Cub Cadet RG3 who has them? Cancel The title field is required!

1. Michael Rogers

   

   2 posts
   
   12/1/2017 3:12 AM

   Hi,
   
   Saw the clip on GCSAA news clip and was wondering how many are out there and reactions of supers that have them.
   
   http://gcmonline.com/news-details-page/ ... perry-park
   
   Thanks in advance Michael
   Marbella Golf Country Club

   
   
   
   
2. Jefferson Lumaquin

   

   0 posts
   
   12/16/2017 2:12 AM

   We've had 2 on a trial lease for the past 5-6 months and will be receiving 3 or 4 more in a few weeks. The 2 we have have now currently mow 4 greens each on our 18 hole course. Each mower has saved us about 2.5 hours per section guy, so that leaves them to be able to finish any additional job duties such as rake bunkers, pick pls or fix divots and such. Feel free to ask away on anything and I'll do my best to answer them.

   
   
   
   
3. Michael Rogers

   

   2 posts
   
   12/19/2017 4:12 AM

   Hello Jefferson, Thanks for reply. We cut by hand with Toro 2100´s during the week and rotate between John Deere and Toro Triflex on weekends and holidays.
   
   How does the quality of cut compare?
   
   Thanks Michael
   Marbella Golf Country Club

   
   
   
   
4. Steven Huffstutler

   

   11 posts
   
   12/19/2017 6:12 AM

   Do you have to whip much behind them? How about sharpening and setup?
   
   Steve

   
   
   
   
5. Jefferson Lumaquin

   

   0 posts
   
   12/19/2017 11:12 AM

   Quality of cut is pretty much on par with our walkers as we don't triplex our greens at all. There are some limitations to the RG3s as they are sonar based and variables such as ambient noise and weather might affect its cutting path and overlaps. Each machine we have areassigned to specific greens and those greens only as it learns each the green each time they mow them for a better ACA. We blow the greens first then mow to reduce noise interference and on windy days it throws it off a bit but nothing too out of wack, maybe a few small skips and a wider overlap but it's nothing that can't be fixed by manually mowing a pass or two can't fix. We don't whip afterwards as we opted for the JD QA5 reels with baskets vs the InfinitiCut reels (which I've never handled)
   
   The QA5s need to be set up with no contact/extremely light contact as the whine will affect the mowing appearance because of the sensitivity of the sonar.
   
   Our RG3s are set .020 over our Flex 2100s to compensate for the weight differential of the QA5 and machine weight and green speeds are practically the same between just the RG3 vs walk mow/roll as well as HOC between the 2.
   
   We're able to set the cut directions in and out of a set schedule, cut/roll, just roll and even tell it if we want a cleanup pass or not.

   
   
   
   
6. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   12/19/2017 12:12 PM

   Just curious the ROI on these machines due to the additional cost compared to a traditional mower. Is the labor savings able to off-set the price difference during the life of the mower?
   
   I am big proponent of automation, but am hesitant to be a believer until ROI is sufficient.
   
   Let me know.

   
   
   
   
7. Jefferson Lumaquin

   

   0 posts
   
   12/19/2017 1:12 PM

   It made sense for us as the cost of our lease vs the amount of section guys we have and the time they spend per green (mow, rake bunkers, poa pick and repair ball marks) was a wash the first year. Add in yearly raises, 4-6 seasonal guys for poa picking, overtime and a multi year lease for walk mowers (we own very few pieces of cutting equipment and everything else is leased) and it immediately became a no brainer. The time savings per green meant that each section guy would be able to handle his daily duties with us not having to hire our usual seasonal guys, reduce OT and also reduce equipment repair.
   
   The RG3s daily maintenance consists of checking the reels daily and a wipe down. Cub Cadets support included a spare parts bin consisting of small parts/hardware to do quick repairs and anything larger has always been shipped overnight or 2nd day so downtime has been minimal. Any computer issues are handled via a internet as they can connect to each mower if issues arise or adjustments need to be made.

   
   
   
   
8. Steven Huffstutler

   

   11 posts
   
   12/20/2017 8:12 AM

   How do you handle topdressing?
   
   Steve

   
   
   
   
9. Jefferson Lumaquin

   

   0 posts
   
   12/21/2017 3:12 AM

   We own a set of 4 old Flex 21s and 6 sand reels for our 2 3250s we use specifically for topdressing applications.

   
   
   
   
10. Steven Huffstutler

    

    11 posts
    
    12/21/2017 5:12 AM

    Thanks for the replies.
    So, for 18 holes, you need 5 of these? Do your guys haul them from hole to hole and turn them on and then go do something else, like rake the bunkers?
    Do you send one guy out with a trailer load of them, or is there some other transport mechanism?
    
    Thanks,
    
    
    Steve

    
    
    
    
11. Jefferson Lumaquin

    

    0 posts
    
    12/21/2017 10:12 AM

    18 holes plus our small practice putting green. They come with a pretty beefy trailer and we group our sections so we can minimize transport and cart traffic. So one guy will start at the small putter; blow green and set beacons, start the robot then walk over to 2 & 9. He'll blow those then walk the robot over. While mowing he'll rake green side bunkers, fix ball marks and pick poa.
    5 was the recommended number based on the total square footage of our greens and would allow us to spread the workload evenly amongst the section guys

    
    
    
    
12. Steven Huffstutler

    

    11 posts
    
    12/21/2017 10:12 AM

    Jefferson Lumaquin said: 18 holes plus our small practice putting green. They come with a pretty beefy trailer and we group our sections so we can minimize transport and cart traffic. So one guy will start at the small putter; blow green and set beacons, start the robot then walk over to 2 & 9. He'll blow those then walk the robot over. While mowing he'll rake green side bunkers, fix ball marks and pick poa.
    5 was the recommended number based on the total square footage of our greens and would allow us to spread the workload evenly amongst the section guys

    
    
    
    Thanks. So, your'e sending 5 guys out with the mowers in the morning. How much labor do you estimate you are saving by doing this? are you also sending out bunker rakes for the fairway bunkers or do you get those as second jobs.We are have a hell of a time with labor right now and I'm wondering if we need to look at this option. The only way it makes any sense is to save actual bodies, not just man hours. I'm currently sending out 2 mowers, 1 roller, 1 setup man, and 2 guys raking bunkers. If I could eliminate or consolidate 1 or 2 of those taks, it would help quite a bit.
    
    Steve

    
    
    
    
13. Anthony Nysse

    

    1 posts
    
    12/22/2017 8:12 AM

    Steven Huffstutler, CGCS said:

    Jefferson Lumaquin said: 18 holes plus our small practice putting green. They come with a pretty beefy trailer and we group our sections so we can minimize transport and cart traffic. So one guy will start at the small putter; blow green and set beacons, start the robot then walk over to 2 & 9. He'll blow those then walk the robot over. While mowing he'll rake green side bunkers, fix ball marks and pick poa.
    5 was the recommended number based on the total square footage of our greens and would allow us to spread the workload evenly amongst the section guys

    
    
    
    Thanks. So, your'e sending 5 guys out with the mowers in the morning. How much labor do you estimate you are saving by doing this? are you also sending out bunker rakes for the fairway bunkers or do you get those as second jobs.We are have a hell of a time with labor right now and I'm wondering if we need to look at this option. The only way it makes any sense is to save actual bodies, not just man hours. I'm currently sending out 2 mowers, 1 roller, 1 setup man, and 2 guys raking bunkers. If I could eliminate or consolidate 1 or 2 of those taks, it would help quite a bit.
    
    Steve

    
    
    You have to wonder at this point, between cost and time, just buy a Triplex. 3 reels vs 5, yes, but its mowing speed is quicker AND the triplex can be used for other application. Triplex is probably cheaper than all 5 units, substantially.

    
    
    
    
14. Steven Huffstutler

    

    11 posts
    
    12/22/2017 9:12 AM

    Anthony Nysse said:

    Steven Huffstutler, CGCS said:

    Jefferson Lumaquin said: 18 holes plus our small practice putting green. They come with a pretty beefy trailer and we group our sections so we can minimize transport and cart traffic. So one guy will start at the small putter; blow green and set beacons, start the robot then walk over to 2 & 9. He'll blow those then walk the robot over. While mowing he'll rake green side bunkers, fix ball marks and pick poa.
    5 was the recommended number based on the total square footage of our greens and would allow us to spread the workload evenly amongst the section guys

    
    
    
    Thanks. So, your'e sending 5 guys out with the mowers in the morning. How much labor do you estimate you are saving by doing this? are you also sending out bunker rakes for the fairway bunkers or do you get those as second jobs.We are have a hell of a time with labor right now and I'm wondering if we need to look at this option. The only way it makes any sense is to save actual bodies, not just man hours. I'm currently sending out 2 mowers, 1 roller, 1 setup man, and 2 guys raking bunkers. If I could eliminate or consolidate 1 or 2 of those taks, it would help quite a bit.
    
    Steve

    
    
    You have to wonder at this point, between cost and time, just buy a Triplex. 3 reels vs 5, yes, but its mowing speed is quicker AND the triplex can be used for other application. Triplex is probably cheaper than all 5 units, substantially.

    
    
    The problem isnt really cost or time for me, the problem is manpower. A lack of bodies. The unemployment rate here is 3.4%

    
    
    
    
15. Jefferson Lumaquin

    

    0 posts
    
    12/22/2017 11:12 AM

    We went from 7 section guys down to 5. 6 if you want to count our floater who we send out if we fall behind in our morning details or need to get ahead because of whatever events are going on for the day.

    
    
    
    
16. Anthony Nysse

    

    1 posts
    
    12/22/2017 12:12 PM

    Steven Huffstutler, CGCS said:

    Anthony Nysse said:

    Steven Huffstutler, CGCS said:

    Jefferson Lumaquin said: 18 holes plus our small practice putting green. They come with a pretty beefy trailer and we group our sections so we can minimize transport and cart traffic. So one guy will start at the small putter; blow green and set beacons, start the robot then walk over to 2 & 9. He'll blow those then walk the robot over. While mowing he'll rake green side bunkers, fix ball marks and pick poa.
    5 was the recommended number based on the total square footage of our greens and would allow us to spread the workload evenly amongst the section guys

    
    
    
    Thanks. So, your'e sending 5 guys out with the mowers in the morning. How much labor do you estimate you are saving by doing this? are you also sending out bunker rakes for the fairway bunkers or do you get those as second jobs.We are have a hell of a time with labor right now and I'm wondering if we need to look at this option. The only way it makes any sense is to save actual bodies, not just man hours. I'm currently sending out 2 mowers, 1 roller, 1 setup man, and 2 guys raking bunkers. If I could eliminate or consolidate 1 or 2 of those taks, it would help quite a bit.
    
    Steve

    
    
    You have to wonder at this point, between cost and time, just buy a Triplex. 3 reels vs 5, yes, but its mowing speed is quicker AND the triplex can be used for other application. Triplex is probably cheaper than all 5 units, substantially.

    
    
    The problem isnt really cost or time for me, the problem is manpower. A lack of bodies. The unemployment rate here is 3.4%

    
    
    Sure, but 5 guys moving machines around (while doing other things) or 1 guy committed to greens while 4 others are committed to other things....may be a wash and less upfront? I know the mowers are slllllloooowww.

    
    
    
    
17. Steven Huffstutler

    

    11 posts
    
    12/23/2017 4:12 AM

    Yeah 5 guys doesn't solve the problem.

    
    
    
    
18. Andy Jorgensen

    

    1 posts
    
    12/23/2017 6:12 AM

    Anthony Nysse said:
    
    Sure, but 5 guys moving machines around (while doing other things) or 1 guy committed to greens while 4 others are committed to other things....may be a wash and less upfront? I know the mowers are slllllloooowww.

    
    
    
    I'm agreeing with you Tony. We currently send one triplex, one setup guy, and 3 bunker rakes out - 5 guys. So, how would buying 5 of these and have those guys do other tasks while mowing solve the problem? I actually think it would take longer each morning due to the size and number of our bunkers. Plus the upfront cost of these mowers is about that of a cheaper triplex....
    
    Not an opponent, but would rather see the technology be put towards a something mowing larger acreage where we could do away with a body altogether.

    
    
    
    
19. James Schmid

    

    1 posts
    
    12/23/2017 8:12 PM

    Andy Jorgensen said:

    Anthony Nysse said:
    
    Sure, but 5 guys moving machines around (while doing other things) or 1 guy committed to greens while 4 others are committed to other things....may be a wash and less upfront? I know the mowers are slllllloooowww.

    
    
    
    I'm agreeing with you Tony. We currently send one triplex, one setup guy, and 3 bunker rakes out - 5 guys. So, how would buying 5 of these and have those guys do other tasks while mowing solve the problem? I actually think it would take longer each morning due to the size and number of our bunkers. Plus the upfront cost of these mowers is about that of a cheaper triplex....
    
    Not an opponent, but would rather see the technology be put towards a something mowing larger acreage where we could do away with a body altogether.

    
    
    I think part of the argument for these is that they also function as a roller due to the weight, so that would theoretically eliminate 1 more body, if you roll often, that is

    
    
    
    
20. Jefferson Lumaquin

    

    0 posts
    
    12/24/2017 3:12 PM

    James Schmid said:

    Andy Jorgensen said:

    Anthony Nysse said:
    
    Sure, but 5 guys moving machines around (while doing other things) or 1 guy committed to greens while 4 others are committed to other things....may be a wash and less upfront? I know the mowers are slllllloooowww.

    
    
    
    I'm agreeing with you Tony. We currently send one triplex, one setup guy, and 3 bunker rakes out - 5 guys. So, how would buying 5 of these and have those guys do other tasks while mowing solve the problem? I actually think it would take longer each morning due to the size and number of our bunkers. Plus the upfront cost of these mowers is about that of a cheaper triplex....
    
    Not an opponent, but would rather see the technology be put towards a something mowing larger acreage where we could do away with a body altogether.

    
    
    I think part of the argument for these is that they also function as a roller due to the weight, so that would theoretically eliminate 1 more body, if you roll often, that is

    
    
    Yes, these machines are pretty heavy and you can set them to roll only.

    
    
    
    
21. Steven Huffstutler

    

    11 posts
    
    12/25/2017 9:12 AM

    The problem is really battery life isn't it? I would need to be able to mow 10 greens with one machine for it to become a real option.
    
    Steve

    
    
    
    
22. Jefferson Lumaquin

    

    0 posts
    
    12/25/2017 2:12 PM

    Steven Huffstutler, CGCS said: The problem is really battery life isn't it? I would need to be able to mow 10 greens with one machine for it to become a real option.
    
    Steve

    
    
    I've heard up to 6 greens on a single charge but I would imagine that would vary depending on the size of the green. I've also been told theat the positioning system used by them limits them to a certain square footage but that number escapes me at the moment

    
    
    
    
23. Anthony Nysse

    

    1 posts
    
    12/26/2017 5:12 AM

    Jefferson Lumaquin said:

    Steven Huffstutler, CGCS said: The problem is really battery life isn't it? I would need to be able to mow 10 greens with one machine for it to become a real option.
    
    Steve

    
    
    I've heard up to 6 greens on a single charge but I would imagine that would vary depending on the size of the green. I've also been told theat the positioning system used by them limits them to a certain square footage but that number escapes me at the moment

    
    
    
    Begin at 50 seconds. You might need 10 at that speed.
    
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPibtLfYEWQ