The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) is the visionary international association unifying all stakeholders in the green industry. Its inclusive membership comprises thousands of companies that design/build or manage landscape projects, or provide interior plantscaping or lawn care services for their clients. PLANET is the member-driven green industry advocate and partner in business, professional development, education, government affairs, and so much more. This partnership enhances the ability of PLANET members to do what they do best – improve the quality of life through beautification of our environments.
PLANET members enjoy many benefits, particularly from networking opportunities and from programs such as PLANET Trailblazers, a member-to-member networking and mentoring program, as well as subscriptions to green industry-specific periodicals, events, and educational products. Building deep professional and personal relationships across all aspects of the green industry is a great enabler of development, growth, and unification. It’s also good for business.
Members have free access to legal, human resources, safety, and public relations consultants, who provide them with professional advice in critical aspects of their businesses. In addition, through the association’s affinity programs, members have access to partner discounts and industry-specific programs that improve the bottom line.
PLANET has long been known as “The Voice of the Green Industry.” From participating in lawn care hearings in the early 1990s, to reaching millions with PLANET’s benefits of turf messages and the recent H-2B legislation, the Association’s government affairs department continues to be a key resource for the green industry. PLANET also helps members develop legislative strategies, generate talking points, issue position papers, and conduct face-to-face lobbying when requested.
Members of PLANET have a great history of supporting service projects. Every year, hundreds of lawn care and landscape professionals offer their help and expertise to enhance parks, beautify local landmarks, and renovate school yards, among other service projects. PLANET’s Renewal & Remembrance event brings hundreds of members to Washington, D.C., to help maintain and beautify Arlington National Cemetery and Historic Congressional Cemetery.
On April 22, 2009, PLANET will step forward with an opportunity for members to serve their communities – the PLANET Day of Service. This will be a national community service event that promotes goodwill and showcases the selflessness that PLANET members exhibit.
PLANET’s STARS (Safety Training Achieves Remarkable Success) Safe Company Program is a free safety initiative designed for companies to set the precedent for safety throughout the industry. The STARS program helps green industry service provider companies lower their total costs of risk by reducing hazards and injuries.
To learn more about PLANET visit our Web site at LandcareNetwork.org.
Mow more acres per hour with Xcaliber
Dixie Chopper’s Xcaliber series features models with 74-inch cutting decks. Models have ground speeds between 12 and 15 miles per hour and are equipped with 14-gallon fuel capacity. The Xcaliber includes springer forks and electric deck lift. A 12-volt adapter comes standard so you can mow while charging your cell phone or listening to your iPod.
Spread and spray with Z-Max
The Z-Spray Z-Max from L.T. Rich can carry 300 pounds of fertilizer and 50 gallons of liquid. The Z-Max has a 200-pound hopper system, two 50-pound rear fertilizer trays and two 25-gallon tanks. Equipped with a 4.0 gpm pump and five Hypro air injection-course tips, it can spray up to 200,000 square feet per fill in widths from 2 to 10 feet.
New ZTR models added to ProCat line
Commercial Grounds Care added two intermediate models of zero-turn mowers to its Bob-Cat ProCat line. The 52-inch side discharge deck model has a 19-horsepower Kawasaki KAI engine, and the 61-inch side discharge deck model uses a 26-horsepower Briggs & Stratton ELS engine. Both units come standard with 10cc hydro-gear pumps, 8.5 mph ground speed, anti-scalp rollers and a cutting height from 11/2 to 41/2 inches.
Groundcover mats to transport equipment
Alturnamats are groundcover mats made of 100-percent recycled polyethylene that can be used to transport vehicles and equipment over lawns, through mud and across soft terrain. Mats are available in black or white and in multiple sizes. Each mat is guaranteed to last six years from the purchase date against cracking and breaking and can support a 60-ton load.
Low-impact mats for turfgrass
The Pedestrian Mat Series, or PED, from SVE Portable Roadway Systems is a 44-inch by 96-inch by 1/2-inch-thick mat used for events where foot traffic is especially heavy. The ground side features a wide-spaced “nub” pattern, while the top side consists of a more closely spaced “nub” pattern for increased traction.
Define landscape beds fast
Using the new Bedscaper BE400 from E-Z Trench, landscapers can create or define curved landscape beds quickly and easily. The BE400 can edge existing beds, dig a trench seven inches deep, or prep edges for installing 5-inch plastic edging. Caster steering makes achieving smooth, fluid curves possible.
High-volume spreader is mower attachment
EarthWay’s M40 broadcast spreader has a 3,350 cubic inch rustproof hopper with a 175-pound load bearing capacity and washout port for easy clean out. Its electronic remotely operated shut-off system opens and closes the shutoff with the flip of a switch. The quick-connect horizontal or vertical mount system allows for attachment to a variety of mowers.
Outfront ZTR with electric deck lift
The S800x from Snapper Pro is an outfront zero-turn mower powered by a 28-horsepower Kawasaki engine with 61-inch cutting width. Each drive wheel is individually powered by a fan-cooled pump and wheel motor. Other features of the S800x include a dual hydrostatic system, cutting height from 11/2 to 5 inches and twin 6-gallon fuel tanks. The electric deck lift can also angle the deck for quick blade maintenance.
New diesel ZTRs
Grasshopper’s MaxTorque zero-turn mowers are available with 25- or 30-
horsepower diesel engines that are Tier IV-compliant and B5-ready. According to Grasshopper, these diesel engines can save up to 700 gallons of fuel over 1,000 hours when compared to similar-sized gas units. Mowers are available with mid- and front-mounted decks in 52-, 61- or 72-inch widths. Side discharge can be converted to mulching or PowerVac collection.
Stihl introduces yard care system
Professional landscapers can count on the high-performance, lightweight and powerful MM 55 Yard Boss. The yard care system features a universal power head that works with several optional attachments. The machine is compact and balanced with an ergonomic handle design, and the handle folds for easy transport and storage.
Paver restraints hold up in extreme temperatures
Permaloc BrickBlock is a paver restraint made from durable aluminum. It gives a thin profile that can be installed under or away from the pavers. The tall wall height allows units to be used with more paver options, and restraints have an extended base for added stability. BrickBlock can be installed in extreme temperatures without warping or becoming brittle.
Prune trees with comfortable support
The Ergovation tree saddle from Buckingham Manufacturing weighs just over six pounds and has an ergonomically designed back pad to contour the pelvis and support the lower back. The load distributing design works to decrease pressure on the pelvis, and adjustable work positioning dee rings allow for customized placement by the user. The customizable lumbar support helps maintain posture when climbing.
Tailgate spreader for multiple conditions
The Sno-Pro Fast-Cast 400 series from Curtis Industries is a tailgate spreader that works with a variety of fine materials. Not limited to winter applications, the unit can also spread grass seed or pelletized and powdered lime. Features of the spreader include a spreading width of 4 to 20 feet, variable speed control and 180-pound capacity. The Fast-Cast 400 is mountable on a three-point hitch.
Produce even cutting and striping with rear discharge mower
The Ventrac LK520 rear discharge mower from Venture Products has a 52-inch cutting width and 14 cutting positions. The LK520 was designed for the Ventrac 3000 series tractor and features rear discharge trimming on both the left and right sides. Developed with flip-up deck design, the mower has a full rear roller for even cutting and striping and a center front roller for anti-scalping.
Stander ZK offers deeper deck
Wright Manufacturing’s new mower, the Stander ZK, has deck widths of 52 and 61 inches and engines up to 31 horsepower. Decks are deeper; wheels are larger; fuel capacity is greater than the traditional Stander, and the ZK can mow at speeds up to 13.5 mph. It offers all the benefits of Wright’s traditional Stander, such as low center of gravity for hillside stability, shorter overall length for added maneuverability, and the operator can step off the stand-on platform in case of emergency or to pick up debris.
