Mowing out in the open (part 2)
publication date: Jun 3, 2008
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author/source: David Harris
Ransomes Jacobsen launched its new generation of out-front rotaries at Saltex 2007 after extensive consultation with end users, Richard Comely explains. “Almost 1000 turf care professionals visited our manufacturing centre at Ipswich and as well as the mower itself, this determined what accessories were needed – from snow blades and brushes to high specification cabs.”
“The result was a rotary mower providing a more desirable product for those who maintain public grass amenity areas, especially with the introduction of a mulching option on the 1.52m deck and a 1.83m rear discharge deck. We will add a 1.83m side discharge deck and 1.52m flail this year.”
Etesia’s ride-on rotary mowers are a popular choice for contractors as general manager Les Malin explains: “With their patented direct rear-ejection system, Etesia mowers cut and collect without clogging on both long and short grass, even in the pouring rain.
Contractors looking for high productivity and profitability on contracts for parks and open spaces generally opt for rotaries from Etesia’s range of 1.24m ride-ons - powered by 25hp Lombardini diesel engines they can work at speeds of up to 16kph.
Current legislation places a responsibility on both manufacturers and operators to ensure that lawnmowers come within specified decibel ratings. Etesia’s Hydro 100 Diesel is the industry’s first 1m professional ride-on rotary to meet stringent EC noise legislation, with a guaranteed decibel rating of 100 dB(A).
For many professionals, size really does matter, suggests Les, especially when sites can only be reached via tight passageways and entrances. “Etesia’s 80cm Hydro 80 is narrow enough to access a standard gateway – it is also compact for transporting on a truck or trailer.”This season will see the country’s first environmentally-friendly Etesia Hydro ride-ons cutting grass in public spaces. They will run on low emission B30 or conventional diesel– switching between the two is immediate. In addition Etesia will soon have available the UK’s first ride-on mowers to run on 100% vegetable oil.”
Kubota points out that rotary mowers are seen as a good compromise because they have a relatively high work rate for the size of machine and offer a good finish of cut, and can tackle longer grass if required.
“If collection is required then rotary is the best option, and there are several direct collect machines on the market which are usually the most efficient collection systems, particularly in long and wet grass which is commonplace in the UK!” says regional service representative Robert Fox.
“Zero turn mowers arrived in the UK from the US a few years ago, and Kubota has offered a range of diesel powered machines for the past few years, some of which have direct collection facilities which shows that we are giving customers more options and leading the way in innovation,” he explains.
“A self-propelled mower can offer a number of benefits such as relatively low running costs compared to tractor and mowing unit combination. However a major downside to a self-propelled unit is that once the mowing season has ended its uses become very limited compared to a tractor. The fact that the tractor can multi-task, and that they generally have a longer life expectancy than self-propelled machines, also mean that second hand values are more robust.”Commercial users are increasingly focused on the safety and welfare of their operators, suggests Clive Carter of IPU Group, importer of the Ferris zero turn range.
“Whole body vibration, noise and CE conformity are major considerations when purchasing large commercial equipment. In support of this growing requirement Ferris is continuously improving the design of models to meet these customer expectations. As a result, the recently updated IS 4500Z now features a low noise acoustic hood and reduced engine speed to achieve an important 2dB noise reduction.
“Ferris zero turn ride-on commercial mowers have built a firm reputation for reliability and heavy-duty construction. With product development inspired by the motor racing world, Ferris has developed the unique ‘Dual Shock’ Independent Suspension, which increases speed and comfort, improves safety and reduces wear and tear on the machine.
Productivity and reliability are also significant factors when making a purchasing decision, Clive points out. “Ferris zero turn machines deliver higher productivity by combining power with manoeuvrability – making them versatile whether cutting areas with limited access such as housing estates and cemeteries or larger areas such as rough or semi-rough on golf courses and parks.”
Parts Depot says that the Gizmow Formula, its ‘zero turn with a steering wheel’ has proved popular in this market, offering a manoeuvrable commercial ride-on designed to be easier to drive than most zero turns.
“Gizmow Formula is the only commercial zero turn mower that steers the front castor wheels with a steering wheel making the transition from the familiar outfront to zero-turn productivity almost instantaneous,” explains Chris Gibson.
“We have recently launched the Gizmow Diesel with a 27hp Vanguard diesel engine for improved economy. The new model has many unique features, like All Time Drive (ATD), which provides synchronised rotation of the rear wheels for improved traction even in the toughest conditions and Active Steering Control which means Gizmow can make turns at full speed without causing damage to turf.”
The outfront commercial mower remains a popular option for local authorities who need a tough rotary to cut a variety of turf surfaces, suggests John Deere’s Henry Bredin. “We can fit the commercial mower with a contour-following flex deck so it can cut on undulating ground, and it does offer a reduced cost of ownership compared to a cylinder mower.”
Shibaura’s professional out-front rotary ride-on series CM214 (21hp) CM284 (28hp) and CM364 (35hp), is a growing force within this sector, says importer FGM Claymore.
“Automatic four-wheel drive on demand reduces slippage and surface damage and a mower lift linkage unit that lifts to 90 degrees facilitates easy blade replacement.
“With a range spanning 24-35hp featuring four-wheel drive on demand, optional De Luxe Cab complete with heater and cruise control facility on the two larger models, there’s a mower to suit everyone from parks managers to contractors.”
Lastec’s Keith Elliment comments: “Tractor-mounted units offer an obvious benefit in that the tractor alone provides a working vehicle for other uses. And these days the cost of a tractor and a trailed or frontmounted mower can be the same as one dedicated ride-on mower.”
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