Watching the Grass Grows a Big Business

Watching, or should we say, making the grass grow – and then delivering it to customers within and beyond Australia  has turned into a big business for StrathAyr Pty Ltd.

As a developer of natural turf technology, StrathAyr provides a variety of turf options for residential and commercial use – making the drawn out process of preparing the ground, planting seed, and waiting for it to shoot and grow a thing of the past.

The name “StrathAyr” derives from the property name of the company’s original turf farm in Tasmania where the family business began in 1969. After receiving growing demand for its turf systems, the company expanded to Victoria in 1972.

Today, with a staff of over 30, StrathAyr operates two turf farms, one each in Victoria and Tasmania.  The farms produce high quality turf such as the popular Sir Walter Buffalo Lawn, Legend Couch and Village Green Kikuyu.

As well as delivering turf to customers, StrathAyr provides a lawn installation service conducted by a team of experienced installers, and offers a wide range of lawn care products including lawn fertilisers and pest and weed control.

StrathAyr’s Victorian farm turf deliveries are handled by two Isuzu FVY 1400 6x4 curtainsiders.

Victorian Farm Manager, Nick Behm, said the Isuzu trucks were just the right size for delivering turf to residential homes, race tracks, landscapers and sports fields.

“The trucks’ 24,000 kg GVM rating is great for our heavy loads of turf and installation equipment,” Nick said.
“On top of that, we’re more than happy with the build quality, the cab comfort and safety features while the inbuilt multimedia unit with NAVTEQ satellite navigation is particularly handy.”

The curtainsider bodies include provision for a detachable forklift for the easy loading and unloading of the turf pallets.

When asked why StrathAyr chose Isuzu, Nick said it came down to functionality and value for money.

“We were looking for a truck model that could handle heavy loads and would still be easy to drive despite its size,” Nick said.

“According to the drivers, operating the trucks is no more stressful than driving a car. The turning circle is surprisingly good for a medium duty truck which makes parking in tight residential streets effortless.”

The company also has a separate business division called StrathAyr Turf Systems, which specialises in providing all types of natural turf solutions such as removable natural turf systems for stadiums  and racetracks, natural turf drop-in portable cricket wickets, as well as natural turf replacement products.

The major projects conducted by StrathAyr Turf Systems include the long-awaited redevelopment of Punt Road Oval currently underway in Melbourne, Victoria – the home of the AFL Richmond Tigers.

In 1990, StrathAyr expanded its markets beyond Australia’s coastline, when BAyr Root (soil free) Turf was air freighted from Australia to Hong Kong for the resurfacing of the Sha Tin Racetrack.

Since then, the international business has continued to grow with StrathAyr Turf Systems installed at sporting venues in the USA, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

See more about Isuzu Trucks in Australia at www.Isuzu.com.au