FROM THE EDITOR Getting Hands-on
At a recent media event presented by Husqvarna at its Charlotte,
N.C., research and development (R&D) facility, I had the good fortune to experience, hands-on, a wide range of outdoor power equipment. Chain saws, pole saws, clearing saws, stump grinders, blowers and other tools of the trade were available to me and other members of the media to test run/drive. It was great to experience that first-hand feel for some of the latest products, and get an idea of what will be of interest to you, the reader, editorially with regard to our future equipment coverage.
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It was also good to get a brief taste — albeit a small sample — ofwhat
you and your crews experience on a daily basis. I've always admired the work being done in the field — especially while I sit here in the air conditioning typing, reading articles, conducting interviews and posting things to the Internet. But donning chain saw chaps and a slew of other personal protective equipment in 100-degree heat gave me a whole new level of appreciation for those who are in the field every day —and the level of professionalism, effort and expertise required to do the job, and do it well. And although I can't go into specifics about the inner workings of Husqvarna's R&D facility, it was great to see the efforts being made from a manufacturing standpoint to develop the cutting-edge technology that makes your jobs safer and more efficient. During the event, Husqvarna leadership also provided in-depth overviews of the industry.
According to John Marchionda, vice
president of marketing at Husqvarna, in 2010, the outdoor power equipment industry realized growth in handheld consumer and commercial wheeled products, and recovered a portion of 2009 declines. In calendar year 2011, the out- door power equipment industry has seen growth in most handheld categories and commercial wheeled products. These are obviously positive signs for the
John Kmitta Editor
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green industry overall, and, although I can't discuss specific products, I can say that there are intriguing new technologies, equipment and supplies on the horizon that will be positive for the green industry as well.
6 Arbor Age / September 2011 www.arborage.com 6
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