New and improved

The industry just saw an influx of new products on the market.


A number of companies across the industry released new products at the Equip Expo, formerly known as GIE+EXPO, in October. Battery-powered equipment was a popular trend, but a number of gas-powered items also hit the market. For all of the new releases, visit lawnandlandscape.com and search Equip.
Photo courtesy of Caterpillar

Caterpillar

Caterpillar introduced two new Mini Hydraulic Excavator (MHE) Ease of Use technologies – Indicate and E-Fence – for the Cat 306 CR, 308 CR and 309 CR Next Generation Mini Hydraulic Excavators.

Ease of Use Indicate helps operators to reach grade faster, while Ease of Use E-Fence constrains machine motion to within operator preset boundaries. These technologies are ideal for digging footings, drainage and septic systems, irrigation, electric utilities and applications near structures or obstacles operators need to avoid.

An entry-level grade system, MHE Ease of Use Indicate provides visual and audible indications to bucket position compared to target grade to assist operators in cutting to exact specifications.

With Indicate, the operator selects target depth and slope from the in-cab guidance system, and the monitor provides real-time feedback. The technology enables operators to reach grade faster without overcutting.

For more info: cat.com

Photo courtesy of Greenworks

Greenworks

The Optimus Mobile Charging Trailer is a battery-charging trailer that allows landscapers to transport and charge all their tools and equipment onsite, overnight or while in transit.

The Optimus Mobile Charging Trailer houses a 26KWH battery capable of providing 32KW of constant charging energy. Its built-in, temperature-controlled charging ports charge up to 18 82V handheld batteries for use in trimmers, walk-behind mowers, string trimmers and edgers, blowers, chainsaws and hedge trimmers in as little as 30 minutes.

Optimus MCs’ three zero-turn mower chargers output 6,000W each and can charge a riding mower in as little as 75 minutes while allowing landscapers to charge their mowers inside or outside of the trailer.

With real-time 4G/GPS connectivity, management will have full visibility of their team while in the field, allowing them to stay updated with real-time metrics on battery status, trailer location and system functions via the trailer’s built-in LCD Screen Dashboard and Greenworks Fleet Connect (TM) app. This 4G/GPS connection also provides theft protection.

The 20-inch Optimus Mobile Charging Trailer can transport and charge 20-plus battery-powered tools, 36 handheld batteries and 3 full-size zero-turn mowers.

For more info: greenworkscommercial.com

Photo courtesy of Kress

Kress Commercial

Kress, a professional-grade battery equipment company, unveiled its inaugural line of commercial-grade outdoor power equipment.

The company also released the new Kress CyberSystem, which features both 4-amp hour and 11-amp hour battery packs with the ability to recharge each 60v battery to 100% in only eight minutes. Additionally, each 60v CyberPack battery is capable of producing up to twice the power output and lasting up to 10 times longer than standard lithium-ion batteries. Set for Q1 2023 availability, the new line-up of Kress commercial OPE — all of which is fully compatible with the 8-minute CyberSystem — includes:

  • 60V 876cfm commercial backpack blower
  • 60V 21-inch commercial self-propelled mower
  • 60V 16.5-inch commercial cordless grass trimmer
  • 60V 16-inch commercial brushless chainsaw

Family of real-time kinetic robotic mowers with no boundary wire or local antenna

For more info kress.com

Photo courtesy of RC Mowers

RC Mowers

RC Mowers, a manufacturer of robotic mowers, launched its Autonomous Mowing Robot (AMR) line.

The autonomous line was designed and built by the RC Mowers robotics team, which is led by the experts who developed the U.S. military’s weapons guidance systems and includes experts who worked to develop U.S. Department of Defense autonomous vehicles as well as leading experts in aviation safety.

The made-in-America autonomous mowing robot will be distributed through the company’s established dealer network throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. The new AMR line joins RC Mowers’ remote-operated robotic mower line.

For more info: rcmowersusa.com

Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Tool

Milwaukee Tool

The M12 Fuel 8-inch Hedge Trimmer delivers increased control and access with the power to cut ½-inch branches. The trimmer delivers increased control and access when compared to a full-size hedge trimmer. The compact size paired with an ergonomic grip handle provides users with a lighter weight solution for one-handed use, making the trimmer easier to control in tight access applications.

The M12 trimmer was designed with a tip guard to prevent damage to the blade when tackling tight access areas. The 8-inch blade features a 3/8-inch blade gap to allow for more cutting capacity. For added functionality, the trimmer features a fuel gauge facing the user to provide optimized visibility.

For more info: milwaukeetool.com

Photo courtesy of Toro

Toro

With increased battery pack versatility, operators can customize the power of the new Z Master 2000 Revolution based on mowing conditions.

The Z Master 2000 Revolution is built on Toro’s commercial-grade Z Master 2000 Series frame and TURBO FORCE deck. The newest member of the Toro Z Master Revolution family offers the MyRIDE suspension system. Every Revolution machine is equipped with software in the controls that enables smooth operation.

The Revolution Series mowers are powered by Toro’s HyperCell Power System. HyperCell is built to run cooler than other power systems, so it can last as long as the sunlight.

For more info: toro.com

Photo courtesy of Steel Green

Steel Green

Steel Green introduced its largest sprayer yet, the SGXL, and two prototype machines. The prototypes include the SG36-EV spreader/sprayer and the SG54 high-volume sprayer.

The SGXL is a multifunction applicator with a 120-gallon spray capacity, which makes it ideal for lawn care pros who service commercial or large residential lawns.

The SGXL features a 35-horsepower Kawasaki engine, 100-foot hose reel, 2.5-gallon foam marker, LED light bar, hillside assist system and pressure control system. Its 12-mph transport speed and 27-GPM centrifugal pump save time in a profession where efficiency is everything.

The Steel Green team developed the SGXL to meet the need for a larger, more versatile machine for turfgrass professionals.

The SG54 high-volume sprayer has a 100-gallon spray tank for efficient liquid applications.

For more info: steelgreenmfg.com

Photo courtesy of STIHL

STIHL

The STIHL 500 zero-turn mower series is equipped with commercial-grade Hydro-Gear ZT-3400 transaxles.

These mowers offer a top forward speed of 10 mph and reverse speed of 5 mph, and the four-wheel suspension system with mowing deck height compensation is designed to provide a comfortable ride and consistent cutting height.

With four models to choose from, users can maintain property with the customized options and performance of the STIHL 500 SeriesIndependent front suspension with mower deck height compensation features two control arms that connect to shock absorbers, ensuring wheels remain perpendicular to the ground to improve stability.

Large fuel capacity provides fuel coverage for large jobs and features a large opening for easy fueling. Plus, the fuel gauge is visible from the operator seat to monitor fuel level. Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) features polyurethane blocks to prevent rattling while in motion and conveniently folds for easy storage and trailer transport between jobs.

The two-belt mower drive system provides less strain and flex on the belts, allowing the belts to run cooler. The USB-A ports allow the user to charge mobile devices with 3.15 amps of power while on the job.

For more info: stihlusa.com

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February 2023
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