The latest mowers and tractors for greenkeepers

By Alistair June 24, 2018 10:18

There are many machines available to greenkeepers to help them with their work, but picking the right one is crucial. Andy Waple explores the differences between some leading brands

Recent innovations have been introduced by Jacobsen to aid the work of the golf greenkeeper.

Firstly, the new Jacobsen TR series features two new triplex cylinder mowers that replace the TR-3 and Tri-King machines.

The premium model, the TR330, has integrated AdaptiShift technology which allows cutting units to move side-to-side to mow hard-to-reach areas and effortlessly shift cutting reels to either side of the machine, creating up to 45.7cm of offset to trim bunkers with ease.

The standard model, the TR320, has a 1.63m transport width, 1.83m width of cut and a heightened quality of cut on slopes, hills and undulations.

Meanwhile, the two models in the new AR series replace the AR-3 rotary mower. Both are 3WD rotary triple mowers, featuring a 24.8hp Kubota® diesel engine, an ergonomic control arm, electronic parking brake and a brand-new rotary deck design. The premium AR331 features AdaptiShift, allowing the decks to glide effortlessly side-to side to keep operators safe when mowing around edges and bunkers.

The standard model, the AR321, has an easy-to-read analogue information display screen, ergonomic fingertip control and a fully adjustable control arm.

Finally, the new super lightweight SLF530 mower delivers the legendary Jacobsen quality of cut and provides superior protection for turf under all conditions. It also features Jacobsen’s patented double pivot float mechanism. The SLF530 is perfect for mowing or verticutting fairways, surrounds, greens and tees.

The Toro Reelmaster 5010-H, launched to great acclaim in 2015 as the world’s first fairway mower with a true hybrid drive system, has been impressing UK greenkeepers ever since.

Its Kubota diesel engine, in-line motor generator and a self-recharging 48-volt battery pack work together to provide seamless power. This power combination comprises Toro’s patented PowerMatch hybrid drive system, which enables the Reelmaster 5010-H to match the power generated to the power required for traction and cutting based on mowing conditions. The result of this is a reduction in the vehicle’s carbon footprint and an average 20 percent saving in fuel.

The mower boasts an array of benefits such as time-saving Plug ‘n’ Mow DPA cutting units for all conditions, and the elimination of all hydraulic components within cutting units and, therefore, over 100 potential hydraulic leak points. Altogether, you have a cleaner cut without the compromises.

Toro Reelmaster 5010-H specification

Engine: 24.8hp (18.5kW) Tier 4 compliant Kubota 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled, diesel engine
Mowing speed: 0-8mph (0-12.8kmph) forward
Transport speed: 0-10mph (0-16kmph) forward transport; 0-4mph (0-6.4kmph) reverse
Cutting width: 100ins (2.5m)
Cutting units: Dual Precision Adjustment (DPA) cutting units
Height of cut: 8-blade recommended range 0.5ins – 1.0ins (13 mm-25 mm). 11-blade recommended range 0.25ins – 0.75ins (6 mm – 19 mm)
Cylinder size: 22ins (0.5m) wide, 5ins (0.12m) or 7ins (0.17m) diameter
Number of blades: 8- and 11- blades
Cylinder drive: Electric
Traction drive: All-wheel drive optional with Cross Trax All-Wheel Drive system
Weight: Approx 2,965lbs (1,345kg)
Warranty: Two-year limited warranty

The Grass Group, established for more than 25 years, is one of the UK’s premier turf and grounds’ maintenance equipment suppliers for professionals. Representing a number of prestigious brands including Progressive, RotaDairon and CTI for tines and bedknives, the extensive product range including mowers, stoneburiers, seeders and scarifiers, covers all areas of maintenance.

Large areas of land with slopes and undulations such as golf courses need a mower that is going to handle the contours with ease and ensure top quality results at the same time.

The Progressive Pro-Flex 120 is absolutely the mower for the job. It has several unique features that are very important on a trailed contour mower and these are currently only available from Progressive. The main feature are the floating decks – five in total – that sit on the main frame providing a 10 foot cutting width. Essentially five walk-behind mowers in one, you can’t get a better contour cut from a trailed machine than you do with the Pro-Flex.

Although well regarded as a rough mower, the Pro-Flex is equally at home on a fairway due to the quality of cut and the after-cut appearance, making it ideal and not just for the more value conscious. With many new features for 2018 the Pro-Flex offers low maintenance time and cost leaving more time for mowing.

From time to time there is a breakthrough, an innovation that makes a real impact on the way we do things. Listening to what people say they need, taking a tried and tested concept, tailoring it to demand and making it a reality often creates a real leap forward. Such is the new Wessex CRX-320 golf course and sports turf roller mower. Well, it’s just a mower you might say, but take a close look and you’ll find the most nimble, smooth, ground hugging Wessex machine to date. Wessex describe it as the machine you’ve been asking for and certainly when it was launched to dealers in February they were excited by the concept. Now it’s available for demonstrations and it’s suggested you book your slot now to see it in action.

Manufactured in Wessex’ own factory in the UK, the CRX-320 is an exceptional mowing experience. Full width rollers front and rear and 3.2m wide, it’s nothing short of a precision cut and outstanding stripe. Keeping the rollers as close as possible maximises ground contour following, with excellent floating capabilities to closely hug the undulations. The renowned CRX swing tip Gold Cut blades give you the superb cut and make for easy maintenance, while the wide-angle PTO gives you tight-turn capabilities for increased manoeuvrability. All you need is a 35hp tractor and only one spool valve, which makes it economical to operate with the simplest machinery. Simple too is the belt tension for quick and easy maintenance and the cutting height adjustment, between 10mm and 100mm, is equally straightforward. Minimal and easy access grease points and shrouded PTOs equate to long service intervals.

Consider all the options and it’s easy to see why the CRX-320 is the optimum preference for the golf course. You use your tractor and therefore potentially halve the price compared to a self-propelled machine. The wide cut width is a massive time saver and you don’t have to worry about tyre marks. The CRX-320 is also made road-going with an optional highway kit for road-legal towing, so you can easily move from place to place. And with a three-year warranty, what more could you ask for? If you think of something, Wessex is always listening. The testimony to that is in the build quality, with 5mm steel plate decks making this mower robust and durable, and the aforementioned features that make the CRX-320 the perfect choice for maintaining your golf course or sports turf. You could even say it purrs.

TYM tractors are a popular choice for greenkeepers looking for a well-specified product, that delivers value for money.

In the mid-duty range of TYM tractors’ comprehensive offering is the T654, which tops this range with 67hp. That’s more than enough power for a variety of jobs, which makes it an excellent choice for greenkeepers wanting a powerful, fuel-efficient work horse for their golf course.

Like its smaller siblings, the T654 is laden with operator-friendly features such as the Auto PTO function, a system which links the tractor’s rear PTO to the three-point linkage. This means that when lowering an implement the PTO will auto engage, and when lifted shut itself off. It’s a system that works well when used in conjunction with tractor mounted aeration equipment or rear mounted mowers.

A wide spacious cabin with plenty of space for the operator, heating and air conditioning fitted as standard, and a digital instrumental panel providing a clear display to monitor tractor performance, diesel usage and speed (RPM).

With an all-new 67hp Deutz engine with improved emission standards, the TYM T654 is a good all-rounder that accommodates a wide range of attachments and implements from front-end loaders, to mowers, cutters and rotary tillers.

TYM T654 spec

Engine: 67hp (61.9kW) Deutz 4-cylinder, diesel
Number of speeds: 24F/24R
Transport speed: 40km/h
ROPS: Factory fitted cab
PTO: AUTO PTO 540/750/1000 rpm
Options: TX65SL Front loader and drop-down hitch

Kubota UK, leading groundcare machinery specialist, has launched its latest high performance L1361 Compact Utility Tractor, which provides unrivaled versatility, productivity and efficiency.

For those looking to complete a wide range of maintenance tasks with ease, the 36.6hp machine is a flexible choice, featuring a powerful three cylinder Kubota D1803-M-E2 engine, manual or three range speed hydrostatic transmission and a 38 litre capacity fuel tank.

It includes 4WD and live, continuous-running rear PTO exclusively available on the HST model. The frequent and alternating use of various implements are supported by the machine’s three-point hitch and impressive lifting capacity, for easier and flexible use.

By featuring a quick detach front loader, the model allows for easier and quicker use of implements, including the new Kubota LA525 front loader with a curved boom design, for easy completion of the biggest of tasks.

The bevel gear front axle has also been designed to deliver an extremely tight turning radius, with full power transfer to the wheels at every steering angle. This enables greater traction across all terrains for secure high performance.

However, productivity and performance aren’t the only key benefits of the machine. Ergonomics have also played a significant part in the L1361’s refreshed design, with a spacious operator deck and slanted front bonnet for greater field of vision when handling front loader operations to ensure maximum safety.

Adrian Langmead, business development manager for Groundcare, said: “As a market leader in the manufacture of high performance solutions, Kubota is dedicated to developing machines that combine innovation and technology together to constantly improve the way in which the industry works.

“Regardless of terrain or job requirement, the L1361 allows operators to get the job done better and faster, all with greater comfort, performance and ease.”