Industry roundup: Greenworks, Super Lawn offer solar lawn truck

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Updated Aug 2, 2018
Photo: Greenworks CommercialPhoto: Greenworks Commercial

Greenworks Commercial and Super Lawn Technologies have combined their green technologies to offer landscape professionals “on-the-go” battery charging capabilities for their outdoor power equipment from any location throughout the workday.

This collaboration, the companies say, features Super Lawn’s new solar lawn truck, a vehicle lined with solar panels to channel solar energy into power, and Greenworks’ 82V lithium-ion battery-powered tools to offer landscape professionals commercial-grade performance, noise reduction and the elimination of odors and emissions to maximize efficiency and performance during the workday.

“This collaboration with Greenworks Commercial is a huge step for the landscape industry and really a culmination of all of our hard work in providing professional landscapers with measurable gains in productivity and efficiencies throughout the work day,” said Tony Bass, president of Super Lawn Technologies. “Eliminating the reliance on fossil fuels, which increase maintenance costs, harm the planet and run afoul of regulatory requirements, opens up a world of possibilities for professionals in this field, as they will be able to better allocate time, personnel and money in more efficient ways.”

This joint-venture, the companies say, kicked off with a beta testing opportunity for some professional landscape crews, who can exchange their gas-powered energy consumption for more environmentally friendly lithium-ion and solar powered advancements.

Super Lawn says professional landscapers with a two to three-person crew and three years of business experience were invited to apply to become testers of the new solar lawn truck and 82V tool system.

“We are excited to work with Super Lawn Technologies on its solar lawn truck beta test program,” said Tony Marchese, director of independent retail for Greenworks North America. “One of the top objections we receive from landscape crews is what do they do if they run out of power during the workday. We encourage smart battery management, planning to have enough fully-charged batteries for the work day just as you would plan on having the necessary cans of gasoline.  That said, we understand things happen during the day that can modify work plans and change battery consumption needs. With the solar lawn truck, landscapers now have the ability to recharge their battery fleet while in the field, further advancing their key business objectives: efficiency, cost reduction and performance.”

The companies say that landscapers who are accepted into the beta testing program and decide to buy or lease the solar lawn truck will be provided with $6,000 worth of Greenworks’ 82V tools, including: eight 2.5 Ah Batteries, one 9 Ah battery, two backpack blowers, two string trimmers, one pole saw, one chainsaw, one hedge trimmer, one stick edger and one handheld blower.

Click here to apply.

Park West completes landscape construction projects for FivePoint Communities

Park West recently completed landscape construction services for three office buildings owned by FivePoint Communities in the Great Park development of Irvine, California. The company says this project was managed by Spurlock Landscape Architects of San Diego and DPR Construction.

Photo: Park WestPhoto: Park West

Park West says one of the most striking features of the design is the dry creek bed running throughout the property at a length of some 2,000 feet and a width of 15 feet that required the application of gravel, grading and placement of boulders.

Another feature, Park West mentions, is the wide bridge spanning an adjacent roadway and integrated into the landscape of the property that was constructed of lightweight lithocrete.

Park West says that among the plantings are several large oak trees in 120-inch boxes that were craned in and strategically placed on areas that would be supported by the beams of the bridge.

Other plantings included a selection of cacti and a palette of other species in the areas. Park West says the project also included a sports court for basketball and volleyball.

“The project was situated on a 73-acre site and was complicated by an elevated bridge deck over a major roadway that is landscaped to be utilized as a park-like setting,” said Paul Panelli, LEED AP, project executive, DPR Construction. “We relied heavily on the Park West team to meet a very aggressive schedule, and they delivered. The end product was a very high-quality project and a proud client.”

HNA announces new presenter, theme for demos

At this year’s Hardscape North America (HNA), there will be a new theme and presenter, Frank Bourque, for the hardscape demonstrations.

Hardscape North America logoHNA says attendees can add the hardscape demonstrations for $50 or can upgrade their registration to the new VIP pass for access to all seven conference sessions, as well as the six demos, for a 50 percent discount ($189 member or $229 non-member).

HNA says a new feature for the demos will be on how hardscape meets water. Bourque will teach attendees about installing hardscapes, segmental retaining walls, raised patios and more around pools and other water features for long-lasting results. One Continuing Education hour will be offered for each one-hour demo for Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) Certified installers.

“The demos are a perfect opportunity to learn new installation techniques and Frank will bring a new perspective to the popular sessions,” said Charles McGrath, executive director of the ICPI.

The hardscape demonstrations include:

Thursday, Oct. 18

10 – 11 a.m. – Tools of the Trade

12 – 1 p.m. – Base Construction & Paver Installation

2 – 3 p.m. – Raised Patios, Walls & Steps

4 – 5 p.m. – Outdoor Kitchens, BBQ’s and Fire Pits

Friday, Oct. 19

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Pools, Water Features & Hardscape Lighting

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Permeable Pavers 101

Early bird registration for HNA 2018 is available for $15, and fees will increase after Thursday, Sept. 6. Registration includes access to both HNA and GIE+EXPO indoor exhibits, access to the 20-acre outdoor demonstration area, entrance to the HNA Hardscape Project Awards presentation on Thursday, Oct. 18 and three free concerts at Fourth Street Live.

LandCare promotes manager in Tacoma, Washington

LandCare recently announced that Jim Kisler has been promoted to branch manager in its Tacoma, Washington, location. Kisler joined LandCare in 2015 as a business development manager in the NorCal region.

Jim KislerJim Kisler

The company says Kisler has been involved in the green industry for over 30 years, having worked at his grandfather’s avocado ranch in Santa Barbara, California, in high school, and then at a local nursery while attending Arizona State University.

Kisler says he was excited to join the LandCare team and help grow the Northern California market, and he says he looks forward to expanding his leadership skills in the Pacific Northwest.

“I’ve never worked with a business development manager who attended Stretch & Flex every morning and was there in the afternoon to thank everyone for their hard work,” said Karen Wilkinson, Northwest regional VP. “Jim truly embraces the philosophy of servant leadership, which is why he will make an excellent branch manager.”

Kisler says for him, it’s all about building and growing his team.

“I have had some great mentors in my career,” Kisler said. “I am excited to pay it forward and hopefully develop my team members into future managers.

Hunter announces exclusive distribution agreement

Hunter Industries logoHunter Industries recently welcomed Horizon Distributors and Metro Irrigation Supply into its group of exclusive distributors for golf irrigation products. Hunter says Horizon/Metro will now provide system-level Hunter golf course irrigation solutions for north and south Texas.

“We look forward to partnering with Horizon/Metro to bring premiere irrigation solutions to the golf market in the region,” said Jon Truttmann, director of golf sales at Hunter. “Their presence and expertise in the Texas market, combined with their highly knowledgeable staff and dedication to customer service, is a winning combination.”

Both Eric Reinkmeyer and Alan Henseler from Horizon/Metro echo Truttmann’s sentiments.

“We are excited about this opportunity with Hunter golf products,” said Eric Reinkmeyer, south Texas Horizon regional manager. “Both Horizon and Metro have a long history in the Texas golf market, and we look forward to introducing superintendents to this innovative, high-quality golf irrigation line.”

“And with a partner like Hunter,” continues Alan Henseler, Metro Irrigation regional manager, “We know we are delivering quality, performance and serviceability.”

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