John Deere 8900A PrecisionCut™ Large-Area Reel 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 traction pump

The 9009A TerrainCut and the 8900A PrecisionCut utilizes the same eHydro traction pump and wheel motors in the A-model take performance, traction, and operation to the next level. This is combined with the standard GRIP system that reduces wheel slip by sending flow from the front wheel to the opposite rear wheel.

The system is designed to take on the most challenging course conditionsideal 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. 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.

The end result is more options for mowing different terrain then just straight up and down. The standard GRIP system ensures that when mowing slopes on an angle the high side tire maintains tractions unlike like mechanical systems used on other rough mowers. This increases productivity in tight areas and reduces damage to turf from wheel slippage.

Forward/reverse pedals

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

Standard GRIP all-wheel drive

For superior traction with a true hydraulic four-wheel drive (4WD), the GRIP all-wheel drive traction system is standard on the 8900A Large-Area Reel Mower. 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. 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

The 8900A PrecisionCut™ Large-Area Reel Mower is light weight to provide excellent results on the golf course. The lower weight helps reduce the overall foot print in fine turf conditions reducing compaction and turf stress. Along with the lower weight, the 8900A features 26.5 x12-12 turf tires for low footprint and maximum traction in the toughest conditions. This combination provides a strong traction package with low levels of ground 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.

Verticutter blades

Many of the hybrid turfgrasses require aggressive maintenance practices to stimulate new lateral and vertical growth for a true and healthy playing surface. Frequent, light verticutting is an integral part of properly maintaining these cultivars as well as some of the more traditional turf types.

The Quick-Adjust 7 (QA7) verticutters for the 8900A  PrecisionCut™ Large-Area Reel Mower and the 7200A and 2653B PrecisionCut Trim and Surrounds Mowers  make it easy to accomplish this task with quick adjustments and durable verticutter blades. The 7-in. (17.8-cm) verticutter blades are designed for efficient, consistent cutting and come in 26-in. (66.0-cm) or 30-in. (76.2-cm) widths to maximize productivity.

For aggressive results, run the verticutters in the reverse direction by swapping the hydraulic lines to reverse the direction of flow at the reel motor.

Speed Link™ depth system

In addition to the blade configuration, the QA7 verticutter features a depth system that is truly easy to adjust. A simple front roller design allows for paralleling the roller to the verticutter blades for a premium cut.

Depth is fine tuned with the rear roller. The Speed Link height-of-cut system is a popular feature on the QA7 reel cutting units, and the same system has been integrated in the QA7 verticutter as well.

The Speed Link system ties both ends of the rear roller together with a spring-loaded rod, meaning adjustments can be performed from either end of the rear roller, automatically adjusting the other side at the same time. A worm gear design in the rear roller towers means that as one side is adjusted, the other side turns the exact same amount.

Adjusting rear cutting units is now easier than ever. Adjustments can be performed by an electric drill or pneumatic tool with a 0.63-in. (16-mm) socket in seconds, saving time and money while getting the job done with high quality and efficiency. Maximum depth for operating the verticutters is 0.13-in. (3.2 mm).

Travel speed will be reduced during verticutting based on blade depth setting and turf conditions. Maximum recommended travel speed with verticutters is 3 mph (4.83 km/h).

Additional blades or removing of blades may be required and is dependent on the traction unit verticutters are being installed. Please check the operator’s manual for correct set up.

NOTE:Electric or pneumatic impact tools cannot be used with the Speed Link depth system.