Machinery review: The Toro Workman GTX

By Alistair July 25, 2019 09:25 Updated

More choice makes Toro GTX a versatile platform, reports James de Havilland.

The Toro Workman GTX is a turf and grounds crossover utility vehicle and, with over 300 configurations, it’s the industry’s most versatile platform with more power, improved steering and an exclusive suspension and braking system, making it the most practical and comfortable in its mid-duty class.

The suspension system sees coil-over shacks placed all around the vehicle which means when using the GTX, it’s not only comfortable, but the ride is smooth and operator fatigue is reduced. The hydraulic, rather than mechanical, disk brakes bring reliable and consistent stopping power, eliminating the need for cable adjustment and meaning less pedal force is required.

Available in petrol or electric versions, the adaptable Workman GTX is first in the range to offer the option to seat four, working as a personnel as well as materials’ carrier, and does so without compromising on power, comfort or control.

In its entry level form, the two-seat Toro GTX offers affordable utility in a rear wheel drive package with a choice of petrol or electric power. Options include a four-seat model with the same cargo area or a two seater with a massive 1.80m long flat bed. Nominal platform capacity of 363kg allows for two people on board with up to 454kg in tow

Reesink’s national sales manager Jeff Anguige says of the GTX: “The GTX is an exceptionally versatile and powerful machine. A host of additional features means it meets high power and performance standards, while also being incredibly comfortable to drive. It’s also more compact and lightweight meaning it’s kind to turf, power hasn’t been substituted for a light tread, this machine has both.”

But don’t just take our word for it, freelance technical writer James de Havilland put the GTX through its paces and gives his verdict here.

It might be light but it offers loads of utility

“The light utility vehicle market has quite a range of machines on offer, but when it comes to units that are better suited to working over golf courses, fine turf, sports fields and amenity areas, the choice starts to shrink. The best vehicles need to offer more than seating for two, with a bit of capacity behind the seats.

“The diminutive Toro GTX we look at here is, in its entry-level form, perhaps a good example of this. A two-wheel drive, two-seater with a load platform on the back is hardly a new concept, nor is the choice of petrol or electric power. But with the GTX there is a great deal more on offer to include short or long chassis models. This allows a Toro GTX to be specified as a four seater, complete with the same size load bay as the two-seat model, or as a two-seater with an extended 1.80m flat bed. This offers a completely flat cargo space, a massive six-foot length ensuring the Toro GTX is not from the ‘seen something like this before’ category.

The integral charger runs from a standard 13 amp single phase plug in cable. The charger is designed to either provide a quick top-up or be left hooked to the mains for an extended period

“Starting with the basics, a Toro GTX two seater is fitted as standard with a 1016mm long by 987mm wide cargo bay. Made from a tough polymer, and fitted with a drop down tailgate, the bed has 279mm high sides and can carry loads weighing up to 363kg. A huge choice of attachments can be added to this basic configuration to include side extensions and tool carriers plus mounting kits for both the front and rear of the vehicle. Add a very generous 454kg towing capacity and the Toro GTX starts to show its potential as a true amenity, golf and sports turf utility.

“Now add the chassis extension. This extra length can accommodate a second row of bench or individual seats and still retain the same rear cargo area as the two-seater. If cargo space is the priority, the chassis extension will allow the aforementioned flatbed to be specified. This choice adds a whole new raft of potential utility to the Toro Workman series. With the small entry-level GTX range you now have access to an affordable personnel carrier as well as a general tool to move machines and materials. A roof and screen are further options.

“As to power, neither the petrol or GTE electric options are designed to afford the GTX with the output for heavy-duty haulage or working a big sprayer. Toro has a Workman model to suit those applications. What the GTX offers is affordable utility in a versatile package to suit a really broad and diverse range of applications. The plug-in electric model has surprising acceleration too and, thanks to its on-board charger, can be topped up from any 13amp electric socket.”

Although limited to a 16mph/25.6km/hr top speed, the electric Toro GTX has enough acceleration to reach its maximum in very short order. To limit output an Eco position can be locked to prevent tampering. This Eco setting also dampens acceleration which may be useful when working over fine turf

GTX highlights

First in range to offer the option to seat four
Better power-to-weight ratio boosts payload capacity
Front and rear attachment points
Steel and 6-foot flat beds available
Manual rack and pinion steering (2.75 turns lock-to-lock)
Available in petrol or electric versions
Transport speed up to 16mph

Four Trojan Advanced ‘deep cycle’ batteries, complete with a single port fill to top up the electrolyte with distilled water, provide the energy storage for the electric GTE

Machine spec

Steering: Manual rack and pinion (2.75 turns lock-to-lock)

Turning clearance circle: 6.30m. Inside turning radius: 1530mm

Brakes: Front- and rear-wheel hydraulic disc

Suspension: Front-modified MacPherson strut. Rear-articulating swing arm with adjustable coil springs

Suspension travel: Front 889mm. Rear 1016mm

Fuel capacity (petrol): 18.9 litres

Transport speed: Variable up to 16 mph/25.6km/h

Ground clearance: Front – 2160mm, rear – 1550mm

Tyres: Front and rear 20×8-10 4-ply turf tyres

Outline dimensions:

Vehicle dimensions – width by length by wheelbase:

2-Seat with Bed: 1.20m x 3.00m x 2.20m

4-Seat with Bed: 1.20m x 3.60m x 2.90m

2-Seat with 1.80m flatbed: 1.20m x 3.00m x 2.90m

Rest of the range

The GTX joins the Workman MDX-D in the mid-duty range. The trusted Workman MDX-D has a 600cc Kubota liquid-cooled diesel engine providing longer engine life than petrol models and a cargo-bed capacity of 750kg (1,650lbs) – one of the highest in its class. Not to be outdone in the boasting stakes, the Toro Workman HDX-D is the only one needed in the heavy-duty utility category. It has the highest total carrying load in the industry together with a towing capacity of up to 1,588kg/3,500lb, while its innovative automotive technology isolates the engine, transmission and main frame from all load forces, thereby eliminating potential overstress in these components.

For more information on the Toro Workman GTX and the rest of the mid-duty – and heavy-duty utility vehicles ranges – contact Reesink Turfcare, an official UK Toro distributor, on 01480 226800 or email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk