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| 2007 News Releases and Information |
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FOR CHAMPIONSHIP-QUALITY TURF, OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB TURNS TO JOHN DEERE 2500E HYBRID RIDING GREENS MOWER
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OAKMONT, PA (June 25, 2007) — Oakmont Country Club is one of the most challenging golf courses in the country, and superintendent John Zimmers has been keeping its fairways fast for years. Those fairways were at their fastest during this month's U.S. Open Championship thanks to Zimmers' expertise and some help from John Deere's 2500E Hybrid Riding Greens Mower.
| John Deere 2500E Hybrid Riding Greens Mower
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Two years ago, as a test, Zimmers purchased two John Deere 2500Es to use as backup greens mowers at Oakmont. Impressed by the mowers' efficient electric reel motors, offset cutting units and quiet operation, he knew the 2500E was ideal for tournament preparations and ordered 10 additional machines from his local John Deere Golf & Turf One Source™ distributor, Finch Services, Inc.
"The choice made itself," Zimmers said of his decision to use the 2500E on his historic course, pointing out that the mower's cutting unit is powered electrically rather than hydraulically, eliminating more than 100 potential leak points — and preventing possible damage to Zimmers' meticulously maintained turf.
Oakmont's superintendent surprised some colleagues when he chose greens mowers to prepare his fairways during practice rounds, but Zimmers knew they would provide the closest cut possible, producing the slick, challenging surface he wanted.
"I was told to make the course difficult but fair, and that's what I did," said Zimmers, who opted to set his mower height to 0.335-in. for the fairways.
Using the 2500E also allowed Zimmers to craft a specific aesthetic for the highly publicized event. Smaller than fairway mowers, the greens mowers created a narrower stripe on the turf, and the smooth tires and lighter weight ensured a soft footprint.
In addition to the 10 mowers Zimmers purchased for the championship, John Deere loaned Oakmont four additional 2500Es, four 2500 Riding Greens Mowers and a number of Gator™ utility vehicles to use during the event. Finch Services owner Ray Finch, manager Jeff Shuemaker and local sales representative Kent Orbin along with John Deere territory manager Greg Goudeau and territory customer service manager Bob Read were on hand for the event, working alongside Zimmers' permanent crew of 35 and the additional 120 volunteers who were brought in to help.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to help John and the crew at Oakmont — not just for the championship, but for their everyday maintenance and grounds-keeping needs," says Goudeau. "And John Deere will be happily assisting John and his crew for years to come."
Please forward all sales inquiries to John Deere Inquiry Department, P.O. Box 13603, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Readers may also call 1-800-537-8233 or visit www.JohnDeere.com.
For further information, the news media should call:
John Deere Worldwide
Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division
2000 John Deere Run, Cary, NC 27513
Bill Klutho, Manager, Public Relations
John Deere Worldwide Commercial &
Consumer Equipment Division
KluthoWilliamJ@JohnDeere.com
Phone: 919-804-2735
Fax: 919-804-2343
For general information, learn more
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