COVER STORY
By Ryan Whisner
Mo wer Ma rkets Rising to Keep Tall Grass Short W
been happening with the pandemic, and of course, economy issues, we still have a very optimistic 2021 ahead of us both in the commercial and residential zero turn mower markets. We see the overall market growing this year. We see folks who maybe didn’t purchase the equipment last year, coming out and spending that money this year. After last year, there was probably a lot of maintenance and things like that done on their equipment. This year, we’ve already seen a lot of increased purchasing and buying orders. Our retail numbers are up and we just kind of see that the resilient landscapers are coming back strong after COVID and we need to give them equipment that works as hard as they do. We see a very good year this year and likewise, I think we’re going to have a record year for the Bobcat brand. Joshua Sooy, segment director, professional Equipment, Cub Cadet: In 2020 the industry saw soft demand because of the pandemic. Now we’re seeing a lot of those customers that held off last year be able to purchase new commercial equipment in 2021. Lenny Mangnall, product manager, Exmark: We’re very optimistic and believe 2021 is going to be a very good year on the landscape contractor side of the business. In early 2020, everything
ith technology constantly shifting, trends are not always easy to track. Something that gains popularity one month or year, may wane shortly thereafter. Taking into consideration the economic climate in the aftermath of 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, Green Industry Pros recently asked representatives from major mower manufacturers and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute to weigh in with their thoughts on the outlook for the mower market in 2021 and what features they find are drawing landscapers to their products. Q: What is your overall outlook regarding the mower market in 2021 and into the future? Kris Kiser, President, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI): Despite the challenges of 2020, last year was a record year for the market. We saw unit shipments increase by 15 percent overall. Many landscape contractors, though, held back on making large equipment purchases. With a solid winter and easing uncertainty about the COVID situation, many should be in a good cash position heading into spring, and we expect this segment of the market to increase about 6% in 2021. Ron Scheffler, senior product manager, Bobcat: With all the craziness that’s
stalled out for a period due to the uncertainty. Then as we moved into summer, things really started to heat up and we believe that upward trend will continue. Brian Schoenthaler, marketing specialist, Grasshopper: We feel good about 2021. Indications point toward a good year for the landscape industry on both the consumer and landscaper side. Dealers remain open for business and demand for outdoor power equipment remains robust. Brad Unruh, director of new product development, Hustler Turf Equipment: We are excited about the forecast for the 2021 mower market and beyond. Over the last year, most people spent more time at home more than ever before, leaving them more time to focus on the appearance of their yards and landscapes. Nick Minas, go-to-market manager,
Manufacturers continue to introduce new models with new features and expanded power sources, and there’s strong demand from the market for new equipment. Hustler Turf Equipment
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APRIL 2021
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www.greenindustrypros.com
3/31/21 11:39 AM
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