The Pro-Turn ZX is powered by a Kawasaki FX engine. Photo: Gravely
For landscapers looking for an entry-level mower, Gravely says its new series in the Pro-Turn line of commercial zero-turn mowers has a more affordable price point.
The Gravely Pro-Turn ZX has many of the popular features of the Pro-Turn line and comes in deck sizes of 48, 52 or 60 inches. The mower has a 10-gauge welded deck that is 5-1/2 inches deep and a reinforced leading edge.
The Pro-Turn ZX is built on large formed tubular frame rail to support the loads of the machines and it features Gravely’s constant belt tensioning system (CBT), which minimizes wear and maximizes belt life.
Forged aluminum spindles eliminate maintenance, and technicians can flip-up the foot pan to access service points in seconds. All models are powered by Kawasaki FX engines and larger front and rear tires boost the machine’s durability and efficiency.
Operators can change between 15 cutting heights by pushing the deck lift pedal forward and adjusting the pin setting. A high-backed seat with padded arm rests, seat isolators and large diameter steering arms help boost user comfort for long days of mowing.
“The new Gravely Pro-Turn ZX is a well-balanced machine for landscapers who want commercial features at an affordable price,” says Matt Medden, vice president of marketing for Ariens Company. “With this new series, we provide the commercial features our professional landscapers need to complete their jobs. We focused on comfort, durability and price point with this series and are positive our customers are going to love the new Pro-Turn ZX.”
The updated Compact-ProPhoto: Gravely
Models start at a list price of $7,591 ($6,799 manufacturer’s advertised price) and are available through authorized Gravely dealers only. The unit comes backed with a four-year, 750-hour limited commercial warranty.
Gravely also released a redesign of its Compact-Pro series of commercial zero-turn mowers. Medden says these mowers are ideal for Southern markets with narrow gate openings.
Like the original Compact-Pro line, these mowers are designed with small yards in mind with 34- and 44-inch deck sizes. The 34-inch deck can fit through a 36-inch gate opening thanks to its flip-up discharge chute.
The updates include a fully-welded steel tubular frame and the Sidekick. The Sidekick places the throttle, PTO, choke and ignition controls in the armrest, in easy reach of the operator. The deck leveling system from the Pro-Turn series has been included on the new Compact-Pro.
“In our case, small doesn’t mean less,” Medden says. “This package, which is in such high demand among commercial landscapers in some of the most densely-populated spots in the country, incorporates everything in the Gravely DNA. Style, simple design, comfort, durability and performance give commercial landscape professionals all the brand benefits in a size that works for them.”
The EVZTPhoto: Gravely
Compact-Pro mowers start at a list price of $6,689 ($5,999 manufacturer’s advertised price) and are only available through Gravely dealers. The unit comes backed with a four-year, 750-hour limited commercial warranty.
Gravely has also teased its first lithium-ion battery-powered commercial mower, known as the EVZT. The company says it is developing all of the machines internally and is targeting all-day performance.
“We know this is the future,” Medden said at GIE+EXPO 2018. “We want to be leaders in the industry, not just fast followers.”
Exmark introduces new stand-on mower and adds to Radius series
Exmark says it has reinvented the Staris stand-on zero-turn mower from the ground up, providing increased stability, traction and maneuverability.
The engine placement, operator position, fuel tanks and tower structure are all designed to enhance weight distribution and overall performance, according to the manufacturer. The Staris is constructed with the same wall thickness as the Lazer Z zero-turn riding mower.
Staris E-SeriesPhoto: Exmark
Exmark offers Staris in the E-Series with 32-, 36- and 44-inch UltraCut Series 3 cutting decks and the large-frame S-Series with 48-, 52-, and 60-inch UltraCut Series 4 cutting decks.
The side-discharge UltraCut cutting decks allow landscapers to mulch or bag clippings when the right accessories are used.
The E-Series has a max drive speed of 7.5 mph and 10 mph on the S-Series. The S-Series also features Exmark’s Smart Controller, which provides maintenance reminders, on-screen health diagnostics, as well as engine and PTO hours.
The E-Series is powered by Kawasaki V-twin commercial engines while the S-Series has the option of a carbureted Kawasaki or Kohler EFI V-twin engine.
Exmark says it designed the Staris with service in mind, dropping the engine lower so it is easier for technicians to access. All Staris models have both a flip-up front cover and a rear cover that lifts and locks into place.
The manufacturer has also added a 44-inch E-Series model to its Radius lineup. The new Radius is for landscape professionals who need a smaller, nimble machine that still has the durability of larger commercial models.
“The compact size of this new Radius model is easier to handle in tighter confines of small or highly-landscaped properties,” says Mike Mayfield, Exmark product manager. “Its versatility makes the 44-inch Radius E-Series well suited for a wide range of commercial and residential mowing needs.”
Kubota enters stand-on mower market
Kubota has made its first foray into the stand-on mower market with its line of SZ Series, which the company says are its entry-level models for the commercial stand-on mower category.
The SZ SeriesPhoto: Kubota
“Entering the stand-on commercial mower category further exemplifies Kubota’s commitment to provide a complete line of turf products to their dealers, making Kubota dealers a true one-stop shop for turf professionals,” says Tom Vachal, Kubota senior turf product manager. “The new SZ mowers feature a generous operator platform that you can stand on, or flip up to walk behind in uneven terrain, giving these mowers optimal versatility.”
The SZ Series has three models: the SZ19-36, SZ22-48 and the SZ26-52. These mowers are equipped with Kawasaki FX and FT EFI engines and, depending on the model, can reach travel speeds of 11 mph.
Kubota says that the mowers were designed with comfort and usability in mind. The models feature a cushion pad that supports the upper thigh area and reduces knee and back pressure while standing on the mower. The front reference bar can be adjusted tool-lessly and the mower features easy access maintenance points.
The SZ Series will be available in January 2019.
Additionally, Kubota has introduced EFI models for its popular Z700 line of commercial zero-turn mowers. The three models are the Z751KWi with a 48-inch deck, Z781KWi with a 54-inch deck and the Z781KWTi with a 60-inch deck.
Powered by Kawasaki EFI engines, these models feature an electronic governor and open-loop technology that prevents the loss of power when faced with heavy workloads or uneven terrain.
The EFI models also feature 24” tires, an LCD engine monitor, a dial throttle control and a 12-volt outlet that can charge and power devices.
The new EFI models will beginning shipping in November.
Honda upgrades walk-behind mower engines
Honda’s popular walk-behind series, the HRX Series, now features the GCV200 engine, giving it 10 percent more power and torque.
HRX SeriesPhoto: Honda
This updated engine is replacing the GCV190. The HRX Series is the first Honda product to feature the new GCV200 engine, which has a larger fuel tank and easier oil changes. It is also lighter than the engine it is replacing.
Aside from the new engine, the HRX series has a new engine layout, making it easier to access the spark plug and air cleaner and to monitor and change the oil. It also features new modern styling.
Operators can opt from bagging to mulching to simultaneous bagging and mulching of grass clippings thanks to the Versamow System with Clip Director without having to add any extra attachments.
“With the newly redesigned HRX, Honda Power Equipment is offering a premium product that fuses innovative technological advancements with operational improvements that help consumers achieve a wholly satisfying experience in the pursuit of maintaining healthy, beautiful green spaces,” says Will Walton, vice president of Honda Power Equipment.
Wright Manufacturing adds basic stand-on mower
Wright Manufacturing has created a new series of basic stand-on mowers with the entry-level landscaper in mind.
The Stander B has a starting price of $5,500 and features a Kawasaki FS651 engine, a hydro-gear ZT-3100 transmission and a floating 48” or 52” deck.
Wright says the model has unmatched hillside stability and is sturdily constructed.
To test drive the Stander B, call 301-360-9810 or visit wrightmfg.com for the name of your nearest dealer.
Stander BPhoto: Wright Manufacturing
