Heybroek now also supplies Toro robotic mowers and ball picker |
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With the introduction of the new Turf Pro 300, 500, and 500 SL robotic mowers and the autonomous Range Pro 100 ball picker, Toro can now meet the demand for robotic mowers in the Dutch and European markets. Supplier Heybroek has these mowers and ball pickers in stock.
The machines were officially introduced in January during the BTME trade fair. 'The demand for robotic mowers is increasing, and it is sometimes difficult to find enough staff. That is why the American manufacturer has partnered with a well-known market player to bring robotic mowers and an autonomous ball picker to market under the Toro brand,' says Arne van der Valk, product manager for green technology at Heybroek.
IntelliDash
Van der Valk expects that the Turf Pro and Range Pro will continue to be further developed by Toro in the future. Toro's signature is already reflected in the software of these robots, making them easy to integrate with Toro's IntelliDash. This dashboard, accessible via an app on a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, allows field managers and greenkeepers to see at a glance how the connected devices are functioning at that moment. Van der Valk: 'In addition to the robotic mowers and ball picker, they can also monitor the weather, sprinklers, fairway mowers, and soil sensors through this system.'
Three Variants
The Turf Pro robotic mower comes in three variants: the 300, 500, and 500 SL. The numbers refer to the number of mowing heads. The Turf Pro 500 and 500 SL have five, while the 300 has three. The 'SL' designation stands for slope, indicating that this model is best suited for mowing slopes and inclines. The 500 models can mow a larger area than the 300 model. 'The maximum working capacity is 75,000 square meters, but we recommend a practical limit of 55,000 square meters,' says Van der Valk. The Range Pro 100 ball picker can cover 28,000 square meters and has a 'ball capacity' of 350 balls. This means it can collect more than 15,000 balls within 24 hours. Both the robotic mowers and the ball picker operate via RTK, eliminating the need for a boundary wire.
Collaboration
Heybroek is currently working on developing its sales and service strategy. 'It is not just about selling the machines, but also about after-sales service and the installation of the mowers and ball pickers. For the ball pickers to function properly, it is crucial that they integrate well with the external system that cleans the collected golf balls and returns them to the ball dispenser. Therefore, we must also collaborate with these suppliers,' says Van der Valk.
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'An autonomous mowing robot can help address the staff shortage'
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Van der Valk believes that nothing beats cutting grass with a cylinder mower. 'That provides the best quality. An autonomous mowing robot can help address staff shortages by freeing up personnel to take on other tasks. In the long run, this can also lead to cost savings, although there is an initial investment in purchasing the equipment. Robotic mowers can also be a great alternative for mowing areas such as the driving range, surrounds, and rough on golf courses, where they can ensure an acceptable mowing appearance. Of course, it is always important to replace the blades in a timely manner.'
This article was originally published on February 28, 2025, on the Greenkeeper website.
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