Outdoor Power Equipment

December 2015

Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.

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COVER STORY www.outdoorpowerequipment.com OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT DECEMBER 2015 27 addition, once Toro's Quick Attach System is set up, users can switch from a mowing deck to a snowplow in minutes. Attachments for the GrandStand Multi Force connect to a Power Arm that is able to lift more than 18 inches, allowing an operator to push snow up and over curbs. Toro partnered with BOSS to design the GrandStand Multi Force with productivity, safety and durability in mind, according to Ross Hawley, senior marketing manager for Toro. "This design draws upon the collective experience of both teams, leading to a better result," he noted. "Designing when and how the plow blade trips over an obstacle was a critical part of the collaboration." The GrandStand Multi Force also offers all the advantages of Toro's traditional GrandStand stand-on mower, including a large, comfort - able operator platform with smooth suspension; outstanding visibility; and a smaller footprint that's easy to transport. Two models will be available in spring 2016. Customers can choose either a 52- or 60-inch Toro 7-gauge-steel Turbo Force mowing deck, which delivers a pristine after-cut appearance, to be paired with a 60-inch BOSS snowplow. Additional options and attachments are planned for the future. "The GrandStand Multi Force gives our customers a way to do more with one machine, instead of needing dedicated equipment for each season," Hawley added. "The result is added equipment utilization and higher productivity." In addition to the Multi Force, Toro unveiled its all-new 48-, 52- and 60-inch GrandStand stand-on mowers for 2016. These next-gen - eration models offer a range of enhancements to help landscape contractors save time and operate more profitably. Toro upgraded the top ground speed on the new models from 8 mph to 10 mph, a 25-per- cent increase from the previous generation. This delivers more tractive power for a more responsive feel, especially on hills. Fleet owners and managers can set the top ground speed back to 8 mph, should they want to limit the speed for operators. With these new models, Toro increased the fuel capacity from 7.8 gallons to 10.5 gallons, so operators can spend more time mowing and less time stopping to refuel. A transparent fuel tank also makes it easy to gauge the fuel level on sight. In addition, the new GrandStand models are designed to simplify service, with fewer parts and streamlined systems. Toro eliminated hydraulic hoses, and there's a stronger, simplified frame. Regular grease points were reduced from seven to zero, virtually eliminating daily or weekly maintenance. Plus, Toro's durable, hefty cast-iron spindles are now maintenance free. Toro also introduced its MyRIDE suspension system on select Toro Z Master zero-turn mowers. Built for maximum comfort, the MyRIDE suspension system features a fully suspended operator platform that delivers up to 3.6 inches of platform travel and isolates the operator from the rest of the machine. This design reduces impacts, bumps and vibrations for a more comfortable ride. The MyRIDE suspension system also features adjustable rear shocks, which allow operators to choose their personalized comfort setting. The system is quick and easy to adjust, and it offers a wide range of ride preferences, from soft to firm. The new Z Master mowers with MyRIDE deliver maximum comfort and ride quality without compromising performance, dura - bility, reliability and quality of cut. The MyRIDE suspension system will be available on six models in the Z Master line, including the 3000 Series with 52- and 60-inch cutting decks, the 5000 Series with 52- and 60-inch cutting decks, and the 6000 Series with 60- and 72-inch cut- ting decks. "Our goal was to combine Toro's legendary toughness with an industry-leading ride experience," explained Chris Hannan, Toro senior marketing manager. "The response from those who have used this product has been overwhelmingly positive." In addition, Toro introduced three TimeCutter zero-turn mowers, a TurfMaster 30-inch commercial walk-behind mower, a rear-wheel- drive Personal Pace Recycler mower with space-saving SmartStow, and the SnowMaster and Power Max snowblowers. Wright introduces 72-inch Stander ZK At GIE+EXPO 2015, Wright introduced a 72-inch model to its growing line of Stander ZK mowers. This zero-turn mower is now available with a choice of three Aero-Core deck sizes — 52, 61 and 72 inches. The 72-inch Stander ZK's wider cut, push-button deck lift, powerful engine options, mowing speed of 12.5 mph, and fully inde - pendent left/right hydro systems all contribute to the mower's improved productivity. Operators won't have to ride the new Stander ZK long before expe- riencing its better balance and stability, especially on hills. Reinforced wheelie wheels and elastomer bumpers for progressive ride control help the mower hug the ground on all types of terrain. The mower's short overall length makes it more maneuverable than mid-mount Zs. Fleet managers will also like the 72-inch Stander ZK because its only critical in-season maintenance points are engine oil and blades, and there are no grease fittings. The 17.5-gallon fuel tank eliminates the need to carry extra gas, and the mower's light weight and compact footprint make trailering multiple units easier. The rugged Aero-Core deck has air-tapered surfaces that eliminate clumping, and its airflow stands grass up for a uniform cut. The deck is equipped with anti-scalp rollers for smooth, even results, even on varying terrain. Recessed caster wheels reduce the turning radius, and the compact footprint improves maneuverability and reduces the space required on the trailer. The minute operators step on the Stander ZK, they will notice the added comfort on the roomier foot platform. The platform is easy to step off of to exit or pick up debris, and a five-gallon debris container is even provided. Looking ahead The dates for GIE+EXPO 2016 in Louisville will be Wednesday, Oct. 19, for dealers, distributors, retailers and media, as well as Thursday, Oct. 20, and Friday, Oct. 21, for everyone in the industry. The Demo Area will be open Thursday and Friday. HNA, which first co-located with GIE+EXPO six years ago, has agreed to co-locate through 2018. HNA has outgrown its space and will relocate to the North Wing in 2016. This will allow GIE+EXPO to move the Dealer Resource Pavilion onto the show floor and provide space for GIE+EXPO and HNA exhibitors to expand. For more information, visit www.gie-expo.com. Other contact points include Facebook, info@gie-expo.com, Twitter @GIE_EXPO and (800) 558-8767/(812) 949-9200. Online registration will be available early in 2016. OPE

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