John Deere releases 8900A PrecisionCut mower and introduces OnLink cloud-based management platform

At the 2017 Golf Industry Show John Deere Golf released its 8900A PrecisionCut Large Area Reel Mower, and announced a new partnership with OnGolf to introduce OnLink, a cloud-based golf course management platform.

8900A PrecisionCut Large Area Reel Mower
The 8900A is the latest addition to the John Deere award-winning A Model family of Fairway, Rough and Trim & Surrounds Mowers. Building upon the success of the A Model Fairway Mowers and 9009A TerrainCut Rough Mower, the 8900A was designed with a host of new features to increase productivity, machine versatility, cut quality and simplify maintenance on the course, according to a press release.

“Superintendents are continually being challenged to do more with less budget and fewer people, driving them to seek out more economic solutions for golf course maintenance” said Brad Aldridge, product manager, John Deere Golf. “As a manufacturer, we’re always thinking about how we can increase productivity on the golf course and bring more value to the customer through our equipment, and the 8900A is our answer.” The 8900A offers productivity that sets it apart from the competition. With a broad width-of-cut (114-inch or 130-inch) and eight mph mowing speed, operators can cover more area in less time. A shorter wheelbase (62.4 inches) adds to the machine’s productivity, making the 8900A more maneuverable in tighter areas. The 8900A also has the ability to shift between mow and transport without having to stop, saving time for the operator when moving from fairway to fairway or rough to rough.

John Deere added several features to the 8900A to make it a more versatile worker. Utilizing 26-inch or 30-inch Quick Adjust 7 (QA7) cutting units and higher capacity reel motors, it can tackle mowing both the fairway and rough. And with the help of standard LoadMatch, it aids in scalping and verticutting applications.

The 8900A provides a quality of cut in undulating terrain thanks to a rear-attaching yoke on the cutting unit. The outside of the rear tires also line up with the inside of the front tires, resulting in an even appearance across the cut with less wheel marks and unrolled grass. The A Model Fairway Mower platform provides strength and durability at a lower weight, minimizing compaction. Combined with the standard GRIP all-wheel drive traction system from the 9009A, the 8900A climbs hills easier without the worries of high side tire slippage, making it gentle on the turf.

Operators will appreciate the three exit and entry points that are accessible with the reels up or down. Within the operator station, easy-to-use controls are at their fingertips and the air ride seat keeps them comfortable and productive all day. Like all A Model machines, the 8900A also features the TechControl Display. TechControl allows the superintendent or technician to input a wealth of commands, including mow speed, turn speed, engine speed, and service timers, and also provides on-board service diagnostics – giving them complete control over cut quality and performance.

The 8900A also features several serviceability improvements aimed at increasing machine and operator uptime, including internal hydraulic wet disk brakes that eliminate linkage adjustments and grease points in the brake system, along with a traction drive system that requires only one fluid type for maintenance, according to the company.

John Deere, OnGolf partnership

John Deere Golf and golf course performance optimization software company, OnGolf, introduce OnLink.

With OnLink, golf courses have an entire cloud-based golf course management platform to collect data and manage equipment, labor, water, chemicals and nutrients, and playing conditions. The platform also offers the industry’s most precise and accurate weather forecasting service, according to a press release.

The new cloud-based, automated-reporting software focuses on providing course conditions, economic reports, and other insights to golf superintendents and operators, allowing them to make the best possible economic and agronomic decisions.

“John Deere Golf is excited to join forces with OnGolf to provide this comprehensive course management solution to our customers,” said Dave Plaster, sales manager, John Deere Golf. “With OnLink, course operators will be able to create and easily maintain best practices for course management and equipment maintenance.”

OnGolf’s proven, results-oriented strategy has been implemented by both industry renowned courses, as well as courses needing to do more with less. In less than two years, OnGolf users have identified more than $1 million in savings, according to the company.

In addition to current course management programs, OnLink will provide a robust fleet management solution. Launching in Summer 2017, the fleet management program will track equipment maintenance, usage with labor operator qualifications and scheduling, cost of ownership, parts look-up and ordering for all brands of equipment.

“John Deere’s equipment and fleet management expertise coupled with OnGolf’s success with performance optimization software creates an innovative management solution for our customers and the industry,” said Walt Norley, Founder and CEO, OnGolf. “These cloud-based features are proven to simplify course maintenance, saving managers time and money while improving playing conditions.”

Subscriptions for OnLink will be available soon through John Deere Golf dealers and OnGolf.

Photos: John Deere