verti-cutters, scarifiers, aerators and turf brushes, as well as various mowing reels. As well as the precision finish to turf that Dennis equipment is famous for, the versatility of the FT machines enables grounds professionals to use one product for many essential tasks, maximising operational efficiency. The FT line-up includes machines with cutting widths from 17-24in (43-61cm). Larger versions have also been developed, designated the G Series, at 26” - 34” (66cm - 86cm). Popular with contractors and other professionals, they again show Dennis’ ability to meet specific market needs. Like their earlier predecessors, models are designed to be light in weight and easily manoeuvred to avoid damaging the sward.
“Our British-built FT and G Series have enhanced turf quality,” says Ian Howard. “Their versatility means that key tasks can be undertaken quickly and at the right time, rather than waiting to use another machine or having to buy one.”
Another British success story is Dennis’ Sport Ultra. Derived from the Sport pedestrian mower, which was developed specifically for work on fine turf like golf greens and features simple click-adjust cutting height adjustment, the Ultra incorporates a powered tungsten tipped groomer reel. The Ultra’s blades operate through grooves on the front roller in an interlocking configuration. This reduces the wheelbase for enhanced performance on undulations. Regular use reduces thatch and gives faster greens. Dennis also recognise how changing Health & Safety regulations influence product choice. The handlebar mechanism and other refinements to Dennis machines have been developed in conjunction with experts in the field. This includes research carried out at universities as well as by the development arm of QinetiQ, one of the world's leading technology companies.
The innovative company continues to flourish. Ian Howard reports ongoing sales growth and an annual turnover now in excess of £2m. Dennis strives for continuous improvement of their quality British-engineered products to suit changing customer needs.
The world-renowned brand dates back to the late 19th century, early products having included motor tricycles, cars, lorries and fire engines. Mower manufacture began in 1922 and Dennis soon became the name on the equipment used on the world’s fine lawns and sportsfields. In 1981, the company transferred to Derby and massive investment in new products and manufacture followed.
Today, Dennis machines are used by groundsmen, greenkeepers and landscapers at public and private sector facilities the world over.
“We succeed because we listen to our customers,” says Managing Director Ian Howard. “Many of our designs have directly followed discussions with turf professionals and we value their opinions. All customer feedback is vital, and it lands directly on my desk for action.” Ian adds that, “we have a sound knowledge of the UK market, built up over many years and so Dennis produces British products for British conditions.”
Another plus point is that Dennis, being a British manufacturer, are able to provide off-the-shelf spare parts from stock.
The company’s pro-active design philosophy is typified by the ingenious Dennis FT range of pedestrian cylinder mowers. They are among the very few products that have genuinely revolutionised turf maintenance because they feature specially developed cassette attachments that can be quickly interchanged.
These include verti-cutters, scarifiers, aerators and turf brushes, as well as various mowing reels. As well as the precision finish to turf that Dennis equipment is famous for, the versatility of the FT machines enables grounds professionals to use one product for many essential tasks, maximising operational efficiency. The FT line-up includes machines with cutting widths from 17-24in (43-61cm). Larger versions have also been developed, designated the G Series, at 26” - 34” (66cm - 86cm). Popular with contractors and other professionals, they again show Dennis’ ability to meet specific market needs. Like their earlier predecessors, models are designed to be light in weight and easily manoeuvred to avoid damaging the sward.
“Our British-built FT and G Series have enhanced turf quality,” says Ian Howard. “Their versatility means that key tasks can be undertaken quickly and at the right time, rather than waiting to use another machine or having to buy one.”
Another British success story is Dennis’ Sport Ultra. Derived from the Sport pedestrian mower, which was developed specifically for work on fine turf like golf greens and features simple click-adjust cutting height adjustment, the Ultra incorporates a powered tungsten tipped groomer reel. The Ultra’s blades operate through grooves on the front roller in an interlocking configuration. This reduces the wheelbase for enhanced performance on undulations. Regular use reduces thatch and gives faster greens. Dennis also recognise how changing Health & Safety regulations influence product choice. The handlebar mechanism and other refinements to Dennis machines have been developed in conjunction with experts in the field. This includes research carried out at universities as well as by the development arm of QinetiQ, one of the world's leading technology companies.
The innovative company continues to flourish. Ian Howard reports ongoing sales growth and an annual turnover now in excess of £2m. Dennis strives for continuous improvement of their quality British-engineered products to suit changing customer needs.