The automated fairway mower is expected to appear for sale in America in 2017.Photo: Turf Lynx
Is the Turf Lynx F315 mower the end of the world as we know it or the start of a beautiful friendship? You decide.
This autonomous triplex lawn mower is fully electric and the first fairway mower of its kind.
The mowing pattern is set up using a web interface and can be managed on a smartphone, tablet or laptop. In addition to the pattern, the user can set other characteristics of how the mowing will done, as well as when the F315 mows.
When it is almost time to mow, an operator drives the machine to the nearest fairway and leaves it there. The mower starts automatically at the scheduled time and follows the programmed route. It will automatically make its way to the next fairway.
The F315 can cut about seven average-size fairways on one charge.
The Turf Lynx F315 can mow up to 3.5 hectares on one charge.Photo: Turf Lynx
The mower is powered by lithium batteries and charges in four to five hours. It has no hydraulics, cutting down on maintenance. According to Turf Lynx, the F315 can handle slopes up to 16 degrees.
When the machine is done, it will be ready for pick-up near its parking space. After each mowing, operational reports are generated automatically. Operation progress, history and maintenance alerts can be found on the web interface.
The F315 can mow day or night and is the lightest triplex fairway mower on the market, according to Turf Lynx.
Turf Lynx created the F315 mower to reduce labor, energy and maintenance costs, the company says. The manufacturer estimates the machine can cut operational costs by more than 80 percent.
The company says it worked with greenkeepers and superintendents to produce a silent, environmentally friendly machine. The F315 is currently being sold in Europe and is expected to enter the U.S. market in 2017.
Turf Lynx is based in Santo Estevao, Portugal, and is working on creating more robotic solutions for golf courses and sports fields.
