Autonomous shift

There’s a lot of talk about automation in turfcare right now. But what we’re seeing with Toro’s new autonomous range is more than just ‘something new to be excited about’. It represents a genuine shift in how we think about and approach turfcare.

Toro hasn’t simply built machines that can operate without a driver. It has built intelligent, practical tools to help with the most pressing challenges in greenkeeping: widespread labour shortages, rising operational costs, and the growing requirement to do more with less – all without compromising on quality of cut.

As Toro’s new technology begins to roll out across the UK, I’m working closely with our extensive dealer network in my role as GeoLink and Digital Specialist at Reesink Turfcare. My focus is on supporting clubs and turf professionals through the transition to autonomous technology – helping them understand what these machines can do, how to integrate them into daily operations, and the potential they offer to enhance turf management.

We understand welcoming autonomous technology to your club is a big decision, there’s a lot to understand about how it works and what it means for the industry. This article will unpack all of that.

Toro eTriFlex 3360 with GeoLink Mow in motion, cutting fairway autonomously.

Built to support turf teams

There’s always going to be some hesitation when new technology comes along, especially one that’s labelled autonomous. It’s natural to wonder what that means for people and jobs. This scepticism is a good thing; it shows how passionate our industry is about the work we do and the people who do it.

But it’s worth pointing out that Toro developed this new range in direct response to customer feedback. What came through loud and clear, time and time again, was a need to find support for stretched teams – not replace them.

Autonomous machines free up time to focus on more important tasks that need human skill, those that involve decision-making and an acute attention to detail, while the machines take care of more repetitive, time-consuming work.

Autonomous fairway mower, following course contours.

The clubs Toro has worked with so far, where it extensively tested the new range, are already finding that by freeing up labour from routine tasks, they’re able to reallocate time and focus on more pressing tasks – greens, tees, bunkers, machine maintenance, planning and more.

Get to know the machines leading the way

Toro’s new autonomous line-up includes three innovative machines: the Toro eTriFlex 3360 with GeoLink Mow, the Turf Pro range of robotic mowers and the Range Pro ball picker.

Each brings something new to the table; but all use RTK (Real Time Kinematic) technology and GPS mapping to work within preset, invisible boundaries. That means no underground wires are required and, as with any Toro product, the consistent, high quality of cut that you would expect.

Toro eTriflex 3360 with GeoLink Mow (above)

• Hybrid-powered: manual or autonomous operation
• RTK, GeoLink, and NTRIP for ultra-precise navigation
• Autonomous path planning with automatic turns 
• Optimised overlap for efficient, uniform coverage 
• Eight-blade cutting units designed for fairways 
• Fairway EdgeMax bedknife (HOC: 9.5–25.4mm)
• Onboard diagnostics and real-time alerts
• Monitor and control via mobile or desktop dashboard

Understanding the technology: RTK, GeoLink, and NTRIP

Did you know that, in many cases, autonomous mowing can be up to two-thirds cheaper than traditional machines?

Let’s take a look at the new technology that powers these impressive savings.

RTK (Real Time Kinematic)

RTK uses a localised connection to enhance standard GPS data. While GPS provides a rough estimate of location, RTK refines that signal using a fixed reference point. In this case, a mast positioned in an open-air location with a clear view of the sky.

An antenna module, or rover, inside the mower communicates with the mast by sending a signal. The system calculates the mower’s exact position in real time based on how long it takes for the signal to reach the mast – the longer the delay, the further the rover is from the mast.

GeoLink

While the entire range benefits from RTK, the Toro eTriFlex 3360 with GeoLink Mow, as its name suggests, also uses Toro’s GeoLink technology. GeoLink integrates geospatial data with communication technologies to enable location services, real-time tracking and geographic information analysis.

Once connected to a national reference station network, GeoLink-enabled machines can navigate with pinpoint accuracy (2cm), executing flawless mowing patterns – all without manual input.

Designed for turf professionals, GeoLink isn’t just powerful; it’s practical, easy to use and ideal for real-world golf course conditions and terrain.

NTRIP (Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol)

GeoLink works in tandem with NTRIP to provide additional correction data. By tapping into a national online network, NTRIP maintains machine accuracy even on large or challenging landscapes. When combined, these technologies allow the mower to work out its mowing and charging time, and then map the most efficient route to complete its job.

Practical, flexible, and ready for the real world

One question I get a lot is: How well do these machines perform in the real world? Can they cope with slopes, long grass or patchy signal?

Toro has designed its autonomous range for real turf, not just test sites. We also always carry out site surveys beforehand, checking the terrain, identifying potential obstacles, and helping clubs prepare for the new machines. Not every site will be ready, but with a few small tweaks, most can adapt quickly.

Turf Pro range (above)

• Electric, self-charging autonomous mower
• Three models (300, 500, 500S) with multiple cutting head options
• 500S model handles up to 24 degrees of slope
• Height of cut range: 15mm–100mm
• Mows up to 75,000m² per charge
• No boundary wires needed
• Monitor remotely via desktop or mobile

Supporting your team, safely and reliably

While the Turf Pro and Range Pro are genuinely autonomous, the GeoLink fairway mower requires supervision to support its activity. An operator can easily manage the mower while also getting on with other work – and that’s where these machines really shine: they add to teams, rather than replacing them.

Each mower is also packed with safety technology: LiDAR, radar, sonar, pressure sensors. If the mower detects an obstacle, it stops and alerts the operator. With user-controlled work zones, mowing paths, no-go zones and cutting height presets, you always have total control.

Easy monitoring, simple scheduling

Once operational, everything can be controlled remotely, whether that’s on a desktop in the office or on a phone out on the course. Thanks to Toro’s smart management technology, you can assign mowing patterns, adjust schedules, review diagnostics and check each machine’s status in real-time.

More time for what matters

Perhaps the biggest win from autonomous technology is time. Turf teams have more freedom to focus on specialist tasks, and managers gain better oversight of what’s happening where.

And because these machines are electric or hybrid powered, there are less costs associated with fuel and servicing. That means fewer breakdowns, less risk of hydraulics leaking, lower running costs and a more sustainable overall operation.

Once the infrastructure for this technology is in place (for instance, chargers, RTK base station and software), it’s there to support future models, too. So whether it’s this generation or the next one, your club will be ready to embrace the future of turfcare.

A smarter way to work

This new generation of Toro machines does more than cut grass. It has the power to change how we think about turf management.

If your club is looking to future-proof operations, better allocate resources and support your team with smarter tools, now is the right time to explore autonomous mowing.

Want to explore how Toro’s autonomous range could support your team? Get in touch with Reesink Turfcare at 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

Article by Lee Rowbotham - GeoLink and Digital Specialist at Reesink Turfcare