John Deere launches hybrid innovations at BTME

/in , /by

John Deere launches hybrid innovations at BTME: John Deere has launched two battery-powered, walk-behind greens mowers and announced further hybrid innovations to its existing product range.

The 185 E-Cut and 225 E-Cut greens mowers will be shown for the first time in the UK at the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association’s BTME event in Harrogate from 24-26 January.

John Deere launches hybrid innovations at BTME

John Deere launches hybrid innovations at BTME

The two specialist machines are packed with the same quality components and technology that existing John Deere customers have become familiar with, but are powered by a 58-volt, 3.2kwh lithium battery.

The 185 E-Cut has an 18-inch (457mm) cutting width while the larger 225 E-Cut takes a 22-inch (559mm) cut.

With near-silent operation, the walk-behind machines can cut approximately 50,000 square feet of grass on a single charge, making them 30% more productive than similar models in their class.

John Deere announced the products in America last year and has been putting them through their paces on courses for the past 12 months.

Greenkeepers in the UK and Ireland will be able to order the machines later this year.

Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, said: “Battery-powered innovations in the golf and professional sports turf markets have been moving forward apace for the past few years.

“With the introduction of our first lithium battery-powered machines, we are able to provide a solution for our customers who are looking for a more favourable environmental profile, have on-site energy generation, or who are seeking significant reductions in the risk of leaks and spills.”

Industry exclusive three-wheeled hybrid mower launched

John Deere is also using BTME to showcase its industry-exclusive three-wheeled fairway mower with brushless electric reel motors.

This is the first time customers can choose a three-wheeled fairway mower fitted with five, brushless electric reel motors. The same hybrid technology has also been applied to the four-wheeled 7700A E-Cut.

This hybrid solution minimises 90% of the risk of hydraulic leaks by eliminating over 150 leak points.

Users can experience fuel savings of up to 30% by operating at reduced throttle when mowing compared to PrecisionCut fairway mowers. Noise levels are also reduced by up to 3dB at reduced throttle.

The alternator, controllers, and motors are designed to allow the machine to perform rigorous verticutting applications.

The 6700A E-Cut and 7700A E-Cut will be available to order this year.

“These two models have been two of our most popular products on golf courses for many years, so it’s an exciting step to be able to further develop our hybrid drive to offer greenkeepers reduced risks and more efficiency,” Mr Meacock said.

John Deere connected technology to be demonstrated

Visitors to the John Deere stand can take part in a demonstration of the company’s OnLink technology, showcasing the state-of-the-art fleet management system for greenkeepers.

Utilising proven satellite technology from John Deere’s agriculture division in tandem with the integration of cloud-based management software and connected machines, OnLink allows users to automatically synchronise any machine and operator working anywhere on the course, managing activity remotely.

For managers, this means tasks can be allocated days in advance, as well as increased accountability from operators. On top of these efficiencies, machinery maintenance schedules are simplified by using OnLink to track working hours remotely.

“At John Deere, we believe the future of golf course maintenance is about connectivity, sustainability, autonomy, and intelligence, while embracing electric,” Mr Meacock said.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Sunflower ‘Desire Red’ wins Fleuroselect GOLD!

/in , /by

Sunflower ‘Desire Red’ wins Fleuroselect GOLD!: The Burpee Europe team are relentless in their mission to breed varieties of magnificence with which to tempt home gardeners everywhere! And this year they have done it again!  

The brand new, compact sunflower ‘Desire Red’ is so fabulous that it has won a much coveted Fleuroselect Gold Medal, scores are awarded for outstanding innovation, beauty and garden performance.

Sunflower 'Desire Red' wins Fleuroselect GOLD!

Sunflower ‘Desire Red’ wins Fleuroselect GOLD!

A truly stunning breakthrough in sunflower breeding, this is the first compact red variety suitable for planting or sowing in both beds and borders as well as in larger patio containers. This winner can be cultivated very successfully as a high-quality pot plant, especially in 3-litre containers, but is also suitable for production in smaller pots.

Plants flower for a period of 6-8 weeks and have proven performance from Sweden to Southern Italy in Fleuroselect Trials.  This sensational dwarf Helianthus dazzles with its innovative, unique deep red flowers.  This high performer is an early, profusely flowering variety, new blooms form continuously on its multiple branches well into autumn, and blend wonderfully with its dark green foliage.

This sunflower is perfect for pollinators, who will be able to enjoy the long flowering time.  ‘Desire Red’ makes a very attractive combination with Burpee bred ‘Sunray’ or ‘Tiger Eye’ and adds a deep red to the sunflower palette.

Seeds are available now from Plants of Distinction, with additional seed companies selling ‘Desire Red’ soon

Burpee Europe do not sell direct to the consumer, but their seeds are sold via top UK seed companies. Details of these on request from rabbitattackpr@gmail.com or 07895184395

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Record numbers ahead of BTME

/in , /by

Record numbers ahead of BTME: The BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) doesn’t kick off until tomorrow (Tuesday 24 January), but the 2023 edition of the influential event has already broken multiple attendance records.

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) organises and hosts the annual trade show and education conference at the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire. BTME 2023 takes place this week (24 to 26 January) and is the first time the event has returned to its regular January timing since prior to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

Record numbers ahead of BTME

Record numbers ahead of BTME

With 24 hours to go until the doors of the convention centre open, BIGGA has reported that 4,930 attendees have pre-registered for BTME, marking a significant increase on previous years. The previous record was set in 2019, when 3,344 visitors pre-registered to attend.

This number includes 900 registrations from exhibitors themselves, who play a vital role in the success of the event.

The number of pre-registrations also does not tell the full story, with visitors able to sign up for the show upon arrival at the Harrogate Convention Centre. In previous years pre-registration has accounted for around 50% of the total attendees and so BIGGA is confident that this year’s event will be among its most successful ever.

Alongside BTME, BIGGA also hosts Continue to Learn and this too has seen incredible numbers. With 1,055 tickets sold, this year’s programme will provide more education hours than ever before across the various education formats, which includes a two-day conference and full and half-day classes. Free-to-attend seminars are also taking place during Tuesday and Wednesday and no pre-registration is required for these.

Continue to Learn brings together speakers from a wide range of disciplines to provide practical learning, management advice and other topics that this year include mindfulness, leadership, personal health and wellbeing.

BIGGA Chief Executive Jim Croxton said: “The BTME pre-registration and Continue to Learn booking numbers are cause for celebration for everyone across the BIGGA community. BTME plays a significant role in setting the agenda for the coming year for the association and our members and we’re delighted that so many people continue to support us in this way.

“It’s clear that for our members and supporters, BTME is the event they enjoy, in the timing and the location that they want, and we’re delighted to be able to offer that to them once again. Where else can you meet the hosts of this year’s Ryder Cup and various other major championships alongside people discussing a sustainable future for the game or providing solutions and opportunities for every golf club in the country?

“BTME is a wonderful event and I’m incredibly excited to discover what this week holds. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the event as we couldn’t do it without you.”

For more information about BTME 2023, visit www.btme.org.uk

Throughout BTME, people are encouraged to discuss the show on social media using the hashtag #BTME2023.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.