LOUISVILLE, Ky. – When landscape contractors are operating walk-behind mowers, ergonomics, safety and ease of operation are important. With this in mind, Exmark introduced the Enhanced Control System (ECS) on all Turf Tracer HP mowers to provide operator comfort.
Topside positioning of the controls keeps the operator's hands further away from obstacles, while the neutral lock system is positioned for easy disengagement.
TriVantage deck options on Turf Tracer HPs include 36, 48 or 52 inches, and engine options include 15-hp Kawasaki or Kohler and 17-hp Kawasaki recoil start.
Also introduced at the EXPO 2000 were Exmark's UntraVac Collection Systems available for Exmark's Lazer Z, XP and HP models.
The multiple bag collection system has a compact design that allows for minimal trailer space and easy maneuverability around trees, flower beds and other landscape objects. Other UltraVac features include:
For more information contact Exmark at 402-223-6300 or visit the company's web site at www.exmark.com.
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Rock Solid Plugr Improves Maneuverability Of Aerator Operation
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – With its wide wheel base and unique cam-driven operation, the Rock Solid Plugr™ is easier to maneuver than most traditional aerators, according to product manufacturer Rock Solid. The unit was featured at EXPO 2000 in the outdoor demonstration area.
The Plugr units include the commercial-sized PL600 with a 30-inch aerating width and the PL400, which is sized for homeowner rentals. Both units operate on a simple cam design. Tines are punched into the ground by the engine rather than the weight of the machine with no add-on weights or water-filled drums. The reduced weight makes it easier to follow curves, back up and work on uneven or sloped turf, according to Rock Solid. The wide front wheel base makes cornering and working on slopes easier.
The unit's tines disengage with a hand lever to skip over sprinkler heads and sidewalks without slowing down. Each unit comes with a complete set of replacement tines and a drive belt.
For more information contact Dee Murray from Rock Solid at 888/418-9065.
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Snowplow For SUVs and Light Trucks Introduced
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The typical vehicle of choice for a professional snowplow operator is a four-wheel drive truck. However, in the age of the Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), more people, including those professionals, are opting for the sporty alternative to large trucks. One problem for snowplow professionals is the lighter axle capacities of SUVs and even some four-wheel drive trucks, which limit the ability of some of these vehicles to carry the heavy snowplows required for professional snowplowing. However, Snowman Snowplow Inc. has now come up with a solution for light commercial and personal use snowplowing – the Sport Utility snowplow.
Snowman's Sport Utility snowplows are specially designed for SUVs and light trucks. These snowplows feature an on/off hook-up to the vehicle's existing class III (or higher) 2-inch square receiver hitch, which is nearly the same hook-up for a utility or boat trailer. Unlike front plows, no alterations and mounting systems are required on the vehicle.
The receiver hitch Snowman plow operates by pulling the snow rather than pushing. Using the power angle, the driver operates a small hand held cab remote to position the snow to the left or right while driving forward. The plows feature a high lift option (up to 47 inches high) to take down larger drifts.
Various sizes of Sport Utility Snowman snowplows are available to match SUVs or trucks. The size is selected between a 6.5-foot (65LDA model for smaller SUVs and light trucks) or 7.5-foot (75LDA model for mid- and full-size SUVs and full-size 4x4 trucks) moldboard length. The 65LDA can be used on such vehicles as the Chevy S-10 Blazer, Ford Ranger, GMC Sonoma, Isuzu Rodeo, Jeep Wrangler, Mazda Troy Lee and Toyota Tacoma. The larger 75LDA can be used on such vehicles as Chevy ½- and ¾-ton trucks, Chevy Tahoe, Dodge ½- and ¾-ton trucks, Dodge Durango, Ford ½- and ¾-ton trucks, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, GMC Jimmy, Honda Passport, Jeep Cherokee and Toyota Tundra.
Both models are built with six reinforcing steel ribs welded to the 12 gauge steel moldboard. Two moldboard trip springs help protect the plow and vehicle by tripping the moldboard when encountering an object. Dual spring down pressure provides a cleaner surface, and baked on powder coat paint provides a hard slick finish, which is available in red or yellow.
For locations of authorized Snowman dealers and distributors in North America, including many truck equipment or lawn and landscape suppliers, call 888/766-6267 or visit the company's web site at www.snowmansnowplow.com.
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Textron's Bunton Mowers Have Many Options
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – New engine updates and cutting-width options for Textron Golf & Turf's Bunton line of mowers were introduced at EXPO 2000.
The Bunton BZT 2000 Series now offer:
- 12-gallon fuel capacity
- Standard, repositionable, high-backed, foam-padded seats
- Electronic deck lift
- Single work light
- BZT 2200D Diesel has a 20-hp Yanmar diesel engine with a choice of 52.5- or 61-inch cutting decks
- BZT 2230LC has a 23-hp Kohler Aegis, liquid-cooled, V-twin gas engine in 52.5- or 61-inch side-discharge decks
- BZT 2260 is available with a 61- or 72-inch deck and is powered by a Kohler Command Pro, V-Twin, 26-hp, electronic fuel injection engine
The Bunton Midsize Walk-Behinds also featured some new options in gear-driven or hydro-driven models. Among them are:
- Choice of 15-, 17- or 21-hp V-Twin OHV Kawasaki gas engines or 14-hp single-cylinder Kawasaki gas engine
- Gear-driven walkers feature a Dana transmission with five forward speeds and reverse
- Hydro walkers feature dual Hydrogear pumps and Ross wheel motors
- 4.3-gallon fuel capacity
- Side-discharge cutting decks available in widths from 36 to 61 inches, including fixed decks in 36- and 48-inch cutting widths and full-floating suspended decks in 36-, 48-, 54- and 61-inch cutting widths.
TEXTRON CLARIFIES NAME CHANGE. Textron also took a few moments at a press conference on Sunday to clarify the company's recent name change and consolidation in the golf, turf care and industrial markets. The company explained that Textron Inc. recently combined the management of E-Z-GO Textron and Textron Turf Care And Specialty Products into a single organization named Textron Golf & Turf.
The new organization, headquartered in Augusta, Ga., continues to offer professional turf care equipment, turf utility vehicles, golf cars and industrial utility vehicles under the Bob-Cat, Brouwer, Bunton, Cushman, E-Z-GO, Jacobsen, Ransomes, Ryan and Steiner brands.
For more information contact Textron Golf & Turf at 262/635-1162 or visit the company's web site at www.ttcsp.textron.com.
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Split-drive technology, new to the Classen Turf Aerator (pictured at left), offers landscape contractors greater control while aerating.
The ECS (pictured at right), with cushioned handles to relieve fatigue from mower vibration, provides the contractors with the ability for natural positioning of hands, arms and back. The system distributes energy used for drive controls more evenly throughout the entire hand, reducing operational pressure points.