John Deere at BTME is poised to showcase its unwavering commitment to ushering in a more connected and electrified future for turfcare professionals at the show in Harrogate this week.
Highlighting advancements in battery and hybrid technologies, the company’s latest products for greenkeepers and sports turf professionals will be on display. Among them, the spotlight will be on the European debut of the John Deere 2775 battery-powered riding greens mower, providing attendees with an exclusive first look.
The BTME show serves as a platform for demonstrating the cutting-edge fleet management system, OnLink, offering greenkeepers a comprehensive understanding of how course-related activities can seamlessly integrate into one cohesive management system.
As the UK and Ireland witness the initial deliveries of John Deere’s 185 E-Cut and 225 E-Cut battery walk-behind greens mowers to golf courses this month, the BTME show becomes an opportune moment for industry experts to engage with the company’s stand and delve into the intricacies of this new technology.
Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf, expressed,
“As a global company we are able to learn from our experiences across the world and see what golf courses of the future will look like. It’s clear that battery, hybrid and connected machines are going to play a huge role in making operations more efficient and effective.
“The models we have launched and the advances in mowing technology we are developing will support this new era in greenkeeping and professional turfcare.”
First Look at 2775 Riding Greens Mower
Making its debut in Europe at BTME, the 2775 battery-powered greens mower unveils a glimpse of what John Deere has in store for the future. While certain elements of the machine are still in development, it offers a preview of the innovation pipeline.
Powered by four 58.1-volt lithium batteries, the 2775 is capable of mowing at least 22 greens on a single charge. Its functionalities closely mirror the popular 2750 diesel riding greens mower, featuring a TechControl display, frequency of clip control, and clean-up pass mode. The flexible link system ensures 42 degrees of contour following, providing a versatile solution.
With nearly silent operation and the absence of hydraulic leak points, the 2775 appeals to greenkeepers seeking advanced and eco-friendly equipment.
Electric Walk-Behind Tested at Gleneagles
Originally launched at BTME 2023, the 185 E-cut and 225 E-cut have undergone rigorous testing at various courses across the UK and Ireland, including Gleneagles. Golf Courses Manager Stephen Lindsay shared his experience, stating, “We used the 225 in tandem with the petrol version (John Deere 220) so each machine would cut nine greens. You couldn’t tell the difference between how the two machines presented the greens.
“The battery life was good and charging is easy. The clean-up function on the TechControl panel which slowed the unit right down and gave a nice cut around the edge of the green. The 225 is slightly heavier but it doesn’t affect ease of operation in our opinion.
“The noise emitted is the biggest difference between the two machines with the 225 being much quieter.”
Impressed with the performance, Stephen has already placed an order for a 225 E-cut and eagerly awaits its delivery.
Improved Connectivity
In addition to the product showcase, John Deere is making significant announcements regarding machine connectivity at BTME. OnLink, a state-of-the-art fleet management system, will be fully integrated into the John Deere Operations Center in 2024, streamlining and optimizing platform activity.
Furthermore, John Deere reveals plans to fully connect its range of commercial mowing equipment—front rotary, wide area, and zero-turn mowers—later in 2024. This enhanced connectivity allows owners to track machine activity through satellites, fostering seamless communication between the owner, operator, and dealer via the John Deere Operations Center.
Chris Meacock emphasized, “When a machine is connected it allows the owner or operator to capture information which will help identify where it is being used and important parameters such as its operational time. There is also a benefit in terms of ensuring that scheduled maintenance is carried out on time, optimising the performance and lifespan of the mower.”