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.
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www.landscapeirrigation.com September 2014 Landscape and Irrigation 9 nomic controls for ease of use," said Carl Agee, John Deere product manager. "Ideal for governmental, institutional and commercial landscape operations, the 1500 Series is a productive and ver- satile Final Tier 4 emissions solution." The 1550 TerrainCut boasts a 24.2- hp. engine, and the 1570, 1575, 1580 and 1585 TerrainCut are equipped with a 37.4-hp. engine. All 1500 TerrainCut models can be equipped with 60- or 72-inch 7-Iron PRO side-discharge deck or 62- or 72-inch Fastback rear-discharge deck options. These decks come standard with flat-free semi-pneumatic caster tires that increase uptime to finish the job. The 1550 and 1570 TerrainCut mod- els are available with either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive. The on-demand 4-wheel drive automatically engages and disengages as needed to keep operators productive. The 1580 and 1585 TerrainCut mod- els come standard with 4-wheel drive and 2-speed transmission to provide faster transport speeds and slower operating speeds when using implements. "The 1500 Series TerrainCut Front Mowers offer true four-season capabili- ties," continued Agee. "These machines can cut all grass types in dry or wet condi- tions, with even clipping dispersion. They can also blow snow or clean streets and walkways with ease, providing a robust and versatile equipment option in all environments." The 1575 and 1585 models have the only factory-installed cab on the mar- ket and come standard with HVAC, front work lights, flashers, turn signals, windshield wiper, an upholstered air sus- pension seat, and tilt steering. Curved glass and single pane tempered windows provide an unobstructed view no matter what the task. Available implements and accessories include snow blowers, blades, brooms, a weight transfer kit for improved attach- ment performance, auxiliary hydraulics, and a cold-weather heater block. BrIckman and VaLLeycrest fInaLIze merger The Brickman Group, Ltd. LLC ("Brickman") and ValleyCrest Companies, LLC ("ValleyCrest") announced the clos- ing of their merger. The closure of the agreement brings together Brickman and ValleyCrest's complementary strengths to form a world-class landscape and snow services company, supported by a talented and engaged team delivering customized solutions for commercial clients through- out the United States. "This merger combines over 140 years of industry knowledge, innovation and experience," said Andrew Kerin, chief executive officer of the combined com- pany. "As one company, we plan to accelerate the growth of our business — providing greater opportunities for our team members and more customized solutions for our clients throughout the lifecycle of their projects — from design, to construction, to maintenance — across all seasons. We will build on our success by continuing to focus on supporting our teams, building deep relationships with our clients and delivering the high quality solutions they expect from us." The new organization has approximate annual revenues of $2 billion with more than 20,000 team members nationwide who share a commitment to designing, building, and maintaining beautiful land- scapes. Roger Zino, vice chairman of the combined company, said, "This is a sig- nificant day for our companies and an exciting time for the landscape and snow services industry. We are bringing togeth- er two family-founded organizations that share the same values and a passion for their people, the environment, quality service, and the profession of landscaping. This is an ideal match that will advance the landscape profession by bringing together a passionate community of the best trained and knowledgeable landscape professionals in the country." The company will continue to main- tain its primary locations in Rockville, Md. and Calabasas, Calif. Both Brickman and ValleyCrest brands will continue operating in the marketplace as the orga- nizations come together. KKR has major- ity ownership of the combined company and MSD Capital retains a significant minority ownership interest. aLL-new ford f-150 2.7-LIter ecoBoost V6 engIne The 2015 Ford F-150 features a new 2.7-liter EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop and new 3.5-liter V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing. "The 2015 F-150 is the most capable F-150 yet, while shedding up to 700 pounds," said Bob Fascetti, vice president, Powertrain Engineering. "These two new V6 engines — the 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost and normally aspirated 3.5-liter Ti-VCT — set a new standard for Ford for capability and efficiency." The high-output, twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 features an entirely new design that delivers power and perfor- mance in a strong, smart package. The engine produces 325 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque — improving the power-to-weight ratio of the 2015 truck by 15 percent over the 2014 5.0-liter V8-equipped F-150 with similar torque output, thanks to vehicle light-weighting. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost 4x2 has a maximum payload rating of 2,250 pounds and maximum tow rating of 8,500 pounds, ideal for meeting mid- range capability needs. Boosting 2.7-liter EcoBoost fuel effi- ciency is the debut of standard Auto Start- Stop technology for F-150. This technol- ogy, specially tuned for truck customers, shuts off the engine when the vehicle is at a stop. When the brake is released, the engine restarts quickly. Auto Start-Stop helps reduce fuel consumption and emis- sions when the truck is stopped and the engine is off. The technology is off when towing or in four-wheel-drive mode.