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Greenkeepers visiting John Deere’s BTME stand in Harrogate in January will be among the first in Europe to see the new Gator GS utility vehicles.

Built to meet the growing need for a work vehicle which sits between a golf cart and a go-anywhere, all-terrain machine, the Gator GS allows British and Irish greenkeepers to get carry out lighter duties around the course quickly and efficiently without sacrificing on durability and reliability.

“Whether it’s course setup, hand watering, hauling mower trailers, or just moving from hole to hole, the Gator GS allows greenkeepers to get those jobs done on time and efficiently,” says Chris Meacock, Golf and Turf Division Sales Manager at John Deere.

The new GS is available now in petrol or electric derivatives, both of which are designed to complete jobs without disruption to the neighbours or early morning golf groups.

The powerful, yet quiet,  14hp petrol electronic fuel injected engine incorporates a unique engine and body design that incorporates baffling and sound deadening materials for quiet operation.

Customers choosing the 48V GS Electric Gator will have an AC drive motor and controller system that helps maintain torque during even the toughest of situations, with eight lithium batteries providing the power needed to complete the day’s work.

Both machines have a top speed of 17.5mph to enable greenkeepers to get more done in less time.

Operation is simple with a pedal start and infinite speed selection that doesn’t require shifting thanks to a continuously variable transmission drivetrain.

Measuring just 49.3 inches across, the body design allows for transport through tight areas while avoiding turf damage on the edges of cart paths.

Cargo space has been optimised for tools and materials, with 371 litres of space and a 363kg cargo box weight capacity. The Gator GS has an easy-to-access and effortless cargo box latch to make it easy to unlock, tilt, and quickly unload materials.

The Gator GS is ready to tow with a standard factory installed 50.8 mm rear receiver hitch and a 544.3 kg towing capacity.

Built with operator comfort in mind there are high-back bucket seats, two standard USB ports, low-effort steering system design, and multiple storage compartments for gloves, small hand tools and mobile devices.

“The John Deere Gator is one the most versatile vehicles that a golf course manager and their team can use, and the GS and GS Electric adds to that versatility with its size and manoeuvrability,” says Chris.

The Gator GS and GS Electronic will be on show at BTME from 20 to 22 January at Harrogate Convention Centre, and can be ordered through dealers now.

Club Car, a global industry-leading manufacturer of small-wheel, zero emissions vehicles, has signed a new agreement to remain as an Official Supplier of the DP World Tour until the end of the 2027 season, and as a Worldwide Supplier of the Ryder Cup until 2027.

The longstanding partnership between the DP World Tour and Club Car began in 1999 and its vehicles are vital to the staging of DP World Tour tournaments around the globe, supporting numerous aspects of tournament operations and logistics from rules to television production.

For the Ryder Cup, Club Car has supplied team cars, support vehicles and staging fleets for the last 16 editions.

The Augusta, Georgia-based organization elevated its status to become a Worldwide Supplier to golf’s greatest team contest for the 2023 match in Rome, and will continue that designation for the 2025 and 2027 matches, at Bethpage, New York and Adare Manor, Ireland respectively.

Marco Natale, Vice President EMEA for Club Car, said: “Our partnership with the Ryder Cup and the DP World Tour has been a cornerstone of our commitment to the game of golf for over 25 years.

“This enduring relationship reflects a shared passion for excellence and innovation, and we are proud to have played a part in the phenomenal growth of both competitions.”

Max Hamilton, Executive Commercial Director of the DP World Tour and the Ryder Cup, added: “Club Car has been a trusted partner for over two decades and their products are vital to the smooth operation of our tournaments.

“Their global distribution network and excellent local support service make them the ideal partner for a global Tour that visits new countries each week, and one of the biggest and most complex single events in sport in the Ryder Cup. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”

The DP World Tour’s Club Car tournament fleet is currently in action supporting the European Swing, a run of six events across the continent over eight weeks. A combination of Tempo golf carts and Carryall utility vehicles will provide crucial support in the set-up and delivery of the events, travelling from one to another on double-decker lorries.

John Deere recently announced the launch of the new diesel Gator™ XUV 875M utility vehicle. Designed to improve productivity across various tasks, the Gator XUV 875M offers increased cargo capacity, enhanced comfort, and improved functionality.

Key Specifications

The new Gator model’s key features include a 17.0kW/22.8 hp engine with a fuel tank volume of 42.4 litres, a seating capacity for three (suitable for off-road use), a cargo box capacity of 454 kg, and a fully independent suspension with 203/229mm travel (front/rear).

Reliability and Comfort

The Gator XUV 875M builds on the reliability of previous models with an updated rear suspension design and tuned shock absorbers to enhance comfort. Key improvements include relocating the air intake 30 cm higher to ensure cleaner air intake, protecting the engine. Additionally, the new CVT (continuously variable transmission) air intake and exhaust system help draw cleaner air, protecting the system from debris, water, and mud.

Versatility

The redesigned cargo box of the Gator XUV 875M offers 13% more space than the XUV865M model, allowing for greater carrying capacity. Other key features of the cargo box are:

• increased width to enhance cargo capacity and reduce mud sling
• 12V SAE power port for added convenience
• five divider slots on the side and three at the front to secure items
• option to create a second level of storage
• redesigned tailgate with a flat work surface, metric and imperial measurements, v-groove for cutting pipe, anti-gravity pockets, bump stops, and cup holders
• integrated clamping points to secure items
• fold-flat tie-downs in the front-middle and four corners of the load bed
• tie-down pockets for securing loads that obstruct access to the D-rings inside the cargo box
• four stake pockets on each side to accommodate stake pocket clamps for tool storage

Peter Nelder, John Deere Product Manager for Gator Utility Vehicles & Compact Utility Tractors in Europe, said on the new cargo box features: “The redesigned cargo box on the Gator XUV 875M is a very significant improvement, offering more space and functionality for our customers. The added width and integrated clamping points provide users with greater flexibility and convenience, making it easier to carry and secure a variety of items.”

The John Deere Gator XUV 875M utility vehicle will be available to dealers starting Spring 2025.

John Deere today revealed several new autonomous machines during a press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, U.S.A, to support customers in agriculture, construction, and commercial landscaping. Building on John Deere autonomous technology first revealed at CES 2022, the company’s second-generation autonomy kit combines advanced computer vision, AI, and cameras to help the machines navigate their environments.

While each of these industries experiences their own set of challenges, a commonality across all is skilled labor availability. “Our agriculture, construction, and commercial landscaping customers all have work that must get done at certain times of the day and year, yet there is not enough available and skilled labor to do the work,” said Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere. “Autonomy can help address this challenge. That’s why we’re extending our technology stack to enable more machines to operate safely and autonomously in unique and complex environments. This will not only benefit our customers, but all of us who rely on them to provide the food, fuel, fiber, infrastructure, and landscaping care that we depend on every day.”

Autonomy expanding to more machines

• Autonomous 9RX tractor for large-scale agriculture: Tillage is one of the busiest times of the year for farmers. With the second-generation autonomy kit, featuring 16 individual cameras arranged in pods to enable a 360-degree view of the field, farmers can step away from the machine and focus their time on other important jobs. The advanced autonomy kit also calculates depth more accurately at larger distances, allowing the tractor to pull more equipment and drive faster.

• Autonomous 5ML orchard tractor for air blast spraying: Protecting crops through air blast spraying is a challenging and repetitive job. The tractor features the latest autonomy kit with added Lidar sensors to address the dense canopies found in orchards.

• Battery electric tractor: For those seeking a sustainable solution for their farming operations, John Deere presents the E-Power prototype, an autonomy-ready, zero tailpipe emissions tractor. It is intended for those in specialty crop and dairy and livestock sectors. The tractor will deliver a continuous 130-horsepower output, providing instant power and torque to meet demanding tasks.

• Autonomous battery electric mower for commercial landscaping: Commercial landscaping is a highly competitive industry and having the staff to support different bids is essential. The autonomous commercial mower leverages the same camera technology as other Deere autonomous machines, but on a reduced scale since the machine has a smaller footprint. With two cameras on the front, left, right, and rear, 360-degree coverage is achieved, and staff can focus on other aspects of the job.

• 460 P-Tier Autonomous Articulated Dump Truck (ADT) for quarry operations: Quarries supply the essential raw materials vital for building roads, buildings, and infrastructure, and it’s a complex process to mine, process, and transport materials. Using the second-generation kit, the ADT will handle the repetitive tasks of transporting material around the quarry to facilitate different steps in the cycle.

The John Deere autonomy kit will be available pre-installed on new machines and as retrofit kits for certain existing machines, providing customers with multiple paths to adoption based on where they are in their technology journey.

Autonomous machines are managed via John Deere Operations Center Mobile, the company’s cloud-based platform. By swiping left to right to start, the machine can be started once placed in the appropriate spot. Through the app, users also have access to live video, images, data and metrics, and the ability to adjust various factors like speed. In the event of any job quality anomalies or machine health issues, users will be notified remotely so they can make necessary adjustments.

OUT NOW – EPISODE 7 – APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – DIVING DEEPER INTO JOHN DEERE APPRENTICESHIPS

Check out the latest Episode of The HFG Podcast!

Apprentice of the year – Diving deeper into John Deere apprenticeships

In Episode 7 of the HFG Podcast, we return to the world of John Deere ProVQ Service Technician apprenticeships. This time, we’re joined by special guest John Alexander, the newly crowned John Deere Ag Service Apprentice of the Year.

Episode Description:

Host Martin, Group Service Manager Nick Hill, and HR Manager Chloe Fear delve into John’s journey and the apprenticeship program. We discuss the upcoming recruitment evenings, John’s recent success, and the challenges and rewards of an Ag Service apprenticeship.

John shares his experiences over the past three years, explaining how he balanced college work with his day job at HFG. We also explore the rigorous End-Point Assessment (EPA) process, including the tasks and pressures involved.

If you’re curious about what a Service Tech Apprenticeship entails, this episode is for you. Nick and John provide a comprehensive overview, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of this unique learning path.

As always we value your support and your opinions. If you have any questions or suggestions for features or topics to cover in future episodes please let us know by emailing us on marketing@huntforest.com
Likewise, if you have any feedback for the latest episode. We are all very new to this so any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Where can you listen to Episode 7 – Apprentice Of The Year

The HFG Podcast is available on various platforms and can be found on the links below.

Apple Podcasts – Listen Here
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Please feel free to leave us a review/rating/comment on any of the above platforms, we appreciate your support!

Dozens of John Deere technicians graduate from renowned apprenticeship course

A 39-strong group of talented service technicians has graduated from John Deere’s apprenticeship programme.

The graduates are now beginning the next stage of their careers throughout the manufacturer’s dealership network.

Apprentices celebrated their achievements at a special ceremony in Nottingham with their families, friends, tutors and work colleagues after completing their respective Ag Tech, Turf Tech or Parts Tech courses.

Apprentices are employed by John Deere dealers and work full time in depots across the UK and Ireland while studying to achieve Level 3 Land-based Service Engineer qualification.

Throughout the course they travel to the company’s purpose-built apprentice training centre near John Deere’s Langar headquarters for blocks of two weeks where a mix of classroom and workshop training takes place, delivered by ProVQ.

John Alexander from Hunt Forest Group was named Technician Apprentice of the Year for 2024 while Parts Tech graduate Cameron Thompson from Netherton Tractors won the Parts Apprentice of the Year award. The winners were awarded a trophy and an iPad.

Max Hodges from Tuckwells and Kellar Inns from Ben Burgess were both named as runners-up, both receiving a trophy and a £250 high street gift voucher.

John Deere Training Centre Manager Allan Cochran said: “Every apprentice who graduates has demonstrated a deep understanding of John Deere machinery, the customer service level we expect and, overall, a mindset of achievement.

“This is a challenging learning programme and we are proud of the success rate we achieve. Over more than 30 years we have trained in excess of 1,200 apprentices and set them on a course for success in this industry.

“Our aim is to help our apprentices take their first step – after that, there are multiple opportunities for them to flourish in their careers with our dealers with a whole raft of further qualifications now open to them.”

John Deere’s apprenticeship programme involves students being trained in engineering, electronics, hydraulics, diagnostics, communication skills, computing, sales, and marketing.

Ag Tech and Turf Tech candidates study towards the land-based service engineering technician qualification while Parts Tech individuals complete a Level 3 Parts Diploma.

New students are enrolled each year, and the standard programmes include on-the-job training and assessment as well as up to eight weeks each year at the training centre.

“A John Deere apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is looking to start their career in the agricultural machinery sector,” Allan added.

“In partaking in one of the most prestigious courses that John Deere provides, an apprentice will learn the valuable knowledge and skills for them to work their way into a career anywhere across John Deere’s worldwide dealership network.”

To search for open apprenticeship positions go to https://apprenticeshipfinder.co.uk/john-deere/

OUT NOW – EPISODE 6 – PRECISION TURF INNOVATION. HOW TECH IS TRANSFORMING TURF MANAGEMENT.

Check out the latest Episode of The HFG Podcast!

Green Innovation. How Tech is transforming Turf Management

John Deere’s Precision Turf technology is revolutionising the fields of grounds care and golf course management. Martin sits down with Precision Turf Specialist, Craig Woodman, to delve into the available offerings, underlying technology, and the substantial benefits it brings to customers.

Episode Description:

The HFG Podcast returns with a brand-new episode exploring the exciting world of Precision Technology in the Turf, Groundscare, and Golf sectors. Join host Martin as he chats with Craig Woodman, a Precision Turf Specialist at Hunt Forest Group, about the latest John Deere Turf Technology.

With extensive experience in the golf course sphere, both as a greenskeeper and in course management, Craig now leads the Precision Turf team at Hunt Forest Group. He’s applying his years of expertise to demonstrate John Deere’s innovative machinery and solutions.

John Deere Precision Technology has been a leader in agriculture for nearly two decades. Its recent adoption in the Golf and Turf world is already proving to be a game-changer. All machines are now “Connectivity Ready,” offering a range of benefits. Martin and Craig discuss what this means for the professional turf industry and how it can help customers now and in the future.

Connectivity is a hot topic, and many operators worry about privacy and job security. Craig dispels these myths and fears, highlighting the many advantages of a connected machine: improved efficiency, accurate fuel usage tracking, and proactive fault diagnosis. This reduces downtime and saves money, without replacing the operator.

Training is crucial for successful implementation, and Hunt Forest Group offers regular training sessions for operators of all levels. Craig also announces a new subscription model for Tech support.

Explore the world of Precision Turf with the team at HFG!

As always we value your support and your opinions. If you have any questions or suggestions for features or topics to cover in future episodes please let us know by emailing us on marketing@huntforest.com
Likewise, if you have any feedback for the latest episode. We are all very new to this so any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Where can you listen to Episode 6 – Precision Turf Innovation

The HFG Podcast is available on various platforms and can be found on the links below.

Apple Podcasts – Listen Here
Spotify – Listen Here
Amazon Music – Listen Here
YouTube – Listen Here

Please feel free to leave us a review/rating/comment on any of the above platforms, we appreciate your support!

OUT NOW – EPISODE 4 – FROM SERVICE TO SERVICE

Check out the latest Episode of The HFG Podcast!

From Service to Service: Career Opportunities in the World of Service, Military Hiring, Apprenticeships and Internal Progression.

This episode of the HFG podcast hits the road! Martin heads to Hunt Forest Group’s most westerly branch at Nether Stowey, to speak to some members of the team down in Somerset.

Joined by Nick Hill, HFG’s Group Service Manager, they explore career options for Agricultural and Turf service technicians. Nick explains John Deere’s military hiring program, designed to help ex and transitioning military personnel gain valuable qualifications and experience for a career outside of the armed forces.

The conversation then shifts to apprenticeships, specifically the John Deere ProVQ scheme. They chat with first-year apprentice Toby and recent graduate John about their experiences, daily routines, and whether they recommend the apprenticeship path to future school leavers.

Finally, Nether Stowey Service Manager Andy Scott joins the discussion. Andy shares his background, how he progressed within the company, and the challenges of managing a team he was once part of.

Nick also highlights some of Hunt Forest Group’s current vacancies for listeners, who may be interested in a career change into the agriculture or grounds care service industries.

As always we value your support and your opinions. If you have any questions or suggestions for features or topics to cover in future episodes please let us know by emailing us on marketing@huntforest.com
Likewise, if you have any feedback for the latest episode. We are all very new to this so any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Where can you listen to Episode 4 – From Service to Service

The HFG Podcast is available on various platforms and can be found on the links below.

Apple Podcasts – Listen Here
Spotify – Listen Here
Amazon Music – Listen Here
YouTube – Listen Here

Please feel free to leave us a review/rating/comment on any of the above platforms, we appreciate your support!