First Jacobsen Eclipse 322 Delivered to GolfPark De Haenen in Europe

Ipswich, Suffolk, UK (May 5, 2010) Golfpark De Haenen, situated on the outskirts of Breda in the Netherlands, is the first club on the European mainland to take delivery of the latest hybrid greens mower from Jacobsen, the Eclipse 322. The diesel-electric hybrid was delivered recently by local Ransomes Jacobsen distributor, van der Pols, with a petrol-electric version to be delivered later this spring. Ransomes Jacobsen is a Textron Inc (NYSE: TXT) company.

The unique feature of these new mowers is that they are completely free of hydraulic oil, as the electric power for both the traction motor and cutting cylinders is provided by a small internal combustion engine and 48-volt continuous generator.

The course at De Haenen opened in September 2008, and was immediately granted category A status by the Netherlands Golf Federation, which is unusual for a new course. It acts as sustainable buffer between Breda and the nature reserves at Teteringse and Oosterheide and is divided into four quadrants dissected by two footpaths. Each quadrant has its own unique character, with golfers playing on parkland in some areas and heathland in others.

De Haenen is surrounded by a new housing development and this was one of the major factors influencing the purchase of these new greens mowers. The small engines used in the Eclipse to power the gensets are considerably quieter than traditional diesel powered mowers.

Berry Lommers, head greenkeeper at the club commented, "Both machines are considerably quieter than normal greens mowers and we will be using the petrol version on the greens that are in close proximity to our neighbours. This will be much less obtrusive and make a considerable impact on any noise pollution. The other benefit, in an environmentally sensitive area, is that there is no fear of an accidental hydraulic fluid spill on the course."

Golfpark owner Hans de Wilde added, "We are delighted to be the first club in Europe to take advantage of the new technology in the Eclipse 322. I first saw the mower at the Golf Industries Show in 2009 and although we've had to wait a little while, it's been worth it. The Eclipse has exceeded my high expectations and they will be a considerable asset here at Golfpark De Haenen."

For more information visit: www.textron.com.















(l-r) Course manager Paul de Wilde receives the keys Head greenkeeper Berry Lommers puts the
to the Eclipse from Cees Wolter of van der Pols, watched Eclipse 322 through its paces
by head greenkeeper Berry Lommers