John Deere announces major expansion of electric offerings

John Deere expanded its electric options by launching a new greens mower, fairway mower, utility rake and Gator offerings at the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando.

Entering the market as the first John Deere battery-powered machines for golf and sports field customers, the new 185 and 225 E-Cut Electric Walk Greens Mowers offer a more sustainable solution with zero emissions. The new 6700A and 7700A E-Cut Hybrid Fairway Mowers are the first hybrid QA7 machines for John Deere, providing options for those seeking reduced hydraulic leak opportunities. In addition, the TruFinishTM 1220 Utility Rake boasts an improved design and efficiency boosting features, benefiting those with smaller crews. Completing the new equipment introduced at this year’s GCSAA Conference and Trade Show are the John Deere Gator GS and Gator GS Electric, expanding the Gator lineup and providing new tools to get light jobs completed around the golf course without sacrificing durability or reliability.

“Our customers are always looking for new and more-sustainable options on the golf course. That’s why we are introducing new solutions to help reduce the carbon footprint of golf industry,” marketing development and strategy global manager Kim Ehasz, said. “These new pieces of equipment are just the beginning of what John Deere is looking to do as we move into the future.”

The first foray into fully electric machines in the golf and sports field market are the 185 and 225 E-Cut Electric walk greens mowers. The mowers have an independent floating cutting unit mounted on the front and are powered by a 58-volt, 3.56 kwh maximum Lithium-Ion battery. In addition, the controllers provide power to the electric motors that control the gear transmission and reel. The battery-operated machines are an environmentally friendly, sustainable option, eliminating the use of both gasoline and engine oil. The near-silent operation opens the operation window where potential early morning or late evening noise is a concern.

The 185 and 225 E-Cut Electric walk greens mowers utilize technology that will carry over into additional future product categories. The models allow an estimated 50,000 square feet to be mowed on a single charge, leading to increased productivity between charge cycles, coming in handy especially during tournament play. Providing additional control of cut quality, regardless of operator, these machines offer an advanced TechControl Display, allowing supervisors to dial in their frequency of clip based on reel and ground speed, 10 handlebar height positions plus a fore/aft adjustment for maximum comfort and ease when operating and turning, and the industry exclusive Cleanup Pass Mode.  They come equipped with a dual traction drum for ease of control when turning, and use the same attachments as the 180 and 220 E-Cut Hybrid Walk Greens Mowers.

Looking at the new fairway mowers, the electric reel drive of the 6700A and 7700A E-Cut Hybrid models has the capability to mow, verticut and scalp. The 6700A is the first three-wheel stance fairway mower on the market available with 7-inch reels and electric reel drive, enabling enhanced adjustability and reduced emissions throughout the golf course. When mowing at a reduced engine RPM, operators will experience up to a 30 percent fuel savings and noise pollution is reduced. The 6700A and 7700A E-Cut Hybrid Fairway Mowers are similar to current John Deere hybrid fairway mowers, with 90 percent of hydraulic leak opportunities reduced by electrifying the reel circuit, and an advanced LoadMatch system with a smart alternator that prioritizes cut quality in tough conditions.

The new TruFinishTM 1220 Utility Rake helps save time on the job by mechanically raking bunkers and field surfaces. It’s equipped with an updated hydrostatic drive with selectable 2-wheel-drive or 3-wheel drive, allowing customers to customize their drive to best suit the job at hand. Customers looking to work in lighter-duty applications can benefit from the 2WD option with higher transport speeds, while those looking to increase efficiency during applications where more traction is needed can utilize the 3WD option.

The redesigned operators’ station on the TruFinishTM 1220 Utility Rake provides optimal comfort for customers to help sustain productivity throughout the day. Additional features include a larger engine and increased fuel capacity compared to previous models. Offering both improved traction speeds and an improved rear attachment system when compared to the 1200 Hydro model, the TruFinishTM 1220 Utility Rake can help save time when changing rear implements. Introduced alongside the new model are a variety of attachment and enhancements options that provide improved infield playing conditions including a Rear-Mount Flex Blade Field Finisher, Rear-Mount Serrated Blade Sand, Rake Brush and Fan Rake Kit, Pro Field Finisher, Mid-Mount Scarifier, Mid-Mount Cultivator, Mid-Mount Spring Tine Scarifier and an LED Light Kit (available only in the United States).

As the extension to the utility vehicle lineup for the golf and sports turf market, the smaller and narrower Gator GS and Gator GS Electric, measuring 49.3 in (125.3 cm), make it easier for superintendents and staff around the course to complete various assignments throughout the day. The cargo bed allows for tools, equipment, and materials to be transported easily around the course, with a 13.1 ft3 (371 L) and 800-pound (363 kg) capacity, helping complete tasks quickly and efficiently. The small yet resourceful utility vehicle reduces the area required for fleet storage while still delivering the rugged durability needed for the vehicle to be used within professional golf course applications.

The operator station includes high-back bucket seats, two standard USB ports, a low effort steering system design, and multiple storage compartments for gloves, small hand tools and mobile devices. Protection from the elements for both the operator and passenger is essential, as each machine is shipped with a dealer installed standard canopy. Optional attachments include a windshield that can be folded down to allow additional airflow and front brush guard to protect the front hood and lights.

The Gator GS features a quiet 14.25 HP (10.63kW) gasoline electronic fuel injected engine. The vehicle is easy to operate with a pedal start and infinite speed selection that does not require shifting with the continuous variable transmission drivetrain. The Gator GS Electric also features a near-silent operation without the sacrifice of total payload or towing capabilities. The 48V utility vehicle uses an AC drive motor and controller system to help maintain torque during even the toughest situations.

The John Deere 185 and 225 E-Cut Electric Walk Greens Mowers, 6700A and 7700A E-Cut Hybrid Fairway Mowers, TruFinishTM 1220 Utility Rake and Gator GS and Gator GS Electric will be available for order in the United States starting Feb. 13.