GREENSKEEPING
One of the most notable features on
the GPS PrecisionSprayer is AutoTrac,
which helps to spray predetermined
areas in less time with greater pass-
to-pass accuracy. Another important
benefit is individual nozzle control,
which minimises application errors and
reduces fatigue, as the operator does
not need to focus on manually turning
boom sections on and off. Individual
nozzles can be paired with AutoTrac
guidance to limit wasted product
applications caused by pass to pass
overlaps and misses.
The GPS PrecisionSprayer utilises
advanced satellite technology and
mobile RTK (real-time kinematic)
navigation down to accuracy levels
of 2.5cm to ensure the reliability of
boundary maps and allow users to
create spray coverage maps, which
also eliminates overlaps and increases
productivity.
Another major benefit is the ability to
electronically capture all spray data and
analyse the results, which streamlines
the documentation process and
provides robust analytics for recording
and legislation purposes. Automated
documentation also removes the need
for manual records and increases
accuracy when recording details of all
spraying applications.
Advanced technology is also featured
on John Deere’s range of professional
fine turf mowers, based on extensive
feedback from greenkeepers and other
golf and turf industry professionals.
Common features across the A Model
range include a brand new TechControl
display, LoadMatch from the company’s
compact tractor range, internal wet
disc brakes and improved operator
stations – all engineered to provide
users with greater control of the
machines, easier operator training and
first class cut quality.
All A Models also feature OnCourse
Technology, which intelligently
integrates electronic controls with
the mowers’ mechanical features
to deliver improved performance,
better diagnostics, more uptime and
increased reliability, productivity and
operator comfort.
The simple to use, password protected
TechControl display enables turf
managers to quickly set or change
mowing, turning and transport speeds,
for example, to limit variations in
performance by different operators
and provide a more consistent, quality
finish. On-board visual diagnostics and
the ability to set regular service times
also help to maximise productive time.
John Deere has also recently
announced an exclusive agreement to
develop autonomous mowing solutions
for the golf and sports turf industry
with Precision Makers, a Netherlands
based company that specialises in
autonomous technology for various
types of equipment.
“The turf industry is looking for more
sustainable operating models to
maintain precision turf, and expanding
the use of technology will be critical to
the future success of turf managers,”
says John Deere’s global golf director
Manny Gan.
“With labour costs and availability
becoming an increasing concern in
many parts of the world, customers
are eager to introduce autonomous
equipment into their operation to
ensure tasks can be completed with
consistently excellent results and
precision.”
Precision Makers is an affiliate of Dutch
Power Company (DPC), which already
has an ongoing supplier relationship
with John Deere.
John Deere
www.deere.co.uk
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GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | Sept/Oct 2019