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GIE + EXPO 2016 SHOW RECAP 24 DECEMBER 2016 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com FEATURE STORY Continued on page 38 the length of three football fields on a single charge and has a 2,800-stroke- per-minute cutting speed); the BGA 56 handheld blower (can clear a sidewalk the length of seven football fields on a single charge); and Stihl AK batteries and charger. The AI Series consists of the 5.1-pound FSA 45 string trimmer (can trim the length of more than three football fields on one charge); 5.1-pound HSA 45 hedge trimmer (can trim a hedge up to 20 inches wide and a length longer than a football field on a single charge with a 2,500-stroke-per-minute cutting speed); and 4.4-pound BGA 45 blower (on a single charge, clears up to 13 parking spaces with an 85-mph blowing speed and a 235-cfm air volume). In addition to the Lightning battery system products, Stihl introduced the following gas-powered products: ■ Stihl BR 700 backpack blower: The 64.8-cc BR 700 is Stihl's most powerful backpack blower, delivering 35 Newtons (912 cfm, 165 mph) of blowing force. ■ Stihl pole pruners: Stihl updated its pole pruner line with 4 new models: HT 102, HT 103, HT 132, and HT 133. These new models have an updated gearbox design, making them lighter and easier to maneuver. With large 710- cc fuel tanks, each pole pruner provides 30 percent longer run times than the previous models, so users can spend less time refueling and more time cutting. ■ Stihl string trimmers: Stihl introduced seven professional string trimmers: the FS 91, FS 91 R, FS 111, FS 111 R, FS 111 RX, FS 131, and FS 131 R. These professional trimmers have powerful low-emission engines, providing 30 percent longer run times than their predecessors. The newest members of the string trimmer family feature a simplified three-step start procedure enabled by the semi-automatic choke lever, saving users time. Each product's vertical pleated paper air filter allows for better filtration, extended replacement intervals and long service life. ■ Stihl edgers: The new professional edger line includes three models: the FC 91, FC 96, and FC 111. With large 710-cc fuel tanks and low-emission engines, this line of professional edgers provides 30 percent longer run times than their respective predecessors, meaning more work between fill-ups. The edgers feature a vertical pleated paper air filter for better filtration, extended replacement intervals and long service life. The line also features one-touch stop and a simplified starting procedure enabled by the semi-automatic choke lever. ■ Stihl extended-reach hedge trimmers: Users can choose the ideal length for easy maneuverability from three new short-shaft hedge trimmers with fixed-angle blades — the HL 56 K (0 degrees), HL 91 K (0 degrees), and HL 94 K (0 degrees). To trim difficult angles on tall hedges, users can select either the new short-shaft HL 94 K (145 degrees) or the HL 94 (145 degrees) — with articulating blades adjustable in 13 positions. ■ Stihl KombiMotors: Professionals can pack the power of up to 14 tools in one with Stihl KombiMotors. The KombiMotor allows professionals to cultivate, edge, prune, trim, blow, sweep, and conquer lawns. With large 710-cc fuel tanks and low-emission engines, Stihl's three new KombiMotors (KM 91 R, KM 111 R, and KM 131 R) provide 30 percent longer run times than their respective predecessors, meaning more work between refills. ■ Stihl dedicated bed redefiner: Previously only available as a Stihl Kom- biSystem attachment, professional landscapers can now give lawns and flower beds a crisp, clean edge with the gasoline-powered Stihl FB 131 bed redefiner. ■ Stihl backpack sprayer: Ideal for farmers, foresters and pest controllers, the SR 430 liquid-only backpack sprayer delivers 20 percent more spraying range and has a 33 percent larger container opening than the SR 420. The 3.7-gallon container allows professionals to work for long periods of time without stopping to refill. ■ Stihl pressure washers: Stihl also introduced two residential pressure washers (RB 200 and RB 400 Dirt Boss) and two commercial pressure washers (RB 600 and RB 800). The 173-cc (5-hp.) engine of the RB 200 delivers 2,500 psi of water pressure for occasional use on tough residential tasks. The RB 400 Dirt Boss delivers additional power with a 196-cc (6.5-hp.) engine that can output 2,700 psi of water pressure at 2.7 gallons per minute (gpm). The RB 600 gets the job done with a high-powered 208-cc (7-hp.) commercial-grade engine, delivering 3,200 psi at a rate of up to 3 gpm. The RB 800 is the most powerful industrial-strength high-pressure washer in the Stihl line, boasting a 429-cc (14- hp.) engine, delivering 4,200-psi water pressure, hitting the toughest heavy-duty commercial cleaning projects with up to 4-gpm water pressure. Toro introduces products for all seasons The Toro Company showcased several new products, including the GrandStand Multi- Force snow-only model, a powered bagger for the GrandStand and GrandStand Multi- Force stand-on mowers, a 28-inch hydro- drive brush cutter, and the Titan HD Series of zero-turn mowers. Due to the positive response to the Toro GrandStand Multi Force stand-on mower, Toro is introducing a snow-only Multi Force model. The snow-only model is designed to give snow-focused contractors access to the snow-clearing capabilities of the Multi Force without having to purchase the mowing deck. The snow-only model is built on the same trusted GrandStand Multi Force platform and features the same easy-to-use controls as current GrandStand Multi Force models. The unit comes equipped with the Flex-Ride operator platform designed to reduce operator fatigue and contributes to higher productivity throughout the day. The Flex-Ride operator platform is self- compensating to accommodate operators of different sizes. The snow-only model can be equipped with a 5-foot BOSS snowplow attachment. Snow-only models also come standard with winter tires and have optional light and flasher kits to increase visibility in challenging conditions. "By creating a dedicated snow-only Multi Force unit, we are able to better serve the snow and ice management market with this versatile and innovative machine," said Chris Hannan, Toro senior marketing manager. "As we continue to gather feedback from end users, customers can expect to see additional capabilities in the coming years." Toro also introduced a bagger attachment for the GrandStand and GrandStand Multi Force stand-on mower product lines. With the addition of the powered bagger attachment, Toro offers landscape contractors the unique ability to efficiently collect grass clippings while taking advantage of all the benefits of a stand-on mower. The powered bagger attachment was developed with productivity in mind. The compact design of the side-mounted soft twin bagger, and vertically mounted blower, allow for excellent maneuverability in tight spaces and maximum visibility during operation. The powered bagger boasts a 10-cubic- foot (8-bushel) capacity, which ensures fewer trips for the operator to empty the