Get the most utility from your vehicle
Published in: California Fairways
Date: 11/1/2002
Golf course superintendents are required to have a lot of specialized equipment, including multiple types of mowers, sprayers, aerators and fertilizers. There are times, however, when a superintendent needs just the opposite. Whether to move people or equipment from place to place or for unexpected uses that specialized equipment can’t handle, utility vehicles have proven themselves to be vital on the course. Although this isn’t a comprehensive collection of the utility vehicles on the market, California Fairways looks at several of the latest models to help superintendents choose what’s best for them.
Broyhill’s TerraSport, TerraForce Utility Vehicles Boast Rugged Durability
Broyhill’s new TerraSport utility vehicle boasts a 1,500-pound total capacity and robotic-welded tubular steel frame construction for exceptional strength and durability. With a 16-horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine, continuously variable transmission, power steering, and a multi-leaf spring, dual-shock suspension, the TerraSport provides a smooth ride at speeds up to 20 miles per hour.
An optional rear cargo box offers a unique “1/3-2/3” design, making room for a toolbox, sprayer tank or line-marker paint tank, and it’s conveniently located behind the seat. Steel or wood boxes have removable 10-inch sides that easily convert to a 48- by 48-inch flatbed. Accessories include Broyhill’s hydraulic box, grooming attachments, 25-gallon sprayer and Fastliner line-marking system.
The Broyhill TerraForce turf utility vehicle takes on the industry with its one-ton payload and 18-miles per hour ground speed. With a Kohler 18-horsepower, V-twin-cylinder engine and multi-leaf, high-travel front suspension, the TerraForce offers one of the most dependable rides available. The vehicle’s clean design and rear-accessible drive train make for simple maintenance. The heavy-gauge steel cargo box, larger than most competing vehicles, handles the big jobs easily.
An exceptional standalone utility vehicle, the Broyhill TerraForce also provides a powerful, reliable foundation for a variety of dedicated attachments, including the VacMate, SpraMate, Fastliner, RefuseMate and new LiftMate.
The TerraForce features a wide variety of options, including a hydraulic lift for the cargo box, remote hydraulics, a heavy-duty alternator, taillight kit, hand-vernier throttle control, and a tachometer.
For more information regarding TerraSport, TerraForce and Broyhill’s complete line of turf sprayers, vacuums, line markers, utility vehicles and general grooming equipment, contact Broyhill [800-228-1003 ext. 34, Web: https://www.broyhill.com].
Club Car’s Transporter 472 Is “Mobile Work Station”
Do you have a job that requires several crewmembers and a handful of tools on the other side of some rugged terrain? Maybe you need to move some lumber and a generator to the site of a rain shelter 4 under construction. If so, Club Car has a suggestion: pile everything into one of its new Transporter 472 utility vehicles.
Club Car calls the four-passenger Transporter 472 a “mobile work station.” It has a payload capacity of 1,200 pounds and can carry up to four passengers.
“The 472 qualifies as a true rough-terrain vehicle,” said Mike Packer, vice president of utility vehicle sales. “With its increased load capacity, more powerful engine and four-wheel hydraulic braking system, it can tackle most jobs around the course with no problem.”
The 472’s 400 cubic-centimeter key-start engine moves the 1,200-pound vehicle at a top speed of 17-19 miles per hour. Oversize (23-inch) tires and a shift-on-the-fly rear-differential lock add to the vehicle’s maneuverability. In its two-passenger configuration, the bed length stretches to six feet. In addition, the 472 comes with a two-year, 2,000-hour warranty.
Club Car turf utility vehicles deliver durability, versatility and power to a wide range of tasks on and around the golf course. For six straight years, Club Car turf utility vehicles have rated No. 1 in overall performance, reliability and service/support by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
Club Car Inc. provides golf cars, transportation and utility vehicle solutions for golf, agricultural, recreational and industrial markets. For more information, contact Club Car [800-227-0739, Web: https://www.clubcar.com].
John Deere’s Gator Utility Vehicles Ready for Work
With a 10-horsepower, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine and towing capacity of 900 pounds, the John Deere 4×2 Gator features an arc-welded unibody design, front suspension and a fully independent, single A-arm design that stands up to the bumps and jolts of off-road work and works on turf without leaving ruts or marks.
The John Deere 6×4 Gator utility vehicle features an 18-horsepower, liquid-cooled engine. For extra traction, the 6×4 provides full-time four-wheel drive and differential lock. The 6×4 Gator shares the arc-welded unibody design and front suspension of the 4×2. Its 1,200-pound towing capacity makes it a dependable utility vehicle for off-road challenges, and it’s gentle on turf thanks to low ground pressure and a low center of gravity.
The addition of the 6×4 Diesel takes the Gator to the next power level. With a three-cylinder, 18-horsepower, liquid-cooled Yanmar diesel engine, the 6×4 Diesel has more high-end torque and increased engine life. It also boasts an increased payload and towing capacity of 1,400 pounds. Low ground pressure and a low center of gravity allow these heavy-duty haulers to work on turf without leaving ruts or marks.
The John Deere Turf Gator features quiet operation, a larger cargo bed and faster speeds. The Turf Gator has a maximum speed of 18 miles per hour and is equipped with a 44- by 49- by nine-inch cargo bed with a 500-pound payload capacity. And you’ll never find ruts or marks on turf thanks to low ground pressure and a low center of gravity.
The John Deere E-Gator, powered by a quiet electric motor, is designed for customers concerned with operational sound levels and exhaust emissions, such as at golf courses and university campuses. The electric vehicle also has a regenerative feature that puts an estimated 3-5 percent of the full electrical charge back into the battery during a day of work.
The John Deere ProGator utility vehicle is available in 23.5-horsepower diesel and 26-horsepower gas versions, and features a five-speed, fully synchronized transmission. Hydrostatic steering provides for precision controls and a tight turning radius. With a 2,650-pound payload capacity and a hydraulic lift, the ProGator can handle heavy loads with ease. And extra strength comes in the form of a one-piece axle supporting the rear wheels, allowing for more capacity and providing more stability.
Versatility can be added to all John Deere Gator utility vehicles with Gator attachments. For more information, contact John Deere [800-537-8233, Web: https://www.johndeere.com].
Polaris Adds to Workmobile Family
For years, commercial users have dreamed of a light utility hauler that provides the power needed to complete tough jobs, includes standard features that allow operators to enjoy their work in comfort and doesn’t break the bank. It turns out dreams do come true.
Polaris Industries new Professional Series Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) 1500 2×4 delivers more power than its competitors, comes equipped with more standard options and is available for a suggested retail price of only $6,299.
Sporting a powerful 18-horsepower V-twin, air-cooled four-cycle engine, heavy-duty transmission and lower gearing; the UTV 1500 2×4 can carry a payload of up to 1,250 pounds and tow 1,000 pounds–both best in class. Foot-activated, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes enable quick stopping, even under a heavy load.
An up-front, independent MacPherson strut suspension with 4.6 inches of travel provides a smooth ride and eases steering. In the back, Polaris’ renowned progressive-rate swing-arm rear suspension softens even the biggest bumps by delivering 4.3 inches of travel.
Among the list of standard amenities are an audible reverse alarm, an ergonomically designed dash that include a glove box and an additional storage compartment, a trailer hitch receiver, dual 35-watt quartz-halogen headlights, hour meter, electric start, and a 360-watt alternator.
The UTV 1500 2×4 is designed to handle years of sustained effort and is backed by a one-year warranty. A limited number of vehicles will be produced in the fourth quarter of this year with full availability slated for early 2003.
The UTV 1500 2×4 is the latest addition to the Polaris Professional Series Workmobile family. This line of commercial vehicles and equipment also includes the Polaris Professional Series UTV 2×4, 4×4 and 6×6 and the Personal Task Vehicle 4×4 and 6×6, along with the ASL 300 All-Surface Loader and a complete line of pumps, generators and accessories.
For more information, contact Polaris Industries [763-542-0500, Web: https://www.polarisindustries.com].
Cushman Turf Truckster Takes the Field
In one dictionary, utility is defined as “1. Fitness for some purpose or worth to some end. 2. Something useful or designed for use.”
What better way to describe the Cushman Turf Truckster: “Something useful or designed for use.” Golf course superintendents and grounds keepers worldwide have known for years that the Cushman Turf Truckster is the “Swiss Army Knife” of utility vehicles. Tough and built to last, there’s no utility truck that can do more than the Cushman Turf Truckster.
Start with the optional automatic transmission. That means anybody can operate the Turf Truckster, helping to lower maintenance costs. Choose gas or diesel models, including a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled gas engine and then top it off with a payload capacity of up to 2,850 pounds.
At Keene’s Point Golf and Country Club, for example, the Turf Truckster can be seen pulling the Ryan GA-60 reciprocating aerator to keep fairways and greens in top condition. Another staff member uses the Ryan Core Harvester to remove aeration cores. With the cores collected, the Turf Truckster Accessory Lift and Storage Rack quickly installs the Top Dresser 1500 to put down top dressing material on fairways and greens. To finish the job, the Turf Truckster pulls a drag mat to fully disperse the material. In another fairway, a Cushman SprayTek is spraying the turf with late-season fertilizer. In a few weeks, the same Turf Trucksters, now equipped with Thompson Seeders, will be back overseeding for the upcoming fall season.
The superintendent? He’s surveying the scene from a Cushman Turf Truckster. In the spring, his crew will be back on the fairways aerating, top dressing and fertilizing.
For more information, contact Cushman, a division of Textron Turf and Specialty Products [800-922-8873, Web: https://www.ttcsp.com].
Toro Adds Improvements to Workman 2110
The Toro Workman 2110 utility vehicle features hydraulic self-cleaning front disc and rear drum brakes. The enhanced braking system allows for increased braking ability and an extraordinary towing capacity of 1,200 pounds when using a heavy-duty tow hitch. In addition, the Workman 2110 has a powerful 16-horsepower Briggs & Stratton Vanguard air-cooled gas engine.
“The front disc brakes provide optimum braking performance under hilly or heavy load conditions for high productivity and long-term value,” said Neil Borenstein, Toro’s senior marketing manager for vehicles. “The hydraulic brake system offers exceptional trailer towing capacity, increasing the versatility of the Workman 2110.”
The mid-duty Workman 2110 offers a wide range of attachments such as a canopy, solid and folding windshield, portable refreshment center, hard cab, ballfield groomer, brush guard and bumper, and many more attachments customize a Workman for specific needs.
Powered by Briggs & Stratton Diahatsu engines, the Workman 3200 and 4200 feature a 31-horsepower liquid-cooled gas engine, and the Workman 3300 and 4300 feature a 26.5-horsepower liquid-cooled diesel engine. The Workman 3100 has a Kohler 23-horsepower air-cooled gas engine.
The Toro Workman utility vehicles are proven performers that can handle the toughest tasks with their versatile attachments. The new powerful Briggs & Stratton Diahatsu engines will increase productivity and dependability for long-term value.
“The Briggs & Stratton Diahatsu engines are reliable and durable and will deliver the power to easily move heavy loads arid power attachments,” said Borenstein. “Toro improved the front suspension springs and added an optional high-flow hydraulics kit to enhance the already versatile Workman.”
Additional updates to the Workman were made with the operator in mind. The new shield behind the operator and passenger keep materials in the cargo bed, and the bucket seats offer more comfort and containment. For more information, contact Toro [952-888-8801, Web: https://www.toro.com].
COPYRIGHT 2002 Adams Business Media