Snow-focused companies can use the GrandStand MULTI FORCE for snow without having to buy a mowing deck.Photo: Toro
While it’s true that Toro makes plenty of lawn and garden equipment for retail consumers, the company has long recognized professional landscapers as a key segment of its market. Its commercial grade machines include Toro’s Z Master line of zero-turn mowers and “GrandStand MULTI FORCE” stand-on mowers.
At GIE+EXPO, Toro highlighted several comfort-focused enhancements to the Z Master line, launched a new snow-removal model of the GrandStand MULTI FORCE machine and introduced a 28-inch hydro drive brush cutter the manufacturer expects to do well among both residential consumers and commercial users.
Toro now offers an Electric Deck Lift Kit on select Z Master models – including the 3000, 5000 and 6000 Series – which allows operators to change the deck cutting height by simply using a foot pedal actuator switch. Created specifically for cutting decks with a width of 48 inches to 72 inches, the kit features an electronic motor with a low-profile design.
The company also says its deluxe suspension seat now comes standard on all Z Master 3000 Series mowers.
Toro says it was landscapers’ warm reception of the GrandStand MULTI FORCE stand-on mower that prompted the company to introduce a snow-only model – giving snow-focused contractors access to the tool without purchasing the mowing deck.
The snow-only model is equipped with the Flex-Ride operator platform, which is self-compensating to accommodate operators of different sizes and designed to reduce operator fatigue.
Toro is going after both landscape professionals and residential consumers with its new brush cutter, which will be available early next year.Photo: Toro
The new GrandStand can be equipped with a 5-foot BOSS snowplow attachment. The snow models come standard with winter tires and have optional light and flasher kits to increase visibility in challenging conditions.
“By creating a dedicated snow-only MULTI FORCE unit, we are able to better serve the snow and ice management market with this versatile and innovative machine,” said Chris Hannan, Toro senior marketing manager. “As we continue to gather feedback from end-users, customers can expect to see additional capabilities in the coming years.”
The new hydro drive brush cutter, meanwhile, will attract professional landscapers, Toro says, because its durability matches its performance. Scheduled to begin shipping early in 2017, the commercial-grade, self-propelled brush cutter will level brush, tall weeds, saplings, small trees and heavy vegetation with ease, the manufacturer says.
Toro says the new machine features a pivoting deck and delivers a 3¾-inch cut height, while a two-step blade engagement and parking brake ensure safety.
