Patrick Brehmer believes too many manufacturers think in terms of machines — he says Mecalac thinks instead of the jobsite.

Brehmer, the company’s head of design and product management, told green industry media so much at their recent press event in Golden, Colorado. Mecalac North America unveiled its brand-new line of compact loaders to the North American market at the event.

In addition to the six new machines — the MCL2, MCL4, MCL4+, MCL6, MCL8 and MCL8+ — the company also showcased some of its other products like wheeled excavators and swing loaders. But Brehmer says this focus on functionality is what led to creating all of these machines.

“When most people just see machines on jobsites, we see functions,” he says. “We see digging, we see loading, we see transporting material. We always imagine how those functions work together.”

Compact loaders

As Brehmer understands it, there’s mostly three main appeals to machines like common skid-steer loaders and articulated loaders. For skid-steer loaders, operators can boast about the machine’s better space management and versatility, but they’re often sacrificing ergonomics. The articulated loader users are proud of their machine’s power, but those machines might be much harder to transport or occupy too much space on smaller jobsites.

“Today, you have the choice and you have nothing all at the same time,” Brehmer says. “Our proposal was, ‘How can we do something in one product that can combine space management, versatility and ergonomics?”

The MCL machines are compact enough for landscaping jobsites, as they only range from just over three feet wide to just over four. They also weigh between 3,836 and 6,282 pounds, depending on the model, and have a clearance radius of less than four feet. The lower height is only improved when operators use the machines with a folded canopy — the MCLs are still operable when the canopy is folded.

Each MCL in the series has an option for auxiliary hydraulic lines on the boom and at the rear of the machine as well as 12V 3 pole plugs, further enhancing versatility by allowing the ability to use hydraulic attachments on either end of the machine. The MCL series maximizes attachment possibilities with 7.9 gpm flow on the MCL2 and MCL4 models and 15.9 gpm flow on the MCL6 and MCL8 models.

The ”plus” on the MCL4+ and MCL6+ stands for short boom, which offers a better tipping load, whereas the other four models come with a long — standard — boom which maximizes tipping height. The MCL2, MCL4 and MCL4+ all feature a 25-horsepower engine, while the MCL6, MCL8 and the MCL6+ are 49hp.

The machines can travel up to 12-18 miles per hour depending on the model, but M-Drive and Speed Control allows operators to more precisely control the RPM via hand throttle and speed via foot pedal. The Speed Control function comes standard on the MCL6 and MCL8 and is an option for MCL2 and MCL4 models.

The machines feature job versatility through Mecalac’s quick-coupling technology, which can quickly attach augers, mowers or loader buckets to the machines. For snow removal, operators can pair snow blades on the front and salt spreaders on the back.

Mecalac also allowed media to take a closer look and try out some of their other equipment on the Global Machinery site.

Crawler skid-excavators

Brehmer says research has shown a significant market interest in mini excavators and compact track loaders, estimating that one in two machines purchased in America is one of those two machines. He believes they’ve replaced those two machines with one concept in the MCR.

Mecalac showcased its line of crawler skid-excavators — the MCR Series. Comprised of three models, the 6MCR, 8MCR and 10MCR, Mecalac’s line of compact skid excavators provide the 360-degree rotation of an excavator and travel speeds two times faster than any small excavator.

The MCR Series features a hydrostatic transmission, and a dedicated pump drives the motor. All three machines can travel up to 6.2 miles per hour. The MCRs also feature a quick coupler, CONNECT, which operators can use to switch between attachments without leaving the cab.

Wheeled excavators

This series of wheeled excavators consists of three models (the 7MWR, 9MWR and 11MWR).

Each of the three models in the MWR series offers speed in a compact footprint. The smallest of the three, the 7MWR, offers variable speed between zero and 19 mph. Two of the larger models, the 9MWR and 11MWR, provide contractors standard travel speeds between zero and 12 mph with an option for enhanced speed up to 22 mph on the 9MWR and up to 19mph on the 11MWR.

Meanwhile, the company says the MWR series machines have a center of gravity that is 20% lower than competitive models. The machines feature four-wheel steering and a turn radius 2.5 times more compact than a traditional wheeled excavator.

A 75-horsepower (55.4-kilowatt) engine is standard on each model. The smallest model is able to lift 3 metric tons at ten feet (3 meters) through 360 degrees.

Swing loaders and site dumpers

The AS750, AS850 and AS1000 models recently joined the previously released swing loaders, the AS600, AS900tele, AS1600 and AS210.

Mecalac’s swing loaders feature a rigid chassis and three steering modes – 2-wheel, 4-wheel and 4-wheel crab — that allow for tighter turns than a standard articulated loader. The machines feature a Mecalac swivel boom, and the company estimates a complete rotation in a footprint that is 20% smaller than a conventional loader.

Mecalac also showcased its TA3SH Site Dumper, which features a payload capacity of over 6,600 pounds. The machines are also compact, as they measure roughly 13 feet long and just over six feet wide.

Echo announces new president, CEO

Harold Redman brings over 30 years of outdoor power equipment experience to the role.

Echo Incorporated has appointed Harold Redman as its new president and CEO effective April 3. Redman brings more than 30 years of outdoor power equipment experience and a proven track record of executive and organizational leadership, strategic green industry vision and product innovation to Echo.

Redman began his career with General Power Equipment, a division of True Value Hardware. He then joined Simplicity Manufacturing for nine years before his tenure at Briggs & Stratton, where he served as President of the Home Power Products business for four years and President of the Turf & Consumer Products business from 2010 to 2022.

“Echo is a well-respected company with a reputation of offering great products and customer care, and I’m honored to lead a company rich in innovation and legacy. As our industry continues to change with new technologies, I look forward to working with this exceptional team of talented and passionate Echo employees to bring new products and services to the green industry,” Redman says.

Redman succeeds Tim Dorsey, who is retiring after 27 years from Echo serving in various roles, most recently as president for the last nine years. Dorsey will continue to serve as a Global Operating Officer of Yamabiko and a board member for Echo and Yamabiko Europe.

“While I’m excited to move to the next chapter, I also have a heavy heart as my time at Echo has been the most rewarding of my career and I cannot express my gratitude enough.

However, it’s safe to say that Echo is in great hands with Harold, who is a driven, humble leader that demonstrates strong leadership through a hands-on management style and engagement with employees and customers,” Dorsey says.

BrightView announces CEO transition

Andrew Masterman stepped down from his role at the company, while Jim Abrahamson serves as interim president and CEO.

andrew Masterman stepped down from his role as president, CEO and member of the board of directors at BrightView, effective May 31, 2023. Jim Abrahamson, who has served on BrightView’s board since 2015, will serve as interim president and CEO until a successor is in place. Masterman will serve as an advisor for one month to ensure a smooth transition. The company’s board of directors has initiated a search for a successor in partnership with a leading executive search firm.

“On behalf of the board and entire BrightView team, I want to thank Andrew for the contributions he has made to the company,” says Paul Raether, chairman of BrightView’s board of directors. “Today, BrightView is the leading commercial landscape design and services company with a recognized brand and high-quality team. Its market-leading position provides a solid foundation for future growth and creates a unique opportunity to enhance service for customers.”

Masterman joined BrightView in 2016 and led the company’s initial public offering in 2018. Under his leadership, BrightView demonstrated growth through a series of strategic acquisitions, modernized its technology and finance infrastructure, professionalized the sales organization, expanded omni-channel marketing capabilities and achieved the best safety record in the company’s history.

“It has been an honor to serve as BrightView’s CEO and I’m proud of what the team has accomplished during my tenure. Together, we’ve built a top-tier organization with an expansive national footprint,” Masterman says. “I look forward to working with Jim to ensure a smooth transition and will continue to watch BrightView’s progress and future success.”

“We have full confidence in Jim’s ability to continue to execute on BrightView’s strategy while we search for a new CEO to lead the company into its next phase and unlock value. Jim brings extensive knowledge of BrightView and the industry, as well as over 30 years of management experience in senior leadership and board of director roles with leading, large public and private companies in dynamic environments,” Raether adds.

“I’m honored to step in as interim CEO of BrightView, a company that I know very well and respect deeply,” says Abrahamson. “I look forward to working closely with our talented management team to continue to execute and build on our strategy and to ensure continuous performance improvement for our shareholders while we deliver the best service in the industry to our valued clients.”

Yellowstone Landscape promotes new CEO, CFO

Current CEO Tim Portland will remain with the company in new role as executive chairman.

Yellowstone Landscape promoted Harry Lamberton to the role of chief executive officer and Timothy Sherman to the role of chief financial officer. Current CEO Tim Portland will remain with the company in his new role as executive chairman.

More than two years ago, the company’s board of directors began planning for the next generation of the executive team.

“For most of the last decade, I was the sole pilot of our airplane,” Portland says. “For the last 16 months, I’ve been the senior pilot and the lead pilot, but Harry’s been the co-pilot and doing more and more to help fly the plane. And Tim Sherman’s been checking in on us to see how we are doing.”

Prior to joining Yellowstone as president, Lamberton served in numerous with Waste Management. Sherman previously served as vice president of finance at Yellowstone.

“I spent the last 30 years in the waste business and there are a lot of similarities,” Lamberton says. “What’s really important about our business is how field based it is and making sure that our branches are in a position where they can adapt and react to the marketplace.”

Lamberton adds a benefit of the change is Portland staying with the company. 

“One of the most appealing things we’ve got about moving forward is having Tim continued to be engaged,” Lamberton says. “The partnership that we’ve had and the way that we’ve been working over the last 16 months will continue.”

Yellowstone ranked No. 4 on Lawn & Landscape’s 2023 Top 100 list with $539 million in 2022 revenue.

Mariani Landscape acquires Southview Design

Both companies ranked on Lawn & Landscape's Top 100 list last year.

Mariani Landscape has acquired Minnesota-based landscaping firm Southview Design. Both companies ranked on Lawn & Landscape's Top 100 list this year (Mariani at 11, Southview at 78).

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in St. Paul, Southview offers services like design/build, enhancements, maintenance services and snow/ice management. The company has completed over 8,500 residential landscaping projects.

Southview Design is the 12th company to join Mariani. These companies include:

• Berghoff Design Group / BDG Maintenance – Phoenix, Ariz.
• Designs By Sundown – Littleton, Colo.
• Hoffman Landscapes – Wilton, Conn.
• NatureWorks Landscape Services – Walpole, Mass.
• Rocco Fiore & Sons – Libertyville, Ill.
• R.P. Marzilli & Company – Medway, Massachusetts
• Woodlawns Landscape Company – Mundelein, Ill.
• Ed Castro Landscape – Roswell, Ga.
• Glengate – Wilton, Conn.
• Borst Landscape & Design – Allendale, New Jersey

“Southview Design’s reputation of excellence speaks for itself,” says Frank Mariani, Mariani Landscape chairman. “Their first-rate service and unsurpassed expertise has been recognized across the industry, but their values of respect and appreciation for their customers and partners is what sets them apart. I’m honored to have them join our growing family of green industry leaders.”

With roughly 275 associates, Southview’s firm provides services to both residential and commercial clients, including residential estate management, single family residential, HOA’s, retail, office, commercial, industrial and professional offices.

“This opportunity to align with the best of the best in our industry is truly an honor and a privilege,” says Chris Clifton, Southview CEO.

“I could not be more excited for Southview’s associates, partners and clients. This partnership gives us access to the best minds and resources across the nation, and the opportunity to truly change the face of the green industry for years to come.”

Arbor Masters merges with Jennings Tree & Lawn Care in Kansas City

The merger brings Arbor Masters’ headcount to a total of 168 employees across five states.

Kansas City-based tree care services provider Arbor Masters has merged with Kansas City arborist company Jennings Tree & Lawn Care.

The merger is Arbor Masters’ most recent expansion following their purchase of Advantage Tree Services, an Arbor Masters Company in Iowa bringing its services to six U.S. states. 

With locations in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Iowa, Arbor Masters has provided tree and plant health care services for more than 65 years.

A Kansas City family-owned company, Jennings Tree & Lawn Care — soon to be Jennings TLC: An Arbor Masters Company — has been providing professional tree care, lawn care and organic removal services for more than 75 years.  

Arbor Masters Founder and CEO Ron Keith says Jennings Tree & Lawn Care’s history of plant care in Kansas City and Arbor Masters’ experienced arborist team and business expertise created a perfect match for the two companies. 

“Jennings shares our commitment to taking care of trees and plants right here in our own backyard,” Keith says. “Just like trees trust us, their customers trust them. We are excited to carry on their legacy of providing reliable and expert arbor services from our ISA-certified arborist team.” 

Victors & Joan Jennings founded Jennings Tree & Lawn Care in 1950. Their two daughters, Vicki and Julie, have carried on the tradition of Jennings Tree & Lawn Care.

After the merger, Julie and Vicki will continue to service their clients with the staff and support of Arbor Master and key Jennings Tree & Lawn Care professionals. 

"With Arbor Masters’ support and resources, we are able to focus more on customer service and consultation, essential tree care work, and relationship building with our lifelong clients around the city,” Vicki and Julie Jennings say.

The merger brings Arbor Masters’ headcount to a total of 168 employees across five states. 

United Land Services acquires Greenway Lawn, Sanford Tree

Since September 2020, United has completed 16 acquisitions.

United Land Services, a commercial and residential landscape services platform backed by Centre Partners and LP First Capital, has acquired Greenway Lawn & Landscape and Sanford Tree Service.

As a result of a well-executed organic and acquisition-driven growth strategy, United has rapidly scaled its platform and earned No. 20 on Lawn & Landscape's Top 100 list last year. Revenues have grown by nearly five times since Centre and LPFC formed the initial platform in September 2020. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Since September 2020, United has completed 16 add-on acquisitions, grown to over 1,200 employees, and established over 20 branches across several metropolitan areas in the Southeast. In addition, United has built a robust acquisition pipeline and currently has several acquisitions under letter of intent.

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Greenway provides landscape maintenance, enhancement, and tree care services primarily to commercial customers, including homeowners' associations, multifamily property managers and local municipalities. Greenway's executive leadership team, Sasa Popovic and JD Nixon, will continue to provide branch oversight.

"We are excited to join the United team to further accelerate our growth and expand our service offerings throughout the state. United has built a tremendous reputation in the marketplace while embodying a strong culture of partnership," Popovic says. “We are keen to leverage the robust infrastructure, tools and best practices that United will bring to Greenway, broadening opportunities for our customers and employees.”

 “United’s acquisition of Greenway is another step in our long-term strategy of building density in attractive geographic markets while strengthening our ability to continue to offer high-quality landscaping services for our customers. With deep-rooted customer relationships, a disciplined operating approach, and best-in-class customer service reputation, the United platform is very well-positioned for organic and acquisition growth going forward,” says Bob Blandford, United founder and CEO.

Tendit Group acquires Legends Landscape Management in Phoenix

Founded in 2002 by Curt Peterson, Legends Landscape Management is a full-service landscape management company.

Tendit Group, a portfolio company of Osceola Capital, has acquired Phoenix-based Legends Landscape Management, which provides commercial landscape services. The acquisition significantly expands Tendit Group’s footprint and service offering in Arizona.

Founded in 2002 by Curt Peterson, Legends Landscape Management is a full-service landscape management company that specializes in landscape maintenance, irrigation system management, plant health, tree and weed management. Legend’s customer base includes property management companies, municipalities, homeowner associations and apartment complexes.

“We are excited to partner with Legends and build on the exceptional momentum they have achieved thus far," says Tendit CEO Alejandra Harvey Oliver. "Curt and Mike Peterson have built a superb organization, and we look forward to supporting them during this next phase of growth.”

“The acquisition of Legends Landscape is a perfect fit with Tendit’s growth strategy — partnering with the premier service provider in each of our core exterior facility service categories in each of our target states within the Mountain West," says Partner Patrick Watkins. "Growing our presence in Arizona has been a top priority for Tendit, and we are excited to add the landscaping service offering to our existing Arizona operations and offer a more robust suite of services to our Arizona customers.”

MiniTrencher acquires SiBore Drill

SiBore Drill is a portable horizontal auger that digs underneath concrete without damaging the surface.

MiniTrencher has acquired SiBore Drill.

Expanding on its portable trenchers, SiBore Drill is a portable horizontal auger that digs underneath concrete, asphalt or any other hard material without worrying about breaking the surface.

The SiBore Drill uses a waterless-boring method so there's no mud to deal with and little clean up. The tool can be paired with MiniTrencher's GeoRipper handheld trencher for fast, safe production.

With a starting weight of 54 pounds, the SiBore Drill is compact enough to be transported in the trunk of a car or bed of a small pickup. Powered by a Honda multi-position, 4 cycle engine or a Makita 40V MAX XGT battery-powered motor the auger chews through soil quickly and efficiently.  

SiBore Drill has two models: SB215 comes standard with 4-inch and 6-inch diameter earth drilling bits and SB216 comes standard with a 1-inch drilling bit for fiber optic and other electrical/wire needs. Earth drilling bits come in ranges from 2 inches to 8 inches and 48-inch and 72-inch extensions are available as an accessory purchase.