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44 SEPTEMBER 2016 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com PRODUCTS P R O D U C T N E W S Ariens Company introduces industry first for snow products On July 20, the Ariens Company achieved an industry first with the introduction of the Ariens AX EZ-Launch engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI) technology, designed for the Ariens line of Sno-Thro products. With the unveiling of this new engine, Ariens is the first brand in the industry to apply modern automotive technology and offer an EFI solution for snow products. The Ariens AX EZ-Launch EFI engine starts in 2 simple steps, versus 6 steps with a traditional carbureted engine. All that the user needs to do is turn the key and pull the recoil cord (or use the electric start). The engine's system uses an electronic governor, which virtually eliminates speed loss and delivers consistent throwing performance along with an ultra-quiet idle. The combination of electronic fuel injection and the e-governor also works together to use less fuel than traditional engine models. Because the system is electronic, it automatically adjusts to the environment and can start in extreme weather at high or low altitude and tackle any type of snow. With traditional engines, the machine can lose more than 10 percent of its power when encountering drifts or wet, heavy snow. However, the Ariens AX EZ-Launch EFI engine controls its speed automatically, and it won't slow down when it encounters large piles of snow. The Ariens AX EZ-Launch EFI engine can be run in different modes. While in efficiency mode, the engine runs quieter, uses less fuel, and runs at a slightly lower speed, making it a good option for early morning hours when others are sleeping. The power mode increases the engine's output and provides the unit with more power to get through tough jobs. The Ariens EFI system is also completely sealed, helping to significantly reduce maintenance costs. The system will not require adjusting since it is sealed, as gas won't deteriorate if left in the engine. This allows users to store their machine without worry. "At Ariens, we're always striving to come up with new and innovative solutions for our customers," said Ariens Company VP of Marketing Matt Medden. "Today, we've launched an industry first by introducing EFI technology on our snow products, and in addition to being proud of being first, we're excited to provide our customers with a technology that will allow them to get their jobs done better and more efficiently." For 2016, Ariens is offering the EFI engine on 2 models: the Deluxe 30 and the Platinum 24 SHO. Models start at a promotional price of $1,699 USD, and will be available in late October 2016 at authorized Ariens dealers and Home Depot stores in the United States and Canada. Ariens dealers will exclusively carry the Platinum 24 SHO EFI model. The units carry a 3-year consumer warranty. Cub Cadet launches Challenger 400 Cub Cadet's lineup of utility vehicles continues to expand with the launch of the Challenger 400. Designed to tackle a variety of jobs at home, on the trail, or in the field, the Challenger 400 packs heavy-duty features and dynamic styling into a compact utility vehicle. Powered by a 404-cc Subaru engine, it can reach speeds up to 25 mph and tow up to 500 pounds. The 27-inch by 37-inch, 350-pound bed capacity provides the power and versatility to haul firewood, tools and camping/hunting equipment. The bed also provides a dump bed feature for easy unloading. Measuring just 50 inches wide, the Challenger 400 fits in the bed of standard pickup trucks and is narrow enough to traverse ATV trails — where other utility vehicles are too wide to go. Heavy-duty coil-over shocks on all 4 wheels help ensure better on- and off-road comfort and handling. "Owners will enjoy year-round use of the Challenger 400 with a variety of accessory options," said Kelley Timothy, UV brand marketing manager, Cub Cadet. "Attachments such as a hard-top roof, light bar, side- and rear-view mirrors, winch, snow blades and enclosures are available for plowing, hunting, ground maintenance and any other needs throughout the year. Customers also have the option to order red, blue or camo aftermarket fenders." The Challenger 400 is the latest in a new line of UTVs from Cub Cadet. Launched last year, the Challenger Series includes the Challenger 500, the Challenger 700 and the Challenger 750 Crew, offering a range of options. Backed by the strength of Cub Cadet's dealer network, the Challenger Series UVs provide power, performance, versatility and valuable standard features. John Deere expands Gator XUV family with affordable mid-size model John Deere recently updated its crossover utility vehicle lineup with the addition of the Gator XUV560 and XUV560 S4. The mid-size model is designed for professional landscapers seeking an affordable, comfortable and versatile 4x4 utility vehicle. Outfitted with an ergonomic operator station, quiet V-twin engine, independent 4-wheel suspension, 4-wheel drive and availability of more than 75 attachments, the Gator XUV560 and XUV560 S4 can help operators tackle all of the tough tasks on the jobsite. "This update to our Gator family provides even more options for our customers to choose from," said Mark Davey, John Deere marketing manager, Gator utility vehicles. "The XUV560 was crafted to deliver all the bells and whistles you expect from John Deere, at an attractive price tag." The vehicles are designed for all-day comfort with car-like convenience, increasing operator productivity. The XUV560 and XUV560 On July 20, the Ariens Company achieved an industry first with the introduction of the Ariens AX EZ-Launch engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI) technology, designed for the Ariens line of Sno-Thro products. With the unveiling of this new engine, Ariens is the first brand in starts in 2 simple steps, versus 6 steps with a traditional carbureted engine. All that the user dynamic styling into a compact utility vehicle. Powered by a 404-cc Subaru engine, it can reach speeds up to 25 mph and tow up to 500 pounds. The