MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS - LARGE AREA ROTARY MOWER.pdf

SPECIFICATIONS: LARGE AREA ROTARY MOWER

14 July 2025

STATEMENT OF NEED: Maintaining properly cut turf across Volk Field is essential for both operational safety and visual presentation. Regular mowing not only enhances the base's overall appearance but plays a crucial role in pest management, speci ically the control of lying insects. These insects pose health risks to personnel and attract predatory birds, increasing the likelihood of wildlife hazards. A key component of the Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) program is habitat management, and acquiring a large area rotary mower directly supports this strategy by suppressing insect populations and thereby mitigating bird activity near the air ield.

Currently, the base relies on a single wide-area mower, which has become increasingly unreliable due to frequent downtime and rising repair costs. Other mowers in the leet offer cutting widths of only 72” and 104”, proving insuf icient for ef icient coverage of large open ield areas. With 2,223 acres under the care of just ive Grounds employees, Civil Engineering is often forced to redirect Structures staff to assist with mowing during peak season, causing delays in other mission-critical work order execution.

The addition of a new large area rotary mower would:

1. Enhance operational effectiveness by reducing mowing time and manpower requirements

2. Sustain habitat management efforts crucial to the BASH program

3. Reduce dependency on aging equipment and minimize repair-related delays

4. Ensure compliance with air ield safety standards

5. Improve base aesthetics and overall quality of life for personnel

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS: LARGE-AREA ROTARY MOWER

1. General Requirements Self-propelled, rotary mower suitable for large-area turf maintenance.

Designed for high productivity, operator comfort, and ease of maintenance.

Must have appropriate safety features to include: backup alarm for reversing operations and rotary beacon light mounted on cab for visibility.

Mower must be equipped with a complete LED lighting system to include headlights, brake lights, taillights, and amber turn signals and lashers.

2. Engine & Powertrain Diesel engine with minimum 70 HP at 2,500 rpm Full-time 4-wheel drive system with traction assist or equivalent Fuel tank capacity: Minimum 30 gallons

3. Cutting System

Minimum cutting width: 15 feet (180 inches) Cutting decks must be rear-discharge rotary type Decks constructed of high-strength steel with reinforced edges Minimum of 11 cutting blades across all decks Cutting height adjustable from 1 inch to 6 inches in 0.5-inch increments Capable of mowing at speeds up to 10 mph

4. Operator Station

Enclosed, all season climate-controlled cab (Heat & Air Conditioning) Adjustable air-ride suspension seat Seatbelt for operator safety Integrated control arm or console with electronic controls

Onboard diagnostic display system for maintenance alerts and system status

5. Hydraulics & Drive Hybrid or direct hydraulic drive system for cutting decks Hydraulic luid capacity: Minimum 15 gallons Belt-driven or equivalent spindle system for blade operation

6. Dimensions & Performance

Transport width: Not to exceed 100 inches Overall length: Approximately 170 inches Weight: Not to exceed 8,000 lbs.

Turning radius: Maximum 90 inches; zero uncut circle preferred Productivity: Capable of mowing at least 20 acres per hour

7. Additional Requirements

Must include safety lighting and mirrors for road transport Manufacturer must provide operator training and service documentation Warranty: Minimum 2-year full machine warranty

All questions related to this Speci ications sheet can be directed to the Volk Field Contracting Of ice at WI.CRTC.VF.Contracting@us.af.mil