EXPO 2001 Products: Part IV

Prior to and during the show, Lawn & Landscape Online is covering some of the product offerings to give readers a look at the newest innovations that will be showcased at the annual exposition sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).

Today, find products from the following manufacturers:

• Earth & Turf Company
• Exmark Mfg. Co., Inc.
• The Grasshopper Co.
• Magna-Matic Corp.
• Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products
• Walker Mfg. Co.

BEATRICE, Neb. - Introduced last year on its Turf Tracer HP models, Exmark Mfg. Co., Inc. has made its Enhanced Control System (ECS) standard on all Exmark walk-behind mower models.

ECS is part of the mower handle mechanism that is designed to provide natural positioning of hands, arms and back for better operator comfort. ECS features a neutral lock system, cushioned handles and drive levers and reduced operational pressure points compared to standard handle designs. The topside and inward positioning of ECS also keeps operators’ hands farther away from obstacles, such as trees and fences.

In addition to ECS, other standard enhancements added on all 2002 Exmark Turf Tracer models include:

• 52- and 60-inch UltraCut™ 5.5-inch deep deck design;
• Larger drive tires for traction and performance;
• Larger diameter pneumatic tires with sealant for performance and reliability;
• Larger capacity 200 ft-lb. MagStop electric clutch; and
• Kohler-powered units feature a canister air filter and cleanout ports.

The Turf Tracer units also feature:

• Up to 6.2 mph forward ground speed and 2.2 mph in reverse;
• 23-hp Kawasaki and 20- or 23-hp Kohler electric start engine options;
• Insta-Track adjustment system;
• Flow control baffle system; and
• Standard mechanical parking brake on all hydro mowing systems.

Exmark also offers an optional MicroMulch™ system on its riding and walk-behind mowers, which reduces labor costs, eliminates disposal fees and increases productivity by up to 50 percent, according to the company.

For more information contact Exmark Mfg. Co., Inc. at 402/223-6300 or visit www.exmark.com.

MOUNDRIDGE, Kan. - The Grasshopper Co. will showcase several of its products at EXPO 2001, including the following:

Model 928D^² Zero-Radius Outfront Mower:

• 28-hp diesel engine;
• G² dual-path hydrostatic direct drive;
• Accepts Combo Decks™ from 52 to 72 inches;
• Collectors available from 15 to 25 cubic feet;
• Quik-D-Tatch® mounting system lets operator change deck sizes or add attachments without tools; and
• Complete line of year-round attachments and accessories available.

Liquid-Cooled G^² 700 Series:

• Choice of 24.5-hp gas (Model 725G2), or 20.9-hp diesel (Model 721D2) OHV powerplant engine;
• G^² dual-path hydrostatic drive;
• High-efficiency 7 micron absolute filter;
• Accepts 44-, 48-, 52-, 61- and 72-inch Combo Decks™;
• Complete line of year-round attachments and accessories available;
• Collection systems available from 15 to 25 cubic feet; and
• Twin Ross high-torque motors.

For more information contact The Grasshopper Co. at 316/345-8621 or visit www.grasshoppermower.com.

WALDO, Wisc. - Magna-Matic Corp. is introducing its new MAG-12000 Lawn Mower Blade Cleaner at EXPO 2001. The unit will be available for sale by August 2001.

The MAG-12000 removes all matter, rust and dirt build-up on a lawn mower blade almost down to the steel in approximately 20 seconds, according to the company.

The unit features:

• 2-hp continuous duty, industrial 220-volt, single-phase, 60-Hz motor;
• 12-inch diameter steel brushes;
• Belt drive;
• Totally enclosed design; and
• Single knob adjustment for wheel wear and cleaning pressure.

For more information contact Magna-Matic Corp. at 800/328-1110 or visit www.magna-matic.com.

RACINE, Wis. - Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products, a manufacturer of vehicles and turf maintenance equipment, is debuting several new Bob-Cat® and Bunton® mower models at EXPO 2001.

Textron, which also markets Cushman®, E-Z-GO®, Jacobsen®, Ransomes®, Ryan® and Steiner™ brand products, is debuting the following:

Bob-Cat 218ES

The new Bob-Cat 218ES zero-turn ride-on rotary is a compact zero-turn mower. The unit features:

• 18-hp Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine;
• 52-inch, side-discharge cutting deck;
• Mowing capacity of up to 34 acres per day;
• 9.5-gallon fuel tank;
• 3-inch anti-scalp rollers to protect turf;
• Hinged foot plate for access to the deck drive belts;
• Foam-padded seat tilts forward to allow linkage adjustments and inspection of battery and fluid levels;
• Manual deck lift adjusts cutting height from 1.5 to 4.5 inches;
• Standard armrests, electronic ignition, engine hourmeter, neutral safety switches, traction levers, a key switch and a PTO clutch; and
• Optional two-post rollover protection, knobby-tread rear tires and an eco-plate mulching kit.

Bunton 2180ES

The new Bunton 2180ES zero-turn ride-on rotary is also a compact zero-turn ride-on mower with lever-type steering. The unit features:

• 18-hp Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine;
• 52-inch side-discharge cutting deck;
• Top mowing speed of 8 mph;
• Mowing capacity of up to 34 acres per day;
• 12-gallon fuel tank;
• Hinged foot plate for access to the deck drive belts;
• High-back, foam-padded seat tilts forward to allow linkage adjustments and inspection of battery and fluid levels;
• Deck lift lever adjusts cutting height(from 1.5 to 4.5 inches;
• Standard electronic ignition, engine hourmeter, neutral safety switches, traction levers, a key switch and a PTO clutch; and
• Optional two-post rollover protection, knobby-tread rear tires and an eco-plate mulching kit.

Bob-Cat Midsize Series

The new Bob-Cat midsize walk-behind mowers have expanded engine and cutting deck options that can be mixed and matched for a wide range of mowing applications. The midsize series of mowers feature twin-lever tracking control and cutting height adjustments without tools and a top-mounted cutter spindle with a large mounting pad.

Both gear- and hydrostatic-drive Bob-Cat models are available:

Hydrostatic Models:

• Choice of 15-, 17- or 21-hp Kawasaki V-Twin engines;
• 15- and 17-hp mowers come with a standard recoil start;
• Electric start is standard on 21-hp models and optional for 17-hp models;
• Suspended, full-floating decks in 36-, 48-, 53- and 61-inch widths with anti-scalp rollers and large front caster tires; and
• Fixed decks can also be ordered in 36- and 48-inch widths.

Gear-Drive Models:

• Three gas engine options, including 15- or 17-hp Kawasaki V-Twin or 12-hp Briggs & Stratton I/C single-cylinder;
• All models feature a Peerless 700 Series 5-speed transmission with five forward speeds and reverse and include standard recoil start; and
• Bob-Cat gear-drive walk-behinds offer the same decks available on hydro machines, plus a 32-inch deck for the 12-hp model.

For more information contact Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products at 888/922-TURF (888/922-8873) or visit www.textronturf.com.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Walker Manufacturing Co. will showcase several of its products at EXPO 2001, including the following:

Model D:

• 20.9-hp diesel or 24.5-hp gasoline, water-cooled, three-cylinder Kubota engine;
• Remote air intake;
• Shock mounted instrument panel with warning lights and horn, also includes ignition switch, optional light switch, water temperature gauge, voltmeter and hourmeter;
• Manual PTO clutch and brake;
• Dual hydro-axle;
• 7.0 bushel catcher with GHS option (9.5 bushel catcher optional);
• Handles all decks;
• Dual tail wheels (extra flotation); and
• Splined PTO drive shaft speeds deck installation.

Model T:

• 20-hp Kohler OHV V-Twin engine;
• Optional 25-hp high performance engine available;
• Optional 26-hp Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) high performace package;
• Remote air intake;
• Shock mounted instrument panel with warning lights and horn, also includes ignition switch, optional light switch, voltmeter and hourmeter;
• Manual PTO clutch and brake;
• Dual hydro-axle;
• 7.0 bushel catcher with GHS option (9.5 bushel catcher optional);
• Handles all decks;
• Dual tail wheels (extra flotation); and
• Splined PTO drive shaft speeds deck installation.

For more information contact Walker Manufacturing Co. at 970/221-5614 or visit www.walkermowers.com.