Field Guide: New products & gear for today’s landscaper

Corona Clipper expands line of tree pruners
According to Corona Clipper, extensive market and product research led to the design of its new professional tree pruners and accessories. Leading the pack of new tools is the heavy-duty arborist head AC 9300, made of high strength aluminum casting for rugged tree care and a slim profile to help it fit in tight spots. High-grade steel blades cut limbs up to 11/4 inch in diameter, and the AC 9300 head fits Corona’s FP 3000 series of fiberglass poles, as well as other manufacturers’ poles. The FP 3000 poles are made of hollow core fiberglass and are available in 8-, 10-, 12- and 14-foot lengths.


Dimension herbicide now available in water-based, sprayable version
Dow AgroScience’s new formulation Dimension 2EW herbicide offers early post-emergence control of crabgrass and pre-emergence control of other grassy and broadleaf weeds. This new Dimension formulation can be sprayed on top of landscape ornamentals, including field-grown nursery ornamentals, and can be used almost anywhere, including established lawns, golf courses and sod farms. Dimension 2EW will initially be available in half-gallon, 2½-gallon and 30-gallon containers.


Cub Cadet debuts new commercial mower line
Cub Cadet’s new Enforcer family of zero-turn mowers are powered by Kawasaki V-Twin air-cooled engines, in 19-, 21- or 23-horsepower versions. All Enforcer models come standard with Cub Cadet’s Command Cut System, featuring fully fabricated decks available in 44-, 48- and 52-inch cutting widths. Other standard Enforcer features include a pivoting front axle, easily accessible Timken tapered roller bearing spindles, a fully welded steel frame, high-back suspension seat and dual, five-gallon fuel tanks.


Toro’s diesel-powered zero-turn mower tackles tough turf conditions
The Z Master Z595-D zero-turn riding mower from Toro offers landscapers a 25-horsepower engine for tackling tough mowing conditions while delivering high fuel efficiency. The 52- and 60-inch models feature Toro’s Turbo Force cutting deck, with an adjustable baffle that lets operators fine-tune the performance for maximum productivity. Other features include a tough spindle assembly, a rugged “bull nose” front bumper, a rubber discharge chute that allows for close trimming without damaging the chute or landscape structures and a fully welded, fabricated deck shell constructed of 7-gauge steel.


Cut and mulch with Snapper’s latest walk-behind mower
Snapper’s latest generation, 21-inch walk-behind mower features its patented Ninja mulching system. The Ninja system uses six cutting surfaces fixed on each individual blade to cut and re-cut grass clippings into extremely fine mulch that disappears into a lawn and decomposes quickly. The new mower features a fuel-efficient, direct-overhead valve gasoline engine that is emits lower noise levels and less vibration to the operator. Snapper’s Easy Speed shift controller is standard, giving the operator infinitely variable speed control without gear selection.


Slow release feeding fertilizer tablet
Novozymes Biologicals’ new MYCOtabs 20-10-5 Mycorrhizal 21-gram fertilizer tablets provide a total feeding solution for healthy trees and shrubs. Installed below the ground to eliminate washouts, the tablets feature special binders that release the elements over time – up to 12 months depending on your soil type and climate. MYCOtab is the only fertilizer tablet to combine a biostimulant complex with 18 strains of micorrhizae that work together in the feeder root zone – the area where trees and shrubs get their nourishment. The tabs do not wash away like surface applications.


Vibratory plow adds riding capability
Ditch Witch’s 40-horsepower 420sx vibratory plow is designed to install irrigation systems up to three inches in diameter and up to a 24-inch cover depth. It adds riding capability, dual-speed attachment drive and a fold-down ROPS that enables the unit to maneuver under tree limbs, eaves and other low-hanging obstacles. Overall productivity is enhanced by the machine’s 11-gallon fuel tank, and the increased groundspeed and pilot-operated control for ground drive and steering make the 420sx easy and efficient to operate. Optional equipment includes a front reel carrier, RotoWitch, light kit and digging attachment with 36-inch maximum depth and 8-inch maximum trench width.


Fold-A-Cart available in professional models
A multi-use landscaping cart, Fold-A-Cart is a versatile, two-wheeled full-size cart that folds down to 20 percent of its original size for transport and storage. The professional cart’s handle height and wheel/axle balance points provide better stability and maneuverability making it easier to lift, move and dump with a FLEXTRON tub, backed by a 10-year replacement warranty. The cart delivers 9 cubic feet and 400 pounds of carrying capacity and features a nonstick, flat tub to make hauling easy.


Atlas Glove is new and improved
While the original Atlas Glove has been around for a while, LFS Glove and Safety has produced a “new and improved” version – NT370BBK. The 370 features a longer cuff and a darker palm. According to the company, the gloves outperform leather and fit like a second skin. They are made of durable, abrasion and puncture-resistant nitrile coating that protects hand while allowing dexterity. Ergonomic shaping reduces hand fatigue, and the knit liners are seamless – no lumps or seams to irritate your hands. The gloves are machine washable and come in sizes small to extra large.


SnowEx introduces walk-behind spreader
The SP-75 walk-behind spreader, produced by SnowEx, is intended for winter maintenance applications including treating sidewalks, driveways and other applications in small spaces. The SP-75 features a single-slot port design, which makes the unit capable of freely spreading large bulk materials and bag salt. The spreader’s hopper has a maximum capacity of 1.8 cubic feet (approximately 100 pounds of material). A stainless steel deflector encases the spinner, ensuring that the material lands on the pavement surface and not on bordering foliage. Thirteen-inch pneumatic tires easily traverse snow, slush and ice to reduce operator fatigue.


New features enhance business management software
Wintac Green 2007, a new version of Intac International’s business management software for lawn care and landscaping, combines service management, CRM, contact management and accounting software in one program. Suited for any size company, the latest version boasts more than 100 new features including enhanced job scheduling, a drag and drop dispatch board, wireless PDA messaging, a more advanced password security system and the ability to attach unlimited pictures, documents and spreadsheets to any job. Wintac Green 2007 is available in single-user and multi-user network configurations and comes with a year of unlimited technical support services.


Lower profile three-wheel ride-on mower from Ferris
The ProCut S three-wheel mower from Ferris features a lower profile for increased stability, a 33 percent increase in mowing speed, a more durable transmission and an updated rear suspension for improved operator comfort. Other features include a 25-horsepower Kawasaki V-twin engine, zero-turn transmission with a Hydro Gear pump and wheel motor system and a 61-inch mower deck crafted from 10-gauge steel. The deck can be raised electrically, allowing the operator to raise the out-front mowing deck for momentary traction assistance and under-deck maintenance.


Dixie Chopper unveils propane mower
Dixie Chopper’s new alternative power propane mower, the LP-300, is fueled with LP gas and features a Generac 992cc engine and can be used ozone alert days. The machine is factory tested to cut 7.5 acres per hour using the 60- and 72-inch cut options. According to the manufacturer, the Gaseous Alternate Power system eliminates the need for a choke, enabling the operator to start the engine with the turn of a key.


Simplicity expands Conquest tractor lineup
A 23-horsepower model has joined Simplicity’s Conquest yard tractor family. The new model features a 50-inch mowing deck and car-like power steering to ease operator fatigue while offering more precise control. A Kohler, V-twin engine is standard as is Simplicity’s patented Automatic Controlled Traction system, which continuously supplies power to both wheels and minimizes slippage. All four Conquest tractor models feature foot-controlled automatic transmissions, free-floating mower decks with full-width rollers, infinite height-of-cut adjustment and cruise control.


Landscaper PRO fertilizers for professional landscapers
The Landscaper PRO series of professional grade fertilizers by Scotts are specially formulated with Scotts’ patented Poly-S, sulfur-coated, nitrogen extended-release fertilizer, which feeds plants for up to three or four months. The Landscaper PRO line includes:

  • Landscaper PRO 32-3-10 Turf Fertilizer for all turf areas
  • Landscaper PRO 16-25-10 Starter brand fertilizer for annual and perennial flowers, shrubs, trees, roses and turf
  • Landscaper PRO 14-14-14 Outdoor Ornamentals for annual and perennial flowers, shrubs, trees and roses
  • Landscaper PRO Step Max Micronutrients
  • Two new landscaper-designed, professional-grade spreaders

Bobcat expands zero-tailswing excavator line
The new 425 compact excavator from Bobcat fills the 2- to 3-metric-ton class gap in the company’s zero-tailswing model lineup. The standard 425 model delivers 8 feet, 4 inches of digging depth and has a 14-foot, 10-inch maximum reach. A long-arm 425 model features 9 feet, 4 inches of digging depth and 15 feet, 9 inches of maximum reach at ground level. Both versions are powered by a 26-horsepower diesel engine and feature two-speed travel motors to increase mobility around jobsites. Other standard features include a spacious operator station, simplified service and maintenance access and an easy-to-use attachment mounting system.


Wider 3500 Pro Series mower
Putting an emphasis on improved stability and a smooth ride led Snapper Pro engineers to craft a new, 57-inch-wide track for its 3500 Pro Series commercial grade zero-turn mower. Two models are available with 61- or 73-inch anchored mower decks for broader, scalp-free cuts. A 30-horsepower, air-cooled Kohler V-twin engine powers the 61-inch deck version. The 73-inch deck model features a 32-horsepower, air-cooled Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine. Other features include twin, seven-gallon fuel tanks, seven-gauge welded steel frame and mower deck, dual path hydraulic systems and twin lever steering controls.


A stand-on mower for the price of a walk-behind
EverRide’s new Scorpion FX stand-on mower is priced about the same as a hydrostatic walk-behind unit, but offers greater performance and efficiency thanks to its higher mowing speeds. The Scorpion features a 19-horsepower engine and 52-inch fixed deck. As a result, EverRide says the Scorpion trims faster, turns quicker and is more stable on hills. Its design offers increased operator visibility while allowing the legs to absorb bumps instead of the spinal column.

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.
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Attachments Idea Book Cover