Municipal grounds crews tackle a multitude of tasks

One grounds maintenance trend that Joshua Jans sees as we close out 2022 is the need for multipurpose equipment. Jans, the marketing manager for Toro, says “Versatility is the trend that comes to mind with the ever-changing demands of managing the grounds of municipalities—whether it’s the sheer size of the grounds or the ever-evolving catalog of grasses, terrains and features that can enhance the beauty of the area managed.”

He notes that many grounds crews are responsible for maintaining a variety of grasses, soils, walkways, gardens and more on the same day. “Because of this, many crews rely on equipment that can handle different jobs and add to the efficiency of their operations, rather than deter from it.”

The Toro Company is a global provider of systems for the outdoor environment, including turf and landscape maintenance, snow and ice management, underground utility construction, rental and specialty construction, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions.

Jans says mowers like the Toro ProLine H800 (shown above) are a good option for city and county grounds managers looking for an all-in-one collection system. “This machine can mow, collect and dispose of up to three acres of material per hour. Solutions like this help to decrease the number of machines or mowers you need in your fleet.”

Jans adds that when crews have multiple attachments for their grounds equipment, it can be a time-saver. In fact, these tools can help to decrease the amount of machines or mowers that are needed in a fleet. “When one piece of equipment can tackle multiple jobs, it makes the day-to-day work smoother and more efficient. Having multiple attachments can also help operators move from job to job more easily, such as the Bullseye attachments offered by Toro. These attachments easily connect to a utility task vehicle (UTV) to help care for synthetic turf from start to finish.”

Another trend Jans sees is that municipal grounds maintenance tasks demand more productivity. “Managing large areas of terrain with fewer employees is also becoming increasingly common. When you have a large area to cover but not the manpower or time needed to do so, a large mowing deck can be crucial to saving time and money.” He offers this solution: “The Toro Z Master 7500-D is highly productive with a 144-inch deck designed to fold up neatly for easy transport. The mower’s maneuverability compares to a zero-turn and it can cover more surface area.”

For local governments looking for sustainable grounds maintenance gear, Jans suggests that they consider acquiring hybrid and electric equipment and tools. “They are great options for maintenance crews that are putting sustainability first, and they are becoming a staple in the product lines of many manufacturers. Incorporating these pieces of equipment into your fleet will help you reach your sustainability goals while also saving on fuel costs and reducing noise in your operation.”

He notes that his company offers both hybrid and fully electric solutions. “One example of an electric solution offered by Toro is the Workman GTX Lithium-Ion utility vehicle. Not only is this product beneficial to the environment, but it also can help increase the productivity of your team with an extended battery life, improved power-to-weight ratio and the largest cargo capacity in its class.” He adds that this virtually maintenance-free machine is always ready to get to work. Additional battery-powered products from Toro include the Z Master Revolution and the GrandStand Revolution.

Grounds managers and government administrators, says Jans, should consider buying from producers that embody a more efficient and leaner operational footprint. He explains: “A manufacturer that invests in advanced technologies can give governments the confidence they need to ensure the equipment purchased is better for the world and is a more efficient addition to their fleet. Toro, for example, is committed to recycling steel, aluminum, plastic and cardboard packaging, wood packaging and water.”

Jans says local governments can enjoy a few benefits by using cooperative contracts. “With cooperative contracts, local governments are able to achieve faster access to supplies and equipment because it cuts out the need to have a supplier write out a formal bid. Additionally, by taking advantage of these contracts, local governments can transition to a more modern fleet of equipment—including electric and hybrid models.”

The Toro marketing executive predicts several changes in the grounds and government marketplaces in the coming year. “The year 2023 brings hope of forward motion for many governments after a few years of challenges. To address a smaller than normal workforce, equipment that can handle more work with less stopping is essential to keeping operations running normally.” Jans adds that machines are now being seen as a partner in day-to-day work, rather than just a tool. “Additionally, with a rise in fuel costs, crews are hyper-aware of the efficiency of their equipment.”

He adds that his company is working to innovate to meet the needs of groundskeepers this year and in 2023. “Toro continues to develop and expand on solutions to these challenges by developing versatile, durable and hybrid machines that are able to withstand the sometimes harsh conditions of the industry today.” He offers the following example: “Equipment that is highly durable, like the Toro Workman Series, is easy to maintain and can stand up against many environments and conditions—meaning crews can be more productive by having to stop to fix things less often.”

It’s all about productivity, Jans tells Co-op Solutions. “Versatility in a machine means more jobs can be tackled with one operator and one machine—allowing crews to make the most out of the team they have. Equipment like the Groundsmaster 3200 or 3300 series can seamlessly transition from one season to another with the use of attachments like a blower or vacuum for fall debris, plow or sweep for snow removal and rotary broom for spring cleanup.” Jans adds that his firm’s hybrid and electric options mean reduced fuel costs as well as less time spent filling gas tanks. “Overall, a Toro machine in the fleet means more efficiency and more productivity for your team.”

OMNIA Partners Public Sector offers a cooperative contract that features Toro products and services.

Michael Keating is senior editor for American City & County. Contact him at [email protected].