During the 2017 GIE+EXPO last week, Bob-Cat introduced its new XRZ Pro RS zero-turn mower to the market.
This new addition is designed with the entry-level commercial landscaper in mind both with the features included and the price point.
Operators have the option of a 48-, 52- or 61-inch deck and the model is powered by a Kawasaki FX Series engine. The reinforced steel mower deck features the patented Double Wave baffle system that maximizes vacuum and lift.
The XRZ Pro RS has dual fuel tanks with a 9.5-gallon capacity and a top forward speed of 10 mph. Hydro-Gear ZT-3400 twin hydrostatic transaxles help ensure a smooth ride along with the fully mechanical suspension seats with armrests.
“The new Bob-Cat XRZ Pro RS is our latest professional grade mower built for the rigors of commercial mowing,” said Ron Scheffler, product manager for Bob-Cat. “Based on 60 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise, this latest edition to our zero-turn mower line comes loaded with commercial-grade features. Importantly, it combines superior value with the toughness and reliability customers have come to expect from Bob-Cat.”
The new ZTR comes with a 6-year/1,200-hour warranty and has an MRSP of $6,799.
The XRZ Pro RS also features Bob-Cat’s new aggressive styling, which includes black wheel rims, black belt covers and a darker seat. This new design is part of the RS Series, which will be available for the Fast Cat Pro RS, ProCat RS and Predator Pro RS models.
All the RS Series models include fully mechanical, adjustable suspension seats and Zero-T drive tires for better performance.
“Bob-Cat commercial zero turns are well known for their adherence to durability, quality of cut and ease of ownership above all else,” said Troy Blewett, director of marketing for Bob-Cat. “They’re high-performance commercial mowers and now they have a new look to match.”
Another new machine that Bob-Cat debuted at the tradeshow was the 21-inch commercial walk-behind mower. It comes it two self-propelled models, one with zone starting and one with blade brake clutch (BBC).
It is powered by a 179cc Kawasaki FJ180V KAI Series engine. It has a ground speed of 4.1 mph in third gear. The walk-behind can cut from 1 to 4 inches in half-inch increments.
“Professional landscapers who need a 21-inch walk-behind for regular mowing, not just the occasional trim, will appreciate the rugged new Bob-Cat 21-in commercial unit,” Scheffler said. “In addition to its durability and quality of cut, it is also very serviceable, thanks to easy access to components and replaceable tires.”
The walk-behind comes with a one-year limited warranty on the mower and a three-year limited warranty on the engine.
Bob-Cat has also updated the cutting system on its 52-inch and 61-inch ProCat and PredatroPro commercial zero-turn mowers.
The new AirFX provides a better quality of cut and more uniform dispersal of clippings, according to Bob-Cat. Unlike traditional baffle arrangements, the AirFX has a 5 ½-inch deep profile deck for better grass processing and gapped baffles improve the air flow, causing better clipping dispersal.
The bull nose design of the deck allows grass to spring back up before it reaches the cutting chamber for a cleaner cut. The deck is also sturdy with a dual 10-gage top deck, 10-gage steel bolt-on baffles and three-gage steel leading and trim edges. It has a limited lifetime warranty.
For more information on any of these products, click here to find a local dealer.