Archive for February, 2016

New Product Showcase: Exmark Lazer Z X-Series with Rear-Discharge Cutting System

Sunday, February 28th, 2016

EX16_Rear_Discharge_webThe innovative UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system is an option for the first time on the new Exmark Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn riding mower for 2016.

The UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system offers a number of benefits including reduced noise, increased clipping control and the ability to trim on both sides of the deck. Patented flow-control baffles work in conjunction with a counter-rotating blade design to reduce clipping over-processing and horsepower requirements, while delivering even clipping dispersion and the company’s signature quality of cut.

Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, said rear-discharge cutting decks make sense for a wide range of the company’s customers, from landscape professionals to acreage owners.

“The UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting deck solves many of the challenges our customers face every day. From the reduction in noise to the increase in clipping control and ease of trimming, rear-discharge is a great way to maximize productivity and versatility without sacrificing cut quality.”

Lazer Z X-Series

Exmark’s most powerful, productive mower, the Lazer Z X-Series, is now available with the awesome UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting deck.

The Lazer Z X-Series is the most powerful, productive mower Exmark builds. UltraCut Rear Discharge-equipped units feature powerful Kohler twin-cylinder powerplants with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). EFI helps the engine deliver more consistent performance and improved fuel economy in any cutting conditions.

The UltraCut Rear Discharge mowing system is designed for maximum productivity and cut quality. Available in 60- or 72-inch cutting widths, the 5.5-inch deep deck uses a welded and reinforced 7-gauge, high-strength alloy steel shell for superior strength and long-term durability. The no-maintenance spindles are sealed from the elements and designed to deliver a lifetime of reliable service without greasing. Exmark designed compression molded, ultra-high molecular weight side bumpers to protect both sides of the deck. The bumpers work in concert with durable through-axle anti-scalp rollers to precisely follow ground contour.

Pioneer S-Series zero-turn rider

The UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system is also available on select Pioneer S-Series, Lazer Z E-Series and Lazer Z DS-Series models.

In addition to the new Exmark Lazer Z X-Series, the UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system is available on the following models:

For highly manicured properties, Exmark offers a Finish Cut baffle kit for the UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system. When installed, it significantly reduces visible clippings to deliver similar performance to a dedicated mulching mower deck, with the reduced sound output and power requirements of the rear-discharge design.

Learn more about Exmark Rear-Discharge zero-turn riding mowers at Exmark.com.

Make More Money with Exmark Stand-On Lawn Care Equipment

Wednesday, February 24th, 2016
Exmark Spreader-Sprayer

New, more productive machines such as this Exmark Stand-On Spreader-Sprayer not only make each worker more productive, they make the work easier to perform day-in and day-out.

According to the 2014 LM150 report from Landscape Management magazine, seven of the country’s top-25 landscape maintenance companies are also in the top-25 lawn care companies. As competition in the maintenance category increases, an increasing number of landscape maintenance professionals are adding lawn care services as a way to deliver increased customer satisfaction while also increasing profitability.

Thanks to recent advances in stand-on lawn care equipment such as aerators and spreader sprayer machines, landscape professionals can deliver high quality lawn care services more profitably than ever. New machines such as the Exmark spreader sprayer offer greater flexibility in the chemicals used for weed and pest control, allowing lawn care professionals to do more with each pass of the machine.

Exmark estimates the switch from a 21-inch walk-behind aerator to a 30-inch stand-on machine can be paid back in 2-3 weeks. Lawn care professional Kent Harlan said he has made enough money to pay for his $9,500 Exmark spreader sprayer in 2-3 days.

In a competitive marketplace, the addition of lawn care services is a competitive advantage for an existing maintenance business. Today more than ever, customers want to hire a lawn care expert that can deliver a beautiful, manicured, weed-free yard. They don’t want to deal with one contractor for maintenance and another contractor for aeration, fertilization or weed control. As such, the opportunity exists to make more money for contractors willing to add the lawn care services customers want and need.

Today, it’s easier than ever to add lawn care services to an existing maintenance business. When deciding which services to add, listen to customer feedback to learn which services have the most demand.

EPSON018

Click the photo above to download the complete Lawn Care Services White Paper in Adobe PDF format.

Employee training is important for the quality delivery of lawn care services. Additionally, certification and licensing are required for landscape professionals looking to add fertilization or chemical application services. In most states, certification and licensing are coordinated by the Department of Agriculture, or Office of State Chemist.

FREE White Paper Download

Learn more about how you can increase customer satisfaction and make more money this season with Exmark stand-on lawn care equipment. We’ve published an informative white paper: “Increasing Profitability and Customer Satisfaction with Lawn Care Services,” available for FREE download at Exmark.com.

Spring 2016 Special Offers from Exmark

Sunday, February 21st, 2016

This is the time of year when a lot of folks are starting to think about warmer weather and getting out into the yard. For those looking to upgrade their equipment this season, Exmark has a number of special offers that can make it easier than ever to put the best mowers and lawn care equipment in your garage.

For a limited time, put that new Lazer Z you've always wanted into your garage for as little as $8,499.

For a limited time, put that new Lazer Z you’ve always wanted into your garage for as little as $8,499 MSRP. (Dealer sets final retail price. Shown with available accessories: MSRP $10,071.99.)

The Lazer Z E-Series is one of our most popular commercial zero-turn riding mowers. For a limited time, you can save up to $1,100 on select Lazer Z E-Series models. For example: you can take home a 52-inch Lazer Z E-Series machine (LZE732GKC524A2) for an MSRP of just $8,499, or a 60-inch model (LZE742GKC604A3) for $8,999. Visit your local Exmark dealer today to learn more or to schedule a demo.

We’re also offering rebates on select Exmark mowers, including:

  • $1,000 instant rebate on Navigator riding mowersexpires April 30, 2016 
  • $600 instant rebate on Pioneer E- and S-Series mowersexpires June 30, 2016
  • $500 instant rebate on Vantage stand-on riding mowers — expires June 30, 2016
  • $100 instant rebate on Commercial 21 walk-behind mowers — expires June 30, 2016

Visit Exmark.com/Special-Offers to see these and other special offers on Exmark machines available for a limited time.

Finance Options

Exmark Commercial 30

Step up to full commercial performance and get a $100 instant rebate when you buy the popular Commercial 21 walk-behind mower through June 30, 2016.

Exmark partners with several national lenders to offer customers financing with very competitive terms. See your local Exmark dealer for full financing details, but some examples of financing offers currently available through our lending partners include:

  • 0% monthly interest for 42 months on purchases of $1,500 or more with your Exmark card — On Purchases of $1500 or more on Exmark Equipment with your Exmark credit card made between now and 04/30/2016. A $125 Promotion Fee will be charged. 42 Equal Monthly Payments required.
  • No monthly interest if paid-in-full within 12-months — On qualifying purchases of $400 or more with your Exmark credit card made between now and 04/30/2016. Monthly interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional balance is not paid in full within 12 Months. Minimum Monthly Payments required. A $50 Promotion Fee will be charged.

See full details and disclosures for these and other financing offers at Exmark.com/Special-Offers (click “View Financing Options”).

 

Spring is Coming… Is Your Mower Ready?

Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

Late-winter is a great time to take stock of your mower’s maintenance needs and get them taken care of before the spring growing season. That way, you’ll be ready to roll when the growth of your lawn hits full stride. Not only does a properly maintained mower perform better, but it will also last longer and be more reliable over the course of its life.

Exmark blades

Nothing affects your mower’s quality of cut more than blade sharpness. It pays to keep ’em sharp.

Always consult your owner’s manual to determine what specific maintenance is necessary for your machine, but some common examples of spring mower maintenance items include:

  • Cleaning — The most basic maintenance you can perform is giving your mower a thorough cleaning. Starting with a clean mower will make it easier to perform other spring maintenance items, and built-up dirt and grass clippings can reduce the performance of your machine.
  • Blades — Your mower will cut faster and deliver a better quality of cut with sharp blades. Few parts affect cut quality and productivity as dramatically as sharp, balanced blades, and with practice, you can change a set of blades in less than ten minutes. It’s well worth the time and effort. One pro tip is to get an extra set of blades for your mower to swap in when your blades lose their edge. You’ll always have sharp, balanced blades ready to go, with no downtime required for sharpening.
  • Belts — Inspect all belts and replace any that appear visibly worn. Also check all belt tensioners to ensure proper function.
  • Engine oil — Start off the season with a fresh oil and filters for each of your mowers. Oil is the life blood of your engine, and changing it out is much less expensive than an oil breakdown-related engine issue.
  • Spark plugs — Replace your mower’s spark plug(s) at the start of the season to ensure easy starting and consistent running performance.
  • Exmark tire inflation

    Proper tire pressure affects the safety, handling and reliability of your mower.

    Fuel — Fuel that’s been sitting in the tank for an extended period should be drained and replaced with fresh fuel. Gasoline degrades in quality and can cause inconsistent starting and running performance. A fuel treatment or stabilizer can help the fuel stay fresh longer, and prevent the absorption of moisture by the fuel. Never use fuel that contains more than 10-percent ethanol in mowers, as higher percentage ethanol blends may lead to engine damage and/or performance issues.

  • Tire pressure — Check the pressure on all pneumatic mower tires and fill them to the recommended pressure marked on the tire sidewall. Operation with too-low tire pressure is a safety issue, first and foremost, and it also compromises mower efficiency, performance and handling.

Spend some time with your mower in the shop now to ensure your mower is good to go when the grass is growing strong later this season. You’ll be thankful you did.

Service resources at Exmark.com:

 

New Product Showcase: 2016 Lazer Z E-Series Zero-Turn Mower

Wednesday, February 10th, 2016

Exmark now offers 72-inch versions of its Lazer Z E-Series commercial zero-turn mower. The wider cutting deck – available in side- or rear-discharge configurations – delivers maximum productivity to make short work of large mowing jobs.

Lazer Z E-Series

The Lazer Z E-Series is available with a choice of rear-discharge cutting decks in 60- or 72-inch cutting widths, or side-discharge decks in 48-, 52-, 60-, or 72-inch cutting widths.

“The Lazer Z E-Series is a great choice for professional landscape contractors who keep a keen eye on the bottom line, but understand the value of the innovative engineering and commercial-grade quality of a Lazer Z,” said Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters. “It strikes a perfect balance of value, productivity and performance.”

With the same welded, heavy-duty tubular steel unibody frame found throughout the Lazer Z line, the Lazer Z E-Series machine is built to stand up to years of tough commercial use. The simplified hydro drive system uses Exmark-exclusive Parker unitized pump and wheel motor systems with no hoses to leak and just two easy-to-change belts.

The 72-inch Lazer Z E-Series models are equipped with a twin-cylinder Kawasaki FX801V powerplant. Designed specifically for commercial mower applications, the engine features a heavy-duty dual-stage canister air filtration system, cast-iron cylinder liners, pressurized lubrication with high-efficiency oil cooler, and a heavy-duty shift-type starter.

UltraCut Rear Discharge

Rear-discharge models are equipped with the UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting deck in a choice of 60- or 72-inch cutting widths.

Side-discharge models are equipped with Exmark’s UltraCut Series 4 cutting deck in a choice of 48-, 52-, 60-, or 72-inch cutting widths. The 5.5-inch deep UltraCut Series 4 deck features Exmark’s patented flow-control baffles optimize air and clipping flow to maximize cut quality. Formed and welded 7-gauge steel reinforcement rings on top of the deck to provide superior strength and durability, while sealed, non-greasable spindles and patented spherical bearings on the idler arm pivots minimize necessary maintenance.

Check out special offers on select Lazer Z E-Series mowers at Exmark.com/Special-Offers, or locate your local Exmark dealer at Exmark.com.

Why EFI? A Look at the Benefits of Electronic Fuel Injection

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016

In addition to traditional carbureted engines, most Exmark commercial zero-turn, stand-on and walk-behind mowers are also available with engines equipped with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). Today, we’ll discuss EFI’s benefits and why you might want to consider equipping your next mower with a fuel-injected engine.

Exmark EFI propane

Exmark offers state of the art EFI-propane engines on its commercial zero-turn, walk-behind and stand-on riding mowers.

What is EFI?

EFI replaces the carburetor as the mechanism responsible for mixing fuel and air, and delivering the mixture to the engine cylinders, so it can be burned, and power can be produced.

Unlike a carburetor, which relies on the vacuum created by the engine to work, a fuel-injected engine uses pressurized injectors to spray a precisely-metered amount of fuel into the air stream as it enters the engine. The system’s ability to adjust the fuel/air mixture based on altitude and environment is a major benefit for commercial mower users on a number of levels.

Exmark Navigator

Electronic Fuel Injection reduces fuel consumption, downtime and maintenance costs, while it increases power, performance and ease-of-starting.

EFI Benefits

  • Productivity — EFI optimizes the fuel/air mixture to deliver maximum power and responsiveness at any altitude, in any weather. You’ll get more work done thanks to the optimized performance.
  • Fuel economy — Save up to 25 percent or more on fuel costs compared to similarly equipped carbureted mowers. For a landscape professional, this can amount to hundreds of dollars of fuel savings per year for each machine.
  • Easy starting — With no choke, you’ll get quick starts every time, hot or cold.
  • Reduced service/downtime — With no carburetor, fuel injected engines have no carburetor-related maintenance costs or downtime.

Exmark EFI-Equipped Mowers

Exmark offers Electronically Fuel Injected engines across its line of commercial mowers, including Lazer Z (zero-turn rider), Navigator (dedicated bagging rider), Vantage (stand-on rider) and Turf Tracer (walk-behind) models.

Learn more about Exmark Electronic Fuel Injection mowers.

Additional Information

Should You Aerate This Spring?

Monday, February 1st, 2016

Regardless of where you live and what type of turf grass you’re working with, aeration can help your lawn be healthier and more beautiful. The trick is knowing when it’s best to aerate, what equipment to use, and what else you can do to encourage the vigor of your grasses, while limiting weeds’ ability to gain a foothold in the lawn.

Exmark core aerator

Core aeration can be beneficial for most lawns if performed at the right time for the type of turf grass you’re working with.

According to Josh Friell, Ph. D, of The Toro Company’s Center for Advanced Turf Technology, aeration introduces temporary stress to the turf, and recovery time is closely linked to growing conditions and annual growth cycles. As a result, it’s important to keep those considerations in mind when determining an annual aerification plan.

When is the Best Time to Aerate?

Aeration is best performed just before or during periods of high growth, but not immediately preceding or during periods of stress to the lawn, whether from heat or drought. The type of grasses that make up your lawn will determine the best time of year to aerate.

If you’re working with cool season grasses, including bluegrass, creeping bent grass, fescue and ryegrass, it’s best to aerate during the growth periods in the spring and fall.

In the spring, wait until you’ve mowed the lawn a few times before aerating. This will ensure the lawn is growing fast enough to recover and take advantage of the increased pore space and air exchange at the root zone that aeration creates.

Exmark Spreader Sprayer

It’s a good idea to apply fertilizer and weed killer just after aeration to minimize the opportunity for weeds to take advantage of the short-term turf stress from aeration.

One caveat, says Friell, is that any disturbance of the root zone in the spring can increase weed competition by bringing buried seeds to the surface.

“You can reduce the potential for weed competition and increase the hardiness of the grasses by applying fertilizer and a pre-emergent weed killer following aeration. But don’t apply a weed killer if you plan to overseed following aeration, as it will prevent germination of the seed you put down.”

For warm season grasses such as Bermuda grass, buffalo grass, St. Augustine and zoysia grass, aeration can take place during warm times of the year between late-spring and early-autumn.

“Aeration should be performed early enough in the fall that the turf can recover before it needs to prepare for winter dormancy,” Friell said.

As for frequency, Friell said aeration should be performed at least once per year on most lawns, while twice annually is best for lawns with compacted soil, or soil with high clay content.

What To Do Before or After Aeration

Watering after aeration is always a good idea, as Friell said aeration should never be performed when turf is wet, or the dirt contains enough moisture to be muddy.

As mentioned earlier, the application of fertilizer and weed killer is beneficial shortly following aeration, but be sure to skip the weed killer if you’re going to overseed following aeration.

Friell said overseeding following aeration makes sense because seeds can take advantage of the disturbed surface to create better seed-to-soil contact.

“Better seed-to-soil contact means better conditions for successful germination.”

Learn More: