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
FEATURE STORY | Subject here GIE + EXPO 2016 SHOW RECAP FEATURE STORY www.outdoorpowerequipment.com OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT DECEMBER 2016 23 loader and backhoe unit. Combining Kubota reliability and power with its versatility and intuitive, easy-to-operate design, the BX80-Series is ideal for residential property owners. Stihl strikes with Lightning battery systems and more On Dealer Day, Stihl Inc. stole the show with its traditional Oktoberfest- themed, fun-filled booth and $5,000 giveaway, which was won by Kurt Mechling of Performance PowerSports in Seneca, S.C. The company also unveiled more than 35 new products (its most ever at GIE+EXPO), including its Lightning battery system products and several gas-powered products. "For more than 90 years, Stihl Inc. has been defining the future of outdoor power equipment," said Steve Meriam, Stihl's director of sales. "We've found new technologies that deliver on Stihl's reputation for power, performance and dependability. Stihl's pursuit of continuous improvement means we have refined designs to make equipment lighter in weight, more ergonomic, and easier to use. In 2017, customers will be able to pick their power like never before. We're thrilled to announce that Stihl is applying a legacy of innovation to a new genera- tion of products with the Stihl Lightning battery systems in the spring of 2017." The Stihl Lightning battery systems are divided into three distinct lines: AP Series, AK Series and AI Series. The AP Series is equipped with the most powerful and long run times, making it great for professionals and a wide variety of large properties. The AK Series is ideal for maintaining a suburban yard on a single charge. The AI Series is complete with integrated batteries, hence the "I" in "AI," making it a solid choice for those looking to maintain smaller yards. In the AP Series, Stihl introduced the RMA 510 lawn mower that gives homeowners the performance of a gasoline-powered mower without any of the hassles. It features a 21-inch deck width and a large-capacity grass catcher, so users can cover more lawn in less time. On a single charge of the Stihl AP 300 battery, the RMA 510 can cut up to 5,100 square feet of lawn. Also in the AP Series, Stihl introduced the 36-volt, 1,148 watt-hour AR 3000 backpack battery. Interchangeable with all handheld tools in the Stihl AP battery line, this sleek, high-performance battery has 25 percent more capacity than the Stihl AR 900, running for up to 13 hours and eliminating exhaust emissions and fuel costs. The AK Series offers Stihl quality in a variety of value-priced packages. The line's products include the MSA 120 C-B chain saw (36 volts, 2.8-amp hour and lightweight at only 8.4 pounds); the FSA 56 string trimmer (can trim the length of five football fields on a single charge); the HSA 56 hedge trimmer (can trim