News roundup: Husqvarna celebrates 1 millionth robotic lawnmower

user-gravatar Headshot
Updated May 1, 2017
Husqvarna recently celebrated a manufacturing milestone as it rolled out its 1 millionth robotic lawnmower, 22 years since finishing work on its first. Photo: HusqvarnaHusqvarna recently celebrated a manufacturing milestone as it rolled out its 1 millionth robotic lawnmower, 22 years since finishing work on its first.
Photo: Husqvarna

Husqvarna recently celebrated a manufacturing milestone as it rolled out its 1 millionth robotic lawnmower, 22 years since finishing work on its first.

On average, the company says it takes input from 72 staff to produce each product; currently its factory, 1.4 million square feet, employs a workforce of 1,154. The company also says that about 3,000 models can be produced daily during the height of the season.

“Celebrating 1,000,000 environmentally friendly robotic mowers is a milestone for the group,” said Kai Wärn, chief executive and president of Husqvarna Group. “More than 20 years ago, we created the robotic mower market and have developed the market ever since. We see that in many countries the market for robotic mowers remains small, while others have grown substantially – meaning sizeable growth opportunities in this exciting segment remains. Our aim is to maintain our leadership position by providing the most reliable, safe and efficient products and solutions.”

NALP names new Board of Directors

NALP-logoThe National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) will welcome its new Board of Directors on May 1, 2017. The president of the association will be Jon Cundiff, Landscape Industry Certified and president of Weed Man, Kansas City.

“Each year we welcome talented new members of the Board who represent unique skill sets and backgrounds, to ensure that the Board represents all the members in the association,” said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, NALP CEO. “This is a great Board who is energized to help grow the industry.”

2017-2018 Officers

  • President – Jon Cundiff, Landscape Industry Certified, Weed Man
  • President-Elect – Jeff Buhler, Massey Services
  • Secretary/Treasurer – Andrew Ziehler, Landscape Industry Certified, Ziehler Lawn and Tree Care
  • Immediate Past President-Brett Lemcke, Landscape Industry Certified, R. M. Landscape, Inc.

Directors at Large:

  • Jason Becker, Landscape Industry Certified, Caterpillar
  • Mike Bogan, Landscape Industry Certified, LandCare
  • Jim Campanella, Landscape Industry Certified, Lawn Dawg
  • Joy Diaz, Landscape Industry Certified, Land Care Incorporated
  • Pete Farno, Landscape Industry Certified, Bayer
  • Paul Fraynd, Landscape Industry Certified, Sun Valley Landscaping
  • Bob Grover, Landscape Industry Certified, Pacific Landscape Management
  • Roscoe Klausing, Landscape Industry Certified, Klausing Group
  • Joe Kujawa, Landscape Industry Certified, Kujawa Enterprises, Inc.
  • Zach Johnson, Landscape Industry Certified, Colorado State University
  • Frank Mariani, Landscape Industry Certified, Mariani Landscapes
  • Shayne Newman, Landscape Industry Certified, YardApes
  • Barb Stropko, Landscape Industry Certified, New Desert Gallery, Inc.

The Board was sworn in at Leaders Forum in St. Thomas, on January 13, 2017.

Briggs & Stratton develops TransportGuard engine feature

Photo: Briggs & StrattonPhoto: Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power has developed and patented the Vanguard TransportGuard engine feature.

The company says this feature prevents damage caused by oil and fuel dilution during transportation while reducing maintenance and increasing productivity.

“Our focus is always on enhancing the productivity of our customers,” said Jim Cross, marketing manager for Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power. “TransportGuard prevents downtime by effectively addressing a major problem: fuel contamination. Equipment owners can be confident that engines are protected from potential damage caused by oil dilution, and they can eliminate the costs and downtime associated with unnecessary oil changes.”

The company says that in as little as 30 minutes, five ounces of fuel can flow into an engine because of jostling during transport. This can cause oil dilution, which is a costly problem that increases maintenance expenses and downtime.

Only a few ounces of fuel can dilute the oil and reduce its viscosity, and this can lead to more friction, a shorter engine life and increased wear. When exposed to fuel leakages, it can also cause plugs to foul, varnish to form, filters to become saturated and parts to erode.

All Vanguard single-cylinder horizontal engines, which boast gross horsepower ratings from 5.5 to 10 horsepower, come standard with TransportGuard.

The Attachments Idea Book
Landscapers use a variety of attachments for doing everything from snow removal to jobsite cleanup, and regardless of how often they are used, every landscaper has a favorite attachment.
Download
Attachments Idea Book Cover