Landscapers Adjust to New Playing Field Rules

At one time, when Kevin and Katherine Foley looked at architect's specifications, they knew they were unlikely to get the job. Their company, Liberty Landscapes, just didn't have the right equipment.

Today it's an entirely different story for the South Windsor, Conn., firm.

"We don't turn down the opportunity to review any blueprints because we know our Bobcat® equipment can handle the work," says Kevin. "Our three T190 compact track loaders and our 331 excavator have allowed us to take on many new jobs. In fact, thanks to these machines, we have doubled our business the past eight years."

Liberty Landscapes specializes in large scale sites, especially athletic fields for municipalities, high schools and colleges. The eight-employee company offers one-stop service.

"After the general contractor eliminates the site vegetation, we typically do the rest of the job," says Katherine. "That usually includes grading, drainage, irrigation, field preparation, sod or seeding, planting trees and shrubs and putting down mulch."

LGP Now Standard

Architects are now writing specs that require LGP (low ground pressure) machines for most athletic fields.

"A maximum of 5 psi ground pressure is now the standard," says Kevin. "Anything over that is not acceptable. They don't want to see any type of compaction. In fact, architects, athletic officials and coaches are constantly scrutinizing our work. The Bobcat track machines allow us to satisfy their demands."

The Foleys purchased all their Bobcat equipment from Bobcat of Connecticut. The T190s are 1,900-lb. rated operating capacity units that provide superior traction and excellent flotation. The 331 excavator, which is used to install drainage and irrigation systems, is a real time-saver with its 16-ft. reach and 10-ft., 2-in. digging depth. They also own a 773 skid-steer loader, which is used for working on asphalt.

Liberty Landscapes also relies on several Bobcat brand attachments to increase productivity, including a set of pallet forks, a pair of augers, trencher, grader, landscape rake and the Hydra-Tilt™ swing accessory for the excavator.

"They have made us much more efficient," says Kevin. "For example, the landscape rake does the work of three employees with rakes. Also, we eliminated a lot of manpower by using the auger to dig holes for trees and pallet forks to move materials."

From the soccer field at the University of Connecticut to dozens of municipal and school venues, the Foleys enjoy watching people playing on what they created.

"It's a great feeling to see all the activities taking place on our product," says Kevin.