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

Backpack blower meets professionals’ needs
The 170BT backpack blower from Husqvarna is designed for the most rigorous commercial landscaping jobs. The X-TORQ engine delivers high power and torque compared with standard two-stroke engines yet reduces fuel consumption and emissions. The blower produces an air flow rate of 742 cfm and 199 mph wind speed output. The two-stage air filter helps keep the engine clean and performing at peak capacity. The rigid frame features thick padding, contoured shoulder straps, a hip belt and adjustable throttle handle with cruise control.


Mow’n Machine eliminates trim mowing
Woods’ new CZ-Series mid-mount, compact frame zero-turn mower features a low center of gravity that makes it easy to maneuver, providing better traction and control on slopes and uneven ground. Available with Intek or commercial Kawasaki air-cooled gas engines, decks ranging from 36- to 52-inch widths and speeds up to 8 mph, the CZ-Series is designed to get the job done quickly and easily. Its cutting height is adjustable and the quick-lift foot pedal gives the operator on-the-go flexibility to raise the deck when necessary.


High-flow chipper grinds branches, trees and limbs
The Bobcat 8B high-flow chipper attachment reduces branch volume 10-to-1, limiting trips to a dumpsite and improving wood decomposition. The chipper also features a variable gpm setting, a rest override system and a smart valve and pressure valve to maximize chipper performance. According to the manufacturer, the chipper attachment is ideal for landscapers because it can be maneuvered and operated easily in residential backyards. The variable gpm setting enables the attachment to operate within two different gpm flow ranges: 26-31 gpm and 32-37 gpm.


Wright rounds out commercial mower line
Wright Manufacturing’s new mid-mount, zero-turn commercial mower has a lower center of gravity than most mowers, and the rear wheel motors can be moved fore and aft through three different settings to keep the proper weight balance with collection systems. The mower can be powered by a 21-, 23- or 25-horsepower engine with a choice of 48-, 52- or 61-inch deck cutting widths.


Sno-Way introduces the 28V Series V-Plow
The 28V Series V-Plow is designed for commercial snow removal applications and is the only V-Plow with a twin pivot tower design. The double hinge design provides more strength than a conventional single hinge and provides a unique, third rolling surface for more efficient snow removal. The plow is 28 inches tall and available in two standard blade widths – 8 feet, 3 inches or 9 feet, 1 inch. The model is available with steel, polycarbonate or stainless steel interchangeable blade skins.


Lightweight commercial trimmer is rugged and reliable
The 9.5-pound RedMax TR2300S string trimmer is equipped with a RedMax 21.7 cc, two-cycle engine, with fewer moving parts than a four-cycle engine, increasing reliability and reducing maintenance. Power is transmitted through a solid steel shaft to a PT104 Plus head. This 4-inch tap-and-go nylon head has a metal insert to extend the tap knob’s life.


Dozer blade for skid steers, compact track loaders
Skid steer and compact track loader owners looking to finish grade or move a lot of material at once have a new product choice: John Deere’s Worksite Pro DB84 and DB96 dozer blade attachments. The 24-inch-tall blades come in 84- and 96-inch widths respectively, and each blade is quick-attach mounted and comes standard with a reversible cutting edge and adjustable skid shoes. A 30-degree hydraulic angle and 10-degree hydraulic tilt features let the operator make blade adjustments on the go.


Barreto introduces self-propelled mini-trencher
Barreto’s new 912 mini-trencher is designed for sprinkler systems and other shallow trench applications. The 912’s weight is about two-thirds that of standard self-propelled trenchers, and its compact size enables it to fit into tight spaces. The 912 is built using hydraulic technology rather than mechanical components, so it uses fewer moving parts that require maintenance and affect reliability. The mini-trencher includes freewheeling hubs on both sides, a new pivot system that keeps pivot pushing out of the dirt and a 9-hp Honda engine with a 12-inch digging depth.


Great Dane Surfer offers speed, precision
The Surfer, a new mower from Great Dane, offers an alternative to walk-behind and riding mowers. The 52-inch deck stand-on mower enables users to climb curbs, make quick turns and trim around obstacles quickly and precisely. The Thermoplastic Elastomer Spring Package platform cushion absorbs bumps and engine vibrations.


Kohler adds six new models with increased horsepower
Kohler has updated its Command PRO line of commercial turf and construction equipment with six new models of higher horsepower engines. The 34-, 36- and 38-horsepower gasoline engines are air-cooled, V-twin Kohler Command PRO models with 999 cc and are available in both horizontal- and vertical-shaft configurations. The engines, which meet new EPA Tier 3 and CARB emissions requirements, offer a range of commercial and industrial applications, including turf mowers, generators and pumps. They include a top-mounted oil filter with a no-drip oil system, which only requires changing after 150 hours, an aluminized muffler to lengthen muffler life and protect against corrosion and a unique nylon cam gear design for lower sound and vibration levels.


Smart controller manages irrigation
Rain Bird’s new ET Manager uses real-time weather conditions, wireless technology and accurate schedule software to keep landscapes at optimum moisture balance. ET Manager uses current weather conditions to calculate evapotranspiration (ET) rate and allows the controller to irrigate precise amounts of water only when the soil moisture balance reaches user-set levels.


Keystone landscape series offers natural stone look
The new “build-it-yourself” Keystone natural stone landscape series is easy to install and utilizes Keystone’s molded fiberglass pin connection system to provide additional structural support while allowing for easy alignment. The series includes palazzo, verazzo, caprezzo and potenzo stone varieties with the ability to create near-vertical or positive setback and be used in multiple wall positions.

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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