Utility vehicles handle unexpected obstacles
Published in: California Fairways
Date: 11/1/2003
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.
Club Car Expands Utility Vehicle Accessories
Club Car expanded its accessories group for utility vehicles to include new enclosures, tool kits and lights to help superintendents and mechanics do their jobs more efficiently.
Club Car’s patented “Ultimate” enclosure attaches to the front canopy support with oversize zippers instead of the traditional Velcro fastening system. The zipper system gives the enclosure a tighter, longer-lasting fit.
The new enclosure also features an “over-the-top” design that works like a valence to give the enclosure a finished look and channel water away from the driver and passenger. The enclosure is made from enhanced marine-grade materials that are sun and mildew resistant.
Another option for Club Car utility vehicles is a rear-facing floodlight, which makes it easier to work on items in the vehicle’s bed or near the vehicle without the need for a flashlight, keeping both hands free. The floodlight’s housing and lens are made of high-impact plastic and can rotate and pivot to direct light to precise areas. The floodlight light kit includes wiring harness, switch, conduit and mounting hardware.
The company’s new brush guard/rack with aluminum toolbox is a valuable accessory to the Turf 2 vehicle. Made of powder-coated tubular aluminum, the brush guard/rack incorporates the benefits of a brush guard with the 150-pound carrying capacity of a cargo rack. The aluminum toolbox has an optional powder-coat finish to reduce glare.
For superintendents and mechanics who work on internal-combustion engines, Club Car’s new tachometer is another useful option. The tachometer works with diesel entries as well as two- and four-stroke gas engines. Features include a single- or double-spark system in gas mode or a number of cylinders in diesel mode as well as minimum/maximum RPM data.
For more information, contact Club Car [800-227-0739, Web: https://www.clubcar.com].
Toro Introduces e-Workman Electric Vehicle
Toro introduced its electric Tore e-Workman, a powerful electric mid-duty vehicle. Benefits of the e-Workman include quiet operation and less operating expense, and it’s more environmentally friendly than gas-powered vehicles.
The Toro e-Workman has a peak motor current of 500 maps and exhibits superior hill climbing capability under all load conditions. Additionally, the efficient drive train results in longer runtimes. Based on the Workman mid-duty 1100/2100/2110 platform, the e-Workman offers performance and versatility for any situation. Regenerative braking provides superior stopping and efficient operation.
It’s easy to check the fuel status of the Toro e-Workman with its fuel gauge that shows the operator how much battery power remains. When batteries become significantly low, the unit limits top speed and acceleration to alert the operator to drive the vehicle to a charging location.
The Toro e-Workman includes safety features such as a plug detector that stops the unit from operating when plugged in for recharging. In addition, the runaway protection indicator applies the brake and beeps if the unit ever rolls down a hill without the operator depressing the accelerator. Tore e-Workman also features a supervisor switch that controls the maximum speed employees can drive the vehicle.
For more information, contact Toro [952-888-8807, Web: https://www.toro.com].
Jacobsen Adds New Utility Vehicles
By the end of 2003, greens superintendents, grounds keepers, professional lawn-care operators and landscape contractors will have a choice of new Hauler turf vehicles from Jacobsen: The Hauler 800 Electric and Gas, the Hauler 1000 Electric, the Hauler 1200 Gas and the Hauler 3500.
Advanced features, upgrades and technologies available on the new Hauler vehicles include a 48-volt electric system on the Hauler 1000 that consists of eight six-volt batteries, optional front-wheel disc brakes, brush and bumper guards, and E-Shield Steel Frame Corrosion Protection. Other options include headlights, taillights, brake lights and non-standard colors.
The Hauler 800 E features a 36-volt DC high-efficiency motor, 800-pound load capacity, heavy-duty leaf-spring suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers, dual rear-wheel brakes and optional front-wheel disc brakes, a nine-cubic-foot load bed and dash-mounted key switch.
Jacobsen’s Hauler 800 G features a 9.0-horsepower, air-cooled gas engine, automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with forward and reverse, six-gallon fuel tank, heavy-duty suspension, and a nine-cubic-foot load bed.
The Hauler 1000 E features a 48-volt DC high-efficiency shunt motor, 1,000-pounds load capacity, dual rear-wheel brakes and optional front-wheel disc brakes, a rotomolded polyethylene load bed with 13-cubic-foot capacity and dash-mounted key switch. The Hauler 1200 G features an 11-horsepower, air-cooled gas engine, automatic CVT with forward and reverse, and a 1,200-pound load capacity.
In addition, the Hauler 3500 G features an 11-horsepower, air-cooled gas engine, automatic CVT with forward and reverse, 800-pound load capacity, automatic parking-brake release, a heavy-duty aluminum cargo box With 13.3-cubic-foot capacity and dash-mounted key switch. Headlights, brush guard and trailer hitch without ball are standard features.
For more information, contact Jacobsen [704-504-6600, Web: https://www.jacobsen.com].
John Deere Delivers ProGator Utility Vehicle
The John Deere ProGator utility vehicle combines modern styling and operator-friendly features with rugged durability and power. Available in 23.5-horsepower diesel and 26-horsepower gas versions, the vehicle has the strength and versatility needed to tackle the toughest jobs on or off the golf course.
A five-speed, fully synchronized transmission lets you keep going without stopping to change gears. Strength also comes in the form of a one-piece axle supporting the rear wheels, allowing for more capacity while providing reliability. The front and rear suspensions feature dual-leaf springs instead of coils, taking the bumps and jolts out of gravel roads and unforeseen mounds. Hydrostatic steering provides for precision control and a tight turning radius of only 33 inches.
The ProGator utility vehicle weighs in with a 2,650-pound load capacity. The cargo box is solid steel and, combined with a hydraulic power lift, lets operators dump loads cleanly and accurately. A versatile, three-pin system lets you take the cargo box on or off in minutes without tools.
The ProGator has a wide stance, giving it excellent stability, and a walk-through operator platform makes getting on and off the machine easy. Comfortable, high-back seats, easy-to-reach controls, and smooth steering increase operator comfort productivity.
Superintendents can add versatility with the ProGator Top Dresser, which features a seamless conveyor belt and a capacity of 19 cubic feet. Additionally, the optional ProGator Cab will keep operators comfortable year round. The cab features excellent visibility for increased safety, doors are ventilated for better airflow, and a heater/defroster kit is available. For more information, contact John Deere [800-537-8233, Web: https://www.johndeere.com].
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