Cricket Club Grounds: Preparing Your Machinery for the 2026 Season

The 2026 cricket season starts in April, which means March is crunch time for groundskeepers. Paul services machinery for cricket clubs across Greater Manchester — from village clubs to league grounds — and the preparation follows a clear sequence.

Here's what needs doing and when, based on Paul's experience working with clubs like Dinting Cricket Club, Flowery Field, and others across Tameside and beyond.

Start with the Outfield Mower

The outfield mower is your workhorse. It'll run more hours than any other piece of kit on the ground, so it needs to be in top condition before the first cut.

• Full engine service — oil change, air filter, spark plugs, fuel filter
• Blade sharpening and balancing — critical for a clean, even cut across the outfield
• Deck inspection — check for cracks, rust, and worn bearings
• Drive system check — belts, pulleys, and transmission oil
• Height adjustment — ensure it moves freely through the full range

Wicket Mower

The wicket mower needs precision. The cut quality directly affects how the ball behaves, so this isn't one to rush.

• Cylinder regrind or adjustment — the cylinder and bottom blade must be in perfect contact. A piece of newspaper should cut cleanly across the full width
• Bottom blade sharpening — must be set with zero gap to the cylinder
• Roller condition — check for flat spots, bearing play, and uneven wear
• Collection box — ensure it's clean and the mechanism works smoothly

Roller

Whether it's a petrol-powered heavy roller or a manual one, check:

• Engine service (if powered) — same as any petrol engine: oil, filter, plugs
• Roller surface — clean off any debris or encrusted soil
• Scraper bar — must sit cleanly against the roller to prevent material building up
• Weight adjustment — if your roller has a water or sand ballast, check for leaks

Scarifier and Aerator

These machines take a serious beating and often get put away dirty at the end of the previous season:

• Blade or tine inspection — worn scarifier blades tear instead of cutting. Bent aerator tines don't penetrate properly
• Depth adjustment — must be accurate for effective thatch removal or aeration
• Engine service — standard checks if they haven't been done

Line Marker

Often overlooked, but a machine that needs attention too:

• Wheel condition and tyre pressure — uneven pressure causes wobbly lines
• Paint delivery system — clean all jets and nozzles before first use. Dried paint blocks them solid
• Steering mechanism — must be smooth for straight lines

Timing Your Prep

Here's Paul's recommended timeline for the 2026 season:

• February — book servicing for major equipment (outfield mower, roller)
• Early March — get the wicket mower cylinder reground
• Mid March — service smaller equipment (strimmers, scarifier, blower)
• Late March — test everything with a trial run before the season starts

Why Clubs Trust PGT Repairs

Paul services machinery for clubs across Greater Manchester because he understands the time pressure. Cricket equipment can't be out of action for weeks during the season. Most club machinery is turned around within 48 hours, and Paul offers collection and delivery across the region.