Based in Sweden in 1689, when it produced muskets and different weaponry, Husqvarna has since developed into a number one innovator within the out of doors energy tools market. On this unique interview with Golf Enterprise Information, Jonathan Snowball, the Head of Enterprise Unit Skilled for Husqvarna UK, discusses the corporate’s latest transfer into the golf course mowing market and highlights the merchandise and know-how that’s serving to the corporate to get pleasure from a rising slice of the aggressive robotic mower sector
GBN: When did the Husqvarna first get into the golf course upkeep market?
Jonathan Snowball: Husqvarna has equipped handheld energy tools comparable to leaf blowers, brush cutters, and hedge trimmers to golf programs for many years. Nevertheless, the sport changer got here in 2022 with the launch of CEORA, our first large-scale robotic lawnmower able to a 10mm slicing top. CEORA makes use of satellite-guided EPOS tech to mow as much as 18 acres autonomously – no boundary wires, no emissions, and ultra-quiet, making it excellent for fairways and semi-rough areas on golf programs. Since then, we now have obtained important curiosity from UK golf programs wanting so as to add Husqvarna robotic lawnmowers to their upkeep routines.
Are you able to discuss us by way of the important thing merchandise in Husqvarna’s present product line up pertaining to the golf sector and clarify what makes them notably suited to course upkeep?
Husqvarna’s present golf sector line-up is centred round superior robotic mowing options which are reworking how greenkeepers are working every day – enhancing the standard of greenkeeper’s skilled lives and the maintenance of the course they handle – all whereas serving to with effectivity and sustainability.
The important thing merchandise right here embody the CEORA, Automower 580L EPOS, and Automower 535 AWD EPOS. These techniques are usually not simply automated; they’re clever, easy-to-use GPS-guided machines tailor-made for the exact calls for of recent course upkeep.
CEORA stands out as a high-capacity robotic mower constructed for big turf areas like fairways and semi-roughs. It delivers constant outcomes, reduces labour calls for, and allows greenkeepers to essentially deal with what issues – such because the extra detailed work on the greens, hazards and different key areas.
Husqvarna’s Automower EPOS vary makes use of satellite tv for pc know-how for wire-free, precision mowing. This enables fast, versatile re-zoning and ensures minimal turf disruption, even on complicated terrain – saving greenkeepers much more time.
How do you differentiate Husqvarna’s robotic mowers from opponents within the golf course section?
Husqvarna is tech you possibly can belief, particularly on the subject of precision turf administration. Our robotic mowers are engineered to assist greenkeepers get it proper each time, by combining innovation, efficiency, and ease of use in a single premium bundle – supporting our companions each step of the way in which as they undertake the shift in direction of autonomous tools.
What really units us aside within the golf course section is the EPOS (Precise Positioning Working System) know-how. Not like many competitor techniques that depend on bodily boundary wires, Husqvarna’s EPOS makes use of satellite-based digital boundaries. This implies greenkeepers can set or modify mowing zones with pinpoint accuracy with out digging or disruption permitting the mower to adapt because the course evolves.
Moreover, Husqvarna invented the robotic lawnmower in 1995, giving us 30 years’ expertise of getting it proper. Husqvarna proceed to steer and innovate with sport altering options.
What number of golf golf equipment is Husqvarna at the moment working with within the UK and what’s the goal for development over the subsequent 3-5 years?
Within the UK, we now have over 100 golf programs utilizing our robotic mowers. With our present pipeline we might attain over 300 programs inside two years. Husqvarna’s staff and authorised Professional Accomplice Sellers help golf programs by understanding their wants, conducting surveys, performing demonstrations, and supporting them all through the onboarding course of. Some programs begin with one robotic, whereas others go for a number of machines to automate upkeep extra extensively.
What suggestions have you ever obtained from golf course managers relating to the labour-saving potential of robotic mowing?
We’ve heard first hand from the sport’s prime greenkeepers that our know-how is really altering the sport for them. One of many key bits of suggestions we repeatedly obtain is that our EPOS vary is releasing up precious time for greenkeepers, permitting them to shift their focus towards essential areas comparable to greens upkeep, in the end enhancing course situations for gamers.
Greenkeepers are embracing the shift from conventional mowing to clever automation, not solely due to the labour efficiencies however as a result of it permits their groups to boost the general commonplace after all presentation, whereas holding prices and environmental implications at a minimal.
Our autonomous machines use clear power, drastically lowering gasoline payments. They’re extraordinarily quiet, so that they don’t disturb the peace of the golf course – not solely enhancing golfer enjoyment but additionally boosting relationships with neighbouring properties and even encouraging wildlife to thrive undisturbed. And their compact design means they’ll function all through the day with minimal disruption to play – no extra stopping to allow a greenkeeper to complete a job.
How do you deal with issues concerning the precision and reliability of robotic mowers on delicate turf areas comparable to inexperienced surrounds and fairways?
With Husqvarna EPOS know-how we assure accuracy of 1cm to 2cm. This implies we will create nice definition between numerous areas at completely different slicing heights. That is one thing that many greenkeepers comment positively on.
Are you able to share any profitable case research or partnerships with golf programs which have helped construct credibility within the golf market?
A key success story for Husqvarna within the golf sector is with Carus Inexperienced Golf Membership in Cumbria, which has change into a totally automated course due to a fleet of Husqvarna robotic mowers. After a profitable demo in August 2023, the membership rapidly scaled to 10 machines, together with the CEORA and the 430X NERA, protecting all fairways, roughs and strategy areas inside six months.
The outcomes have been overwhelmingly optimistic with improved turf high quality, diminished noise and environmental impression and enhanced resilience to moist climate. The membership selected Husqvarna over opponents because of the superior reduce high quality, decrease slicing top capabilities and the distinctive service and assist offered. This profitable partnership has considerably strengthened Husqvarna’s credibility within the golf market.
What’s Husqvarna’s gross sales and upkeep mannequin throughout the UK and Eire? How intensive is the community of regional dealerships?
Husqvarna operates a community of Husqvarna Professional Accomplice Sellers, who’ve entry to robotic mowers designed for golf programs, together with the CEORA and Automower 580L EPOS. These sellers are chosen based mostly on their service and gross sales skills, enabling them to go to golf programs and supply service, demonstrations, and set up.
We work with golf golf equipment to assist them each single step of the way in which – from the very first discussions on how our merchandise can improve their skilled lives, to detailed ideas of what merchandise will work finest for his or her respective course. It’s an evergreen relationship actually – as following set up, we proceed to maintain the conversations open to that every of our companions stay supported.
Do your golf course shoppers usually lease merchandise or purchase them outright? What are the finance choices?
Husqvarna provides upfront purchases or three service packages: Guarantee Plus, Service Plus, and Lease Plus, out there by way of Husqvarna Professional Accomplice Sellers. The lease bundle is widespread with some golf programs because it shifts the associated fee from capital to operational expenditure whereas together with service, guarantee, and insurance coverage. We’re joyful to debate all choices and customise a bundle on your golf course.
What future technological developments and developments do you see coming to the robotic mower market over the approaching years?
Now that’s an fascinating query, I can see the modern options Husqvarna are engaged on and I might like to share extra – however sadly I can’t!
Husqvarna works intently with our clients to develop the options they should sort out their challenges. That’s what I like most about my function at Husqvarna and why I’ve been with the corporate for nearly 30 years – I’m a born downside solver and I like discovering essentially the most modern options for issues!
Husqvarna is an ideal illustration of this as its ethos centres upon listening to our companions and offering real cost-effective options – and we insist upon doing so in modern and sustainable methods, serving to to create a greater future for generations to return. In 2026 we’ll improve our providing to golf programs based mostly on the suggestions we obtain from greenkeepers, all I can say is: ‘Watch this house!’
For extra particulars concerning the full vary of Husqvarna merchandise and to organise a demo, go to www.husqvarna.com/uk
