The two Walker mowers that patrol the Nyborg Kirkegary cemetery in Nyborg, Denmark, do more than cut grass. Equipped with 122-cm GHS decks, they are also responsible for picking up leaves in the fall and picking up weed seeds before they germinate.
"The use of chemicals is almost totally banned in Denmark," tells cemetery leader Kur Jensen. "The vacuum action of the GHS deck is so strong that it not only picks up lawn debris, including clippings and weeds, but also weed seeds. In essence, we use the Walkers instead of chemicals to contain the weeds."
Jensen has been employed by the cemetery, actually two cemeteries, for 27 years. The first cemetery was founded in 1818; the new one in 1925. Together, they have space enough for 7,000 grave sites, and enough lawn area to keep the Model MC Walkers busy for 2.5 days a week.
"It used to take us twice as long with our old reel mowers,· Jensen adds. "The Walkers' maneuverability is a true advantage, especially in the new cemetery where we just planted 150 trees."
The cemetery purchased its first Walker, a used model, seven years ago. The two it currently uses are three years old. Ejvind Poulsen and Poul Petersen do most of the mowing. Each remark how easy it is to operate the Walkers, and marvel at the smooth, clean cut they leave behind.
Both employees have been with the cemetery 20 years. If left to choose between operating their Walkers or doing other chores, they would choose the Walkers.
"We have lots of leaves in the fall, especially in the old section," says Petersen. "But with the Walker, the leaves are no problem." The leaves, together with the grass clippings, are used as compost in the many garden areas, he adds. Once again, the emphasis in Denmark is to use natural solutions instead of chemicals.
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