Miles Bennett
Golf course superintendents have a variety of mowers to choose from when it comes to maintaining their greens. The two main types of mowers are riding mowers and walking mowers. Riding mowers are faster and cover more ground but are more expensive and harder to manoeuvre. Walking mowers are more precise and versatile, but take longer to cover large areas. There are also different types of mowers within these two categories, such as rotary mowers and reel mowers. The quality of the cut is largely dependent on the quality of the mower, with some mowers being able to cut grass to less than 0.1 inches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Reel mower, Rotary mower, Riding greens mower, Walking greens mower |
| Usage | Mowing and rolling greens to manage green speed and turf performance |
| Factors | Mowing and rolling frequency, turf quality, surface conditions, grass height, turf health |
| Benefits | Smooth and fast greens, lightweight, improved turfgrass health, better putting quality |
| Features | Flex suspension, EnergySmart models, quiet operation, reduced noise, cost savings, improved cutting performance |
| Considerations | Cost, time, labour, precision, quality of cut, ease of use, maintenance, environmental impact |
| Examples | Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370, INFINICUT, Lastec XR700, Earthwise 7-blade manual reel mower |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of mowing stripes
Mowing patterns on golf courses are often used to highlight the different features of a golf course. The most common fairway mowing methods are striping, contour mowing, the classic cut, and pushing and pulling.
Striping is the most common method, with stripes often mowed in at least two directions to create a checkerboard pattern. This method creates a striking aesthetic appearance. However, the frequent turning of the mower can lead to excessive wear and tear on the turf. Striping is also expensive and labor-intensive, requiring a large number of mowers to be efficient.
Contour mowing creates stripes but differs slightly from contemporary striping. Pushing and pulling create a fairway without stripes, with turf mowed from tee to green or vice versa. The choice of mowing pattern often hinges on aesthetic preference, time, labor, and fuel costs.
The quality and frequency of mowing operations directly impact turf quality and surface conditions. Sharp, precisely adjusted mowers cut grass blades cleanly and evenly, benefiting turfgrass health and putting quality. Mowing injures the grass, so healthy and actively growing grass is necessary for it to withstand and recover from the injury caused by mowing.
The key to mowing a nice green is the first stripe. A good mowing pattern can make a golf course more challenging and exciting for players.
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Manual vs. electric mowers
Manual and electric mowers are both used to cut grass on golf greens. The type of mower used can impact the speed and smoothness of the green, as well as the health of the turf.
Manual mowers are typically push mowers that use a reel mechanism to cut the grass. They are quieter and less powerful than electric mowers, and are generally used for smaller areas or home greens. Manual mowers can provide a precise and consistent cut, which is important for maintaining the quality of the green. Some popular manual mowers include the Toro golf greens mower and the Earthwise 7-blade manual reel mower. The former is a push mower that can cut grass to a height of 1/16", while the latter offers a wider cut of 18" and can be purchased for around $130.
Electric mowers, on the other hand, are more powerful and can cover larger areas more quickly. They are typically used for professional golf courses or larger greens. Electric mowers can be either plug-in or battery-operated, and offer a range of cutting widths and heights. Toro, a popular manufacturer of golf course mowers, offers electric Greensmaster riding greens mowers that combine precision with productivity. These mowers are designed to follow challenging contours while delivering a superb after-cut appearance. Electric mowers can also be more environmentally friendly, as they do not require hydraulic fluid and produce less noise.
The choice between a manual and an electric mower depends on the size of the green, the desired cut quality, and the user's budget. Manual mowers are generally more affordable and suitable for smaller greens, while electric mowers offer increased power and speed for larger areas. However, it is important to note that excessive mowing and rolling can lead to turf loss and a decline in turf health. Therefore, finding the right balance between mowing and rolling practices is crucial for maintaining a healthy and playable green.
In addition to manual and electric mowers, there are also gas-powered and hybrid options available. Gas-powered mowers are typically used for large putting greens and can cost a few thousand dollars. Hybrid mowers, such as the Toro Greensmaster e1021/e1026, offer a combination of electric and gas powertrains, delivering quiet and efficient operation with reduced noise and operational costs. Ultimately, the type of mower selected will depend on the specific requirements and budget of the golf course or green.
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Riding vs. walking mowers
When it comes to mowing golf greens, there are two main options: riding mowers and walking mowers. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for a particular golf course will depend on various factors, including budget, course size, and desired cut quality.
Riding mowers are faster and require less physical effort to operate than walking mowers. They can cover more distance in a day, making them a good choice for larger golf courses or those looking to reduce manpower. Riding mowers are typically more expensive than walking mowers, and they may not provide as precise a cut. Additionally, there is a risk of oil leaks, which can spoil the turf.
On the other hand, walking mowers are generally considered to be more precise and versatile, allowing for a better quality of cut. They are also easier to train employees to use and, in the event of a malfunction, are simpler to move off the green. Walking mowers are usually cheaper than riding mowers, but they take longer to cover large areas and require more physical exertion from the user.
Some superintendents prefer the quality of cut that walking mowers provide, while others prioritise the speed and convenience of riding mowers. Ultimately, the decision between a riding or walking mower depends on the specific needs and preferences of the golf course.
In addition to riding and walking mowers, there are also reel mowers and rotary mowers to consider. Reel mowers provide a more precise cut and are often used for putting greens, while rotary mowers offer a wider range of motion and are better suited to larger areas.
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$279.66 $308.69
Reel vs. rotary mowers
When it comes to mowing golf greens, there are two main types of mowers to choose from: reel mowers and rotary mowers. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for a particular golf course will depend on various factors such as the type of grass, the size and shape of the terrain, and the desired height of the grass.
Reel mowers use a helical blade that meets a bed knife, similar to the action of scissors. They are ideal for achieving a precise and extremely consistent cut, even on undulating greens. Reel mowers are preferred for lower mowing heights, usually under one inch, and are commonly used for sports or golf surfaces that require frequent mowing. They are also more environmentally friendly, as manual reel mowers are human-propelled and do not leave a carbon footprint. Additionally, reel mowers provide a cleaner cut, resulting in sharper stripes and a tighter cut.
On the other hand, rotary mowers are more versatile and suitable for a wide variety of grass species and heights. They are ideal for lawns with sticks, rocks, or uneven ground. Rotary mowers use a blade that rotates parallel to the lawn, cutting the grass by high-speed impact. They are typically used for higher mowing heights and are more practical for larger plots of land. Rotary mowers are also more convenient, as they can cut longer grass and do not require mowing as frequently as reel mowers.
In terms of cost, push reel mowers are generally more affordable than gas or electric rotary mowers. However, gas-powered reel mowers can be more expensive than their rotary counterparts.
For golf course superintendents, the decision between reel and rotary mowers involves balancing the need for a precise cut, a fast and efficient mowing process, and maintaining the health of the turf. While reel mowers offer a superior cut, rotary mowers provide practicality and versatility, especially for larger areas.
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Turf health and maintenance
Maintaining turf health and a lush, green lawn on a golf course requires dedication and knowledge. A combination of fertilization, irrigation, and proper mowing techniques are used to keep the grass green and healthy.
Mowing
Golf course superintendents must adhere to a strict mowing regimen, with mowing often consuming the greatest portion of a maintenance team's day-to-day operations. As golfers tend to judge their experience based on the putting green conditions, greens mowers are considered the most important component in the maintenance superintendent's arsenal. Multiple types of mowers are needed in the course's daily maintenance as most mowers are intended for specific parts of the golf course. The mowers used on greens, tees and fairways use spinning reels with multiple blades, cutting the grass by shearing it between the reel and a sharp piece of metal called a bedknife. These components must be checked daily to avoid damaging the turf.
Fertilization
Quality fertilizer should be applied regularly according to manufacturer recommendations. The right type and amount of fertilizers are determined by carefully analyzing the soil and grass conditions, providing the grass with essential nutrients, promoting vigorous growth and a vibrant green color.
Irrigation
An advanced irrigation system is crucial for a golf course to keep the turf healthy and prevent it from drying out. The system delivers water to the grass in a precise and controlled manner, ensuring each area receives the necessary moisture for optimal growth.
Aeration
Aeration is necessary to reduce soil compaction, manage thatch and organic matter accumulation, improve water infiltration, promote gas exchange, and provide avenues in the soil for deeper roots. Topdressing, where sand is evenly applied across a turf surface, is done to fill aeration holes and smooth the surface.
Turf Management
Golf course superintendents may overseed in the fall to ensure healthy growth in spring and summer. Verticutting is also used to thin out the turf, removing built-up thatch and promoting new growth.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main types of mowers used for golf greens: riding mowers and walking mowers. Riding mowers are faster and cover large areas more quickly, but walking mowers are more precise and versatile. Walking mowers are also easier to train people to use, and they don't have oil leaks that can spoil the turf.
Some popular golf green mower brands include Toro, John Deere, and Lastec. Toro offers both riding and walking greens mowers with a variety of powertrains, including gas, diesel, hybrid, and all-electric. John Deere's PrecisionCut and E-Cut hybrid electric triplex mowers were honoured as a 2020 AE50 Award winner. Lastec's XR700 and XR500 rotary mowers provide grass lengths from 1" to 4" and are known for their accuracy and quality.
The choice between a riding and walking golf green mower depends on various factors such as time constraints, desired precision, and budget. If speed and minimizing employee numbers are important, a riding mower may be preferable. However, if precision and versatility are more crucial, a walking mower might be the better option. Additionally, consider the potential for oil leaks on riding mowers, which can damage the turf.
