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Product News Honda unveils all-new rammer engine Honda has introduced an all-new GXR120 general-purpose engine, a model uniquely developed as an ideal source of power for rammers — equipment used to compact soil or other granular material. Offered as a second power option to the reliable GX100 engine, the GXR120 engine has been designed to provide superb durability and reliability for heavy-duty applications. The Honda GXR120 is capable of meeting the high demands that rammers require of the engine, frame and operator. With a 121-cc displacement, the engine can appropriately power 110- to 175-pound rammers at multiple altitudes with ease. Additionally, a new, special cast-iron cylinder sleeve and a high carbon-steel, dual-ball bearing crankshaft provide improved engine strength for rammer applications. To further enhance engine durability, the recoil starter and fan cover of the GXR120 now are even more robust through the incorporation of steel in the design. "Our new GXR120 engine has been developed to specifically provide the kind of power, fuel efficiency and easy operation that rammer products require," said Michael Rickey, senior manager, Honda Engines. "The addition of the GXR120 to the Honda GX Series engines lineup delivers more value, versatility and performance to both our OEM customers and end users." When developing the GXR120 for the rammer marketplace, Honda engineers identified the need for a more compact and lightweight engine footprint to allow for more versatility in frame mounting. Using an Overhead Camshaft (OHC) orientation similar to the Honda GX100, Honda designers incorporated a maintenance-free, lownoise timing belt to create a smaller, lighter and quieter engine. With the rammer machine operator in mind, Honda integrated several features into the design of the GXR120 that make it easy and comfortable to control. Since quiet operation and low noise are critical for these end users, the GXR120 includes a newly designed and very compact muffler, which is 22-mm (.87-inch) narrower than the muffler used as standard on the Honda GX100 engine. This smaller muffler, combined with the OHC engine layout, reduces operation noise by 1 decibel over the current GX100 engine. In addition, a heavy-duty recoil starter, together with an automatic decompression system, allows for easy engine starting, while an Oil Alert feature prevents the engine from starting if the oil level is too low. Also, a simple but innovative lubrication system with a dual-breather chamber optimizes engine lubricating performance in most rammer operating conditions. Honda Engines Ariens introduces Path-Pro single-stage snowthrower Stihl FBD-KM bed redefiner saves time and labor The Stihl FBD-KM bed redefiner is the latest attachment to join the powerful, versatile and ergonomic gasoline-powered Stihl KombiSystem. When combined with the Stihl 130 R KombiMotor, the durable and efficient FBD-KM bed redefiner enables professional landscapers to maintain existing mulch and flower bed edges up to 7 times faster than manually with a shovel. "The Stihl FBD-KM bed redefiner's open deflector design minimizes clogging for smooth, efficient operation, and the solid drive shaft increases torque and durability," said Marv Mathwig, Stihl Inc. product manager. "The attachment's easily adjustable depth wheel and 'line of sight' indicator provide more precise control, offering cuts with depths up to 2.6 inches." An affordable alternative to a dedicated bed redefiner, the Stihl FBD-KM attachment is recommended for use with the KM 130 R, Stihl's most powerful KombiMotor, and it also works well with the KM 90 R and KM 110 R. Each of these KombiMotors is part of the Caring for Nature product line that features reduced exhaust emissions and improved fuel efficiency over traditional 2-cycle engines. The Stihl KombiSystem now offers 14 different attachments to meet landscaping needs. Because of its split-shaft design and special toolless quick-release coupling, the Stihl KombiSystem can save time and money (as compared to buying the equivalent task-dedicated tools) on grass and hedge trimming, edging, pruning, cleaning (including brushing, sweeping and blowing), and cultivating. The KombiSystem can also save on storage and transportation space. Stihl Inc. 28 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT Ariens Company's new Path-Pro single-stage snowthrower is a lightweight, compact and maneuverable machine starting at an entry price of $399. The new model is small in size but designed to be durable enough for heavyweight use by professional snow removal crews. The Path-Pro models feature a 21-inch clearing width and Ariens AX engines in 136-cc or 208-cc displacement options. The Path-Pro cleans down to the pavement and delivers a throwing distance of up to 35 feet. A chute rotation option allows the operator to direct snow left or right while in use. The new Path-Pro is the smallest snowthrower built by Ariens, the number one SnoThro brand in the world, according to Steve Demsien, vice president of marketing for Ariens. Ariens offers more than 20 models of snowthrowers available for every type of use. "Ariens applied its 50 years of experience in the design of heavy-duty two-stage snowthrowers and created a single-stage model that lives up to the Ariens standard of durability in a smaller, lightweight machine," said Demsien. "The target market is the professional snow removal contractors who will give these machines a beating day-in and day-out, and homeowners who desire those same professional results. This machine was designed to hold up when transported, loaded on and off trucks, and run in high-use conditions." Other heavy-duty features include a foldable, ergonomic handle; commercial-duty housing that cuts through packed snow; reinforced rubber augers; and a protective guard to shield critical engine components. A unique cowling design provides easy access to engine controls and service points for easy maintenance. Homeowners, who have small areas to clear, receive less than 12 inches of snow per snowfall, or are simply looking for a lightweight, maneuverable machine, will find the Path-Pro a reliable addition to their garage, according to Demsien. The Path-Pro is available in 5 models with recoil- or electric-start options and is covered by a 3-year consumer, 90-day commercial warranty. Ariens Co. www.outdoorpowerequipment.com