Low cost of ownership makes the Knikmops Elite KM100 series a good fit for landscaping companies.Photo: Knikmops
The Texas-based importer and distributor Miniloaders.com (formerly Compactgiant) has begun distribution of a new mini-loader from Knikmops.
The Belgian manufacturer offers the KM100 Intrepid series with two different models, the Intrepid KM100 has the standard boom while the Intrepid KM100 Tele has a telescoping boom. The standard boom reaches 80 inches and the telescopic reaches 108 inches.
The machines both weigh 2,300 pounds and run on 25-horsepower Kubota engines. They have a top travel speed of 11 mph. Both units use a universal attachment plate with manual locking.
According to Knikmops, the Intrepid KM100 machines use less fuel, have a longer tire life and are easy to enter and exit compared to a skid steer. The telescopic version is $36,000 and the standard boom version is $33,000.
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Echo introduces new trimmer series
Echo says that its new X Series SRM-3020 offers top engine and cutting performance for professional landscapers and right-of-way crews.
The SRM-3020 trimmer, SRM-3020T high torque trimmer and SRM-3020U brushcutter were designed with heavy weeds and thick grass in mind, making them ideal for maintaining spaces such as overgrown areas, parks, preserves and ditches.
The hand-held equipment features a 1.8-horsepower two stroke engine and 20-inch cutting swath. According to Echo, this is a 17 percent larger swath and provides double digit improvement in cutting torque compared to competitors.
“The introduction of the SRM-3020 once again demonstrates Echo’s commitment to providing the best quality and highest durability products for professional users,” said Wayne Thomsen, vice president – marketing and after market, Echo Incorporated. “In a league of its own with category leading engine performance, the SRM-3020 sets a new industry benchmark.”
The gear ratio for the standard trimmer and brushcutter is 1.62:1 and the high torque trimmer has a 2.07:1 gear ratio. Each model features the Speed-Feed 450 trimmer head and comes with a 2-year commercial/5-year consumer warranty.
Spiio releases second-generation wireless sensor
Spiio has introduced the SP-110 to enable a new data dimension for smart irrigation in the green industry.
Photo: SpiioThe new wireless sensor will help landscapers, horticulturists and others in the green industry use smart irrigation to maintain their projects and make better decisions on water usage.
Approximately 70 percent of the water used around the world is for irrigation, and about 60 percent of that water is lost due to evapotranspiration or inefficient watering methods, yet with better data this can be improved.
“Access to more data will not only help us immediately save water in commercial greenscaping, but over time boost the landscape architect’s possibilities when it comes to greening our future data-driven and sustainable super-cities,” said Martin Dal, CEO and co-founder of Spiio.
The SP-110 features four sensors: soil moisture, temperature, light and nutrients. It has the highest possible IP grading (IP69K) making it particularly durable. It has a battery life of five to six years.
The sensor combines with various smart controllers on the market allowing for full automation.
Joe Zazzera, founder of Plant Solutions in Arizona, has used the sensors to help improve his biophilic designs in office buildings.
“There’s nothing more discouraging than trying to connect people with poorly installed or maintained living walls,” Zazzera said. “Using Spiio sensors has enabled us to monitor our living walls remotely 24/7. Having this technology enhances our maintenance skills and fulfills our mission, creating happier, healthier building occupants.”
Steel Green Manufacturing to build zero-turn sprayer and spreaders
Startup Steel Green has announced it will begin operation is Lebanon, Indiana, manufacturing equipment for the professional lawn care industry.
Jones was a parts manager for the last 15 years and has also worked in the parts departments for Ag-Chem Equipment Company and Big A Equipment.
Smith has over a decade of experience in sales and retail management and will serve as sales manager for Steel Green Manufacturing. Floyd, inventory control manager at Steel Green Manufacturing, has worked eight years in various departments including parts and service, shipping and receiving and warranty.
Conyer will bring over 20 years of experience to his new position as production manager for the company. He is certified in Panasonic Robotic Welding and Autodesk Inventor CAD.
Mills has been in the industry since 1987 and spent the last 10 years performing tech support on zero-turn sprayer spreader machines.
“With over 100 years of combined experience in the landscape equipment industry, our team understands the needs of landscape contractors and grounds professionals, and we’re proud to build equipment with them in mind,” Jones said.
