Maintaining Professional Turf Standards at Al Ettifaq FC with SISIS & Dennis Machines

Club: Al Ettifaq FC
Location: Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Grounds Manager: Mohammed Muhanna, Agricultural Engineer
Experience: Over five years using SISIS and Dennis turf maintenance equipment

Setting the Standard in Saudi Turf Care

Established in 1945, Al Ettifaq Football Club is one of the most historic and respected clubs in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Competing in the Saudi Professional League, the club is dedicated to maintaining world-class playing surfaces that meet FIFA standards -a commitment led by Agricultural Engineer Mohammed Muhanna and his team.

With over five years of experience using SISIS and Dennis machines, Mohammed has seen firsthand the difference that quality turf care equipment makes in delivering a professional, consistent surface for elite athletes.

The Challenge: Achieving Consistent, Professional Results

Before investing in SISIS and Dennis equipment, Al Ettifaq FC faced challenges maintaining consistency in mowing and verti-cutting. Previous machines lacked the precision, reliability and performance needed to keep up with professional match demands and harsh weather conditions.

Recognising the need for more dependable and adaptable solutions, the club turned to Delta Turf Care, the regional distributor for SISIS and Dennis. Their outstanding after-sales service and technical support helped ensure a smooth transition to new, high-performance equipment.

The Solution: SISIS & Dennis Machines in Action

The introduction of Dennis G860 cylinder mowers and SISIS turf maintenance machines has transformed Al Ettifaq’s maintenance routine.

After every match, Mohammed’s team assesses the condition of the pitch and selects the right machine for the task:

The SISIS Litamina is first used to sweep and remove debris, ensuring a clean surface. Designed for both fine and outfield turf, the tractor-mounted Litamina 1200 and 1500 models feature a spiral brush design that collects debris such as leaves, litter, grass clippings and aeration cores efficiently into a large galvanised hopper - all without damaging the turf. The brushes closely follow ground contours for a uniform finish and their tool-free adjustment makes setup quick and simple.
Durable, reliable, and easy to operate, the Litamina has become an indispensable part of Al Ettifaq’s maintenance programme, saving valuable time and manpower while keeping the pitch pristine.

Next, the Dennis G860 takes over with its interchangeable cassette system, allowing the team to switch effortlessly between mowing, brushing and light scarifying depending on the pitch’s needs.The Dennis G860 is at the heart of Al Ettifaq’s turf maintenance programme -a petrol-powered cylinder mower renowned for its precision, versatility and reliability. With an 860mm (34") cutting width and Honda GX200 engine, it delivers an exceptional quality of cut across large playing surfaces such as football and rugby pitches. Its quick-change cassette system offers up to 13 interchangeable options, enabling the same machine to tackle multiple maintenance tasks including scarifying, verti-cutting, and brushing. This flexibility allows Mohammed and his team to adapt their approach to seasonal and post-match requirements with ease.

Built for professional turf, the G860 combines low ground pressure, outstanding manoeuvrability, and ergonomic controls for operator comfort and accuracy. The cast three-section aluminium ribbed roller ensures positive traction and mark-free turning, while the open construction provides superior sight lines for precise mowing. For Al Ettifaq FC, this has meant faster turnaround times, consistent presentation, and a reliable finish that meets top-level playing standards.

This streamlined workflow has not only increased efficiency but also reduced downtime, ensuring the pitch remains in peak condition year-round.

Mohammed highlights the G860’s flexibility as one of its most valuable attributes:

• Multiple reel options (8-blade and 11-blade) allow fine-tuning of the mowing finish.
• The interchangeable cassette system means one machine can perform a variety of maintenance tasks, eliminating the need for multiple specialised units.
  -Together, these features give Mohammed and his team complete control over the surface quality, ensuring consistency and playability that meet professional standards.

Today, the club enjoys smoother operations, more consistent playing conditions, and a higher level of confidence in every maintenance task. The Dennis and SISIS partnership, supported by Delta Turf Care, has given Al Ettifaq FC the tools to maintain a FIFA-quality pitch - every single day.

When asked if he would recommend the equipment to others, Mohammed is clear:

“Absolutely. I highly recommend Dennis and SISIS machines to all site engineers.”