The latest fairway mowers and tractors

By Alistair July 6, 2019 10:04 Updated

The greenkeeper’s job is never done. Here, we review some of the latest developments in fairway mowers and tractors which help make life a little easier.

Featuring the same advanced technology as John Deere’s award-winning A Model family of fairway, rough and trim and surrounds mowers, the new 6000A Series PrecisionCut fairway machines were launched at BTME 2019 in Harrogate in January and are now available from UK and Irish dealers.

Based on a three-wheel drive, smooth tyre configuration, the 6080A, 6500A and 6700A five-gang cylinder models have been introduced to meet a specific customer need for improved budget control, while still delivering a mower designed for the rigours of fairway applications.

“With tight operating budgets and increasing labour costs, many customers need a more cost effective solution to get the job done,” says John Deere’s European turf sales and marketing manager Carlos Aragones.

“With this in mind, we challenged ourselves to design a machine that can still boost productivity and maintain quality of cut while keeping costs down, and we’ve done that with these new 6000A Series mowers.”

All three models use a powerful 24.7hp (18.4kW) diesel engine, and boast several other premium performance and comfort features. Just like the existing John Deere A Model range, these latest mowers offer exceptional cut quality, even on slopes, thanks to the standard LoadMatch system, while the innovative eHydro transmission eliminates linkages between the foot pedals and the hydrostatic pump.

Cutting widths are 2.03m (80in) on the 6080A and 2.54m (100in) on the 6500A and 6700A, with a choice of 46 or 56cm (18 or 22in) QA5 5in or QA7 7in diameter cutting units depending on the model. In addition, the 8mph (12.9kph) mowing speed allows operators to cut larger areas in less time.

As with all A Model machines, the new fairway mowers feature the innovative TechControl display with password-protected controls. TechControl allows course managers or technicians to enter a range of commands, including mowing, turning and transport speeds as well as service intervals, while also providing on-board service diagnostics, to give complete and consistent control over cutting performance and quality.

The established frame design provides strength and durability, and a high quality cut is maintained in undulating terrain thanks to a rear-attaching yoke on the cutting units. Combined with the standard GRIP all-wheel drive traction system, these features allow the mowers to climb hills more easily without slipping.

The new John Deere 6000A Series PrecisionCut fairway mowers also provide several features designed to increase machine and operator uptime. These include internal hydraulic wet disc brakes that eliminate the need for linkage adjustments and grease points in the braking system, along with the traction drive system that needs only one fluid type for regular maintenance. In addition, the comfortable operator station includes CommandArm mounted controls that move with the seat.

Toro’s Reelmaster 3555-D

Toro

Toro’s Reelmaster 3555-D and 3575-D are lightweight mowers that pack a punch, the fairway featherweights, which make a big impression without leaving one.

Joining the Reelmaster 3550-D, which weighs in at just 900kg, in Toro’s Reelmaster range, the RM3555-D and 3575-D fairway mowers don’t let the side down with their lightweight credentials. Weighing around 500lbs less than comparable four-wheel Toro mowers they provide more choice in the fairway mower arena.

Powered by a 24.8hp (18.5kW) Kubota diesel engine, these two machines, which are distributed in the UK by Reesink Turfcare, provide plenty of power to climb hills, even while running groomers and rear roller brushes, yet they use less fuel per acre than traditional fairway mowers.

A 100 inch width of cut and Toro’s renowned Dual Precision Adjustment (DPA) cutting units featuring Toro’s all new Edge Series cylinders provide a consistent, long-lasting, crisp, clean cut whether opting for five inch cutting units on the RM3555-D or seven on the RM3575-D.

With the weight balanced from side-to-side, a low centre of gravity is created and when coupled with smooth turf-friendly tyres and a highly manoeuvrable three-wheel-drive system which allows tight turns to be made with ease, reduces turnaround time and significantly decreases the potential for turf tear, the result is a reduction in turf compaction and damage.

As well as being among the lightest on the market, both machines are also among the quietest in their class. Registering at just 84dB(A) for the operator and at 73dB(A) 25-foot away, which is the same as a motorbike, making them ideal for courses in residential areas.

Cleveland Alliances (formerly Cleveland Crop Sprayers)

Founded by Patrick Dixon in 1991 as Cleveland Crop Sprayers, the firm concentrated on agricultural machines and was the Gambetti agricultural importer for the UK. The company grew rapidly and in 1998 Gambetti Amenity sprayers started pouring into the UK, imported by Cleveland. Since then, Cleveland has expanded and led the UK golf market with Gambetti Sprayers.

Patrick’s son, James, started with the company in 1994 as a junior engineer. He left the company in 2000 to join the armed forces, returning to the family business in 2004 to join the sales department. James led the agricultural sales from 2008 and in 2013 became sales director.

Technology in agriculture was growing at a very fast rate. In 2013 Cleveland started introducing that technology into the golf and amenity sprayer sector, achieving the distinction of becoming the first to roll out sprayers with GPS technology into the UK golf market.

Since then both Cleveland and Gambetti have refined their products and now have state-of-the-art GPS technology operating across the UK golf market.

In 2017 James became managing director as Patrick was preparing for retirement. James has taken on the role and is steering the company to new directions. In 2018 Cleveland sold the agricultural side of the crop sprayer business, concentrating on machines for the golf and amenity sector, and on Greensiron and Rotomec Mowers, which it also distributes.

The largest growth area for the company is its sprayer parts sector. Cleveland is now a sprayer parts wholesaler, providing parts to sprayer dealers and specialists across the world.

In 2019, the decision was made to change the name of the company to Cleveland Alliances, as it was considered that ‘crop sprayers’ no longer told the company’s entire story. Looking to the future, the company has invested heavily in its websites and is growing its online presence week by week.

Demonstrating Cleveland’s grasp of technological innovations, James said: “Our company does not simply buy and sell sprayers. We buy components, booms and computers, tailoring sprayers specifically for the UK amenity and golf course market. ‘Designed in the UK, put together in the UK, for the UK,’ is our mantra.

“We have a large dealer network and supply well-known dealers throughout the UK. We know our products inside out and base our business on our knowledge and experience, and our dealers rely heavily on this support.”

John Deere’s 3038E compact tractor

John Deere

John Deere’s new 3038E compact tractor is an economical and versatile machine suitable for a wide variety of customers, including greenkeepers, groundsmen, landscape contractors, groundscare maintenance service providers, rural property owners and equestrian operations.

The 3038E is equipped with a powerful, emissions-compliant Stage IV diesel engine developing 37.3hp. A hydrostatic transmission with Twin Touch foot pedals provides the operator with simple, comfortable controls to select exactly the right speed for the job at hand.

Combined with power assisted steering, the Twin Touch pedals are intuitive and easy to use and enable the operator to maximise productivity. The tractor’s independent PTO can be engaged on the go, eliminating the need to stop and use the clutch. The 3038E also features an easy-lift bonnet that provides wide-open access to the engine bay for maintenance.

A new 300E front loader has been designed to complement the 3038E and features a curved boom and durable components. Together with the tractor’s tight turning circle, this offers a highly manoeuvrable combination for materials’ handling, whether working indoors or outdoors. Four-wheel drive is available as standard for more demanding applications and difficult ground conditions.

The 3038E compact tractor also offers telescoping draft links as a factory or field installed option. This makes attaching and removing rear implements very easy and increases overall performance in the field. This option is compatible with a wide range of implements, including mowers, rear blades and post hole diggers.

“This new tractor is easy to operate, easy to maintain, easy to own and easy to buy,” says Carlos Aragones, John Deere’s European turf segment manager. “No matter what the task, the 3038E compact tractor delivers John Deere quality and reliability at a budget-friendly price.”

Nicknamed a ‘multi-tasking marvel’, TYM’s T393 makes light work of the hard work

TYM

It’s with good reason that TYM Tractor’s T393 is nicknamed a ‘multi-tasking marvel’ and that’s thanks to its ability to switch from one task to another, which is a vital consideration for greenkeeping teams.

Bridging the gap from the compact utility range into the mid-duty range, the T393 is a good choice on a golf course providing enough power to handle a vast array of tasks, but lightweight enough to not be detrimental to turf.

It has one of the highest lift capabilities in its class with a lift capacity of 1,200kg and one of the highest hydraulic flow rates with a maximum output of 42 litres per minute.

It has a robust 38hp three-cylinder liquid-cooled Yanmar engine, dual element air cleaner and independent rear and mid PTO selection. The tractor can also be specified with various implements including front loader and a range of rear mounted attachments including, but not limited to, finishing mowers and rotary tillers. And if that wasn’t enough, the T393 is also easy to use with an excellent turning radius and maximum traction.

Packed with innovative and user-friendly features such as auto PTO, hydrostatic power-steering and factory fitted cab with both heat and air conditioning, it’s a tractor based on comfort as much as purpose. The T393 can be equipped with either a 12×12 manual gearbox or a three-range hydrostatic transmission with auto throttle response.

Transportation, ground preparation, seeding and mowing, it’s a workhorse that makes light work of the hard work.

For advice on your grounds maintenance needs or to arrange a demonstration please contact Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800. Or you can find more information by visiting www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk.