 |
|
 |
|
September 8, 2009
Jacobsen electric mowers a hit at new University of South Carolina baseball field
Adjust Type Size: |  |  |
 |
The outfield of the new Carolina Stadium stays in peak condition with Jacobsen turf equipment. |
With the University of South Carolina committed to environmental conservation, the school wanted to make sure that its new baseball stadium would be green in every sense of the word – from the grass on the field to the way in which it was maintained.
By selecting Jacobsen electric mowers, the school gets both.
“We have a policy here at USC to reduce our carbon footprint and be as eco-friendly as possible. Jacobsen was able to supply us with the quality electric-powered turf maintenance equipment that we desired,” says Clark Cox, the sports turf manager for the university.
USC’s new baseball field, Carolina Stadium, opened this year and is considered to be one of the finest college facilities in the United States. USC was previously using Jacobsen equipment – financed through Textron Financial – and has developed a good working relationship with both Textron businesses.
Electric mowers are cleaner
Transitioning to Jacobsen electric mowers has reaped benefits for the school, Cox notes. “With hydraulic equipment, waste fluids have to be disposed of and then there’s the issue of transporting fuel around the campus. And as there’s no hydraulics on these electric machines, there’s absolutely no chance of an oil leak on the field.”
The school purchased an Eclipse 126 battery electric walking greens mower as well as a battery electric version of the Eclipse 322 triplex greens mower, a new mower from Jacobsen that is expected to be available by the end of the year. Until then, Jacobsen has loaned Cox its SLF-1880, a super light fairway mower. The school also purchased two additional mowers and several Cushman Turf Trucksters.
Unparalleled cut of the Eclipse 322
Customers like Cox are willing to wait for the Eclipse 322 because it offers features that make it easier for them to do their jobs while providing a better quality of cut, says Kevin Stinnett, regional sales manager for Jacobsen.
“The 322 provides the best quality of cut on the market by combining the classic Jacobsen reel, which is already know for its outstanding cut quality with the ability to easily change the frequency of clip to match turf conditions,” Stinnett says. “The machine also offers the unique ability to individually control reel units which allows the customer to change mowing patterns more easily.”
Cox agrees that this was an important selling point. “What I particularly like is the unparalleled quality of cut,” he says. “I can set the frequency of clip and both the walker and ride-on will stay at a given setting despite the different mow speeds, and I get a consistency of cut on whatever machine I use or whoever operates it.”
The battery electric version of the 322 also has a “quick-fill” battery watering system. that allows all of the batteries to be filled to the proper levels from one place within seconds. This makes maintenance quick and easy to help ensure a long battery life.
Hybrid or battery electric mowers: Jacobsen customers choose what’s best for them
Stinnett says more customers want the option to select more environmentally-responsible equipment like battery electric and hybrid electric (those that incorporate gasoline or diesel engines) machines. Jacobsen is the only major professional turf equipment manufacturer that builds battery electric machine in this class, he adds.
Both Jacobsen’s hybrid and battery electric mowers have their advantages. “With the hybrid unit, you get the highest cut quality, lower operating costs and the peace of mind of having no hydraulic fluids on your turf.” Stinnett says. “With the battery unit, you get all of those advantages plus additional annual savings and nearly silent operation.
|