With Stage V emissions regulations now in place, finding compliant yet reliable, durable and productive machinery has become a key priority.
And when it comes to out-front rotary mowers, the Groundsmaster 3000 series from Toro leads the way.
The Groundsmaster 3000 series is the first wave of new Stage V emissions compliant machines from Toro, in fact both the Groundsmaster 3200 and 3300 were designed with Stage V compliance in mind.
Alastair Rowell, UK sales manager - turfcare equipment for Reesink Turfcare, says: “Stage V engine legislation is welcome and good, but it brings with it a period of uncertainty as customers assess the way they maintain their grounds and contracts. Is there a different way to compile a fleet or can different purchasing decisions be made that allow customers to remain profitable and productive? It might cost more to buy a specific machine but if you can buy one machine to perform more than one function, or opt for a machine under the 25hp limit that hasn’t incurred the associated Stage V engine cost increase, those factors become more important than ever.”
When it comes to the Groundsmaster 3000 series however customers don’t need to consider how the addition of a Diesel Particulate Filter or a reduction in horsepower will affect the machine’s performance, because the design process considered it for them.
Alastair continues: “Toro benefitted from its experience with the roll-out of Tier IV products in North America. It learned how to design out inefficiencies in systems and looked at whether a product can meet customers’ needs with less horsepower or migrate to alternative fuels. For example, the fact that the Groundsmaster series has a fine-cut flail attachment option means you can cut two ways with one machine.”
Launching on to the market at the beginning of last year, the Groundsmaster 3200 and Groundsmaster 3300 are still relative new-comers, but their ability to deliver year-round productivity and multiple cutting options, cope easily with longer, coarser, dry or wet grass and combat extended mowing cycles immediately caught the market’s attention.
With a 24.7hp Yanmar engine, the Groundsmaster 3200 packs a punch, perfect for applications in smaller estates, schools and colleges. Meanwhile the heavy-duty Groundsmaster 3300 with its powerful 37.4hp engine is a real jungle-buster. Both machines benefit from Toro’s CrossTrax all-wheel drive system, which provides automatic traction control, shifting power to the wheels in slippery conditions for increased control and accuracy even in tough conditions.
Each has the option of 152cm (60ins) or 183cm (72ins) rear and side, or rear-only discharge rotary decks, with or without mulching kits, or a 152cm flail deck. There are three deck options; two rotary options to meet customers’ feature and price requirements – the standard deck has rear and side discharge and replaceable deck bumpers – and the Turbo Force deck has rear discharge and welded deck bumpers.
Another bonus is the durable deck design. With 4.5mm high strength steel decks, rugged spindles, a bullnose bumper and reinforced sideskids, it’s built for longevity and reduced downtime. Plus, the tip-up cutting deck makes servicing even easier, with access to the underside of the deck in under 15 seconds.
When it comes to getting jobs done quickly, the Groundsmaster 3000 series benefits from a transport speed of 22km/h, so you can move between sites efficiently, and its 19.8cm ground clearance means curb climbing is easy and doesn’t break up work. Plus, a large 45.4 litre fuel capacity maximises mowing time between refuelling for even more efficiency.
Alastair concludes: “The Groundsmaster series is the perfect out-front rotary choice in the new Stage V world. They are clean, considered and compliant.”
