Bowling Green Mowers & Maintenance Equipment

Bowling greens demand a smooth, consistent surface that supports reliable ball roll from the first end to the last. The right bowling green mower must deliver a clean cut at low heights while remaining stable, easy to control and gentle on closely managed fine turf.

Allett cylinder mowers and interchangeable turf care systems support routine mowing, match preparation and year round bowling green maintenance. From battery powered club machines to professional petrol and electric platforms, each option is designed to help greenkeepers and volunteers maintain healthy grass, an even sward and a high quality playing surface.

What Equipment Is Used for Bowling Green Maintenance?

Maintaining a bowling green involves far more than mowing. The surface must be cut, groomed, aerated and renovated in line with growth, weather, usage and the condition of the soil profile. Common bowling green maintenance equipment includes:

  • Cylinder mowers with effective grass collection for a clean, even cut across the green
  • Ten blade cylinders and groomers for frequent mowing at lower heights
  • Scarifiers and verticutters manage thatch, lateral growth and density
  • Brushes and turf rakes lift flattened grass, remove dew and clear debris
  • Sorrel rollers, slitters and hollow tine equipment support aeration and root health

Used as part of a planned maintenance programme, these tools can help improve turf health, surface firmness, drainage and the consistency of bowl delivery. The timing and intensity of each operation should always reflect current ground conditions.

Why Use a Cylinder Mower on a Bowling Green?

Produces a cleaner cut for healthier grass

A cylinder and bottom blade create a scissor-like cutting action. When correctly set and kept sharp, this reduces tearing and helps the grass recover cleanly after mowing.

Supports a smooth and consistent playing surface

Even cutting and accurate height adjustment help maintain a uniform sward, reducing unwanted variation that can influence the pace and line of a bowl.

Works effectively at low cutting heights

Cylinder mowers are well suited to the close, frequent mowing required on fine sports turf. Ten blade options provide more cuts per metre when the grass length and mowing frequency suit that setup.

Combines surface stability with strong presentation

Front and rear rollers support steady travel across the green, while the rear roller leaves a well maintained finish for league, county and club play.

PROFESSIONAL BOWLING GREEN MOWERS

Professional Mowers for Bowling Greens

Professional bowling green mowers must combine low cut performance with repeatable adjustment, stable roller support and dependable collection. The most suitable working width depends on access, operator preference, the maintenance programme and how quickly the club needs to cover the green.

BATTERY MULTI-CULTIVATION

OMNIA 22

Developed for demanding fine turf, the battery powered Omnia 22 combines a manoeuvrable 22 inch width with a ten blade cylinder and groomer for low cutting on bowling greens. The tool-free Nexus Hitch System changes between mowing and cultivation heads without lifting a traditional cartridge/cassette/head. Smart Steering Assist, Direct-Drive and live LCD operating information support controlled, consistent work.

2.5-50mm
height of cut

Up to 4 hours
of mow time

10 Interchangeable cutting & cultivation heads

VIEW OMNIA 22

PETROL MULTI-CULTIVATION

C20

The C20 is a compact professional cylinder mower for clubs that want low cutting and a broad range of maintenance tasks from one petrol power unit. Six and ten blade cutting cylinders cover different grass lengths and finish requirements, while interchangeable cartridges support scarifying, verticutting, brushing, slitting and sorrel rolling. Anti-vibration handlebars and the Honda GX160 engine support comfortable, dependable operation.

2.5-19mm
height of cut

Honda GX160
engine

9 Interchangeable cutting & cultivation cartridges

VIEW C20

PETROL MULTI-CULTIVATION

C24

The C24 provides a wider 24 inch working width for faster coverage while retaining the low cut capability needed on bowling greens. It accepts six and ten blade cutting cylinders plus cartridges for scarifying, verticutting, brushing, slitting and sorrel rolling. The Honda GX160 engine, anti-vibration handlebar mountings and two piece rear roller balance productivity, comfort and a clean striped finish.

2.5-19mm
height of cut

Honda GX160
engine

9 Interchangeable cutting & cultivation cartridges

VIEW C24

BATTERY MULTI-CULTIVATION

STIRLING 51
SPORT

Created for amateur sports clubs, the Stirling 51 Sport combines a 20inch width, ten blade cylinder and front roller locking kit for stable work on low cut turf. A 10 Ah battery provides 60 minutes of mowing, while Ultra-Change cartridges extend the machine into year round cultivation.

3-50mm
height of cut

Up to 1 hour
of mow time

8 Interchangeable cutting & cultivation cartridges

VIEW STIRLING 51

More Than Mowing: Complete Bowling Green Maintenance

Mowing is only one part of bowling green care. Thatch, surface moisture, lateral growth, organic debris and compaction can all influence turf density, drainage and the pace of the playing surface. Allett interchangeable cartridge and head systems allow clubs to complete several maintenance tasks with the same power unit.

Hollow and Solid Tine Aeration

Hollow and solid tines create deeper openings in the bowling green, helping air, water and nutrients reach the root zone. Solid tines relieve compaction with minimal disruption, while hollow tines remove cores and create space for fresh root-zone material. Tine type, depth and timing should reflect conditions and recovery time before play.
Allett changeable scarifier cartridge/cassette

Scarifying

Scarifying removes thatch, dead grass and organic debris from the bowling green. Controlling thatch helps prevent a soft, spongy surface that can affect bowl pace and consistency. Working depth and timing should suit the condition of the sward, allowing unwanted material to be removed while retaining healthy grass cover.
Allett changeable verticutter cartridge/cassette

Verticutting

Verticutting controls lateral growth and encourages the upright, even sward required for a consistent bowling surface. Used at the correct depth, it helps refine surface texture, improve mowing quality and maintain bowl pace during active growth, without causing the greater disruption associated with deeper scarification.
Allett changeable sorrel roller cartridge/cassette

Sorrel Rolling

Sorrel rolling creates small, shallow holes across the bowling green with minimal disruption. This improves the movement of air and water into the upper soil profile while preparing the surface for fertiliser, seed or top dressing. Used regularly in suitable conditions, it supports surface health without the disruption of deeper aeration.
Allett changeable turf rake cartridge/cassette

Turf Raking

Turf raking provides more intensive grooming by lifting matted growth and removing unwanted material from within the bowling green sward. It can improve the effectiveness of mowing, encourage a more open surface and support consistent bowl roll. Turf raking can also form part of a wider seasonal renovation programme.
Allett changeable brushing cartridge/cassette

Brushing

Powered brushing lifts flattened grass across the bowling green before mowing, helping the cylinder produce a cleaner, more even cut. It also removes dew and disperses loose surface material, supporting consistent presentation while reducing the time the leaf remains wet during conditions when turf disease is more likely.
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EQUIPMENT GUIDE

Choosing the Right Bowling Green Mower

The best bowling green mower depends on the required cutting height, the experience of the operators, available storage and power, working width and the range of cultivation tasks the club plans to complete. A demonstration on the club's own green is the best way to compare handling, collection, working width and the attachment system before selecting a machine.

Task

Main requirements

Suitable Allett options

Professional low cut green care

Low cutting capability, ten blade cylinder, accurate adjustment and stable roller support

Omnia 22, C20, C24

Year round cultivation

Interchangeable scarifying, verticutting, brushing, raking and aeration equipment

Omnia 22, C20, C24, Stirling 51 Sport

Volunteer led maintenance

Straightforward controls, manageable handling and quick attachment changes

Stirling 51 Sport

Noise sensitive locations

Battery power, low operating noise and no petrol storage

Omnia 22, Stirling 51 Sport

BOWLING GREEN MAINTENANCE

Bowling Green Maintenance Throughout the Year

WINTER AND OFF SEASON CARE
SPRING PREPARATION
PRE MATCH PREPARATION
IN SEASON MAINTENANCE
END OF SEASON RENOVATION

A high quality playing surface is built through regular work across the whole year

The programme should respond to grass growth, moisture, soil condition, drainage, weather and the amount of play rather than follow a fixed schedule regardless of conditions.

WINTER AND OFF SEASON CARE

Raise the height of cut and mow only when growth and surface conditions justify it. Bowls England winter guidance suggests topping at around 8-10 mm, brushing before cutting, varying the mowing direction and keeping the cylinder and bottom blade sharp. Remove dew and leaves, monitor disease and aerate only when the green is firm enough to avoid wheel marks or surface damage.

SPRING PREPARATION

As growth strengthens, reduce the height of cut gradually and increase mowing frequency in line with growth. Brushing, light grooming, verticutting and carefully timed scarification can help stand the plant upright and manage unwanted material.

Early repairs, overseeding, light topdressing and suitable aeration may also form part of the programme where the green's condition requires them.

PRE MATCH PREPARATION

Inspect the green, remove dew and debris, then complete a clean cut with a correctly set mower. Avoid an aggressive last minute reduction in height, as this can weaken the sward and expose inconsistencies.

Mowing direction can be changed to limit the formation of runs, while any rolling should be planned around moisture, surface firmness and the playing outcome required.

IN SEASON MAINTENANCE

Mow according to growth, with enough frequency to maintain the chosen playing height without removing too much leaf in one pass. Many greens operate within roughly 4-8 mm during the playing season, while the Bowls England example calendar uses 5 mm through much of the main season.

The right setting depends on grass species, weather, nutrition, irrigation, wear and the club's performance goals. Brushing, light verticutting, sorrel rolling and local repairs can be introduced when conditions allow.

END OF SEASON RENOVATION

Renovation commonly combines scarifying, suitable aeration, overseeding, topdressing and repairs to worn ends or weak areas. The aim is to remove unwanted material, restore surface levels, improve the root zone and establish new grass before colder conditions slow recovery. Interchangeable turf care systems allow several operations to be completed with one power unit, reducing the need for separate powered machines.

These stages are general guidance. Clubs should adjust the programme to local conditions and seek qualified agronomic advice where disease, drainage, soil structure or persistent surface problems are present.

BUILT FOR BOWLS

Why Choose Allett for Bowling Green Maintenance?

Allett cylinder mowers are built in Britain for fine turf, sports grounds and clubs that expect a clean cut, dependable engineering and long-term support.

The Allett bowling green mower range provides:

  • Professional and club focused models for different budgets and operator teams

  • Petrol and battery powered bowling green mower options

  • Six and ten blade cutting cylinders for different grass lengths and finish requirements

  • Accurate, repeatable height adjustment for low cut fine turf

  • Interchangeable mowing and cultivation systems for year round maintenance

  • Strong grass collection, roller stability and traditional striped presentation

  • UK based technical, servicing and spare parts support

Frequently Asked Questions

Book Your Free Bowling Green Mower Demonstration

Arrange a free, no-obligation demonstration and see how Allett bowling green mowers and maintenance equipment perform on the surface your team manages every week.

Our team can demonstrate suitable petrol and battery machines, compare cutting units and cultivation attachments, and help your club choose the setup that fits its green, operators and maintenance programme.

Book a Demo