LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Encore demonstrated its mid-mount floating deck technology today at EXPO 2000 - the Mid Cut Prowler deck suspension - which allows each side of the deck to move independently with its front wheel. The deck’s ability to articulate creates a smoother ride because both front wheels maintain consistent ground contact.
Kubota Introduces New Mowers
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kubota Tractor Corp. (KTC), the American marketer and distributor of Japan-based Kubota Corporation's branded equipment, revealed several new equipment lines for commercial lawn and landscape contractors at EXPO 2000. Notable new mowers from KTC include the company's GF1800 front mower and the F60 series of front-mount mowers.
GF1800 FRONT MOWER. The Kubota GF1800 (pictured at right) features greater mobility on slopes and in soft ground conditions than previous models. KTC said the unit provides continuous ground-hugging traction on slopes or in slippery conditions by locking in the unit's four-wheel-drive (4WD) on-the-go feature. The transition between two-wheel-drive (2WD) and 4WD is made by depressing a foot pedal and can be done even when the unit is in motion with the temporary on-demand 4WD option.
The GF1800 features Kubota's Three Vortex Combustion System for cleaner exhaust and quiet operation. Other features include an 18-HP diesel engine, rear exhaust that shoots away from the operator and rubber engine mounts to minimize vibration.
F60 SERIES FRONT-MOUNT MOWERS. Developed specifically for the commercial turf maintenance market, Kubota's diesel-powered 2WD and 4WD F60 series of front-mount mowers includes a variety of sizes to meet specific demands of different contractors.
The F2260, F2560 and F3060 (pictured at left) 4WD models are powered by Kubota's diesel engines, rated at 22 HP, 25 HP and 30 HP, respectively. The 2WD F2560E model features a 25-HP engine. The models all feature a single-pedal operated hydrostatic transmission to make direction changes easier.
Like the capabilities of the GF1800, Kubota's F60 series features on-the-go 4WD when desired, but the 4WD models also feature the company's Auto-Assist 4WD with Dual-Acting Overrunning Clutch System. Whether in forward or reverse, the system automatically transfers power to all four wheels when needed. This feature can reduce turf damage by eliminating wheel spin.
The F60 models are available with a 60- or 72-inch side discharge mower that can be equipped with a grass catcher. The deck tilts up providing nearly 8 inches of clearance for travelling between jobs and allowing full access for blade replacement or deck cleaning.
KTC also revealed a line of B-Series tractors, the L4610 compact tractor and the K008 Ultra-Compact Excavator at EXPO 2000.
For more information about Kubota Tractor Corp. call 888/4-KUBOTA (458-2682) or visit the company's web site at www.kubota.com.
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Designed to float across uneven terrain, the Mid Cut Prowler suspension (pictured at right) works differently than typical floating decks as it features a three-point pivot system. The Mid Cut Prowler has a front cut style deck suspension. On this mower, the wheels, not the frame, make the deck float. The pivot system between the deck and the main frame allows each side of the deck to move with its front wheel instead of the whole deck moving when one wheel changes elevation. This design reduces the bouncing of the front wheels on rough ground that is typical with most mid-mount riding mowers. 
The majority of mid-mount mowers use a floating deck that is suspended off the frame (pictured at left), usually at four points, with a movable link, typically a chain or rod and bushing. Some mowers combine a front floating deck with back deck pivots, however, the deck is still mechanically attached to the frame. The mid-mount rider decks do float upward, but they must make contact before the deck will move, which can cause scalping. Also, front wheels on these units are always in a level position, which sacrifices traction on slopes and produces a bouncy ride on rough turf. 
OPG's Cutter Plus is a retail revolving credit card program that helps commercial customers finance items to make future purchases easier. Items Cutter Plus users may purchase with the credit card include commercial equipment, parts, accessories and service.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - FINN claims it has the answer to limited labor conditions with its first introduction into the skid-steer market: the FINN Eagle 250 (pictured at right).