GIE 2000 New Product Roundup

The Toro Company
Toro can always be counted on to have one of the largest booths at the GIE Show, and this year the booth was made more interesting by the company’s new product offerings. As the popularity of the compact skid-steers continues to grow, manufacturers continue to add attachments. Toro introduced a new stump grinder attachment for its Dingo machine, which allows users to get at stumps in hard-to-reach locations. In addition, the attachment rotates or indexes 30 degrees in two directions to provide users with greater grinding capability.

Toro displayed some new mowers as well, introducing new ProLine gear and hydro floating deck mid-size mowers. The machines are available with three different Kawasaki engine sizes – 12.5 horsepower, 15 horsepower, 17 horsepower – as well as a 15-horsepower Kohler Command Pro. The mower decks, which feature a reinforced and larger tubular steel carrier frame, include 36-, 44- and 52-inch widths, and all new models feature Toro’s Super Flow System.

Another new mower is the Z286E, which features electronic fuel injection, a 10-miles per hour ground speed, 62- and 72-inch deck options and a stand lift that is attached to the front of the mower’s deck. The Z Stand pivots down from the deck and operators can then drive the mower forward to elevate the deck for in-the-field service.

For those contractors who prefer liquid-cooled engines, the Z Master Z287L is similar to the Z286E, except it is powered by a Kawasaki 27-horsepower liquid cooled engine.

This spring, Toro will also introduce a full line of floating deck mid-size mowers featuring pistol grip controls for those contractors who are pistol-grip fans and would rather use that steering system instead of Toro’s T-bar system.

Toro also introduced a new attached Sulky unit (pictured above right) that features dual footstands with suspension systems to reduce bouncing for the operator. On display at the show, the unit is unnamed as of yet and scheduled to be released in early spring 2001, according to Toro.

Ferris’ new equipment entrants showcased at GIE are named the "New Zs" – models IS 1000 Z with 48- or 52-inch decks, IS 3000 Z with a 61-inch deck and IS 4000 Z (pictured at right) with 61- or 72-inch decks. The units feature a foot-operated deck lift with ¼-inch adjustments for hands-free operation, deck construction with overlap-welded corners for increased strength and deep spindles with larger distance between ball bearings to reduce side load. Two of the New Zs – IS 3000 Z and IS 4000 Z – include adjustable anti-scalp rollers that rotate a full 360 degrees to allow tight pivot turns with less chance of side drag marks.

Perhaps the biggest news about Ferris’ IS technology is the company’s introduction of two suspension options: four-wheel independent suspension on the IS 4000 Z and two-wheel independent suspension on the IS 3000 Z. Instead of a pivoting axle, the front wheels on the IS 4000 Z move independently due to two suspension arms attached to each wheel. The arms are pivotally attached to the frame. Movement is controlled by a spring/shock combination.

A dual-point pivoting front axle on the IS 3000 Z complements the unit’s rear suspension by keeping all four wheels on the ground. Additionally, Ferris states that dual-point mounting offers more strength than a single-point system.

The benefits of the IS technology, according to Ferris, include comfort, speed, extended mower life and traction. Because the IS system absorbs bumps and jolts, operator discomfort and fatigue are reduced. Typical compensation for bumps results in users slowing mowers down, but Ferris says the reduction of bumpy riding with IS results in operators increasing speed and taking full advantage of the mowers’ available horsepower. Extended mower life is a reality with the system as shock load is reduced on the chassis, and added traction is observed as ground contact is maximized by providing constant downward pressure on the drive wheels.

Kubota’s new ZD-Series includes the ZD18 and ZD21, which feature a unitized chassis assembly that incorporates the transmission as an integral part of the sub-frame. The chassis and suspension design, according to Kubota, provides superior work performance, a wide stance for improved stability and a smooth ride.

Because the chassis/suspension system is compact, the units are able to mow around obstacles and reduce trim mowing. The unit’s front suspension system features a pivoting axle for following ground contours. Servicing options include using Kubota’s Deck Lift, pivoting front axle and built-in jack system to service the unit without removing the mid-mount mower deck.

Both new units have Kubota’s liquid-cooled, 3-cylinder E-TVCS (Three Vortex Combustion System) diesel engine. The ZD18 uses the 18-hp D722 version of the engine, while the ZD21 uses the 21-hp D782 version. An 8-gallon fuel tank in combination with the fuel-efficient diesel engine reduces refueling stops.

The hydrostatic transmission on the units uses two shaft-driven piston pump hydros to supply power to the final drives and transfer power from the engine to the mid-mount mower.

The units feature three blades, and deck widths for the ZD18 include a standard 54-inch model or a 60-inch optional model, while the ZD21 has a standard 60-inch deck. Cutting heights range from 1 to 5 inches in ½-inch increments by twisting the height adjustment dial.

Mowing maintenance contractors have the option of a large volume grass collector that holds up to 12 bushels of clippings. The high-volume collection system lets operators mow longer between stops to empty the collector.

Included in the products showcased at the show that are now in the familiar orange Husqvarna color was the SC18 Sod Cutter. Designed for commercial turf care maintenance, the unit features a four-wheel drive transmission, low center of gravity and an anti-vibration folding handle. It has two cutting speeds, two transport speeds and power reverse. A 5.5-hp Honda engine powers the unit that has a cutting width of 18 inches and variable cutting depth up to 2.5 inches. The overall width of the unit is 24 inches, and its length is 54 inches.

Husqvarna also displayed its SD18 Seeder with Husqvarna Delta Blades for cutting slits in the ground 2 inches apart. A cam dial selector controls the rate at which seeds are deposited in the soil. Along the same lines as the seeder, the company also has the DT18 and DT18C power rakes, which remove matted thatch and thin running-stem grasses using the variety of blade attachments like the flail blade reel, delta blade reel and spring tines. The DT18C dethatches an 18-inch-wide swath in one swath and is configured with spring tines. A flail blade reel is standard on the DT18, which also covers 18 inches in one swath.

Aerators are also a welcome addition to Husqvarna’s commercial turf care maintenance line. The company’s AR19 Series features a 19-inch aerating width and a variable depth to 3 inches with either a 3.5-hp Briggs & Stratton engine or a 4-hp Honda engine. The AR25 Series uses a free-wheeling outer tine system for a 25.5-inch aerating width and variable depth to 3 inches. The AR19 and AR25 both have two removable 36-pound weights for increased downward pressure. Additionally, Husqvarna offers the TA36 aerator for larger properties that features 32.5-inch closed spoon, slicing blades or spikes. The TA36 aerates up to 3 inches deep and has a 36-inch aerating width.

Other products added to Husqvarna’s line include two styles of collection systems. The CZ14 is a large capacity and dump-from-the-seat-system for mid-mount zero-turn radius mowers. This unit has a 90-gallon capacity container with a sight window for the operator to view the level of debris collected. The other style is the CZ9, a compact and lightweight system for mid-mount ZTR mowers. This system comes with two 30-gallon capacity removable containers and weighs a total of 360 pounds.

The four-wheeled unit uses a straight up-down turf penetration method with a powered cam drive as opposed to a revolving cam design. With 23 inches of aerating width, the total width of the unit is 30 inches. The Power-Plug uses a single drive belt instead of multiple belts, chain drives and pulleys that are common on other aerating machines.

The unit’s 5/8-inch diameter tines are adjustable to approximately 2 ¾ inches deep. Power-Plug tines are machined from high-carbon steel bar, heat treated, then industrial chrome plated for extended life. The tines disengage with a hand lever to skip over obstacles without slowing down.

The unit features a 5.5-hp Briggs & Stratton engine and separate throttle and clutch controls for easier operation in tight areas at low speeds. It also comes with a replacement punch and belt set.