Green Industry Pros September/October 2019

HOW TECHNOLOGY IS DRIVING EFFICIENCY IN COMPACT EQUIPMENT DESIGN SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

2019 GIE+EXPO IS A MUST ATTEND EVENT For Landscape Contractors

BEYOND THE BLADE

Pros and Cons of Using Both Social Media and Websites in Business

EQUIPMENT FOCUS

How to Decide if a Compact Tractor is Best for A Landscape Business Built for Performance!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 31, No. 6 | September/October 2019 THE MANAGEMENT RESOURCE FOR LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS AND EQUIPMENT DEALERS

COVER STORY

14 Cover Story 2019 GIE+EXPO Is A Must Attend Event for Landscape Contractors

The landscape industry’s largest annual gathering is set for Oct. 16-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY

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FEATURES

22 GIE+Expo Preview Greenzie Is Working to Free Humans From Repetitive Outdoor Labor Transforming a traditional mower into an autonomous vehicle.

48 Special Report: Irrigation How to Eliminate Standing Water With a French Drain It’s important for property owners to address any water problems before they become big, expensive ones.

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54 Special Focus: Technology How Technology is Driving Efficiency in Compact Equipment Design More efficient diesel engines and a move toward electrification are driving advancements in compact machines.

62 Equipment Focus: Compact Tractors How to Decide if a Compact Tractor is Best for A Landscape Business Maximum versatility across a range of services.

68 Contractor Profile Doing Customer Service Differently in Maryland

Edwards Lawn and Home LLC revamps core values to improve customer experience.

72 Wheeling and Dealing Why Customer Intelligence Matters to OPE Dealers and Distributors?

Makeup of customers benefits the OEM, the distributor and the retailer.

76 Beyond the Blade Are Websites Even Needed Now? Can Social Media Really Do it All? Pros and cons of using both social media and websites in business.

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DEPARTMENTS

4 Through the Grapevine 8 Industry News 30 Products 80 Advertisers Index 82 Cutting-Edge Business

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9/20/19 8:56 AM

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

Pros

See You at 2019 GIE+EXPO

™

The landscape industry’s largest annual gathering

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ore than 24,000 participants are projected to be in Louisville for the annual event set for Oct. 16-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

The combination of new products, demos, networking opportunities and dynamic education make the show a must-attend event for industry members according to Kris Kiser, managing partner of GIE+EXPO and Outdoor Power Equipment Institute president.

Here are just a few of the things to enjoy in addition to Ryan Whisner (920) 542-1238 the free parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center: rwhisner@acbusinessmedia.com • Arborist Demos by the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop will put a 40-foot tree inside the Kentucky Exposition Center and give attendees the opportunity to learn climbing techniques from a group of women who are experts in their field.

• Turf Mutt’s Mutt Madness event returns for a second year, giving attendees and chance to take a break from the show floor on Thursday, visit (and even adopt) rescue dogs in Freedom Hall, through a partnership with the Kentucky Humane Society.

• Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman will present the free opening keynote, “Never Fly Solo: The Power of Partnership to Reach New Heights in Business and Life.” The highly decorated fighter pilot has a valuable message about placing trust in your wingmen and building high-performance teams.

• Brian Beaulieu, one of the country’s most informed economists, will present a Special Friday Report. This free session, “More Growth - More People - More Business,” will provide insights on the state of the economy and how it relates to our industry to help attendees plan their businesses for the future.

• 20+ acres of outdoor demonstration area. Attendees can see the new products indoors, then test and compare in the demo park.

The show already set a record during the last week of early bird registration in September.

“Every indication points to the 2019 show being bigger than ever on all fronts,” said Warren Sellers, show director. “Participation from all segments of the industry is going strong. Add to that the synergy that’s being generated by the broad variety of exhibits and exciting show features and this is shaping up to be our best event yet!”

Sellers noted that the show is much more than just power equipment with technology, software, tools and auxiliary products also being showcased.

According to the OPEI, the trends of growth appear to be continuing in the battery/electric and robotics fields. This year’s show boasts 40 companies exhibits software and computer/business technology.

Obviously, you need to evaluate whether the technology is right for your business. You can always implement it on a limited basis to see how it performs for you and if it meets your customers’ expectations.

But you can be sure there will be more robotic mowers and other discussions about technology at GIE+EXPO this year and in the future.

GIE+EXPO is an opportunity to stay abreast of those changes and network with the people responsible for them. In general, there will be a lot of new technology, software and program-related items available for the landscapers. Can’t wait to see you there!

6 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

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Published by AC Business Media

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ADVERTISIN G

Publisher ................................................................................... Eric Servais eservais@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative ........................................................Megan Russell mrussell@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative ..........................................................Sean Dunphy sdunphy@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative ..........................................................Nikki Lawson nlawson@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative ............................................................Kris Flitcroft kflitcroft@acbusinessmedia.com National Automotive Manager .......................................... Tom Lutzke tlutzke@acbusinessmedia.com

EDITORIAL

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CIRCU LATION

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Senior Production Manager ................................................Cindy Rusch crusch@acbusinessmedia.com AC Business Media Chief Executive Officer .................................................. Barry Lovette Chief Financial Officer ............................................... JoAnn Breuchel Chief Digital Officer ...................................................... Kris Heineman Chief Content Officer .............................................. Christoph Trappe Vice President, Sale & Marketing .............................. Amy Schwandt Director of Digital Operations & IT ............................... Nick Raether Director of Digital Strategy............................................... Joel Franke Change of Address & Subscriptions — P.O. Box 3605 Northbrook, IL 60065-3605 • (877) 201-3915 Fax: (847) 291-4816 • circ.greenindustrypros@omeda.com List Rental — Jeff Moriarty, Senior Vice President of Business and Media Solutions • InfoGroup • (518) 339 4511 jeff.moriarty@infogroup.com Reprints & Licensing — Erica Finger (920) 542-1230 • efinger@acbusinessmedia.com Green Industry Pros [USPS 003-763 and ISSN 2168-121X (print), ISSN 2168-1228 (online)] is published seven times a year: January/ February, March, April, May/June, July/August, September/October and November/December by AC Business Media. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Green Industry Pros, P.O. Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605.

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INDUSTRY DIRT

Development and Use of Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment is on the Rise Like many other industries in the heavy equipment sector, the lawn and garden market is trending toward increased use of electric-powered equipment. In a recent report from FederUnacoma—the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation—it was said that batterypowered machines and equipment showed growth of 90% in the first quarter of 2019.

Segments within the market which saw the highest growth included lawn mowers, which represented 13% of the total batterypowered machines in Italy and saw a 52% increase in sales in the first quarter of 2019.

According to the report, the reason for this is the ease of use, handling, reduced noise levels and eco-compatibility of the machines.

“The preference for electric- and batterypowered engines in particular characterizes the entire motor movement, representing the most accredited option for the near future,” said Franco Novello, President of FederUnacoma in the press release announcing the report.

“Already today, battery-powered engines (in particular with the hybrid system) have fully entered the automotive market, and important progress is being made with regard to agricultural vehicles, where some tractors and other types of vehicles are already equipped with battery motors,” he continued.

“If agricultural machinery is working to overcome the power limits that still affect the development of electric drives,” concluded Novello, “we can say that in the ‘green’ [lawn and garden] segment this technology already appears mature and is now recognized as such by the market.

Robotic mowers are also showing a remarkable development over the years. While they represent 2% of the total market, this category has recorded constant growth since 2014, and in the 2014-2018 5-year period, sales increased from just over 13,000 units to 22,160 units, with an increase of around 70%.

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The first quarter of this year confirmed the positive trend with a 43% increase.”

Market drivers A report from Arizton Advisory & Intelligence says the global electric lawn mower market is anticipated to generate for more sustainable, as well as energy revenues around $7 billion by 2024. efficient solutions will drive the market.

Between 2018 and 2024 the market will Recovery of the U.S. economy in the past achieve a compound annual growth rate year and a growth in end user spending (CAGR) of about 8%.

The company says the increasing amount habits will also contribute to the market uptake of battery- and electric-powered of available equipment, as well as the equipment in the coming years. continued decline of Lithium-ion battery Among the manufacturers producing prices will help drive the market. In addiequipment for this market is Greenworks tion, it says the market will be aided by the Commercial which solely focuses on growth of the landscaping industry itself. electric-powered machines. Using brushless In Research and Markets’ report motors to power their equipment enables “Global Commercial Lawn Mower Market up to a 50% reduction in noise compared to – Comprehensive Study and Strategic gas-powered machines, says the company— Analysis 2019-2024” it is stated a CAGR of enabling use in noise restricted areas.

5% will be achieved during the forecasted Like other electric-powered equipment, period. This is due in part to the growth maintenance costs are lower as there are of eco-cities and green spaces across many fewer moving parts regions of the world. which can break Increased demand down or require for landscaping replacement. and garden mainThere are also tenance services is fewer components also adding to the overall to service, market growth of such as air filters this segment. or spark plugs, The Research and further reducing Markets report also maintenance. Fuel notes that Honda costs are also elimiMotor Company is nated, which can focusing its develThe lower noise levels of the eTriFlex facilitate be a large expense opment efforts on earlier mowing starts without disturbing nearby for landscaping environmentallyresidents. The Toro Company companies. friendly and For its all-elecsafe mowers for commercial applications in order to attract tric Greensmaster eTriFlex Series released more customers in the global market. With earlier this year, Toro replaced all of the hydraulics with electronic components to more users becoming concerned about eliminate the concern of hydraulic fluid their environmental impact—and cities leaks as well as improve overall machine around the world implementing regulaperformance. tions to minimize emissions—this effort With the many benefits battery- and will likely increase among OEMs as it has electric-powered lawn and garden equipin several other industries. ment offer, and the continuing focus to Another report from Research and bring more environmentally friendly Markets focuses on the U.S. electric lawn options into the industry, this market is mower market, which is projected to also primed to see sustained growth well into achieve a CAGR of 5% between 2018 and the future. › 2024. As noted in other reports, the desire

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

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INDUSTRY DIRT

NEW HARDSCAPE HOUSE DEBUTS AT HNA 2019 As Hardscape North America (HNA) continues to grow, the industry’s largest trade show is moving its outdoor area to a new location in 2019.

The new Hardscape House will be in a 42,000-sq.-ft. pavilion - under roof - adjacent to the 20-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

The Hardscape House will include: • Hardscape Demonstrations led by award-winning hardscape consultant Frank Bourque and his team • HNA 2019 National Installer Championship • Exhibitor displays for hands-on testing HNA is set for October 16-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville in conjunction with the GIE+EXPO, the largest trade show for the lawn and landscape industry.

"HNA's outdoor demo space is always popular with attendees," said Charles McGrath, Executive Director of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI). "The opportunity to learn installation best practices from experts, watch or compete in the Installer Championships and test equipment to make your business more efficient before making buying decisions is invaluable. We're excited to bring it all together under this open-air pavilion."

Hardscape Demonstrations Live hardscape demonstrations teaching you how to build an outdoor living area over two days, led by Frank Bourque and his team, will be held Thursday and Friday.

Attendees can upgrade their trade show registration to include all six hardscape demonstrations for only $65 or purchase a VIP Pass.

Hands-On Testing One of HNA's most features for exhibitors and visitors alike is the opportunity to demo products. With the Hardscape House being only steps away from the indoor exhibits, attendees can see the new products indoors, then test and compare them with the competition before making buying decisions.

Honda invests $46 million to expand power equipment plant in NC

Associates at Honda Power Equipment Mfg., Inc. (HPE) recently marked 35 years of producing power equipment products in America by announcing a $46.4 million investment to expand the Swepsonville, N.C. plant's manufacturing capabilities.

Simultaneously, HPE has announced plans to begin production in September of an all-new Honda HRN lawn mower.

The new investment strengthens HPE's production technologies in the North Carolina plant and includes a production line for the new Honda GCV general-purpose engine and a 135,000 sq. feet plant expansion for parts storage. The plant has the capacity to produce 2 million general-purpose engines per year, including the GCV engine, which is designed specifically for premium, residential power equipment applications.

"Our decision to invest in Honda's Swepsonville plant fulfills Honda's longstanding approach to build products close to the customer and demonstrates our strong commitment to North Carolina," said Shane McCoy, senior vice president at HPE. In addition to the investment and expansion announced recently, HPE invested $10.5 million in a 116,000 sq. feet plant expansion announced in February 2018, which now supports assembly and parts storage operations.

HPE is one of Honda's highest producing plants in the world with the annual capacity to produce more than two million Honda general-purpose engines and 500,000 finished products. ❯

10 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

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Registration Registration for HNA includes access to both HNA and GIE+EXPO indoor exhibits, access to the Hardscape House and 20-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area, entrance to the HNA Hardscape Project Awards Recognition Presentation on Thursday, October 17 and three free concerts at Fourth Street Live!

For more information on HNA education opportunities, visit www.HardscapeNA.com.

Get HNA updates on Facebook at facebook. com/HardscapeNorthAmerica, Twitter @ HardscapeNA or Instagram @hardscapena ❯

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SELF-DRIVING MOWER AND SNOW BLOWER IN ONE Left Hand Robotics recently announced it raised $3.6 million, led

by Catapult Ventures, to build out its team and expand distribution of the world’s first state-of-the-art, fully autonomous outdoor robot designed as a scalable platform that lets customers complete multiple tedious outdoor tasks. The robot transforms from a large-scale field mowing robot to a snow clearing robot by simply switching out attachments.

Left Hand Robotics has been shipping their commercial robot for several months now, allowing customers to autonomously mow baseball fields and open spaces in cities like Longmont, CO, and on university campuses. ❯

CONNECT WITH US! www.facebook.com/GreenIndustryPros www.linkedin.com/company/green-industry-pros @greenindpros www.youtube.com/GreenIndustryPros

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VALUE TESTIMONIAL

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300G SERIES™ LINE OF MIDMOUNT MOWERS The Model 337G5 zero-turn MidMount™ mower is one of four 300G Series mowers offered by The Grasshopper Company. Powered by a 993 cc Vanguard V-twin EFI engine, the 337G5 is equipped with ZT5400 transmissions that deliver that smooth Grasshopper feel. Large, 1-3/8-inch axles handle the side loads. The 337G5 is available with 61- or 72-inch DuraMax® cutting decks.

Grasshopper’s emphasis on comfort continues with the 300G Series. The Premier Suspension Seat on the 337G5 adjusts to the operator’s weight and size. Covered in a breathable Cordora® fabric, the seat adjusts fore and aft and includes adjustable armrests and backrests with customizable lumbar support. But comfort is more than just a seat. Iso-mounted footrests and operator station reduces vibration to deliver a smoother ride. QuikAjust Tilt™ dual steering levers adjust 9 inches to fit the reach of larger and smaller operators. The 13-gallon, single-fill gas tank enables all -day mowing and sets under the operator’s seat for a lower center of gravity.

Large 26x12x12 turf tires provide great handling characteristics.

DuraMax® cutting decks, designed from the blades up, deliver a crisp, clean cut. The extra-deep, 5.5-inch deck and specially engineered cutting chambers disburse clippings in a wide pattern.

Robotically-welded decks are fabricated out of heavy-gauge, formed U.S. steel to be stronger than stamped steel decks. Massive 8-inch spindle flanges, anchored in a 6-bolt pattern, are mounted to a double laminate spindle plane nearly oneinch thick in stress zones. MARBAIN® steel blades are 1/4-inch thick and hold their edge longer. The anvil-edge design, reinforced with formed steel, is 74 times stronger than a flat-steel reinforcement.

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GIE PREVIEW

by Ryan Whisner

2019 GIE+EXPO Is A Must-Attend Event for Landscape Contractors Set for Oct. 16-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center

T

he landscape industry’s largest annual gathering – GIE+EXPO 2019 – is set for Oct. 16-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

Kris Kiser, managing partner of GIE+EXPO and Outdoor Power Equipment Institute president, the combination of new products, demos, networking opportunities and dynamic education make the show a mustattend event for industry members.

“GIE+EXPO is the place to be for landscape professionals and dealers who want to take their company to the next level,” Kiser said. “Plan to land in Louisville this October for the industry’s biggest show. It’s the place to be if you’re in the outdoor living and equipment business.”

In addition, for contractors looking to diversify, Hardscape North America’s co-location with GIE+EXPO provides the opportunity to learn about expanding into the hardscape market.

Although an independent show, Kiser said the hardscapers take up the north wing and those registrants get entry into GIE+EXPO and vice versa.

“Bring comfortable shoes, it’s a big show,” Kiser said.

Parking at the event is free this year to avoid the back-ups at the main gate.

The show floor will open for dealers Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m.

Dealers, distributors, retailers and the media are invited to the exclusive preview. All attendees are invited beginning at 3 p.m. which includes a welcome reception until 7 p.m.

Hours for Thursday, Oct. 17 indoors and out are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 the indoor exhibits will be open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and outdoor exhibits will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Who Goes There?

“It’s the place to be if you’re in this business,” Kiser said, encouraging landscapers to

bring their teams with them.

“Landscape crews operate as a team and team building environment,” he said. “One of our speakers is just talking about teams to understand that a lot of the education program is about building your team integrating team aspect in the work force.”

Through the years, expo officials have found that landscapers come year after year and circulate their teams. One of Kiser’s favorite GIE+EXPO stories is about the landscaper from Guam that flies 7,000 miles every year to attend the show with a member of his crew to look at the new machines and test them out because it’s a unique opportunity and venue to seek out recommendations.

“It’s not just the big landscapers, which are there in force, but it’s those who are starting out and figuring out what do they need to know and what their opportunities are,” Kiser said.

“It’s a learning opportunity that’s not recreated anywhere else. You can’t learn this in a classroom or in a book.

You’ve got to go to GIE+Expo.”

Kiser admits that for first timers, the show can be overwhelming due to its sheer size and number of exhibitors.

“The latest products whether it’s robotics or remote control or GPS mapping software, zero turns battery electric, you name it, it’s there,” Kiser said. “If you want to get the see, handle or drive the latest, it’s the place you’ve got to go.”

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Education Opportunities For the second year in a row SkillsUSA will be showcasing “Tomorrow’s Technicians Today” in Louisville, Ky., during GIE+EXPO October 16-18, 2019.

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In addition to the plethora of equipment on display, there will be many educational sessions for landscapers and dealers.

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GIE PREVIEW

Lucky’s Mutt Madness Takes Over Freedom Hall

Kiser

Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman will present the opening keynote, “Never Fly Solo: The Power of Partnership to Reach New Heights in Business and Life,” Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 2 p.m.

Waldman is a highly decorated fighter pilot with over 65 combat missions and a valuable message about placing trust in your wingmen and building highperformance teams.

Friday, Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m. attendees will hear from Brian Beaulieu, one of the country’s most Waldman informed economists and CEO of ITR Economics for a Special Friday Report.

His keynote, titled “More Growth More People - More Business,” will Beaulieu provide insights on the state of the economy and how it relates to our industry to help attendees plan their businesses for the future.

Dealers looking to pick up profitboosting tips can attend workshops led

by Bob Clements International, technician training and UTV University.

Also, the National Association of Landscape Professionals will prevent a series of sessions at Landscapes 2019. Kiser pointed out that there is a shuttle service from the hotel to expo for the participants.

New this year the Irrigation Association will host Secrets of a Successful Irrigation Business, a panel discussion featuring irrigation contractors, landscape professionals and manufacturers, while the NALP will present a special session on snow and ice management Kiser noted that many of the workshops are predicated on the workforce

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The second-annual Lucky’s Mutt Madness pet adoption event is scheduled to be held Thursday, Oct. 17 as part of GIE+EXPO. Mutt Madness will be held in Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is offshoot of the popular science-based educational program for elementary school students known as TurfMutt which introduces the idea that green areas have a positive environmental impact on personal and community space every day.

Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI, is known as the “man behind the mutt” for his role in creating the TurfMutt Education Platform as head of the OPEI Education & Research (soon-to-be TurfMutt) Foundation. He is a passionate proponent of animal rescue, rehabilitation and adoption.

Kiser notes that the 10-year-old TurfMutt program and character is based around his own dog, Lucky, a rescue dog who tells his story and teaches students in grades K-5 about plant science. The educational curriculum, games and experiments help teach students to become better environmental stewards and to appreciate green space.

“Because there’s a real dog who has a rescue story, it’s been very successful for us on the animal rescue side platform side to carry our messaging,” Kiser said.

TurfMutt started as an education program in a handful schools to teach children about the importance of living landscapes.

“There was an effort a decade ago that landscapes weren’t important,” Kiser said. “What we did was create a program to educate kids, teachers and families about the importance of the

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living landscape, and that it was integral to our not only our lifestyle, but frankly the health of our outdoor environment, urban habitat, and TurfMutt took off.”

Today, with a partnership with Scholastic, and support from the United States Green Building Council, two television programs and other federal agencies, TurfMutt reaches more than 70 million children.

Last year at GIE+EXPO, in partnership with the Kentucky Humane Society, the foundation introduced Mutt Madness, a national rescue dog adoption event at Freedom Hall.

Kiser said the concept grew out of a need to get people in the Freedom Hall portion of the expo center. Management came in worried about selling out each wing but not being able to get people into Freedom Hall to visit the planned food truck stations. The solution: bring dogs and people will follow.

The connection between dogs and a green industry event was easy.

“We are ‘outsiders,’ people who love the outdoors and love their pets,” he said. “No one knows your yard better than your dog.”

Connecting the landscapers with the shelters dogs just made sense and it was a win-win opportunity.

“We literally had thousands of people in there, and we’re going to try to structure it different so the poor dogs aren’t overwhelmed,” Kiser said.

For 2018, more than a dozen dogs were adopted, including a pair that were taken home to Canada, although the couple originally planned on going home with a mower.

“It really was a success and a it’s a great day,” he said. “Now we’re doing it again and we expect it to be as successful as last year.”

To learn why yards, parks, forests and other green spaces are beneficial for us and the environment, visit www.TurfMutt.com today.

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GIE PREVIEW

and training information to that.”

For the 2019 GIE+EXPO, Davey Tree is sponsoring the “Climb Trees, Expand Your Horizons” program at GIE+EXPO, in collaboration with the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop.

Three certified arborists, Melissa LeVangie, Bear LeVangie and Rebecca Seibel-Hunt will provide climbing instruction while aloft in a tree set up within the expo center’s Freedom Hall.

Why Louisville?

For the 2019 GIE+EXPO, Davey Tree is sponsoring the “Climb Trees, Expand Your Horizons” program at GIE+EXPO, in collaboration with the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop. Three certified arborists, Melissa LeVangie, Bear LeVangie and Rebecca Seibel-Hunt will provide climbing instruction while aloft in a tree set up within the expo center’s Freedom Hall. Shown at top is Bear and below is Melissa.

challenges within the industry.

“Our industry like most in the country are facing very real workforce challenges, getting labor and personnel and so one of the ways landscape companies are addressing that is trying to get year-round folks,” he said.

A new feature on the workforce side this year will be a 40-foot tree highlighting tree care inside the Kentucky Exposition Center.

“Landscapers are doing more and more and more tree work and we’re seeing more and more women brought into the workforce in our industry, where historically it’s been low,” Kiser said. “We’re seeing much more of that and we’re devoting a lot of time

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GIE+EXPO is one of the largest trade shows in the country based on its footprint. Louisville has been home to the show for its entire 35 years.

“Louisville is very strategically located,” Kiser said. “Geographically we have a very significant drive in audience and it’s pretty easy to get to and a reasonable city to do business.”

Also, he said it’s fairly easy to fly, as the airport is literally across the street from the Kentucky Exposition Center, which itself is only a few miles from downtown.

“It’s a good city and frankly, there are very few venues large enough there’s about Pope a dozen in the country that are large enough to hold us,” Kiser noted. “We’re a large show, so we need a big building.”

A unique component to GIE+EXPO and its location Cassadee Pope is scheduled to is the 20 acres perform on Oct. 17 of outdoor with J.D. Shelburne demonstraas an opening act. tion space.

“What our manufacturers let you do is see the stuff inside in a climate-controlled environment and then frankly, go outside and work it,” Kiser said.

“Louisville is unique in that it offers

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those 20 acres literally out the back door that allows us to rip, cut and dig.”

In the evening, attendees at the 2019 GIE+EXPO will be treated to three nights of free entertainment. The aftershow-hours entertainment will kick off on Tuesday, Oct. 15 with Corbin the popular party rock band The Crashers.

Easton Corbin will take the stage Wednesday, Oct. 16 with his traditional country music sound. Lastly, Cassadee Pope, winner of season 3 of “The Voice” will bring her music to Louisville with JD Shelburne as an opening act on Thursday, Oct. 17. The concerts are sponsored by Stihl Inc. and Mercedes-Benz Vans.

As a result, Louisville has simply been a win-win for the show. Kiser cautioned attendees to watch the weather due to the nature of the indoor and outdoor portions of the show.

“It’s just an opportunity to interact between the dealer, the manufacturer, the buyer, landscaper or user, in a social environment where a lot of information is shared, contacts are made and frankly, a lot of business gets done,” Kiser concluded.

For more information and online regShelburne istration for the trade show and education program: www.gie-expo.com. Other contact points: Facebook, info@GIEEXPO.com, Twitter @GIE_EXPO, Instagram @GIE_EXPO and 800558-8767/812-949-9200. ❯

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GIE PREVIEW

by Ryan Whisner

GREENZIE IS WORKING TO FREE HUMANS FROM REPETITIVE OUTDOOR LABOR  The current prototypes have been installed on two stand-on mowers, a 48-inch Exmark and an electric Greenworks Commercial unit.

C

harles Brian Quinn loves building companies and he is eager to take on one of the largest problems in the landscaping industry: the labor shortage.

“I don’t think these jobs are coming back,” he says. “I don’t think people clamor for repetitive outdoor labor, especially when it relates to repetitive lawn striping.”

Prior to co-founding Greenzie with David Cummings, for fun Quinn once built software that raises and closes the blinds at his home automatically at sunrise and sunset.

“I simply love technology that just works,” he says.

His first venture into the landscape industry was with a company called lawn.com. Through that venture Quinn had an opportunity to ask landscapers about their needs. The universal answer was, “We can’t find anybody to do the work.”

When first developing Greenzie, he want on countless ride-alongs with the landscaping crews to experience that they were going through. “That was an

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As he analyzed the issue, he believed they had to conquer the issue via software. “I have experience in software as well as robotics and I’ve started a few companies,” he says. “I would say my main passion, my superpower is software and assembling high powered teams to solve big problems.”

Greenzie, the first company to launch from the Atlanta Ventures Studio, is a response to the labor shortage and talking to landscapers about what they need. With no automation available on the larger commercial sites, Quinn saw a need.

Making Improvements “We’ve been working closely with Looking into the industry Quinn our customers to build exactly what found that there were the robotic they want,” he says. “It’s not rocket mowers such as the Husqvarna science. I tell people Automowers. The we are applied robotigeneral principle I hire roboticists cists. I hire roboticists behind the robotic but I don’t hire them to mowers is installa- but I don’t hire them to go go do crazy research. I tion of a perimeter do crazy reserach. I hire wire that helps them to just build stuff that hire them to just build stuff that our customguide the unit our customers want. ers want. around the yard.

– Charles Brian Quinn, “We need help taking “I think robotic Greenzie a lawn crew that’s a four mowers are great. or five-person crew down to two or Probably the best you can do right now three and the reason we need that is if you want to put all that hardware in because they don’t have enough labor your yard,” Quinn adds. “If I were a to do all the other jobs they have,” hardware guy and all I knew was hardQuinn says. “The way we do this is to ware, that’s what I would build. I’m a automate it by retrofitting their existsoftware guy and a big fan of robotics.”

eye opener to me about the lawn industry,” Quinn says.

Among his primary observations was the fact that landscapers sat or stood on a mower for sometimes hours at a time, particularly at the larger corporate or commercial sites. For the contractors, it was just part of the job, but to Quinn there appeared to be another solution. Why couldn’t there be an autopilot setting?

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O

With the Greenzie kit, contractors can retrofit their existing equipment with Greenzie technology that adds the software control to their mower.

The operator goes around the boundary of the large turf area and then the system will finish the job.

ing equipment with this autopilot technology that basically adds an aftermarket autopilot.”

The software gives the machine autopilot functionality and allows it to do perfect striping.

“The unique part is that we’re not trying to pre-program in, it’s not a CNC machine that you can program to go left or turn right,” Quinn says.

Greenzie engineers have utilized existing open source technology and applied it to existing mowers.

“This company is a product of deep customer discovery and a systematic uncovering of exactly what our customers want us to build and we’re just building that,” he adds.

Prototypes

The current prototypes have been installed on two stand-on mowers, a 48-inch Exmark and an electric Greenworks Commercial unit. Quinn notes that ride-ons have seats and those are not needed where Greenzie’s technology is headed.

“We only work with stand-on models because I believe in having gone and asked my customers as well as ridden on them mysel amd reviewed all the models, that stand-ons are the more efficient and program the best to automate based on the they whey work,” Quinn says. “The thesis of the company is that we’re a software company. We build software for autonomous robotic lawn mowers and to prove that the software that we build can work on all the models of zero turn mowers.”

They were very particular in selecting the models they were going to utilize. Conducting a survey of more than 1,500 consumers, the Exmark was the overwhelming selection. The Greenworks mower was the result of

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his search for investors which led him to a Greenworks distributor.

“Electrification is coming,” Quinn says. “I just don’t know when that price will get there for people thinking about it I think that with autonomy, if we come out with our product and it works extremely well on these electric mowers, it could be even more of a labor savings.”

To ensure the software worked, he had to build the first retrofit conversion kits, noting that “hardware” is a necessary evil for him.

He insists that Greenzie is not messing around. Quinn and his cofounder David Cummings have started a few software companies and the money that has come in for Greenzie has been utilized very strategically.

“We talk about robotics experts and people who are building game changing companies and we are kind of stacked,” he says. “I want people to know that this is coming.”

Quinn says there are some safety standards they are in the process of working through. He notes that one of the core values for Greenzie is “safety first.” and the team is always focused on how to make the technology safer.

“I know they all have labor problems and labor shortages and so we’re trying to solve it,” Quinn says. “We’re trying to do it in a way that’s respectful and trying to reduce the cost of labor by getting rid of the repetitive, boring, manual labor parts of lawn mowing so

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The goal is to have Greenzie be an installable option on any model of standon mowers in the near future.

they can focus on making the customer happy and doing a good job.”

He notes that landscapers want to become more engaged with the roles that got them into the business, not standing behind a mower for eight hours.

“The way you can think about this is a sort of cobot,” he says. “It’s a collaborative robot. It performs a supervised task at least to start, triggered by the software.”

For the first iteration of the program, it will require a person to be onsite.

“We did this based on our ride alongs

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with our customers and seeing how they do it,” Quinn says. With the Greenzie kit, contractors can retrofit their existing equipment with Greenzie technology that adds the software control to their mower. He says then, the operator goes around the boundary of the large turf area and then the system will finish the job.

“What that means is it can just basically do the striping and it stays inside the boundary that you drove and set  Greenzie continues to expand its team, recruiting some of the best and brightest robotics experts. Above is the Greenize team as of summer 2019. From left to right, yourself,” he says. Using centimeter they are Evan Davies, Matt Barulic, Jackson Stanhyope, Charles Brian Quinn, Joshua level GPS a map is built in the system Terrell, Oswin So and Kevin Jin. using robotics concepts.

Quinn said the program is designed to stop if it sees anything in its path for intended for the Atlanta area, he jokes other members of his team will be at safety purposes. Within an open area that they would transport the mower GIE+EXPO in Louisville, sidled up in it will continue to complete the stripto more exotic areas such as Hawaii. the Swift Straw boot #262. However, be ing while the landscaper turns their “This season is all about mowing as on the lookout for him to be heading attention to the many lawns as we can with to booths to discuss his software with weeding, edging our technology as well as other manufacturers.. or other tasks. “If continuing to develop it.”

“We’re, focusing all of our funds on you’re just going the product and product development His team is focused on to job site and you and less on marketing,” Quinn says. the prototype and comhave four or five “We are hyper focused on making our pleting the first phase of people in a box products super safe and basically just development. There are truck, you can better and better.” options for more direct now do it with Despite his optimism, many in the object detection for future two or three and industry are skeptical. “They should versions. put those other be,” Quinn said. “I believe several Every aspect of the people on the companies have tried this before and program is checked and other jobs,. This failed.” He is confident it will work now rechecked and engineers is definitely where based on where the software and robotride on the mower during you’re hurting for ics technology is today and the method tests to ensure it is comlabor,” he adds.

Greenzie is using for the algorithm,  Once a boundary is established pletely safe. “We’ll jump with an operator on the the mapping path and planning. off for demos and when Through its mower, under guidance of “Lawn maintenance crews are just we’re in a controlled enviGreenzie Go Greenzie’s program will complete having the worst time, they work ronment when we know program, the the mowing while staffers handle harder than anybody I know and they company is offeredging, weeding and other duties. there’s nobody around, have an insane labor shortage and they because we know that the ing an opportunity have all this work and they can’t do it,” machine works,” he said. for Atlanta area he says “We’ve got to help.”

For now, Quinn says they are not contractors to subcontract some of their His singular focus remains to get focused on those issues. “It’s in our larger turf areas to Greenzie. The robotic the product to the market. “We need to product road map and I’m the one who mower will come out and do the mowing get it out there,” Quinn says. “I’d love keeps pushing it backwards. My team while the remaining staffers will handle to see our technology be a behind the wants to do it and I always say ‘we’ll get the edging, weeding and other aspects of scenes item, just like how you buy a there but not quite right now,’” he says. the work. car and it has ABS brakes. I want every “We come out with our prototype 2023 zero turn mower to include an and we use it to mow the lawn under Starting Slow option of Greenzie software kit at the supervision so that you can get a feel For now, there is no exact timeline dealer and we add it and off you go.” ❯ for it,” Quinn says. Although generally for release of the software. Quinn and

26 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

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BY LANDSCAPERS. THE NEW PRO X™ SERIES BY CUB CADET SETS THE BAR FOR COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE. When Cub Cadet® decided to add a lineup of stand-on mowers to its fleet of commercial equipment, the company knew that to design industry-leading products, it would take plenty of research, lots of testing and insights from professional landscapers.

“Even before we created our first drawings of what the PRO X Series could look like, we were traveling the country talking with landscapers about what they valued in a stand-on mower and what they would like to see in a new product,” said Josh Sooy, director of the professional business segment at Cub Cadet. “Every part of this product’s design has been based on our customers’ input.

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We are extremely proud of the product our customers have helped us create and can’t wait to see the PRO X Series in action on the job.”

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Something else operators will appreciate is improved efficiency. The maintenance-free design of the PRO X Series means less time spent greasing spindles, bearings, hubs, casters, rims, linkages, levers and other pivot points. And the small footprint of the mower frees up trailer space for faster loading and unloading. Productivity gets a boost with the PRO X Series because its versatile design allows the operator to maneuver in tight spaces effectively, reducing the amount of trimming needed.

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Kubota SZ series stand-on mowers Kubota designed its SZ Series stand-on mowers for landscapers that mow zerolot homes or commercial properties with narrow lawns that can’t be mowed with zero-turn mowers. The SZ Series mowers (SZ19-36, SZ22-48 and SZ26-52) come equipped with:

DR Power PRO 2000SP Leaf Blower DR Power’s PRO 2000SP Leaf Blower features an adjustable airflow nozzle for 180-degree lateral control that allows operators to direct leaves and other debris to either side of the machine.

Fifty-degree vertical control directs air downward to dislodge wet or matted material, or upward to maximize movement of dry material.

• A low center of gravity to optimize stability and maximize travel speeds up to 11 MPH, depending on model.

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• A wide, angled operator platform for ample legroom with the option to flip up the platform and walk behind the mower.

• Tool-less front reference bar adjustment, tool-less tracking adjustment and adjustable dampened control levers.

• Flat-free tires to absorb impacts and mitigate downtime.

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• Easy access to maintenance points.

• Available in 36”, 48” and 52’ deck sizes.

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The new Echo Bear Cat Stump Grinders are available as the SGACE, SGXTR, and SGPRO. These models feature 10 or 14’’ cutting diamter and Briggs and Stratton or Honda engines. They weight between 180 and 250 pounds depending on the model. Additoinal features include: • 10-gauge steel body and eight strategically positioned Greenteeth on the rotor.

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• Easy access belt inspection and service and are able to pass easily through a standard door.

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• Each stump grinder boasts larger and wider 13-inch pneumatic tires for easier handling and are compatible with ECHO Bear Cat’s foam-filled Dura-Tire accessory kit.

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DR Power’s walk-behind Premier Lawn Vacuum with an all-steel impeller with serrated fins that mulch, reducing collected material 10:1 ratio. Vacuum force sucks up wet, matted leaves, pinecones, nuts and other debri. Additional features include: • Extra-large collection bag handles up to 6 cu. ft.

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9/19/19 8:46 AM

Graham Spray Equipment Maverick Graham Spray Equipment’s Maverick 400-gal. split-tank spray rig is an affordable option for lawn care professionals.The Maverick features a 10-ft. by 8-ft. aluminum truck bed and a fiberglass tank compartmentalized 110/290.

• 18- by 18- by 30-in. aluminum under bed storage box • ICC bar with receiver tube • Requires a 86-in. cab-to-axle Isuzu • Ride-on/push spreader carrier with fold-down ramp • Jet agitation • AR-30 diaphragm pump • Honda 5.5-hp electric start engine • GI40 pressure regulator and 1-in. inline strainer • Gear reduction • Hannay 1526 LB power rewind reel • Type C hose guides • Custom options include: mechanical agitation, Bean R-10 piston pump and ride-on spreader carrier (for 36-in. spreader) • System #1 features: 290-gal. tank, Hannay 1526 LB power rewind reel mounted curbside forward, 400-ft. 3/8-in. 600 PSI green spray hose, Lesco spray gun with 2-gpm nozzle • System #2 features: 110-gal. tank, Hannay 1526 LB power rewind reel mounted curbside rear, 400-ft. 3/8-in. 600 PSI yellow spray hose, JD9 spray gun GIE+EXPO Booth #594

Stihl Manual Sprayers Offer Range of Convenience Features The Stihl SG 51 and Stihl SG 71 manual backpack sprayers maintain working pressure with a pressurized fluid reservoir separate from the main tank. Whether spraying insecticides, pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers, pressure is maintained, even through refills. The SG51 has a 32. gallon capacity and the SG71 a 4.75 gal. The Stihl sprayers also share the following features: • Separate pressure reservoir from the main tank, reducing the amount of pumping needed.

• Reinforced hose with thick walls designed to reliably push liquid to the spray nozzle • Spraying wand reinforced with fiberglass GIE+EXPO Booth #5068 www.greenindustrypros.com/21085039

KIOTI Zero-Turn Radius Mower Line KIOTI’s Zero-Turn-Radius (ZTR) mower line includes four series — the ZXR, ZXRSE, ZXC and ZXCSE — with a total of 12 riding mower models built for versatile mowing needs.

www.greenindustrypros.com/21065948

• 21- to 27-horsepower, feature traveling speeds of 8- to 10-mph

Billy Goat Next Gen Series Debris Loaders

• Briggs & Stratton or Kohler engines combined with HydroGear transmissions for reliable, hardworking performance and smooth ride.

Billy Goat’s Next Gen Series Debris Loaders have a new square elbow discharge chute, providing increased durability, longer life and ease of service. The 13 – 37 gross hp truck loaders have a thick heavy-duty armor plated steel impeller from eight to 18 cutting points and Billy Goat’s Dual Shredding System with Piranha blade for extra shredding. The 14, 18, 29 and 37 gross hp models have electric start and the 37 gross hp model is the only Vanguard EFI powered unit on the market. All models have CustomFit features so machine mounting can be just right for landscapers’ jobs.

• 48-, 54- or 60-inch mower decks, each with a fabricated, reinforced 10-gauge steel deck and standard notch blades • Large 7.5-gallon (ZXR and ZXR SE) or 12.5-gallon (ZXC and ZXC SE) fuel capacities require less frequent refueling, saving time for operators.

• Seat and deck lift lever positioning ensure the mowers comfortably accommodate users of all builds.

GIE+EXPO Booth #5036

• Optimized control connections and linkages create a precise and responsive driving experience.

GIE+EXPO Booth #3212

www.greenindustrypros.com/21083047

www.greenindustrypros.com/21066566

www.greenindustrypros.com

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GIE PRODUCTS DR Power PRO XL501 5” Chipper/Shredder DR Power’s PRO XL501 5” Chipper/ Shredder offers a 5-in. chipping capacity and also a 1 1/2-in. shredding capacity with 24 reversible hammers for lighter yard and garden waste.

• Powered by 13.5-hp Briggs & Stratton electric start engine

Bahco Extended Reach Pruning Tools The new extended reach pruning tools from Bahco are designed for professionals and homeowners alike to safely and efficiently prune trees and other shrubbery at height. Pole pruners provide a safer and easier cutting experience at height by eliminating the need for ladder. Specific components of the new extended reach pruning tools include: • Aluminum section poles feature a light-weight aluminum base pole that can be extended with one or two sections to reach a height of about 23 feet.

• Short telescopic poles are ideal for tree climbers and ropeassisted tree care. They feature soft PVC sleeve for anti-slip grip and a reinforced end-cap to avoid breakage of the pole when hitting the ground unexpectedly.

• Pole saws feature blades with Japanese toothing that remain sharp six to eight times longer and have hardened flexible teeth.

• Pole hook is ideal for pulling down sawed off branches and guiding ropes high up in trees. Hook has a built-in carabineer hole and comes with anti-rust zinc coating to prevent premature weathering.

GIE+EXPO Booth #8233 www.greenindustrypros.com/21078307

Billy Goat Hurricane X3000 and Z3000 zero-turn radius stand on blowers Billy Goat Industries’ Hurricane X3000 and Z3000 zero-turn radius stand-on blowers are ready to take commercial leaf and debris clean-up productivity to a whole new level. According to the company, the Hurricanes are highlighted by:

• Patent-pending shearing fins and serrated hammers GIE+EXPO Booth #2030 www.greenindustrypros.com/21085484

Greenworks Commercial 82V string trimmer line-up Greenworks Commercial added the new 82T16 Brushless Front Motor String Trimmer, the 82TB16 Brushless Bike Handle String Trimmer and the 82TB18 Brushless Bike Handle String Trimmer to its lineup, offering a new level of customization and cost savings to landscaping pros and the dealer channel.

• Bike handle is ergonomic-friendly design for max comfort and utility in mind.

• Powered by 82V Lithium-ion batteries • Brushless motor technology • 16-inch/18-inch cut path with high visibility guard for larger yard projects

• Maximum travel speeds of 9 MPH for the X3000 and 11 MPH for the Z3000 to help complete jobs faster.

• Push-button on/off functionality • Bump head line feed • Brush cutter blade comes standard.

• A 627-cc Vanguard engine on the Hurricane X3000 and a 993-cc Vanguard engine on the Hurricane Z3000.

82T16 • Loop handle • Front motor design delivers energy directly to cutting head for smaller space trimming.

• Bump head .095 line feed • Powered by 82V Lithium-ion batteries

• An easy-fill 10-gallon fuel tank.

GIE+EXPO Booth #5036

• Brushless motor technology GIE+EXPO Booth #11192 www.greenindustrypros.com/21079238

www.greenindustrypros.com/21030411

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• Oversized hoppers

82TB16 and 82TB18

• There is 6500 CFM on the X3000 and 8500 CFM on the Z3000 for robust blowing power

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• Towable for on/off road areas; pin hitch kit standard/road tow kit optional

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THE VERSATILITY YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS.

PROFITABILITY, PERFORMANCE AND VERSATILITY.

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to commercial sprayers and spreaders, that’s why Z Turf Equipment offers a complete line of Z-Spray® units to meet your specific needs. With the ability to apply granular and liquid materials simultaneously or separately, these versatile machines are the ultimate resource for your business during your busiest time of the year. These durable Z-Spray spreader sprayers feature powerful commercial engines and high-grade, corrosive-resistant, stainless-steel components, ensuring your equipment will endure many seasons to come.

Z Turf Equipment is part of the Exmark® family of products and is built with the durability and reliability you’ve come to expect. It’s time to see how the Z-Spray line-up can be a wise investment for your business.

zturfequipment.com

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GIE PRODUCTS

Honda HRN Mower The Honda HRN216 Series of lawn mowers has been designed from the ground up, replacing the popular HRR Series. The HRN comes in four models — HRN216PKA, HRN216VKA, HRN216VLA and the HRN216VYA — to offer a range of options and consumer choices.

Pricing and availability of the new models will be announced at a later date. Features include: • Honda GCV170 engine, • Transmission with simplified structure and fewer parts for increased durability and including Honda Auto Choke system and CycloFlow design.

• Improved design of the Adjustable Smart Drive that allows for ease of speed variation with a press of a wide paddle control on the handlebar.

Wright Manufacturing Stander B 32’’ and 36’’ Mowers Wright Manufacturing Stander B mowers are designed for entrylevel or part-time landscapers, as well as consumers who prefer a well-built commercial mower. The 32- and 36-inch deck models will be unveiled at GIE+EXPO in October. The Stander B comes equipped with:

• Step-off stopping in an emergency or to pick up debris.

• A 3-in-1 clip director lever located on the side of the engine cowling controls an entry shutter between the lawn mower deck and the grass bag, allowing the operator to easily switch between mulching, bagging and rear discharge.

• Kawasaki FS600 engine with cylinder clean-out ports and an opening for debris to fall out of the air box.

• Simplified cut height control system consisting of a new dual-lever height adjustment with seven different cutting heights.

• Suspension platform provides comfortable ride and make it easy to get on and off quickly.

• Two-way releasing rear wheel ratchets increase maneuverability by the reducing effort required to turn or pivot in tight areas.

• Pneumatic caster tires are mounted on low maintenance ball bearings, and the aluminum spindles have fewer seals.

• 21-inch curvilinear mower deck, designed for optimized airflow, composed of heavy-duty steel.

• 20-inch rear tires to provide superb traction, even on hills, but reduce torque fatigue on the transmission.

GIE+EXPO Booth #3094

• Twin blade MicroCut System for exact cutting and fine mulching at any height GIE+EXPO Booth #3118

www.greenindustrypros.com/21083130

www.greenindustrypros.com/21081938

• A floating 32-, 36-, 48- or 52-inch deck.

• Close turning radius allows for mowing up close to trees and mulched beds.

Cub Cadet Pro X Series of Stand-On Mowers Cub Cadet’s Pro X series are the first stand-on mowers in the company’s professional lineup. It provides a durable and innovative option for landscapers looking for the flexibility and productivity a stand-on mower provides. Features include: • Fully fabricated 10-gauge deck shell with 7-gauge top and bottom reinforcements • Maintenance-free design • A large, fully adjustable suspension platform and a fully adjustable hip pad with side supports that offers comfort and stability when mowing slopes • Marbain blades, which offer a blade tip speed of up to 18,500 fpm and 1.5-inch blade overlap • 25.5 hp Kawasaki engine with up to 25.5 hp • Easy step-on/step-off design allows for quick debris pick-up • Deck size equal to or greater than the tire width maxes out traction, reduces turfing and will never run over uncut grass GIE+EXPO Booth #5116 www.greenindustrypros.com/21085026

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GIE PRODUCTS Exmark Commercial 30 X-Series Walk-Behind Mower

Bobcat NextGeneration R-Series Compact Excavators Bobcat Company has enhanced its compact excavators with the all-new, next-generation R-Series excavators.The first R-Series models will include the E32 and E35 in the popular 3- to 4-ton size class. R-Series machines feature: • New dual-flange rollers that extend the excavator’s undercarriage structure closer to the track’s edge and provide up to a 15% increase in over-the-side capacity and more stability • 15% more window surface area and narrower side pillars for enhanced visibility • Wider seat and cab, 29% more floor space for the operator’s feet and legs .

• Easy to reach control pattern selector, located right below the operator’s seat, allows operators to quickly switch from ISO controls to standard controls GIE+EXPO Booth #1088

Exmark has expanded its line of 30-inch walk-behind mowers with the new Commercial 30 X-Series model. With a new, engine and transmission, the Commercial 30 X-Series gives landscape maintenance professionals an option, ideal for smaller properties.

Features include: • Kohler Command Pro CV200 engine • Heavy-duty wet clutch transmission and selftensioning belt drive are designed for minimum maintenance and maximum reliability in the most demanding commercial applications.

• 4.6-inch deep, 30-inch wide cutting deck. The 3-in-1 design offers the ability to quickly change from side discharge, to bagging or mulching, without tools.

• Two-blade cutting system reducing power requirements.

• Shear pin on each blade provides additional impact protection with simple replacement and minimal maintenance. .

GIE+EXPO Booth #7080 www.greenindustrypros.com/21081751

www.greenindustrypros.com/21083068

G IN NG M I M DG E I TRD EUID AN G

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Grasshopper 300G Series Zero-Turn MidMount Mowers The 300G Series line of Grasshopper Company MidMount mowers include four models with choices of Vanguard or Kohler Command Pro EFI engines from 810 cc to 993 cc, and cutting widths of 52-, 61and 72-inches. Additional features include:

Cub Cadet Prox X 972 SDL Holds Hills, Self-Levels with New Seat

• Premier suspension seat that adjusts fore and aft and includes adjustable armrests and backrests with lumbar support.

Cub Cadet recently unveiled an addition to its PRO Z Series of commercial zero-turn lawn mowers. The PRO Z 972 SDL can mow up to a 25-degree hillside, or 46 percent of grade. Additional features include:

• Iso-mounted footrests and operator station coupled with multipoint suspension absorbs and reduces vibration.

• QuikAjust Tilt dual steering levers.

• 35 hp Kawasaki engine

• 13-gallon single fill gas tank.

• Self-leveling air-ride seat, which automatically levels 15 degrees in each direction side-to-side

• DuraMax cutting 5.5 inch deep decks with heavy gauge U.S. steel. are designed to deliver a crisp and clean cut.

• Triple-plated steel cutting deck • Dual rear wheels that allows greater stability on rough terrain • Four-wheel steering system.

Available for purchase in February 2020. For more information on all Cub Cadet products, visit www.CubCadet.com.

• Marbain steel blades are 1/4-inch thick and hold their edge longer. The leading edge incorporates an anvil-edge design reinforced with formed steel.t.

GIE+EXPO Booth #9136

GIE+EXPO Booth #5116

www.greenindustrypros.com/21083087

www.greenindustrypros.com/21085012

Echo Bear Cat High Power PTO Chippers Echo Bear Cat outdoor power equipment has released new 9” high power PTO Chippers.

The CH9540HP and CH9540HPXT are designed to accommodate users with higher hp tractors. With the addition of these two models, users with a full range of hp engines.

The sleek design of the CH9540HPXT model allows for controlled directional discharge below the limbs of orchard trees, allowing chips to stay below the canopy line and at the base of the trees.

PROFESSIONAL GRADE PRODUCTS.

VISIT US AT

THE MICHELIN® X® TWEEL® TURF™ AIRLESS RADIAL TIRE FAMILY FOR ZERO TURN RADIUS MOWERS

PROLUBE HIGH PERFORMANCE LUBRICATION EQUIPMENT

HEAT TREATED extra durable

XHT AND PREDATOR HEAT TREATED EXTRA DURABLE MOWER BLADES

PRECISION RUGGED LAWN CARE EQUIPMENT

SUNBELT OUTDOOR PRODUCTS

PHONE: 1-800-438-0660 • WWW.SUNBELTPARTS.COM

A&I PRODUCTS

GIE+EXPO Booth #5112 www.greenindustrypros.com/21083078

PHONE: 1-800-657-4343 • WWW.AIPRODUCTS.COM

www.greenindustrypros.com

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BOOTH #7010!

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LEARN MORE!

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MAKE A

STATEMENT. Stop by Indoor Booth #7050 and Outdoor Booth #6472D to experience Vanguard®engine and battery power.

At Vanguard, we work side-by-side with our customers to innovate and solve problems. Visit us at GIE+EXPO to be among the first to experience the only complete battery solution on the market and learn more about Vanguard’s cutting-edge portfolio of engines.

VANGUARDPOWER.COM

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© 2019 Briggs & Stratton Corporation. All rights reserved.

9/20/19 9:00 AM

Battery Power: What You Need to Know Electrification is taking the industry by storm — and for good reason.

The benefits of battery power range from fuel savings to improved flexibility and increased range of applications. But is it right for you?

Dave Schulenberg, senior product manager, alternative power at Vanguard, answers the industry’s most common battery questions.

Q. WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH BATTERY?

Q. WHAT ARE VANGUARD’S BATTERY OFFERINGS?

A. Battery power has existed in various forms for some time, but the technology is now advanced enough to serve as a reliable, alternative power source for the commercial turf industry. Battery-powered products are as safe, durable and productive as traditional power sources, while providing a level of application flexibility we haven’t seen before.

A. Vanguard developed its first commercial lithium-ion battery in partnership with Argo, a manufacturer of extreme terrain vehicles. The resulting battery pack is the only fully integrated, complete battery solution available on the market. The flexible, easy to install batteries offer superior power and performance for the turf industry.

Q. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? A. A primary benefit of battery is noise — as in it doesn’t make much. This extremely quiet power source allows crews to work throughout the course of a day without violating noise ordinances and is an incredibly durable and efficient power source. Which means fleets can use it to maximize productivity levels to get the job done faster.

Q. WHAT ABOUT COST? A. Battery power eliminates fuel costs and often has reduced maintenance and service needs, which means more uptime for your crew. Pair that with increased productivity and you get a low total cost of ownership over the lifetime of the battery pack.

Interested in applying Vanguard Commercial Lithium-Ion Battery power to your turf application?

Visit vanguardpower.com or find us in Booth #7050 at GIE+EXPO to learn more.

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“

BATTERY-POWERED PRODUCTS ARE AS SAFE, DURABLE AND PRODUCTIVE AS TRADITIONAL POWER SOURCES.

”

vanguardpower.com

9/19/19 8:53 AM

GIE PRODUCTS

MSA 161 T is the First Lithium-Ion Top-Handle Chainsaw from Stihl

TurfCo TurnAer XT8 Riding Aerator with Drop Seeder Attachment

The Stihl MSA 161 T top-handle chainsaw provides professional arborists long run times and fewer noise disturbances. Up to 50 minutes of operation when paired with the Stihl AP 300 battery. Its lower noise output, when compared to gasoline-powered models, allows in-tree workers to communicate easily with ground crews and offers the flexibility of cutting throughout the day. Additional features include: • Captured guide bar nut on sprocket cover eliminates the potential for the user to lose the nut while servicing the product.

Turfco adds double-duty performance to its TurnAer XT8 riding aerator with the XT8 Drop Seeder Attachment. The TurnAer XT8 stand-on 30-inch aerator can reportedly cover over two acres in an hour with zero-turn agility at speed up to 7 mph. Other key features include:

• Stihl Quickstop Plus is an electronically controlled coast-down brake designed to stop the rotating saw chain when the rear handle is released.

• Patent-pending Auto-Depth Control – set tine depth from 0-5 inches and machine keeps consistent across property, regardless of turf conditions • Chains are outside of aeration area, preventing debris from getting in wheels and chains

• Built-in retractable carry ring making it easier for the user to maneuver in and out of trees.

• Toolless and translucent bar and chain oil tank to easily see when bar oil is running low and it is time to refill.

• 2.5 cubic-foot hopper holds as much as 60 pounds of seed.

• Seed rate dispersal is controlled by a hopper-mounted dial.

• Rubberized handle for a comfortable grip of product.

• Spreads seed across a 30-inch swath, matching the aeration pattern.

GIE+EXPO Booth #7040

• Side-access chain tensioner allows the user to tighten the chain on the guide bar and reduce chain sag GIE+EXPO Booth #5068

www.greenindustrypros.com/21083151

www.greenindustrypros.com/21085047

THE SB2-16 HD,

BUILT HEAVY DUTY! 4 cycle Honda Engine 3” & 6” Heavy Duty Augers

Mulch & Bark Hoses • For delivery of mulch, bark, and wood chips surfacing materials.

• Increased flexibility; allows easier winding and unwinding from hose reels.

• Easy slide helix; allows hose to slide easily over rough surfaces.

Total recommended bore length is 12’

Motor Stand

600 PSI PVC-Reinforced Spray Hoses • Spray hoses are made with premium quality PVC compounds.

• Ideally-suited for lawn and ornamental spray applications.

• Pin-pricked ribbed cover reduces drag and increases flexibility.

• Hoses are light weight and easily coiled after use.

Larger main shaft with bearings

Kuriyama of America, Inc.

SEE US AT BOOTH #28085

(847) 755-0360 sales@kuriyama.com www.kuriyama.com

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Two 48” Heavy Duty Extensions TWO YEAR WARRANTY!

www.siboredrill.com

siboredrill@neo.rr.com | 330-844-0042

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9/19/19 8:53 AM

BRINGING CUSTOMERS TO YOU Contractors aren’t just looking for propane mowers. They need a knowledgeable dealer to help get them started with the equipment. If you sell propane mowers, get yourself listed on the equipment dealer locator on propane.com. There, contractors can search for a dealer in their area — giving them a clear path to your business. That gets you one step closer to the sale.

Sign up at Propane.com/For-Equipment-Dealers.

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SOFTWARE • TECHNOLOGY • ROBOTIC MOWERS • ENGINES UTVS • ZERO-TURNS • IRRIGATION • LANDSCAPE LIGHTING HARDSCAPES • OUTDOOR LIVING • FIRE PITS • DRONES TRUCKS • SPRAY RIGS • TRENCHERS • POWER WASHERS PORTABLE GENERATORS • SKID STEERS • CHAIN SAWS TRIMMERS • AERATORS • AERIAL LIFTS • AUGERS • BACKHOES LEAF BLOWERS • GPS • CHIPPERS • SHREDDERS • MOWERS GRINDERS • EXCAVATORS • FINANCING • PLOWS • SPREADERS OUTDOOR KITCHENS • SNOW THROWERS • SOD CUTTERS LOG SPLITTERS • CUT-OFF MACHINES • PAVERS • PUMPS

OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry’s national landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition. It’s the place to be if you’re in this business, and the best place to equip yourself with solutions to the challenges you’re facing. It’s more than equipment – it’s a technological showcase, a clearinghouse for the most innovative new products and connections to industry best practices.

Whatever you need to grow your business, you’ll find it at GIE+EXPO. Wednesday, October 16–Friday, October 18 www.gie-expo.com | (800) 558-8767

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9/19/19 8:53 AM

GIE PRODUCTS

ASV midframe, vertical lift VT-70 High Output PosiTrack Loader

John Deere launches rugged, heavyduty compact utility tractors John Deere 3D Series compact utility tractors, including the 3025D, 3035D and 3043D models, offer a powerful, affordable and easy to use solution for a wide range of jobs. Equipped with a gear-drive transmission and available in three horsepower offerings, the 3D Series tractors are designed to tackle everything from pulling and hauling to cutting and tilling. Features include:

R

The ASV mid-frame vertical lift VT-70 High Output Posi-Track loader features high torque and an efficient hydraulic system for maximum performance with even the most heavy and demanding attachments. ASV developed the machine to provide high power and maximum performance, especially in lift and carry applications.

It features 207 foot pounds of torque, which allows for maximum performance, high speeds and minimal engine bog down in all applications. Drive motors transfer the torque to ASV’s patented internal-drive sprockets. Internal rollers reduce friction loss in the undercarriage, resulting in maximum power being transferred to the track regardless of drive speed.

• Options of 25-hp, 35-hp or 43-hp engines • Hauling capacity of 4,000 pounds • Gear-driven transmission with two ranges and four speeds each.

• Fendermounted gear shift level for comfort and enhanced control.

• Features a 2,328-lb. rated operating capacity, a tipping load of 6,650 lbs. and a 10.5-ft. lift height.

• A hydraulic system with 3,300 psi of auxiliary pressure and 22.2 gpm of standard flow. and optional 27.4 gpm flow.

• Easy to reach rearmounted 10-gallon fuel tank.

• Posi-Track rubber track suspension undercarriage allows for a smooth ride over all terrain types and speeds up to 11 mph • 13 inch ground clearance and 37 degree departure angle.

• Ride control, 15 in. wide tracks, resulting in a ground pressure of only 4.6 psi.

• Compatible with the allnew John Deere Quik-Knect System, utilizing one connector for the tractor PTO shaft and another for the implement.

• 74.3 horsepower Deutz 2.2 liter turbocharged, Tier 4 Final diesel engine.

• Optional 16.5-inch-wide extreme terrain tracks lower the machine’s ground pressure to 4.2 psi, while a smooth turf track allows minimal risk of damage during operation on highly manicured surfaces.

• Three-point hitch that can lift nearly 1,600 pounds.

• Rear-mounted implements are easy to align and attach with optional telescope draft.

• Available with 300E Loader adding to versatility.

• Swing-out radiator, top hood and side doors provide access to all sides of the engine compartment and daily checkpoints.

• Two-pump hydraulic system allows users to easily steer and lift the loader at the same time.

• Comfortable cab with easier entry and exit, enhanced visibility, standard joystick controls, suspended air ride seat, rear view camera and monitor, available ride control and optional bucket positioning system.

GIE+EXPO Booth #10134

• Optional halogen or LED work lights increasing the area of visibility for improved productivity and maximized overall operating time.

GIE+EXPO Booth #1110 www.greenindustrypros.com/21073623

www.greenindustrypros.com/21070902

Ditch Witch SK3000.

SK3000 is Ditch Witch’s largest and most powerful unit in its family of mini skid steers. It is equipped to handle a wide range of hardscape, landscape and tree-care projects typically suited for full-size skid steers and compact track loaders.

• 59 hp • Lift capacity of 3,100 pounds For more information visit https://www.ditchwitch.com/mini-skid-steer.

GIE+EXPO Booth #1096 www.greenindustrypros.com/21085587

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VALUE TESTIMONIAL

ADVERTISEMENT

THE WORLD’S LARGEST SUPPLIER OF OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT PARTS.

ROTARY OFFERS

VAST SELECTION FOR LANDSCAPE PROS

The performance and reliability of outdoor power equipment parts is essential to the success of landscape professionals. From service jobs and minor repairs to complete engine overhauls, Rotary has the replacement parts it takes to get the job done. Choose from over 9,500 parts, tools and accessories including Rotary’s Copperhead line of mower blades, trimmer line and chain saw bars and chain that are engineered to perform better, last longer and cut with powerful force.

Rotary manufactures nearly nine million blades annually at its world class facility in Georgia. Rotary uses only premium-grade American steel that is heated at extreme temperatures and tempered for uniform hardness. Blades are formed, balanced and precision-sharpened for a cleaner, finer cut.

Studies show Copperhead mulching blades require less power to drive the blade while reducing vibration to prevent pre-mature engine wear. The airlift design increases particle retention under the deck for improved mulching and uniform distribution. Available for most any brand, Rotary blades exceed all OEM standards for operation and are ISO certified for exceptional quality.

The company also manufactures trimmer line at its plant in Arizona.

Using advanced technology and proprietary nylon raw materials, Rotary’s Copperhead trimmer line is available in round or diamond shape plus its best-selling twisted vortex line which produces less noise, requires less operating power and provides extended wear.

With superior tensile strength and excellent flex life, Copperhead trimmer line delivers highimpact performance for landscape professionals in hot, cold, dry or wet conditions.

Copperhead chain saw bars and chain plus commercial grade repair parts are ideal for most landscape jobs. Superior quality chain is available in cut loops, or 25’ and 100’ reels. New for 2019 is a tri-link saw chain featuring titanium-coated full chisel cutters that saw up to 20% faster than semi-chisel chain.

Copperhead Blades are a cut above.

See how at rotarycorp.com/pages/COPPERHEADVIDEO

rotarycorp.com www.greenindustrypros.com

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GIE PRODUCTS Caterpillar D3 Series Skid Steer and Compact Loader Caterpillar recently announced the release of its 16 new D3 Series skid steer and compact loader models. The new D3 lineup consists of eight skid steers and nine CTLS. Features include: • Wider opening cab door for easier entry and exit.

• Operating weights for the skid steer line ranges from 5,849 to 9,573 pounds and gross horsepower of 67.1 to 110.

• CTLs are available in operating weights of 7,434 to 12,764 pounds and the same horsepower range as the D3 skid steers.

• Increased distance between joystick pods to provide more space inside cab • Smart Technology with higher level of integration between the machine and new Smart Attachments. This advanced machine technology recognizes certain attachments and tailors the controls and operator information to match the tool and the task.

John Deere three-bag Material Collection System The John Deere three-bag Material Collection System (MCS) is compatible with all gas-powered commercial zero turn mowers. It features an improved design for more efficient material collection and superior performance. The heavy-duty impeller finely chops materials, maximizing the fill capacity. With stronger suction on the blower, there are no double passes required. The design also reduces the size of the MCS and the overall machine, making it easier to maneuver and transport.

Additionally, tool-free clips offer easy in-field removal, allowing the operator to quickly switch from collecting to side discharge.

GIE+EXPO Booth #1110 www.greenindustrypros.com/21085582

• Advanced control features that include Return-to-Dig and Work Tool Positioner to assist operators with repetitive tasks like grading, digging, and loading.

• Changes to the undercarriage frame and torsion axles reduce machine pitching and rocking, while still offering ride comfort.

• Two CTL models, 279D3 and 289D3 loaders have a 20 percent increase in ground speeder over their D Series counterparts. Standard two-speed transmission on 239D3 and 249D3, increasing travel speed by 9 percent.

GIE+EXPO Booth #3084 www.greenindustrypros.com/21085574

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e

SPECIAL REPORT: IRRIGATION

by Ryan Larsen

HOW TO ELIMINATE STANDING WATER WITH A

FRENCH DRAIN W

ithout proper drainage, landscapes and yards can quickly turn into ponds. Often, these instant ponds are fed by gutter systems that take water off a building’s roof. Most homes and businesses stop with the rain gutter’s downspouts leading straight to the ground, where all the water comes off the roof and pours to just one point, where it can collect. It’s the most common drainage problem, and it’s also the easiest to fix by extending downspouts away from a house or building. Ideally, the extensions should take rainwater at least 10 feet away from a structure.

Other standing water problems, however, can be much more complex.

Whether it’s a splashy walkway, driveway or patio, a soggy backyard, water pooling near a home’s foundation or in planter areas, or runoff from a neighbor’s property, it’s important for property owners to address any water problems before they become big, expensive ones.

The human health costs of poor

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drainage on a property can be significant. Poorly drained runoff from roofs can enter basements or flow inside homes and businesses through foundational cracks or leaks where it can warp floorboards and turn finished rooms into disastrous and mildewy messes that can attract insects and rodents. Outside, inadequate or non-existent drainage from gutter downspouts can also create standing water that can harbor breeding spots for mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, Zika virus and heartworms.

The financial costs of poor drainage can be substantial. Drying a basement of toxic water due to poor drainage ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, according to the U.S. National Flood Insurance Program. Repairing damage to a building’s foundation as a result of poor drainage can range anywhere from $3,500 to $25,000, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Replacing a landscape washed away from heavy rains averages $7,500 and can run as high as $30,000, accord-

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Engineered flood channels increase void space, creating improved water flow and greater storage. The lightweight expanded polystryene aggregate offers structural integrity and resists compaction.

ing to HomeAdvisor. Further, soggy, poorly graded ground spells certain doom for lawns, shrubs and plants, and a major drainage problem or foundation damage can reduce a building’s value by 10–15 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Many people might think solving a stubborn drainage problem will be difficult and costly, or that they’ll end up with an ugly drainage ditch on their property It is possible to eliminate standing water cost-effectively and attractively by building one of the most popular and common solutions for getting rid of standing water, a French drain.

What is a French drain?

A French drain is a gravel-filled trench that includes a slotted pipe

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or a gravel-free alternative containing a perforated pipe surrounded by a polystyrene aggregate enclosed in a geotextile mesh; the aggregate increases void space for improved water flow and greater storage while offering greater structural integrity than gravel, resisting compaction.

Ideal for landscapes and lawns, hardscape patios and driveways, retaining walls, and foundation and footing perimeters, French drains are used to direct surface water or groundwater away from a specific area toward the lowest point. The water is then collected in the perforated pipe, running at the base of the drain, and directed away from the home or landscape and toward a more suitable area for daylighting or infiltration.

French drains differ from typical surface drains because they collect water over the entire length of the drain instead of one particular spot.

Remember water always seeks out the lowest point it can reach along the easiest path, readily moving into empty pockets in loose soil. That’s the secret to a French drain: It provides a reliably easy path, creating a sunken channel that encourages water to percolate out of the surrounding soil and flow along a smooth course.

Leveraging gravity is essential for a French drain to function properly, as it first forces water down from the surface and out of saturated soil, then pulls it along the downward-sloping pipe to the desired discharge point.

drain to collect unwanted water and redirect it to a safer location.

Damage to an outdoor patio: Patios are a great source of pride and a meeting place for family and friends, but excess water can damage the area, deteriorate the pavers, and also create a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

A French drain can work as a shield, collecting water before it reaches the patio and diverting it away. This will also eliminate the standing water that mosquitoes need to breed.

Runoff from a neighboring property: Water from an uphill neighbor’s property can drain towards and puddle next to a home or business. Whether the water is coming from a single location or along the length of the neighboring property, installing an underground drainage system provides protection from costly water damage.

Water near driveways, walkways and planter areas: Water pooling on driveways reducing its functionality can potentially flood a garage. Water pooling on walkways causes concrete staining and slip hazards. Water

pooling in planter areas next to a home or business can create muddy areas and cause damage to foundations.

Key considerations

There are many factors to consider before installing a French drain. Slope is essential, as a downhill course must be downhill enough to keep water running along to its intended destination. Generally, a French drain should drop at least one percent in depth for every 100 feet of length.

Other key issues to consider include: • French drain depth: About 8 inches to 2 feet deep should be sufficient for many water-diverting projects, though related systems, such as those built around foundations and sub-ground living spaces, as well as the bases of retaining walls, may be deeper.

• French drain aggregate: The size of the gravel used can vary from pea gravel to larger pieces of river rock. If aggregate of different sizes is used, smaller pieces usually go closer to the pipe, while larger pieces sit closer to and on the surface.

• French drain pipe length: This really

Where and when to install

An easy way to site a French drain is to watch where water pools — especially if it sits for hours or days — after a rain. Some of the most common drainage problems are: Flooding in a yard: If heavy rains has left a yard with an unwanted water feature or the spring thaw has saturated a property, a French drain can help. Placing a French drain in this wet region allows the

 French drain systems manage surface water and protect property. Ideal for retaining walls, foundation and footing perimeter drains, landscape drains and sports fields.

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SPECIAL REPORT: IRRIGATION it is being dug, constant grading measurements are necessary. The width of the trench will depend on how large the drainage problem is. Smaller drainage problems can be handled with a trench that is 5 to 6 inches wide, while larger problems will require a larger trench.

⑤ Add the fabric

Once the trench has been dug, it will be lined with landscape fabric, and then additional gravel is added.

This fabric prevents dirt from mixing with the gravel and promotes water percolation. Once the fabric has been applied, a light load of gravel is shoveled over the top so the corners of the fabric can be wrapped around this gravel, holding it in place.  Poly-Rock aggregate on the NDS EZ-Flow drains feature engineered flow channels that increase capacity. The EX-Flow installs without gravel saving time and cost of additional heavy equipment.

depends on a project’s specific elements. Of course, the pipe should be long enough to carry water from the underground areas where it collects to an end point, where it daylights.

• French drain flow: Slope is a big factor in maintaining a free flow of water, as is the aggregate placement and surrounding fabric to prevent debris from clogging the pipe.

Installing a French drain

Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing a French drain on a property.

① Decide on the best location

Determining the best location depends on where the problem areas are located, nearby elevation, and the condition of the soil. Use the design tips above to help with siting to ensure proper slope, depth, and more. When it comes to the soil, sandy soil located in an out-of-the way area is preferred.

②Prepare to dig

City codes must be considered, and you need to be aware of how your project will affect neighboring prop-

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erties. This is also an ideal time to contact the local utility company to have any underground lines marked before digging begins. Once you start digging, your drain depth will need to be anywhere from eight inches to two feet, depending on your needs and available options.

③ Measure the grading

This process begins by pounding two stakes into the ground to mark the dimensions of the trench.

A taut string is tied between them, allowing for easy grade measurements as the digging process begins.

Regular measuring checks will be performed throughout the process.

④ Dig a trench across the slope

Digging the trench is the most laborintensive portion of the project and as

⑥ Add pipe

Place a slotted or perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench. The pipe needs to be directed towards an outlet to drain away from the home or business.

⑦ Fill with gravel

The drain is nearly complete.

Now the gravel of whatever size you choose will be shoveled in. Once the gravel is in, top it with another layer of landscape fabric and then cover it with top soil and new sod.

For more information about French drains, visit the NDS Home Drainage Center, a free online resource that provides a wealth of information for identifying drainage problems, selecting solutions and downloading installation instructions. NDS also offers a free “Stormwater Drainage Tools” mobile app that simply and quickly calculates stormwater runoff and determines requirements for implementing a variety of drainage solutions. ❯

This article was written by Ryan Larsen, a civil engineer at NDS, Inc., a leading manufacturer of products and solutions for drainage and stormwater management, landscape irrigation and flow management. Ryan is also known as “Dr. Drainage” as host of NDS’s instructional YouTube video series on drainage systems and stormwater management. Contact via email at DrDrainage@ndspro.com.

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COMPLETE RANGE

OF OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT Honda Power Equipment, a business unit of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., manufactures and markets a complete range of outdoor power equipment products including generators, walk-behind and robotic lawn mowers, pumps, snow blowers, tillers, string trimmers, marine outboard motors and generalpurpose engines for commercial, rental and residential applications.

As the world’s largest manufacturer of engines, Honda offers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient, four-stroke models that provide easy starts, quiet, low-vibration operation, and dependable power for thousands of different product applications including lawn mowers and landscaping tools, pressure washers, and rescue and construction equipment. Honda engines are some of the quietest and easiest to start of their kind, even in harsh commercial environments—helping people get jobs done. Such attributes have made Honda engines the popular choice for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), especially turf industry customers, looking to add value to their own brands with more versatile power, greater adaptability, and excellent fuel efficiency in a compact package.

Always Popular in Power Equipment When it comes to durability, reliability and top performance, landscape professionals turn to Honda power products like the HRC216HDA Commercial Series lawn mower.. With reduced cost and weight, the Honda HRC216HDA has a rugged, durable construction, offers easy starting and stopping, and is exceptionally maneuverable. A dome-shaped deck design facilitates both bagging—with a 2.5-bushel bag capacity—and superior mulching; the offset Twin Blade MicroCut® System also delivers finer clippings. The Honda HRC216HDA is powered by the legendary Honda GXV160 engine,, featuring all-aluminum construction and a cast-iron cylinder sleeve for optimum protection in commercial environments.

What’s New with Honda Engines?

Four new Honda V-Twin engines, the iGX700/iGXV700 and iGX800/iGXV800, offer turf industry and commercial construction customers versatile power and greater adaptability with excellent fuel efficiency in a compact package. Providing enhanced performance and quality, the engines are equipped with fuel injection technology and an integrated electronic self-tuning regulator (STR) governor that delivers drive-by-wire remote control capability to manage key aspects of engine operation. Available in both vertical and horizontal shaft configurations, the new Honda V-Twins are an ideal fit for demanding applications including commercial turf equipment (zeroturn radius mowers, lawn tractors, garden tractors, utility vehicles, trenchers, stump grinders and chipper/shredders) and concrete and construction equipment (power screeds, hydraulic power units, concrete saws, ride-on concrete trowels, vibratory rollers, generators and pressure washers).

The all-new, high-output Honda GX50 expands the company’s Mini-Four Stroke lineup with a more powerful model, incorporating a higher displacement, making it an ideal power match for demanding professional landscape, rental, industrial, and construction applications. Available now and for sale to power equipment OEMs, the versatile Honda GX50 brings its light weight, compact design, easy starting and excellent fuel efficiency to power products ranging from brush cutters to rammers and vibrators to concrete screeds, post drivers and winches. The Honda GX50 is quieter and features reduced vibration over a comparable two-stroke engine, pairing greater user comfort with top-class performance. What’s more, the GX50 is the first Honda four-stroke model in the two-horsepower class that is 360-degrees inclinable during operation and storage.

powerequipment.honda.com www.greenindustrypros.com

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BRINGING POWER AND AUTHORITY TO GREEN SPACE PROFESSIONALS For nearly 50 years, ECHO has been setting the standard for the outdoor power equipment industry.

Our mission at ECHO is to deliver innovative and reliable products that bring power and authority to green space professionals. We continually push the boundaries to provide customers with unmatched experiences and products.

Founded in 1972 in Northbrook, IL as Kioritz Corporation of America, ECHO was initially an importer of high-performance 2-cycle engines and hand-held products. In 1978, we officially established under ECHO Incorporated and shifted our focus towards engineering and manufacturing.

Today, we continue with our goal of providing people with innovative products that offer real solutions. We bring ultimate power to the pros through the ECHO X Series brand, which is made up of our most powerful, lightweight models that offer exclusive features and innovations, all designed to give you greater productivity.

One of our other exciting initiatives is our partnership with Minor League Baseball.

Through this partnership, users of ECHO products can experience the brand in fun and memorable ways. Our goal is to stay inspired, innovative, and engaged, so that’s why we’ve teamed up with MiLB to refurbish youth baseball and softball fields in Minor League Baseball communities. We are proud to partner with such an incredible organization to give back and support young athletes.

ECHO is excited to provide professional-grade, high-performance outdoor power equipment for our customers and continue to be a recognized leader in the industry, and 2020 will be one of our best.

Visit us at GIE+EXPO at indoor booth #5112 and outdoor booth #7451-D to see our new lineup and learn more about ECHO’s #20for2020!

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SPECIAL FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

by Curt Bennink

HOW TECHNOLOGY IS DRIVING EFFICIENCY

IN COMPACT EQUIPMENT DESIGN More efficient engines and a move toward electrification drive compact equipment design

T

he compact construction equipment market faces major changes as powerplant choices continue to evolve. Diesel engine technology will be the dominant power source for the foreseeable future, and it continues to evolve with increased efficiency and reduced noise emissions. Simultaneously, there are an ever-increasing number of electric models being introduced that fill a growing demand for sustainable solutions in emissionssensitive and indoor applications.

“It’s clear that our industry is in a period of rapid change,” says Fares Beainy, electromobility strategy and business development manager, Volvo Construction Equipment. “That’s why Volvo CE is taking a lead on electromobility, including being the

An increasing number of electric machine models are being released. Volvo Construction Equipment recently unveiled two zero emissions machines - the ECR25 excavator and L25 wheel loader - from its new range of electric compact machines.

first construction equipment manufacturer to commit to an electric future for its compact machine range.

“We’re conducting extensive research and product development on a range of hybrid and battery-electric solutions,” he adds. “We’ve learned that electrification is possible with different machine types and sizes using different technologies. But for many machine sizes, applications and markets, the diesel engine will remain the most appropriate power source for a number of years, and we will continue to manufacture diesel engines of all sizes. So ultimately, the decision between diesel power or electric rests with the owners and operators.”

Oliver Lythgoe, Perkins product concept manager, sees a continued strong demand for diesel in compact equipment. “We don’t see electric machines replacing diesel-powered machines across the board. The longterm growth trend is positive for small diesel-powered equipment around the world,” he comments. “What we do see, however, are a few niche applications for compact electric machines that will see real growth in the future. One promising market is for small wheel loaders used to handle various materials on farms or construction sites where they are never far from a charging point and have multiple opportunities to recharge during the day.”

The challenges confronting compact electric machines are not technical.

“We already know how to design and build them,” Lythgoe says. “The challenges are logistical and economic.

Many construction machines operate in places where there is no grid electricity and it makes zero sense to

Volvo Construction Equipment is the first construction equipment manufacturer to commit to an electric future for its compact machine range.

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A compact machine puts the operator closer to the engine, making control of noise and vibration both more difficult and more important. Perkins addressed this by incorporating features including quieter gears using materials with intrinsic sounddeadening characteristics; and stiffening the structure of the engine block itself.

recharge an electric excavator with a diesel generator.

The economic challenge is the battery cost. The dominant technology, lithium-ion (Li-ion), is still expensive to buy and use.

“Even assuming grid electricity is much less expensive than diesel fuel, the payback time still is long,” he notes. “That may change in the future. There is a long-term cost reduction trend in batteries so there is hope this economic challenge will fade.”

For Stage V/Performance Series, Cummin’s four-cylinder product has taken a real leap forward in its capability.

Smaller displacement engines can be used with no impact on machine performance, with added TCO benefits of better fuel efficiency and lower servicing costs.

turbocharging that improve machine responsiveDiesel Technology Evolves ness and ‘driveability,’ Noise has become a major conthis combination of features sideration for compact equipment. can make a small engine feel “By its very nature, a compact and perform like a larger one and machine puts the operator closer to a compact machine as comfortable to the engine and that makes control of operate as its full-size counterpart,” fatigue-producing noise and vibration says Lythgoe. “We do get both more difficult more power from a smaller and more important We’ve learned displacements engine with than it is on a full-size that electrification is technologies like turbomachine,” Lythgoe possible with different charging and common rail says. “It also is becomfuel systems. The turbo ing more common machine types and puts more air in the cylfor engine noise to sizes using different inder and the fuel system be regulated in terms technologies. injects and atomizes more of both sound power – Fares Beainy, fuel. It is a simple equaand decibels by local Volvo CE tion — more air plus more governments down to fuel equals more power. the municipal level.”

“The tricky part is designing Perkins addressed this issue by an engine to withstand the higher incorporating features such as quieter mechanical and thermal loads implicit gears using materials with intrinsic in that equation without sacrificsound-deadening characteristics, and ing either durability or reliability,” he stiffening the structure of the engine continues. “Perkins approached that block itself. “Our Syncro 2.8L and challenge with sophisticated simula3.6L engines, for example, use soundtion tools and literally terabytes of deadening composite materials for the real-world field operational data to oil sump and top cover, along with a work with.” This allows more effistiffened block and a gear train that is cient compact machines to depend relocated from the front of the engine on smaller displacement engines to the back to achieve significant with higher power densities. noise reduction,” Lythgoe points out.

The concept of delivering more “Working together with efficiencywith less is the goal of the Cummins enhancing technologies like ‘smart’

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Performance Series engines. “They are delivering more with less for our customers — more performance with lower installation costs for OEMs and lower running costs for operators,” says Alexei Ustinov, vice president, Cummins Off-highway Engine Business.

“Cummins Stage V/Performance Series points to the future of engine design and development — simpler, lighter, more powerful, more efficient,” says Steve Nendick, marketing communications director, Cummins.

“Cummins has continued to increase the power density of its products since emissions regulations began at Tier 1. For Stage V/Performance Series, our four-cylinder product has taken a real leap forward in its capability.

The increase in capability means that smaller displacement engines can be used with no impact on machine performance, with added total cost of ownership (TCO) benefits of better fuel efficiency and lower servicing costs.”

The 3.8-liter F3.8 Performance Series engine moves up from 130 to 173 hp with the new architecture, a 33% increase. The B4.5 Performance Series 4.5-liter engine jumps 16% from 173 to 200 hp. Peak torque of the F3.8 increases by more than 31% to 620 Nm, and an 11% increase

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SPECIAL FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY moves the B4.5 up to 780 Nm. TELEMATICS BENEFITS TO COMPACT EQUIPMENT Volvo says its diesel-powered Larger construction equipment is witnessing an increased adoption rate of compact equipment is focused on fuel telematics systems, which allow customers to manage high-value assets more efficiency. “Reducing fuel consumpefficiently. Telematics technology on compact equipment has lagged behind but tion is not only more sustainable, but it is picking up momentum. it also reduces expenses for owners “Telematics will certainly play a role in compact machines going forward, and improves the TCO of a machine,” helping operators to maximize their uptime with better service planning and says Beainy. “Our newest compact other benefits,” says Bart DeHaven, Kato Compact Excavator Sales. models feature Tier 4 Final engines and other fuel efficiency features.”

For example, the Volvo ECR18E provide the same power density as works in the same manner as a full and EC20E compact excavators offer diesel fuel, or meet the full duty electric driveline, but has both an optional auto engine shutdown and cycles of larger excavators, cranes and F3.8 Performance Series-powered auto idle features that help reduce fuel heavy-duty construction equipment generator and plug-in operation consumption. The L45H and L50H while also meeting the total energy for charging. This provides more compact wheel loaders have load-sensdemand. Additionally, as Stage V and flexibility where charging infraing hydraulics that deliver power to Tier 4 Final emissions legislations structure is more challenging. hydraulic functions only when needed, mandate the use of ultra-clean diesel “The HPP solution while a fuel-efficient lowers total emissions, technology, heavy-duty construchydrostatic transmisThe use of electric with the opportunity tion equipment can operate effectively sion offers smooth power will be influenced by to operate at zero or and meet even the strictest low emisspeed increases. regulations, price of sions zones using a Performance Series near-zero emissions Fuel efficiency batteries and their Stage V or Tier 4 Final diesel engine.” during the shift,” says gains are beneficomponent materials, But compact electric machines are Ustinov. “Noise and cial to TCO. “It’s a coming. “Ultra-low emissions zones long-term cost-savpower holding capacity and fuel consumption (ULEZ) in urban centers are becomare reduced using a ing benefit that will availability of charging ing an accepted standard for the smaller engine operbe realized over the infrastructure. on-highway sector, pushing public ating for less time.” life of the machine,” – Steve Nendick, transit, delivery trucks and school Electrified power says Bart DeHaven, Cummins transport systems to look at hybrid is a good solution for national sales repand full electric transportation,” zero emissions and resentative, Kato says Nendick. “In the coming years, lower noise. “The use of electric power Compact Excavator Sales. The latest ULEZs will undoubtedly focus on will be influenced by regulations, emissions regulations are having a defconstruction equipment, as well. price of batteries and their component inite impact. “The newer regulations “There have already been many materials, power holding capacity and have affected an engine’s strengths emissions incentives and regulaavailability of charging infrastructure,” and weaknesses. The challenge now tions set by cities and countries,” says Nendick. “It is not practical for is on product engineering to develop says Beainy. “Additionally, we see every application. For certain equipmachines that operate at peak optimidemand from our customers to ment types, it is not cost competitive zation with the Tier 4 engine, taking meet self-set emissions goals.” due to the increased purchase price, advantage of the new design strengths In order for electric equipment to which is limiting take-up. It could be to deliver the most to operators.” become the norm, machines need supported going forward with financto be designed and proven to overing options, government subsidies, Electric Options Emerge come the main concerns voiced by potential industry regulations and Hybrid and full electric skeptics regarding energy capacinnovation in charging solutions” options for compact machines ity, performance and price.

Duty cycles remain a key factor are becoming more popular.

“When it comes to price, the TCO in the adoption of electric-powered For example, the F3.8 features should be considered with electric equipment. “The nature of constructhe Cummins HPP (Hybrid Power models largely around fuel savings, tion industry applications requires Plug-in) concept, part of a wide portless scheduled maintenance and powertrains to be assessed against a folio of power solutions the company extended component life,” says Beainy. backdrop of tough duty cycles and high will offer moving forward. The HPP “Even though electric machines power requirements,” says Nendick. offers a balance of battery power might not be cheaper at purchase, “Currently, battery technology cannot with a compact engine-generator. It

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An engine that keeps you up and running, handling the heat, powering through the day. A machine you can trust. That’s a thing of beauty.

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SPECIAL FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

COMPACT MACHINES ADOPT BIG FEATURES

ending new diesel engine developthey add more value in the long run. ment of mini-excavator models from They allow owners to bid on emisthe EC15 to EC27 and compact wheel sions-restricted jobs, work during loaders from the L20 to L28. “The first the night in densely populated areas two electric models will be the ECR25 and work indoors, as well as in many excavator and the L25 wheel loader,” other niche applications that we says Beainy. “They run on lithiummight not even know about yet.” ion batteries and have zero exhaust To show its commitment to alternate emissions. They offer significantly power, Cummins recently displayed lower noise levels, an all-electric protoreduced energy type mini-excavator There is definitely costs, improved at bauma. Powered an interest from indoor efficiency and by its BM4.4E flexless maintenance ible battery modules excavation guys for the (4.4 kW each), the smallest of machines to reach requirements compared with 3.5-ton excavator pro- into tight quarters. their conventional totype is designed – Bart DeHaven, Kato counterparts. to support a full work shift and charge in under three “While some may think performance hours. The excavator eliminates all will be a hurdle, the electric models gaseous emissions and substantially we’re working on actually have similar reduces noise, making it ideal for use performance,” he indicates. “The elecin urban and suburban construction. tric versions have performance levels The excavator contains eight BM4.4E similar to their conventional diesel modules connected in a series conequivalents, so customers will get the figuration to provide a total energy same performance in more efficient, of 35 kWh. Mounted near the base environmentally-friendly machines.” of the excavator, the CumminsFor example, the ECR 25 electric designed and built battery modules mini-excavator has a 9-ft. digging utilize Li-ion technology to achieve depth and a breakout force of 4,541 a higher energy density and prolbf. The L25 electric wheel loader prietary control technology to has a full-turn tipping load maintain the battery state-of-charge of 3.7 tons, a dump height for a longer range. The modular of 8.2 ft. and a 2.2-ton design also allows for scalability to payload fork load capacity. other applications and duty cycles.

“Battery and electric Volvo plans to launch a full range machines are a disrupter in of electric compact excavators and the equipment market,” wheel loaders starting in mid-2020, says DeHaven. “Our [Kato] 9VXB battery machine has pushed the boundaries on what is possible in this area.

There is definitely an interest from indoor excavation guys for the smallest of machines to reach into tight Battery and electric machines are a disrupter in the equipment market. Models like the Kato 9VXB batterypowered compact excavator are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

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“The investment in these systems is not always achievable/worthwhile for compact equipment. However, Cummins offers a low-cost solution for smaller machines and operators to improve availability,” says Steve Nendick, Cummins. “The Guidanz in-line mini adapter is a blue-tooth device which links our engines to an app on your phone. For a relatively low cost, operators can quickly download engine fault information and talk to their service provider to resolve any issues. The technician can come to the site already knowing what the issue is, getting the machine up and running much quicker.”

A separate adapter is not required for each engine — meaning a single adapter can be used across multiple machines.

Volvo Construction Equipment also expects increased usage of more advanced telematics, such as its ActiveCare Direct. “ActiveCare Direct is available on a large number of our products, including our compact excavators and wheel loaders,” notes Volvo’s Fares Beainy.

quarters. Our 9VXB will fit through a standard 30-in. door frame, which has been an incredibly popular feature.

“We’re still pushing the envelope with the 9VXB’s eight-hour battery life and rapid recharge time,” says DeHaven. “The biggest constraint on growth in this segment is cost. The technology is there, but it costs more than a diesel engine. Can you engineer a product that meets the quality that we are known for, but at a price that is still profitable? It isn’t easy, but we feel good about what we have taken to market so far. I think we’ve got the results to back that up, as well.”

DeHaven believes the electric and battery revolution is just getting under way. “There are so many implications for what can be done to meet unique requirements of jobsites (regulated emission caps, indoor sites, etc.),” he states. ›

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EQUIPMENT FOCUS: COMPACT TRACTORS John Deere

by Gregg Wartgow

HOW TO DECIDE IF A

COMPACT TRACTOR IS BEST FO Maximum versatility across a range of services

 John Deere’s 3E Series, with a 1,356pound lifting capacity and ability to maneuver in more confined spaces, is ideal for moving large amounts of soil, mulch and other materials around a landscaping site. Pictured above left, John Deere’s 3032E model.

Compact tractors can help landscape contractors generate revenue all year round, be it mowing and maintenance, site prep, hardscaping, aerating, spraying or snowplowing, among other common tasks. Shown in the center is Kioti’s CS2510.

Kubota’s B2301 compact tractor, pictured above right, with its roughly 1,400-pound lifting capacity and optional pallet fork attachment, can efficiently load a variety of common landscaping materials into trucks.

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compact tractor can help drive productivity on a variety of landscaping jobsites. The ability to dig, lift and transport doesn’t even scratch the surface. Compact tractors can also power a long list of attachments to help perform installation, irrigation, tree care, lawn care, maintenance and snow removal services.

“Due to their wide variety of capabilities, compact tractors are popular among amateur and professional landscapers alike,” says Joel Hicks, product development manager at Kioti, a manufacturer of tractors, zero-turn mowers, utility vehicles and attachments. “There are various attachments available for any landscaping need you may have throughout the seasons.”

Hicks says attachments are typically less expensive for compact tractors than other heavy iron, but still provide the reliability landscape contractors require. “We offer an array of implements and attachment options including front-end loaders and backhoes, mowers, box blades, stump grinders, land-

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scape rakes and more,” Hicks says.

John Deere’s iMatch Quick-Hitch system and iMatch AutoHitch system simplify the process of connecting attachments. John Deere offers a long list of attachments including loaders, grapple buckets, forks, blades, scrapers, tillers, posthole diggers, rakes, aerators, spreaders and overseeders.

In the off-season, compact tractors can be used for snow removal operations. “Blades, blowers, snow pushers and brooms help keep grounds clear in the heaviest of snow,” says Ray Gherardini, product marketing manager for John Deere. “Tractors are also available with heated cabs, allowing operators to stay productive in all conditions. The true benefit of a compact utility tractor is its ability to tackle a variety of jobs in any season.”

Versatility and Productivity

As versatile and productive as a compact utility tractor can be, landscape contractors have alternatives that offer similar benefits. According to Gherardini, choosing between a

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compact tractor, skid steer or track loader is dependent on a landscape contractor’s specific needs—as well as the jobs they most frequently perform.

“It is important for contractors to evaluate their needs and work with a dealer who can help them determine the best solution for their business,” Gherardini says. Manufacturers that offer both tractors and loaders, such as John Deere, can offer an advantage. “A John Deere dealer can walk through each machine type and discuss the pros and cons, as well as let the customer test each machine to determine what they prefer,” Gherardini adds.

One discussion point should be the types of properties a landscape contractor is working on. Is ground pressure a concern on the typical property? What about the size of the space the equipment will be working in? How quickly will the operator need to move around the area?

“A compact tractor’s versatility and weight, compared to larger equipment, allow users to get a lot done without disturbing their turf,” says Hicks.

Compact tractors are also useful in getting from one place to another due to their higher ground speeds.

“Compact tractors are better equipped for traveling up the road or around a neighborhood, since you can avoid having to transport the equipment multiple times,” Hicks adds.

One of the main draws to compact tractors is their ability to perform different tasks without having to stop and change attachments. For instance, operators can simultaneously have a front-end loader with a bucket attached for earth moving and a cutter on the back to mow rougher terrains than their normal finish mower can handle.

Cost Comparison and Other Efficiencies

Ownership and operating cost is another important factor a contractor should evaluate. According to Gherardini, both a compact utility tractor and skid steer have a lower price tag than a compact track loader.

However, it’s important to not decide on price alone. “It’s important to

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weigh the benefits, including the intended amount of use, to determine which machine offers the most value for the price,” Gherardini says.

For example, a lower-priced skid steer won’t be as effective as a track loader on more sensitive properties with existing turf. So the money saved at purchase would be negated by the fact that the machine ends up underutilized. That’s why it’s important to look at the type of work the machine will be doing, as well as the types of properties it will be working on. The machine with the highest value will allow the contractor to generate the most revenue over a period of time.

If a landscape contractor is looking to primarily do a lot of lifting and loading, it’s obviously important to look at lifting capacity. While skid steer manufacturers typically offer some larger models with more capacity, compact tractors generally match up well with those smaller models that are geared more toward landscaping applications.

For example, John Deere’s new 3D

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EQUIPMENT FOCUS: COMPACT TRACTORS

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Compact tractors can help drive productivity on a variety of task from lawn care maintenance and renovatoin to snow and ice removal services. Pictured is Kioti’s DK10SE series.

John Deere

Kioti

John Deere’s 3D Series offers a powerful and affordable option for a wide range of jobs.

They are designed to tackle everything from pulling and hauling to cutting and tilling.

Pictures is the 3025D model.

Kubota’s L3560 Limited Edition utility tractor offers the comfort features of a deluxe factory-installed cab on a compact tractor.

compact tractor is transporting and storage. “A key benefit of a skid steer or compact track loader is that these machines are available in a small size,” Gherardini points out. “Compact utility tractors are often larger, especially with loader and backhoe implements.” Contractors should talk to their dealers about the trailering requirements of the machines they are looking at.

Choosing the right equipment for your landscaping needs can be a difficult and confusing task.

As always, landscape contractors should focus on ownership and operating costs, utility, productivity and safety, as well as the ability to generate revenue.

“Of all the landscaping equipment, a compact tractor is by far the most versatile,” Hicks says. “They have high performance capabilities, ergonomic design and operation, and maneuverability around a lawn. Compact tractors allow you to expand your landscaping capabilities by simply buying additional attachments. Compact tractors are the straight-forward, easy-to-use solution for your landscaping needs.” › Kubota

Series of compact utility tractors has a lifting capacity (rated operating capacity) of 1,670 pounds. The company’s 3E Series of tractors, ideal for landscaping applications, has a lifting capacity of 1,356 pounds. John Deere’s 3R Series of premium compact tractors have a lifting capacity of 2,194 pounds. With respect to skid steers, John Deere’s smallest and lowestpriced model, the 312GR, has a lifting capacity of roughly 1,550 pounds. At the large end of Deere’s skid steer lineup, the 332G has a lifting capacity of 3,600 pounds.

Hicks says Kioti’s CK10 Series of tractors is ideal for the small to medium-size contractor. “With this series, you are looking at a threepoint hitch lifting capacity of 1,200 to 1,600 pounds. Our DK10SE Series provides a lifting capacity of up to 2,600 pounds,” Hicks points out.

Professional users can generally expect a long, productive life out of their compact tractor. But as Hicks points out, life expectancy depends on annual usage. Maintenance has a big impact too. “On average, landscaping businesses rotate their equipment every five to 10 years, which is well within the life of the equipment.

With proper maintenance and care of the machine, it is not unusual to get more than 10 years out of a compact tractor,” Hicks says.

On that note, Hicks says maintenance is typically easier and less costly for compact tractors as compared to skid steers and track loaders.

Another factor that affects ownership cost is the residual value of a piece of equipment. Gherardini says there is

a strong used market for compact tractors. This type of equipment is used by a variety of customer segments, from contractors and nurseries to small ag and rural property owners. At the same time, buying a used machine might be a good option for a landscape contractor in the first place. “Contractors should talk with their dealers about their used inventory,” Gherardini says.

One potential downside to a

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MANUFACTURER PROFILE

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CONTRACTOR PROFILE

by Angie Mellor

Doing Customer Service Differently in Maryland Doing ‘The Next Right Thing’

A

driving forces behind the business. ny business can pay lip service The core values listed are the foundato the importance of customer tion for all the services Edwards Lawn service, but not every business and Home LLC offers. As a full service will reestablish and revise their foundlawn and landscaping principles to TEAM ing company serving put their customers • Teach: Consistently coach the Baltimore metfirst. However, that’s and train ropolitan area, they exactly what Edwards • Encourage: Build up one another specialize in residenLawn and Home LLC • Accountability: Hold others tial and commercial has done in the past and ourselves to the highest lawn maintenance year to demonstrate standards and landscaping. their commitment • Motivate: Push each other to “We do a lot of to customers. motivate and grow patios, ponds, walkThe process began CARE ways, the majority with the motto, “do • Communicate: Communicate of our work is beds, the next right thing.” effectively to share thoughts and clean ups, mulchDirector of ideas ings, tree removal, Operations Art • Attitude: Keep a positive installs and plantDitzel said fulfillattitude in all situations. ings,” Ditzel said. ing this motto is • Respect: Respect clients’ While the current only the beginning properties as if they were our own most popular service of a three-pronged • Empathy: view situations from others’ perspective is general mainapproach to keeping tenance which clients satisfied.

GROW includes lawn “If we just all do • Goals: Live a vision of the cutting, fertilizathe next right thing company daily tion, weed control, at the end of the • Reinvest: Resources put back spring clean up, day, our customers into our community through equipment and property mulching, pruning, are happy and we’re • Opportunity: Provide tools and leaf removal, happy,” he said. and resources for continued Ditzel has also noted In order to do development a rise in the need for “the next right • Win: Successfully live out all core drainage services. thing,” Edwards values and become leaders in our “On the enhanceLawn and Home industry at every level ment side, a solid LLC recently revised 30 percent of our its core values to work has been drainage and drainprovide the best possible experience age solutions,” he said. Attributing for each customer. The set of three core this to a change of environment, values, TEAM, CARE, and GROW Ditzel added that the metropolitan serve as acronyms that represent the

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 Greg Hemler maintains a positive attitude while on the job site.

 pro

Baltimore area was receiving more rain due to a change in environment.

“Over the last two years it’s gone from an occasional drainage job to one on the books almost every week.”

pla to is c cu ba em D of fir “ bu me get

Communication is Key

When booking jobs, whether for lawn care maintenance or enhancement, Ditzel noted that some of these values that customers appreciated most were communication and transparency.

“In customer service the main com-

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 James Gowran doing the next right thing to keep the customers happy.

“We spend so much time focusing on that [customer service] we’ve brought in a customer service specialist whose entire job is to monitor and reach out to customers, make sure everything is completed and done to their liking and satisfaction,” Ditzel added.

Another aspect of the importance of communication is transparency for the customer. He emphasized that photos and clarity of language in a contract contribute to a successful customer interaction.

“We really pride ourselves on doing what we say we’re going to do,” Ditzel said. “We send a lot of photos with our proposals so the customers know exactly what they’re getting, and we work really hard on our wording and our terms for a super clear understanding of what we’re going to do, when we’re going to do it and how we’re going to do it.”

Thorough Training

 Christian Brown respects the clients’ properties while cutting the grass.

 Lavar Green takes pride in his work in making lawns look crisp and clean.

plaint everyone has when switching to Edward’s Lawn and Home LLC is communication. For example, a customer may say ‘I can’t get a call back, I can’t reach anyone or my emails aren’t returned,’” he stated.

Ditzel believes the importance of communication starts with the first call a customer makes.

“It ends with us asking for repeat business, reviews, and recommendations. For us, if we can’t get to that point, we don’t con-

sider the job a success,” he said.

The importance of communication with customers played such a large role in the re-envisioning of the company’s core values, Edwards Lawn and Home LLC added an employee to demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction.

It ends with us asking for repeat business, revews and recommendatoins. For us, if we can’t get to that point, we don’t consider the job a sucess.

– Art Ditzel, Edwards Lawn and Home LLC

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Each week, Ditzel provides foreman trainings in policy, practical (hands-on training) and support.

“Every week we go over something from our handbook, focus on upcoming trainings such as turf rejuvenation, reseeding lawns, aeration, weeding and complete a safety module,” he said.

Not only do these weekly trainings help the customers feel confident in the crews working on their properties, they also help promote safety on the job. One week may focus on proper footwear, personal protective equipment or even employee health.

For example, Ditzel noted, “We spent a lot of time in training showing guys what heat stroke looks like, and a foreman was able to recognize the symptoms in a crew member as a direct result of that training.”

The unification of the team through

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CONTRACTOR PROFILE

trainings has also helped the foremen take pride in a job well done by opening LinkedIn accounts featuring past jobs.

“They post their work, they’re proud of what they do and they’re proud of the company they work for,” Ditzel said.

Spreading the Word

In addition to LinkedIn, Edwards Lawn and Home LLC makes use of social media and marketing via services such as True U videos that play before YouTube videos, Facebook, Instagram, and email marketing.

With the recent revision of core values and commitment to customer service, Ditzel finds that Google reviews and old-fashioned “word of mouth” have helped them gain a stream of new business.

“We send a survey out with an invoice and get a lot of feedback that way,” he said. “We try really hard to stay in constant communication with customers. We don’t want our sales to be linear, we want them to be circular so they just repeat and repeat.”

In addition to surveys and reviews, Ditzel knows that evolving technology and convenience play a large part in customer satisfaction.

“What people want evolves and what they expect evolves,” he said. “For example, we’re starting to find that the best way to reach customers is text

 Jason Beale keeps the tall grass at bay.

 Art Ditzel, director of operations with the production staff during a weeklyl training sesson.

message. We used to send emails but nobody picks up the phone and talks anymore. We just have to change with the times and customer service.”

With a revamped and customer service focused system of core

The customers are such an important part to us.

For the future, we will be fleshing out our core values and making our company one that everyone in the area is dying to work for. If we have the best guys, the work will follow.

values, Ditzel sees  Larry Wilson clearing leaves, a bright future for taking care of Edwards Lawn the property he and Home LLC. is servicing “The customers with respect. are such an important part to us,” he said. “For the future, we will be fleshing out our core values and making our company one that everyone is the area is dying to work for. If we have the best guys, the work will follow.” ❯

– Art Ditzel, Edwards Lawn and Home LLC

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GIE+EXPO HIGHLIGHTS VALUE TESTIMONIAL

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TORO GIE+EXPO PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS Toro plans to introduce several innovative solutions for the landscape contractor and residential segments on October 16-18 during the GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Kentucky.

Key product announcements from Toro include: •

54” TimeCutter® with MyRIDE® — The 54” TimeCutter is engineered with exceptional durability in mind and gives users an outstanding mowing experience. With Toro’s MyRIDE suspension system, users will enjoy a smooth ride over even the most challenging terrain.

The MyRIDE system reduces the impact of bumps and obstacles to provide maximum comfort to the operator.

•

60” TITAN® with MyRIDE — The 60” TITAN is an ideal blend of power and performance. The new TITAN models — which include commercial drop pins and canister style air filters — allow users to get their work done with efficiency and comfort. These mowers also include a reinforced 10-gauge steel deck, Kevlar belts and much more.

•

Additional GrandStand® MULTI FORCE® attachments — Toro continues to provide year-round versatility to landscape contractors with the introduction of exciting new GrandStand MULTI FORCE attachments.

•

Z Master Series — Enhancements to the trusted Z Master product family include a special edition 2000 Series and the introduction of the Toro Z Master 7500-G.

•

Power Clear® 60V Snowblower — Toro’s 21-inch Power Clear snow blower is now available in a battery powered model, which includes 60V lithium-ion battery technology paired with the proven Power Clear snowblower design.

Toro will be showcasing all the new products in the indoor booth (#7145) at the GIE+EXPO at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY. Attendees are also encouraged to test out the latest Toro equipment at the company’s outdoor booth (#7600-D).

www.toro.com www.greenindustrypros.com

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 71

9/19/19 1:51 PM

by Ken Gibson

WHY CUSTOMER INTELLIGENCE MATTERS

to OPE Dealers and Distributors

F

or equipment manufacturers, especially those who are in or entering the battery world, innovation cycles are rapidly increasing.

An OEM/ brand may launch battery products with 40V that are lighter weight, longer lasting or more powerful but then the next guy leapfrogs them with their next launch in a few months.

This will lead to markets for machinery becoming highly commoditized and crowded. For equipment distributors, the competition can be just as rough. It is no longer good enough for distributors to pitch refill rates, warehouse size, number of units shipped, or next day delivery as unique differentiators. Worse is just having the local territory manager show up a few times per quarter, ostensibly trying to maintain a “relationship” but only trying to upsell for more product

72 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

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orders. These examples are table stakes.

In order to attract more and build solid relationships with dealers, OPE distributors need advanced ways of setting themselves apart.

One solution is to provide OPE dealers with greater insights on how to help them get, keep, and grow their consumer/professional customer bases. In other words, they can form a strategic alliance. Prove you can add value to the consumer who opens up his/her wallet at the register, and the retailer TABLE A GENERATION LABEL

owner will have greater confidence.

Customer intelligence lets you have greater visibility of the makeup of the customers that have already made prior purchases and the mindset of those that have yet to do so, which can benefit the OEM, the distributor, and the retailer but acquiring it isn’t always easy. Hence the logic behind working together.

Let’s say it rests on the retailer under a centralized model, the learning can be shared back upstream through the supply chain (i.e. fragmenting the workflow process) to help inform decision making for any brand and product launches, co-op spend tactics, media channels, etc. If the centralization sits with the OEM/ brand, then it can share the customer profile with the distributor and dealer

YEARS BORN BETWEEN

ESTIMATED OLDEST AGE CURRENTLY

Baby Boomers

1946-1964

73 years old

Gen X

1965-1980

54 years old

Millennials

1981-1996

39 years old

Gen Z

1997+

24 years old

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

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to

Makeup of customers benefits the OEM, the distributor and the retailer

AndreyPopov / iStock / Getty Images Plus

WHEELING & DEALING

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A ini ize acr U wo be en oth sha thr inf an tac OE pro to P an cal lon

e e or hat he rnce

r

AndreyPopov / iStock / Getty Images Plus

DEALER SUCCESS GUIDE

to add value to their relationship.

A customer insight research initiative can be either a centralized or a decentralized model across all three entities.

Under a centralized model the workflow process is less fragmented, because data is collected by a single entity and then shared with the others. An example of this is a retailer sharing information back upstream through the supply chain to help inform decision making for any brand and product launches, co-op spend tactics, media channels, etc. Or, an OEM/brand sharing the customer profile with the distributor and dealer to add value to their relationship.

Planning for capturing hearts and minds (and wallets) is critical for balancing short-term and long-range planning, but it is crucial

to steer clear of generalizing.

For instance, the changes in purchasing behavior from Baby Boomers to emerging Gen Z can vary significantly from region to region.

Just to add context, review table ‘A’ to understand the oldest age of each of the generational labels. (Note: some organizations use differing birth years to define the generation, but for the purposes to make the point, no need to split hairs.)

TABLE B GENERATION LABEL

Gen Z/Millennials tend to be more concentrated in urban environments, and therefore require less landscaping.

Though this trend may change in the next 10 to 15 years or so – due to children, space limitations or rising real estate prices – the current assumption is that older customers represent your ‘bread and butter.’ Hopefully, most or all your customers who fall under the Baby Boomer generation have purchased from you more than once.

PROFILE

OBJECTIVE

Baby Boomers

Loyalists - multi-purchase buyers

Brand ambassadors

Gen X

Transactionalists Require repeat purchases

Advocacy recruitment

Millennials

Acquisition - test and try for first purchase

Build trust

Gen Z

Experimentalists

Start affinity

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 73

9/18/19 10:17 AM

WHEELING & DEALING

HOW DO YOU KEEP UP WITH [VERTICAL] RETAILERS, INCLUDING [RETAILER]?

COMMUNICATION VEHICLE

SPECIALTY

DECOR

GENERAL

DEPT

ONLINE

SPORTING GOODS/ HOBBY/HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Shop/browse website regularly

53%

45%

22%

34%

75%

38%

Visit store on a regular basis (Brick & mortar verticals only)

47%

52%

63%

45%

N/A

52%

Subscribe to their emails

53%

36%

18%

44%

34%

33%

Review their advertising circulars

22%

23%

27%

36%

5%

37%

Receive direct mail from them ) e.g., catalogs, postcards, etc.)

34%

30%

9%

41%

7%

25%

Use their mobile app

20%

14%

16%

14%

34%

12%

Have seen their online display advertisements

17%

25%

8%

14%

9%

17%

Follow them on social media

19%

15%

6%

8%

5%

12%

Subscribe to their text messages

15%

7%

2%

6%

5%

3%

COMMUNICATION VEHICLE

GEN Z

MILLENNIALS

GEN X

BABY BOOMERS

Shop/browse website regularly

43%

48%

44%

42%

Visit store on a regular basis

40%

42%

45%

43%

Subscribe to their emails

25%

34%

40%

38%

Review their advertising circulars

14%

17%

26%

34%

Receive direct mail from them )e.g., catalogs, postcards, etc.)

17%

21%

28%

25%

Use their mobile app

24%

28%

18%

8%

Have seen their online display advertisements

24%

17%

15%

11%

Follow them on social media

15%

16%

11%

4%

Subscribe to their text messages

7%

9%

7%

3%

 Significantly higher (95% confidence)  Significantly lower (95% confidence)

74 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

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Table ‘B’ suggests different strategies to use when targeting segments based on customer age. Again, it is important not to generalize – a few Millennials might show Loyalist behavior for instance – but for the most part it is good to follow these guidelines; they will help you ‘divide and conquer’ the market.

According to Alliance Analytics Data & Insights Institute, a large difference between each generation is made up by their expectations when it comes to their desires to engage with brands and their respective retailers/dealers online.

Some of the research comes as no surprise, but there are a few exceptions. For example, there’s a rise of Baby Boomers who are engaging digitally with platforms such as Facebook, so let’s not universally label them as ‘old fogies’ any longer.

You may ask, does shopping venue affect behavior, and if so does the affected behavior differ between different age groups? The answers

www.greenindustrypros.com

9/18/19 10:17 AM

are son sho sho T beh I ers (i.e see tro as pla T mo ter op ne an mo are ing

S

DEALER SUCCESS GUIDE

are yes and yes. These comparison charts from the report illustrate shopping trends broken down by shopping venues and age groups.

Their next chart breaks down behavior by age groups.

It is demonstrable that consumers who are more digitally-inclined (i.e. Millennials) generally want to seek out experiences that have control-granting mechanisms such as mobile apps, web-based selling platforms, and social media.

Those from older generations, for the most part, prefer the exact opposite in terms of engagement with companies, opting instead for traditional channels such as ad circulars, visiting stores, and personalized e-mails. Perhaps it is more convenient to stay with what they are familiar with rather than adapting to new ways of doing things.

OPE dealers who still don’t have the basics down for managing a website or producing relevant content are at a disadvantage and could get lost among the pure play e-commerce companies or Big Box retailers who can invest millions to reach millions.

If dealers don’t adjust soon, then perhaps the need for centralization to drive traffic falls more on the OPE brands who can outsource to specialized providers to analyze consumer segmentation, buying patterns, digital

footprints, improved web experiences, social media, and more.

The challenge, however, is that some OEMs think they can build analytics platforms in-house versus outsourcing. A fundamental shift can and should occur if they want to continue to support independent OPE retailers to move inventory.

Either way, fill in the gaps, but don’t produce stop gaps. Investment in customer intelligence at the retail level lifts all boats in the harbor. ›

This article was written by Ken Gibson, a data analyst at Black Ink Technologies, which helps the premier manufacturing industry sell more, faster and smarter. The SaaS platform provides more visibility across the entire supply chain—from a manufacturing plant, to distributor, to territory managers, to dealers, to the local marketplace.

For more information, please visit http://blackinktech.com/ and connect with @BlackInk_Tech on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 75

9/18/19 10:17 AM

BEYOND THE BLADE

by Pam Haskell

PROS AND CONS

D

of using both social media and websites in business

tumsasedgars / iStock / Getty Images Plus

B

last decade. Many business owners eing online is no longer a niceplatforms and this huge opportuwonder if a website is even needed now. to-have as a business owner nity can be taken advantage of by So, do you need a professional – it’s a necessity. Today, you your business in no time at all. website to run a business or will your have so many options when it comes social media accounts do the job? to giving your business an online ADVANTAGES presence. But what type of pres• Cheaper Social media pages are quick ence suits your business the best? and easy to set up and business ownSocial Media And what type of medium will match ers can usually set up accounts up Social media comes in so many the needs of your customers? free of charge. This means a person forms these days and each profile In the landscaping industry, the can get a basic online presence started only takes a couple of minutes to endless options are usually cut quickly with little effort. set up and get started. There are down to two choices – a website • No Commitment There is little or already millions of potential customor social media profiles. no commitment to your social media ers swarming Facebook, Instagram, The most common question asked profile and if a business owner no LinkedIn, and other social media is “what can a longer thinks the profile website do that social is doing the job they What can a website do that social media can’t? media can’t?” Social want it to, they can just Social media has overtaken many other forms of media has overdelete it. Businesses taken many other can also just switch to marketing and communicatoin online over the last forms of marketing decade. Many businessowners wonder if a website is even another platform or and communicahave multiple social needed now.

– Pam Haskell, Chili Pepper Design tion online over the media profiles going at once, they are not stuck with one provider.

• Real-Time Customer Interaction Social media enables and encourages back and forth interaction between businesses and their customers. It makes companies more approachable and human, which allows the business to easily communicate and build relationships with clients. Customers will learn more about a company’s values and purpose as they read daily or weekly updates and that same business will then be at the top of their list when the need to hire someone that does that type of work.

• Brand Loyalty Interacting with a business on a daily basis will help create a sense of loyalty to your company and its way of doing business.

76 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

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•L S g la n a c a t d o d f n lo e •O c v (f c s m m k t p t m a p t o •N o n it p n s s w t o m t b p in C

ck n-

ed

ia

ile

t

t k

es

le

ld rs

ly siist

reny

have been incredibly popular before disappearing into the mists of time, such as Myspace or Bebo.

DISADVANTAGES

• Limited Customization: Social media platforms generally follow the same layout and leave little to nothing to be customizable. Yes, business owners can add a profile photo and company details, but there isn’t much they can do with the basic layout of the page. This limited design stops businesses from showing their originality and makes the page look exactly the same as everyone else’s.

• Open Forum: Consumers can ask questions and voice their opinions (feedback and possible complaints) on companies’ social media pages. This means that someone must monitor the pages and keep a close eye on what the audience is saying. The public has complete control over what they comment on a business profile and can also link the company profile to a comment they are making on their own profiles.

• No Control: A lack of ownership is probably the number one issue when it comes to social media platforms. Small businesses don’t own their social media profiles. The social media sites control what content and promotions will be presented on the business pages and owners must follow strict guidelines to keep their pages afloat. Companies could be building a strong social media presence for years and within an instant they could take it all away.

Consider what would happen if the

Websites

If a small business owner wants complete control over their company’s authority online, then a website is the better choice over only having social media profiles. It’s important to note that a well-laid-out digital strategy will include both a professional website and regularly updated social media accounts.

What’s great about a website is that it belongs to the company. Owners decide where it goes and what it looks like and it provides an unbeatable level of credibility for their business.

A website can be as simple or as complex as you want.

Customers want to put their trust in a business that looks professional and a website can help achieve this.

ADVANTAGES

social media provider shut the site down and ruined a company’s online presence. Especially if that was the company’s only online presence.

While it’s difficult to imagine a world without Facebook, there have been plenty of other social media sites that

www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0919_76-81_BeyondBlade_rw.indd 77

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• Credibility: Websites are an important way to demonstrate the legitimacy of a company. People expect companies of all sizes to have an up-to-date, mobile responsive website. People will put more trust in a business if it has its own site – and trust is essential before they hand their hard-earned cash over to a company they’ve never worked with before. In 2018, 64 percent of small businesses obtained a website. Of those, 94 percent were expected to make them mobile-friendly this year.

• Controls: When business has website, they own it. The owner has full reign

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 77

9/19/19 8:58 AM

over how it looks and what features are displayed on it.

• More Marketing Opportunities: Through a website, businesses have an opportunity to create better marketing campaigns. There is more freedom to communicate and sell to customers. At its core, a website is a space to market a business through use of videos, blogs, customers feedback and even some promotional offers. Other options include pay-per-click campaigns which are used to drive traffic and the advertiser pays a publisher when the ad is clicked.

Sending An effective digital strategy combines the professionalism yourself online. clicks to a of a website as well as multiple social media profiles to give your Whether you choose business to solely rely on social business what it needs to grow and flourish online. homepage media for your busi–Pam Haskell, Chili Pepper Design is a waste of ness or you decide money. Once to create your own people land on the homepage, they website is your decision. Based on customer point of view and this can have no idea what to do next. Having the advantages and disadvantages of become quite a time-consuming task. a website allows business owners to both you will probably be thinking • Websites Cost Money: No matcreate a custom landing page to direct that a website is vital for your busiter who you choose as your website all paid-for traffic to. This means they ness. Even if a business is small and developer, it’s going to cost money. are able to target specific audiences growing a website can help elimiFor the love of all things professional, with specific services and have a nate some of the growing pains. do not get a free website. Customers much higher chance of turning them Social media shouldn’t just be forwill know when a company has not into customers. gotten about though. It is an incredibly paid a penny for its website and • Full Availability: Websites are availpowerful tool to help you run your they’ll make their own judgements able for customers 24 hours a day. business. It helps you engage with cusabout the company’s choices and why Many customers now prefer to get tomers, share new products/services they were made. It might even cost information about a business online and bring visitors onto your website. the company some potential busiand if they have a website full of all An effective digital strategy comness. Cost ranges widely from $500 to their information it makes it easy for bines the professionalism of a website $100,000 or more depending on what customers to get in contact. Having as well as multiple social media prothe business is looking for. a website full of helpful information files to give your business what it • More Time, More Effort : Business about the company, as well as contact needs to grow and flourish online. ❯ owners have to make more of an effort information can seriously reduce with websites in regard to effective the amount of time spent answering marketing. To get people to find a common questions. company’s site and get Google recogThis article was written by Pam nizing it takes time and patience. To achieve this takes a lot of planning and Haskell, owner DISADVANTAGES of Chili Pepper a marketing strategy implemented to • Maintenance: Depending on how big Design. She helps get a website to fuel company sales. a company’s website is and what conbusinesses in the tent management system it’s built on landscaping and outdoor living space will dictate how much time and effort Final Analysis create and maintain a modern web it will take to maintain. It’s important When it comes to what’s best for presence along with online marketing to maintain a website at all times from your business, only you can make and reputation management services. both a security point of view and a the final decision on how you present

78 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

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BEYOND THE BLADE

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ADVERTISERS INDEX Advertiser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LT Rich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

American Honda Motor Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27, 51

Miner Elastomer Products Corp.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Billy Goat Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Naturalawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Bobcat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

OPEI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43

The Bradford Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Peco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Briggs & Stratton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39

Performance Advantage Co. Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-67

Buyers Products Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 65

Project Evergreen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Cub Cadet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29

Propane Education & Research Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

DeerPro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Reddick Equipment Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Earth & Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

RedMax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Echo Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-53

Rotary Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45, 75, 80, 83

Edgit Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

SiBore Drill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

EGO Power Commercial Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Stihl Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 59

Generac Power Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Sunbelt Outdoor Products Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

The Grasshopper Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13

Synchrony Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Husqvarna Turf Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

The Toro Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 71

Isuzu Truck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-61

Vanair Manufacturing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Kawasaki Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47, 57

Verizon Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21

Kubota Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Windy Ridge Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Kuriyama of America, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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80 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

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CUTTING-EDGE BUSINESS

by William Eastman

teekid / E+ / Getty Images

Finance for landscaping business owners of all sizes

Part 7: EQUIPMENT & LEASING

O

ur last article discussed the types of loans and which make the most sense. This article on equipment and leasing builds on the loan information and covers types of leases.

Why Lease Instead of Buy?

I will tackle the buying option from two perspectives: cash or financing. Starting with the cash option buying equipment makes sense. It meets one of the two criteria for using cash, it creates revenue.

The challenge is whether a cash purchase leaves you with working capital or cash on hand. Most equipment is too expensive to purchase if you need several pieces of equipment; for most small businesses using cash to purchase equipment outright is not an option.

Additionally, if the equipment suffers extreme use, its life cycle is short requiring replacement and a further burden on cash.

Let’s investigate the financing option. Financing gives you the ability to leverage the business’s sales and cash flow. Unlike consumer borrowing, a topic we have hit on several times in this series, your concern with a commercial loan is not making the payments, it is about the multiple from the purchase. If you buy a machine or work-related equipment for $50,000, how much revenue will it create over its life cycle?

Most executives are looking for a minimum of 3X and 5X or higher as the sweet spot. That means a piece of equipment costing $50,000 over a 3-year life cycle before replacement must deliver at least $150,000 to be considered a smart purchase.

The other advantages for purchasing equipment is it provides a tax deduction and the ability to depreciate it over time. This route can reduce the total purchase price up to 25 percent. The last issue with financing is your commercial credit score and current debt load. If you are not incorporated (LLC, LLP, or Chapter C) getting a commercial loan is more difficult.

Finance or Lease?

Much like we covered in the last section, financing an equipment loan is subjected to the credit rating of the business or the owner. Although this is a critical issue, it is less of an obstacle to securing an equipment lease.

Equipment leases usually require no down payment or collateral.

That means you can maintain a healthy pool of cash to fund dayto-day operations. You don’t own the equipment; it is bought by a lender who rents it for a monthly payment. The additional advantage is you can turn the equipment back to the leasing company and replace with new equipment.

Here are your options

for equipment lease: • Operating lease has lower monthly payments and gives the business owner the option to own the equipment at the end of the lease term by paying fair market value.

• Capital lease has higher monthly payments and structured more like a traditional loan. Unlike the operating lease it doesn’t appear on your balance sheet. When the lease period is completed, there is a buy back component at a nominal price like 10 percent of the purchase price.

• Manufacturer lease is exactly that, leasing directly from the manufacturer. Since they are in business to build and sell inventory, many manufacturers move product by offering great leasing terms. There are great deals available when the manufacturer is introducing a new model and want to push it through their sales channels.

That means they need the old stuff out of the way. If you can live with the older model, these are some of the best terms available.

Next Article: Payment Systems › William Eastman is a senior consultant at GreenMark Consulting Group. For more information please contact Greenmark at info@greenmarkgroup.com or.greenmarkgroup.com.

The is the seventh article in a 10-part series that focuses on financing for landscaping business owners of all sizes. Part 6 covered the process of obtaining loans, credit or alternative financing. This article reviews the process of equipment and leasing.

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