More innovation from Dennis
DENNIS GOLF CAR SHOWS YET MORE INNOVATION
The new version of the unit, which has already aroused strong interest in home and overseas markets, is even more appealing, with sleeker styling and modified weatherproofing.
In particular, the G150 complements any two-seater units a club might have, allowing them to offer older or less mobile golfers a dedicated vehicle to hire. The all-steel unit is more robust than 'buggy-type' products designed for only occasional use, and has simple controls.
The G150's 12x2-volt cells enable it to cover a minimum of 54 holes on one charge. The battery can be discharged to 80% of capacity, giving an astonishing 120Ah of useable power. This contrasts with the 40Ah-capacity gel batteries of typical buggy-type units, which have to be recharged more frequently.
For maximum efficiency a microprocessor governs speed, acceleration and braking. Settings are pre-programmed at the Dennis factory but can be changed to suit a particular golf club's conditions. Warning lights alert the user to conditions such as low battery charge. An hour-meter is fitted as standard, allowing managers to monitor the usage.
The G150's 800w electric transaxle provides accurate speed control and regenerative braking, recharging the power system whenever the car goes down slopes.
Ackerman-type steering minimises turf damage on tight turns. The waterproof seat is fully adjustable and rotates through 180 degrees so that less able-bodied golfers can get on and off the car easily.
The G150 comes with a single golf bag holder and a two-bag option is available. Standard features include a tee, ball and scorecard holder, and lighting kits. The car can also be
custom-finished in club colours.
At 150kg without the battery (270kg with), the G150 is typically 60% of the weight of comparable two-seater units, and is one-third the size, increasing its manageability and user-friendliness.
"The G150 is one of those products that keeps everyone happy," says Ian Howard, Managing Director of Dennis. "Golfers get more out of their game whatever the weather, and clubs have a route to greater revenue."
DENNIS' S500 IS A VERSATILE ALL-ROUND
Typical of these is the Jordans Taverners Village Cricket Club of Chalfont St Giles in Buckinghamshire. Club Secretary Robin Yolland bought the innovative unit last summer to aerate and rejuvenate the heavily used square.
"Wickets have to be rolled with a heavy-duty roller to give a true surface to produce pace and spin," says Mr Yolland, "but the turf can become compacted as a result. We use the S500 with its aerator attachment every fortnight on the old wicket when a new wicket is brought into play, to open up the ground and get more air into the rootzone.
"The S500 has proved ideal. It's simple to use, lightweight and has given us a healthy square that looks great."
The S500 is powered by a 3.5hp Briggs & Stratton engine and has a working width of 500mm (20in). It has an integral turntable feature for simple 90 or 180 turning and this, together with detachable transport wheels, allow its use in wet conditions without damaging the turf.
Extending its versatility, the machine's spiking reel can be replaced with a Bray seed slotting reel, a patented attachment distributed by Dennis. This makes flat-bottomed seeding slots at a controlled depth of 13mm for optimum germination. A brush mounted behind the slotter reel then brushes in the seeds.
With this method 50% less seed is required compared to conventional methods. Jordans Taverners have bought the attachment to maximise their S500's versatility and to boost the turf still further.
Another advantage of the Bray seed slotter is that its use does not affect the playing surface, so play can continue while the seedlings are germinating.
Besides cricket pitches, the Dennis S500 can be used on all fine turf surfaces, including golf greens, bowling greens, tennis courts and ornamental lawns.