Fuelling dilemmas are the talking point of the industry, but while battery developments continue apace, they are not yet the answer for every groundcare operation.
Increased machine efficiency which meets the requirements of grounds managers who need to cut costs or have reduced labour forces is one option, while alternative fuels may also offer solutions. Machines which are versatile enough to do more than just cut grass can also help balance the books.
Developments to Amazone’s Profihopper range have focused on economy and efficiency.
The zero-turn ride-on mowers utilise a tool-less blade change system which means they can mow, scarify, mulch, collect and roll. They can tip into a skip or trailer to clear a site using the high-lift collection hopper.
There are two models: the 1.25m, PH 1250 and the newer 1.5m, PH 1500, now available with a cab.
The debate over running costs and environmental impact is an interesting one, suggests Amazone UK managing director Simon Brown. “With the shift towards less cuts per year to reduce mowing costs, mowers need to handle longer grass – the Profihopper’s horizontal flail rotor and rear auger collection system shreds the grass to a short chop length and then utilises the PowerCompactor system to pack in a full hopper capacity – in wet or dry conditions. This means that the mowing frequency can be reduced even further if needed.”
Profihopper mowers feature 45.6hp Stage V diesel engines which are used without AdBlue, and Simon comments: “The mechanical collection system is quieter and requires less power than an air-powered collector. The engine management system on the PH 1500 means that the engine revs are automatically set in either road mode or work mode to keep fuel consumption to a minimum.”
Latest PH 1500 models have an ECO-mode for mowing in lighter conditions which sets the rotor to 2,500 revs, instead of the usual 3,400 rpm, reducing fuel consumption, cutting noise and reducing emissions. Grass flow through the mower has also been streamlined to increase output by 30% with less fuel consumed.
Amazone is researching alternative power sources including bio-oils and biodiesel, Simon explains. “When it comes to switching away from diesel, this brings challenges due to the power requirement of the unit and the running time required. One option that we have is to go away from a hydrostatic to electric drive but still run the cutting system via a diesel engine.
“This would mean greener travelling between jobs and less power needed for the cutting deck and so a smaller engine could be used, with lower emissions, fuel and noise and also reduced use of oil within the drive system.”
There is more on the ride-on mower market in this month’s magazine with Jane Carley.
