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Turf and utility vehicle roundup
The number of hours superintendents can spend in turf vehicles quite possibly rivals the hours they spend in their own cars. So why wouldn’t superintendents spend as much time choosing the proper vehicle for their course as they would for their everyday lives?
Turf tires, cargo space, attachments, cup holders — the variations of equipment are seemingly endless. But the right vehicle for very specific needs is out there. It just takes some looking.
GCM contacted a large number of companies that produce turf and utility vehicles, including the most important in the industry. We requested information about their best, newest and most efficient products for golf course managers to use in getting from point A to point B quickly, efficiently, comfortably and, all the while, being environmentally friendly. The below submissions are what we received.
All photos and information were supplied by the respective companies.
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1. Broyhill’s new TerraSport utility vehicle has a 1,500-pound total capacity and robotic-welded tubular steel frame construction for strength and durability. The Terra Sport’s 16-hp Briggs and Stratton engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT), power steering, and multi-leaf spring, dual-shock suspension provide a smooth ride at speeds up to 20-mph, the company says. An optional rear cargo box has a unique 1⁄3-2⁄3 design, making room for a toolbox, sprayer tank or line-marker paint tank. Steel or wood boxes (with removable 10-inch sides) easily convert to a 48-inch by 48-inch flat bed. Accessories include Broyhill’s VacMate vacuum, Refuse Mate 2-cubic-yard refuse box, Fastliner 25-gallon line-marking system and hydraulic box lift, grooming attachments, 25-gallon sprayer and 10-foot spray boom. Contact Broyhill, (800) 228-1003 ext. 34 (www.broyhill.com).
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2. The redesigned Heavy-Duty Workman from The Toro Co. offers more operator comfort, easily accessible controls and an innovative design, the company says. The vehicle takes loads up to 2,725 pounds on a long bed design. It has 8-inch brakes on all four wheels to improve braking ability, and the tires have been improved for traction and extended wear. Additional updates were made with the operator in mind. The Workman now has significantly more legroom and adjustable seats. The fully hydraulic steering system makes the Workman easier to turn, and the higher dashboard allows the controls and gauges to be more accessible. The parking brake lever has been repositioned, and the dump lever is now more conveniently located. The Workman also includes remote hydraulics as standard equipment. Other features include a removable cup/radio holder; a larger, deeper glove box; and a built-in electrical outlet, which can be used for a cell phone.
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Also from Toro is the Workman e2050 electric utility vehicle, which is based on the Toro Workman mid-duty 1100/2100/2110 platform. The 500-amp drivetrain allows the Workman e2050 to climb hills under all load conditions and lengthens run time between each charge, the company says. It includes several safety features such as a plug detector that stops the unit from operating when plugged in for recharging. In addition, the run-away protection indicator applies the brake and sounds-off if the unit ever rolls down a hill without the operator depressing the accelerator. A supervisor switch controls the maximum speed employees can drive the vehicle. Contact the Toro Co. (800) 348-2424 (www.toro.com).
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3. This month Segway released the Segway Golf Transporter (GT), a new personal transporter configured to give golf enthusiasts a new way to cruise the course. The new configuration includes extended-range batteries, a golf bag carrier rack, enhanced traction tires, and a special software-control key. It features new Saphion lithium-ion batteries that provide a range of 10-14 miles on the course. When used on paved, flat surfaces, Segway GT riders will achieve a range of about 18 to 24 miles. The golf bag carrier secures the golf bag to the side of the vehicle and can be configured to sit to the right or the left of the rider. The enhanced traction tires come standard on the Segway GT and help the golfer follow the action over the varied landscape of the course. The lightweight, low-pressure pneumatic tires (15-20 psi) are softer on course terrain than many traditional vehicles, according to the company. The Segway GT moves two to three times walking speed and can help the rider move from point to point quickly, while still enjoying his or her surroundings and getting a more natural vantage point from a platform that is 8 inches off the ground. And like all Segway units, GT is zero-emissions, almost silent and extremely energy efficient. The Segway GT will be available in April. Contact Segway (866) 4SEGWAY (www.segway.com).
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4. The John Deere Gator TX Turf features turf-friendly tires, improved operator comfort and quiet operation. With all-wheel suspension and all-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, the Gator TX Turf can go anywhere on course or off. And with a frame-isolated engine and exhaust system, a large-volume muffler and foot-pedal operation, golfers won’t even hear it coming, Deere says. More powerful than the previous generation of Gators, the new TX Turf features a 13-hp/401-cc Kawasaki FJ400 engine, increased payload capacity and improved braking capabilities. The 44-inch-long cargo box has a 600-pound capacity and an overall 1,000-pound payload/towing capacity for increased productivity. Contact John Deere, (800) 537-8233 (www.johndeere.com).
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5. Club Car’s new Carryall 294 four-wheel-drive utility vehicle combines capacity and comfort in a versatile and easy-to-use mid-duty vehicle for golf course managers, the company says. Club Car’s entry in the four-wheel-drive category, the Carryall 294 is equipped with an automatic, on-demand four-wheel-drive system. The IntelliTrak 4-by-4 System continually senses driving conditions and automatically engages and disengages four-wheel drive without the driver having to stop and shift gears or lock differentials. The mechanical system also eliminates steering feedback and reduces tire wear and turf damage. The vehicle also differs from others in its class with a rustproof and corrosion-resistant tubular aluminum frame, chassis and cargo bed floor, adding to the vehicle’s strength and durability. The Carryall 294 has two bed-load capacity options and a 1,200- or 1,450-pound total vehicle capacity. With its all-terrain front and rear tires, the 294 is well equipped to pull topdressers, sprayers and other turf maintenance equipment. Contact Club Car, (www.clubcar.com).
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6. E-Z-Go has added several accessories to its ST 4x4 Utility Vehicle for on-course applications. The E-Z-Go ST 4x4 has a 1,100-pound bed load capacity and a 1,500-pound vehicle load capacity. With an 18-hp, 614-cc, V-twin, air-cooled Honda engine, the ST 4x4 can travel at a top speed of 25 mph. The ST 4x4 has a heavy-duty frame made of hot-dipped, galvanized channel and tubular steel for strength and corrosion protection. A rotary-molded poly bed with no exposed hardware to rust or corrode adds to its ability to withstand the elements. The options and accessories added to the ST 4x4 lineup include turf tires, top and windshield, cab, cargo toolbox, rotary spreader and a hand tool rack, among others. Contact E-Z-Go, (www.textron.com).
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7. Columbia ParCar Corp. offers the Summit Utility Vehicle with an automotive-style roof, safety glass windshield, head, tail and stop lights, tubular steel front bumper, rear steel bumper, adjustable automotive-style fabric-covered individual seats with folding armrests, automotive suspension, digital battery discharge indicator, horn and black-painted steel diamond plate rear deck. The SUV is available as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) model, which can be driven on roads with posted speed limits up to 35 mph in many states. The NEV package includes driver and passenger side-view mirrors, high-low speed switch, turn signals, emergency flashers, license plate light, license plate mount, retractable seat belts, reflectors and backup lamps. Contact Columbia ParCar Corp., (800) 222-4653 (www.parcar.com).
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8. Tractech Inc.’s Gearless Locker was unveiled at last month’s Golf Industry Show. The Gearless Locker is the only automatically locking differential on the market today for utility and all-terrain vehicles, the company says. The Gearless Locker is speed-sensitive, yet automatically permits differential action to compensate for wheel speed differences that occur when making a turn or driving over obstacles. Utility vehicles that haul loads on golf courses can benefit from the smooth locking operation of the Gearless Locker. The company says the locker increases traction performance on any surface, including slippery mud, wet pavement, loose dirt, ice and even with one wheel off of the ground. The Gearless Locker is currently available on utility vehicles from Club Car and Bush Hog. Contact Jim Brozovich, (800) 328-3850 (www.tractech.com).
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9. Advanced Test Environments Inc.’s electronic Anti-Theft Device (ATD) is a radio frequency-activated remote power controller designed for use on all golf car and utility vehicles. The ATD integrates into the ignition wiring harness and prevents unauthorized persons from starting the vehicle. Only the person with the authorized fob (electronic security key) can start the vehicle, eliminating unauthorized use of both electric and gas-powered vehicles. Each unit includes a power controller and one remote-control fob. Two models are available: basic and maintenance. The basic model is for individual owners, and the maintenance model is for vehicle fleet managers and allows the use of a master remote control fob. Contact Advanced Test Environments Inc., (770) 521-0024 (www.advte.com).
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