New technology solves noise issue with local resident

Peter Driverin Industry News

Sutton Green 0038.jpgSutton Green Golf Club, situated in gently undulating Surrey countryside between Woking and Guildford, is one of the first clubs in the area to take delivery of the highly innovative hybrid greens mower from Jacobsen, the Eclipse 322. The diesel-electric hybrid mower was delivered recently by local Ransomes Jacobsen dealer, TH White Ltd of Reading.

Nathan Kim Sing is the head greenkeeper at the proprietary owned club and has a team of four to help maintain the 6,400, par 71 18-hole course.

"About 18 months ago we received a complaint from a neighbour in a nearby house close to one of our greens about the noise from early morning mowing. We took a reasonable approach and changed our greens mowing regime, but it is inconvenient for us as we have many early golfers, especially at weekends, and preparing the greens in that part of the course is an issue for us," he said.

Unique features of the Eclipse 322 are the complete absence of hydraulic oil and electric drive the traction motor and cutting cylinders. The electric power is provided by a small 13hp diesel engine and 48-volt continuous generator, which makes it much quieter and less obtrusive on the course.

"These features were contributory factors that convinced me to go down the hybrid route," Nathan added. "There's absolutely no chance of hydraulic leaks on the greens and being much quieter than conventional mowers it has solved the noise issue with our neighbour. However, the prime reason was the quality of cut from the Eclipse 322; the Jacobsen cutting cylinders leave a superb finish and with the frequency of clip control I can ensure that all 18 greens are cut to the same immaculate standard."

David Walker is a director at the 600 member club. Since opening in 1994 there has been significant investment, both on the course and in the clubhouse. Commenting on the new mower he said,

"We have continued to invest in all areas of the business and the purchase of the Eclipse is evidence of this. Nathan made a solid business case for buying into the new technology offered by the Eclipse and the management team were happy to support his proposition. Not only will we have a quality course from tee to green, but we will also see a reduction in operating costs over the four-year leasing term."

For more information on Ransomes Jacobsen products visit: www.ransomesjacobsen.com

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