New Products

Mowers, tractors headline new Deere products

Editor's Note: The products listed below are not endorsed by the IPR magazine. They are presented solely for the information of our readers.

Deere and Company is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a new line of mowers, tractors and other equipment which can be of special use to park districts.

Its new AMT 600 vehicle allows customers to haul up to 600 pounds over many different types of terrain and conditions. All five wheels have flotation tires which:

• allow the tractor to "float through" mud and muck.

• prevent ruts in soft ground.

• minimize ground compaction.

• flex to absorb bumps and ruts.

The vehicle also features a cargo box which can be tilted up to allow access to the drive system, two tool boxes, four drive wheels, a variable speed drive, and a transaxle which features forward, neutral and reverse gears.

The AMT 600 fits into the back of a standard size pickup, allowing for easy transport of the unit to various job sites. Its many safety features include a load guard built into the front of the cargo box which helps prevent loads from shifting forward into the operator.

"This product is extremely versatile, and it can be used for numerous functions at any park district," explained Gary Lemon, manager of governmental and national account sales.

Front mower

The company is also premiering its F912 front mower. It is powered by a 20-horsepower, three-cylinder, liquid cooled Yanmar gasoline engine that provides the durability associated with liquid cooled engines, but it can still satisfy those customers who prefer gasoline as a fuel source. This engine has been designed to handle the power, fuel efficiency and durability demands of the toughest mowing requirements.

In addition, the mower features a hydrostatic transmission, full pressure lubrication, a 20 amp automotive alternator and electronic ignition. A standard fuel gauge instantly lets the operator know how much fuel is left in the tank, and indicator lights monitor power take off (PTO), engine temperature, oil pressure and battery voltage.

Its standard cruise control, two-pedal foot control and hydrostatic power steering are additional features of special interest to park districts.

This now gives Deere five models in its front mower line from 17 to 24 horsepower.

Additional information is available from Gary Lemon, Manager of Governmental and National Account Sales, John Deere Company, 1400 13th St., East Moline, IL 61244-1493. Phone (309) 752-4131.

Wilson unveils 1987 golf line

Looking for ways to improve your golf game? Perhaps some new equipment can help you approach — or even match — Ben Crenshaw's superb scores.

The Wilson Sporting Goods Co. has introduced a new line of putters for the upcoming golf season which offers more control and accuracy by minimizing twist when the putter strikes the ball.

The Countertorque features an innovative hammerhead design with a shifted center of gravity which helps to minimize the twist on those putts that are not hit on the "sweet spot." The Countertorque HT putter has heel-toe weighting which helps reduce the twist and improve putting control. It is available in four shapes: blade, medium flange square, round and full flange.

Metal woods

Wilson has also announced new metal woods for its Staff and Ultra brands.

The Staff metal woods feature traditional face and sole, hollow foam-filled head and maximum perimeter weighting. They are available in five different lofts.

The Ultra metal woods are available in eight different lofts and feature a System 45 face and Turfrider sole.

Dale Coerver, vice-president of Wilson's Golf Division, says both models of metal woods are more accurate than traditional woods, especially when hit off center.

"The traditional head shape of both clubs with pencil neck and clean look will instill confidence in golfers accustomed to traditional woods," Coerver noted.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 34 March/April 1987

Custom fit clubs

In other news, the company has instituted a comprehensive custom fit program for its most accurate club, the Wilson 1200 Gear Effect. This program measures golfers in club length, lie angle, shaft flex and grip size. It also considers an individual's physique, swing and ability.

Pro shops nationwide are equipped with a custom fit center to measure golfers. The center features nine 5 irons with different variables and a fitting tool to make length, lie, grip and flex measurements.

These pro shops have been offered demonstration sets (three woods, 11 irons) that golfers can play before purchasing clubs. Custom fit orders will be delivered within four weeks.

Additional information about these and other products is available from the Wilson Sporting Goods Co., 2233 West St., River Grove, IL 60171. Phone (312) 456-6100.

The Wilson Counter-torque features an innovative hammerhead design with a shifted center of gravity that helps to minimize the twist on putts not hit on the "sweet spot." (Photos courtesy of Wilson Sporting Goods Co.)

The design and lower center of gravity on the new Wilson Staff metal woods otter superior accuracy, especially on off-center hits than traditional woods and make it easier to get the ball up.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 35 March/April 1987