Smart Mowing: How Cheam School is Saving Time, Money, and the Environment

When Mark Little, Head Groundsman at Cheam School, introduced Kress robot mowers to the school’s grounds management operation, he unlocked a transformation that goes far beyond simply cutting grass.

The results speak for themselves: 500 labour hours saved annually, £5,000 in fuel costs eliminated, and an environmental impact equivalent to taking five cars off the road. But perhaps most importantly, the school’s grounds team has been freed to focus on what they do best – specialist turf management, landscaping projects, and strategic improvements that elevate the entire school environment.

What makes Kress robot mowers particularly suited to educational settings is their intelligent programmability. Unlike traditional mowing operations that must navigate around lessons, break times, and sports fixtures, these autonomous machines work to the school’s schedule, not against it. They operate on Sundays, during evenings, throughout holidays, and whenever pupils aren’t using the grounds. The result? Immaculate lawns and pitches that never disrupt the school day.

“The greatest benefit is the time they give back to our team,” says Little. “With routine mowing handled automatically, we can dedicate more time to technical and specialist aspects of grounds management. It’s been transformative for both efficiency and job satisfaction.”

The technology itself is refreshingly straightforward. Kress has eliminated the need for perimeter wires or large masts, making installation simple and non-intrusive. The sophisticated mapping and work systems are intuitive enough for grounds staff to manage confidently, while the machines consistently deliver the high-quality cut expected in an educational environment.

For schools grappling with sustainability commitments, the environmental credentials are compelling. The £5,000 annual saving in white diesel represents not just financial efficiency but a tangible contribution to reducing carbon emissions – a metric that resonates with students, parents, and governors alike.

The reliability of the Kress mowers, combined with outstanding support from supplier ATH, has made the transition seamless. “Their team is knowledgeable, responsive, and always willing to assist,” Little notes.

Would he recommend Kress robot mowers to other educational institutions? “Without hesitation,” he confirms. The combination of time savings, environmental benefits, and operational flexibility makes them more than a labour-saving device – they’re a strategic investment in modern grounds management.

As schools seek innovative ways to balance operational excellence with sustainability goals, Cheam School’s experience demonstrates that autonomous mowing technology isn’t just practical, it’s transformational.