Photo: KubotaKubota Tractor Corporation recently unveiled its new SVL65-2 compact track loader line.
The company says this new CTL is positioned in a lighter ROC weight class than its predecessors and features an advanced hydraulic multi-function valve, the line’s signature slide-up overhead front door and on/off self-leveling capability. The new unit will be available at authorized Kubota dealers beginning in April.
“Its small-but-mighty size allows the SVL65-2 to maneuver easily in tight areas and is lighter weight for less soil compaction but still packs a powerful punch in efficiency, making it an ideal choice for landscapers, rental yards and small contractors,” says Tim Boulds, Kubota Construction Equipment product operations manager. “Offering this smaller-class size compact track loader further strengthens our construction equipment line and makes Kubota a formidable player in a new class.”
The SVL65-2 features an Advanced Multifunction Valve (AMV) that the company says provides smooth operation when using simultaneous functions, such as auxiliary, boom and bucket circuits, allowing operators to be more productive throughout their work day.
With the AMV, the company says the SVL65-2 makes running any attachment that utilizes auxiliary hydraulics even easier, especially attachments such as grapple buckets, 4-in-1 buckets and hydraulic augers.
The SVL65-2 is also powered by a 68-horsepower engine, and the company says it also boasts a wide working range including a rated operating capacity of 2,100 pounds at 35 percent or 3,000 pounds at 50 percent, a reach of 34.9 inches and a hinge pin height of 118.5 inches.
Kubota says that the standard self-leveling feature can be engaged with the flip of a switch and keeps the bucket or forks level without the need to manually adjust the angle on the way up. Additionally, the company says multi-function levers provide fingertip control of all major vehicle and attachment operations.
Kubota says that while the overall footprint on the new SVL65-2 is smaller, the cab is equivalent in size to the SVL75-2 and SVL95-2s. Wide door openings allow for easy and safe entry and exit, and the company says it features an easy-open sliding front door that can be opened regardless of the position of the bucket or loader arm.
Fecon introduces Tier-4 compliant mulching tractor
Photo: FeconFecon recently introduced the Tier-4 compliant FTX150 mulching tractor, which the company says delivers 150 net HP for proven performance in a versatile, fuel-efficient, compact design.
The company says this low-ground-pressure (3.8 PSI) tractor features a BH85SD bull hog mulcher with either an FGT or a DCR style rotor. Fecon adds that an aggressive 60 gpm, 5,000 psi high flow hydraulic system, with in-cab adjustability with presets, powers the mulcher or other optional attachments like tree shear, grapple bucket, root rake, rotary deck mower, dirt bucket that require high flow hydraulics or low flow auxiliary hydraulics.
The company says that Fecon Power Management ensured the intelligent distribution of power, yielding up to 20 percent more productivity in many environments. Fecon says the FTX150 is long on power yet only uses 5.5 gallons per hour average fuel consumption.
Fecon says the cab is equipped with adjustable joystick pods, a suspension seat and four points of egress, and an intuitive touch-screen monitor allows operator to quickly make adjustments as needed without leaving the cab.
A Cummins 4.5 Tier-4 engine is accessible through large doors for daily service checks and cleaning as well as periodic scheduled maintenance, and a swing out hydraulic cooler allows for complete cleaning on both sides of the cooler.
Fecon adds that the FTX150 provides excellent productivity in mulching and easy use for other auxiliary attachments, and rugged loader arms with skid steer quick attach offer optimal positioning for a variety of attachments.
EPA approves new Vexis herbicide granular
PBI-Gordon Corporation announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved Federal registration for Vexis Herbicide Granular, which will be available for sale in mid-2019.
Vexis is formulated for use on residential and commercial sites, sports facilities and golf course tees, fairways and roughs. Primary features include:
- Post-emergent control of sedges and kyllinga species, including purple and yellow nutsedge, cockscomb and false green kyllinga.
- A low-rate, non-phenoxy product, Vexis has exhibited activity against weeds that have developed resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides. Application rate is .03 to .06 lbs. AI/Acre. Maximum annual use rate is .09 lbs. AI/Acre. Retreatment after 30 days is allowed.
- Vexis can be used on a wide variety of cool- and warm-season turfgrasses: Kentucky bluegrass, fine and tall fescues, perennial ryegrass, bentgrass, Bermuda grass, bahiagrass, buffalograss, kikuyugrass, seashore paspalum, St. Augustine grass (including improved varieties), and zoysiagrass.
PBI-Gordon says the first registered products containing Vexis will be in granular formulation, which will help reduce off-target drift and volatility compared to products currently available. It will be sold in a 2-lb. “shaker” can and in a 35-lb. bag. It will be available alone or in combination with other active ingredients.
ECHO Robotics unveils new autonomous mower at STMA
ECHO Robotics unveiled their new TM-2000 autonomous turf mower at the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) 2019 Conference and Expo in Phoenix.
The company says the TM-2000 is unique in that it can handle up to five acres of turf efficiently and quietly while also finely mulching clippings to promote turf health.
Since the unit can be remotely commanded while monitoring performance via a web platform and mobile app, ECHO Robotics says sports turf managers can put their time and labor toward issues that actually require their direct attention.
Photo: ECHO RoboticsThe company adds that it can also be scheduled to operate around field usage and watering cycles while the emissions-free operation keeps energy costs eight times lower than traditional turf maintenance tools.
“As sports turf managers are tasked with more duties and greater responsibility, time becomes their most precious commodity,” says Kim Heck, CAE, CEO of STMA. “The TM-2000 allows sports turf managers to save time, money and resources.”
The “Innovative Awards Program” recognizes STMA commercial company members who’ve developed a product, service, equipment or technology that substantially enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the sports turf manager, makes the playing surfaces safer and/or more playable for athletes.
Chosen by STMA’s Innovative Awards Task Group, entries are evaluated on a wide range of qualities including whether or not they fill a need, are creative, save time and resources, are cutting-edge, make a task easier or more productive, improve quality, protect the environment and improve efficiency.
“At ECHO, we pride ourselves on creating revolutionary high-performance products,” says Joe Fahey, vice president of ECHO Robotics. “We’re honored to play a part in the enhancement of the sports turf industry and want to thank the Sports Turf Managers Association for this prestigious award.”
Target Specialty Products launches Turf Fuel Root Down
Target Specialty Products has launched Turf Fuel Root Down, a product for turf professionals to strengthen plants, fight sodium and bicarbonates and enhance turf color.
“We continue to launch new Turf Fuel products that are developed to provide exceptional performance and differentiated value to our turf customers,” says Mark Jull, head of Turf Fuel products division at Target Specialty Products.
“Root Down is derived from a truly unique nitrogen compound that provides multiple secondary benefits beyond nutrition,” says Steve Loveday, Turf Fuel nutritional product development manager. “Root Down is comprised of several cutting-edge components aimed at strengthening plants from the root up, improve the turf color substantially and in addition fight sodium and bicarbonates.”
Root Down will be available in Feb. 6-7 and will be launched at the Golf Industry Show in San Diego, California, at Target Specialty Products’ booth number 5523.
