Maintaining the grounds of Blenheim Palace is no ordinary task. As one of Britain’s most celebrated historic estates, spanning 5,000 hectares and welcoming around one million visitors each year, the standard of presentation must match the grandeur of its surroundings.
For the estate team, the Major TDR Roller Mower has become a trusted partner in achieving that standard. After nine years of service from their previous machine, the decision to invest in another Major TDR was an easy one.
Rob Burgess, Forestry and Cultivation Manager at Blenheim Palace, says the mower’s track record made it the obvious choice. “We had the previous Major TDR for nine years and it kept the grounds looking superb. One of the key reasons for staying with the Major TDR is the finish we get from the roller mower. The build quality, reliability and dealer support are all important factors for us.”
The latest model has brought a number of improvements that make day-to-day operations even more efficient. Hydraulic folding wings allow operators to stay in the tractor cab, while galvanised decks offer greater protection against corrosion.
For Charlie Gerring, who works in estate maintenance, it’s the visible results that make the difference. “The quality of cut and finish from our Major TDR is fantastic. I get great satisfaction when I’ve finished mowing and can see the nice straight lines across the grass. Visitors expect the grounds to be beautifully manicured and the TDR helps us achieve that.”
Powered by a 120hp John Deere tractor, the mower handles the estate’s challenging terrain with ease, including the steep banks surrounding the lakes. Combined with the excellent service provided by dealer Farol Ltd, it continues to deliver the performance and reliability the team depends on.
At Blenheim Palace, where first impressions matter and standards never slip, the Major TDR continues to prove why it is the mower of choice. For Rob, Charlie and the wider grounds maintenance team, it remains a machine they wouldn’t look anywhere else to replace.