John Deere Press Room 2007

This year is the 21st anniversary of John Deere’s groundscare division in the UK and Ireland. The company’s comprehensive range of golf and turf equipment will be represented at the show by a number of new machines, with the emphasis on extra power, operator comfort and serviceability. These include the TH Gator and Pro Gator 2030A utility vehicles, B Series triple greens and utility mowers and C Series walk-behind greens mowers.

In addition to these new products, the company will be hosting one of the event seminars on the advanced management of vehicle fleets and irrigation systems, and there will be news of John Deere’s entry into the irrigation market for the first time in Europe.

More than 3000 6x4 Gators have been sold in the UK and Ireland since the range was first launched here in 1993. They are designed for a wide range of transporting, loading, hauling, dumping and general materials handling duties, and feature a low centre of gravity for extra safety and stability, as well as a good power to weight ratio. Options include a full cab and a road homologation kit.

The new 20hp TH 6x4 diesel model is faster and more powerful than its predecessor, while also offering improved braking, increased carrying capacity and enhanced operator comfort, especially on rough terrain. Meanwhile, the latest version of the heavy duty ProGator can be used either as a general materials transporter or with specialist turf maintenance equipment for a wide range of applications.

The 24hp ProGator 2030A is available with two or optional four wheel drive, which features a new manual engagement system to give the operator full control of additional traction when required. A new auxiliary hydraulic pump has been designed to provide extra power for hydraulically driven attachments such as disc type top dressers and sprayers.

Improved operator comfort and serviceability plus a new traction system are also features of John Deere’s new 2653B professional utility mower, which builds on the durability, performance and quality of cut of its predecessor.

This three-wheel drive triplex machine is particularly suitable for the more difficult areas of grass on golf courses and other amenity turf areas, including slopes and rough terrain. The new 20hp Tier 3 diesel engine is designed to meet the most up to date emissions and noise regulations, while improved grip and stability on wet or hilly terrain are provided by the new traction system.

A number of detail changes have also been made to John Deere’s greens triple mowers for 2007, designed to improve operator comfort and safety. Powered by the same engine as the 2653B, the new 2500B diesel and 2500E hybrid diesel/electric greens mowers are now fitted with a standard ROPS frame, seat belt and locking seat pan to meet the latest safety standards.

Both machines incorporate a larger muffler to reduce noise levels, down to as low as 79dBA, while rubber-mounted hydraulic lines provide additional reductions in both noise and vibration. Other features include common hood styling, a new radiator and a new hydraulic tank design, which is also shared with the 2653B.

Last but by no means least, the new 180C, 220C and 260C models are among the lightest walk-behind greens mowers currently available to greenkeepers and groundsmen. Powered by a new 4hp air cooled Honda petrol engine, they feature increased durability and reliability, and have also been designed to meet the latest emissions and environmental regulations.

Featuring true cutting widths of 46, 56 and 66cm (18, 22 and 26in) respectively, the C Series mowers are designed to provide a top quality finish on golf courses, tennis courts, bowling greens and other fine turf areas.

For further details call John Deere on 0044 (0)1949 860491 or visit the website at www.JohnDeere.ie

July 2007