Photo: Briggs & StrattonBriggs & Stratton announced its electrification at the 2019 GIE+EXPO, highlighting its new Vanguard commercial lithium ion battery pack as it is repositioning to be a one-stop shop for all forms of energy.
“We’re looking to the future, while respecting our past and traditions,” says Stephen Avery, an application engineer with Briggs & Stratton.
The Vanguard lithium ion battery, battery management system and battery charger are customizable, so the right amount of power is supplied for each application. Briggs & Stratton says the technology functions like a Lego set where users can scale up or scale down by adding or subtracting battery packs. It takes one hour per each kilowatt to charge.
Avery says they use cylindrical battery cells, rather than pouches, and they only work with Tier 1 cell suppliers. Vanguard has collaborated with Argo XTV, a manufacturer of extreme terrain vehicles, for the first application of the Vanguard battery solution.
“They’re not wimpy batteries,” Avery says. “They’re smart and powerful.”
Vanguard 400Photo: Briggs & Stratton
Briggs & Stratton also expanded its single-cylinder horizontal shaft engine family with the Vanguard 400 and 160. The Vanguard 400 has a gross horsepower of 14 and the 160 has a gross horsepower of 5. The single-cylinder, horizontal shaft family of engines was created in response to customer feedback. They provide easy starting and longer maintenance intervals.
Thanks to cyclonic air filtration, the air filter needs to be changed every 600 hours compared to every 300 for Honda. The oil change intervals have been increased to every 200 hours compared to every 100 hours for Honda.
The engines also feature TransportGuard, a single ignition and fuel shutoff to prevent oil/fuel dilution during transport.
The 400 will be available in November 2019, with the 160 following in spring 2020.
“Briggs & Stratton has always been at the forefront of power application technology,” says Chris Davison, senior marketing manager, commercial power. “The Vanguard commercial lithium ion battery and new 400 and 160 single-cylinder engines are leading solutions in power innovation.”
Billy Goat
Briggs & Stratton-owned Billy Goat celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and introduced the AGR1300H auger.
Photo: Billy GoatBilly Goat says this is the only dedicated self-propelled auger on the market in its class. It has the highest bit torque in its class as well as a patent-pending Z-Link for straight line drilling with limited repositioning.
Powered by 13-horsepower 390cc Honda GXV engine, it can produce up to 350 pounds of torque and can handle 2- to 18-inch bits.
The machine features hydro-drive controls, which is common on Billy Goat’s other equipment as well. Variable speed forward and reverse is standard. The drive is separate from the drill, removing the need to switch from drive or drill mode.
Photo: Billy GoatSpring-loaded parking brakes on both rear wheels helps stabilize the machine on uneven terrain. The auger has pivoting front casters and high floatation rear tires for easy transportation from job to job. It can easily fit in the back of a 6’ pickup truck, eliminating the need for towing. It can also fit through a 36-inch gate.
Billy Goat also debuted its next gen debris loaders, which have a square 10-gauge steel discharge chute that has a 63 percent thicker back plate for improved durability. Billy Goat says the poly housing liner features a non-counter sunk bolt pattern and won’t cause secondary failures to engine shafts like a failed steel liner might.
The 13 – 37 gross horsepower loaders feature a dual shredding system with Piranha blade for extra shredding and debris reduction, maximizing trailer loading.
The 14-, 18-, 29- and 37-gross horsepower models feature electric start and Vanguard EFI power on the 37-gross horsepower loader.
Ferris
Ferris, another Briggs & Stratton brand, expanded its turf care equipment offering with the new FS5250 Voyager. This spreader sprayer was designed with commercial areas, large properties and sports turf in mind. Ferris says it can make quick work of jobs.
Photo: FerrisThe FS5250 has a stainless-steel frame and is powered by a 38-gross horsepower Vanguard V-Twin engine. It has a 250-pound hopper and an 80-gallon tank for liquids.
It has a maximum coverage of 7.4 acres with liquid material. There is a three-section breakaway boom that operators can select from a 4-, 8- or 12-foot spray width to deliver liquid without stopping to refill.
The FS5250 has a wide footprint and low center of gravity for more operator confidence when working on rough terrain.
“Research is pointing to the fact that landscape contractors are growing their businesses by adding turf care to their service offerings,” says Dan Roche, marketing director of commercial products, Briggs & Stratton. “Adding the FS5250 Voyager to our robust line of spreader/sprayers is another tool to help landscapers who trust Ferris to extend their season and grow their businesses by offering higher margin services.”
Ferris also introduced the ISX2200 and ISX3300, which are an upgrade from the IS2100 and IS3200 units, which was covered earlier this month.
