John Deere expands fairway line-up

/in , , /by

John Deere expands fairway line-up: John Deere has announced two new additions to the economical 6000A Series fairway mower line-up, which will be previewed at BTME 2020 in Harrogate from January 21-23.

Sharing technologies with the award-winning A Model mower range, the 6080A and 6500A E-Cut hybrid electric fairway mowers feature high-performance electric reel drive, which greatly reduces the number of potential hydraulic leak points to ensure maximum productivity and performance. In addition to their economical price, these new mowers can be operated at lower engine speeds, which further reduces operating costs by decreasing fuel consumption.

John Deere expands fairway line-up

“We’re excited to bring the E-Cut hybrid mowing system to the 6000A Series fairway mowers,” says John Deere’s European turf sales & marketing manager Carlos Aragones. “Powerful and full of premium features at an economical price, the 6080A and 6500A combine our proven E-Cut hybrid electric technology with the popular 6000A Series model design.”

John Deere was first to market with its electric reel drive system in 2005 on the 2500E triplex greens mower, and this was added to the fairway mower range in 2009 with the 7500 and 8000 E-Cut hybrid models. By removing all hydraulics from the reel circuit, the risk of hydraulic leaks has been reduced by over 90 per cent. In addition, the hybrid system is powered exclusively by an alternator, which offers consistent performance without additional batteries to maintain.

Equipped with a powerful 24.7hp (18.4kW) diesel engine, the 6080A and 6500A E-Cut hybrid mowers feature a three-wheel smooth tyre configuration on a durable chassis, with premium performance and comfort features for all-day mowing. Width of cut is 80in (2m) on the 6080A and 100in (2.5m) on the 6500A, with 18 and 22in (46 and 56cm) QA5 cutting units respectively.

These new models include the proven eHydro transmission and LoadMatch as standard, which maintains a high quality cut even when working on slopes. A mowing speed of 8mph (13kph) on both models allows operators to be more productive by covering larger areas in less time.

Another advanced technology feature adopted from the existing A Model range is the innovative, password-protected TechControl display. This gives turf managers and technicians complete control over cut quality and performance by enabling them to input commands such as mowing speed, transport speed and service times, while also capturing on-board service diagnostics.

Cut quality on the new John Deere 6080A and 6500A E-Cut hybrid electric fairway mowers is further enhanced with rear-attaching yokes on the cutting units and standard hydraulic down pressure, which can tackle even the toughest mowing conditions. Additionally, the hybrid reel drive system allows more power to be available for the standard GRIP all-wheel drive traction system, to further improve performance on slopes.

Other operator friendly features include internal hydraulic wet disk brakes, which eliminate linkage adjustments and grease points in the brake system, and a comfortable operator station with CommandArm-mounted controls that move with the seat.

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.

Power provider invests in JCB diggers

/in , /by

Power provider invests in JCB diggers: Electricity North West – providers of power to five million people – has invested in two brand new JCB electric mini excavators.

The company has bought the two 19C-1E fully electric models to help maintain a staggering 44,000 kilometres of underground cables.  Five times quieter than its diesel counterpart, the JCB machines are deal for use by the company’s engineers, who work 24-hours a day to maintain the network.

Power provider invests in JCB diggers

And Electricity North West is building on its eco credentials by charging the two machines using electricity generated from renewable sources at its depots across the region.

The investment is all part of a multi-million pound initiative by Electricity North West to drive down its own carbon emissions. Following a successful trial, the two machines are already hard at work across the region installing underground power cables.

Electricity North West’s Engineering and Technical Director Steve Cox “They are excellent machines. Our team finds them more powerful than diesel diggers and another major positive is the reduced noise levels. Power cuts can happen at any time of the day and night and sometimes we’re required to dig up roads and footpaths to repair faults. Using the new electric diggers, which have reduced noise levels, means we can work into the night without impacting our customers.”

JCB Chief Innovation Officer Tim Burnhope said: “I’m delighted to see Electricity North West lead the way by purchasing two of the electric machines. It reaffirms Electricity North West’s commitment to being at the forefront of transitioning to a zero carbon future.”

Electricity North West has made a commitment to phase out diesel mini diggers to reduce its carbon footprint as part of its ‘Leading the North West to Zero Carbon’ plan launched in March. The plan sets out how Electricity North West is investing £63.5 million over the next four years to drive down its own carbon emissions and help businesses and customers to do the same.
Steve Cox added: “The ‘Leading the North West to Zero Carbon’ plan demonstrates our commitment to be one of the businesses driving the region’s transition to a carbon neutral future. We’re looking closely at our own operations and how we can decarbonise them.  Collectively, small changes can make big impacts and this shows what can be done now to reduce carbon without having a negative impact on customer service, performance or cost.”

As well as lower emissions, the 19C-1E model is more cost effective with JCB research revealing that over the first five years, charging costs will be 50 per cent cheaper compared to using red diesel. Fully charged, the 19C-1E can put in a typical full day’s shift for a mini excavator.

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.

New TDR-15 for Culford School

/in , , /by

New TDR-15 for Culford School: When Culford School in Suffolk were looking to replace their 10 year old Progressive TDR-15 they had demonstrations of various other roller mowers, but found none of them quite made the cut! Instead they opted for the new and improved TDR-15 model. Set in a 500 acre estate they use the TDR -15 to mow about 100 acres of amenity parkland, playing fields and footpaths per week in the height of the growing season.

Size, versatility and manoeuvrability were amongst some of the main reasons they wanted another TDR-15.Tom Atkinson Head Groundsman at Culford School says “Peoples initial reaction when they see the mower is surprise at how large it is and think that the only place it can be used is in big wide spaces. Our estate has tree plantations with random trees dotted all around and is situated in a river valley. Despite that the mower with a skilled operator can get into small spaces by reversing into small gaps and using the rear deck. Where some similar machines are configured as three abreast, having one deck to the rear with the TDR-15 is a real advantage. All the decks are hinged so they follow the ground independently of each other and as it’s a roller mower that leaves a fantastic finish.”

New TDR-15 for Culford School

They have also found the roller mower really user friendly, “All lubrication points are easily accessible and despite its size there aren’t many. The new mechanical locks mean you can pick the whole machine up to transit over roads or obstacles without shutting off the whole machine and folding it away and we run the mower behind a John Deere 4066R with an economy PTO. Such a robust machine that costs very little to run.”

If you would like to talk to The Grass Group more about your requirements and why the TDR-15 is right for you, give us a call on 01638 720123 or email sales@thegrassgroup.com

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.

New addition to the SCAG Stand-on mower range

/in , /by

New addition to the SCAG Stand-on mower range: The V-Ride is a stand-on mower designed for professional use; the compact machine size, ease of manouevering and clear view for the operator have lead to the V-Ride becoming increasingly popular for intricate mowing areas.

The Ride-On SCAG machines, because they are purpose-built for grasscutting, place the operator directly above the cutting deck, and one of the main features on the new V-Ride is that the revised configuration of the stand-on deck follows the same concept, placing the operator nearer the centre of the machine.

New addition to the SCAG Stand-on mower range

The new version of the original V-Ride was announced in 2017 and had revised features that exhibit SCAG’s policy of continuous improvement and response to operator feedback, which combine to make them such a successful machinery manufacturer.

The latest machine in the range addresses the need for gate-access –

the new 2020 V-Ride 32 version.

The V-Ride 32A-16FX:

  • 32” Advantage Deck
  • 16HP Kawasaki FX
  • Electric start
  • Drive wheels: 20 x 6.5 – 10
  • Fuel capacity: 4 gallons
  • New style 2020 V-Ride operator pad
  • All other features as on the 36” V-Ride

The machines are available through the STM dealership network. To find your nearest dealer ring 01789 488450, email info@st-mach.com or look at our website www.st-mach.com

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.

First European zero-turn mower built in Oxfordshire

/in , /by

First European zero-turn mower built in Oxfordshire: The first zero-turn mower to be manufactured in Europe has been produced at the AriensCo factory in Great Haseley, Oxfordshire.

The decision by the US-owned company to build in Britain follows industry analysis which showed exceptional growth in demand for zero-turn mowers in the UK and Europe in recent years. Until now, zero-turns have mainly been imported from the US.

First European zero-turn mower built in Oxfordshire

“Sales of zero-turns in Europe have experienced outstanding growth over the past three years,” says Darren Spencer, AriensCo Vice President – EMEA and Asia. “We have experienced this growth in numerous markets and, based upon extensive research with our distribution partners, we expect the progress to continue. The industry analysis points to the many opportunities to be met by producing zero-turns at our Great Haseley plant. We currently sell into ten different countries within Europe and aim to increase our European footprint in 2020.”

Future growth is predicted to accelerate as the benefits of zero-turn mowers are understood by potential customers, namely increased speed of cut, greater versatility and overall productivity. Zero-turn production in the UK is seen to offer significant advantages, allowing for rapid delivery and improved availability throughout the year. There is also the potential for zero-turns to be adapted with features and benefits to meet local market needs. AriensCo says they have made a significant investment in the Oxfordshire factory with the new zero-turn production line, fixtures and tooling. A number of CE zero-turn models will be produced for European markets and close collaboration with the US will be maintained to match up to Ariens’ reputation for manufacturing quality, says the company.  Increased utilisation of the Great Haseley factory has provided operational cost benefits and will generate a number of new jobs for the area.

For more information visit ariens-uk.com or call 01844 278800.

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.