Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club is the first club in the UK to be using Toro's new all-electric eTriFlex 3370, supplied by local dealer Cheshire Turf Machinery.

L-R: Reesink Turfcare’s Mike Turnbull, Cheshire Turf Machinery’s Steve Halley, course manager Ian Beech and general manager Richard Beech

Course manager Ian Beech says it was six years ago that he first heard about the battery technology in development during a visit to Toro’s headquarters and R&D centre in Minneapolis.

Iain said, “Seeing the prototype and hearing all about this game-changing technology really captured my interest and I’ve been waiting for the day we could get our hands on one of these machines ever since.”

That day arrived in late spring and Iain says the new mower has exceeded expectations for him and the six-strong team. “One of the main selling points was that the battery could mow up to 20 average sized greens on a single charge. Incredibly we’ve been getting up to 56 greens done! Even with accessories such as the grooming brushes on the cutting units we’re still getting 38-40 greens done!

“We racked up 90 hours in the first five weeks, we charge it overnight and as yet haven’t noticed an increase on our electric bill. We’re looking into installing solar panels on the shed roof, so perhaps in time there will be no reliance on the main electric supply at all to power the machine.”

Iain says when he started in the greenkeeping industry, there was a limited shed of equipment: two tractors, some Flymos and a couple of triple mowers, and with each passing year as Ian noticed how the demands on the course were getting greater, he soon struck up a relationship with nearby dealer Cheshire Turf Machinery to help him develop the course into one of the most consistent and fast in the area.

“I always attend the shows to see what’s available and network to learn from other people’s experiences,” he says. “It’s for those reasons I’m confident we have the best combination working with Cheshire Turf Machinery and Reesink and using Toro. Add to that having the right staff, the right training and a progressive club who continues to invest in its future and the result has been an increase in membership as the country comes out of lockdown.”

Richard Beech, club manager, concludes by saying: “Having this machine means we don't have to choose between being responsible neighbours and preparing the course for our members. It is unbelievable just how quiet this machine is, it means we can cut the greens in the very early hours without disturbing the houses next to the course. It is very exciting to be the first to have the new electric mower and pleasing that our members are seeing the benefits.”