Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/77000
Overall, professional users are placing more and more value on comfort and durability in the products that they use. — Jeff Dewosky, vice president of dealer sales for Husqvarna Today's turf and landscape professionals value options and are looking for equip- ment that will not only meet their specific needs on the job, but also provide a finan- cial solution – either cost savings through fuel consumption or through purchasing incentives. — Christine Chapman, assistant product manager, Kubota Lawn care professionals continue to want high-quality products and prefer to purchase from independent local dealers who provide exceptional service after the sale. We see a trend of lawn care profes- sionals wanting to do more with what they already have. — Darren Stoltenberg, field sales manager, PK Products I see manufacturing companies become more diverse and expanding into the land- scape and agriculture industries. — Paul Hollis, executive vice president, Re- dexim North America The key trends in terms of design and manufacturing are in reduced emissions, vibration and noise and increased fuel effi- ciency, as well as improving overall er- gonomics and power-to-weight ratios, particularly important for professional users using the equipment all day. Also of importance are features that make opera- tion easier, more convenient and time effi- cient. — Marv Mathwig, product manager for power tools, Stihl Inc. Contractors are always looking for ways to cut expenses and increase profits. Today, a large expense is fuel, so contractors have to find ways to cut those costs or pass them along to their customers. Mowers that utilize electronic fuel injection (EFI) and other fuel-saving technologies will help reduce those operating costs. — Chris Hannan, marketing manager at Toro www.landscapeirrigation.com Productivity is key when it comes to new equipment designs. Today's landscap- ers, winter maintenance contractors and lawn maintenance professionals are smart, and they're demanding equipment that can save time and work accurately. Plus, reliability is a more important factor than ever, since breakdowns can be very costly. Basically, it all comes down to making more money — the most productive equipment on the market will help maxi- mize profits, while other products may waste money through inefficiency and maintenance. — James Truan, vice president of sales and marketing for TrynEx International Equipment-wise, what is trending is simpler, cheaper, and more productive. The feedback we are receiving from our customers is that they want efficient, easy-to-use equipment at a cost-effective price. — Jon Kuyers, global product manager, underground, Vermeer Corporation We continue to hear companies talk about alternative fuels, but we believe an alternative fuel delivery method (EFI) is a much more reasonable conversation. EFI engines offer at least a 25-percent fuel savings along with being much more en- vironmentally friendly. Remember carbu- reted engines in cars? Remember smog in the '70s and '80s? What changed? EFI was introduced into car engines, and the improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions were substantial. This same technology is available for mowers today. — Tim Cromley, marketing manager, Walker Manufacturing Company L&I: Did the unusually mild win- ter in most areas of the U.S. impact equipment sales? If so, how? Normally a mild winter puts a dent into our sales, but this year has been just the opposite. The East Coast hurricane last fall followed by the big New England bliz- zard has kept tree companies busy, and they've been keeping us very busy trying to meet their demand for new equipment. — Jason Morey, Bandit Industries small equipment sales manager. Equipment Trends 2012: User Survey While equipment manufacturers and suppli- ers weighed in on trends that are shaping the industry, equipment users provided us with feedback about their equipment deci- sions in 2012 and going forward. The results are as follows: What equipment do you plan to purchase during the next 6 months? (check all that apply) Blowers String trimmers Work trucks Hedge trimmers 49% 46% 37% 32% Spray equipment (or other chemical application equipment) 32% Commercial walk-behind mowers 28% Commercial zero-turn mowers Edgers Chain saws Turf aerators Snow and ice management equipment Stand-on mowers Utility vehicles Trenchers Propane-powered mowers Loaders Excavators 25% 21% 18% 14% 12% 12% 11% 9% 7% 7% 7% During 2012, how have you approached your equipment needs? (check all that apply) Purchased new equipment this year to fill specific needs Used only the equipment from our existing fleet Rented equipment this year to fill specific needs Purchased used equipment this year to fill specific needs 55% 36% 28% 12% During the next six months, which of the following would you be most likely to do should a specific need arise? Purchase new equipment Purchase replacement parts for existing equipment Rent equipment Purchase used equipment 38% 38% 17% 7% When purchasing new equipment, which of the following factors is most important to you? Serviceability/support Product specifications and features 31% Brand Price 34% 21% 14% Landscape and Irrigation 11