Toro has introduced a new suite of autonomous technologies called GeoLink Solutions. The products are the result of 20-plus years of research and development at Toro, including significant customer input and extensive research and development, the company says.
According to Toro, customers are becoming more receptive to considering autonomous-enabled products as a means to alleviate growing labor challenges and budget constraints.
The new Multi Pro 5800 with GeoLink AS (autosteer), now available, is a 300-gallon dedicated sprayer designed for high efficiency. GeoLink AS uses GPS control to provide precision coverage, eliminating the risk of overlap spraying or missing target areas. GeoLink AS is designed to ensure that the machine follows the optimal pass and fully utilizes all of the nozzles on the spray boom for a faster, more efficient spray process.
The Autosteer feature also allows operators of vayring skill levels to use the Multi Pro 5800. Optimal travel routes are stored, so operators can achieve the ideal spray path quickly and efficiently, according to Toro. The machine also offers the ability to store contoured travel routes, as well as straight line passes.
Toro is also finalizing development on Machine-to-Machine Communication for GeoLink solutions, which is ideal for courses with more than one spraying unit in operation. Communication between machines prevents an operator from spraying an area that’s already been sprayed by another operator. In real time, via the interactive control console, operators are able to determine areas where the spray application has been completed and those areas that are yet to be treated.
Toro will be showcasing its GeoLink Solutions for efficient fairway and greens mowing. Reelmaster and Greensmaster concept units are being displayed at the 2020 Golf Industry Show.
With the implementation of GeoLink Solutions technology, mowing will become more time and cost effective. When operating autonomously, the built-in detection capability ensures avoidance of obstacles. After defining the mowing boundary, a variety of mowing patterns can be selected. The mowers are designed to operate consistently for perfectly straight lines, even in conditions with poor visibility, and during the cleanup pass.