The latest from Louisville

The Lawn & Landscape staff traveled to Louisville again this fall for the annual Equip Expo. While there, we saw some of the industry’s newest products to hit the market. Whether you’re looking for something small and cordless or a larger mower, we rounded up the latest machines debuted at the show. For our full roundup from online coverage, visit our website.

EXMARK

Exmark expanded its commercial walk-behind mower line with the electric Commercial 30 V-Series.

Powered by three 60V Flex-Force batteries, the Commercial 30 V-Series delivers Exmark’s signature cut quality, with extended runtime, quick charging and reduced sound output.

With the ability to mow more than one acre in a single charge of the triple Flex-Force batteries, the Commercial 30 V-Series is capable of running for up to an hour and twenty minutes. Plus, the included rapid charger can charge one battery to 90% in just 90 minutes.

Exmark’s front height adjustment system enables cut height adjustments from 1.0-inches to 4.5-inches, in half-inch increments.

With easy push button starting, the Commercial 30 V-Series offers the choice of low- or high-settings for the powertrain, delivering 3.1- or 4.2-mph based on the selected setting. The heavy-duty wet clutch transmission and self-tensioning belt drive are the same as on gas-powered Commercial 30 models, delivering positive ground drive to both rear wheels.

Additionally, Exmark unveiled a new electric version of its Lazer Z zero-turn riding mower. The new Lazer Z V-Series has reduced noise output and zero engine exhaust emissions.

KUBOTA

Elsewhere at the show, Kubota debuted a slew of new products, including the F3710 Front-Mount Mower and the Kubota ZD1611 zero-turn mower.

Kubota’s new F3710 replaces the F3990 in Kubota’s F Series of commercial front-mount mowers and is equipped with a 36.9-HP Kubota Common Rail System diesel engine for fast, powerful and efficient job performance. Available with both side-discharge and rear-discharge pro-commercial mower decks in 60 inches and 72 inches, the F3710’s high lifting capacity provides the versatility to handle an array of implements like a grass catcher, snow blower, rotary sweeper and debris blower.

The new ZD1611 replaces the ZD1511 in Kubota’s ZD Series of commercial zero-turn mowers and features a 30.8-HP Kubota Common Rail System (CRS) diesel engine that delivers increased levels of power, torque and reliable performance. Designed for commercial landscapers and residential users who want a professional-quality cut, the ZD1611 is available in three deck configurations: a 72-inch side-discharge mower, and 60- and 72-inch rear-discharge mowers.

The company also launched the SVL75-3 Compact Track Loader, Kubota’s U10-5 Compact Excavator, SCL1000 Track Loader, SZ Series Commercial Stand-on Mowers and the gas-powered RTV-XG850 Sidekick.

BOBCAT COMPANY

Bobcat Company expanded its lineup of compact excavators to include the newly released Bobcat E40.

The E40 is a minimal tail swing excavator, with less than two inches of overhang and a standard long arm. Its features include a powerful non-DPF, turbocharged Bobcat engine; a dual-flange track roller system for improved lift performance and a smoother ride; and standard, low-effort joysticks, LED lights and integrated lift eye.

The E40 also comes with extensive attachment versatility. Bobcat also revised the model numbers for its 3-to-5-ton excavator lineup to more closely align with the industry’s size class.

Z TURF

For the lawn care operators, Z Turf Equipment introduced a new aerator: its new Z-Aerate 50 stand-on aerator. The machine has the ability to aerate up to four acres per hour while simultaneously applying granular material.

The 50-inch, 12-row tine head uses positive down pressure and a full-floating design to pull plugs with a consistent core depth of up to 3.5-inches. A precision depth adjustment system enables core depth to be adjusted in .25-inch increments. Plus, the split-reel design enables the Z-Aerate 50 to easily maneuver around trees, flowerbeds and other landscape features with the tines in the ground.

The machine reaches ground speeds of up to 10 miles per hour moving forward and five miles per hour in reverse. It features an eight-gallon fuel cell and 150-pound capacity hopper.

In addition, a wide range of accessories are available to further increase productivity and versatility. Choose from a 30-gallon sprayer, 36-inch slicer seeder, 46-inch dethatch rake, or a 40-inch spike-style aeration head.

ARIENSCO

AriensCo was also active in Louisville this fall. Gravely’s new AXIS 100 series of gasoline-powered compact utility loaders launched at the show.

This gives a low-barrier-of-entry opportunity to landscape contractors and lawn maintenance professionals.

The AXIS 100GT and AXIS 100GW, which represent track and wheel-drive models, feature many of the same features as their diesel-powered counterparts.

Though the 23.5-horsepower Kohler Command PRO CH730 engine is a clear difference from the AXIS 200 series, favorites from the diesel-powered lineup are carried into the AXIS 100.

That includes a self-leveling boom/bucket, universal attachment plate, adjustable hydraulics to supply power where needed, track and wheel options, two auxiliary hydraulic ports to drive motor- and cylinder-driven attachments, and a common controls layout.

The company also debuted its remote-control, high-slope brush mower, the OVIS. The new Gravely OVIS uses a 40-inch-wide flail mower to clear vegetation on steep or inaccessible terrain where traditional lawn mower operation is either impossible or unsafe.

SENIX

From walk-behind mowers to a brand-new snow shovel, Senix announced 23 new products at Equip Expo as it expanded its X6 Cordless Outdoor product line.

For lawn care operators, the newest products of note are the 60V 21-inch Push Mower, 60V 21-inch SP Mower, 60V 42-inch ZTR Mower, 60V 54-inch ZTR Mower, 60V 810CFM Blower and 60V 900CFM Blower.

Tree care professionals might invest in the 60V 16-inch Line Trimmer; 60V 26-inch Rotating Handle Hedge Trimmer; 60V 26-inch Fixed Handle Hedge Trimmer; 60V 16-inch Chainsaw; 60V 18-inch Chainsaw and 60V 10-inch Pole Saw.

Anyone dealing with snow removal can buy the 660V 21-inch Snow Blower and the 60V 13-inch Snow Shovel. Senix also debuted a series of new batteries.

MICHELIN

The new Michelin X TWEEL Turf 26-inch tire can now be used on Ferris Mowers’ new ISX 3300 model.

The new wheel features a 1,031-pound load capacity, allowing the use of an optional bagging system. It incorporates a 5-bolt design, which mounts easily to the Ferris ISX3300 mowers without modification or complex mounting equipment.

Michelin’s airless TWEEL tires eliminate downtime due to flats and unseated beads, and they help maintain a level deck without the need to adjust air pressure.

OTR ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS

And speaking of wheels, OTR Engineered Solutions revealed its TR-34, Reaper and Big Bite tires at the show. The TR-34 is designed for farm tractors and ride-on mowers. It performs on grass, mud and loose soil while reducing the risk of turf damage and soil compaction.

Its Reaper tire is for multiple brands of zero-turn mowers and garden tractors. This tire combines a turf-specific design that yields traction, stability and control with aggressive styling.

There's also the Big Bite turf tire. Designed for zero-turn, ride-on and stand-on mowers, the new tire features a large footprint that maximizes traction and stability.