2008 News Releases and Information

CARY, North Carolina (February 01, 2008)— John Deere Golf has introduced its new rotary mowers, the TerrainCut line, including the 8800 TerrainCut Rough Mower and the 7400 TerrainCut Trim and Surrounds Mower.

Both machines are designed to maximize operator comfort and ease of use while also providing better hill-climbing and traction capabilities with John Deere's exclusive GRIP All-Wheel Drive Traction System. Signature attributes of the 7400 TerrainCut Trim and Surrounds Mower include its Width-on-Demand system and best-in-class horsepower. The 8800 TerrainCut Rough Mower includes a number of features that increase productivity and provide best-in-class ground following with its 21-in. rotary decks.

"As with all of our products, the TerrainCut mowers are based not only on our own research but on customer feedback as well," said Gregg Breningmeyer, director of sales and marketing, John Deere Golf. "Through outlets such as our annual John Deere Feedback event, superintendents tell us what they need and what they want. Our new Width-on-Demand function and the redesign of the operator station are just two examples of features that were developed in direct response to that feedback."

Take on Anything – with Style

When the architect designed the course, it wasn't necessarily designed with maintenance in mind. Fortunately, John Deere TerrainCut mowers were. Standard for both machines, the GRIP All-Wheel Drive Traction System ensures that hydraulic traction power is maintained at all times. Wheel slip is minimized by diverting hydraulic flow from wheels that slip to wheels with grip.

With 43.1 hp for the 8800 and 37.1 hp for the 7400, the TerrainCut mowers feature powerful turbo-charged diesel engines that provide the power to mow, to climb or to do both.

Both mowers are superb followers of terrain contours, thanks to a double-yoke mounting system. Once the decks are in the mowing position, the double-yoke system allows the decks a full range of motion independent of the hydraulic lift system. The 8800 is comprised of five 21-in. rotary mowers for a flawless cut and superior ground following across an 88-in. cutting span. A double-acting steering cylinder is also included to help equalize turning efforts, allowing the operator to hold a straight line with less effort.

For flexibility and productivity, the 7400 offers three 27-in. decks and its patented Width-on-Demand feature, allowing the operator to select a 68-in. or 74-in. cutting width at the touch of a switch. The cutting units overlap to ensure accurate cutting on slopes and tight turns at the 68-in. width of cut, and can be increased to a 74-in. width of cut for wide open areas to increase productivity by nine percent.

Additionally, the Reach system allows operators to shift either the front right or left decks a maximum of 15 inches outside the front tires for trimming around bunkers or hazards.

Simplified Controls for Easier Efforts

Knowing that every moment out of the seat translates to a longer working day, John Deere designed the TerrainCut mowers with ease of use in mind to increase operating efficiency and productivity. Rotary decks lift and lower with a single-lever joystick. Deck heights are easily adjusted without tools. Dual pedal controls make forward and reverse operation easier than ever. And an operator command arm, Sit-on-Seat diagnostics and the John Deere patented White Box™ Controller allows maximum control and quick problem resolution without leaving the seat.

Comfort for the Operator

Even though the TerrainCut mowers make the job go faster, it doesn't mean that operators don't deserve more comfortable operator stations. The operator stations include excellent leg room, foot room and wide-spaced traction controls for optimum comfort for all sizes of operators. The TerrainCut line also features foot-operated tilt steering and parking brake operation. The command arm connects to the seat so controls stay within reach regardless of the seat's position. Even a drink holder and a two-way radio holder come standard. ROPS and seatbelts are standard on both machines.

John Deere Golf offers quality agronomic products, precise irrigation systems and innovative equipment for golf course construction, renovation, and ongoing mowing and maintenance. As the official golf course equipment and irrigation supplier to the PGA TOUR, John Deere brings tournament-level quality to today's courses, giving golf course superintendents and other management professionals the products, expertise and support they need.