Green Industry Pros July/August 2018 +Snow Pro No. 1

GROWING YOUR OWN MANAGERS, PART 5 PAGE 34 JULY/AUGUST 2018

CONTRACTOR PROFILE TruGreen Has Lawn Care Down to a Science ❯Page 14 SPECIAL FOCUS GPS & Telematics

HALF A CENTURY of Groundskeeping Innovations The Grasshopper Company, on the eve of its 50th year, continues to focus on versatility, productivity and options—helping landscape contractors get more done faster.

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PRODUCT COVERAGE Debris-Handling Equipment Lawn Care Trucks, Trailers & Accessories Loaders

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TABLE OF CONTENTS THE MANAGEMENT RESOURCE FOR LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS AND EQUIPMENT DEALERS

Volume 30, No. 5 | July/August 2018

18 Supplier Profile Half a Century of Groundskeeping Innovations

SUPPLIER PROFILE

On the eve of its 50th year in the manufacturing business, The Grasshopper Company continues to focus on versatility, productivity and options— helping end-users get more done faster and at less cost.

18

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

6 Through the Grapevine

14 Contractor Profile TruGreen Has Lawn Care Down to a Science

8 The Dirt: Green Industry News

The company is looking to help landscape contractors survive and thrive during the labor shortage.

22 Special Focus: GPS Where the Reporting Meets the Road You must reap all of the capabilities of your GPS and telematics systems to maximize their full potential.

41 Advertisers Index 42 Cutting-Edge Business PRODUCTS

30 Beyond the Blade Five Ways to Grow your Landscaping Business by Going Green

10 New Equipment

32 Lawn Care Corner Organic Can Be a Force of Nature for your Business

33 Lawn Care Corner

Green landscape businesses take many forms—from ones that tout environmentally friendly equipment to those that use only organic or earth-friendly lawn treatments.

Naturally, more and more consumers are getting curious about organic lawn care as the buzzword continues its eco-conscious climb in popularity.

36 Maintenance Equipment: Debris-Handling Equipment The Buddy System

Backpack and walk-behind leaf blowers make a fine pair to enhance ergonomics, productivity and profits.

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26 Special Focus: Trucks, Trailers & Accessories 34 Construction Equipment: Loaders 40 Maintenance Equipment: DebrisHandling Equipment

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580BTS POWER, COMFORT AND PROFESSIONAL RESULTS

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THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

Pros The Management Resource for Landscape Contractors and Equipment Dealers

Published by AC Business Media Inc.

Is the Greening of the Green Industry Turning into an Assault on Turf Grass?

I

n order to mow a lawn, there must be grass to cut … but what if there wasn’t?

Weird question, I know, but there seems to be a movement brewing around the green industry. I continue to come across more editorials with a barely concealed contempt for turf grass every week, some with calls to action that include completely eliminating it from lawns.

Consider an excerpt from a recent column entitled, “Lawns Are Stupid, Wasteful and Perfectly American,” from the Traverse City Record-Eagle in Michigan: “Yards became a fixture of middle-class life in the mid-20th century as the interstate freeway system prompted white flight from cities and suburbs festered across the land. They survive as reminders of the false promise of what we once called the American Dream, a mockery of environWhile some sustainability and economic justice. They represent the may demonize mental conquering and taming of natural spaces that would have been the practice of better off without us, microcosms of Manifest Destiny in all its hubris and barbarism.” lawn mowing, Or this excerpt from an article called “Use this Instead of it’s going to be Grass for your Lawn” at www.treehugger.com, “The more I around for a learned about lawns, the more pointless they seemed. Lawns are a ton of work. You have to mow and weed them. (I could long time. never figure out what people had against dandelions.) If you’re going to put that much care into plants, why not grow some you can actually eat?”

Then, as of mid-July, even the San Diego County Water Authority and the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District were getting in on the anti-turf bandwagon, going so far as incentivizing homeowners for its removal. According to the Times of San Diego (www.greenindustrypros.com/12420942), “Residents in San Diego County who remove grass and meet other sustainability requirements are eligible for $1 per square foot from the Metropolitan Water District and an additional $1.75 per square foot from the local water authority.”

If a customer decides to remove his or her turf-grass lawn, then you’re likely out of an account. If this anti-turf sentiment continues to escalate, it could eventually affect your lawn maintenance profits. So what are customers are turning to in lieu of turf grass? Many of them are replacing turf with the following: • Xeriscaping, which is a drought-tolerant and water-conserving landscaping technique that emphasizes the use of native plants.

• Clover.

• Groundcovers, like moss or creeping perennials.

• Rock and rain gardens.

While some may demonize the practice of lawn mowing, it’s going to be around for a long time. But it never hurts to start planning for the future or how you’re going to field some green questions in the meantime. Maybe you even get Carrie Mantey (920) 542-1238 a request to install a clover yard for a customer. cmantey@acbusinessmedia.com You never know what tomorrow may bring. ❯

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201 N. Main Street Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544 Volume 30, Number 5

ADVERTISIN G

Publisher...................................................................................... Eric Servais eservais@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative.................................................................. Fred Ferris fferris@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative..........................................................Amy Schwandt aschwandt@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative............................................................. Sean Dunphy sdunphy@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative............................................................. Nikki Lawson nlawson@acbusinessmedia.com National Automotive Manager ............................................. Tom Lutzke tlutzke@acbusinessmedia.com Vice Chair..................................................................................... Kris Flitcroft kflitcroft@acbusinessmedia.com

EDITORIAL

Editor......................................................................................... Carrie Mantey cmantey@acbusinessmedia.com Graphic Designer....................................................................Dave Haglund dhaglund@acbusinessmedia.com

CIRCU LATION

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PRODU CTION

Senior Production Manager................................................... Cindy Rusch crusch@acbusinessmedia.com AC Business Media Inc. Chairman — Anil Narang President and Chief Executive Officer — Carl Wistreich Chief Financial Officer — JoAnn Breuchel Editorial Director — Greg Udelhofen Digital Operations Manager — Nick Raether Digital Sales Manager — Monique Terrazas Change of Address & Subscriptions — P.O. Box 3605 Northbrook, IL 60065-3605 • Phone: (877) 201-3915 Fax: (847) 291-4816 • circ.greenindustrypros@omeda.com List Rental — Jeff Moriarty, Senior Vice President of Business & Media Solutions • InfoGroup (518) 339 4511 • jeff.moriarty@infogroup.com Reprints & Licensing — Erica Finger (920) 542-1230 • efinger@acbusinessmedia.com .

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THE DIRT GREEN INDUSTRY NEWS

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute Releases Leaf Blower Toolkit for Landscape Pros Throughout the country, communities are banning or restricting the use of leaf blowers, or are considering doing so.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is working to help professional landscapers, outdoor power equipment dealers and retailers, and other stakeholders to counter these challenges.

“Many of the objections to leaf blower use are based on emotion, misinformation or unfounded beliefs. And don’t think this is just a gas-powered equipment issue.

Bans and restrictions are being put in place regardless of the power source,” says

SUPER LAWN TECHNOLOGIES TO UNVEIL INNOVATIVE SOLARCHARGING TRUCK The lawn and garden industry is adopting new technology, and it’s happening in Georgia. Tony Bass, founder and CEO of Super Lawn Technologies in Fort Valley, Georgia, found a more cost-effective, environmentally friendly and quieter way to

power landscaping equipment in the work trucks he manufactures.

In response to the green movement and high fuel prices in recent years, Bass, with the assistance of Georgia Tech’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP), developed a solution—the Mobile Solar-Powered Charging Station for box trucks—designed specifically for landscaping companies.

The GaMEP provides engineering

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Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. “We are doing our part to prevent and fight these bans, but it is vital that landscapers, dealers and retailers get involved at the local level to ensure they don’t lose access to this important equipment.”

OPEI’s new toolkit is designed to be used by end-users to help educate the public, local officials and the media about the important work leaf blowers do in their communities. The toolkit—available in English and Spanish languages—includes: • A series of videos that outline what landscapers and the broader industry are doing to encourage the safe and courteous use of leaf blowers.

• A template opinion piece and letter to the editor to send to local media.

services for hometown companies.

Consulting on this project with Bass was product engineer Robert Wray of the GaMEP. Wray states, “The solar-powered charging stations in these vehicles are comparable to that of a solar-powered home. Every day, sunlight hits the solar panels on the roof of the truck and the solar panels convert those rays into direct current (DC) electricity. This electricity then flows out of the solar panels and into an inverter, and ultimately the batterypowered lawn equipment.”

Bass says, “The mobile solar-charging stations will allow professional lawn maintenance contractors to transition from gas-to battery-powered lawn and garden equipment, while saving money and simplifying the refueling process.”

A gas-powered backpack blower operating for an average of 500 hours uses approximately $1,125 in fuel each year, while a battery-powered backpack blower uses just $40 of electricity for 500 hours of use.

Bass says the system is simple, adding, “A lithium-ion battery powers a blower, weed eater or chain saw the same way your cell phone battery works. Plug in a battery charger to a 120-volt outlet, insert the battery and give it 40 to 75 minutes (depending on the size of the battery) until it’s done … the battery is fully charged and

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• Myth-busting talking points to help frame conversations with local officials.

• A safe and courteous use pledge for landscapers and their workers to share with local officials.

• Social media posts landscapers can use to share information.

“We encourage professionals to be vigilant in watching for leaf blower issues in their local communities and to respond when they see a challenge arise. As the green industry, it takes all of us to respond on these issues,” Kiser says.

For more information, please visit www.opei.org/leafblowers. To receive the full suite of toolkit materials, please email info@opei.org.

ready to go again at a fraction of the cost of using gas-powered equipment.”

Georgia Institute of Technology president, Dr. George P. Peterson, toured the Super Lawn Technologies facility on June 18. The visit included a tour of the Mobile Solar-Powered Charging Station and of Super Lawn Technologies' facilities. Dr. Peterson witnessed the unveiling of the innovative solar-charging truck.

He is a mechanical engineer and holds a PhD from Texas A&M. He has been president of the Georgia Institute of Technology since 2009, the same year Super Lawn Technologies started working with the GaMEP. Bass adds: “Over the years, they helped us improve our engineering process while helping us stay on top of technology available to our industry.”

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8/7/18 9:22 AM

THE DIRT

GROW YOUR BENCH WITH GROWTHEBENCH.COM A new player is emerging to provide online education, professional development, and peer groups for landscape and snow management industry companies seeking to retain talent by investing in their growth and development.

GrowTheBench.com was launched by industry consultants Phil Harwood and Neal Glatt. The subscription-based educational service provides full access to its library of online courses, selected to meet the unique needs of the industry. Mobilefriendly courses are available 24/7, and viewable with a 4G or Wi-Fi connection.

Facilitated online peer groups for each functional area of the company supplement learning and the developmental process.

Harwood, managing partner of GrowTheBench.com, states that, for many years, his consulting clients were asking for turnkey education for account managers,

operations managers, salespeople, crew leaders, senior managers and owners.

Glatt, also a managing partner of GrowTheBench.com, is a certified coach with the Gallup and John Maxwell organizations. He states that over 50 years of Gallup research shows the powerful return on investment of investing in people first and it’s the single best investment a business can make.

The initial course library consists of over 80 online class modules, each lasting 15 to 20 minutes. Available are courses focused on professional fundamentals, management foundations, developing great crew leaders, effective time management, high-performance coaching, John Maxwell’s Leadership Gold and more.

According to Harwood, “GrowTheBench.com solves a critical need in our industry to develop our people, invest in them and grow our workforce from within. GrowTheBench. com was created for the entire industry— for all contractors, suppliers, consultants, educators and anyone who has something to share with others to enhance the attractiveness of our industry by investing in our people.”

OTHER TOP NEWS • Another Town Is Moving toward a Full Ban on Gas-Powered Landscaping Equipment www.greenindustrypros.com/12422076

• After Lawn-Mowing America, Rodney Smith, Jr. Plans to Take on Every Continent www.greenindustrypros.com/12421679

• Landscaping Businesses Are Losing Money Because of U.S. Visa Policy www.greenindustrypros.com/12421675

• Mower Depot Fights Back against Theft,

Kick-Starts Outdoor Power Community Watch www.greenindustrypros.com/12421322

• Landscaper Attacked: Beware of Snakes

When Mowing www.greenindustrypros.com/12421309

• This Honda Lawn Mower Will Go 150 MPH

www.greenindustrypros.com/12420945

• Water Authority Offers Homeowners $2.75 a Foot to Replace Grass Lawns www.greenindustrypros.com/12420942

• Landscaper's Robot Mows Lawns without

Anyone Lifting a Finger www.greenindustrypros.com/12420501

• Lawsuits over Weed Killer Roundup Clear

Major Hurdle www.greenindustrypros.com/12420503

• Pennsylvania Considers Banning

Japanese Barberry, a Popular but Invasive Landscaping Plant www.greenindustrypros.com/12419761

• Landscapers ‘Scared for their Livelihoods’ JOINING FORCES TO REQUEST INCREASE CAP FOR H-2B SEASONAL WORKERS The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) is partnering with the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance (NHLA) to encourage Congress to grant additional visas for seasonal workers entering the U.S. Both organizations express concerns for issues surrounding the H-2B visa program and the impact on companies who are not able to fill seasonal non-agricultural positions.

“The H-2B visa program, capped at 66,000 per year, is completely inadequate.

This year, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) certified that there exists a bona fide shortage for more than 142,000 workers to fill seasonal jobs,” said NHLA executive director Ralph Egües. “Without access to seasonal workers, thousands of the nation’s leading landscape companies and other employers needing seasonal workers are forced to shrink operations and lay off American workers. The H-2B visa program provides an orderly and legal means for needed foreign workers to come

to the U.S., work for a defined period and then return to their home countries.”

As a result of the federal cap on seasonal worker visas, different industries across the nation are being negatively impacted by insufficient access to the H-2B program. As the largest employer of seasonal workers, the landscaping industry is especially hampered by the sharp increase in demand for seasonal workers. This year, the DOL received 81,600 applications, almost two-anda-half times the slots available for the second half of the year. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, the 15,000 additional visas added in May still does not come close to meeting demand.

“With an unemployment rate of 4 percent, our economy is facing labor shortages that are preventing American businesses from scaling. H-2B visas directly address this problem in a manner that increases wages for American workers, while providing reputable employers access to needed willing workers,” said USHCC interim president and CEO Fernand Fernandez. “There

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• Washington, D.C. Council Considers Gas-

Powered Leaf Blower Ban www.greenindustrypros.com/12419403

• Tween’s Landscaping Business Increases

after Neighbor Calls Police on Him www.greenindustrypros.com/12419407

• Is Xeriscaping for your Customers? The

Fundamentals of Low-Water Landscaping www.greenindustrypros.com/12419410

• Justice Department Punishes Landscaping Company for Discrimination www.greenindustrypros.com/12419213

are more than twice as many H-2B visa requests as there are visas. We ask that our leaders in Congress respond to the needs of American employers and pass adequate H-2B visa cap relief.”

Through the H-2B program, companies may be able to meet their seasonal demands, therefore enabling landscape companies to grow and make a positive impact on the U.S. economy. Due to regulations enacted by the administration, the program may be hindering companies that depend on seasonal labor workers to not only make ends meet, but also deliver quality products and services.

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 9

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NEW EQUIPMENT

Engineered to Bring Reliable Power to the Outdoors Yamaha Motor presents its EF2000iSv2 portable generator as an inverter with powerful performance in a quiet, lightweight package. Designed and engineered to bring reliable power to the outdoors, according to the company, the EF2000iSv2 additionally boasts: • Up to 2,000 watts and advanced programming to easily power a wide range of devices.

• A weight of 44.1 pounds, making the generator a mobile and efficient power source.

• The capacity to run for up to 10.5 hours on a single gallon of gas.

• TwinTech capability to allow two EF2000iSv2 units to be connected in parallel to provide up to 30 amps of power.

• Yamaha’s advanced smart throttle and noise block technology for noise reduction.

• An independent fuel petcock, which allows users to shut off the gas to run the carburetor dry, preventing stale gas problems, and carburetor cleaning and repair.

• A three-year factory warranty.

Faster Cuts with Less Operator Effort Oregon recently released its PowerCut 70-Series EXL, an evolution of the popular LGX 3/8-inch professional saw chain for 50 to 100cc chain saws. Built to maximize every cut, this chain is also highlighted by: • A faster, more powerful cut that reduces the amount of operatorapplied force required to complete cuts.

• A proprietary multi-axis grind technology and precision-ground cutters to help the saw power through timber.

• LubriTec technology to keep the saw chain and guide bar oiled for less friction and longer life.

www.greenindustrypros.com/12422541

• An improved grind shape profile to better match the shape of the file, making it easier to file a precise edge.

Floating Mower Deck Better Follows Contours

• The Gold Loop Start Indicator that makes sharpening easier with start-stop identification. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422595

Wright recently launched the 42-inch AERO CORE floating deck for its popular Stander Intensity mower with:

Closed-Loop Electronic Fuel Injection Technology

• The flexibility to tilt side to side and front to back, allowing the mower deck to better follow terrain contours.

• Improved airflow and cut quality, plus anti-blowout features.

• Optimal control and handling, allowing operators to trim as they mow.

• The ability to adjust the deck height in quarter-inch increments on the fly.

• Anti-scalp rollers that automatically adjust the deck height to changes in terrain.

• Recessed caster wheels that reduce the turning radius.

• Better weight distribution for better handling on hills.

The Kohler Command PRO EFI ECH440 single-cylinder engine is integrated with closed-loop electronic fuel injection (EFI) technology. The 14-HP engine also comes equipped with: • Enhanced fuel efficiency, greater overall reliability and easier starting in harsh conditions.

• Compatibility with a variety of equipment, such as generators, chippers, concrete saws, welders, utility vehicles, stump grinders, air compressors, tillers, water pumps and more.

• Easy step-off to pick up debris or in case of an emergency.

• The control and management of exhaust through the closed-loop system, burning the right amount of air and extending engine life.

• A floating stand-on platform that absorbs rough terrain through elastopolymer bumpers.

• The ability to start like a car, with no choking and no carburetor.

• A wide stance for greater control, while its forward slant makes the controls more ergonomic.

• Quick and easy troubleshooting to minimize downtime with optional EFI diagnostic software.

• A compact footprint, which means more mowers can fit on a trailer. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422504

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• Quiet, stable performance.

• A three-year limited commercial warranty. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422487

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8/7/18 9:20 AM

NEW EQUIPMENT Zero-Turn Maneuverability, Zero Gas and Zero Emissions

Safe and Efficient Attachment Exchanges

Greenworks recently unveiled the first production models of its Lithium Z zero-turn mowers—the first lithium-ion battery-powered commercial-grade mowers to be independently UL-certified for safety. The Lithium Z family features both a 48-inch stand-on mower and a 60-inch ride-on mower, each with an 82-volt, 13.8-KW lithium-ion battery, three 1.5-KW brushless blade motors and two 1.7-KW brushless drive motors to deliver pro-level cutting speed and power. More specifically: • The Greenworks GZ 60R ride-on mower comes equipped with blade speeds from 2,800 to 3,200 RPM, a 60-inch professional steel deck, electronic height adjustment from 1 to 6 inches, forward speeds from 0 to 10 MPH, reverse speeds from 0 to 5 MPH, 13-inch front tires, 23-inch rear tires, 4.5 to 5 hours of cutting time per charge, 10 hours of charge time, stepless cutting height positions, a weight of 1,321.5 pounds and electromagnetic parking brakes for added safety.

• The Greenworks GZ 48S stand-on mower offers blade speeds from 2,800 to 3,600 RPM, a 48-inch durable steel deck, manual height adjustment from 1.5 to 6 inches, forward speeds from 0 to 6 MPH, reverse speeds from 0 to 3 MPH, 12-inch front tires, 18-inch rear tires, 6 hours of cutting time per charge, 10 hours of charge time, 18 different cutting height positions, a weight of 1,120 pounds and electromagnetic parking brakes for added safety. www.greenindustrypros.com/12421709

Heavy-Duty Powerwagon for Hauling Heavy Materials Designed for professional landscapers, the Generac Pro Powerwagon, according to the company, provides:

Solesbee’s introduces its quick coupler as an efficient solution for operators to exchange excavator attachments from the safety of the cab. The coupler further offers: • Operation on a wedge-locking principle to connect to attachments in two places for an ideal locking force—the wedge locks at 1,730 PSI and unlocks at 3,455 PSI. • The compatibility to be paired easily with buckets, rippers, rakes and mechanical grabs, as well as a range of demolition, forestry and land-clearing attachments.

• A safety knuckle that automatically engages onto the front pin, which can only be released by the operator, when connecting attachments.

• The prevention of improperly connected attachments—which can lead to injuries and even fatalities—with step-by-step, in-cab controls and specific operator commands that are required to lock and unlock attachments, not only improving safety, but also speeding up the exchange. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422543

The Power and Performance to Tackle Most Any Job KIOTI recently expanded its DK10SE Series with eight new compact tractors, four of which include cab models—the DK4210SE HC, DK4710SE HC, DK5310SE HC and DK6010SE HC—and four rollover protective structure (ROPS) models—the DK4210SE HST, DK4710SE HST, DK5310SE HST and DK6010SE HST. Each tractor delivers: • Engine gross horsepower that ranges from 40 to 58 and power take-off (PTO) horsepower from 29 to 45.

• Power to a range of implements, which can be connected with ease via a three-point hitch, with a rear external three-point control lever and hydraulic independent PTO. • Smooth handling and a liquid-cooled, threecylinder Daedong diesel engine.

• Easy access to the fuel filter, oil filter, coolant reservoir, dipstick and fuel tank.

• The capability to haul up to 800 pounds of heavy materials, from dirt to wood to stone and gravel.

• A push-button-powered actuator that tilts the cargo bed up to 60 degrees, thoroughly emptying it, to make dumping a breeze.

• A tilt steering wheel and adjustable seat that allow operators to settle in for a comfortable ride.

• An electric-start Generac G-Force engine that delivers 8.0 poundfeet of torque through a gear-driven transmission with three forward speeds and one reverse.

• The flexibility for operators to choose the tractor that best fits their needs.

• A 1.5-inch by 12-gauge tubular steel frame and 8-cubic-foot highdensity polyethylene bed.

• An open platform design with a deck mat and fender grips on each side of the ROPS models for easy mounting and dismounting, whereas the cab models feature heat and air conditioning, rearwindow defrost, a single-lever joystick, front work lights, and a power socket with USB connection and an AUX port.

• A hand-actuated disc brake that lets you check the speed of the unit on slopes, and can be locked to hold the machine in place when loading or unloading. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422508

www.greenindustrypros.com/12422498

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 11

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NEW EQUIPMENT

Yard Cleanup Done in a Flash STIHL presents its MSA 140 C-BQ battery-powered chain saw, when paired with the AK 30 battery, as the most powerful in the Lightning Battery System AK Series. The company says the chain saw is suitable for limb removal and storm cleanup, and further highlighted by: • Optimal cutting performance for up to 45 minutes of actual cutting time on a single charge.

• A ¼-inch STIHL PICCO saw chain, ensuring clean, smooth cuts.

• A compact design that weighs 8.6 pounds, so it’s easy to maneuver.

• A high-torque brushless motor to deliver the speed, cutting capacity and run time needed.

• A quick chain adjuster, enabling the user to adjust the tension and replace the saw chain without the use of tools.

• The STIHL Quickstop Plus chain braking system, designed to stop the rotating saw chain when the rear handle is released.

• Instant, quick starts—just squeeze the trigger and start cutting.

• The AK 30 lithium-ion battery that boasts no gradual power drop. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422534

Over 30 new blades for 2018

Reaching New Heights Safely BAHCO designed its new extended-reach pruning tools to help safely and efficiently prune trees and other shrubbery at height. More specifically, according to the company, the tools include: • Aluminum section poles, ideal for reaching high shrubbery, that extend with one or two sections to reach a height of about 23 feet.

• Short telescopic poles that feature a soft PVC sleeve for an anti-slip grip and a reinforced end cap to avoid breakage.

• Pole saws that offer blades with Japanese toothing to remain sharp six to eight times longer. The cut is on the pull stroke, which concentrates cutting energy on the tooth edge.

• The pole hook, ideal for pulling down sawed-off branches and guiding ropes high up in trees.

• The pole pruner to provide a safer and easier cutting experience at height by eliminating the need for a ladder. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422593

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NOW AVAILABLE Multi-Language Landscape Design Drafix Software now offers its PRO Landscape design software, Version 23, in Spanish, Italian and German. The company says Version 23 also delivers:

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• The ability to help users quickly create visual designs for customers, accurate site plans for crews and professional proposals that communicate every aspect of the proposed project.

• The inclusion of all the elements a designer needs, such as photo-realistic imaging, night and holiday lighting, computeraided design (CAD), estimating, 3D renderings, and mobile tablet applications in one easy-to-learn and easy-to-use program.

• The flexibility to select a Spanish, Italian or German language setup to translate the user interface, making it easy for speakers of those languages to learn and use the software quickly.

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An Easier Way to Adjust Chipping Feeds Morbark is now making the iQ-View smart controller available on its 3.0-liter gas engines for Beever M12R, M12D and M12RX brush chippers. Produced by Industrial Electronic Controls, the iQ-View smart display and controller provides: • The presentation of engine and machine parameters to the operator, as well as control of the chipper’s auto-feed function.

• The ability to select one of three preset speed settings—a brush, wood or factory setting, plus a custom setting—to maximize machine throughput and productivity, and eliminate speed changes, all with the simple push of a button.

• The simultaneous display of four user-selected parameters, plus a second screen that can be set to display four additional parameters, so either screen can easily be selected for viewing.

• Settings designed to optimize chipper efficiency, improve output and reduce downtime.

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• Simple, yet extensive on-screen diagnostics that allow users to quickly troubleshoot issues.

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CONTRACTOR PROFILE

By Angie Mellor

TruGreen Has Lawn Care

DOWN TO A SCIENCE The company is looking to help landscape contractors survive and thrive during the labor shortage.

TruGreen offers custom-designed landscape programs developed by specialists and scientists.

“Our certified lawn specialists are trained, licensed, bonded and insured. Rigorous training sets them apart from well-meaning do-it-yourselfers who often inadvertently overuse lawn care compounds.”

– Brent Armstrong, TruGreen

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t’s August, sun blazing, breezes few and far between, and I’ve spent about $50 in gallons of gas and upwards of 10 hours a week mowing my twoacre lawn. But when I compare my situation to that of a contract landscaper, my plight pales. I imagine how many commercial and residential properties each business cares for, all with a rapidly dwindling pool of laborers, and spending a few hours on the rider doesn’t seem so bad.

It’s no secret that the green industry is increasingly struggling with

a labor shortage. What remains less clear is a long-term plan of action to fix the complex problem. For the time being, however, TruGreen is looking to help overburdened businesses during a crucial point in the season.

Building Local Relationships Brent Armstrong, vice president of TruGreen’s commercial sales, emphasizes that TruGreen can help landscape contractors when they are busy or short-staffed. “We are not competing against landscapers in our market; rather we come alongside and support them. We don’t want to displace anyone; we want to be partners. We can provide support by doing the work that isn’t the real reason they got into landscaping,” explains Armstrong.

Based out of Memphis, Tennessee, with approximately 260 locations throughout the country, TruGreen recognizes the importance of local connections. “We’re able to build a local relationship with a person, not a call center, and deliver what those folks need. We’re flexible enough to provide those services and do it with relentless consistency,” Armstrong asserts.

TruGreen works to build local relationships through business development employees who meet with landscapers and landscape contractors to determine a plan of action.

“We’ve got boots on the ground everywhere across the country,” Armstrong admits. “We’re about making sure we’re taking care of our landscape partners wherever they need us.”

A Team of Scientists and Expertly Trained Staff

Not only does TruGreen work to develop local relationships, but the company also offers custom-designed landscape programs developed by specialists and scientists. Armstrong notes that landscape design varies greatly throughout the country, so plans are designed to fit the particular geographic area. “We design a program that fits within the grass type, climate and budget,” he says.

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To determine those specifics, TruGreen brings 26 scientists to the table. “If there is a question or concern or program to be developed, we’re consulting the best in the industry to bring agronomic knowledge,” Armstrong states.

In addition to the development of landscape design, TruGreen also uses a scientific approach to training its lawn specialists. Ph.D. agronomists created an intense program designed to teach specialists to properly perform lawn and landscape treatments.

“Our certified lawn specialists are trained, licensed, bonded and insured.

Rigorous training sets them apart from well-meaning do-it-yourselfers who often inadvertently overuse lawn care compounds,” Armstrong says.

Furthermore, all lawn specialists go through a mentoring program with veteran TruGreen employees. According to Armstrong, “TruGreen specialists participate in the TruGreen AdvantEDGE training series, which is an industry-leading program that consists of intensive multi-week training in the classroom and on-the-job mentoring.”

Armstrong mentions that this training not only mentors new associates, but also provides the hands-on experiences necessary for successful specialists.

“They learn how to properly inspect and treat customers’ lawns by first inspecting and then treating the lawn based on the specific needs of that lawn. Lawn specialists also learn how to educate homeowners about cultural maintenance practices like watering and mowing tips specific to each lawn.”

Providing Turf Services with the Environment in Mind While TruGreen doesn’t trim or mow, the company helps create turf, cares for it and provides turf services, such as plant nutrition, and weed and pest control. “We make sure that turf is green, weed-free, and dense through fertilization, micronutrient treatment, fungicide application and aeration, all which facilitate

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CONTRACTOR PROFILE

strong turf,” Armstrong says.

TruGreen isn’t just focused on getting the turf started; it’s also committed to any necessary follow-up care. “We want to put a program together with landscape partners to take care of turf from beginning to end. If they call us because they find a problem with weeds, for example, we’ll come back and take care of it, no question. We’re going to make your life easier,” continues Armstrong.

Not only does TruGreen want to make life easier for its clients, but the company wants to make it safer as well.

“TruGreen is committed to the development of new and better methods for taking care of the space that our customers call home,” Armstrong notes. “This constant innovation and investment in research helped us pioneer a number of common practices in the lawn care industry.”

In order to lead the way in the lawn care industry, TruGreen focuses on allowing customers to enjoy their outdoor space while keeping their health in mind. “We actively participate in a wide array of forums, committees and panels focused on methods of enabling our country to enjoy the environmental benefits of healthy turf, while minimizing pesticide and fertilizer use,” Armstrong confirms.

TruGreen also makes a point to work with government policymakers on the local and national level, and most recently joined with the Arbor Day Foundation to provide free trees for communities in Buffalo and Syracuse, New York; Detroit, Michigan; and Boulder, Colorado; all of which were affected by the emerald ash borer beetle.

Irrigation Repair and Maintenance

In the past few years, TruGreen started getting requests for irrigation system repair and maintenance, so the company added that service to its repertoire as well. “We heard consistently from our landscape partners that they weren’t able to keep up with demand for the repair and maintenance of irrigation systems,” Armstrong says.

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Forty TruGreen locations throughout the United Sates now offer irrigation system repair and maintenance to commercial and residential customers. According to Armstrong, “Landscape partners use us in the summer months or during a month without rain. They have to mow and keep up with irrigation requests, and because of the sensitivity and need for water, this has to be done quickly.”

Community-Centered Commitment

Just as TruGreen touts its commitment to local relationships, the company also commits to those communities it serves. “At TruGreen, we feel that it is our responsibility as a good corporate citizen and good neighbor to

build them is at the core of our business,” Armstrong says. Each year, local charities receive thousands of dollars from TruGreen branches.

Additionally, TruGreen funds the Green for Givers campaign, which provides grants to local volunteer organizations. “We recognize associates’ personal community involvement with grants on behalf of associates to the volunteer organizations they support,” he says.

TruGreen also joins local branches of organizations, such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Wounded Warrior Project, Children of Fallen Patriots, American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity.

TruGreen helps create turf, care for it and provide turf services, such as plant nutrition, and weed and pest control.

give back to those in need when we can. This means we reflect our commitment to the health and well-being of our communities in both our professional services and our corporate culture,” Armstrong says.

One way TruGreen gives back is through its Lawn Stars program in which the top 63 offices donate to the local charities of their choosing.

“Giving back to the neighborhoods we serve and the people who help

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TruGreen helps landscape contractors suffering from the labor shortage by working with them to care for turf and irrigation systems, supported by a scientific approach, expertly and professionally trained associates, and a focus on community. ❯ Angie Mellor teaches communications and writing classes at Western Technical College in La Crosse, Wisconsin, while freelance writing and editing.

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SUPPLIER PROFILE

By Gregg Wartgow

Half a Century of Groundskeeping Innovations

On the eve of its 50th year in the manufacturing business, The Grasshopper Company continues to focus on versatility, productivity and options—helping end-users get more done faster and at less cost.

Grasshopper’s parent company, Moridge Manufacturing, is celebrating its 60th year in business this year, while Grasshopper celebrates its 50th anniversary next year.

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or nearly 50 years, The Grasshopper Company has been delivering made-in-America groundskeeping innovations from a tiny town in southern Kansas. Despite the challenges of a limited labor pool (the population of Moundridge, Kansas, is less than 2,000), company leadership wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We compete with ag manufacturers, advanced manufacturing companies and refineries in the area for the same employees,” says Brian Schoenthaler, marketing coordinator for Grasshopper. “As our company continues to invest in technology to improve and streamline the manufacturing process, we also invest in training our employees to improve their skill sets. This cultivates loyalty and trust.”

Those loyal Grasshopper employees do the city of Moundridge proud.

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In July of last year, Grasshopper was selected to represent the state of Kansas at the Made in America Product Showcase at the White House. And earlier that summer, Grasshopper was awarded an exclusive multi-year contract to supply mowing equipment, parts and service to registered public-sector entities through the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance.

In 2014, Grasshopper was elected Company of the Year by Chapter 52 of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

The organization was impressed with how efficiently the company operates, along with the durability and versatility of its products. A couple of years prior, Grasshopper was recognized for its commitment to the environment when it earned a Pollution Prevention Award from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

“We effectively reduced our raw steel consumption by more than 300 tons per year, with a net zero ratio, through the use of high-efficiency laser cutting, welding and robotic technologies, and by reusing and recycling scrap material,” Schoenthaler

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points out. “These awards and accolades serve to confirm the pride and workmanship that every Grasshopper employee puts forth every day.”

Grasshopper was also recognized for its outstanding dealer support through the Equipment Dealers Association (EDA) Dealer’s Choice Awards. Dealer members of the nationwide association rate their manufacturer partners in numerous categories. Grasshopper scored as the top outdoor power equipment manufacturer in both 2015 and 2016, and maintained its gold level status in 2017 and 2018.

An Idea Sparked South of the Border

Grasshopper is led by second-generation company president Stan Guyer. He is joined by his brother, Duane, who serves as the chief financial officer. Duane’s son, Trent, is the vice president of marketing, whereas Stan’s son, Nathan, is the production manager. It’s a classic example of a privately held and family-owned Midwestern manufacturing company.

While Grasshopper is nearing its 50th anniversary in 2019, parent

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The Grasshopper leadership team, from left to right, is: Stan Guyer, president; Nathan Guyer, production manager; Ruthanne Stucky, vice president of sales; Duane Guyer, chief financial officer; and Trent Guyer, vice president of marketing.

While Grasshopper offers an assortment of both MidMount and FrontMount zero-turn mowers, the company says a FrontMount offers many productivityenhancing benefits.

company Moridge Manufacturing is celebrating its 60th this year.

Moridge was in business roughly seven years when the idea for an innovative new product emerged.

“Inspiration for Grasshopper was influenced, at least in part, by a visit to Chapultepec Park in Mexico City,”

Schoenthaler says. Also known as Bosque de Chapultepec, the park’s name means “hill of the grasshopper.” In 1965, Dr. Nancy Becker designed the original logo for the first Grasshopper mower prototype by simply spelling out the word grasshopper in the shape of a grass-

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hopper body. Development of the prototype continued until the mower was officially introduced in 1969.

Roughly 70 zero-turn riding mower models are available today; Grasshopper does not manufacture stand-on or walk-behind mowers. The company also offers a diverse lineup

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SUPPLIER PROFILE

The Grasshopper plant is located in Moundridge, Kansas.

of mower implements, ranging from aerators and dethatchers to sprayers, brooms, snow blowers and blades.

Leading out Front on Diesel

According to Schoenthaler, Grasshopper introduced many industry-first innovations, including dual swing-away steering levers (1973), diesel-powered zero-turn mowers (1983), the Ultimate Operator Station for increased comfort (1994), the PowerFold electric deck lift for a FrontMount mower (2004) and the HighLift 15B hopper (2014).

Schoenthaler says Grasshopper also became the first manufacturer to offer FrontMount and MidMount zero-turn riding mowers in 2000.

The company continues to emphasize both configurations today.

FrontMount mowers give operators a panoramic view that lets them monitor trimming from a natural seated position. FrontMounts also have the ability to reach under low-hanging obstacles, which reduces the need for secondary trimming, and can get in and out of tight spaces more nimbly. Finally, FrontMounts have a more even front-torear weight distribution that provides a lighter footprint and improved traction.

Year-round versatility is another factor that’s driving FrontMount popularity. “The zero-turn tractor can be turned into a year-round grounds maintenance machine by

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easily replacing the cutting deck with a selection of nine implements,” Schoenthaler explains. “Many operators report they can do the same jobs in as little as one-quarter of the time using their Grasshopper system.”

Schoenthaler points out that Grasshopper offers many MidMount mower models as well. “There is a wide selection of power plants, deck sizes and features that are also found on our MidMount mowers,” he adds. “Mixing a fleet of FrontMount and MidMount models is easy thanks to the commonality of parts across both models.”

For Grasshopper, it’s all about providing options, versatility and consistency. Regardless of whether it’s a FrontMount or MidMount mower, all decks have the ability to discharge, mulch or collect, while featuring the same rugged construction. Reardischarge decks are also available.

Grasshopper offers both MidMounts and FrontMounts with diesel engines.

As previously mentioned, Grasshopper first introduced a diesel-powered mower in 1983. The company continues to emphasize this fuel source today.

“Diesel is a good alternative for rural customers who are operating diesel tractors and trucks,” Schoenthaler says.

“Diesel is also relevant for landscapers. If they are running diesel in their trucks, skid steers or compact tractors, the commonality of fuel is the

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right choice for them. Government and other institutions are also good candidates for diesel is commonly used.”

Grasshopper does not offer propanepowered mowers, although it did back in the 1970s and ‘80s. Testing and data analysis prompted the company to shift toward diesel. Fuel availability was also an important factor in Grasshopper’s decision to double down on diesel.

Schoenthaler says diesel is sometimes perceived to be bad for the environment. In actuality, a mower burning clean diesel is more ecologically efficient than a mower burning gasoline or propane, he states.

“Considering the same engine size or displacement, the greenhouse gases produced per hour by Grasshopper’s diesel mowers are actually less than those of their gasoline- or propanepowered counterparts,” Schoenthaler says. “All Grasshopper diesel mowers are Tier 4 Final-compliant and require no exhaust after-treatments.”

Diesel engines also produce more torque, Schoenthaler adds. Coupled with an efficient deck design, diesel mowers can deliver a manicured cut at faster speeds while using less fuel per hour. Operators should also look at net cost savings. “Our diesel mowers burn as little as 1 gallon per hour compared to 1.65 for gasoline and 1.8 for propane,” Schoenthaler says.

Also think about the time it takes to complete a mowing job. “If it takes 70 minutes for a gasoline-powered mower to cut a property that only takes a diesel-powered mower 60 minutes, that’s a 16 percent increase in time.

The gasoline-powered mower would actually burn 1.92 gallons of gasoline to do the same job that the diesel mower could do with only 1 gallon of fuel. Plus, this extra 10 minutes, spread out over an eight- to 11-hour day, would also allow an operator to pick up extra jobs and add more revenue to the bottom line each day.” ❯ For more information on Grasshopper, please visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155935.

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Landscape Network

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SPECIAL FOCUS: GPS/TELEMATICS

By Carrie Mantey

Landscape contractors can use GPS and telematics devices to better manage vehicles, employees and contracts.

Wh

You must reap all of the capabilities of your GPS and telematics systems to maximize their full potential.

er

et

he

E

R e h oad t s t e e Rep M o rting

veryone knows the Global Positioning System—more frequently referred to as GPS—is a useful tool for navigating unfamiliar territory, but for forward-thinking landscape contractors, it could be so much more. The key is to reap the full data capabilities GPS and telematics systems can provide— beyond just turn-by-turn directions.

At the most basic level, GPS technology permits landscape contractors to pinpoint and track the location of vehicles in their GPSenabled fleets on a virtual map, while telematics allow the remote monitoring of certain conditions GPS and telematics systems now often come in mobile-friendly formats.

onboard the vehicles.

What the technology is, though, isn’t nearly as exciting as what it can do.

Chris Ransom, director of solutions engineering at Verizon Connect, says, “Core functions and capabilities include near realtime and historical location, stop/ job tracking, vehicle health information, vehicle maintenance capabilities, utilization reporting, location, fuel usage, trend analysis through dashboards and scorecards, as well as improvements in work and work management, including improved driving, job and route optimization, dispatching of jobs, custom forms and more.”

The Ultimate Management Tool for Landscape Contractors

“Telematics can be one of the best dollarfor-dollar returns on investment for landscaping businesses when the data is fully utilized.”

– Jenny Shiner, GPS Insight 22 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

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GPS can identify the quickest path to a destination, then accurately and efficiently route drivers there with the entry of an address, simplifying the dispatch of landscaping vehicles to job sites.

George Survant,

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Quartix provides GPS vehicle tracking and reporting for commercial fleets of all sizes.

senior director of fleet relations at the Association for the Work Truck Industry (NTEA), adds, “The integration of real-time traffic conditions can help drivers spend less wasted time waiting for road obstructions (accidents, road repairs and traffic congestion, for example) to clear,” too.

GPS is an effective tool for not only managing vehicles, but also employees and contracts, according to Andy Walters, CEO and founder of Quartix, a vehicle tracking systems provider.

Keeping in mind that there are many different levels of system sophistication, he offers some examples of features contemporary GPS and telematics devices can provide that landscape contractors could use to better manage vehicles, employees and contracts: • Reporting on irresponsible employee vehicle use—such as speeding and hard braking—so drivers can learn from their mistakes and improve their driving behavior, which can lead to better fuel economy, less vehicle main-

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tenance and less chance for accidents.

• The tracking of vehicle maintenance schedules so you can service your vehicles proactively, decreasing downtime.

• Daily, weekly and monthly timesheets for each employee, which can help control overtime payments.

• Capacity utilization reports that can help you get more out of your workforce by better allocating shifts to meet the demand from your customers most cost-effectively.

• Alerts to notify you of late job-site arrivals or early departures.

• Reporting on how much time is spent at each customer site, which can facilitate better job costing.

• Proof of attendance of your workforce, so you can demonGPS technology permits landscape contractors to track the location of vehicles in their GPS-enabled fleets on a virtual map.

unauthorized locations or unauthorized times to help prevent employees from taking on private jobs and using company equipment to carry them out.

Walters estimates that, with all of the time and costs that a GPS or telematics system can save, landscape contractors could “gain one extra billable job each week (as much as $400 per month per employee), reduce overtime and weekend payments by a couple of hours per week (as much as $240 per month), and decrease fuel bills by improving driving behaviors and cutting out unauthorized usage (as much as $40 for 20 gallons per month per vehicle). If you do the math, it’s easy to see how a monthly investment can save quite a bit of cash and the telematics tool easily pays for itself.”

Survant breaks the potential savings down differently—into cost avoidance through safety improvements that “can help avoid expensive

arrival times and helping ensure the right equipment shows up at the work site in a timely manner.”

Jenny Shiner, the marketing communications manager at GPS Insight, says the first question most landscape contractors ask about telematics isn’t about time and cost savings, though.

It’s about the price. She says, “The reality is pricing differs based on a few factors, such as the functionality a business requires, what type of vehicles and assets are going to be tracked, if units are going to be purchased or rented, update frequencies and more.”

But she insists, “Telematics can be one of the best dollar-for-dollar returns on investment for landscaping businesses when the data is fully utilized.

Depending on the fleet size, landscape contractors can experience anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars returned. Most businesses would be shocked how often vehicles are left idling during or in between jobs, for instance. By sending drivers an alert when the vehicle exceeds an acceptable threshold of idling, substantial fuel savings can rapidly begin to occur.”

Reporting Key to Business Profitability

strate your compliance with a contract to clients.

• The power to locate the nearest employee with the appropriate skills and equipment to deal with requests from clients in real time.

• The easy viewing and sharing of information.

• Alerts when machinery is in use at

repairs and liability exposure,” direct savings through “reduced operating expenses by improving effective route management, productivity by enhanced dispatching and better engine idle management” and future revenue through improved customer service by “being able to advise customers more accurately about

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As with all business tools, you get the most bang for your buck when you effectively engage with all of the features it has to offer. Otherwise, you’re basically leaving alreadyspent money on the table. In the case of GPS and telematics systems, the reporting they can offer could mean the difference between a profitable and unprofitable business.

“Landscape contracting is still very labor intensive, despite the sophisticated machinery available these days,” confirms Walters. “So it is essential that a GPS system helps you manage your workforce to get maximum productivity. This means that the most important features of the system are the software reporting and its ease of use: All GPS tracking systems should be able to tell you where your vehicles are and what they have done, but with the

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Telematics devices not only help identify vehicle health issues, but also prevent them.

SPECIAL FOCUS: GPS/TELEMATICS

right system, the reports provide you with information that is directly relevant to your business—and with the minimum time overhead on your part.”

Shiner agrees that reporting is the biggest trend in telematics technology. “Customers are calling for more driver reports and functionality to better understand their habits and performance,” she says. “Many telematics providers are enhancing their driver-

centric reporting capabilities and partnering with intelligent driver safety systems that include cameras to combat distracted driving. Using this technology, along with driver behavior data through telematics systems, helps landscape contractors ensure the best safety protocols are in place across their fleet.”

Walters believes that reporting is going to go beyond just driver performance and safety, but even further

Heavy-duty Attachments for Commercial Mowers

into the components of the vehicles themselves. “Connecting a power take-off (PTO) input to the tracking system can combine with operational reporting to show efficiency at the site—how long a piece of machinery is actually in use at a site as a percentage of the time spent there and as a percentage of the day,” he suggests.

Everyone knows how downtime can bring productivity to an unexpected halt and the dominoes that come crashing down as a result. Promoting uptime can have the opposite effect.

Ransom says telematics devices not only help identify vehicle health issues, but also prevent them by “notifying fleet managers with service reminders, helping improve uptime and keep vehicles in working condition longer, which enables fleet managers to know the locations of workers and vehicles, which leads to an increase in

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SPREADER

(800) 989-5444 | NaturaLawnFranchise.com

TRANSPORTER

*Based on 34 owners and the 2016 gross revenue report. ©2018. NaturaLawn of America, Inc. A division of NATURLAWN® Services and Products. All rights reserved. Each office independently owned and operated.

(866) 537-6168 | JRCOINC.COM/GIP Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155848

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The key is to find a GPS or telematics system that fits your business.

work completed and a more efficient workday for workers in the field.”

How to Select the Most Fitting System

There is a wide variation of features to choose from in GPS and telematics systems, so it is best you know what you’re trying to achieve before you make your purchasing decision, while taking into account the size of your fleet. Shiner advises, “When considering which telematics features are fundamental to running your landscape business, remember the most widely beneficial functions of a telematics solution come down to how they can help landscape contractors solve their pertinent challenges.

“Knowing why the technology is a necessary addition to the business, say improving safety, helps landscape contractors dive into a

platform and find the right features to achieve their goal. Unsafe driving is a burden landscape businesses face whether they have one vehicle or 500, so using driver behavior features to monitor speeding, harsh braking and cornering, and even have a view inside the cab of the truck, allows them to proactively and automatically stop the behavior while it’s happening and use the data to coach safer driving habits after the fact.”

You have to also determine whether the GPS or telematics system fits your employees. Acquiring employee buy-in is critical to getting the most out of your investment. Fortunately, Walters says there are several ways landscape contractors can motivate employees to embrace GPS or telematics systems: • By introducing incentives for improved performance (rewards for good driving style, working efficiency,

jobs completed on time, etc.) based on the information from the system.

• By demonstrating the system helps protect employees against false claims about their driving, activities, punctuality and so on.

• By outlining the company’s plans and explaining the system is intended to ensure everyone works to the same standards of efficiency—protecting the company and jobs.

You can maximize the full potential of a GPS or telematics system by using it to manage your entire business (vehicles, employees and contracts), taking advantage of all of its reporting capabilities, and purchasing the right system for your business and employees. ❯

Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155867

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SPECIAL FOCUS

Trucks, Trailers & Accessories Stop Theft of and Prevent Damage to your Equipment Equipment Defender specifically designed its new line of locking trailer racks to organize, stop theft of and prevent damage to your equipment. The company says the new line additionally grants: • Availability of line trimmer, edger, backpack blower, backpack sprayer, gas can, line spool and hand tool racks.

• The flexibility to work with open and enclosed trailers without the need to purchase any secondary brackets.

• A slide-lock mechanism on the backpack blower racks, which are compatible with every blower on the market without modification, to eliminate theft and damage to your blowers.

• Trimmer racks that not only eliminate rotation and fuel spillage, but also feature a patented one-key locking mechanism. www.greenindustrypros.com/12359838

A Truck that Can Be Easily Upfitted The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado chassis cab trucks offer small businesses a truck that can be upfitted to do many jobs, including construction, utility and landscape work. The trucks also boast: • A Duramax 6.6-liter diesel engine with 350 HP and 700 pound-feet of torque.

• A frame designed with one-piece straight rails without rivets or brackets on top to interfere with the mounting of custom-made bodies.

• Availability in two- and four-wheel drive.

• Ease of service, with a clamshell hood and a wheel cut of up to 50 degrees, giving technicians better engine access than trucks with conventional hoods.

• Optional equipment that includes a twin-tank fuel capacity of up to 65 gallons, a factory-installed air suspension and a full suite of available connectivity, including OnStar, Commercial Link and a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. wwww.greenindustrypros.com/12422257

What Next? Free Route-Planning Software Buying Guide Heavy-Duty Flatbed Made for Commercial Landscaping Krogmann Manufacturing introduces its heavy-duty flatbeds for both dual- and single-wheel pickup trucks used in commercial landscaping. Features of the flatbeds include: • A 5-inch channel iron main frame and watertight, sealed beam 3-inch cross members.

• A recessed 30,000-pound-rated gooseneck ball for towing fifth wheel trailers.

• A heavy-duty receiver hitch attached to the frame for pulling trailers.

OnTerra Systems presents its free route-planning software buying guide for managers of small to mid-sized fleets.

It’s available for download at www.routesavvy.com/freeroute-planning-softwarebuyers-guide-download/.

OnTerra believes this buying guide covers the most important information fleet managers need to make the right purchasing decision when shopping for route-planning software tools. Here are some highlights:

• A deck plate floor made with 1/8-inch steel.

• Introduction to route-planning software.

• Rub rails for extra protection, along with stake pockets to help with securing the most demanding loads.

• How route-planning software actually works.

• A protective headache rack to protect the truck cab.

• Industries that should be using route-planning software.

• Standard LED taillights and backup lights, as well as mud flaps.

• Route-planning software buying tips.

• Options that include side toolboxes, across-the-bed boxes, headache rack lights and work lights.

• RouteSavvy route-planning software highlights.

• Availability of custom flatbeds for shorter or longer configurations. www.greenindustrypros.com/12418279

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• Benefits of using route-planning software.

• Case studies on how much time and money route-planning software can save its users. www.greenindustrypros.com/12421353

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Charge Outdoor Power Equipment from Any Location throughout the Workday Greenworks and Super Lawn Technologies are combining their expertise in green technologies to offer landscape professionals on-the-go battery-charging capabilities for their outdoor power equipment from any location throughout the workday. This collaboration features Super Lawn Technologies’ new Solar Lawn Truck, a vehicle lined with solar panels to channel solar energy into power, and Greenworks Commercial’s 82-volt lithium-ion batterypowered tools, which together provide: • The ability to recharge a battery fleet while in the field.

• Commercial-grade performance, noise reduction, and the elimination of odors and emissions to maximize efficiency and performance during the workday.

• The elimination of reliance on fossil fuels, which increase maintenance costs and run afoul of regulatory requirements.

• A beta-testing opportunity for some professional landscape crews who can exchange their gas-powered energy consumption for more environmentally friendly lithium-ion and solar-powered advancements, because Super Lawn Technologies is inviting landscape pros with a two- to three-person crew and three years of business experience to apply at www.solarlawntruck.com to become testers of the new Solar Lawn Truck and Greenworks 82-volt tool system. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422277

King of Work: 34,000 Pounds of Towing Force The 2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup truck works harder thanks to its upgraded 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engine that boasts 450 HP and 935 pound-feet of torque. The F-Series Super Duty pickup additionally delivers: • 21,000-pound conventional hitch towing and a 7,360-pound payload capacity.

• A F-450 4x2 Crew Cab model with a 34,000-pound towing capacity with properly equipped gooseneck connections.

• An upgraded engine that includes redesigned cylinder heads for added strength under higher loads, plus optimized fuel and turbo boost calibrations to take advantage of the increased cylinder head capacity for more horsepower and torque.

• A high-strength steel box frame, integrated gooseneck hitch mounts and added load capacity due to Ford’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body.

• A diesel engine designed and built in combination with the transmission, ensuring the powertrain works seamlessly with all chassis components and vehicle calibrations.

• Availability of the F-450 Super Duty 4x2 dual-rear-wheel truck for both retail and fleet customers who rely on their pickups to haul big trailers to get the job done. www.greenindustrypros.com/12418837

An Iconic Truck Cap

Ranch Fiberglass, a division of LTA Manufacturing LLC, recently released a new fiberglass truck cap called the Ranch ICON. This truck cap is accompanied by: • An all-glass rear door and frameless side windows.

• Secure all-weather storage.

• A rear-door fiberglass skirt at the base of the door, which is painted to match the color of the truck cap.

• Your choice of a front picture or sliding window.

• An LED interior dome and third brake light for better visibility.

• Paint (with an automotive finish using Axalta Coating Systems) that matches the pickup truck.

• Carpeted interior lining.

• Availability for 2014 to current Chevy models with 5-1/2-, 6-1/2- and 8-foot beds; 2009 to 2018 Dodge models with 5-1/2- and 6-1/2-foot beds; 2015 to 2018 Ford F-150 models with 5-1/2- and 6-1/2-foot beds; and 2017 to current Ford SuperDuty models with a 6-1/2-foot bed.

• Optional keyless entry/security using the truck’s original key fob, Cap-Pack roof-mounted storage system, LoadMaster sliding bed tray, Yakima JetStream roof rack, Yakima RoundBar roof rack and LED strip light in the cap top.

• A limited lifetime warranty on paint and structure. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422290

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Trucks, Trailers & Accessories An Alternative to Outsourced Paint Repairs The condition of the vehicles in your fleet reflects the image you convey to your customers. According to AutomotiveTouchup, its precision-matched automotive paint products can help you easily maintain a professional appearance with:

Tradesman Truck Ideal for Tradesmen Ram recently revealed the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman as a hardworking truck designed for small businesses and commercial fleets.

The company says the 1500 Tradesman comes equipped with: • The capability to tow up to 12,750 pounds and offer up to 2,300 pounds of payload in a four-door quad cab configuration.

• A standard Class III trailer hitch, and lighted, above-bumper fourand seven-pin trailer wire connectors.

• A multi-link rear coil suspension that provides a better ride and handling with a coil-spring setup that absorbs impacts, or Ram’s four-corner air suspension system to balance any load.

• Custom formulations from the most comprehensive library of original equipment manufacturer colors in the industry.

• The minimization of rust, and minor dents and dings.

• Features that include Uconnect 5.0 with a 5-inch screen, hands-free calling, one year of SiriusXM Radio, a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, three USB ports, one auxiliary port and automatic headlamps.

• Simple color selection—just enter the year, make, model and vehicle color code.

• Availability in ready-to-spray pints, quarts and gallons; handy aerosol spray cans; and touch-up bottles and pens.

• Powertrain offerings that include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with eTorque mild hybrid system, optional 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 or 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 eTorque.

• Less downtime than professional paint repair. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422315

• Availability in 4x2 or 4x4, and in two cab styles and two bed lengths—the quad cab with a 6-foot, 4-inch bed; the crew cab with a 5-foot, 7-inch bed; or the crew cab with optional 6-foot, 4-inch bed. www.greenindustrypros.com/12420811 NOW AVAILABLE!

The Proper Power and Acceleration to Carry and Tow Equipment Loads The Derive VQ allows upfitted landscaping vehicles to achieve the proper power and acceleration required to carry and tow equipment loads. The Derive VQ also delivers:

NEW

PRECISION OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

þ No Maintenance þ No Downtime þ Up to 3x Longer Life

SAY GOODBYE TO FLATS, SEALANTS, PATCH KITS, AND SPARE TIRES

THE MICHELIN® X® TWEEL® TURF™ LEARN MORE!

Airless Radial Tire Family for zero turn radius mowers

Sunbelt Outdoor Products Phone: 1-800-438-0660 www.sunbeltparts.com A&I Products Phone: 1-800-657-4343 www.aiproducts.com

Pair the best tires on the market with the strongest blades on the market for maximum machine uptime. XHT™ and Predator™ blades with patented heat treating technology last longer and require less sharpening than competing products.

Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10857096

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• Integration with GPS and workforce scheduling systems, which can create an automatic alert to customers with data on the location, direction of movement and expected time of arrival of landscapers.

• The ability to save wasted fuel during extended idle periods by setting a permitted time limit, after which the vehicle automatically turns off.

• Safer driving by using an app that pairs a driver to the vehicle to prevent off-hours use, ensure seatbelts are fastened, minimize distracted driving by locking down the driver’s smartphone to manager-approved apps and prevent the vehicle from exceeding a pre-determined speed. www.greenindustrypros.com/12419225

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Transform Your Riding Mower into a Tow Truck

NOW AVAILABLE

Great Day designed its Hi-Hitch with dual attachment points—one for a trailer-hitch ball and one for a hitch pin—to transform your regular riding mower into a handy tool for pulling small trailers. After all, riding lawn mowers have the power and low center of gravity to be natural towing machines. According to the company, its Hi-Hitch is further highlighted by: • The addition of 12 inches of height to a lawn mower’s tongue.

• A weight capacity of whatever the lawn mower’s stated tongue capacity is.

• The ability to be braced and positioned at just the right height to keep trailers level and well-balanced.

• The acceptance of all conventional trailer-hitch balls.

• The flexibility to mount the Hi-Hitch to most conventional riding lawn mowers with a minimum of drilling or modifications.

• Easy installation.

• Strong aircraft-aluminum, made-in-the-USA construction. www.greenindustrypros.com/12419740

Serious Theft Protection for Toyota Tacomas Tuffy Security Products introduces its security cubby cover for Toyota Tacoma double-cab pickup trucks.

Made in the USA, this heavyduty locking security cubby cover not only offers added protection against theft, but also: • A pick-resistant 10-tumbler double-bitted lock with the company’s Pry-Guard locking system to deter theft.

AN ARRAY OF TOOLS FOR ANY

WOOD CUTTING NEED

Generac PRO offers log splitters, chipper shredders, and stump grinders designed for recycling wood materials on your property.

• A Pry-Guard latch mechanism that allows the cover to shut without being locked.

• Compatibility with model years 2005 through 2018, fitting over the existing plastic original equipment manufacturer cubby located behind the rear seat.

• Construction from heavy-duty 16-gauge and 1/8-inch-thick welded steel with a continuous steel hinge.

• A textured powder-coat finish with the strength to withstand repeated use without chipping or pealing.

• Top-grade weather seals to keep dust and dirt out.

• Simple installation that can be completed within a few minutes.

• No drilling required thanks to the ability to mount the cover to existing factory holes.

PORTABLE GENERATORS • FIELD & BRUSH MOWERS WOOD SPLITTERS • CHIPPER SHREDDERS ST UMP GRINDERS • PRE S SURE WASHERS W AT E R P U M P S • T R I M M E R M O W E R S POWER WAGONS • POWER GR ADERS Generac Power Systems, Inc. S45 W29290 Hwy. 59 Waukesha, WI 53189

generac.com/pro 1-888-GENERAC (1-888-436-3722)

www.greenindustrypros.com/12422308 Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10191125

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BEYOND THE BLADE

By Irene Malatesta

FIVE WAYS to Grow

your Landscaping

Business by Going

GREEN

Green landscape businesses take many forms— from ones that tout environmentally friendly equipment to those that use only organic or earthfriendly lawn treatments.

G

oing green is becoming increasingly attractive as a business opportunity. But what does going green mean in the residential and commercial landscape service industry, and how can your business benefit?

Green landscape businesses can take many forms—from ones that tout environmentally friendly equipment (65 percent of consumers would choose a landscaper who uses eco-friendly power equipment) to those that use only organic or earth-friendly lawn treatments.

Plus, the barriers to entry are low.

There are very few government regulations governing eco-friendly businesses.

You can go all in with a green strategy, or start with a green-light approach and phase in more environmentally friendly practices over time.

Here are five ways in which you can green your landscape business, get certified, sell the benefits and win business.

1. Decide How to Go Green Greening your landscape business starts by deciding what aspects of your operations are going to go green. Here are just a few ideas:

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• Source environmentally friendly goods and services—from organic matter to environmentally friendly lawn control products to the use of renewable materials, like bamboo, in your landscaping projects.

• Offer green irrigation options. Instead of touting costly sprinkler systems, encourage customers to consider water-smart or drought-friendly landscape design. Even just converting a sprinkler system to drip irrigation can save water.

• Encourage the use of native, noninvasive plants and trees. Native plants are better adapted to the local conditions, which means they require less effort, expense and pesticide to help them thrive.

• Return organic material to the soil through composting and mulching.

• Shift to hybrid or non-gas-powered vehicles and equipment.

• Move your administrative processes online to reduce paper and energy waste.

• Study every aspect of your operations, and look to see where you can make green decisions and what matters most to your customers.

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2. Get a Green Business Certification

Get credibility for your green landscaping business with a third-party sustainability certification and support from an independent body. The Green Business Bureau has an online certification process that is self-paced and designed with bite-size green initiatives that allow you to prioritize your greening efforts, and realize cost savings and a positive return on investment.

Another organization, Green America, evaluates and certifies small businesses against green business standards in over 40 industries, including landscaping.

3. Get Involved in Green Initiatives

Greening your landscape business doesn’t have to be limited to or defined by your on-the-job green business practices. If, after careful consideration, going green isn’t right for your business, find other ways to show your commitment to the environment.

Your business could generate great publicity and have a positive impact by getting involved in sustainabil-

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ity initiatives in your community, such as volunteering to help create green spaces in low-income or parkpoor neighborhoods. Proudly share your involvement when marketing your landscape business and when doing social media outreach.

Other actions include joining organized business groups or likeminded businesses to plan and promote ways to reduce the environmental impact of your profession.

consumer, the community and the environment when choosing your services?

Consumers care about sustainability, but if they are to act accordingly, credible information about the benefits of green choices need to be adopted. Check out the Sustainable Business Toolkit at www.sustainablebusinesstoolkit.com for more tips on marketing your green business.

Another perspective is to remember that green may not sell the deal, but it can close it. If you can do everything that the competition does, but you do it while being green, you may win more business.

4. Overcome Cost Objections The green opportunity is often perceived by businesses as an added cost, but consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products and services. Data from research firm GfK MRI’s Survey of the American Consumer found that more than half (56 percent) of consumers say they are willing to pay more to use green products.

The best way to overcome cost objections is to sell the benefits, not the service. What is the “so what?” to the

5. Don’t Fake It—Be True to Your Green Credentials

Marketing yourself as green means sticking to that commitment. For example, if you tout that you use green or organic products, be sure that the supply chain backs it up. How green is the plastic that your supplies come in? What about the carbon footprint of the manufacturers’ factories?

More than half (56 percent) of consumers say they are willing to pay more to use green products.

Use your marketing and signage to be clear about what your green strategy is. It’s better to be honest with your customers, even if you’re not perfect.

And don’t overdo the green logos or clichés. Instead, clearly and factually explain your green credentials to customers, and let them know how you’re different. Use data points and sharp messaging to impress them. › With over a decade of experience working with entrepreneurs and businesses to bring their stories to life, Irene Malatesta is a business content strategist for Fundbox, where she leads financial and marketing education programs to help owners grow their businesses.

Green may not sell the deal, but it can close it. If you can do everything that the competition does, but you do it while being green, you may win more business.

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LAWN CARE CORNER

By Carrie Mantey

Organic Can Be a FORCE OF NATURE for your Business Naturally, more and more consumers are getting curious about organic lawn care as the buzzword continues its eco-conscious climb in popularity.

I

f you noticed an uptick in customers inquiring about organic services and products, it’s not a coincidence.

The media is full of articles questioning the safety of synthetic pesticides and lawn care products, including news about communities banning them, while still others debate the pros and cons. Regardless, the result is more consumers taking note of the chemicals in the products they rely on for their lush landscapes.

“People are realizing the harmful

management at Mirimichi Green, suggesting that the efficacy and safety of organic lawn care products can help drive the growth of the organic market.

Mirimichi Green produces an organic line—made up of all-natural ingredients—to control pests, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, ants, roaches, no-see-ums, chiggers, spiders, mites, whiteflies, aphids and more. “The Environmental Protection Agency considers natural and organic ingredients as those that can be found in nature

“Going organic means the landscape industry and its customers are … not sacrificing the environment to get temporary results.”

Alex Reynolds, Mirimichi Green consequences that come with using synthetics and powerful chemicals, and are becoming more concerned about the lasting effects those products have on the soil and in the environment. With the development of organic products that are powerful and effective, customers are eager to make the switch,” says Alex Reynolds, the director of marketing and product

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and pose little to no threat to the environment. Our natural pesticide can provide peace of mind knowing that it is effective, but also safe for pets, kids and plants,” claims Reynolds.

Dipping your Toes in the Organic Lawn Care Market The first step for landscape contractors who want to implement a

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successful organic lawn care service is product research. Reynolds says, “Not all organic products work the same, but by asking the right questions (i.e. what are the ingredients, what is the pH, what is the science behind the product that makes it work), contractors can find organic products with lasting results.”

She also recommends that landscape contractors contact organic lawn care product manufacturers and distributors to request test report findings to best determine the efficacy of a product before use. “Based on the results of the different products, contractors can determine what will work best for their customers,” she says. “Often landscape contractors make the mistake of pushing organic products as an alternative and not a solution. If you promote organic products as a solution to landscaping issues, the stigma behind organic products not being as effective fades away once customers see the results.

“Overall, the landscaping market is focusing more on organic inputs as science and testing continue to show the harmful effects synthetics are having on people and the environment over time. With increased awareness of the success of organics, the market will continue to grow and provide solutions.” Reynolds concludes, “Going organic means the landscape industry and its customers are being thoughtful of their inputs and not sacrificing the environment to get temporary results.” ›

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LAWN CARE CORNER

Need to Beat the Heat and Drought Stress?

Cool-season turf grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and fine-leaf fescue, can go dormant and turn brown from the stress of high temperatures and drought conditions. In an effort to solve this problem, Brookside Agra developed a proprietary natural water conservation agent and soil amendment called H2OExcel. The company says H2OExcel not only uses 30 to 50 percent less water, but is also highlighted by: • The ability to increase root mass, defend against dehydration of the soil and plant, discourage harmful microorganisms, strengthen turf to defend against weeds and reduce the use of fertilizers.

• The capability to create a soil profile that allows oxygen and water to naturally penetrate the surface, thus allowing fertilizers and nutrients a more efficient path to the root zone.

• A 100 percent biodegradable blend of desert plant extracts, humic acid-containing biologicals, and other all-natural, non-plantderived nutrient enhancers.

• The flexibility to be blended with fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

• Safe use on landscaping, lawns, trees, vegetable gardens and other vegetation. www.greenindustrypros.com/12419912

Protect Trees, Turf and Ornamentals from a Variety of Pests Orthene Turf, Tree and Ornamental 97 from AMVAC contains acephate, a powerful active ingredient, to protect trees, turf and ornamentals from a variety of insect pests.

Orthene controls insects on contact, then penetrates plant tissue for local systemic control. Other features of the spray include: • Suitability as an outdoor and perimeter spray for turf, trees, shrubs, container-grown nursery stock, greenhouse floral crops and ground covers.

• Performance that is unaffected by rain or irrigation because plants typically absorb the product within 24 hours.

• A low oral and dermal toxicity, so contractors can apply it without using a mask. www.greenindustrypros.com/12419700

Liquid Carbon to Improve Soil Health Mirimichi Green is now incorporating 2 percent of its micronized liquid carbon into all of its liquid fertilizers and bio-stimulants, including the Nutri-Release, Nutri-Turf, Nutri-Kelp and Tree & Shrub brands. According to the company, these enhanced products now provide: • Improved overall soil health.

• Better results for turf and plants. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422093

Presenting a United Front with New Herbicide, Fungicide and Plant Health Tool United Turf Alliance recently launched its ArmorTech TETRA herbicide, ArmorTech Gold Standard 45 plant health tool and ArmorTech Zoxy-PG granular fungicide. More specifically, according to the company: • ArmorTech TETRA premium herbicide contains 2,4-D, fluroxypyr, triclopyr and flumioxazin for fast, selective weed control in ornamental lawns and turf grasses. The ester formulation offers optimal early- and late-season control of difficult-to-manage weeds, including ground ivy and wild violet. This four-way herbicide provides control of more than 250 broadleaf weeds.

• ArmorTech Gold Standard 45 is a comprehensive plant health tool that delivers rapid, efficient plant uptake and utilization. With the flexibility to be used alone or as part of a spray program, Gold Standard 45 promotes stronger, healthier turf-grass plants better able to withstand environmental rigors.

• ArmorTech Zoxy-PG granular fungicide combines 0.31 percent azoxystrobin and 0.75 percent propiconazole. The broad-spectrum fungicide uses both root and leaf uptake to deliver preventive and curative control up to 28 days. Additionally, ZOXY-PG targets foliar, stem and root diseases, such as leaf and stem blights, leaf spots, patch diseases, anthracnose, fairy rings, mildews, molds and rusts. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422089

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CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

Loaders Taking on Tough Jobs from Summer to Winter John Deere 204L 62-HP and 304L 67-HP compact wheel loaders deliver: • Higher productivity, increased uptime and lower daily operating costs.

• Final Tier 4 Yanmar engines and fuel-efficient hydrostatic transmissions to keep noise to a minimum.

• Automatically activated front and rear differential locks for increased traction in harsh conditions.

• Hydraulically released self-adjusting park and service brakes.

• Ground-level maintenance points for accessibility to provide safe and easy means of machine upkeep.

• Compatibility with over 100 John Deere Worksite Pro attachments.

• An auxiliary hydraulic control for attachments on the primary joystick to increase productivity and ease of use.

• Your choice of an enclosed cab or open station, providing 360-degree attachment visibility.

• A less-than-8-foot machine height on the 204L for jobs with overhead space constraints.

• An optional ride control, which reduces material spillage, and makes for a smoother ride over rough and uneven terrain. www.greenindustrypros.com/12391807

Powerful Tools for Jobs of Any Scale

A Compact Powerhouse ASV presents its RT-40 Posi-Track loader as a productive alternative to walk-behind and stand-on mini skid-steer loaders.

According to the company, the small-frame compact track loader additionally comes equipped with: • A turbocharged 37.5-HP, 1.8-liter Kubota diesel engine that produces 84.5 pound-feet of torque.

• An operating capacity of 931 pounds and a tipping load of 2,660 pounds on a 4,175-pound machine.

• A width of 48.3 inches and a lift height of 8.4 feet.

• A 13.3-GPM pump capacity and 3,000-PSI system pressure.

• A direct-drive pump that transfers more flow and pressure directly to the attachment, preventing power loss.

• The ability to operate at full load in high temperatures.

• An electric lift pump for easy priming and extended fuel filter life.

• Metal-face seals on the front and back to ensure no maintenance on the drive hubs.

• Rollover and falling object protection.

• 10.8 inches of ground clearance for easy travel over logs, stumps, rocks and other obstructions.

• A 44-degree departure angle that decreases the risk of getting stuck on steep inclines.

• Exposed wheels in the undercarriage, allowing material to spill out, reducing the risk of material getting trapped and wearing away at components.

• 12 contact points that result in a ground pressure of 3.5 PSI for more flotation and traction on steep, slippery and wet ground, giving contractors greater control and better pushing capabilities.

• A smooth rubber turf track that minimizes the risk of lawn damage. www.greenindustrypros.com/12412769

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John Deere’s G-Series mid-frame skid steers and compact track loader provide powerful tools for jobs of any scale. The 325G compact track loader, and 320G and 324G skid steers are also highlighted by: • A 69- to 74-HP range to deliver increased performance and pushing power.

• Peak breakout forces and auxiliary flow for optimal attachment performance.

• An in-cab boom lockout system to make maintenance safer and more secure when the boom is raised.

• 4G JDLink Ultimate machine monitoring for real-time data and health prognostics to suggest maintenance solutions that decrease downtime and protect against machine theft.

• Footwell cleanout to facilitate debris management.

• Pressurized cabs that keep out excess dust and noise, while offering heated seats, Bluetooth radio, a rearview camera and a deluxe LED lighting package for 50 percent more visibility over standard-equipped halogen lights.

• A height to hinge pin of 10 feet, 6 inches on the 324G skid steer and 325G compact track loader.

• The ability to load a 10-foot sidewall dump truck or hopper.

• Cab-side windows that can be easily removed for cleaning.

• Yanmar FT4 engine systems.

• Remote diagnostics that enable a dealer to read codes, record performance data and even update software without a trip to the jobsite.

• An optional ride control and bucket self-level combination that reduces material spillage, and makes for a smoother ride over rough and uneven terrain. www.greenindustrypros.com/12393342

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CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

Peace of Mind with Extended Warranty John Deere recently extended its machine warranty on all Commercial Worksite products to two years to reinforce its commitment to producing reliable and durable machinery. The new warranty offers: • The promise to fix any defects in materials or workmanship for two years after delivery or 2,000 hours—whichever comes first.

• Coverage that includes new compact track loaders, skid steer loaders, compact wheel loaders and compact excavators.

• Support by John Deere’s dealer network. www.greenindustrypros.com/12418839

Handling Tight Turns while Maintaining Heavy Loads

A Deluxe Operator’s Cabin for a Deluxe Operating Experience Takeuchi introduces its TW80 Series 2 compact wheel loaders with improved performance and serviceability, plus an enhanced deluxe operator’s cabin to optimize operator comfort. The loaders also provide: • A compact design to easily maneuver in tight spaces with minimal damage to lawns, pavement and other sensitive-surface areas.

• Air conditioning and heat, an adjustable armrest and controller position, as well as convenient storage compartments.

• An automotive-styled interior with a frameless door for enhanced visibility, easy-to-operate function switches, an inching pedal for proper machine control and precision pilot controls. www.greenindustrypros.com/12418275

Combining speed, precision and lift capacity, the John Deere 344L compact wheel loader provides productivity for landscaping and snow removal customers year-round. Other features include: • A fast travel speed with smooth auto-shift technology up to 25 MPH, ideal for larger jobsites or snow removal.

• An Articulation Plus steering system to lift more during turns.

• An articulated frame plus rear-wheel steering to provide a tighter turning radius, improved stability and additional lift capacity.

• A full-turn tip load of 12,650 pounds to lift heavier loads and keep more material in the bucket without making adjustments.

• A comfortable air-ride, high-back seat to reduce operator fatigue, while heat keeps workers in cold conditions focused on the job.

• More space in the cab, and increased visibility to the loader arm and bucket to improve overall efficiency.

• Pivot and rear oscillation for a smoother ride.

• Reversing fan capabilities to keep customers in high-airbornedebris areas running longer.

The Muscle to Handle Heavy-Duty Lifting and Loading Kubota recently unveiled its SVL95-2s compact track loader with more power, multi-tasking capabilities and hydraulic horsepower.

The compact track loader additionally boasts: • A 3,200-pound operating capacity, over 40 inches of reach and hydraulic flow rates ranging from 5 to 40 GPM. • The muscle to handle heavy-duty lifting and loading chores.

• The versatility to handle a variety of work assignments, such as plowing, snow blowing, drilling or trenching.

• 96.4 gross HP.

• Rim pull control to extend tire life by allowing the adjustment of torque to the conditions of the jobsite.

• A Tier 4 Final turbocharged diesel engine and Common Rail System.

• Machine monitoring for real-time data and health prognostics to suggest maintenance solutions that decrease downtime.

• Cab upgrades for enhanced operator comfort.

• Remote diagnostics that enable a dealer to read codes, record performance data and update software without a jobsite visit.

• Optional five-way adjustable, high-flow hydraulics to quickly match the hydraulic flow requirements of any hydraulic attachment.

www.greenindustrypros.com/12399041

• Increased fuel economy.

www.greenindustrypros.com/12422332

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By Steve LePera

The Buddy System Backpack and walk-behind leaf blowers make a fine pair to enhance ergonomics, productivity and profits.

I

t’s said that two heads are better than one, and it’s likely because the issues or problems at hand almost always benefit from dual perspectives. When it comes to fall cleanup, the same rings true. While a backpack leaf blower shows its strengths in the confines of small flowerbeds, there are ergonomic, productivity and profit benefits to be gained when pairing it with a walk-behind unit.

The One-Two Punch

It’s not often there’s a lawn without a house, trees, or some sort of structure or feature to work around, and likewise, it’s not often there are structures and fea-

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tures to work around, and no lawn. They almost always go hand in hand, which is why using backpack and walk-behind units in tandem is the best way to maximize productivity on leaf-blowing projects. Landscapers can use backpack blowers to navigate around buildings and features, such as shrubs and flowerbeds, quickly moving leaves to the lawn, then use a walk-behind unit to power through the bulk of the work. Here’s why this one-two punch works so well ...

Something in the Air

Walk-behind leaf blowers deliver 150 to 200 MPH of air speed, which is similar to some backpack models. What really

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sets a push model apart is the rate at which the air travels or cubic feet per minute (CFM). Backpack blowers range from 370 to 912 CFM, while walk-behind units deliver an impressive 1,100 to 2,850 CFM, as much as 87 percent more than backpack models.

This is why walk-behind leaf blowers are ideal for quickly clearing large areas.

One would think the greater the air speed and CFM, the farther operators can move debris in a single pass. That may be true to some extent, but there is more at play: What really sets a blower apart in terms of performance is design.

For example, a split-stream system, as opposed to a single-stream system,

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While walk-behind leaf blowers benefit contractors all over the landscape, there is

still a time and place for backpack blowers. splits the air stream in two, so the majority of the air pushes the debris, while the lighter air stream prevents blowback to effectively move debris in one pass.

Most push units have a single-stream system, which

When comparing walk-behind units, reverse angled blades rather than straight radial fan blades enhance impeller efficiency. That, paired with an aerodynamic air inlet, can deliver as much as 38 percent more air movement than other units. This is

A half-acre lawn could take several hours to clear using a backpack leaf blower, but a walk-behind unit with a split-stream system, and optimized impeller and component design cuts that time down considerably with less manpower.

LEFT: Using backpack and walk-behind leaf blowers in tandem is the best way to maximize productivity on leaf-blowing projects.

results in a weaker airflow that limits how far the unit can push debris. They also cannot effectively break up and dislodge wet leaves, whether around structures and shrubs, or stuck to the ground. Even backpack blowers struggle with wet leaves. The task often requires operators to hold leaf blowers at different angles in an attempt to break apart the leaves or simply remove them by hand, causing jobs to take even longer.

A walk-behind blower with a splitair-stream system, however, maximizes air speed to effectively move stuck and waterlogged leaves. Operators can still maintain full control of the air stream thanks to levers on the operator’s handles that allow for on-the-go adjustments.

Digging a little into equipment design, impellers and components also have an impact on blower performance.

possible because those features allow the blowers to maintain constant air power and don’t clog if leaves are drawn in.

Do the Math

It’s clear that not all walk-behind blowers are the same and they outperform backpack models every time. But for contractors still on the fence about using both in tandem, the math can be quite convincing.

For example, a half-acre lawn could take several hours to clear using a backpack leaf blower, but a walk-behind unit with a split-stream system, and optimized impeller and component design cuts that time down with less manpower. For landscapers, that time equates to more jobs billed at the same rate, completed in less time. That results in significant revenue.

Getting a job done faster is defi-

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nitely appealing, but that may not mean going for the largest horsepower walkbehind unit. Although more power is typically ideal, it’s not always the best option. A smaller horsepower push blower might work better on smaller jobs to avoid blowing leaves farther than desired, such as into the next lawn.

They also give contractors plenty of power to work efficiently on day-today projects and the control to direct leaves exactly where they belong. In addition, walk-behind units provide a faster option than backpack models to keep productivity up on large projects.

Smaller walk-behind leaf blowers are great entry-level models and provide a feel for their enhanced productivity. Contractors can always jump up to a higher capacity model as business grows and they take on more jobs.

Keep in mind, regardless of the size of the walk-behind blower, a split-air stream and optimal impeller and components are still important features to consider because they maximize efficiency.

The Price of Ergonomics

The benefits of the walk-behind and backpack blower one-two punch add up in more ways than productivity and profits—the price of ergonomics must also be factored in. Using equipment that isn’t ergonomic always runs the risk of workers’ compensation claims, which can cost a company five figures. It also can create issues with employee retention as workers typically prefer working with more comfortable equipment.

According to a 2010 study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the constant weight of a 26-pound backpack can compress spinal cords, and lead to chronic back and shoulder pain. Some operators even report arm and hand numbness.

Conversely, walk-behind leaf blowers are easy to use and offer better ergonomics. Many models are self-propelled in both the forward and reverse directions so they require little force to

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move, whether on level ground, or navigating over hills and uneven turf.

Operators can adjust handles to the proper height and work comfortably thanks to vibration-reduction handles, which minimize how much vibrations are transferred to the operator. Even all the necessary controls are within reach.

Because walk-behind blowers work faster than backpack models, operators use them for shorter periods of time, which equates to less strain on the body and minimal risk of injuries.

While walk-behind leaf blowers benefit contractors all over the landscape, there is still a time and place for backpack blowers.

Jobsites often feature tight spaces, such as clusters of trees or bushes up against houses. A backpack leaf blower gives operators the flexibility to weave

A split-stream system, as opposed to a single-stream system, splits the air stream in two so the majority of the air pushes the debris, while the lighter air stream prevents blowback to effectively move debris in one pass.

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Walk-behind leaf blowers deliver an impressive 1,100 to 2,850 CFM, as much as 87 percent more than backpack models.

This is why walk-behind leaf blowers are ideal for quickly clearing large areas.

in and out of these tight spaces with ease, clearing small areas of dry leaves and lightweight debris. But take a step out into the wide expanse of a lawn, and productivity begins to suffer.

Backpack blowers simply do not have enough power to move leaves quickly in this application, not to mention that carrying around a 25-pound unit for several hours can get uncomfortable and cause back issues.

While using a backpack blower for larger projects can be done, it comes at a huge cost in time and ergonomics unless contractors have the backup power of walk-behind units.

Trailer space can be a big issue for many contractors, too, which is why some exclusively use backpack blowers.

They can be hung up and out of the way. However, the extra square feet in space they are saving is likely not worth the productivity and ergonomic

gains contractors could be missing out on; a walk-behind leaf blower takes up minimal space and is worth its footprint in return on investment.

Just like two people can solve a problem that an individual can’t, pairing tools that can tackle different aspects of a job can be the one-two punch projects need. When productivity and profits are on the line—and

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they’re on the line every day—tools like these can make or break a business. › Steve LePera is the director of marketing for Little Wonder, Mantis and Classen— three brands of Schiller Grounds Care Inc., a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. For more information, please visit www. greenindustrypros.com/10155741.

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Debris Handling Maximize Debris Reduction and Cut Cleanup Time Harper Turf Equipment recently unveiled the ML32 MultiLoader as its latest solution to debris management. According to the company, this new truck loader delivers: • A belt-driven impeller and coned inlet to maximize debris reduction and cut cleanup time.

O C T .

1 7 - 1 9 ,

• Four 20-inch serrated impeller blades that provide 7,300 CFM for extreme shredding and decreased particle size.

• Increased vacuum efficiency for a smooth transition from inlet to impeller.

2 0 1 8

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• A 32.5-HP Kohler carbureted engine that’s isolated from shock loads.

• A downward angle 12-inch inlet to reduce the potential for clogging.

• A flexible 12- by 10-inch clear poly hose built for heavy-use applications.

• A replaceable ¼-inch steel liner for durability, and reduced wear and tear.

• A skid design and LED light package that allows for trailer use across multiple properties. www.greenindustrypros.com/12395228

THE SCIENCE, EXPLORATION AND MIRACLES OF HUMAN ACHIEVEMENT

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Cracking Down on Debris Welcome Reception beginning at 5PM Enjoy food, drinks and music while you walk the show floor

Indoor Exhibits Open, 3-7PM Hundreds of new products on display

Free Concert, 8PM Headliner: Colt Ford

The BRPC105H crack cleaner from Brave incorporates a heavy-duty wire knot brush to quickly, efficiently and easily whisk debris away from cracks The crack cleaner additionally comes equipped with: • Steel hubbed wheels for better maneuverability.

• An all-steel spindle head with sealed bearings.

• A four-wheel platform for greater stability.

• Heavy-duty construction.

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• A Honda GX120 engine.

• An 8-inch brush size.

• A weight of 85 pounds. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422105

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MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT:

BladeMounted Dozer Rakes Are on a Roll

A Battery-Operated Leaf Blower with True Gas-Equivalent Power

Solesbee’s presents its blade-mounted dozer rakes as an efficient solution for clearing land, raking brush, and piling trees and branches. According to the company, the rakes feature: • A C-curve design that rolls brush and debris to facilitate windrowing material, while minimizing the amount of dirt pushed with it.

• Sturdy 2-inch-wide hardened steel teeth for lasting durability in harsh environments.

• Availability with a full range of teeth for optimal debris clearing in a variety of applications.

• An extended upright with multiple holes to easily mount the rakes on nearly any dozer blade without customization.

• The inclusion of everything needed to mount the attachment, such as pins and brackets.

Bad News for Debris To combat debris, Little Wonder presents its ProVac SI vacuum with: • Optimized suction and shredding capabilities.

• A 40-gallon bag capacity.

• The flexibility to customize performance and power usage with a variable-speed trigger, cruise control lever and turbo button.

• Two lithium-ion battery ports with automatic battery switchover functionality, which switches from one battery to the next once the first battery is depleted, offering extended uninterrupted runtime.

• A brushless motor to deliver more power, quieter operation and longer life.

• 50 percent less noise and fives times less vibration than gasequivalent products.

• No pull cords, no gas, no fumes.

• A throated nozzle to increase air speed for improved vacuum capabilities.

www.greenindustrypros.com/12421345

• A rectangular discharge chute to prevent the clogging of debris, so users can work uninterrupted.

ADVERTISERS INDEX

• A 12-inch, ¼-inch-thick steel impeller with five serrated blades.

• Suitability for all sorts of debris, including leaves, litter, cans, bottles and more.

• A 5:1 reduction ratio.

• Ergonomic foam-gripped handles that angle upwards to diminish user fatigue.

• A 28-inch width, so it can fit through most any gate and work in small spaces.

• An all-welded steel housing with welded support studs sitting atop semi-pneumatic wheels that never need air.

• An angled bag with a sewn-in plastic bottom to prevent wear and tear during use, and the loading and unloading of the machine.

• Instant height adjustments from the operator’s position for the seamless transition from street to lawn cleaning. www.greenindustrypros.com/12420821

• An axial fan design that can produce 690 CFM and 165 MPH on demand at the push of a button.

• A Power Station feature that transforms the unit into a mobile power source capable of plugging in and powering any of the other 82-volt handheld equipment—simply disconnect the blower tube and motor housing from the side of the unit.

• A two-year warranty. www.greenindustrypros.com/12419397

• A two-year limited warranty.

Greenworks introduces its 82-volt GBB 700 dual battery-port backpack blower as the first cordless blower of its kind to offer the equivalent of gas performance and power. The company says the commercial-grade cordless also offers:

Ford Motor Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3 Generac Power Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 29 Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) . . . . . 40 GPS Insight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Husqvarna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Irrigation Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 JRCO Inc./Great Northern Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Kristy and Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 L.T. Rich Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 NaturaLawn of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 PECO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Rotary Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 38, 43 Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery (SDLG) . . 7 STIHL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Sunbelt Outdoor Products Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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CUTTING-EDGE BUSINESS

By William Eastman

For more information, please listen to the associated podcast at www. greenindustrypros.com/12422809.

Part 5: Once you start developing your own talent, there are some rules for leading people and managing things.

Growing Your Own Managers

O

nce you start developing your own talent, there are rules for leading and managing people. The following sums up my experience leading people, plus growing several companies:

1. When in Charge, Lead

Nothing destroys your ability to lead than not taking charge. If you have the position, people expect you to lead. You have a legitimate right to give direction and provide support, so do it or lose it.

2. Unity of Command

Everybody should have only one boss. Reporting to multiple people runs people ragged with conflicting demands and kills accountability. There is nothing wrong with people in the organizational chart disagreeing. In fact, it’s healthy. However, when you leave the office, everyone must speak with one voice. Airing your differences with the workforce hurts morale and portrays leadership doesn’t know what it is doing.

3. Chain of Command

An open-door policy for the people working for you is fine. But if they work for somebody that reports to you, make that person handle the problem. If you jump over the organizational chart or allow people to run around it, the only outcome is conflict and loss of accountability.

4. Be What You Expect

Role model the behaviors you expect.

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Nothing turns people off more than conveying the attitude of do as I say, not as I do. This is challenging especially in family-based businesses.

Nobody should be above the rules.

If you allow this double standard, there is no real accountability.

5. Treat Everybody as Individuals

Each of us is different with a complex mix of attitudes and personal characteristics. The essential questions to ask and answer are: Does the person have the ability to do the job? Does the person have the willingness to do the job? Each of these questions requires different treatment.

The following list is a summation of my experiences managing things:

1. Bring Order out of Chaos

The number one role of management is to bring stability and clarity to the work day. It is not the responsibility of the people reporting to you to figure this out. Look at the situation, focus on the few critical issues now and leave the trivial many to later.

2. Remove Obstacles

The essential question whenever talking with the people that report to you is: What is preventing them from getting the job done right and on time? There are only three valid reasons—external obstacles are getting in the way, they lack the ability to perform or they are unwilling. If you don’t remove the obstacles, accountability becomes impossible.

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3. Problem-Solving, Not Fault-Finding

If people are punished for bringing attention to bad news, you’re only going to find out what is wrong when it blows up. You can deal with the guilty party later. Right now, you have a problem that needs solving and the only way that can happen is for bad news to be delivered immediately.

4. Solve Problems, Not Treat Symptoms

Once the problem is brought to your attention, make sure it is the problem. Many treat the symptom and wonder why the problem resurfaces later. The principle of the five whys stipulates that, when somebody brings you a problem, you ask why the problem happened and continue to ask until you get to the root cause.

5. Everything Has a Budget Business is a game, but the money is real. Everybody’s job is about advancing the business. At a minimum, every job should have labor hours and materials. There are many methods of teaching the business to your employees, this is just the fastest. ❯

William Eastman is a senior consultant at GreenMark Consulting Group.

www.greenindustrypros.com

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scan to view dealer video.

Keenan Mize, Corey Mize Longview Lawn & Garden

Keith Gray, Gene Branch Rotary Corporation

Your partner for success.

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Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155905 t o j o i n r o t a r y ’ s d e a l e r n e t w o r k , c a l l 1 . 8 0 0 . 8 4 1 . 3 9 8 9 o r v i s i t r o t a r y c o r p. c o m ©2018 Rotary Corporation. Rotary is a registered trademark of Rotary Corporation. Available through servicing dealers & distributors. *Available in most areas. Delivery time may vary and is subject to change.

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Reggie Holland and Tony Brehon – Trimmer Line Shafters

Built in America. Believing in America.* STIHL truly believes in the productivity of American workers and businesses. So we’re proud to be one of the U.S. manufacturers rebuilding our economy one brick, one car and one power tool at a time. STIHL believes in supporting local business owners like you. It means something to your

customers, to your company, and to us.

Because it’s the real people, STIHL people, who help make STIHL the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America.* To find a STIHL dealer: STIHLusa.com

*A majority of STIHL gasoline-powered units sold in the United States are built in the United States from domestic and foreign parts and components. “Number one selling brand” is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2017 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers. © 2018 STIHL

Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155925

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Longing for Snow Blade Longevity? › Page 4

Snow & Ice Removal Equipment › Page 16

A Supplement to Green Industry Pros NO. 1 – 2018

FIVE SNOW ATTACHMENTS You Need to Survive Winter › Page 10

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NEW FOR 2018 QuickCube ®

Get Your Ice Business Under Control RESTORE ORDER with innovative solutions for all of your ice control needs.

Let’s face it, from roadways and parking lots to sidewalks, ice simply demands more resources, manpower and attention. BOSS offers a comprehensive lineup of solutions that not only attack ice but also increase the performance and productivity of the crews who use them. Don’t let ice control your business.

Ask your BOSS Dealer for more information or visit bossplow.com.

EXACT PATH™ Drop Spreaders

TGS Tailgate Spreaders

VBX Hopper Spreaders

FORGE® Hopper Spreaders

©2018 BOSS Products. All Rights Reserved. The “f” logo is a registered trademark/service mark of Facebook, Inc. The Twitter logo is a registered trademark/service mark of Twitter, Inc. The YouTube logo is a trademark/service mark of Google LLC. The “G+” logo is a registered service mark of Google LLC. The “in” logo is a registered service mark of LinkedIn Corporation. The Instagram logo is a registered service mark of Instagram, LLC. The Blogger logo is a registered service mark of Google LLC. All other trademarks belong to BOSS Snowplow.

Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155719

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVER A COLD ONE

Number 1 – July/August 2018

Competing with

AMATEURS

I

t seems as if more and more amateurs are tossing their winter hats into the snow removal game. When it happens in your service area, though, are these newbies perceived as a threat to your business or a joke?

I pose this question because, last winter, I remember a bunch of teenagers hawking their snow removal services on my neighborhood’s Facebook page, armed with a simple shovel and the will to get the job done in the frigid Wisconsin temperatures. But I also remember how frequently desperate neighbors used the Facebook page as a call to action for either direct snow removal help or recommendations for pros.

Naturally, this memory led me to the question: How often do you have to compete for a snow removal account with amateurs? Social media and the sharing economy are giving them a more level playing field with professionals, with the likes of Facebook where kids can advertise their afterschool snow removal services, and other amateur service offerings from Craigslist and similar social platforms.

Of course, these greenfoots—most lacking a business license and proper insurance—don’t have the same overhead a professional snow removal contractor does, so they can offer basic services at a lower price point.

How do you compete? Where does a snow removal pro fit in? Do you find yourself having to prove your professionalism is preferable to a cut-rate price from rookies and fly-by-nights?

How are you convincing your customers that paying a little extra out of pocket at the outset, instead of paying for the hassles of hiring amateurs later on down the line, is in their own interest? Drop me a line and let me know!

Do you find yourself having to prove your professionalism is preferable to a cut-rate price from rookies and fly-by-nights?

Carrie Mantey (920) 542-1238 cmantey@acbusinessmedia.com

4 IN THIS ISSUE

4 Longing for Snow Blade Longevity?

There are a number of factors that can help future-focused snow removal contractors lengthen blade life—from blade choice to preventive maintenance to operator training.

10 Five Snow

Attachments You Need to Survive Winter

10

Dealerships offer a variety of types and brands of snow attachments, giving you great opportunity to choose the right attachment or combination of attachments to suit your unique needs.

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By Ryan Frey

Longing for Snow Blade There are a number of factors that can help futurefocused snow removal contractors lengthen blade life—from blade choice to preventive maintenance to operator training.

I

t’s not that hard to walk into a dealership, take a look around and pick out one of the least expensive snow blades. It’s new. It’s made to move snow. And the price seems reasonable.

It’s harder to know if that shiny good deal is going to pay off in the long run. Sure, it may get a new contractor into the snow removal business or add to a contractor’s existing fleet—and it’d likely do a good job to begin with. But how long is it going to last before another bargain blade needs to be purchased? And how much downtime might there be if its components aren’t made for the rigors of the elements?

While there’s no easy answer, there are a number of factors that can help future-focused snow removal contractors lengthen blade life. From blade choice to preventive maintenance to operator training, it all helps extend a blade’s lifespan and, as a result, provide a better return on investment.

Before the Buy It all begins with matching the plow to the carrier. While it may be tempting for contractors who just bought a new carrier to save money by using a blade already in their fleet, they could be putting efficiency and longevity at risk. Using a bigger carrier than recommended for a blade can cause stress fractures and cracks in the blade, significantly shortening its life. Meanwhile, using a car-

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rier that’s not big enough for the blade doesn’t maximize the blade’s potential.

Beyond finding the right match, some blade features and components are simply better engineered and built to withstand harsh day-to-day conditions, and last longer than others. Choosing a new or even used blade with such features can lead to years of use with little downtime.

Carbide edges are a prime example. While they cost about four times more than steel edges, they can last as much as seven times longer, which means fewer replacements and, in turn, less downtime. A contractor can go through two sets of steel edges in a season, whereas a carbide edge can last more than three seasons. That’s a half-dozen fewer stints of downtime to replace the edges, coupled with 43 percent savings over those seasons in product cost.

That savings multiplies when compared to rubber or polyurethane edges. These softer materials may fare OK on smaller, lighter-duty blades and are even required for some applications, such as airport runway jobs, but for clearing large parking lots or roadways, they are impractical. Rubber and polyurethane wear faster than steel and much faster than carbide, even when lubricated in wet conditions. In cold, dry areas, rubber gets brittle and wears down even faster over dry pavement.

When it comes to cutting edges, carbide isn’t the

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Ensure the blade you choose is made with steel that offers the ideal balance between steel gauge, weight and abrasion resistance. Choose blades with cutting edges that are made with steel that has abrasionresistant properties of AR400 or better.

only feature that contributes to longer wear life. Reversible edges that can easily be flipped and replaced double edges’ useful life as well.

The material type matters beyond the cutting edges, too. The thicker the blade’s steel, the heavier duty it is, but there’s a caveat: More steel means more weight, and thus more strain on the carrier or the need for a larger carrier. Some manufacturers combat this by using steel that offers the right balance between steel gauge, weight and abrasion resistance. Choose blades with cutting edges that are made with steel that has abrasion-resistant properties of AR400 or better. This ensures a long wear life without a significant weight increase. Blades that incorporate steel tube frames also better resist flexing, helping the blade last even longer.

Threats to a blade’s wear life also lurk beneath the snow, as it’s inevitable the blade is going to hit some-

thing hidden below. While best known for improving productivity, segmented blades that trip over obstacles lessen damage. To get the longest life from these trip edges, look for a model that connects the panels with parallel steel linkages rather than polyurethane block systems. Parallel systems keep the moldboard properly aligned during use, eliminating the risk of damage when piling and stacking snow.

Hydraulic systems also can make or break—literally—a good return on investment. The simpler the hydraulic system, the less it should cost to maintain, and the longer it should last since there are fewer cylinders and pins to wear or break, and need replacement over the life of the blade.

Maintaining for the Future Besides hydraulic system simplicity, regular visual inspections of the system go a long way in getting the best life out of a snow blade. Check the hydraulic lines and linkages daily, looking for wear, cracks and loose Be sure to use the appropriate down pressure and speed. Excessive down pressure can quickly wear out cutting edges and, when paired with faster speeds, can cause significant blade damage when hitting an obstacle hidden under the snow.

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connections. Sure, it’s probably not feasible or even the first thing on an operator’s mind when heading out at 2 a.m., but it should at least be done at the end of a shift.

If a hydraulic line does come loose, it can get caught in the carrier, or pinched or cut by the blade.

What could have been a minute spent checking and tightening the line becomes a more time-intensive process to repair or replace the line. Not only is that downtime unnecessary and undesirable, but Murphy’s law Rather than predicts it’s going to happen in finishing the job faster, the middle of a big snowstorm. excessive speed often Even less dramatic damage, such results in blade damage. as cracks in hydraulic hoses, can Similarly, strong down lead to significant downtime if pressure may seem to be left unchecked since hose chafing causes leaks and leaks cause the best way to scrape a road right to the surface, component failure.

Maintaining a regular but that, too, can schedule of greasing a blade’s backfire. moving parts also adds to the product’s life. Check the owner’s manual for recommended grease points and set a schedule so it’s not forgotten. Be sure to choose grease with an adequate cold rating, as well as strong moisturerepellent qualities. It’s common knowledge that snow melts and, if that water gets into areas lacking lubrica-

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To get the longest life from a segmented blade’s trip edges, look for a model that connects the panels with parallel steel linkages rather than polyurethane block systems.

tion, it can seize a blade’s moving parts. If components lock up, maintenance time increases exponentially.

While it’s important to keep moving parts moving, it’s just as essential to keep stationary parts stationary.

Regularly check a blade’s parts and fasteners, ensuring they’re tight and in place. Pay special attention to bolts along a blade’s cutting edge. Blade operation causes vibration and stress, which can loosen bolts. If a loose bolt isn’t spotted and tightened, it may shear off when going over a manhole cover or other obstacle, requiring the operator to stop and make repairs.

For the best blade life, annual maintenance checks— whether at the beginning or end of the season—should be done. Before storing a blade for the summer or taking it out in the fall, thoroughly clean the equipment. Once cleaned, it is easier to spot issues, from loose parts to cracks. Tighten parts when feasible and replace others when needed. Whether completely worn or not, some parts benefit from annual replacements and changing them can ensure greater uptime during the peak snow removal season. Swap out skid shoes annually, for example, and replace the cutting edge if needed. Using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and keep-

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ing backups handy not only increases uptime, but also lessens the risk of using a less-than-optimal replacement in a time pinch and ending up with damage.

When inspecting the cleaned blade, look for areas where the paint is scratched or worn. Use custommatched spray paint from a manufacturer or dealer to cover any damage. While this goes a long way in terms of resale value, it also helps prevent rust, prolonging blade life.

The Drive toward Longevity Getting the most use from a blade isn’t just in the selection and upkeep. Correct operation also has an impact.

Intuitively, the faster something goes, the quicker the task is going to be accomplished. That’s not the case with snow removal, though. Rather than finishing the job faster, excessive speed often results in blade damage.

Similarly, strong down pressure may seem to be the best way to scrape a road right to the surface, but that, too, can backfire. Excess pressure causes premature wear, especially on cutting edges. Plus, the combination of too much down pressure and speed can cause damage since something is inevitably going to be hidden under the snow and, when hit with extra speed and pressure, be more likely to damage the blade.

Operators also should avoid angling the snow blade forward. While doing this can occasionally clean the surface better, long-term use can be detrimental. Manufacturers design blades to be used perpendicularly to the ground, so tipping the top forward

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Cutting edges that are made with carbide, and can be flipped and replaced provide optimal longevity.

can wear cutting edges and blade wings faster than if used properly.

Call in Backup When longevity is needed, customer support is key.

Plus, the more experience a manufacturer brings to the design and engineering process, the more likely its products are going to withstand long-term use.

Additionally, a manufacturer that backs its products with a favorable warranty is more confident in how they’re going to hold up. Look for a product that is going to be supported at least through its first couple of years.

That way, if something goes wrong, there’s no stress in getting a fast replacement. More often than not, though, the longer the warranty, the less worry there is going to be of a breakdown.

When it comes to making a snow blade last, there’s more to consider than purchase price. From the buying process to day-to-day use, the right choices and actions add up to a blade ready to go the distance season after season.

Ryan Frey is the general manager of Horst Welding. Horst Welding has been manufacturing equipment solutions for the snow removal and agricultural markets for more than 20 years.

Its HLA brand of snow removal equipment is one of the most extensive on the market. For more information, please visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155831.

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By Nick Arndt

When used on tractors, certain snow attachments can be paired for added versatility.

FIVE SNOW ATTACHMENTS

You Need to Survive Winter Dealerships offer a variety of types and brands of snow attachments, giving you great opportunity to choose the right attachment or combination of attachments to suit your unique needs.

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now removal is typically only thought about a few times a year—when the white stuff is dumping, flying and blowing around. However, it’s important for snow and ice management professionals to think about this crucial task before it’s an immediate need, and be ready with the proper equipment to get the job done.

Most dealerships offer numerous types and brands of snow attachments, giving customers great opportunity to choose the right attachment or combination of attachments to suit their unique needs. Here are five of the top snow attachments to consider this winter.

1. Brooms

Most brooms can be used as soon as snow hits the ground, making them an ideal tool for zerotolerance contractors that maintain busy, highpedestrian properties.

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Most brooms are capable of clearing snow up to 2 inches cleanly and down to the pavement, and can be used as soon as snow hits the ground.

This makes them an ideal tool for zero-

tolerance contractors who maintain busy, high-pedestrian properties. These kinds of customers—hospitals and retail establishments, for example—have the highest expectations of preventing slip and falls. While great for professional snow management, brooms aren’t often used by homeowners. One reason for this is homeowners typically wait until snow accumulates to clear it, so they need more than the general 2-inch limitation a broom can handle. Also, snow can’t be thrown strategically with a broom in the way a snow blower allows, limiting the ability to place it in a designated area.

Another thing to keep in mind when selecting snow attachments is brooms are designed to clear a typical sidewalk, which is 52 inches wide. The width of tires running the unit must fit within that footprint to avoid driving over and compacting unremoved snow, or disrupting lawn on either side of the pavement.

2. Blades Simple pushing blades are a staple in the snow removal industry, come in all shapes and sizes, and fit almost any machine or application. Smaller blades work well on sidewalks and residential driveways, while large blades can be outfitted on a wheel loader for larger parking lots or roads. Straight blades are typically used in conjunction with other pieces of snow management equipment

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A hydraulic wing pusher operates in three unique ways, making it one of the most common and popular snow attachments.

Box pushers work efficiently, both moving snow and containing it while it’s pushed to a designated location for collection.

that move the snow with more precision. For example, blades may windrow or back-drag snow from hard-toreach areas that then gets pushed into piles by a containment pusher or blown away with a snow blower.

driveways. The unit acts as a straight blade when wings face out, a containment plow when wings face forward or a back-drag plow when wings face back. An operator can windrow large areas, contain plow into piles, or back-drag from close areas, entryways, parking stalls or residential driveways.

Similar to a blade, versatility is enhanced when used on a tractor and combined with a rear PTO blower. The operator can essentially move snow anywhere and in any fashion.

3. Rear Power Take-Off Snow Blowers There are two common types of rear power take-off (PTO) snow blowers, each operating on a slightly different method for snow removal. Rear-facing snow blowers are similar to common walk-behind snow blowers and are typically used for residential driveways. When used on a tractor and combined with a front blade, the operator can push snow, windrow or back-drag, then also use the rear-facing snow blower to move the snow pile with the same machine.

A skid steer, for example, only Whether the permits one function at a time, middle of summer or the whereas the tractor allows more first day of winter, it’s versatility. never a bad time to start Inverted or drag-style snow blowers operate in a unique way. thinking about snow Featuring an auger that faces removal. the tractor, the operator backs into a driveway, about 12 inches from the garage, for instance, then blows snow as the tractor drives away. This style of clearing driveways has been popular in Canada for years and U.S. contractors are beginning to follow suit. The process, intended for professional use, is especially effective for contractors with very densely populated accounts or several within a neighborhood, as the operator can travel to and from each property on a tractor vs. needing to transport a unit with a truck or trailer.

5. Box Pushers As the name implies, box pushers are just that—boxes that push snow. Because of their design, they also contain the snow while pushing it. Especially effective are box pushers with floating cutting edges. Rather than one long section of cutting edge, these small spring-loaded sections break up the pusher’s cutting edge into smaller sections that adjust to changes in terrain. This accommodating design results in better scraping down the pavement for cleaner results faster, and requiring fewer resources like salt and sand.

These pushers are ideal for contractors servicing large commercial properties. A unique style of box pusher offered by some dealerships features a design that allows the box to be removed while operating, quickly transitioning to a straight-blade pusher that can angle, windrow or back-drag.

Whether the middle of summer or the first day of winter, it’s never a bad time to start thinking about snow removal. Taking the time to outfit your equipment with the right attachments is the first step in preventing accidents when the snowflakes begin to fly.

4. Hydraulic Wing Pushers The hydraulic wing pusher can operate in three unique ways, making it one of the most versatile and popular options for snow management, and appropriate for both commercial properties and residential

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Nick Arndt is an account manager for RDO Equipment Company in Moorhead, Minnesota. Connect with him on Twitter @RDONickA or Instagram @rdonick. For more information, please visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10936638.

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SNOW & ICE REMOVAL Snow and Ice Management Request-forProposal Creation and Best Practices Knowing how to describe your service requirements in a snow and ice management request for proposal (RFP) is difficult, particularly given the variability of winter weather and the variety of property types. Therefore, the Snow & Ice Management Association established a best practices guide called Purchasing Snow & Ice Management: Quality RFP Creation and Best Practices to organize the procurement process to aid in the creation of RFPs, contracts and monitoring procedures. The document is divided into chapters that focus on: • A 52-week timeline that outlines dates to follow to ensure contracts are issued enough in advance to allow time to procure and allocate resources for the service sites.

• Defining a clear level of service to ensure that those bidding for services are pricing appropriately.

• Understanding what goes into creating a scope of work to meet level-of-service requirements.

• Defining terms and conditions, and the role they play in the RFP process.

Equal Parts Snow Removal and Landscaping SnowWolf redesigned the ProPlowFX all-purpose plow to work equally well for snow removal, and light dirt moving or landscaping. The company says the attachment boasts: • A semi-floating torsion system that provides built-in shock absorption and variable down pressure—from zero to full down pressure—on the blade.

• Automatic oscillation that allows the attachment to rise or fall up to 5 inches on either end to follow the contours of the surface, scraping it clean.

• A blade with a reduced height of 27.5 inches, which is ideal for smaller skid steers and compact tractors.

• A trip lock-out feature with the flexibility to adjust the tension on the trip mechanism for three options.

• A moldboard with an aggressive curvature to enable snow rolling.

• The capability to angle the plow 35 degrees for faster plowing with less trailoff on the leading edge of the blade.

• Compatibility with machines that weigh up to 8,000 pounds.

• Availability in 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-foot lengths. www.greenindustrypros.com/12360041

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Extra Ground Clearance for Underbody Scrapers Mack Trucks recently released its Mack Granite Axle Forward model with 6 extra inches in the chassis ride height for more ground clearance for underbody scrapers, making it ideal for snow removal. The Granite model also grants: • A full range of motion for the underbody scraper to articulate in excess of 45 degrees in both directions, enhancing the ability to remove snow in the winter and grade roads in the off-season.

• A shorter wheelbase for more maneuverability and less weight.

• Simple plow installation without the need to move other chassis components.

• Availability with the Mack MP7 or MP8 engine, and the mDRIVE HD 14-speed automated manual transmission with creeper gears.

• The Mack ClearTech One single-package exhaust after-treatment system, which combines the diesel particulate filter, selective catalytic reduction and diesel exhaust fluid into one unit.

• Mack GuardDog Connect, the company’s diagnostic and repair planning system to enable the quick diagnosis of issues, proactive scheduling for repairs, and confirmation that needed parts are in stock and ready to install, all while the truck is still on the job. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422820

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Versatile Four-in-One Plow Attachment

Scraper bars, paddles, shave plates, skids, runners, fasteners and V belts are among more than 125 popular snow blower parts and accessories in Rotary’s 2018 catalog. Other items include bearings, shafts, drive discs, auger and axle bushings, air vanes and ignition sets, plus SnoStik for removing slush and snow from the discharge chute. Other catalog features include: • Replacement parts for most brands, including AYP, Bolens, Gilson, Honda, Husqvarna, Jacobsen, MTD, Murray, Noma, Snapper and Toro.

• 30 different MaxTrac tire chains and TerraGrip traction belts, which include a traction aid that helps prevent steel from touching the driving surface, in a variety of sizes to fit most tires.

• Over 9,500 different outdoor power equipment parts, including 315 new items.

• More than 1,675 pages complete with photos, descriptions and cross-referencing numbers for most brands.

• Many hard-to-find and discontinued parts.

• The flexibility to be downloaded in a PDF format.

SnowWolf introduces the QuattroPlowHD snow plow to tackle four distinct functions—as a high-capacity hydraulic angle snow pusher, angle plow with wings, wide-angle plow with wings and back-drag plow—with one piece of equipment. For heavy equipment, such as wheel loaders, tractors and backhoes, according to the company, the QuattroPlowHD is also highlighted by: • The convenience to switch from one type of plowing to another in seconds, without leaving the cab or even pushing a button.

• The versatility to set the plow for a fifth function— wide-angle plowing—in 60 seconds or less by leaving the cab to reposition the wing cylinders so the wings only rotate back 90 degrees.

• Availability in 10- and 12-foot lengths.

• A hydraulic smart valve that gives operators complete control of the wings without removing their hands from the steering controls.

• The ability to carry more snow than an angle plow when in the back-drag position.

• 35-degree-angle tips on the wings to provide greater carrying capacity while minimizing windrows.

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Clear the Way for Fast and Effective Snow Removal KIOTI front and rear snow blowers help clear the way with fast, yet effective snow removal. These snow blowers also boast: • Easy mounting of the front-mount snow blowers, which operate on a mid-mount power take-off (PTO) drive, by a quick hitching to the subframe, whereas rear-mount snow blowers hook to the three-point hitch and operate on the rear PTO drive.

• Availability of four front-mount models, each equipped with four blades, a balanced fan, a manual chute deflector and a balanced auger.

• Availability of standard-, medium- or heavy-duty rear-mount snow blowers in widths of 54 to 96 inches. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422675

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SNOW & ICE REMOVAL Telehandlers Transforming the Snow Removal Industry Merlo offers compact, easy-to-handle telehandlers with optimal operating performance, comfort, efficiency and safety. With the ability to work 365 days a year, according to the company, these telehandlers additionally deliver: • The capability to strategically position snow with the telehandler boom to save space.

• A 40-KPH speed.

• 360-degree vision.

• Electronic engine management for fuel economy.

• A compact size that allows for maneuverability.

• A load capacity from 2.7 to 7.5 tons.

• A bucket capacity from 3 to 5 yards.

• Four directional wheels.

• A spacious cab.

GrandStanding with this Power Broom Attachment Toro designed this power broom attachment for multi-season use—clearing snow off sidewalks and driveways, as well as clearing debris or dethatching grass. Adding to the versatility of the Toro GrandStand Multi Force stand-on mower, the 55-inchwide power broom also delivers: • The ability to clear snow down to the pavement, especially for properties that require zero snow accumulation.

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The VersaPlow Brings Versatility to Plowing

Plows that Get Pavements Back to Black

The new Fox VersaPlow combines the functions of a box-style containment pusher, a back-drag containment box and a conventional snow plow into a single unit that mounts to a skid steer or compact loader. Other features include: • Availability in 8- and 10-foot blade widths with a steel trip edge or urethane resilient edge.

• Advanced hydraulic controls that allow operators to change the configuration of the VersaPlow without the need to mount or remount equipment.

• Suitability for retail parking lots, apartments, municipal campuses and industrial areas.

• A 14-pin connector to fit most skid steers and compact loaders, a 7-pin CANbus adapter for some Bobcat machines, or a universal single-button diverter control and harness.

• A floating or standard-mount configuration.

BOSS Snowplow launched its SK-R skid-steer box plows to unlock the force and maneuverability of the skid steer to get pavements back to black. The company says these box plows additionally boast: • A durable 1-1/2- by 8-inch reversible rubber cutting edge that cannot only stand up to winter’s worst, but also offer quieter plowing operation and protection to sensitive surfaces.

• Articulating, heavy-duty wing shoes to maintain pavement contact on uneven surfaces and provide optimal wear resistance.

• A fixed attachment system that attaches easily to the skid-steer attachment plate.

• Availability in 8- and 10-foot models.

• An optional back-drag edge accessory—simply rotate the box plow forward, and pull snow away from buildings, doors or objects.

www.greenindustrypros.com/12421116

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PROS KNOW WHO TO CALL

82400B 100LB Rock Salt Spreader

WHEN WINTER GETS TOUGH.

82500B 100LB Rock Salt Spreader

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8500B 200LB Rock Salt Drop Spreader

C A L L U S T O L L - F R E E AT: 1 - 8 0 0 - 9 5 0 - 4 4 5 8

Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/12288976

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PRODUCTS

SNOW & ICE REMOVAL Fighting Snow and Ice with Stainless Steel BOSS Snowplow believes that, for some, the best way to fight snow and ice is with stainless steel. That’s why the company is introducing its BOSS XT plow in 8-foot, 2-inch and 9-foot, 2-inch stainless steel models. The BOSS XT plow also provides: • Flared blade wings and an enhanced curl design that allows users to throw snow higher and farther over existing banks.

• The ability to increase the blade width on a stainless steel plow by a full 22 inches at a 30-degree angle with convenient stainless steel plow wings to cut plowing time.

• The capability to attach and detach the wings within seconds. www.greenindustrypros.com/12421472

V-Blade Attachments for Snow Removal Versatility John Deere’s snow utility V-blade attachments provide multi-functional versatility for snow removal or light dirt work with skid steers, compact track loaders or compact wheel loaders. The three models available—the BV6, BV8 and BV9—further offer: • Four hydraulic angling positions, including straight for larger cuts; V-configuration for pushing through hard pack; scoop (both sides inward) for snow stacking; and 30-degree right or left positioning for moving snow or dirt.

• An electrohydraulic valve for independent blade function that operators control from the cab.

• Trip springs to protect the vehicle from impacts.

• Availability of a rubber cutting edge. www.greenindustrypros.com/12352436

Tough, Reliable, Rugged

Optional Pull-Back Kit

36-Series Snow Pushers for Skid Steers & Tractor Loaders

• Available widths of 8-ft and 10-ft • 7-gauge moldboard with 5/16” end plates, AR-400 skid shoes • Adjustable 1.5” x 8” ultra rubber cutting edge • Models for “universal” skid steer attach, JD 400/500 attach and Euro/Global tool carrier

Engineered, Designed and Manufactured in the USA

Visit worksaver.com to learn more Worksaver, Inc., P.O. Box 100, Litchfield, IL 62056-0100 Phone: 217-324-5973 • Fax: 217-324-3356 worksaver.com • E-mail: sales@worksaver.com

Designed. Engineered. Remarkable Value.

Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10156032

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Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155873

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CLEAR THE WAY FOR MORE BUSINESS. BEEF UP YOUR FLEET WITH THE SV340 — our biggest, strongest, meanest skid steer yet. This productivity monster can handle the heft of heavy snow while easily maneuvering into those hard-to-reach places that trucks and plows can’t touch. Rugged, reliable and versatile, pair it with a CASE Sectional Snow Pusher to plow through winter, or any of our other 250+ attachments to help bring in additional business during any season.

Learn more at CaseCE.com/Snow

PLUS! GET

750 OFF

$

*

A CASE SECTIONAL SNOW PUSHER

©2018 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CASE is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. *Offer valid on the purchase of a CASE Sectional Snow Pusher from July 1, 2018 through October 31, 2018 at participating CASE dealerships located in the 50 United States and Canada. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice. Prior purchases are not eligible. $750 discount is given as a line item discount from your dealer on your invoice at point of sale. Limit one redemption per household or business.

Government bid and rental company purchases are not eligible. Dealers, please reference MB18-173.

Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155730

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PRODUCTS

SNOW & ICE REMOVAL Comfort in Cold Conditions Milwaukee Tool recently refreshed its Heated Gear product line, each item powered by M12 REDLITHIUM battery technology, with faster heating to provide a better experience for the wearer. More specifically, according to the company: • M12 Heated TOUGHSHELL jackets use carbon fiber heating elements to create and distribute heat to the chest, back and front pockets. Milwaukee added a Quick-Heat function to helps deliver heat three times faster than before, fully heating up the jacket in 2.5 minutes. Other features include: FREEFLEX mobility gussets to help users maneuver more easily, three heat settings, up to eight hours of run time, machine-washable construction, a compact charger and portable power source for on-the-go charging via micro-USB in wall outlets, vehicles or computers.

• M12 Heated hoodies also use carbon fiber heating elements to heat the chest and back with the new Quick-Heat function.

Combining a cotton/polyester exterior with a thermal lining, these hoodies further feature: three heat settings, up to six hours of run time, a fitted hood for use under a hard hat and machine-washable construction.

• M12 Heated AXIS jackets and vests consist of AXIS Ripstop polyester, providing a lightweight, compressible design that can be used as an outer shell or a mid-layer, and protecting the wearer from wind and water. Quick-Heat distributes heat three times faster to the chest, back and shoulders of the jackets, and the chest and back of the vests.

Available in men’s and women’s sizes, each comes with the M12 compact charger and portable power. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422612

The Ultimate Sidewalk Spreading Solution The SnowEx Drop Pro 600 drop spreader provides the controlled application of bagged ice melters and bulk rock salt, making it the ultimate sidewalk spreading solution for use with utility vehicles (UTVs), tractors and other compact vehicles. The electric-powered spreaders additionally deliver: • Precise adjustment of the spreader’s material feed rate.

• A 6-cubic-foot material capacity and 36-inch spread width.

• LED indicator lights and a digital diagnostic display that make it simple to accurately set the spread rate and monitor spreader functionality from the cab.

• Maximized material flow and consistency.

• Polyethylene hoppers supported by corrosion-resistant steel frames. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422616

Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155781

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Next Generation of Expandable Wing Plows Fisher Engineering recently updated its XLS expandable wing plows with new blade options, sizes and more.

Some upgrades include: • Expandable flared wings to help operators maneuver confidently in areas like parking lots or alleys.

• A flared height of up to 36 inches on the expandable wings, giving operators the ability to maneuver more snow than ever.

• A model that measures 8 feet, 6 inches long and reaches 11 feet when fully expanded, while all models measure 31 inches in height.

• A trip edge to protect the equipment.

• Easy touch-button or joystick controls that independently change the position of each wing, switching from scoop to windrow to straight blade right from the driver’s seat.

• Availability with yellow powdercoated steel or corrosion-resistant stainless steel. www.greenindustrypros. com/12422836

Prevent Salt Waste, while Protecting Landscaping BOSS Snowplow designed its EXACT PATH drop spreader to precisely drop deicing material to protect grass and landscaping. The company says the EXACT PATH additionally offers: • Variable-speed control and precise application to make quick work of sidewalk jobs.

• Availability in 2.5- and 6.0-cubicfoot capacities.

• A stainless steel hopper and frame with a polyethylene cover to keep materials dry and free-flowing.

• An eight-position adjustable feed gate that allows the adjustment of material discharge amounts without tools for extra flow control.

• A top screen with a bag splitter to easily open bags and filter deicing material.

• Three mounting options to fit utility vehicles (UTVs), compact/sidewalk vehicles and tractors. www.greenindustrypros.

The HLA SnowWing is built for those who like to lead the assault against snow.

Designed to fly in different formations the SnowWing is adaptable to any snow clearing task replacing a variety of other snow blades with a single tool.

It features patented Rotary Actuators, Tire Protection System, and an exclusive removeable wing tip for clearance under low overhangs such as trailer pins.

Contact your local dealer for more information.

Canada - Corporate Office (519) 291-4162 United States - Steve Sepaniak (585) 329-8571 www.hlasnow.com Visit www.greenindustrypros.com/10155831

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PRODUCTS

K

SNOW & ICE REMOVAL Straight-Blade Plows that Clear Large Properties and Long Roads Efficiently Fisher Engineering recently launched its HC Heavy Contractor plows for heavy contractor work as well as municipal applications. Other features include: • An 11-gauge powder-coated steel blade reinforced with eight vertical ribs in order to handle tough tasks.

• A height of 34 inches, and widths of 9 or 10 feet, allowing them to clear large properties or long roads efficiently.

• Compatibility with trucks up to a 27,500-pound gross vehicle weight.

• An oscillating A-frame for improved scraping and cutting-edge wear.

• Larger hydraulic rams, pins, gussets and hardware, plus a T-frame design with a massive center pin.

• Faster hydraulics that are enclosed and protected from bad weather conditions.

• User-friendly universal control options.

• The MinuteMount 2 snow-plow mounting system.

• The SECURITY GUARD anti-theft system.

• Customization with a range of accessories, including snow deflectors, blade angle stops, shoe kits, cutting edges and more. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422827

ADVERTISERS INDEX Bobcat Company.......................................................28 BOSS Snowplow........................................................... 2 Buyers Products Company.........................................7 CASE Construction.................................................... 23 Chapin International...................................................21 ClearSpan Fabric Structures Inc............................. 27 Earthway Products Inc.............................................. 24 Ford Motor Company......................................... 14, 15 Hiniker Company................................................... 9, 19 HLA Snow/Horst Welding........................................ 25 John Deere...................................................................17 May Wes Manufacturing........................................... 22 Progressive Insurance...............................................20 Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery (SDLG).............................................................................13 SoundOff Signal........................................................... 11 Worksaver Inc.............................................................. 22

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C A Snow Plow as Tough as the People who Operate It Western Products designed its PRO PLUS HD straightblade plow with the strength to tackle the challenges of heavy contractor jobs and municipal applications.

According to the company, these durable straight-blade plows additionally provide: • An 11-gauge powder-coated steel blade reinforced with eight vertical ribs for added strength and stability.

• Larger hydraulic rams, pins, gussets and hardware, plus a robust T-frame design with a massive center pin.

• A width of 10 feet and a height of 34 inches.

• Compatibility with up to Class 6 trucks.

• A simple design that can be customized to fit specific needs with a range of accessory options, such as half-inch, abrasion-resistant carbide cutting edges; blade angle stops; snow deflectors; shoe kits; and more. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422813

Quit Being a DRAG—Get a Back-Blade Plow BOSS Snowplow introduces its DRAG PRO rear-mounted snow plow to improve productivity and efficiency when clearing parking lots, loading bays and residential driveways. Designed to clear snow using the back of the truck, the DRAG PRO also delivers: • The reduction of the number of passes required with plow widths ranging from 8 to 16 feet.

• The power to open wide to maximize the area being plowed.

• Availability in 8-foot fixed-wing, 8- to 12-foot hydraulic folding-wing, and 8- to 16-foot hydraulic folding-wing models.

• Independent wing control of the hydraulic foldingwing models via a remote in the truck’s cab.

• Simple attachment and detachment for quick operation.

• Easy access to the hydraulic valve to raise and lower speeds.

• A low-profile coupler design for unobstructed tailgate use and visibility.

• A steel blade cutting edge and urethane wing edges.

• Availability for four-wheel-drive ¾- and 1-ton trucks. www.greenindustrypros.com/12422832

SNOW PRO | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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EVERY SEASON. ANY JOB.

Seasons change. So do Toolcat™ utility work machines. With more than 40 front-mounted attachments, plus limitless combinations of complementary category 1 PTO attachments on the Toolcat 5610, you can transition to spring, summer, winter or fall in minutes.

Learn more about the Toolcat lineup: Bobcat.com/SnowPROLineup 1.877.745.7813 Bobcat is a Doosan company. Doosan is a global leader in construction equipment, power and water solutions, engines, and engineering, proudly serving customers and communities for more than a century.

Bobcat ®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2018 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 1302

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