Landscape & Irrigation

October 2014

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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ViewPoint Editor John Kmitta | jkmitta@specialtyim.com EPG Media, LLC/Specialty Information Media, 3300 Fernbrook Ln N, Ste 200, Plymouth MN 55447 Web site: www.landscapeirrigation.com Group Publisher David Voll EdItorIaL StaFF Associate Publisher, editor John Kmitta (847) 720-5613; fax (847) 720-5601; jkmitta@specialtyim.com Products editor Steve Noe (630) 499-1017; fax (630) 499-1026; snoe@specialtyim.com ProduCtIoN tEaM Art Director Brian Snook Production Manager Karen Kalinyak dIrECt MaIL LISt SaLES MeritDirect, Jim Scova, (914) 368-1012; e-mail jscova@MeritDirect.com rEPrINt SErvICE Debra Welter, Circulation and Audience Development Manager, e-mail dwelter@specialtyim.com CIrCuLatIoN For subscription inquiries and customer service questions, please call (847) 763-9565, or fax (847) 763-9569 business hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EST Landscape and Irrigation is published six times per year. Publisher's Notice: We assume no responsibility for the validity of advertising claims in connection with items appearing in Landscape and Irrigation. Commercial product names are used for the convenience of the reader. Mention of a com- mercial product does not imply endorsement by Landscape and Irrigation or Specialty Information Media, or preference over similar products not mentioned. aCCouNt rEPrESENtatIvES: EaSt Chris Pelikan Senior Account Manager Phone: (954) 964-8676 cpelikan@epgmediallc.com MIdWESt Peggy Tupper Senior Account Manager Phone: (763) 383-4429 ptupper@epgmediallc.com WESt Leslie Palmer Senior Account Manager Phone: (248) 731-7596 lpalmer@specialtyim.com More Equipment Trends Insight: Q&A with Steve Meriam of Stihl 6 October 2014 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com In the September issue of Landscape and Irrigation, we included our annual Equipment Trends editorial coverage. However, due to e-mail issues, we never received, and therefore did not publish, the responses of Steve Meriam, director of sales at Stihl Inc. His insights merit inclusion, so I share them with you here as a one-on-one Q&A: L&I: What trends are you seeing with regard to equipment for the professional landscape and lawn care markets? Meriam: Some customers now require their landscapers to use "carbon-friendly" equipment on their properties, so propane- powered mowers and battery-powered handheld equipment is becoming more commonplace with professional users. Our design and manufacturing efforts in zero exhaust emissions will remain a top priority. We focus on fuel efficiency in gasoline- powered products, especially as fuel costs stay high. Fuel consumption is becoming an important component in the buying decision. Landscape professionals continue to buy products that offer good durability and power-to-weight ratios. Additionally, we work to improve overall ergonomics, including reducing vibration, to provide comfortable operation in all product segments. L&I: What factors do you feel are impacting the equipment-buying decisions of landscape/lawn care company owners and operators? Meriam: When you work in the outdoor power equipment industry, dealers need to make sure they are providing the most reliable, durable equipment for the money, and landscape contractors need to continue to make informed buying decisions. That said, the service provided by the local servicing dealer really can impact the buying decision. It is up to both dealers and landscapers to create mutually beneficial relationships. Ethanol, too, remains a challenge, but dealers can utilize the tools developed by the OPEI to help educate landscapers about the risk of mis-fueling and to "Look before you pump!" There are several things to consider before purchasing equipment. It is important to factor in both the short- and long-term effects of an equipment purchase. Whether landscapers are buying a fleet of new lawn care maintenance products or one product accessory, every purchase should be an investment toward future success, not just an immediate goal. Fuel costs are always a consideration, so I recommend looking back at the previous year to see how those expenses added up, and how a new purchase can save money. We recommend consulting with a local servicing dealer who can offer advice based on a customer's specific needs, rather than generalizations, to ensure that the right tools and accessories are selected. The cheapest option is most likely not the best long-term option. L&I: What is your overall outlook for the remainder of 2014? Meriam: Provided the rain continues to fall along the East Coast, the balance of 2014 should be good for most landscape professionals and the overall industry. The economy should continue to expand, possibly accelerating in 2014 and 2015; and we are seeing some positive movement in the housing market. As the general economy improves, more homeowners might transition to hiring out the yard work as opposed to doing the work themselves. Overall, we have an optimistic outlook for the industry, Stihl, and Stihl servicing dealers. LI

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