Water parks and beaches might be popular winter diversions in Florida, but it was John Deere Golf that made a big splash at this year?s Golf Industry Show in Orlando.Deere rolled out eight new mowers, two aerifiers and several product updates at this year?s GIS. It was the most aggressive new product introduction since John Deere entered the golf turf business 25 years ago, said marketing manager Mark Ford.
The rollout includes Deere?s new A model fairway, trim and surrounds, and rough mower line. Features consistent across the line include a TechControl display, AutoPedal, LoadMatch, internal wet disc brakes and improved operator stations that are all engineered to provide superintendents increased control, easier operator training and improved quality of cut.
New models include 7500A, 7700A, 8700A PrecisionCut and 7500A E-Cut Hybrid fairway mowers, 7400A TerrainCut (pictured here) and 7200A PrecisionCut trim and surrounds mowers, and the 8800A TerrainCut rough mower.
All A Models feature OnCourse Technology, which integrates electronic controls with mechanical features to deliver improved performance, better diagnostics, and more uptime and reliability. In addition, the complete line is Tier 4 compliant.
The TechControl display provides the operator with easy-to-use operations, onboard diagnostics and password-protected advanced controls.
The AutoPedal system provides advanced automotive-style control of engine RPM via use of ergonomic twin foot pedals. This eliminates the need for a separate throttle making operation and training easy. It also saves fuel and lowers sound levels on the course and around the shop. A popular feature, borrowed from the John Deere Compact Utility Tractor, is LoadMatch technology, which automatically adjusts the speed of the machine to keep consistent power to the cutting units during heavy load conditions, maximizing productivity and maintaining cut quality. The complete line is Final Tier 4 compliant.
Deere also launched the A40 and V40 PrecisionCore Aerators. These aerators were designed with superintendents? feedback in mind, and are engineered to provide increased productivity and efficiency compared to traditional aerators on the market.
The articulating frame hugs green contours for more consistent hole depth, and shift-on-the-fly technology allows operators to change hole spacing while the machine is in motion. The machines also feature a tighter turning radius for sharper, quicker turns.
The hydrostatic transmission can be shifted on the fly to change the hole spacing as conditions require, such as tighter spacing on walk-off areas but wider spacing on less highly-trafficked areas. Coring spacing is adjustable from 1 to 3 inches in quarter-inch increments. Coring depth is also adjustable up to 4 inches deep, in quarter-inch increments.