Grounds Maintenance and Turf Care
ON THE COVER
Zero-turn mower
The Tank S boasts patented Synchro-Steer technology that offers intuitive zero-turn control, replacing traditional lap bars with a steering wheel and offering dual foot-pedal operation. The Synchro-Steer technology gives the operator full directional control of the front wheels, unlike free-rotating front casters of standard zero-turn units. Operators have full stability on hillsides, including steep areas that previously required a walk-behind. The Tank S makes true zero-degree turns and tight maneuvers around any obstacle, while virtually eliminating the potential for turf damage. The intuitive design of the steering wheel and foot controls allows agencies to reduce operator training and increase time in the field. The Tank S comes standard with the Select Cut System deck, which is an adaptable mowing deck that gives users the ability to deliver a clean, high-quality cut regardless of terrain, grass type or weather condition.
Cub Cadet,
Valley City, Ohio
CIRCLE 130 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-130
Diesel mowers
MaxTorque diesel zero-turn mowers are available with 25- or 30-horsepower engines that are Tier 4-compliant and B5-ready. Compared with similarly sized gasoline units, the direct-port, fuel-injected diesel engines save up to 700 gallons of fuel over 1,000 hours of use, according to the manufacturer. Mid- and front-mounted DuraMax decks in 52-, 61- or 72-inch widths enable users to trim while mowing under and around obstacles, and provide airflow for even dispersal of clippings and easy conversion from side-discharge to optional mulching or PowerVac collection.
Grasshopper,
Moundridge, Kan.
CIRCLE 131 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-131
Electric zero-turn mower
The Hustler Zeon is the world’s first all-electric zero-turn-radius lawnmower, according to the manufacturer. Powered by a 48-volt computer-controlled battery, the unit delivers up to 80 minutes of mowing time, or more than an acre of grass, on a single charge. The Zeon eliminates the need and cost of fuel, sparkplugs, oil, belts, pulleys and filters. The unit is virtually silent while running, with an operating sound that is similar to the hum of a vacuum cleaner. Features include: a 42-inch welded-steel mowing deck and tubular frame; high blade-tip speed for quality of cut; 18-inch drive tires and 13-inch caster tires; and dual electric transmissions for true zero-degree turning maneuverability. The machine is backed by a two-year limited warranty on parts and labor.
Excel Industries,
Hesston, Kan.
CIRCLE 132 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-132
Stump grinder
Bandit’s latest self-propelled stump grinder, Model 2000XP, features two hydraulic steering options and dual hydraulic drive motors that enable greater maneuverability for tight turns and uneven ground in cramped spaces between tree stumps. Available with three-wheeled manual, three-wheeled hydraulic and four-wheeled hydraulic steering axles (the four-wheeled axle is for use with 2000XP’s optional 29-inch four-wheeled frame), the grinder comes standard with a 27-horsepower Kohler engine and 20-inch diameter, 18-toothed cutter wheel.
Bandit Industries,
Remus, Mich.
CIRCLE 133 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-133
Mulcher
The HM315 mulcher, when attached to Caterpillar loaders equipped with XPS hydraulics, can process brush up to 8 inches in diameter. Operators use a joystick to control the machine’s cutting and mulching functions. A high-speed rotor with 34 tungsten carbide teeth efficiently cuts vegetation, while three sets of counter-rotating knives mulch materials completely. The mulcher’s axial pump hydraulic motor allows trees to be processed, and an adjustable pusher bar helps control trees during felling. Matched to the loader’s quick-coupler system, the mulcher-coupler interface is designed for efficient work-tool changes.
Caterpillar,
Peoria, Ill.
CIRCLE 134 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-134
Shredders
FAE designs and manufactures a wide range of professional shredders observing strict engineering data regarding materials and components. The shredders can be mounted on just about any type of equipment (including excavators, tractors, skid-steer loaders and prime movers), given the right amount of hydraulic or PTO horsepower. The UML/SSL skid-steer mulcher for low- and high-flow carriers can be used for ROW maintenance and construction, fire suppression and fire-break construction, soil stabilization, rock crushing, land clearing, stump grinding, reforestation and other applications.
FAE USA,
Flowery Branch, Ga.
CIRCLE 135 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-135
Wood chippers
JP Carlton offers 6-inch (Model 1260), 9-inch (Model 1790), 12-inch (Model 2012) and 18-inch (Model 2018, pictured) wood chippers for a wide variety of landscape, tree maintenance and land-clearing applications. Features include: heavy-duty construction, including a form-welded frame and construction-grade tires; high-speed, dynamically balanced disk rounds for maximum chipping power; a specially designed hydraulic system with a single integrated manifold; and a hand-crank swivel discharge, which allows users to easily adjust chip-flow positioning to suit any application.
JP Carlton,
Spartanburg, S.C.
CIRCLE 136 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-136
Backpack blower
The EB802 backpack blower’s combination of features increases overall productivity, according to the manufacturer. The 4.3-horsepower engine produces an output airspeed of 224 mph and volume of 762 cfm at the tube tip, while downward sloping fins greatly reduce the risk of overheating due to leaf buildup. Should maintenance be needed, the self-cleaning two-stage air filter system (consisting of a foam pre-filter and a vertical pleated air filter) is easily accessed by removing its two-thumbscrew cover. City-enforced noise ordinances are accounted for with the EB802’s “hush mode,” enabling it to operate at 65 d(B)A, and the EB802’s ergonomic, lightweight frame and shoulder harness maintain operator comfort while using the blower.
Shindaiwa,
Tualatin, Ore.
CIRCLE 137 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-137
Bulk material spreaders
Two new models of bulk material spreaders can be used to spread a range of granular products (including fertilizer and snow and ice removal products) and feature lightweight, durable polyethylene hoppers, variable speed control and spread width. The MS-1875 holds 9 cubic feet of material and has a three point-style mount compatible with tractors, trucks and/or utility vehicles. The MS-2000 holds 11 cubic feet of material and mounts to the bed of the carrying vehicle (trucks and/or utility vehicles); its quick-connect spinner assembly reduces time-consuming tow positioning setup. Both spreaders have a one-year warranty.
TrynEx International,
Warren, Mich.
CIRCLE 138 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-138
Rear-tine tiller
The FRC800 rear-tine tiller is fuel-efficient, produces low emissions and runs quietly thanks to a four-stroke (rather than two-stroke) engine. Easy-access controls and one-step tine and drive engagement make machine operation straightforward, and 12-inch tines efficiently break through harder soil or virgin plots. The FRC800 tills at a width of 20 inches; other features include a multi-speed transmission with clutch disengagement levers, a muffler heat protector and an adjustable depth bar.
Honda Power Equipment,
Alpharetta, Ga.
CIRCLE 139 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-139
Material transfer system
The MTS (material transfer system) can carry and discharge a variety of materials, including aggregate, soil mixes, mulch, sand and palletized loads. A reversible cross belt enables users to unload material from either side of the machine — curbside or roadside — and dumps material directly into the wheelbarrow, eliminating the need to shovel. The main reversible conveyor floor, combined with the wide-opening rear door, allows an entire load to be dumped in less than a minute. Speeds for both the main conveyor floor and cross belt are independently adjustable, allowing complete control over material flow rates. The 15-cubic-yard, 11,200-pound-capacity hopper is constructed of lightweight, durable aluminum. With an empty weight of 6,800 pounds, the MTS is light enough to be towed by most ¾-ton trucks.
FINN Corp., Fairfield, Ohio
CIRCLE 140 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-140
Vibratory plow
The Ditch Witch 420sx vibratory plow boasts a 40-horsepower engine, a dual-speed attachment drive, an operator’s console that moves with the operator, and a fold-down rollover protective structure that enables the unit to maneuver under tree limbs, eaves and other low-hanging obstacles. The unit is designed to closely follow the contour of the ground, which helps the attachment maintain a constant plowing depth on uneven terrain. The 11-gallon fuel tank allows the operator to work longer without having to refuel. The 420sx also can run a Roto Witch boring attachment and a trencher.
Charles Machine Works,
Perry, Okla.
CIRCLE 141 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-141
Diesel engines
Kohler’s Global Power Group recently unveiled its first diesel engine line for the North American market. The lineup includes seven air-cooled models from 6.7 to 34.9 horsepower and six liquid-cooled models from 16.8 to 64.4 horsepower. The engines are compliant with EPA and CARB emission requirements. The lineup features both single- and multi-cylinder models (50-kilowatt and under) that are supplied to equipment manufacturers worldwide in the lawn and garden, commercial and industrial, agricultural and construction markets.
Kohler,
Kohler, Wis.
CIRCLE 142 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-142
Aeration device
The Mow-Aerator is a simple set of brackets with 1½-inch spikes that attaches to a riding or push mower’s tires. As the lawnmower moves, the spikes do the aerating. The weight of the mower helps the spikes penetrate the root zone, allowing the user to mow and aerate at the same time — without the chunks of dirt that traditional aerators leave behind, according to the manufacturer. No assembly is required. When aeration is not needed, the Mow-Aerator is easily removed from the lawnmower.
GAILCO Innovations,
Cartersville, Ga.
CIRCLE 144 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-144
Chainsaws
The TCS-3301PFS (pictured) and TCS-3351PFS “Inspire”-design chainsaws feature honeycomb-shaped, high-strength outer plastic housings. They are manufactured with PA6 GF30, which is more than twice as strong as similar products using ABS plastic housings, according to the manufacturer. Both chainsaws are powered by a 32-cc, 1.6-horsepower PureFire two-stroke engine. Both models feature: S-Start, which reduces pull force by 50 percent; auto choke return; a side-access chain tensioner; an Oregon bar and chain; and a soft elastomer grip.
Nikko Tanaka Engineering USA,
Auburn, Wash.
CIRCLE 145 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-145
Radio-controlled mower
The Spider Slope mower is ideal for mowing slopes up to 55 degrees. With four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and independent suspension, the mower minimizes damage to slopes. Powered by a 23-horsepower Kawasaki engine, the unit boasts a 48½-inch cutting width with four mulching blades. Users can adjust the height of the cut from 3½ to 5½ inches via remote control. The unit mows up to 2 acres per hour.
Slope Care,
Orlando, Fla.
CIRCLE 146 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-146
Hydraulic earth drill
The HYD-TB11H towable hydraulic earth drill features forward and reverse auger rotation and a three-position, 180-degree movable handle for drilling next to buildings or other structures. An infinitely variable, 20-degree auger tilt allows vertical drilling in uneven terrain. Pneumatic wheels allow for trouble-free movement without damaging turf. The drill requires less than 20 pounds of force to pivot to the digging position. Forward/reverse hydraulic levers and an on/off switch are located on the handle. A “no-tools-needed” removable tow hitch enables easy highway transport.
Little Beaver,
Livingston, Texas
CIRCLE 148 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-148
Leaf-collection system
The Super 500 high-dump sweeper/verticutter/flail mower collection system can be configured as a low-cost solution to sweeping and collecting leaves, clippings and other materials, according to the manufacturer. The optional multipurpose head allows for verticutting and flail mowing while collecting clippings into a 3.5-cubic-yard hopper with high-dump capacity up to 80 inches. Options include a golf course kit and floating axles for following undulated surfaces.
Wiedenmann North America,
Savannah, Ga.
CIRCLE 149 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-149
Hitch mower
The RCH (Radial Contouring Hitch) mower allows tractors to remain on the road on safe, level footing while enabling operators to cut difficult-to-reach places. The RCH arm technology reduces wear and tear on the drive train by allowing the mower to contour closely to the ground. Equal-sized cutting decks allow for a more even cut by maintaining a common tip speed for all blades; the design eliminates uneven stress on the gearboxes. Automatic wing locks allow the operator to lower, raise and lock the outer wings of the mower from the safety of the tractor cab. Patented twin-axle walking caster wheels on the center section are designed to follow steep ditch angles. Double safety chains greatly improve containment of rocks or debris. The unit comes configured for a single-point or two-point hookup.
Highline Manufacturing,
Vonda, Saskatchewan
CIRCLE 150 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-150
Torch kit
The Red Dragon BP2512 SVC backpack torch kit includes the 400,000-Btu Red Dragon torch packaged with a durable backpack, a 10-pound propane cylinder and a flame-control squeeze valve that is ideal for instances when full flame is not continuously required. Applications for the CSA-certified kit include forest service, fire protection (to set backfires), farms, grounds maintenance, landscaping, gardens and municipalities.
Flame Engineering,
LaCrosse, Kan.
CIRCLE 151 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-151
Compact tractors
Compact tractors in the 1500 Series range from 23 to 59 gross engine horsepower and feature five transmission choices and four-wheel drive. Offering a wide range of attachments, including mowers, backhoes, blades, rakes and loaders, the tractors are designed to make maintenance and landscaping jobs easier to accomplish. An optional factory-installed joystick with mid-mounted couplers delivers precise control of implements such as the front-end loader.
Massey Ferguson North America,
Duluth, Ga.
CIRCLE 152 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-152
Redesigned mower
The Next Lazer Z includes dozens of enhancements that will reduce maintenance, improve traction and handling and make the mower safer and more comfortable for users, according to the manufacturer. The most significant enhancements include: a new seating system with a three-dimensional motion isolation layout that reduces vibrations, bumps and jarring; a custom Hydro Drive system with no hoses, a serviceable pump and motor, tougher bearings and an improved cooling system; the rollover protection system’s new rear-sloping position, which allows it to shed low-hanging limbs away from the operator; and the unibody frame, which sits close to the ground to enable optimum placement of the mower’s heaviest components and to help improve the center of gravity. The redesigned mower boasts fewer grease points and 40 percent fewer parts.
Exmark Manufacturing,
Beatrice, Neb.
CIRCLE 153 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-153
Maintenance lift
The MoJack Pro is a new, larger version of the original MoJack, which is a device that lifts and secures lawn tractors to allow easy undercarriage maintenance. The MoJack Pro boosts the original unit’s lifting capacity from 400 to 600 pounds. The Pro is an all-in-one unit that will lift any mower with a deck size of 30 to 72 inches; the unit fits virtually every tractor style and mid-mount ZTR mower on the market. The MoJack Pro folds flat to a 6-inch height for easy storage.
MoJack,
Wichita, Kan.
CIRCLE 154 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-154
Centrifugal pump
The Subaru PKV101 centrifugal pump includes a ceramic carbon mechanical seal, which self-lubricates and prevents the wear caused by repeated use that can lead to leaks. The impeller and pump housing of the self-priming pump are made with solid, heavy-duty aluminum. A 1.1-horsepower overhead-valve Subaru air-cooled engine powers the pump on straight automobile gasoline. The mini-four-cycle design of the EH025 engine enables easy starting and minimizes noise and odor. The 1-inch suction and discharge ports can cycle up to 28 gallons per minute. The pump weighs 11.7 pounds.
Robin America,
Wood Dale, Ill.
CIRCLE 155 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-155
Mower
The Model MT mower comes standard with a 23-horsepower Kohler OHV V-Twin engine and can be upgraded with a 25-horsepower liquid-cooled engine, a 26-horsepower electronic-fuel-injection (EFI) engine or a 31-horsepower liquid-cooled EFI engine. The unit features a clamshell-style body and chassis to accommodate higher-horsepower engines. The mower features a shock-mounted instrument panel with warning lights and horn as well as an ignition switch, light switch (optional), voltmeter and hourmeter. Dual tail wheels provide extra flotation. Factory-installed options include: a 7.0 bushel grass catcher on the GHS model; power dump or Hi-Dump to empty the grass catcher from the seat; a comfort seat; all-terrain drive tires (for use with a deck 48 inches or larger); and a single-wide tail wheel.
Walker Manufacturing,
Fort Collins, Colo.
CIRCLE 156 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-156
Handheld blowers and shredder vacs
A new line of handheld blowers and shredder vacs is powered by a fuel-efficient, low-emission engine. The units boast fast acceleration through high torque and a shorter and easier starting procedure compared with previous models. The BG 86 (pictured) and BG 86 C-E handheld blowers and the SH 86 C-E shredder vac provide the same level of performance as previous models while offering a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption, according to the manufacturer; a dedicated anti-vibration system reduces user vibration by 80 percent. The SH 56 C-E and SH 86 C-E shredder vacs provide over 35 percent more vacuum power than previous models, according to the manufacturer.
STIHL,
Virginia Beach, Va.
CIRCLE 157 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-157
Bucket attachments
Bucket attachments from Bobcat come in several different styles, each of which is tailored to meet specific job requirements. Construction/industrial buckets provide strong force for improved digging and bucket filling. Dirt buckets feature skid bar-backed weld- or bolt-on cutting edges for added durability. Large-capacity fertilizer/grain buckets minimize spillage with increased rollback range. The high back and straight sides on snow/light material buckets push and cut through piles of low-density materials. Low-profile buckets, with a longer bottom, boast excellent cutting-edge visibility. Combination buckets can perform a variety of functions, including dozing, leveling and dumping.
Bobcat,
West Fargo, N.D.
CIRCLE 158 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-158
Wheeled excavators
Wheeled excavators, Models 190D W (pictured) and 220D W, feature Tier 3-certified engines. Both units have fuel-efficient 5.2-liter diesel engines rated at 159 horsepower, with the 190D W weighing in at 44,974 pounds and the 220D W at 51,368 pounds when both are equipped with two-piece booms and front and rear outriggers. The 220D W also has a greater dig depth at 20 feet, 8 inches, and more digging force. Both excavators are available with mono booms for long-distance work and blades for backfilling.
Deere & Co.,
Moline, Ill.
CIRCLE 160 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-160
Collection machine
The LawnShark litter- and leaf-collection machine saves time and labor. Counter-rotating brushes provide a 42-inch clearing width, removing debris effortlessly. A mulching impeller effectively collects, chops and stores: wet and dry leaves; dead grass; sticks; pinecones; pine straw; paper and plastic debris; cigarette butts; and aluminum cans. A mobile 4-inch, 7-foot hose with a control wand sucks up whole beer bottles as well as a pile of broken glass.
LawnShark USA,
Geneva, Neb.
CIRCLE 162 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-162
Rotary mowers
Groundsmaster 5900 and 5910 rotary mowers deliver four-wheel-drive capability, increased operator comfort and reduced noise. The 16-foot area rotary mower is equipped with a 99-horsepower diesel engine and can mow 1 acre in less than five minutes. The mowers come standard with a four-way adjustable seat plus an air ride suspension. The seat-mounted ControlHub offers easy fingertip actuation of controls. The climate-controlled cab on Model 5910 includes air conditioning, heating and 360-degree visibility as well as an optional in-cab audio system.
Toro,
Bloomington, Minn.
CIRCLE 163 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22528-163