Superintendent's Forum

what role do electric mowers play in protecting the environment?

JAMES SMITH
Shaw-nee Slopes Golf Course • Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Superintendent James Smith says there is no question that the development of the electric greens mower has had a positive impact on the environment.

“First,” he explains, “since noise pollution is now considered a hazard, any reduction in operating decibel levels is desirable. Our Jacobsen electric greens mowers have contributed greatly to reducing morning noise levels, and as a result have improved relations with our neighbors.” 

Electric mowers require virtually no use of fuels and related petroleum products such as hydraulic and engine oils beyond regular fitting lubrication requirements.

“Certainly this reduction of fuels contributes positively to an overall environmental sensitivity program,” Smith says. “We use less fuel, and there are no spills or leaks from equipment. The other positive spin-off of less fuel consumption is the obvious elimination of emissions or harmful exhausts. These benefits have become a part of Shaw-Nee Slopes’ environmental management program.”  

 

BRAD CHRISTENSEN
Windyke Country Club • Memphis, Tennessee

Windyke is a private 54-hole facility that uses three Jacobsen E-Plex II electric triplex mowers primarily on greens. Director of turfgrass operations Brad Christensen specifies these mowers for three reasons.

“First,” he says, “there are environmental factors. With electric mowers there are no exhaust fumes to damage the air. We are a member of Audubon International and address environmental issues inherent in our industry.”

Reduced noise levels are the second reason Windyke uses E-Plexes.

“There are some homes bordering our property,” Christensen says, “and we like to start mowing our greens between 4:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. We have several wooded areas, and electric mowers don’t disturb the many types of wildlife that live there. And, because the mowers are noise-free, we don’t have to stop for golfers if we are on a green and they are on an adjacent tee. This makes us more efficient.”

The third reason for using electric mowers is quality of cut.

“During the week we often walk-mow our greens,” Christensen says. “On weekends we use electric triplex mowers exclusively for productivity. A major factor in our decision to purchase the E-Plex was that we did not sacrifice our quality of cut. The reel speed on these Jacobsens is similar to a walk mower.”

 

KALANI KALEIOPU
Kapalua Resort • Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii

The Bay Course at Kapalua Resort is nearly surrounded by homes, villas and a large hotel. The noise from equipment starting at 5:15 a.m. to mow greens and tees is not conducive to a relaxing vacation. The maintenance department solved the problem with Jacobsen E-Plex electric triplex mowers, which have demonstrated environmental benefits as well.

“Electric mowers don’t generate harmful byproducts such as exhaust fumes,” equipment maintenance superintendent Kalani Kaleiopu says. “We don’t worry about oil spills and leaks, which can kill grass and contaminate surfaces. These incidents also generate potential safety issues for golfers who might slip or fall."

Kaleiopu finds maintenance is improved with electric mowers.

“The E-Plexes are faster and easier to maintain,” he says. “We don’t have to worry about oil or disposing of it, which is a big plus. And, the batteries can be recycled.”

Kapalua Resort has been using Jacobsen electric mowers for four years.

“I don’t have specific numbers,” Kaleiopu says, “but in the long run I think these electric mowers are less expensive to operate compared to gas- or diesel-powered mowers. As the resort continues to grow we’ll probably be looking at more electric mowers.”