When the Pittsburgh Unified School District set out to improve the quality and efficiency of its grounds maintenance, Director of Maintenance Operations & Transportation, Matthew Belasco, knew they needed a solution that delivered both exceptional results and long-term cost savings.
Covering 180 acres across 13 school sites and 3 ancillary facilities, the district had relied on several ride-on mowers in the past. However, recurring breakdowns, overheating, and maintenance delays meant crews were spending more time repairing equipment than maintaining turf.
“We wanted our fields to look as good as – if not better than – a golf course,” says Belasco. “It wasn’t just about buying the cheapest option; it was about finding the best equipment to get the best results for our students and community.”
After reviewing multiple manufacturers and mower types, the district selected the Trimax Pegasus S5 for its ease of use, dependability, and proven performance. A hands-on demo with the Trimax support team sealed the decision, winning over the staff who operate the equipment daily.
The results have been game-changing:
- 25–30% annual savings on maintenance and parts compared to previous ride-on mowers.
- Mowing schedule reduced from a full week to just three days using a multi-person approach.
- Ability to mow in wet or non-optimal conditions without compromising quality.
- Consistently high-quality turf that the maintenance team is proud to showcase.
Trimax’s Made in the USA build quality also brought additional benefits, including public-entity purchasing incentives and a 30% lower total cost of ownership compared to similar-sized ride-on gang mowers.
Belasco also emphasized the district’s broader commitment to sustainability: “We run electric school buses and have half our white fleet zero-emission. We’re proud to be seen as a best-practice site across the state. Choosing Trimax fits perfectly with our focus on innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
With Trimax in their fleet, Pittsburg Unified has not only improved grounds quality but also freed up valuable time and resources – proving that the right equipment can deliver both exceptional performance and measurable savings.
