Battery Power Proven on Bowls Greens at Keswick Town Council

When Keswick Town Council reviewed how it maintained its fine turf areas, including its bowling greens, the objective was clear: maintain traditional standards of presentation and playability while introducing quieter, more sustainable working practices.
For Parks Manager Christine Fawcett, who manages Fitz Park and Hope Park, which are charitable trusts, any change had to be practical, reliable and low risk. Fitz Park in particular is home to a well-used club bowling green as well as a public green; both of which demand consistency throughout the season.

A smooth transition

Before adopting battery technology, the Council operated three Dennis FT510 cylinder mowers with a full range of interchangeable cassettes. The introduction of the ES-510 by Dennis provided a clear route to electrification without disrupting established maintenance practices.
“We wanted to reduce emissions without losing the versatility we already had,” explains Christine. “Being able to use our existing cassettes made the move to battery cost-effective, straightforward and reassuring.”
The ES-510 uses the same 12 interchangeable cassettes as the FT series, allowing operators to switch easily between cutting, verticutting, grooming and brushing to suit bowls green conditions.

Quiet, reliable performance on bowls greens

“The battery power has been extremely reliable,” says Christine. “We can cut a bowling green and two grass tennis courts, plus a few other areas, on a single charge. Then we just take the batteries off, charge them overnight and they’re ready to go the next morning.”
The quiet operation of the ES-510 has been a major. “Being able to mow without disturbing anyone is brilliant. Members of the public often comment on how quiet the mowers are; they’re amazed!”

Proven confidence and long-term value

While there was initial caution around investing in new technology, that confidence has been rewarded. The Council has now been running its first Dennis battery mower for three years and has since added two more ES-510s, all delivering consistent performance.
Operators value the intuitive controls, adjustable walking speed and familiar Dennis feel, ensuring a consistent cut regardless of who is operating the machine.
Alongside environmental benefits, the Council has also seen reduced fuel costs. “We’re achieving the standards we expect on the bowling green while reducing running costs,” Christine concludes. “The technology is proven, the quality is there, and the support has been first class.”