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/637026
12 March 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com INDUSTRY INSIGHTS In addition, the existing Z970R is now available with two ad- ditional deck options — 60-inch side discharge (SD) or 60-inch Mulch On Demand (MOD), offering more deck options on the most powerful machine in the Z900 Series lineup. Also, EnviroGard recently announced the expansion of the pro- pane conversion program for John Deere commercial mowers. The program now encompasses 36 different models, including 21 zero- turn mowers, seven QuikTrak stand-on mowers and eight com- mercial walk-behind mowers. — Nick Minas, product manager, John Deere Commercial Mowing In the last three months, Kubota introduced three new com- mercial walk-behind mowers: a 36-inch gear-drive model (WG14- 36), a 48-inch hydrostatic-drive model (WH15-48), and a 52-inch hydrostatic-drive model (WHF19-52), each powered by reliable Kawasaki V-twin gas engines. The WG14-36 uses a fi ve-speed gear- drive transmission, while the WH15-48 and WHF19-52 use proven Hydro-Gear variable displacement pumps with Parker wheel mo- tors. All models feature fabricated welded steel decks, maintenance- free spindles, electric clutches and adjustable cutting heights rang- ing from 1-3/8 to 4-5/8 inches, making them ideal for all grass types. With this introduction, Kubota dealers can now serve as a one-stop shop for all your turf equipment needs. As part of its continued focus on the commercial mower market, Kubota recently introduced two all-new ZD Series of zero- turn mowers that have greatly improved performance, operation and comfort features. Kubota also introduced a new generation of its popular BX Series Drive-Over Mid-Mount Mower decks for Kubota subcompact tractors. — Tom Vachal, Kubota senior product manager for turf equipment This year brings a few exciting things to our lineup. We just launched a new line of commercial walk-behinds with cutting widths ranging from 32 to 61 inches in hydro- and gear-driven con- fi gurations. These walk behinds are uniquely balanced, have more user-friendly controls, and offer an easy-to-use Velke latch system. — Shawn Wolf, president, Wright Manufacturing Husqvarna offers three different series of professional riding zero- turn units, depending on the needs of the user. All of our units are engineered specifi cally to the user's needs. Small ergonomic differ- ences, best-in-class quality and industry-leading warranties make Husqvarna mowers stand apart from the competition. Our units are aimed for high productivity and user comfort. For example, our wide-stance design increases stability on the mowing incline. Husqvarna zero-turns include the M-ZT units designed for the part-time lawn maintenance person or someone just getting into the business, where budget is a driving factor in the overall deci- sion. Usually the focus with these operators is on residential prop- erties. It is also ideal for schools and municipalities on a budget. The P-ZT series is designed for both residential and commercial/ industrial property applications, as it can handle the rougher ter- rain and give it the beautiful, striped look the customer is looking for. The PZ mower, the best of the best, is equipped with a lifetime warranty on the leading-edge seven-gauge deck and also comes with cast-iron deck spindles with a lifetime warranty. Both the P-ZT and PZ feature a 2x3-inch welded frame that also comes with a lifetime warranty; this ensures that the user can operate at maxi- mum effi ciency, and faster cutting speeds mean more productivity. The PZ is designed with an isolated platform and full-fl oating seat to produce a smooth ride that reduces fatigue and accidents. — Walt Rose, national sales manager for commercial lawn & garden and tree care, Husqvarna L&I: What trends are you seeing in the market overall with regard to mower design/manufacture? In our ever-evolving technological age, features are being added to mowers to bring about awareness to the operator on when to service, GPS features, smartphone interface, fuel effi ciency, etc. — Ron Scheffl er, product manager, BOB-CAT In today's market, we are seeing that landscape professionals are becoming more demanding and have higher expectations for their fl eet. Since their margins are tight with labor and equipment costs, mowing equipment needs to contribute to the bottom line while being strong, powerful, effi cient and comfortable. They want to feel confi dent that they made the best choice when they add to their fl eet. At Cub Cadet, we offer electronic fuel injected (EFI) engines, premium transmissions and new steering technology to deliver a product that does just that. Mowing with more effi cient engines will maximize run time, giving professionals more time between refueling, which translates to serving customers more quickly. — Joe Schilens, director of product marketing for commercial products, Cub Cadet There continues to be a push to reduce operational costs, even as fuel prices have trended lower. Technologies that reduce fuel consumption whenever the machine is running, and those that al- low operators to understand how fuel is being used, will have an increasing value in this Information Age. But technology for technology's sake is a dangerous path. At Ex- mark, we've taken a very different position. Every technology we develop provides a distinct, tangible benefi t to the user. Technol- ogy focused on operator comfort is a good example of this, and it's an area in which Exmark has invested heavily. From the patented ECS control system on Exmark wide-area walk-behind mowers, to the numerous comfort and suspension technologies available on Exmark zero-turn riding mowers, we're working hard to make it easier and more sustainable for landscape professionals to be pro- ductive every day. — Daryn Walters, Exmark director of marketing Greater emphasis on comfort and ergonomics. We're working to take every bit of vibration out of the ride for greater comfort and op- erator productivity. Not only that, but with reduced vibration, there is a better transfer of power to the cutting deck, which improves cut quality. Improved effi ciency is also a focus, especially in terms of in- creasing fuel economy and decreasing fuel consumption. — Mike Simmon, communications specialist, Grasshopper