John Deere 8700A PrecisionCut™ Fairway Mower

TechControl display

Password-protected settings

More control with the TechControl display with a large easy-to-read screen

Passcode-protected TechControl display enables quickly setting or changing mowing speed, turning speed, or transport speed to limit variations in performance by different operators.

Mow setting screen

Quickly adjust the mow or transport speed to make sure mow speed is what is needed for the changing conditions. The setting can be adjusted precisely using a speedometer app on a smartphone or global positioning system (GPS) device.

Turn-speed setting screen

Use the TechControl to slow the machine during turns while mowing and protect against turf scuffing and aggressive turning operators.

The turn speed control engages when in mow and the cutting units are lifted for turns. Once the turn is made and the cutting units are lowered, the machine speed returns to the set mow speed.

The turn speed is a percentage of mow speed. When set to 100 percent, turn speed control is off or allows 100 percent of the mow speed in turns. Turn speed setting of 50 percent allows only 50 percent of the set mow speed to be reached during turns.

Here is an example:

Mow speed = 9.66 km/h (6 mph)
Turn speed set at 50 percent
Maximum turning speed will be 4.83 km/h (3 mph)

Input/output screen

Service timers screen

The A-model PrecisionCut™ Mowers, E-Cut™ Hybrid Mowers, and TerrainCut™ Mowers have the latest in advanced diagnostics through the TechControl display. Most all diagnostics are performed while sitting in the operator’s seat.

The TechControl has onboard visual diagnostics allowing quick and easy machine diagnostics, maximizing up time. The system allows technician to see inputs and outputs of the electrical system.  Also, the technician can see stored controller codes on the machine to aide in troubleshooting incidents that may have occurred while on the course.

The TechControl will also display the notification for maintenance of the hydraulic and engine oils using service timers to notify when it has reached the time to perform the required service.

Language settings

Choose from a list of several languages to use for the TechControl.

Operator warning notifications are incorporated into the TechControl and will alert the operator if a problem arises during operation.

Large wheel motors

eHydro™

The eHydro™ traction pump and wheel motors in the new A-model takes performance, traction, and operation to the next level.

We designed the new system to take on the most challenging course conditions. These improvements to the traction system makes the A-models ideal for undulating terrain providing superior performance and traction out on the course.

The traction system in the A-models is driven by a servo-controlled hydrostatic pump. The control of the pump is no longer mechanical linkages but instead it is electronic.

In total approximately 94 parts have been eliminated from the traction drive system along with 4 adjustments compared to prior models. The design reduced the complexity of the drive system meaning no more linkages to adjust or repair decreased routine maintenance and providing reliable day-in/day-out operation.

Forward/reverse pedals

The operator will like the eHydro, too. The pedal effort has been reduced, thus reducing the foot fatigue during many hours of mowing.

Optional GRIP all-wheel drive

For superior traction with a true hydraulic four-wheel drive (4WD), the GRIP All-Wheel Drive Traction System is optional equipment for the PrecisionCut™ and E-Cut™ Hybrid fairway mowers. This system reduces wheel slip by sending flow from the front wheel to the opposite rear wheel.

For example, if the front right wheel starts to slip, hydraulic flow is diverted to the left rear wheel to maintain positive traction. By allowing the flow to cross over to the opposite rear wheel, the system maintains traction not only while climbing straight up hills, but also on side hills, as well.

The GRIP All-Wheel Drive Traction System is always engaged when driving forward with the PrecisionCut and E-Cut Hybrid fairway mowers. There are no electronics to engage the 4WD system, simplifying the electrical system and the design of the valve at the rear of the machine.

In reverse, a standard switch is provided that disengages 4WD. The switch senses that the reverse pedal has been depressed and shuts off flow to the rear drive wheels. This ensures that the front drive tires are doing the work in reverse rather than the rear tires, minimizing wheel slip and scuffing of turf when backing up an incline.

Steering cylinder and linkage system

For superintendents who want stripes as straight as they are on the greens, the A-model PrecisionCut™ Mowers and E-Cut™ Hybrid Mowers do exactly that. Utilizing the same style steering cylinder as on the 2550 PrecisionCut and 2550 E-Cut Hybrid Riding Greens Mowers, the PrecisionCut and E-Cut Hybrid Mowers can mow the straightest lines of any mower in the industry today.

Traditional hydraulic cylinders have a rod on only one side of the cylinder. The cylinder on the A-models has one rod that goes through both sides of the cylinder. This equalizes volume and pressure on both sides of the cylinder packing, helping the operator make   perfectly straight lines with little effort.

This system also equalizes the steering effort, meaning easy turns whether turning to the right or to the left.

Front tire

When considering a fairway mower’s effects on turf compaction, there is more to it than just weight alone. Weight is only a small factor in determining turf compaction.

A key component is the selection of tires used on the machine involves both sizing and tread patterns. The John Deere PrecisionCut™ and E-Cut™ Hybrid Fairway Mowers use large, 26×14-12 front tires for proper front weight distribution, and 20×10-8 tires in the rear to distribute the rear weight.

Both tires use a turf tread to maximize turf friendliness.

They excel in weight distribution providing low ground pressure onto the turf. This provides less tracking, less marking, and less compaction.

Easy access for cleaning

Easier daily maintenance points are designed into the machine to assist operators with complete daily maintenance and to keep the machine running at peak performance, saving valuable time and money.

For ease of service, all daily engine checks are easily accessible by raising the hood. These service points include an engine-oil level check, a coolant level check, hydraulic fluid level, and an air-restriction indicator.

The A-model PrecisionCut™ Mowers, E-Cut™ Hybrid Mowers, and TerrainCut™ Mowers feature a radiator screen that is easily removed without tools and a tilt-out oil cooler for easy cleaning.

LoadMatch setting

LoadMatch is an electronic setting through the TechControl display that allows managers more control of the machine and how it is operated when out on the course.

Most operators will mow as fast as the mow setting will allow, keeping their traction pedal all the way down. However, in some conditions this can lead to poor cut quality.

One example is getting behind in mowing due to weather conditions. The grass is long and lush and to properly cut that amount of grass at one time, the operator should slow the traction speed. This allows the cutting units to maintain proper turning speed, process the grass, and properly cut in one pass. Not slowing down causes missed grass and an uneven appearance. This affects the after-cut appearance and also reduces productivity by having to mow a second time to properly cut the lush grass.

The LoadMatch feature compensates the traction speed of machine to keep power to the cutting units. In the long, lush conditions described above with LoadMatch engaged, the operator would still have the traction pedal all the way down, but the machine would sense the load and slow the traction speed to properly cut the mowing pass. Once the load is reduced, the machine will return to the normal mow speed.

LoadMatch puts the manager in control of cut quality instead of the operator.

AutoPedal

The AutoPedal feature controls engine rpm and transport speed of the machine through the eHydro™ foot pedal controls. AutoPedal is similar to an automobile gas pedal operation; the more the forward pedal is pressed, the faster the machine moves and the higher the engine rpm; pressing the pedal less, the slower the machine moves and the lower the engine rpm.

On conventional machines, the engine rpm is controlled by the operator by means of a manual or electric/manual throttle. Operators are trained to always operate the engine at wide-open throttle. Running at wide open throttle means running the engine at its fastest speed, which increases the sound levels and fuel usage.

The AutoPedal system allows the engine to only run as fast as needed, meaning that as operators transport around the course, the engine speed is only as fast as needed for the transport speed. If the operator approaches play and stops, the engine rpm goes to idle. This makes transporting quieter and since the engine does not run full speed all the time, it reduces fuel consumption.

Once the operator reaches the mowing site, engages the mow switch on the CommandARM™ controls, the engine rpm automatically increases to full throttle for mowing.

RFS

The 6700A, 7700A, and 8700A PrecisionCut™ Fairway Mowers allow all five cutting units to rotate to a vertical position while on the machine, gaining access to the bedknife for quick in-field service. The Rotate for Service feature is an exclusive feature of the 6700A, 7700A, and 8700A PrecisionCut Fairway Mowers.

It is simple and easy to use RFS. Simply use one hand to pull up on the cutting unit yoke to remove weight from the RFS spring; use the other hand to push the spring lever down on the front cutting units. Then use the hydraulic lift system on the machine to pick the cutting units up, and they will move into the vertical position. Lower the cutting units to the ground; the bedknife will be completely accessible without having to remove cutting units from the traction unit or have access to a machine lift.

Rubber mounted front up stops

Double rear up stop

The 6500A, 6700A, 7500A, 7700A, and 8700A PrecisionCut™ and 6500A and 7500A E-Cut™ Hybrid Fairway Mowers all have cutting units that contact up stops for transport. These up stops are rubber and limit cutting units from swinging during transport. The lift system also folds the two wing units inside the tires to limit possibility of damage to the wing units when transporting through and around objects on the course.