‘The Sherpa RC is my machine’ – Steffen Rief on the AS 940 Sherpa 4WD RC in municipal use
The Sherpa doesn't make easy work easier – it makes dangerous work safe
The biggest misconception about remote-controlled mowers? That they are just luxury toys. For Steffen Rief, a building yard employee in the municipality of Wört in the Ostalbkreis district (Baden-Württemberg), the truth is quite different: the AS 940 Sherpa 4WD RC is not a luxury, but a tool that finally makes dangerous or previously almost impossible tasks possible and safe. This versatility is invaluable, especially in a municipality with diverse areas and changing conditions.
‘Not only is the Sherpa RC excellent for work, it's also fun to use! [On switching from manual to remote control:] It's a simple operation and done in no time. Yes, and there are actually situations where manual operation makes more sense. For example, if you have a larger area to mow, you're definitely faster if you sit on it.’
Safety from a distance – when nature becomes unpredictable
For Rief, the distance between man and machine is crucial. When mowing embankments or hedges, no one knows what surprises await. ‘Not long ago, one of my colleagues ended up in hospital after being attacked by hornets,’ he says. ‘With the remote control, I can stay at a safe distance – whether it's hornets, nettles or thorns. You don't get the full brunt of it anymore.’
In combination with the integrated tilt sensor, which warns you in good time if the slope becomes too steep, the real strength of the Sherpa RC becomes apparent: tasks that used to be risky can now be planned and carried out safely.
Two modes, one handle – maximum flexibility
The Sherpa RC's particular strength lies in its versatility: as a ride-on mower, it delivers fast area coverage, ergonomic driving comfort and an excellent cut. With a simple flick of the wrist, it becomes a remote-controlled steep slope mower that can confidently tackle slopes of up to 33°.
‘Yes, there are areas that I prefer to mow in manual mode because it's faster. But as soon as the terrain becomes rough or the vegetation is tall and dense, I immediately switch to remote control,’ explains Rief.
Clean cut, even in difficult vegetation
The surfing mower deck with cross blade system adapts to uneven ground, avoids obstacles and delivers an even cut even with metre-high nettles or thorns. The clippings are finely chopped and neatly ejected to the rear – no overriding, no clumps, just a well-maintained area.
Comfort for the operator, relief for the team
The suspension seat, generous legroom and logically arranged controls make long working days more bearable. ‘Mowing embankments for a week used to be back-breaking work. With the Sherpa, it's a completely different job – safer, more comfortable, more efficient.’
Steffen Rief's conclusion
For the building yard in Wört, the Sherpa RC is not just another machine in the fleet, but the key machine for difficult areas: safe with insects, comfortable on long jobs, powerful in heavy vegetation.
‘The AS Sherpa is my machine – and I'm not just saying that because I work with it a lot, but because it really makes my work easier.’
Interesting facts about Wört – from Steffen Rief's perspective
The municipality of Wört is located in the rural area of the Ostalb district, directly on the border with Bavaria and close to the town of Dinkelsbühl. With a total area of 1,817 hectares, 700 of which are forest, Wört is characterised by a varied landscape in which sports fields, biotopes and orchards need to be maintained. The fact that there are almost as many jobs here as there are residents makes the municipality special. Thanks to medium-sized companies and educational institutions, around 1,300 people have a secure job – with only 1,450 residents. It is precisely this structure that shows why a flexible and safe machine like the Sherpa RC is indispensable for the building yard.
‘The Sherpa RC is my machine’ – Steffen Rief on the AS 940 Sherpa 4WD RC in municipal use – PDF
