John Deere launches electric greens mowers and hybrid innovations at BTME 2023

John Deere has launched two battery-powered, walk-behind greens mowers and announced further hybrid innovations to its existing product range.

The 185 E-Cut and 225 E-Cut greens mowers will be shown for the first time in the UK at the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association’s BTME event in Harrogate from 24-26 January. 

The two specialist machines are packed with the same quality components and technology that existing John Deere customers have become familiar with, but are powered by a 58-volt, 3.2kwh lithium battery.

The 185 E-Cut has an 18-inch (457mm) cutting width while the larger 225 E-Cut takes a 22-inch (559mm) cut.

With near-silent operation, the walk-behind machines can cut approximately 50,000 square feet of grass on a single charge, making them 30% more productive than similar models in their class.

John Deere announced the products in America last year and has been putting them through their paces on courses for the past 12 months.

Greenkeepers in the UK and Ireland will be able to order the machines later this year.

Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, said: “Battery-powered innovations in the golf and professional sports turf markets have been moving forward apace for the past few years.

“With the introduction of our first lithium battery-powered machines, we are able to provide a solution for our customers who are looking for a more favourable environmental profile, have on-site energy generation, or who are seeking significant reductions in the risk of leaks and spills.” 

Industry exclusive three-wheeled hybrid mower launched

John Deere is also using BTME to showcase its industry-exclusive three-wheeled fairway mower with brushless electric reel motors.

This is the first time customers can choose a three-wheeled fairway mower fitted with five, brushless electric reel motors. The same hybrid technology has also been applied to the four-wheeled 7700A E-Cut.

This hybrid solution minimises 90% of the risk of hydraulic leaks by eliminating over 150 leak points.

Users can experience fuel savings of up to 30% by operating at reduced throttle when mowing compared to PrecisionCut fairway mowers. Noise levels are also reduced by up to 3dB at reduced throttle.

The alternator, controllers, and motors are designed to allow the machine to perform rigorous verticutting applications.

The 6700A E-Cut and 7700A E-Cut will be available to order this year.

“These two models have been two of our most popular products on golf courses for many years, so it’s an exciting step to be able to further develop our hybrid drive to offer greenkeepers reduced risks and more efficiency,” Mr Meacock said.

John Deere connected technology to be demonstrated

Visitors to the John Deere stand can take part in a demonstration of the company’s OnLink technology, showcasing the state-of-the-art fleet management system for greenkeepers.

Utilising proven satellite technology from John Deere’s agriculture division in tandem with the integration of cloud-based management software and connected machines, OnLink allows users to automatically synchronise any machine and operator working anywhere on the course, managing activity remotely.

For managers, this means tasks can be allocated days in advance, as well as increased accountability from operators. On top of these efficiencies, machinery maintenance schedules are simplified by using OnLink to track working hours remotely. 

“At John Deere, we believe the future of golf course maintenance is about connectivity, sustainability, autonomy, and intelligence, while embracing electric,” Mr Meacock said.