‘With remote control, we’re out of the risk zone’ – Manfred Hopfensitz on the AS 940 Sherpa 4WD RC

Safety as the most important decision for the municipality of Wört

Manfred Hopfensitz is the manager of the building yard in the municipality of Wört in the Ostalbkreis district (Baden-Württemberg). Together with his team, he is responsible for maintaining sports fields, playgrounds, orchards, public green spaces and road embankments. The range of tasks extends from routine work such as lawn care to demanding operations in wetlands and on steep slopes.

Since the middle of last year, the AS 940 Sherpa 4WD RC has been a permanent fixture in the vehicle fleet. For Hopfensitz, the purchase was not simply a question of machine performance, but primarily an investment in the safety and health of his employees. The building yard regularly works in areas that previously posed a considerable risk to operators – for example, when maintaining roadside verges with steep gradients or in biotopes with unpredictable ground conditions.

‘The positive decision by our mayor and the local council in favour of the Sherpa RC was primarily due to the safety aspect. On extremely steep slopes, the remote control keeps you out of the danger zone.’

Efficiency and versatility in everyday use

The Sherpa RC also impresses in areas other than safety. Whether mowing wet areas in the Rotach floodplains, working on embankments or around the sewage treatment plant, the combination of four-wheel drive, differential lock and compact design makes it the most versatile machine in the fleet.

The ability to switch between ride-on operation for large areas and remote control in difficult locations gives the building yard team enormous flexibility. Areas that were previously difficult or risky to maintain can now be worked on routinely and efficiently.

A win for the community

For Hopfensitz, the Sherpa RC is a real step forward for municipal work in Wört: greater safety, higher productivity and, at the same time, a contribution to protecting nature and health.

‘With remote control, you have a better view of the machine, can precisely navigate around obstacles and remain at a safe distance at all times.’

Conclusion by Manfred Hopfensitz

For the municipality of Wört, the Sherpa RC is a prime example of how remote-controlled mowers are changing the work of municipal building yards: away from risk and towards safety, health and sustainable land maintenance.

Interesting facts about Wört – from Manfred Hopfensitz's perspective

The municipality of Wört is a rural community on the border of Württemberg, nestled between the Ostalbkreis district and neighbouring Middle Franconia. With a total area of 1,817 hectares, 700 of which are forest, it presents numerous challenges for green space maintenance: embankments, wetlands and biotopes. Particularly noteworthy: Wört has almost as many jobs as it has residents – around 1,300 employees for only 1,450 residents. For a building yard manager like Manfred Hopfensitz, this means responsibility: maintaining public areas not only safely, but also efficiently. The Sherpa RC is the ideal tool for this.

Continue to the testimonial from Steffen Rief, building yard employee of the municipality of Wört