Photo: KubotaKubota Tractor Corporation recently announced the addition of two new models – the Z412 and Z422 – to its Z400 Series zero-turn mower line, designed for commercial landscapers and residential mowers looking for a professional finish.
The company says the product introductions round out the Z400 Series, which now includes four models and an array of mower deck sizes and options. Kubota says it updated components and features across the entire Z400 Series to further improve the performance, durability and comfort.
“When we introduced the Z400 Series, it was our response to the market’s demand for a commercial mower with features and performance professional landscapers care about at an attractive price,” says Tom Vachal, Kubota senior turf product manager. “The new models build on the already impressive set of features and add more to enhance the overall comfort and mowing experience of the machines. We’re proud to say we’ve made improvements to an already impressive, affordable line of mowers, with nominal increases in cost.”
Kubota says the Z400 Series is now comprised of four models, the Z411KW and Z412KW with 48-inch decks, and the Z421KW and Z422KW available with 54- or 60-inch decks. All models are powered by Kawasaki gasoline engines.
The company says the Z412 and Z422 models feature notable comfort upgrades straight from the factory. Kubota says the 6.5-inch-wide smooth pneumatic front caster tires soak up bumps and minimize impact to turf. The company says these models are also equipped with a deluxe adjustable suspension seat with 3 inches of travel to further dampen bumpy rides and reduce operator fatigue.
Kubota says features like wide 24-inch rear tires, conveniently located cupholders, wide operator stations, ergonomic controls and 12-volt charging ports still come standard across the entire series.
The company says all Z400 Series models are equipped with an exclusive Hydro-Gear ZT-3600 transmission, built for durability and ease of maintenance to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. A 24-horsepower Kawasaki gasoline engine powers the Z422KW, while a 22-horsepower Kawasaki engine powers the Z412KW, and all models come equipped with a 6.8-gallon fuel tank. The company adds that the Z400 series is backed by Kubota’s unlimited hour two-year commercial warranty and a 500-hour four-year residential warranty.
Ruppert Landscape announces new location and promotions
Ruppert Landscape has expanded its landscape management operations to include a new location in Dulles, Virginia. The company says this branch joins six existing landscape management branches in Virginia, located in Gainesville, Alexandria, Fredericksburg and Richmond (north, south, and east), and will serve existing customers as well as new growth in the region.
“Every time we grow in the markets we serve, it gives us more density, which means less travel time to our jobs and provides more value to our customers,” says Fred Key, region vice president. “Perhaps most importantly, it allows us to provide growth opportunities for our employees.”
Tom FlintThe company says the Dulles branch will be led by Tom Flint, who has recently been promoted to branch manager.
Flint attended Millersville University and has over 34 years of experience in the landscape industry. He joined Ruppert in 2012 as an area manager in the company’s Alexandria branch and broke division sales records. He was recognized with the company’s Branch Impact Award two years in a row for his dedication and contributions to the Alexandria team.
He transferred to the company’s Laytonsville, Maryland, branch in 2015, and he was one of the first graduates of Ruppert’s Associate Branch Manager leadership development program, which was designed to prepare talented team members to take on future opportunities. Flint will be relocating with his family to the Dulles area to take on this new position.
As branch manager, he will be responsible for the overall welfare of the Dulles branch, including the safety and development of his team, strategic planning and budgeting, training, customer service and day-to-day operations.
“Over the past several years, Tom has been instrumental in helping to lead the Laytonsville team and in building strong customer relationships,” says Key. “We are always happy when our company’s growth provides opportunity for high achievers like Tom to continue to achieve their career goals. We are confident that his experience and leadership will be a good fit for our customers and our team.”
The company says the Dulles branch will primarily serve clients in Loudon and Fairfax County and offer the following landscape management services: grounds management/contract services; design and landscape enhancement; turf care; irrigation system management; pond and lake management; arbor care; snow and ice management; lighting and holiday decorations.
McHale announces new senior landscape designer for Virginia division
McHale Landscape Design Inc. recently announced that Michael Convery has been promoted to senior landscape designer at the McLean, Virginia, office.
Michael ConveryA Northern Virginia native, the company says Convery was initially employed at McHale as an intern the summer of 2005 while pursuing his degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, Convery formally joined McHale as a full-time employee as an assistant landscape architect.
Since joining McHale, the company says Convery has been a tremendous addition to the McHale team. The company says his in-depth understanding of construction, with an innate sense of design, is shown by the many projects he has designed and produced throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
McHale says his projects have been honored numerous times with GRAND Awards for Landscape Excellence given by the Landscape Contractors Association.
“McHale continues to provide the opportunity to work with some of the best design and construction professionals in the residential industry,” says Convery. “I look forward to leading the next generation of designers and craftsmen to continue to deliver the superior quality that has come to be expected by our clients and peers.”
