It’s the technology the turfcare world has been waiting for – autonomous and robotic mowing options from Toro – delivering intelligent productivity for the industry and solving the problem of reduced resources and labour shortages.
Launching in the UK before any other market, we’re taking an in-depth look at this milestone technology and the products that will surely define the next stage of mowing excellence.
The technology
Before we look at the products it’s important to understand the technology. All the new products feature Real Time Kinematic (RTK) geo-positioning technology which comes from a GPS based satellite system for ultra-precise navigation. This functionality allows for areas to be mapped, setting specific boundaries in which the machines can operate autonomously. When the mower reaches the edge of the predefined work zone based on satellite positioning, it intelligently keeps within it.
The benefits of this are no boundary wires are required, the mowers can mow a consistent pattern with minimal overlap and – through RTK – are accurate to two centimetres. The system can identify missed areas and the machine will reroute to cover them later and they will also sense, stop and work round if something is in its way, returning when all-clear.
Operation is straightforward: wireless monitoring and control of the units is through a computer or mobile phone where it is possible to customise working perimeters, no-go zones, mowing patterns, cutting height, transport paths – and then control it remotely through the mobile app. The machine can be started or stopped at any time from anywhere, and the operator will receive alerts, can create schedules and automate certain processes.
The products
GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower
The way in which turfcare professionals care for fairways is evolving. The Toro GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower is built on years of research and development. It’s smart and precise and delivers the high cut quality the Toro name is known for.
It can be used as a manual mower too, that’s why it still has a seat and steering wheel, so the operator can take control and move it to other areas outside of the mapped zones if needed.
Fairways are the priority, but this mower excels in other higher cut grass areas such as close-cut sports fields.
Highlights
• Autonomous path planning
• Automatic turns
• Obstacle detection
• Optimal overlap
• Straight lines
• Best suited for mowing heights of 12–25mm
• Eight blade Greensmaster cutting unit
• Comes as standard with fairway EdgeMax bedknife, rear roller brush, high height-of-cut kit, wide front roller and front roller scraper
Turf Pro mowers
There are three fully robotic models: the Turf Pro 300 has three cutting heads and a mowing area of 45,000m²; the Turf Pro 500 has five cutting heads and a mowing area of 75,000m², and the Turf Pro S is for use on slopes of up to 24 degrees. All three have a cutting height range of 20-100mm and there is a low height of cut option available of 15-90mm.
Highlights
• Allows more intelligent use of labour resource
• Best for cutting fairways, roughs, and semi-roughs
• All-electric and self-charging
• Automatically returns to its charging station
• Mow up to 18.5 acres (75,000m²)
• Increased mowing frequency removes less leaf tissue and produces shorter clippings
• Adjustable mowing patterns can be utilised to achieve multiple aesthetics
• Multiple floating cutting heads with anti-friction discs and retractable blades at high rotation speed
Range Pro ball picker
The Range Pro is Toro’s solution to the labour-intensive task of collecting balls from the driving range. It’s capable of collecting over 15,000 balls in 24 hours and holding up to 350 in its hopper. Once full it returns to its charging station and releases the balls into a system where they are washed.
Highlights
• Allows labour resource to be better used elsewhere
• Works simultaneously with Turf Pro
• Operates in pattern and ability to define and schedule high density areas
• Average run time of almost two hours
• Working speed of up to 2.2 miles per hour
The results
Toro developed this technology and these products in direct response to customer feedback and research. It was clear there was a changing mindset about what was needed regarding labour support, combatting increasing operational costs and how to approach mowing grass. What was needed was a productive solution to bring about labour savings with no change in Toro’s world-renowned cutting performance.
“Used little and often, these mowers provide consistent results and clean, well-maintained turf with minimal input.” Lee Rowbotham, Geolink and Digital Specialist, Reesink Turfcare.
“The arrival of autonomous technology is what we have all been anticipating and talking about for years. It showcases just how far technology has come and provides turfcare professionals with a way to dramatically increase productivity and get even more consistent results.” Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager, Reesink Turfcare.
To demo these new machines or talk to a Reesink representative about how this technology will boost productivity, visit Reesink Turfcare at reesinkturfcare.co.uk