DURING a week where Husqvarna celebrated a 30-year anniversary as an industry leader, commemorating what was believed to be the world’s first robotic lawn mower, a special guest was in town in an indication of the significance of the Australian market.
David Plaster, Vice President – Golf & Sports Husqvarna Group arrived from the US to meet with key industry professionals and to emphasise his company’s aim to continue to lead the way in relation to robotic mower technology.
“Australia is an extremely important market for Husqvarna,” Plaster said. “This is a very rich market with great golf courses and incredible sporting venues. It is a top five or 10 market in the world when it comes to golf, so it is incredibly important.
“We aim to be the leading robotic golf equipment player in the world, so it is vital that we establish our presence here,” Plaster added.
A leader in robotic moving since those formative days back in 1995, Husqvarna has forged ahead and continues to innovate and to lead the way in relation to golf course and lawn maintenance.
“Robotics is really a growth engine for Husqvarna. We are the global leader in robotics with over 30 years of developing and bringing world class robotics to the market,” Plaster continued.
“I know in the golf space we have a vision of continuing to develop and bring exciting new and disruptive technology to help our customers deliver outstanding playing surfaces that they can be proud of.”
After 10 years with John Deere and a background which included getting his ‘hands dirty’ as a member of the green staff at the highly regarded Firestone CC in Akron, Ohio, during his high school and university years, Plaster joined Husqvarna three years ago, understands traditional mowing vs robotic mowing and has been instrumental in working with Golf Superintendents in the US where Husqvarna now have robotics operational.
David Plaster, Vice President – Golf & Sports at Husqvarna Group, made the trip to Australia from the US to to meet with leading industry professionals.
“It has been an interesting three years for me as I’ve experienced customers move from seeing robotics as a novelty to now, they are seeing it as a critical part of course operations. I have seen it firsthand in the US where we are now on 40 per cent of the top 200 ranked golf courses.”
But as explained by Plaster, it isn’t all about Robotics for Husqvarna, who strive to meet the many and varied needs of course and sporting facility superintendents both in Australia and around the world.
“We are also world leaders in ride-on mowers and handheld products like chainsaws, blowers, and trimmers both in battery power and petrol power. So, when you pair that with robotics, we have a full complement of products to support our golf and sports customers and other professional and residential customers in meeting their turf maintenance needs.” Plaster added.
However, for this visit to Australia and the 30-year celebrations, it was about the past, present and what is shaping as an exciting future when it comes to Husqvarna’s robotic mower technology.
“Robotics is absolutely the future, and it is coming faster than a lot of people might be thinking,” Plaster expressed.
“The economics alone makes it a must have conversation for any course looking at purchasing equipment today. There is no better time than now to get started.”
Husqvarna and CBUS Stadium making history
CBUS Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, home to the Titans NRL team, has just made history as the first stadium in Australia to introduce Husqvarna’s cutting-edge robotic mowing technology, in a move set to revolutionise turf management and sustainability in sports venues.
Grounds Manager at CBUS Stadium Phil Burke says the robotic mower allows turf care through the night and even in wet conditions, reducing the need for heavy machinery and keeping the grass in peak condition.
CBUS Stadium Grounds Manager Phil Burke has taken on and embraced robotic mower technology.
Stadium General Manager Kristian Blundell calls it a “game-changer” that supports the team, cuts diesel use by up to 30 litres a week, and reduces fatigue, without replacing staff.
With up to 83 per cent fewer emissions, dramatically lower fuel use and reduced noise pollution, the robotic mowing technology achieves sustainability milestones, with the autonomous, battery-powered mowing keeping the turf healthier, denser, and always game-ready.
By implementing the Husqvarna robotic mowing, CBUS joined global leaders including Fenway Park, home venue of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC’s Anfield as world recognised sports stadiums using the technology.
The post For Husqvarna’s VP of Golf – it’s all about Robotics first appeared on Inside Golf. Australia's Most-Read Golf Magazine as named by Australian Golfers - FREE.