Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/26892
A quality engine, whether OHV or OHC, is the key to enhancing equipment performance and productivity on the job site. But regardless of configuration style, it’s important to choose a piece of equip- ment that will meet the demands of any landscaping project. One way to ensure this is to look for an engine that can han- dle varying weather conditions. Weather-ready Because outdoor power equipment typically runs throughout the majority of the year in most parts of the country, the engine must be one that can handle a va- riety of weather conditions and changing temperatures. Some engines have actually been designed for multi-season operation, and provide peace of mind during both the coldest and warmest months of the year. During the summertime, the tempera- ture in most parts of the country easily exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Over- heating is one of the primary causes of engine failure; so, without proper cooling technology, an engine won’t last long in elevated temperatures. Between juggling multiple projects during the peak of sum- mer season, contractors have enough to worry about, and don’t have time for their equipment to be stalled due to en- gine failure. To avoid overheating issues, look for an engine that offers advanced cooling features. Some engines incorpo- rate 360-degree airflow, which provides much-needed cooling to the exhaust and intake valve stem areas. When combined with other features such as heat dissipa- tion fins, the engine can provide optimal operation all day long. Except for a few of the coldest, snowiest areas of the country, much of the winter season can stay fairly busy for landscape professionals — just because the www.landscapeirrigation.com If an operator allows the oil to drop below a safe range, a low oil sensor will ground out the ignition and stop the engine before damage occurs. temperature dwindles doesn’t necessarily mean the work does. This is why it’s im- portant to have an engine that can handle cold weather and wet conditions. Since many states experience damp, cold and even freezing conditions with the occa- sional snow flurry, an engine that can hold out in these less-than-favorable en- vironments is imperative. Some engines incorporate special fea- tures that will direct heat from the cylin- der head back to the carburetor to keep it warm. This ensures ideal engine tempera- ture and aids in easy machine start-up. By allowing heat into the air cleaner system, potential ice build-up and airflow restric- tion is eliminated. Additionally, many en- gines offer strategically placed guards designed to stop snow and ice from en- tering the engine and freezing up, and causing damage to the governor system, vital controls and linkages. Any or all of these features will go a long way in en- hancing engine performance and provid- ing easy start-up on cold days. An engine that’s designed well and is able to perform in most weather condi- tions is crucial in obtaining optimal equipment performance. But while these advantages are important, they’re not the only factors to consider. Another aspect to look at is the amount of noise the engine emits. Quiet time Most landscaping companies under- stand the significance of quiet equipment. Beyond some neighborhoods having deci- bel level restrictions, commercial properties and city parks also appreciate quieter equipment, and may demand it. This is why an engine designed to limit noise emissions is extremely valuable. While it may not be an issue for a piece of equip- ment such as a leaf blower, which is rela- tively loud on its own, for some pieces of equipment, such as a lawn mower, an en- gine that reduces noise will be important. OHC technology lessens noise levels by reducing the number of moving parts. As a result, OHC engines produce less noise than similar OHV units. Some manufac- tures have even engineered models to have up to 33 percent fewer moving valve train parts than comparable OHV styles. Furthermore, certain parts of the en- gine can also be designed to help reduce noise emissions. Specially designed muf- flers provide greater sound cutback than standard engine mufflers. And, when paired Landscape and Irrigation 9