Equipment Trends 2013: New Products

Landscape and Irrigation magazine recently asked a wide range of equipment manufacturers and suppliers to share their insights about the equipment market, and how the trends they are seeing will impact your equipment decisions. The Equipment Trends editorial appears in the July/August issue of Landscape and Irrigation. The following are products our Equipment Trends respondents have introduced this year.

Excel Industries

X-One i, Super Z, ATZ, Super 104.

Turf Teq

Power Edger Attachment for Walker Mowers. This product was the result of a request by Walker Mower distributors for Turf Teq to manufacture this product for them.

Exmark

On the Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn rider, Exmark introduced its exclusive RED Technology, on the Kohler EFI-equipped models, delivers dramatically increased fuel economy along with increased mower performance and responsiveness using an E-governor and defined performance modes.
The Lazer Z X-Series also features the Exmark 2013 Custom Seat, which features multiple comfort-enhancing technologies including the patented Iso-Mount system.
The new propane-EFI Lazer Z S-Series zero-turn rider features a new Kohler power plant specifically engineered to run on propane.
The Exmark Navigator dedicated bagging mower has seen significant updates for 2013, many of which were focused on delivering increased mowing precision and productivity while reducing required control effort.
The Vantage X-Series stand-on rider gained Exmark’s exclusive Enhanced Control System (ECS), which significantly increases stand-on mower comfort by delivering a more ergonomic, easy-to-use control layout.
The Exmark Commercial 30 offers 43-percent more cut area per pass, yet handling and balance are similar to a 21-inch model.
Exmark introduced a new 36-inch walk-behind Rotary Broom. The new model gives landscape professionals a versatile new tool to use for a variety of tasks, from snow removal to turf maintenance and leaf sweeping.

SnowEx and TurfEx

Two new SnowEx Drop Pro spreaders that come standard with 3-point hitches, but are also available with a utility vehicle mount. They are designed to accurately distribute material in 36- and 48-inch widths, making them ideal for ice management on sidewalks, parking lots, parking structures and a variety of other applications.
Also, keep an eye out for new updates to the SnowEx V-Maxx series, and a walk-behind power rotary broom, as well as new products to the TurfEx line to be announced later.

General Equipment Company

No new products have been released to date in 2013. New hole digging products scheduled to be released late fourth quarter 2013 or in early 2014.

Dixie Chopper

EFI (electronic fuel injection) options to Dixie Chopper’s core products so professionals have more economic and environmentally friendly choices when purchasing zero-turn mowers.

Toro

Toro introduced the highly productive TurfMaster 30-inch mower that features a precisely timed, twin-blade cutting system and a 3-in-1 design for mulching, bagging or side-discharge. The deck is constructed of 13-gauge steel and is outfitted with a strong bullnose front bumper, deck skid plates, plus a durable metal rear door.

Toro’s line of GrandStand and Z Master EFI zero-turn mowers grew significantly with five new models.
Toro also updated its line of Z Master Professional 6000 Series propane mowers with new 27-hp. Kohler Command Pro EFI propane engines.

Vermeer Corporation

The RTX250 has expanded Vermeer’s current line of pedestrian trenchers and is ideal for the installation of irrigation systems with the ability to accommodate up to a 48-inch boom and up to an 8-inch (20.3 cm) trenching width.
The SC30TX is Vermeer’s newest stump grinder. It is a hydraulic drive machine on tracks, perfect for getting into close-fitting areas.

Bobcat

The only changes coming are the redesigned 324 product offering, as well as the redesigned E63 and E85. In late 2012, Bobcat launched the 500 frame-size skid-steer and compact track loaders, which include seven new medium-size machines: the S510, S530, S550, S570 and S590 skid-steer loaders, and the T550 and T590 compact track loaders.

Honda Power Equipment

Honda Power Equipment introduced new versions of its HRR and HRX walk-behind lawn mowers. Receiving several key feature updates, both the HRX and HRR Series have been redeveloped to include technological enhancements that improve ease-of-use and performance for homeowners and landscapers. A new HRX Series model has been added to the lineup — the HRX217VLA. This self-propelled, Variable Speed Smart Drive Nexite deck lawn mower is a self-charging, electric start model.

For 2013, Honda introduced a significant design upgrade for all HRR models: the inclusion of the 3-in-1 Clip Director. With just one touch, the operator can quickly switch from mulching to bagging, eliminating the need for a mulch plug or costly attachments. Honda also introduced a new model to the HRR Series of lawn mowers — the HRR216VLA, a self-propelled, Variable Speed Smart Drive lawn mower with electric start capability for easy and convenient starting.

Husqvarna

Husqvarna introduced the M-ZT series of entry-level commercial zero-turn mowers, which gives landscapers a broader range of price points to consider.
In August, Husqvarna will introduce its line of 525 commercial trimmers, which offer power, versatility and durability.

Mustang

Mustang now offers a new line of skid-steer loaders, the R Series, including the 1900R, 2200R, and 2600R. These new radial models provide excellent visibility to the cutting edge and to the sides for increased jobsite safety and fine motion. The loaders feature a new ROPS cab enclosure for outstanding operator comfort, multiple control choices to include full joystick controls for ease of fatigue-free operation, and powerful drive as well as auxiliary hydraulics for outstanding digging, as well as attachment performance.

Tanaka Power Equipment

Tanaka’s latest products to boast PureFire engine technology are Tanaka’s 50.1cc rear handle chain saw, TCS51EAP and the 32.2cc arborist saw, TCS33EDTP. The rear handle TCS51EAP was built for the commercial user who needs to be able to cut large logs quickly with its standard 20-inch bar. Some of its great features include a compression release for easy starts, a sprocket nose bar, and a bucking spike for superior control and easy cutting. The top handle TCS33EDTP is ideal for pruning, shaping, and hobby work. Available in 12- or 14-inch size, this chain saw features an excellent power-to-weight ratio and is equipped with a lanyard ring, and a sprocket-nosed bar with a side mounted chain adjuster to keep the Oregon chain at peak cutting efficiency.

Country Clipper

Country Clipper introduced two new series of mowers, the Challenger and the Defender, in its professional segment series of products for 2013. The Challenger is a fully equipped mowing machine that features Country Clipper’s articulating front axle offered in 52 or 60 inch cutting decks. The Defender features superior handling and comfort in mowing with 60 or 72 inch deck offerings. Also standard on the Defender is an articulating front axle. Both series of mowers are available in traditional dual lever steering or joystick steering. Maintenance for the landscape contractor has never been easier with Country Clipper’s patented stand up deck, allowing the operator to service the mower deck anywhere in the field.

Ditch Witch

RT30 24-hp. ride-on trencher offers a compact footprint, tight turning radius, four-wheel drive, and industry-leading maneuverability, making it the ideal machine for installations on tight, residential jobsites.
SK750 & SK755 24- or 32-hp. compact tool carriers. Both models feature a high-drive track system along with an enhanced operator station, delivering superior performance through increased ground clearance, more lift capacity, faster ground speed and extended track life.

Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.

Mantis: Deluxe XP 16-inch tiller. Landscapers can be up to 78 percent more productive with the broad 16-inch tilling width of the Mantis Deluxe XP Tiller.

BOB-CAT: New EFI engines for better fuel economy on Fast Cat PRO and PROCAT models. New FC PRO models offer professional quality and performance at lower price points

Steiner: Steiner 440 tractor with 4-wheel drive operates over 24 grounds care attachments.

Little Wonder: Hydro Brush Cutter features a robust 12.5-hp. engine and a rugged design that stands up to heavy-duty daily commercial use. It is constructed of 7- & 10-gauge welded steel with a 28-inch cutter deck that houses a reversible 26-inch cutter blade.

Little Wonder: The Little Wonder Pro Crack Cleaner, available with a GX120 Honda engine, is a dedicated unit designed to clean cracks and crevices in asphalt and concrete surfaces.

Classen: The new Classen reciprocating aerator turns as easily as a 21-inch walk-behind mower with core tines that reciprocate at 450 revolutions per minute and cover up to 26,000 square feet per hour.

Ryan: Ryan Lawnaire walk-behind aerators now feature new Easy Steer Technology. New Lawnaire Aerators with EST feature a tine design that allows the unit to turn easily while the tines are in the ground, allowing you to aerate while turning.

Stihl

The GS 461 Stihl Rock Boss concrete cutter that enables freehand cutting of natural stone, brick and general masonry materials. The GS 461 offers precise cutting of contours, corners and holes to a depth of 15.7 inches.
Gasoline-powered Stihl KombiSystem line now includes 14 different optional multi-task tool attachments that can be powered by any of the three professional Stihl KombiMotors (KM 90 R, KM 110 R, KM 130 R).
The Stihl FBD-KM bed redefiner provides landscapers with a time- and labor-saving tool to maintain existing mulch and flower beds much faster than with a shovel.
The Stihl Lithium-Ion interchangeable batteries can power multiple Stihl Battery KombiSystem products.
Stihl expanded its Lithium-Ion product line with the new HLA 65 extended-reach, professional hedge trimmer. Several other products will be announced throughout the balance of 2013.

John Deere

John Deere introduced several new products in 2013, including three new series of ZTrak mowers, two series of QuikTrak stand-on mowers, and one new walk-behind series.

The B Series features the Z915B, a 23.3 hp. model with the option of a 48-, 54- or 60-inch 7-Iron II deck.
The M Series offers professional landscapers four different mower options (Z920M, Z925M EFI, Z930M, and Z930M EFI) and horsepower ranging from 23.5 – 25.5 hp. With a top speed of 10 mph, the M Series offers Flat Free front tires and cast iron front forks.
Professionals interested in a top-of-the-line ZTR need to look no further than the R Series. Five models (Z920R, Z930R, Z950R, Z960R and Z970R) with horsepower ranging from 23.5 – 35.0 hp. round out this high-performing line.
The John Deere QuikTrak is available in two different series – the B Series and R Series. The R Series features a 22.0 – 24.6 hp* engines with a 7-gauge, fabricated 48-, 52-, or 61-in adjustable decks, Flat Free front tires, and sealed front caster bearings.
The new WHP Series has three models — WHP36A, WHP48A, and WHP52A. Available with 14.5- or 18.5-hp* engines, the WHP Series offers a 5.8-gallon fuel tank, standard electric start and standard electric PTO.

JCB

JCB recently updated its skid-steer and compact track loader product line with its JCB Ecomax engine that meets all EPA Tier 4i (small platform models) and Tier 4 Final (large platform models) regulations without the need for exhaust after treatment or diesel particulate filters (DPF). That means that landscape and lawn care contractors who use these machines will benefit from significant fuel savings, lower whole-life service costs and better performance even when using lower-quality fuels. Because there’s no after treatment or DPF to service, machine downtime is minimized. The machines are also safer because there’s none of the residual heat associated with typical DPF systems, and the machine design minimizes visibility obstructions to the work area. The skid-steers and compact track loaders themselves also feature new electro-hydraulic controls with three operator response modes to accommodate operator preferences.