Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/752598
GIE + EXPO 2016 SHOW RECAP 20 DECEMBER 2016 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com FEATURE STORY lineup, Honda now offers three HRC models geared to the commercial lawn and garden market. The new HRC216K3HDA fits neatly between the current HRC models, the self- propelled HRC216K3HXA and the push-type HRC216K3PDA. "This new Honda self-propelled com- mercial mower expands the popular Honda HRC product line from two models to three, offering more choices of premium, reliable Honda lawn mowers to the profes- sional landscape market," said Michael Rudolph, vice president — Honda Power Equipment Division. "With reduced weight for better maneuverability; rugged, durable construction; and lower upfront costs, the new Honda HRC216K3HDA commercial mower is a smart choice for lawn and landscape professionals." The Honda HRC216K3HDA lawn mower is designed from the inside out for simple starting, easy operation and quick stopping, featuring a host of advanced technologies that users will appreciate. Husqvarna introduces professional-grade technology for commercial lawn and tree care experts Husqvarna unveiled the latest additions to its lineup of professional products and services at GIE+EXPO 2016. The new products optimize operational efficiencies and ensure consistently high performance. Solutions that were on display included enhancements to the professional- grade battery-powered lineup, versatile handhelds that complete the gas- powered lineup, and redesigned accessories that offer outstanding quality and durability. "We take pride in offering tree and lawn care service professionals with equipment that's designed by landscapers, for landscapers," said Jeff Dewosky, vice president and general manager of Husqvarna North America. "That dedication continues in these new additions to our gas- and battery-powered lineups, and we're excited to introduce them to our professional customers at this year's GIE+EXPO." New additions to the 500 Series battery lineup The Husqvarna Battery Series has grown to include more essential handheld equipment for landscape and tree care professionals. One 40-volt, Li-ion, high- performance battery can be used interchangeably among all of Husqvarna's bat- tery-powered products, making the line a natural fit for on-the-go professionals. The latest additions to the lineup include the 536LiPT5 and 536LiP4 pole saws, which are designed to be balanced and ergonomic without compromising power. Also new is the 536LiLx trimmer, which has a long-lasting brushless motor and a two-way rotation head that allows users to operate the product in a forward or backward direction depending on their preference. The trimmer's ergonomic handle makes it balanced and easy to use. Other highlights from the lineup that was exhibited at GIE+EXPO include: ■ The 536LiXP chain saw, which has a 14-inch bar and heavy-duty construction for long-lasting performance; and ■ 536LiHD60X hedge trimmer, which is designed for commercial use and features a 24-inch-long, double-sided cutter bar. A new proprietary motor and a powerful battery will allow professionals to maximize their working time. The pivoting rear handle makes it easier when cutting both vertically and horizontally. A complete professional gas lineup Husqvarna's gas-powered lineup offers professionals both wheeled and handheld solutions. In the professional handheld category, Husqvarna added new trimmers and edgers to its 500 Series of products. The new offerings continue the tradition of Husqvarna's 500 Series combining professional-grade performance with the latest innovations. Featuring heavy- duty construction for durability; well-balanced, ergonomic designs to limit fatigue during long-term use; and powerful X-Torq engines that reduce fuel consumption and emissions, these products help professionals get the job done right: ■ The 525ES edger features a steel drive shaft, while the 525ECS edger features a curved shaft with flex drive. ■ The all-new 522L trimmer is a simplified, semi-professional unit with a steel shaft. ■ The 525LK trimmer has a detachable shaft that offers landscapers a cost- effective and versatile option to complete many jobs with one tool and several attachments. In addition to these new 500 Series offerings, Husqvarna launched the 439 chain saw, which was developed for arborist use. It is extremely lightweight and versatile with an optimized saw body that is devoid of protruding parts that could get in the way of operation. Husqvarna's core commercial zero-turn mowers with fuel-injected engines were on display at GIE+EXPO, including: ■ The M-ZT 61 EFI, featuring cast-iron spindles for professional-grade durability and a premium seat for rider comfort; ■ The P-ZT 60 EFI, which offers a 60-inch cutting width and a foldable, roll- over protection system; and ■ The PZ 60 EFI, boasting a powerful Kohler engine, durable cast-iron spindles and a suspension seat for maximum comfort. Commitment to innovation Husqvarna Fleet Services, a new cloud-based service, connects the machine fleet and landscaping teams directly to an online portal, enabling landscaping professionals to have insights into their operations at their fingertips. When it is launched in the United States, Fleet Services will feature Bluetooth connectivity. Fleet Services represents Husqvarna's commitment to innovative technology that makes the job easier. In addition to these new products and services, Husqvarna displayed several new residential products at GIE+EXPO 2016. Hustler Turf enters UTV market with patented technology Hustler Turf introduced the MDV (Maximum Duty Vehicle). The tough, precision- built utility vehicle is the latest innovation from Hustler and combines the industry's most popular features with patented LEVELIFT bed technology. Flip a switch and the LEVELIFT brings the cargo box up, back, and down, enabling the user to load at ground level or at any point along the mechanism's arc of motion. Once loaded, the LEVELIFT brings the cargo box back up and into position on the MDV. With minimum time and effort, the cargo is loaded and on its way. LEVELIFT bed technology also enables loads to be dumped at any height or distance along its arc of motion, providing users with more options for how and where the