Field Report – October 2007

GIE+EXPO combines networking, education and industry trade show
The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) have joined forces this year to produce the largest, most in-depth industry event. PLANET brings an impressive track record of powerful educational seminars and events that encourage and foster the best networking opportunities. OPEI brings a significant and nationally known trade show that has cultivated a huge annual following.

GIE+EXPO will provide the largest showcase of outdoor power equipment distributed through dealers, retailers, and distributors for consumer, professional and retail use. In addition, lawn and garden products, outdoor leisure items distributed through home centers, dealers and retailers will be represented. More than 650 exhibiting companies will cover more than 458,000 square feet of space inside the Kentucky Expo Center with an adjacent 20-acre outdoor demonstration area. Outdoor demonstrations and test driving will be available every day of the event.

GIC will take place this month in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Kentucky Expo Center from October 24 to October 27. GIE+EXPO hours for indoor exhibits will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 25 and October 26, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 27. Outdoor demonstrations will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 25 and October 26, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 27.

For more information, visit LandcareNetwork.org, or call the PLANET office at (800) 395-2522. Advance registration is recommended to ensure available space in events such as Breakfast With Champions.
~ Staff report


Cat launches safety site
Caterpillar launched a new Web site this summer, devoted to safety and safety-related issues. The site, safety.cat.com, features excerpts from the company’s operations and maintenance manuals, videos and general safety information as well as guidelines for performing machine walk-arounds.

Visitors to the site can choose a product category from the Caterpillar product line and then find specific information related to a particular machine.

The site includes a multimedia section that includes the virtual walk-arounds and a safety label interactive section that gives information about the symbols used on universal safety labels. A general topic section has downloadable, printable information on equipment maintenance, equipment operation, jobsite safety and personal safety.
~ Amy Materson


Correction
A product feature for Valvette Systems on Page 51 of the September 2007 issue should have read: Valvette Systems introduces Little Tuffy pop-up sprinklers – 4″ and 6″. They eliminate 5-, 8-, 10- and 12-foot nozzles, pressure regulation, 1/4″ drip tubing and emitters. According to the manufacturer, they provide higher uniformity without overspray and misting. With the water on, pop-up stems stay up with nozzle removed. They are available with check valves and low volume screens for drip and micro-spray applications.


CLIPPINGS
Kubota and Land Pride form marketing alliance

Kubota Tractor Corporation and Land Pride will market Land Pride equipment performance-matched to Kubota tractors. Participating Kubota dealerships in the United States will offer Land Pride the opportunity to sell their equipment with Kubota tractors. Such products include rotary cutters, grooming mowers, rotary tillers and rear blades.

Demo area sold out for 2007 GIE+EXPO
The 19-acre outdoor demonstration area at the first Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) is completely reserved. GIE+EXPO 2007, a merger between The International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo and the Green Industry Expo, will be held in Louisville at the Kentucky Exposition Center, October 25-27. Outdoor exhibitors such as Ariens, Briggs & Stratton, Jameson LLC, Scag Power Equipment, Walker Manufacturing Co. and White Drive Products will be demonstrating their new products for 2008.

Dow AgroSciences introduces new granular broadleaf weed control
Dow AgroSciences announces the registration of the molecule penoxsulam, which delivers post-emergence control of broadleaf weeds in turf at low use rates. Penoxsulam conquers a broad spectrum of weeds, provides some residual control and can be used on both cool- and warm-season turf. Dow AgroSciences will market penoxsulam under the trade name, LockUp specialty herbicide.

The Toro Company acquires Rain Master
The Toro Company has purchased Simi Valley, California-based Rain Master Irrigation Services, a market leader of innovative irrigation central control systems, controllers and handheld remote controls for the landscape and commercial markets for more than 25 years. The company has a strong presence in many parts of the western United States. Rain Master products will become part of The Toro Company’s Irritrol line, but will still be sold under the Rain Master brand.

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