Golfdom, January 2017
uperintendents frequently share with me the demands of their workday We discuss a typical day in their mobile office aka their utility vehicle and the predawn hauling of heavy equipment onto the greens with one goal to produce the best playing conditions for their golf course They tell me they want to do it efficiently safely and without being noticed Making sure crews understand proper utility vehicle operation is an important part of achieving that goal The following are a few tips to consider Routinely maintain and service vehicles Utility vehicles are built to work long days over a long time But like any vehicle they require proper maintenance to ensure they run reliably and safely Take time to service the powertrain If your utility vehicle is electric water your batteries regularly with clean de ionized water Check the battery terminal posts frequently to make sure the connections are clean and tight Inspect the wires and cords to confirm that they are in good working condition and dont show wear or damage For gas models check the oil levels and change the fluids as necessary Also routinely clear debris from the fan and the cooling system Evaluate the belts and hoses and replace if warranted Service the brakes on utility vehicles regularly for best performance Some designs require system adjustments before brake part replacement Teach operators safe driving and braking habits Proper driving practices are a crucial part of utility vehicle safety Drive straight up Continued on page 26 24 Golfdom January 2017 Golfdom com ALL PHOTOS COURTESY TEXTRON SPECIALIZED VEHICLES BY MATT ZAREMBA S
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