Gareth Fowler-Simmons, owner at Lakeside Landscapes

A continuing shift to replacing a blue and green grounds maintenance machinery fleet with red Massey Ferguson tractors has continued with the addition of two MF 1M.25 models, which are two of the first machines to leave the production line. 

“We ordered MF 1Ms as soon as we could as the increased lift capacity allowed us to be more efficient when using mounted equipment. The models have 001 and 003 on the serial numbers, so they must be the first models off the production line,” says Gareth Fowler-Simmons, owner at Lakeside Landscapes based near Coventry.

The workload for Lakeside has increased significantly over the past two years, which has included a near doubling of the workforce, a move to a 10-acre dedicated office, workshop and machinery storage location, and an increase in the number of tractors to cope. The latter point is one that remains the same, with Massey Ferguson machines dominating the now seven-strong fleet.

Gareth says although his compact machinery used to be green and yellow, his latest two purchases, a brace of MF 1M.25 models, were chosen for very specific reasons to cope with the increase in fine turf work on golf courses, bowls and cricket greens.

“We’re noticing more of these businesses carrying out the daily tasks themselves, but outsourcing renovation works to contractors. However, they require reliable contractors that work quickly to a high standard and avoid disruption to paying customers. This is the reason we run quality machinery that is more than capable of getting the work done on time.”

With work now stretching across the Midlands, the MF 1Ms arrived in July 2025 and replaced a pair of MF 1525 machines. Primary jobs for these machines are on the smaller areas, greens and tees, where clients don’t want to see the bigger tractors associated with open areas such as fairways and football pitches.

Lift capacity

Although Gareth evaluated other brands when looking at replacements, once Chandlers salesman, Mark George, went through the spec of the new MF 1M, it was the increase in lift capacity which stood out as a huge benefit.

This 900kg rear lift capacity of the MF 1M tractors has allowed Gareth and his team to be in control of all the implements

“Our MF 1525 tractors could lift 600kg, which at times, with a loaded vertidrainer on the back was at the limit and would make operators cautious or require less sand to be loaded. However, the new MF 1Ms have a 900kg capacity, which is a huge improvement to safety and output with the tractors on top of the job.”

The upshot is that Gareth and his now 22-strong team can use any of the implements for these tractors without struggling for capacity. It has made lifting at the end much quicker and has improved the efficiency of each pass.

Gareth says the operators like the MF 1Ms versatility, allowing the tractors to carry out a wide range of tasks and quickly switch between implements.

The tractors can be transported on trailers with a variety of implements and remain within the road legal towing limits

“I can send two tractors and several implements in one gang, and they can quickly switch between a scarifier, seeder, top dresser, brush or vertidrainer without worrying if the tractor has the capacity for it.

“If needed, I can also put a mower deck on it and weight up the front to cope with heavier loads off the back. They are small enough for our needs and now don’t feel like they’re limited.”

Same layout

The Lakeside fleet now consists of seven Massey Ferguson tractors, with larger MF 6S.180, MF 6S.165 models and a slightly smaller MF 5S.135, carrying out work on larger spaces. The four smaller hydrostatic models include the MF 1M models, an MF 1750 and MF 1740, for works where the larger models aren’t suitable. 

The controls are very similar to the previous MF tractors and are familiar across to all operators

In 2024, the MF 5S replaced an NH T4, with the new model being a higher spec and capable of taking some pressure off the two larger MF 6S tractors. Gareth says that having tractors that are familiar to operators and models they want to use are both essential considerations when deciding what to buy.

“Our smaller and larger models have similarities, and this is essential if switching machines on site. We demoed a basic model, but we required something that was at a similar spec level to our 6S tractors. We cover 800 hours a year in these so having something that is enjoyable and easy to operate is essential.

“It is also about our image. We are known as the company with the red tractors, which is great for recognition and has won us a few jobs recently. We always turn up with clean well-maintained machines as I think that’s what our customers expect when hiring a contractor.”

Gareth’s extensive fleet means he can service multiple clients at the same time. During a three-week period in Autumn 2025, the team covered renovations on three golf courses and 300 sports pitches of varying types. On several occasions, each machine was on a different job, highlighting that being well equipped and having versatility is essential when multiple customers ring at the same time.

Replacement continues to be every three years as this leaves the machines with two years of warranty remaining, making them more attractive and commanding a better resale value. The reliability is a big factor for staying with MF and dealer Chandlers.

“Our MF 6S.180 Dyna-VT is three years old with 3000 hours, and I don’t think we’ve laid a spanner on it, apart from servicing. The MF’s fit our business well and we are gaining a strong reputation through running them,” concludes Gareth.