2020A ProGator™ Turf Utility Vehicle

This unit now has a Tier IV compliant engine, and an increase of 1.12kw (1.5 hp) over previous model year. The exhaust muffler has been rerouted and the muffler is now oriented in a horizontal position that will eliminate browning of turf when unit is parked and running on turf.

The new air cleaner is serviceable without raising vehicle bed, and has increased from a 101.6-mm (4-in.) filter to a 127-mm (5-in.) filter. The air restriction indicator has been moved to the right side of unit, now found outside of frame, providing easier access for daily check and evaluation activities.

Maintaining a golf course is a very demanding job, from filling bunkers to hauling landscape rock to spraying 300 gal. (1135 L) of water on fairways. Demanding jobs require rugged vehicles that are up to the challenge of high payload capacities, and the ProGator™ 2020A delivers.

The ProGator 2020A offers a versatile package, including attachments that can be removed and installed in minutes without tools, such as the SelectSpray™ Series, TD100 top dresser, and cargo box. Payload capacities are as follows:

Working with higher payloads requires a tough power plant. A powerful 25.4-kW (34-hp), 970-cc automotive-grade gas engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI) is the heart and soul of this strong package. Featuring an industry exclusive 4-cylinder design, electronic throttle control, and full-pressure lubrication, this gas engine provides plenty of power and technology. EFI provides the ultimate in efficient fuel delivery control for responsive acceleration and excellent fuel economy. The EFI system also provides quick and easy starting, even on cold mornings, without the need for a choke.

The engine controller is located under the cargo box and inside the right rear corner of the ProGator frame. The throttle system is drive-by-wire, meaning that the throttle position on the engine has no mechanical linkage back to the accelerator pedal. Instead, the accelerator pedal has an electronic potentiometer that senses the position of the throttle pedal, and in turn the engine controller then electronically sets the corresponding engine rpm. This provides for a clean overall setup by minimizing the linkage required to control the throttle, while also providing for quick response to accelerator pedal position changes.

The fuel system package features a large 30.7-L (8.1-US gal.) EPA- and CARB-compliant fuel tank, providing plenty of on-board fuel for those long days of spraying fairways and roughs with minimal stops to refuel. And on those long days, operators appreciate comfort and minimized vibration. The engine mounting system is rubber isolated to reduce vibration at the operator station, enhancing operator comfort for the long haul.

*At 3600 rpm – engine manufacturer gross power. Tested in accordance with SAE J1349. The engine horsepower and torque information are provided by the engine manufacturer for comparison purposes only. Actual operating horsepower and torque will be less. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s Web site for additional information.

One of the key features of the electronic fuel injection (EFI) gas engine is the electronic capabilities for precise engine control. As a result of this technology, controlling engine rpm for spraying, topdressing, and spreading is now easier and more precise than ever before with the optional multi-mode throttle control.

The multi-mode throttle control sets the maximum engine rpm for product applications. The reason the system is called multi-mode is that the system can be utilized in three different ways –  normal throttle mode (Mode 0), a PTO mode for stationary applications (Mode 1), and a mobile mode for moving applications (Mode 2). If an operator wants to spray at 5.6 km/h (3.5 mph) in second gear at 40 psi (2.8 bar), the result would be an engine rpm of 2800. This lower rpm occurs when the multi-mode throttle control is set so that while the operator is spraying, the maximum engine rpm with the throttle pedal fully depressed would be 2800 rpm instead of the normal 3400 rpm.

The multi-mode throttle control includes four sets of switches. The first switch at the top is a hand-throttle-control dial that is used to set the engine rpm in PTO mode. This would be used for walk spraying and handgun operation, applications which require the ProGator™ Utility Vehicle to be stationary for application.

The second switch is the mode-select switch. Toggle the mode-select switch to the left for PTO mode, toggle to the right for mobile mode, and toggle to the center for normal mode. The mobile mode is for applications that require the ProGator to be moving during product application.

The bottom switch is the accelerate/decelerate switch. To increase or decrease engine rpm in 100 rpm increments while in mobile mode, simply toggle the switch to the right to increase or to the left to decrease rpm. This is a momentary switch, so each push of the button represents a 100 rpm increase or decrease.

This innovative, easy-to-use system sets a new standard for the ultimate in application control.

The ProGator™ Utility Vehicle features a premium disk braking system that consists of four, 190.5-mm (7.5-in.), disks. The disks are cast from vibration-resistant G3000 grey iron and four identical single-piston floating calipers. The brakes are hydraulically actuated for easy pedal effort and excellent performance.

The service linings are constructed of a proprietary noise-resistant organic blend for an excellent mix of life and performance. Brake pedal feel is enhanced with large caliper pistons and flexible brake lines improve routing efficiency and allow for ease of service.

The parking brake lever is conveniently located in the centre of the operator station and features a pistol grip handle for maximum comfort and ease of use. The parking brake system utilises a ball ramp-style mechanism, meaning no adjustment at the mechanism itself, only at the equaliser.

Routine maintenance can often require additional hours for a technician. With sealed bearings throughout the machine, the ProGator™ Utility Vehicles will save the technician plenty of time. 2WD machines feature all sealed bearings and no grease zerks, while four-wheel drive (4WD) machines have only three grease points on the 4WD shaft.

Filling brake fluid is also quick and easy and requires no tools. The front grille of the ProGator is removed simply by pulling it outward from the front of the machine, providing easy access to the brake fluid reservoir. All other daily service points are accessed by simply lifting the cargo box and securing with the lift cylinder safety support. This provides quick access to the coolant level check, engine oil dipstick, and air-restriction indicator.

The ProGator™ heavy-duty utility vehicles feature an optional cargo box for hauling items on the golf course. The cargo box attaches to the ProGator easily, utilizing only two rear pivot pins and one lift cylinder pin. This allows quick and easy changes between ProGator attachments.

A 16-gauge steel frame provides added strength and durability. A standard hydraulic lift and lower cylinder allow for easy lifting of the cargo box to dump sand and other items from the cargo box quickly and easily.

The optional tailgate release kit allows for a dump truck mode, where the tailgate automatically opens from the bottom when the tailgate is raised to allow items to flow out of the box. The tailgate then automatically closes when the box is lowered for fast and efficient operation. For normal tailgate operation, opening and closing the tailgate is easier than ever. An innovative retractable pin system is the key. A spring-loaded L-pin is located on each end of the cargo box.

A bedliner can be ordered as an optional attachment for the ProGator machines. The high-density polyethylene bedliner is stamped with the John Deere logo and protects the steel cargo box and paint from dirt and debris.

The bedliner is designed to wrap around the bottom of the tailgate, preventing gravel and other debris from getting trapped under the bedliner. The bedliner ribs are tapered, allowing materials to flow freely out of the cargo box when it is lifted or being cleaned.