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GIE + EXPO 2016 SHOW RECAP 14 DECEMBER 2016 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com FEATURE STORY also upgraded its Contender zero-turn mower with a few commercial-inspired features, including Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series engines, Hydro-Gear transaxles, heavy-duty fabricated mower decks and an optional cargo bed with a 100-pound payload capacity. Caterpillar debuts new line of portable generators Caterpillar announced that it is expanding into the home and outdoor power category with the introduction of the Cat RP Series of portable generators. The RP Series is designed to provide reliable, convenient power for both professional contractors and retail consumers. The North America product launch includes four standard models, ranging from 3.6 to 7.5 kW as well as California-specific variations. The RP Series is now available in the United States and Canada via a select number of regional and local retailers and traditional Cat dealers that are part of the new Home & Outdoor Power sales and service network. Caterpillar engineering teams based in Illinois and Northern Ireland designed the new portable generators, guided by extensive testing of competing generators, as well as research to identify the design and usability features that customers value the most. The resulting generators include premium features ideally suited for landscape contractors — who often require portable power for landscape maintenance and construction, snow removal and storm response. The RP Series generators are easy to use. Everything needed to operate the generator is easily accessible in one convenient, lighted control panel. A multi-function display enables users to toggle between lifetime running hours, session running hours, power output and run time to easily monitor generator performance and to determine when it's time to re-fuel or service the unit. To power multiple devices, the RP5500, RP6500 E and RP7500 E have multiple outlets, both 120V and 240V. Two models of the RP Series are available with a lithium-ion battery-start option. The battery delivers three times longer life than the standard battery provided in competitive models. The RP Series generators also feature a compact design — up to 4 inches shorter than comparable competitive models — and a low center of gravity to reduce tipping. The design makes maneuvering easier, even on hills and uneven ground, and the generators take up less space in truck beds and storage locations. The Cat portable generators are built for reliability and durability. The solid steel frame and enclosed roll cage protect generator components from damage. Bundled wires are tucked away in the frame, ensuring wires won't snag or pull loose when moving in and out of storage and vehicles. Solid, never-flat wheels eliminate punctures on jobsites. The generators also feature automatic shutdown when oil levels drop too low to protect the generator from damage. The RP Series makes best use of safety systems to help protect people and machines. GFCI-protected, covered outlets and circuit breaker protect against electric shock and generator overload. Automatic voltage regulation (AVR) generates clean power that won't damage delicate tools or appliances. And an extra-large fuel tank runs a generator for as long as 17 hours (varies by model and load). A recessed fuel well catches drips to prevent fuel spillage on the floor or hot engine. Caterpillar is expanding its home and outdoor power portfolio and anticipates additional product launches in 2017. Cub Cadet, professional landscapers unveil new line of commercial zero-turn mowers As professional landscapers from around the country stood behind the new product line at GIE+EXPO 2016, Cub Cadet officially launched its new lineup of commercial zero-turn riding mowers, the PRO Z Series. The professional landscapers didn't just show up for the announcement — they were part of the crew of landscapers enlisted by Cub Cadet to put the new zero-turns to the test. For the PRO Z Series, Cub Cadet went beyond its robust product development process and engaged 100 professional landscapers in thousands of hours of rigorous real-world testing over the spring and summer months. Their feedback impacted final product design, addressing common setbacks that landscapers experience over long seasons of demanding work, making the PRO Z Series uniquely positioned to address the specific needs of landscape professionals. "In our 16 weeks of testing, it has done everything we expected, never missed a beat, only in our shop for normal maintenance, and held its own day in and day out," said H&H Lawn Service's Daniel Cervantes, who participated in the product testing. "Our operator speaks highly of this machine. It is always his first choice of machine." The PRO Z line boasts the market's only triple 7-gauge deck. Available in 54-, 60- and 72-inch cutting widths, the deck features three layers of 7-gauge steel, a rolled leading edge and side reinforcements, making it the thickest, strongest steel deck in the industry. High-torque Parker transmissions are paired with high-horsepower commercial-grade Kawasaki engines to provide optimal and consistent blade tip speed. The PRO Z Series powers through the thickest grass in a single pass at maximum speeds. Productivity-enhancing features optimize rear weight distribution, including pre-drilled mounting points for attachments and smart fuel pod placement. The steering wheel zero-turn option with four-wheel control increases hillside stability and maximizes job efficiency. High-back suspension seats with lumbar support and padded armrests come standard with added comfort features available on some of the models. The full lineup consists of the PRO Z 100, 500, 700 and 900 Series, designed to meet the needs of different-sized landscape crews. "It was extremely important to involve the professionals who operate the equipment day in and day out," said Dave Mullen, VP product marketing, Cub Cadet. "With their help, Cub Cadet has developed a commercial zero-turn mower that not only meets expectations, but exceeds them. This new product line, along with the support of our extensive independent dealer network, underscores our renewed commitment to the professional category and landscapers nationwide." In addition to rolling out the new PRO Z line, Cub Cadet announced the first-ever twin-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI) technology for consumer mowers will be available on its Enduro Series. Specifically, the 679-cc EFI engine will be available on Cub Cadet's XT2 LX42 lawn tractors (see page 30). Cub Cadet also introduced the SC700 with MaxControl, the first Cub walk-behind mower to feature selectable four-wheel drive.