How falling diesel prices could deliver strategic savings to UK golf clubs
Electric vehicles are seen as a sound long-term investment for golf clubs. They can deliver a lower cost of ownership after just a few years while also generating zero CO2 emissions, aiding in sustainability plans, and enabling low-noise operations.
But realistically it’s likely to be some years before clubs are 100 percent electric and many will simply favour hybrid and diesel machines. And, for those there is some welcome news indeed.
A significant price drop
A shrinking demand for oil around the world combined with a stronger pound against the dollar – the currency oil is traded in – is bringing the price of diesel down.
According to the RAC (Royal Automobile Club), diesel went from just under 148p to almost 141p a litre recorded in August and, in the same period, unleaded UK petrol in September dropped to just above 136.15p from 142.86p.
And both are expected to drop further in the following weeks to 138p and 132p a litre respectively – to a three-year low.
What’s causing the drop?
The reason for tumbling pump prices is two-fold – a relatively low oil price brought about by lower global demand, combined with a relatively strong pound, with the latter being helped by a fall in the UK’s rate of inflation. With fuel traded in US dollars, a stronger pound means UK fuel retailers get more value for money when buying in new stock on the wholesale market. And when pump prices come down rapidly, it keeps the headline level of inflation in check.
Could this shift benefit UK golf clubs?
A price drop from 148p to 138p will mean saving roughly 6.76 percent on fuel expenses associated with diesel. This opportunity is even more compelling when considering that the price of diesel surpassed 158p in April, a staggering 12.66 percent difference!
This is good news for many golf clubs across the country whose fleets are either all-diesel or a combination of diesel and hybrid. Any savings are good savings, and for now it seems a trend with some longevity behind it. And it’s worth considering that these savings could partly offset the potential lack of revenue coming from pensioners affected by winter fuel payment cuts as discussed in a recent article.
Ignite savings and efficiencies with Toro’s diesel machines
The lower upfront costs of diesel machines paired and new savings coming from cheaper fuel make a compelling proposition.
In turfcare, opting for diesel machines manufactured by Toro doesn’t remove savings in efficiencies. Much has been spoken about the savings that come with electric powered machinery, almost at the detriment of reminding everyone about how the clever design and manufacturing from Toro brings similar savings, but in different ways, to diesel machines.
Let’s highlight some clever examples of this in the fleet today:
- Toro’s Smart Power technology, as seen in the Toro Groundsmaster 4000-D, automatically adjusts the mower’s engine speed for the cutting conditions to maintain optimal power to the blades taking the guesswork out of a consistent cut. This offers the ideal combination of power and performance with dramatic efficiency savings.
Featuring Toro Smart Power technology, high engine torque and patented, HybridDrivecutting deck system, the Groundsmaster 4000-D delivers power where you need it most, no matter how tough the conditions.
- The flail design of Toro’s LT-F3000 triple mower results in a superior after-cut appearance in longer grass lengths, achieving more even with limited resources. It saves time and money by reducing the need for frequent cuts – with areas that are mowed as little as five or six times per season – while still delivering an impeccable finish.
- Innovative design combines performance and functionality in the Toro Groundsmaster 4300-D, a rotary mower with a lightweight footprint that can climb easily on any hill, thanks to its CrossTrax 4-wheel drive and a powerful 43.4hp engine. Moreover, the machine’s impressive 2.3m width of cut and Smart Power adjustments for optimised ground and cylinder speed offer unsurpassed performance, with an average mowing capacity of 6.4 acres an hour.
Toro’s LT-F3000 is designed to deliver the perfect cut in a multitude of different conditions and environments.
The Groundsmaster 4300-D mower provides the productivity you need, no matter the area size.
What’s predicted to happen in the next couple of months?
The RAC predicts that based on wholesale pump prices, which is what retailers pay to buy the fuel in the first place, there’s scope for further price cuts. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t stock up on diesel now whilst the cost favours. But longer term, forward-looking course managers will know that the combination of diesel, hybrid and electric mowers all play a vital role in current turf management practises.
Want to learn more about Toro’s offering? Discover how Reesink can help you find the right machine for your business by calling 01480 226800, emailing info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visiting reesinkturfcare.co.uk.