Newslines Summer 2019

news lines . summer 2019 . 05 Full report at reesinkturfcare.co.uk ToroOutcross 9060 FIRST IMPRESSIONS When the Toro Outcross 9060 was debuted at BTME this year it drew crowds with its unusual appearance. With a long bonnet and front-end loader, plus a rear three-point linkage and pto, but with two seats in the cab — is it a tractor or a UTV? In fact, it combines the best of both. With the Outcross, Toro has come up with a tractor-utility vehicle that really is something new. The 59hp all-wheel-steer, all-wheel-drive Toro Outcross not only looks like nothing else on the market, it is like nothing else too. In a nutshell, this is a clever bit of kit with more than a few tricks up its sleeve. Machine spec: Engine: Yanmar 4-cylinder, direct injection, turbo-charged, liquid-cooled diesel engine Fuel capacity: 53ltrs (14gal) Tyres: Standard: Front 29.5 x 12.5 (6-ply), Rear 32 x 16 (6-ply) Standard with loader arms: Front 29.5 x 12.5 (12-ply), Rear 32 x 16 (6-ply) Aggressive: Front 29.5 x 12.5 (12-ply), Rear 32.5 x 12.5 (10-ply) Traction drive: 2-speed hydrostatic PTO: Rear independent mechanical up to 540rpm, Power: 51hp (38kW) Ground speed/clearance: Forward 21mph (33.8km/h), Reverse 20mph (32.2km/h), Ground clearance 7ins (158cm) Length: Front bumper to 3-point linkage 161ins (409cm), Mounting plate to counter weight end 202.5ins (514cm) Width: With bed 77ins (195cm) Height: 98ins (249cm) with cab Weight: 5160lbs (2340kg) operating a rear linkage this way but it soon fits in well with how the Outcross operates. When hitching up an attachment, visibility over the linkage can be hidden by the standard rear 454kg capacity rear cargo bed. To get around this, a flap in the bed floor lifts out of the way so you can see what you are doing, but good visibility will not get around the typical need to shuttle back and forth to get the linkage lined up. Back up and steer So, Toro has fitted a cable operated remote control to allow the operator to back up and steer the Outcross from outside the cab. Hitching up an attachment this way is something that will perhaps need time getting used to, but it is a useful feature that will appeal to those fitting and removing heavy mounted kit. As you would expect, it has in-built safety systems to prevent the Outcross speeding back and forth without an operator in the seat. Steering the machine in this way initially feels rather strange too. But most will find the remote control system a real plus at times. With the Outcross, Toro has come up with a tractor-utility vehicle that really is something new. All-wheel steering appears to deliver tight, turf friendly manoeuvrability. There is a choice of tyre types to include both turf and more aggressive tread patterns, permanent four-wheel drive coming as standard. We did not put traction to the test but did try a few fast turf scuffing turns only to find the scuff was less than expected. As you would expect, the Outcross can come with a variety of options, to include a fully fitted cab with heating and air conditioning and a choice of rear load bay systems too. What comes as standard, however, is far more usability and versatility than you may think. This tractor-utility hybrid has real vigour! Test conducted at The Oxfordshire Golf Club with greatest thanks. 01 Offset seating initially feels a bit strange when using a loader, but it is something that soon ceases to be noticed. 02 The hefty rear-loader counterweight proved its worth when pushing into a load and was extremely stable with a fully raised load in the bucket. 03 The fixed rear load box does not tip, but it does have a tailgate that can be either latched forward to ease access to the rear linkage or folded in and completely out of the way. 04 Engine access, even with the loader in place, is good, making daily checks a doddle. 05 Loader fitting and removal is easy and should take well under five minutes. 05 01 02 03 04