John Deere Limited launched four new machines at BTME 2000, two of which – a wide area mower and a hydraulic top dresser – were seen for the first time in the UK. The 1600 wide area mower is John Deere’s first commercial rotary machine to use hydraulic mower drive, while the TD100 top dresser is a new hydraulic attachment for the heavy duty Pro Gator utility vehicle, which was featured alongside the super quiet E-Gator electric model.
Designed for easy servicing and increased productivity on golf courses and in parks and public areas, the new 1600 wide area mower incorporates an Eaton axial piston pump, which transfers power more efficiently compared with gear type pumps and motors, especially in tough working conditions.
John Deere’s straightforward two pedal forward and reverse foot control combines with a three lever mower deck lift control for easy operation. Good traction is also provided by the two speed transaxle with standard differential lock and mechanical four wheel drive on demand.
Featuring a proven Yanmar 49hp (51 gross hp) four cylinder diesel engine, the new John Deere 1600 wide area mower has three robust rear discharge mower decks giving a total width of cut of 3.25m (128in). The mower is capable of covering around 30ha (75 acres) a day, at speeds of up to 8.5mph and cutting heights of between 25 and 152mm (1 and 6in).
The centre deck will cut to a width of 1.57m (62in) with both wings raised, while with one wing raised the cutting width is 2.39m (94in). The wing mowers automatically stop working when raised above 45o, and overall transport width with the wings locked is 2.13m (84in).
Each wing has a breakaway feature that allows the mower deck to move back and away from any obstacle, then automatically reset to the normal working position. Gauge wheels on all four corners of the wings mean they follow ground contours for a better quality cut.
Price of the new John Deere 1600 wide area mower, available from February 2000, is £25,600.
John Deere’s Pro Gator utility vehicle was officially launched in the UK and Ireland at SALTEX’99 last September. It can be used as a general materials transporter or with specialist turf maintenance equipment for a wide range of applications in the golf & turf and commercial groundscare markets.
Designed as a heavy duty addition to the popular Gator range, this four wheel, two seater vehicle is available with a 24hp diesel engine and a choice of two or optional four wheel drive. It also boasts a five forward, one reverse speed synchronised transmission with full front and rear suspension, hydrostatic power steering and a maximum speed of nearly 20mph.
In addition to the standard tipping cargo box, the Pro Gator can now be fitted with a new John Deere TD100 top dresser, which utilises the vehicle’s hydraulic drive. This has a 0.54m3 (19ft3) hopper capacity and uses a seamless conveyor belt to spread a variety of materials to a width of 1.47m (58in). The basic Pro Gator costs £14,650, plus £975 for the cargo box. The top dresser costs £4505, plus £545 for the auxiliary hydraulics.
John Deere’s new E-Gator® utility vehicle is powered by an electric motor, providing a clean, quiet and reliable option for a variety of turf and golf course applications.
Designed for quick acceleration and steady performance between charges, the E-Gator offers numerous safety features and is very easy to operate. The speed control governs the vehicle at a top forward speed of 15.5mph, or 8 to 10mph in reverse, and helps maintain a constant speed when travelling up or down slopes. It is available from spring 2000, costing from £6086.