When it comes to managing multiple sites and tight schedules, efficiency is everything. For Charlie Kerr, owner of Kerr’s Grounds Services, investing in cutting-edge robotic technology has revolutionised the way he works - and the RM21 Combo Mower has been at the heart of that transformation.
Charlie’s passion for turf management began over a decade ago.
“I started working at a school mainly on cricket and rugby pitches,” he explained. “That’s where I got the bug for being a groundsman. From there I joined a sports turf contracting company, then worked at Dartford FC for a few years before moving on to Chelsea FC.”
After a short stint away from the industry, Charlie found himself missing life on the turf. “I started with small maintenance jobs, but it wasn’t the same. I got back into football when Cray Wanderers FC needed a groundsman, and things just took off from there. Now I look after Cray Wanderers FC, Welling United FC, carry out some work at Sidcup Rugby Club, and a few private sites too.”
Managing several venues meant long hours and challenging logistics - until Charlie discovered the RM21 Combo Mower.
“I was spending four or five hours every Friday marking pitches by hand. In winter, when the days are shorter, it was brutal,” said Charlie. “Then I saw the RM21 on my phone one night and thought, ‘That looks incredible!’ A mower and a line marker in one? I booked a demo straight away - and I was blown away.”
The RM21 Combo Mower is a fully autonomous unit that cuts and line marks, using advanced GPS technology. Controlled via a tablet or mobile app, it allows users to map, edit, and save pitch layouts, meaning even complex training grids or tournament layouts can be recreated at the touch of a button.
Charlie says the benefits were immediate:
“I’ve left the RM21 cutting at Welling while I’m doing other work at Cray Wanderers - it’s like having an extra employee. It basically allows me to do two days’ work in one.”
Since introducing the RM21, Charlie has noticed huge savings in both time and materials.
“I’m using less paint than before. One tank of concentrate now does all my pitches. The lines are cleaner, brighter, and perfectly straight - and I don’t have to mess around with strings and pegs every week.”
The machine offers two operation modes: high-efficiency for quick turnarounds, and precision mode for detailed line marking, ensuring professional results for every situation.
Battery performance has also impressed him.
“You get around 12 hours of line marking or five hours of mowing on a full charge. I’ve marked and cut multiple sites in one day without even dropping below half a battery.”
Noise and safety were also big considerations for Charlie, especially when working around busy community grounds.
“It’s so quiet you can’t hear it from the other side of the pitch. I’ve used it at seven in the morning, and no one even noticed. Plus, it’s much safer than using big tractors when you’ve got dog walkers and kids around.”
The RM21’s compact size and portability mean Charlie can easily move it between sites.
“It drives straight onto my trailer - simple as that. If I get a last-minute call for a pitch, I can be in and out in an hour. It’s a complete game changer.”
Charlie’s experience has been so positive that he’s already thinking about expanding.
“I’ve started promoting GPS line marking on social media and had new enquiries coming in already. There’s nothing else like it in this area - and with the time I save, I can take on more work without burning out. I call it my ‘Kerminator’ - and it’s living up to the name!”
For Charlie Kerr and Kerr’s Grounds Services, the RM21 Combo Mower isn’t just another piece of kit - it’s a business-changing investment that’s redefining what’s possible for small, independent turf professionals.
