New mowers and UTVs enter the market

Kubota

Kubota has announced the launch of its Z400 Series zero-turn mowers.

comprised of three models, the Z411KW-48, Z421KW-54 and Z421KWT-60 are all powered by Kawasaki FS gasoline engines and are available with 48-, 54-, or 60-inch decks

As a mower for the medium size landscape contractor, the Z421KWT-60 “gives them a price point they’ve been looking for from Kubota for a few years now,” said Rajesh Joshi, product marketing director with Kubota.

Each model features a ten gauge, five-inch deep, fully-welded deck, as well as Kubota’s K-Lift deck height adjustment system. The K-Lift system makes it quick and easy to change the cutting height with the turn of a dial and press of the pedal.

Kubota also unveiled its ZD1500, a turbo diesel engine to replace the ZD31. In the redesign, the company focused on performance, comfort and ease of use.

With its ACS deck, the ZD1500 requires 16 percent less horsepower to mow than previous Kubota models.

Hustler

At GIE+EXPO on Thursday, Hustler Turf announced that its Raptor will feature Kohler’s new 7000 Series HD with Smart Choke. Likewise, the Hustler Raptor SD will feature the new Kohler 7000 Series Pro with Smart Choke.

The company also announced an expansion of the Raptor line with the new Raptor SDX with 54” deck. The SDK features a new deck concept which is open, making it a good option for contractors who need more discharge.

At the convention, Hustler also announced that it’s entering the UTV market with the introduction of the MDV (Maximum Duty Vehicle).

The new MDV features a LEVELIFT dump bed, which allows the cargo box of the UTV to shift all the way from the back of the vehicle to the ground. This allows for contractors to lift heavy materials and equipment by just pushing it onto the cargo box back and using the controls to lift it up. The bed can also be lifted to dump at any height or distance.

A storage compartment in the front allows contractors to hold tools and smaller equipment for use on the go.

Production for the MDV is set to begin in early spring of 2017.

Ferris

Ferris has announced the new SRS-Z1 Soft Ride Stand-On for the professional landscaper. Featuring both a compact footprint and the option of 36” or 48” mower decks allow the operator to work in tight spaces.

Ferris has also unveiled its F60 Fleet Series mid-mount zero turn mower. Featuring a 36” mower, it is also a good option for landscapers looking for a compact option.

Both new mowers come with the option of either a Briggs & Stratton engine or a Kawasaki engine and pairs it with dual commercial Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transaxles with 7” cooling fans for repelling debris.