Equipment and Technology Focus: Mowers

With mowing season upon us, the following is the Landscape Business Equipment and Technology Focus on the topic of Mowers:

 

 

Altoz XP HD

Built for heavy-duty professional mowing, the Altoz 2020 XP HD (pictured above) offers three engine options – all V-twin cylinder, carbureted versions of the Kawasaki FX – the 852cc with 27 hp. (XP 540 HD), 921cc with 31 hp. (XP 610/660 HD) and the 35 hp., 999cc in the XP 720 HD. Pros looking for increased fuel efficiency can turn to the XP 610 HDi with Kohler’s Command Pro engine boasting 824cc, 33 hp. and electronic fuel injection.

XP engine performance is matched to highly efficient commercial Hydro-Gear hydrostatic transmissions. The ZT-4400 can drive all XP models to a max forward speed of 11 mph, and has responsive operator control.

Easy on/off accessibility to the operator’s platform are provided by an incorporated deck step with foot traction plate. Available in four cutting widths – 54-inch (540 HD), 61-inch (610 HD/HDi), 66-inch (660 HD) and 72-in (720 HD). Rotational deck height adjustment changes cutting height in 1⁄4-inch increments ranging from 1.5- to 5-inches with the easy turn of a dial. The adjustability of anti-scalp wheels and baffles, in combination with a multitude of blade options, allow users to tune the Aero Deck for all seasons, varying conditions and grass types.

The Altoz XP chassis provides an ultra-rigid platform centered around the Altoz C-channel frame, laser cut and welded from heavy-gauge steel. Up front, the intelligently designed low-profile front viewport provides the best sightlines for operators. The angled steel front wheel forks with heavy-duty tapered caster bearings glide over the toughest terrain.

Operator comfort starts with the 12-way adjustability of the high-back suspension seat with incorporated armrests and the high-grade elastomers that protect the foot wells from ground vibrations. The all-new SmarTrac Pro control represents a leap forward in technology: a solid-state PTO switch, keyless push-to-start ignition switch and the patented So Start clutch control decreases mechanical wear and significantly increases deck belt life.

Other XP HD features include the convenience of a rotational deck-height dial, 12-volt power outlet, device storage compartment, cup holder, stylized rear 12-inch steel rims with 24-inch tires, foldable ROPS and two 7-gallon side-mounted fuel tanks. Large capacity collection systems for spring and fall clean-ups, striping kits and operator-controlled discharge covers are a few of the accessories offered for XP HD models.

 

Bob-Cat Predator-Pro 7000 zero-turn mower

The Bob-Cat Predator-Pro 7000 commercial zero-turn mower is the top machine in the new Next Generation line of Bob-Cat mowers, and boasts transport speeds up to 19 mph. It also features 26-inch Zero-T drive tires and a Kawasaki FX1000V engine, designed to provide major muscle and commercial-grade strength. Bob-Cat also redesigned the operator controls, angling them toward the operator seat for ease of use and to eliminate operator fatigue. The handles also now feature an almond-shaped ergonomic grip and a single bolt height adjustment to make them more comfortable for each individual user. The high-back seat sports improved ergonomics with weight and comfort adjustments for those long mowing days. The Predator-Pro 7000 also sports a ferocious new look, a bull-nose AirFX commercial mowing deck, and Bob-Cat’s Mow with Confidence limited warranty.

 

Cub Cadet PRO X Series

The Cub Cadet PRO X Series of stand-on mowers are the first stand-on mowers in Cub Cadet’s professional lineup. A fully fabricated 10-gauge deck shell with 7-gauge top and bottom reinforcements gives the PRO X Series a strong backbone. And with a maintenance-free design, the spindles, bearings, hubs, casters, rims, linkages, levers and other pivot points do not need greasing. A large, fully adjustable suspension platform allows the operator to adjust tension in a matter of seconds without a tool. The suspension system was designed and tested against competitive units to provide best-in-class impact absorption, allowing the operator to glide comfortably through rough terrain. A fully adjustable hip pad with ample side supports offers comfort and stability when mowing uneven terrain.

The PRO X Series is built to perform with professional high-lift Marbain blades, which offer a blade tip speed of up to 18,500 fpm and 1.5-inch blade overlap, and a premium Kawasaki engine with up to 25.5 hp.

 

Exmark 96-inch Lazer Z X-Series

Exmark’s 96-inch Lazer Z X-Series model is the company’s largest, most powerful gasoline-powered commercial zero-turn mower. Capable of cutting up to nine acres per hour, the 96-inch Lazer Z X-Series provides the increased productivity necessary to get jobs done more quickly and profitably.

The rear-discharge UltraCut flex wing cutting deck features a full-floating 48-inch center deck with two 24-inch wing decks, for a total of 96-inches of cut width. Both wing decks can flex up to 20-degrees up and 15-degrees down, which minimizes scalping and increases productivity in undulating terrain. A hydraulic deck lift offers the ability to raise or lower the wing decks to ease loading and minimize trailering space. As a result, the 96-inch Lazer Z X-Series fits on trailers capable of handling a 72-inch zero-turn mower.

Exmark designed the UltraCut flex wing deck to use four matching blades, which eases service and delivers the company’s signature cut quality in a wide range of mowing conditions. The deck is also designed to deliver unmatched mulching performance and is equipped with a factory-installed mulch kit.

A durable air-cooled Kohler EFI commercial engine powers the 96-inch Lazer Z X-Series. Exmark incorporated a number of innovations to further increase reliability and longevity through reduced operating temperatures, including an external oil cooler and an engine hood designed to screen intake air coming into the engine. This provides it with an ample supply of cool, clean air, while reducing the potential for debris build-up around cooling fins.

Patented RED Technology works with the Kohler engine’s electronic governor, now utilizing an electronic throttle body (ETB), to virtually eliminate the governor lag associated with traditional mechanical governors. This increased responsiveness allows operation at a lower, more fuel-efficient RPM level without compromising productivity or cut quality. RED Technology constantly monitors machine health, delivering on-screen service alerts and productivity data to maximize uptime and encourage proper maintenance of the machine.

Exmark engineers optimized weight balance in the 96-inch Lazer Z X-Series chassis to provide stable, responsive handling in varied conditions. The chassis is constructed of formed, welded and fully reinforced 3/16” walled, high-strength tubular steel, with a cast engine cradle for ultimate long-term durability. Exmark’s unitized hydro pump and motors eliminate hoses to provide maximum efficiency and reliability in the field. The 96-inch Lazer Z X-Series increases operator comfort through reduced exposure to bumps and vibrations. Isolation mounts under the seat base provide three-dimensional isolation from vibration transmitted through the mower frame. The full-suspension operator seat provides all-day comfort thanks to Exmark’s scissor link ball-bearing suspension system, Elastomeric Vibration Control (EVC) stretch fabric base and custom seat cushion foam.

 

Ferris ISX2200 and ISX3300

The ForeFront Suspension System on Ferris ISX2200 and ISX3300 mowers utilizes four upper and lower control rods and mower-specific shocks to ensure the front caster bearing remains vertical through the range of travel. The result is a smoother ride and a more precise cut. The ISX2200 and ISX3300 also offer customer-driven features such as:

• Angled rear bumper that protects the engine and provides easy service access while achieving additional ground clearance for moving over curbs and trailers.
• Ergonomic premium high-back suspension seat that provides added comfort for a productive and comfortable workday.
• Next generation foldable ROPS.

The ISX2200 is powered by a 28-hp. Vanguard 810 engine and has a 52- or 61-inch two-belt iCD cutting system for enhanced performance and reliability; select units feature the patented and proven Vanguard Oil Guard System. The unit is equipped with a Hydro-Gear ZT 4400 transaxle for added durability with every pass.

The ISX3300 runs on a 37-hp. Vanguard Big Block EFI with Oil Guard System. Available with either a 61- or 72-inch two-belt iCD cutting system, the ISX3000 is outfitted with Hydro- Gear ZT 5400 Powertrain transaxles and Hercules spindles.

The mowers are backed by a 2+2 year limited warranty. This simple warranty covers the unit for four years; the first two years with unlimited hours, and years three and four, up to a total combination of 500 hours. All suspension components, including the coil-over shocks, are covered for five years or 60 months.

 

Grasshopper 300G Series zero-turn MidMount mowers

The Model 337G5 zero-turn MidMount mower is one of four 300G Series mowers offered by The Grasshopper Company. Powered by a 993cc Vanguard V-twin EFI engine, the 337G5 is equipped with Hydro-Gear ZT transmissions that deliver smooth response. These heavy-duty transmissions feature 1-3/8-inch axles for handling side loads. Available with either 61- or 72-inch DuraMax cutting decks, the 337G5 makes quick work of large acreage areas. The premier suspension seat on the 337G5 adjusts to the operator’s weight and size. Covered in a breathable Cordora fabric, the seat adjusts fore and aft and includes adjustable armrests and backrests with customizable lumbar support. Iso-mounted footrests and operator station coupled with MultiPoint Suspension absorbs and reduces vibration to deliver a smoother ride. QuikAjust Tilt dual steering levers adjust 9 inches to fit the reach of larger and smaller operators. The 13-gallon, single-fill gas tank sets under the operator’s seat for a lower center of gravity.

 

Greenworks Commercial Lithium Z zero-turn ride-on mower

Greenworks Commercial Lithium Z zero-turn ride-on mower features the following:

• 82-volt battery system
• 13.8 kw Lithium-ion battery
• Up to 4.5 hours of working time
• 60-inch steel deck
• (3) 1.5 kw brushless blade motors
• Blade speed 2,800 – 3,200 rpm
• (2) 1.7 kw brushless drive motors
• Single lever height adjustment from 1-1/2-inches to 6-inches
• LCD display, push button start, LED headlights, 2-year frame warranty, 3-year battery and motor warranty

 

Husqvarna Z400X Series

The Husqvarna Z400X Series is built to deliver a long, productive product life and provide extreme comfort, high ground speeds and superior traction for exceptional mowing efficiency. The two new models in this new series – Z454X and Z460X –include comfortable, user-focused ergonomic controls for improved ease-of-use and efficiency and features optimized weight balance that holds hills and maintains traction, boosting productivity. The New Parker HTE Series transmission delivers more power and smoother performance, and features such as an integrated parking brake, an easy-to-fold ROPS and easy-to-view deck height adjustment increase operator comfort. Additional features of the Z400x Series include a 22- to 23.5-hp. power output, powerful Kawasaki FX Series engines and 4.5-inch cutting height increase efficiency.

 

Hustler Turf Super 88

Hustler Turf Equipment’s Super 88 features the cut quality of a 54- inch deck and productivity of an 88-inch cut, allowing operators to mow faster and with a smaller crew. It also comes equipped with either a Vanguard 36-hp. carbureted engine or a Vanguard 37-hp. EFI engine. And consistent across the Super 88, Super 104 and the Super Z Hyperdrive is the addition of a Vanguard EFI with oil guard. The commercial TrimStar also received a major update for the 2020 mowing season. This model now features an electric start, a deep 5-inch deck and more to enhance performance. A frame upgrade increased its strength by using larger cross tubes, among other updates.

 

John Deere Z955R ZTrak

John Deere’s Z955R ZTrak zero-turn mower is equipped with a proven Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) engine, and is designed to increase fuel efficiency and productivity during long days of work.

The Z955R, with a 60-inch side-discharge deck is powered by a 29-hp. EFI engine, delivering class-leading performance and efficiency. The increased horsepower allows the Z955R to quickly tackle common activities, such as material collection, mowing in thick turf conditions and mulching, while the EFI engine increases the overall fuel economy.

Other features on the Z955R model include two seat choices with the comfort-boosting ComfortGlide suspension. With ComfortGlide, the seat can travel up to two inches fore and aft, absorbing bumps for a significant enhancement to ride comfort. The fully adjustable seat option features lumbar support, control dial for easy adjustment and seat latch for seat lifting. Standard adjustable foot pegs further maximize operator comfort.

The standard Comfort & Convenience package features padded, ergonomically angled control levers. Electronic controls allow the operator to raise and lower the deck or disengage mower blades at the push of a button. Additionally, the John Deere exclusive Brake-N-Go machine starting system simplifies machine operation, allowing the operator to simply set the parking brake and turn the key to start mowing.

 

Kubota Z700 EFI commercial zero-turn mowers

Kubota’s Z700 Series is powered by Kohler Command Pro engines and Kawasaki’s industry-proven FX and FX EFI engines, engineered to ensure superior results. Each model features a durable eight-gauge steel 48-, 54- or 60-inch deck, six inches deep, allowing for outstanding stability and an efficient, high quality cut. The Z700 Series offers unmatched ergonomics with a wide operator station, a premium adjustable suspension seat for comfort and reduced fatigue during long jobs. The Z700 Series is engineered to create outstanding results and the EFI models offer exceptional performance in challenging conditions.

 

Lastec WZ400 flex deck commercial zero-turn mower

Lastec introduced the WZ400 flex deck commercial zero-turn mower. Built in the USA and starting at $11,900, the WZ400 offers several gas and diesel engine options.

Featuring a 61- or 73-inch cutting width, three 21- or 25-inch flex decks, and zero-turn maneuverability, the Lastec WZ400 commercial zero-turn mower cuts with the accuracy of three small push mowers at the speed and production of a commercial-grade zero-turn mower. The WZ400 includes three independently flexing decks with up to 12 degrees of total up/down motion for superior cut quality.

With zero-turn maneuverability and up to 10 mph speed, the WZ400 is built for speed, production and accuracy in areas around buildings, landscaping, or other common areas that would normally require hand trimming. In addition, Lastec’s patented belt-driven decks require minimal maintenance and provide unmatched fuel efficiency compared to hydraulically driven rotary.

The WZ400 flex deck commercial zero-turn mower is now available to order.

 

Mean Green Mowers Commercial Electric EVO-74

The Evo is the flagship commercial electric mower of the new Evolution series by Mean Green Mowers. With up to 8 hours of continuous mowing time, an expansive 74-inch deck, speeds up to 13 mph, 20-degree slope capability, and horsepower comparable to a 37-hp. diesel mower, the EVO is sure to please any large-area mowing operators. Designed with maximum power in mind, Mean Green has combined time-tested planetary gearing and the latest electric hub motor technology resulting in its Impulse Drive System (IDS). The patent-pending deck lift system, SmartDeck, can be operated with the push of a button or foot pedal with Mean Green’s latest Interactive Touch Screen Display. With the ease of use and constant awareness of the deck height, the SmartDeck makes jobs effortless with customizable user settings. The durable Interactive Touch Screen Display with pass code is function tested in all environments to ensure long-term reliability and displays full functionality of the machine including battery consumption, state of charge, and deck lift system.

 

Toro Groundsmaster out-front rotary mowers

Toro’s new Groundsmaster 3200/3300 mowers are designed to be durable and tackle tough jobs all year round, increasing productivity and offering an enhanced operator experience.

The Groundsmaster 3200/3300 mowers are built to last and feature 24.7- and 37.4-hp. Tier 4 / Stage 5 Yanmar diesel engines. Combined with an advanced pump and motor drivetrain, the overall performance and durability of the machine is maximized. In addition, Toro’s cutting decks feature a strong 7-gauge steel deck shell with side bumpers, rugged cast iron spindles with dual-tapered roller bearings, thick .25-inch heat-treated blades, and a front bullnose bumper to provide maximum protection. The cutting decks also easily tip up into a service position for quick routine maintenance.

The Groundsmaster 3200/3300 mowers offer improved productivity features for getting the job done quickly, including 60- and 72-inch side-discharge, rear-discharge and flail cutting decks – along with fast ground speeds up to 15 mph for moving between job sites efficiently. Toro’s CrossTrax all-wheel-drive system provides automatic traction control, shifting power to the wheels in slippery conditions to access more challenging terrain. The 12-gallon fuel tank maximizes mowing time and minimizes downtime to refuel. Plus, a 7.8-inch ground clearance makes it easy for the mowers to climb curbs and maneuver over other obstacles.

In terms of operator comfort, adjustable suspension seats, tilt steering, and an optional all-season cab enclosure will help reduce operator fatigue and allow for all-day and multi-season use. Intuitive controls are at the operator’s fingertips on the armrest console, making it simple for the operator to react to changing conditions. Additionally, the onboard InfoCenter displays service reminders, alerts and diagnostic information.

For added versatility, the new Groundsmaster 3200/3300 will be compatible with a range of attachments for multi-season use, including a Boss plow, cab enclosures and other snow implements.

 

Walker B27i

This higher horsepower version of the Walker Model B adds a Kohler 26.5-hp., EFI engine, and includes a redesigned unitized chassis and front body. The new clamshell body makes drivetrain component access easier, and the Ogura electric clutch with Soft Start adds convenience and durability for the operator. An oversized Donaldson 5-inch air filter is fitted with a turbine-style pre-cleaner and restriction gauge to reduce maintenance intervals while providing a robust filtration system. A new rear axle design improves rough-condition handling, coupled with Walker’s Comfort Seat and optional 20-inch drive tires, make the B27i a comfortable machine that is powerful, efficient, and ready for larger decks and difficult conditions. With numerous deck sizes and styles, optional LED lights, suspension seat, big tire kit, and utility dump bed, the Model B is customizable to meet the needs of the most demanding customers.

 

Wright MMZ mid-mount, zero-tuning radius mower

Wright Manufacturing’s MMZ mid-mount, zero-turning radius commercial mower is compact, lightweight, and is available with powerful engine options and a choice of 52- or 61-inch deck width. The engine in the MMZ is nearly three inches lower than most mid-mounts. The hydro drive pulley is mounted on the bottom of the engine drive shaft, which allows the hydro pumps to be mounted six inches lower than most mid-mounts. The result is a significantly lower center of gravity. The rear wheel motors can be moved fore and aft through three different settings. This keeps the proper weight balance with collection systems. The cutting speed is 13 mph with the powerful Kawasaki FX850 engine, and the 13.5-gallon fuel tank improves productivity even more.