Archive for November, 2015

Zero Turn Mower vs Lawn Tractor: Which is better for you?

Tuesday, November 24th, 2015

Home and acreage owners with one or more acres of property have more choices than ever when it comes to mower type, size, and price, just to name a few. Among landscape maintenance professionals, it’s safe to say the zero-turn riding mower has become the tool of choice to quickly achieve a professionally maintained appearance. However, when it comes to homeowners, are zero-turn mower still the preferred choice?

Exmark zero-turn mower productivity

Learn more about the productivity of Exmark mowers at Exmark.com/Exmark-Advantage/Mower-Productivity-Chart

Productivity: A faster mower = more free time

Landscape pros choose zero-turn mowers because they deliver the finished appearance their clients expect, and they do it more quickly than other mower types. And while it may be true homeowners don’t need to make money with their mowers, it’s a good idea to consider what their time is worth.

We calculated the raw productivity of Exmark zero-turn riding mowers at three price points, along with the productivity of lawn tractors with similar MSRPs. The price ranges examined were:

  • $4,000-5,000
  • $7,000-8,000
  • $13,000-14,000

Learn more about the comparison and criteria used at Exmark.com/Exmark-Advantage/Zero-Turn-vs-Lawn-Tractor.

Productivity of $4,000-5,000 mowers

Exmark Quest S-Series Front Steer

The Exmark Quest S-Series Front Steer delivers true zero-turn performance in a steering wheel equipped machine that’s ideal for first-time zero-turn mower users.

Whether lawn tractor or zero-turn rider, most mowers in this price range have 48- to 54-inch cutting decks and top speeds of 6-7mph. As a result, raw productivity numbers are close for both types of mowers. In reality however, the differences in maneuverability are greatest in this price range, so the real world productivity gap is typically much larger than the raw numbers suggest. Find out why, and how the mowers in this price range compare, at Exmark.com/Exmark-Advantage/Zero-Turn-vs-Lawn-Tractor.

Productivity of $7,000-8,000 mowers

Exmark Pioneer S-Series zero-turn riding mower

A 60-inch Exmark Pioneer S-Series zero-turn rider can mow a five acre property in about 1 hour 15 minutes at 80 percent efficiency.

The raw productivity of mowers in the $7,000-8,000 range increases roughly one acre per hour for zero-turn mowers, and one-half acre per hour for lawn tractors, compared to the lower priced models. Within the category, the most productive machine — the Exmark Pioneer S-Series zero-turn rider with a  60-inch cutting deck — can save an acreage owner with five acres more than 20 minutes in mowing time compared to a similarly-priced lawn tractor. Factor in the increased maneuverability of the zero-turn machine and the real world time savings can be much greater. See how each of the mowers in this category stacked up at Exmark.com/Exmark-Advantage/Zero-Turn-vs-Lawn-Tractor.

Productivity of $13,000-14,000 mowers

Exmark Lazer Z X-Series commercial zero-turn mower

The incredible productivity of the Exmark Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn mower lets it mow five acres in less than 45 minutes (at 80 percent productivity).

Moving up to the $13,000-14,000 price range, the productivity gap grows significantly. When comparing similar 60-inch cutting deck sizes, productivity for zero-turn riders nearly doubles compared to lower-priced machines. The productivity gap between zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors grows as well. When you factor in the availability of a larger 72-inch cutting deck on the Exmark Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn rider, the productivity gap between the zero-turn mower and lawn tractor further to more than 2.5 acres per hour! Learn more about the productivity of each mower compared at Exmark.com/Exmark-Advantage/Zero-Turn-vs-Lawn-Tractor.

Other factors:

  • Maneuverability: Zero-turn riding mowers offer increased maneuverability to mow closer to landscaping, so you spend less time with the trimmer.
  • Quality of cut: Landscape pros choose Exmark zero-turn riding mowers for their ability to quickly and consistently deliver an unmatched quality of cut on a wide variety of lawns.
  • Durability: Commercial features including welded, fabricated cutting decks, state-of-the-art commercial powerplants and heavy-duty welded, tubular steel unibody frames demonstrate Exmark’s commitment to delivering mowers that are as durable as they are productive.

Bottom Line: Choose the tools the pros use

Get your weekends back

With a more productive mower, you can finish mowing quicker and get your weekends back.

When compared head-to-head, we believe Exmark zero-turn riding mowers offer the most compelling combination of productivity, maneuverability and quality of cut available today.

Learn more about the advantages of choosing an Exmark zero-turn riding mower at Exmark.com/Exmark-Advantage/Zero-Turn-vs-Lawn-Tractor.

* Productivity rating in gross acres per hour is based on the published specifications for each product. Actual performance may vary from specified performance based on conditions.

Formula for calculating acres per hour at 80% efficiency: (MPH x width of cut in inches)/124

How To Maintain Safe Operation When Mowing Hills

Thursday, November 19th, 2015

If you own a property with steep hills, you know the challenges mowing and lawn care present. And when you add in walls, planters and other landscaping, and kids’ equipment such as trampolines, all of the sudden, mowing becomes akin to navigating an obstacle course. Which mower you choose for hills is an important factor in mowing your lawn safely and sustainably over time. In addition, taking the time to learn about all of the important safety features on your machine and how to safely navigate your mower on slopes and around obstacles is critical in helping prevent accidents.

Choose the Right Mower for Hilly Terrain

Exmark Lazer Z zero-turn riding mowers are the #1 choice of landscape professionals because of their unmatched ability to quickly and safely maintain a wide variety of properties. That said, zero-turn riding mowers should not be used on slopes of greater than 15 degrees, or a 26.8 percent grade. (Learn more about calculating slope and grade at EngineeringToolbox.com.) Maintain hills or surfaces with slopes of more than 15 degrees with a walk-behind mower or hand trimmer.

Mower safety -- mowing at the water's edge

A walk-behind mower is a better choice than any riding mower for cutting grass near drop-offs or retaining walls, or at the edge of ponds.

While it may be tempting to mow close to the edge of water or retaining walls with your zero-turn mower, doing so can result in significant injury or death if the machine were to roll over. It’s better to keep a safe distance from these hazards, and come back with a walk-behind mower to trim near the edge.

Please take a moment to watch these “Driving in the Safety Zone” videos, which Exmark produced to help you identify safety hazards and how to safely operate your Lazer Z in hilly or uneven terrain, or around walls, water and other lawn hazards:

Exmark Lazer Z Introduction and General Safety


Exmark Lazer Z Safe Mowing of Slopes and Rollover Protection

Exmark Lazer Z Controls and Operation:

View more safety and operator training videos on the Exmark YouTube channel.

Other Considerations

  • Use Protection: the rollover protection system (ROPS) on commercial mowing equipment should always be deployed in the full upright position during operation — along with the lap belt securely fastened low and tight around the operator’s waist. Failure to do either of these steps increases the risk of injury or death to the operator in a rollover situation.
  • Proper rollover protection use

    Always deploy the rollover protection system (ROPS) in the full-up position during operation (as shown). Never operate the mower with the ROPS down or partially-deployed.

    Moisture: avoid mowing hilly terrain when grass is wet from rain or dew. Not only is mowing wet grass sub-optimal for the turf itself, the reduced traction on wet grass increases the chances of your mower sliding on uneven terrain. Instead, wait until later in the day when the sun has burned the moisture off.

  • Unstable ground: survey the property and identify any ponds, drop-offs (pay particular attention to fence lines) and retaining walls to ensure the stability of the ground being mowed.

By taking a little time to understand the slope and terrain of your property, you can choose the right mower to maintain every inch of your lawn safely.

Learn more about safe mowing at Exmark.com.

2016 New Product Showcase: Lazer Z Suspended Operator Platform

Monday, November 16th, 2015

Exmark Expands Suspended Operator Platform for 2016

Following the successful mid-year debut of a suspended operator platform for its Lazer Z commercial zero-turn mower, Exmark announced it is expanding the platform’s availability for 2016.

Exmark Lazer Z Suspended Operator Platform, rear-view

The Suspended Operator Platform is easy to adjust for any operator weight without tools.

Exmark added suspended operator platform-equipped 52-inch Lazer Z E-Series and 72-inch Lazer Z X-Series options to the existing 60-inch options in both models for the 2016 model year. The suspended operator platform uses three coil-over hydraulic dampers to significantly reduce the impact of bumps and vibration. It provides 3.6-inches of travel in vertical and fore-aft directions, with trailing arms to limit lateral travel and increase operator stability.

“We initially launched the suspended operator platform on 60-inch versions of our Lazer Z E-Series and Lazer Z X-Series mowers, as it’s our most popular cutting deck size,” said Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters. “Almost immediately we began to receive calls, emails and social media messages inquiring about the platform’s availability with other cutting deck widths.

“These new models are the direct result of the feedback we received.”

Exmark Lazer Z Suspended Operator Platform, action

The Suspended Operator Platform raises the bar on comfort while preserving the performance advantages that have made the Lazer Z the #1 choice among landscape professionals.

The suspended operator platform preserves the performance advantages of that have made the Lazer Z the most popular commercial zero-turn mower on the market, and it significantly reduces the negative effects of mowing rough terrain on the operator. The design is easily adjustable for operator weight and ride quality preference without tools, making it easy to achieve the desired ride quality for any operator. There’s no harsh bottoming, regardless of operator weight, and the design eases access to hydrostatic drive system components, making routine maintenance easier to perform.

Suspended operator platform-equipped Lazer Z models are equipped with a new seat design that uses patented Elastomeric Vibration Control (EVC) stretch fabric and plush foam padding for maximum comfort. In addition, Exmark’s patented Iso-Mount isolation system provides a controlled .75-inch of lateral and .5-inch of vertical isolation to further insulate the operator from bumps and vibration.

Learn more about Exmark’s suspended operator platform-equipped Lazer Z models or locate your local Exmark dealer at Exmark.com.

2016 New Product Showcase – Exmark 500S & 700S Utility Vehicles

Thursday, November 12th, 2015

New models deliver performance and versatility – ideal for work or play

Exmark has unveiled its 2016 500S and 700S side-by-side utility vehicles. The new machines are built to get work done with switch-on-the-fly two- or four-wheel drive, and a two-in-one tilting cargo box that transforms from flatbed to box in minutes.

Exmark 700S Utility Vehicle

With a total payload capacity of 1,500 pounds, the 700S is a powerful tool for getting work done.

Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, said the new utility vehicles expand Exmark’s reputation for industry leading performance and durability to the side-by-side utility vehicle marketplace.

“The 500S and 700S deliver the productivity, performance and durability our customers expect, in a package that’s just as good at having fun as it is at getting work done.”

The transformable design of the tilting cargo box offers quick and easy conversion from a flatbed to a box for maximum versatility. The 700S features a total payload capacity (riders and equipment) of 1,500 pounds, while the 500S has a total payload capacity of 1,000 pounds. Both machines include two-inch receiver hitches at both ends for maximum towing flexibility.

Liquid-cooled, single overhead cam (SOHC) single-cylinder engines power the Exmark utility vehicles – a 695cc powerplant in the 700S, and a 443cc engine in the 500. Both engines use Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for increased performance and fuel economy with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. A dual-range Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) responds to inputs including speed, load and engine RPM in real time to optimize acceleration and fuel economy. The 700S adds an electric locking front differential for maximum traction and pulling power in any conditions.

Exmark 500S Utility Vehicle - cargo box

The cargo bed transforms from box to flat bed quickly and easily.

Both Exmark utility vehicle models feature four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes for powerful, consistent stopping in any conditions. Dual A-arm independent front and rear suspension helps Exmark utility vehicles confidently traverse virtually any terrain, with 10-inches of travel at each wheel with 10-inches of ground clearance. The 500S is equipped with durable steel wheels, while the 700S features upgraded alloy wheels, as well as an option for Electronic Power Steering (EPS).

Learn more about the 2016 Exmark 500S and 700S utility vehicles or locate your local Exmark dealer at Exmark.com.

Project EverGreen Announces Winner of the Great Mower Giveaway Raffle

Tuesday, November 10th, 2015

Joe Kucik of Real Green Systems Takes Home a Top-of-the-Line Exmark Lazer Z X-Series Mower

Joe Kucik of Real Green Systems in Walled Lake, Michigan held the winning ticket in the Project EverGreen Great Mower Giveaway Raffle and took home a top-of-the-line Exmark Lazer Z X-Series mower worth more than $14,000.

Exmark Lazer Z X-Series with Suspended Operator Platform

The Lazer Z X-Series mower Kucik won features Exmark’s new Suspended Operator Platform, which raises the bar on operator comfort.

Kucik’s name was drawn from hundreds of would be hopefuls by Project EverGreen Executive Director Cindy Code in the foundation’s booth at the last week’s 2015 GIE + EXPO in Louisville, Kentucky.

Exmark donated the mower for the raffle whose proceeds will go to assist Project EverGreen expand its “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” Initiative that is revitalizing recreational and athletic green spaces across the country.

“Project EverGreen is very appreciative of Exmark’s support of the raffle that gave us an opportunity to raise awareness and funds to further mission of the “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” initiative,” said Cindy Code, Project EverGreen executive director. “It was a win-win situation for everyone.”

Project Evergreen's Cindy Code with Joe Kucik.

Project EverGreen Executive Director Cindy Code with Great Mower Giveaway Raffle winner Joe Kucik in the Project EverGreen booth at GIE + EXPO 2015.

Kucik echoed Code’s comments and thanked Exmark for their generous support of Project Evergreen.  “It was an unbelievable feeling to win the Cadillac of all zero-turn mowers,” said Kucik. “Thanks to Project EverGreen for all the work they do to promote the green industry and the benefits of managed green spaces.”

“Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” projects have been completed in Cleveland, Atlanta, Milwaukee, San Antonio, Ft. Worth and Round Rock, Texas. Additional projects scheduled for completion this year include Portland, Oregon; Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina.

“Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” is a nationwide initiative to renovate parks and athletic fields to ensure children have access to safe green spaces on which to play and exercise. Yards, parks and athletic fields not only promote a healthier lifestyle but contribute to economic growth, community development and benefit the environment. Key contributors to the initiative include the Dominion Foundation, Performance Nutrition and the Sports Turf Managers Association.

Learn more about Project EverGreen and the “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids” initiative at ProjectEvergreen.org.

Mower Maintenance for Winter Storage

Sunday, November 8th, 2015
Exmark Pioneer S-Series mower

Maintain your mower going into winter and it’ll be ready to roll when spring rolls around.

When it comes to extending the life of your mower, nothing is more important than maintenance. Right now is an opportune time to get any mower maintenance done, as you want your mower to be prepared for the rigors of winter storage. And perhaps more importantly, you want it to be ready to go next spring when your lawn comes out of its hibernation.

Clean and Lubricate

Perhaps the most important aspect of storing a mower properly is starting the period of storage with a clean, well lubricated machine. Give your mower a thorough cleaning: the frame; deck; under the seat; behind the wheels — everything. The cutting deck should also be cleaned to keep any accumulated grass or debris from holding onto moisture that would lead to rust of the cutting deck and its components.

Never use cleaning solvents and minimize the use of water when you clean your mower. Moisture invites steel components to rust, so use compressed air from a compressor or leaf blower to blow off debris, then follow-up with rags to clean up any remaining dirt or grime.

Consult your owner’s manual to locate the areas that need to be greased on your mower and verify the type of grease that should be used. Be sure to use fresh grease and don’t hurry through your work. How you grease your bearings is extremely important, and don’t take shortcuts.

Be sure to remove the load from your bearings before greasing. If you don’t, you’ll end up only greasing half the bearing, says Exmark Customer Service Manager, David Martin.

Engine Oil

Verify the oil and hydro fluid you’re using are the correct ones for your machine.

“It’s worth your while to take your time and remove any belts and springs before employing the grease gun. If the bearing is moveable, we recommend you move it three to four times to get a nice coating of grease on the entire bearing.

“This is also a good way to inspect the bearings for any wear and tear, making sure they move freely without any grinding or tightness.”

Change the Oil

It’s a great idea to change your mower’s oil, hydraulic fluid and all filters prior to winter storage. You don’t want any contaminants from the old oil to sit in the engine or hydraulic system over the winter. Be sure to run your mower for at least five minutes after the oil, fluid and filters have been changed to circulate the clean oil and fluid through the machine.

Consult your owner’s manual, MyExmark.com, or your local dealer for the correct filters, hydro fluid and oil for your machine.

Exmark belt

Inspect and replace any frayed, worn or damaged belts.

Other Winter Maintenance Items

  • Fuel — Drain your machine of its fuel, or add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel. If you go the fuel stabilizer route, be sure to run the machine for several minutes after adding the stabilizer to circulate treated fuel throughout the fuel system.
  • Blade(s) — Sharpen and balance mower blades to ensure the mower is ready to go next spring.
  • Belts and pulleys — Inspect all belts and replace any that appear frayed, cut or damaged in any way. Also inspect pulleys for bark or other debris that may have gotten wedged into them over the season.
  • Battery — The best thing you can do is remove the battery from your machine and keep it in a climate-controlled area that’s between 50 and 70 degrees.

Storage

Rodents are enemy #1 when storing your mower. Whether you’re storing it inside, under a tarp or in a trailer, you want for your machine to be clean and free of any debris or organic material critters could use to build a new home. You can also employ traps, chemicals, or natural deterrents such as Osage oil or oil of peppermint. Note that peppermint candies won’t work here. They will actually attract rodents and insects — only real peppermint oil will do. And if you choose to use chemicals, contain them to ensure none get on the mower itself, as they could cause damage to the machine.

Your local pest control office or extension agency can be helpful as you decide which options will work best to control the critters in your area.

Finally, ensure moisture from rain, snow or ice isn’t getting to your mower during storage. As mentioned earlier, moisture on steel invites rust, so you want moisture to stay as far away from your mower as possible.

Taking time to maintain your mowers today will keep the harsh winter at bay and ensure they’re ready to get back to work with you right away in the spring.

For more tips on maintaining your mower, visit Exmark.com.

What To Do For Your Lawn As Winter Sets In

Thursday, November 5th, 2015

Frost is a reality for many parts of the country. So, what can you do now and in the months to-come to keep your lawn healthy and ensure it bounces back quickly in the spring? That’s a question we hear asked frequently, so today we’re going to talk about lawn care do’s and don’ts as we move into early-winter.

We recently covered the topic of when to stop mowing for the season, so we’ll move one step beyond that and assume you’ve stopped mowing for the season (0r are close to stopping), and have applied fertilizer to the lawn. Any aeration and/or overseeding should also be done, or getting done well before the ground freezes.

Avoid Rodent-Related Drama

One consideration related to mowing however, is the importance of cutting your lawn short to minimize the possibility of animals using it for nesting ground. If you leave your grass long, mice and other small burrowing animals can dig in and build nests for shelter from winter’s cold.

Pin Oak Tree

Late-dropping trees such as the Pin Oak represent a unique yard clean-up challenge, as many of the leaves fall after the ground has frozen.

By the time spring rolls around, you can not only have significant patches of dead turf that’ll need to be reseeded, you’ll have a quickly growing population of small animals to deal with. Neither are appealing options, so just cut it short and virtually eliminate the possibility of it happening.

Remember the “Rule of 1/3”. It’s better to cut your lawn to its minimum length in stages, moving the mower deck down no more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blade with each cutting.

Late-Dropping Trees

A number of tree species drop their foliage late in the season, often after the ground has frozen and snow has fallen. And while it’s a good idea to eventually pick the leaf debris up, too much traffic on frozen turf grasses from feet or wheeled vehicles can kill the grasses.

Instead, pick a time when warmer weather causes a temporary thaw to get out and clean up the yard. Doing so will help to minimize moss and mold that can grow during above-freezing temperature in wet spots under fallen leaves.

If a thaw doesn’t happen, put leaf clean up on your list for early-spring.

The Effect of Salt on Your Lawn

Driveway de-icing salt

The salt often used for de-icing driveways and sidewalks is especially tough on turf grasses. Photo: www.littlegreencloth.com

Road salt can damage or kill turf grasses. If the use of road salt is necessary for safety, be sure to minimize the amount of salt that gets broadcast onto the lawn, and regulate the amount applied to avoid oversalting. Sections of turf next to driveways and sidewalks are prime targets for salt-related damage, so use only the salt you need to ensure safety.

If you perpetually struggle with salt-related lawn damage each year, consider using a calcium chloride-based de-icing solution, which is less harmful to your lawn. You can also consult with a landscape professional to discuss landscaping solutions that can minimize the impact of de-icing operations on your lawn.

Other Winter Considerations

Keep sidewalks, driveways and paths clear of snow so pedestrians aren’t compelled to cut across the lawn and compact the turf grasses. As noted earlier, too much foot traffic increases turf stress and can even kill turf grasses, leading to brown spots or stripes that will require reseeding in the spring.

Winter is a great time to maintain your mower. Sharpen the blade(s), change oil, clean the air filter and do any other maintenance that needs to be done to your mower and other gasoline-powered lawn equipment. You can find maintenance schedules, parts numbers and other resources for your Exmark machine(s) at MyExmark.com. Next week, we’ll dive into winter mower maintenance in greater detail.

Of all the seasons, winter lawn maintenance is often the easiest. By following these few simple guidelines, you can give your lawn a great chance of bouncing back quickly and fully next spring. And, you’ll ensure your equipment is ready to roll when the spring thaw occurs.

References — For More Information

Exmark White Paper: Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane

Sunday, November 1st, 2015
Exmark Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane white paper

Click the image to download the free white paper in Adobe PDF format.

Every day, an increasing number of landscape maintenance professionals are opening their eyes to the potential of propane-fueled commercial mowers. Here are a few compelling reasons why that shift is occurring, from our white paper, Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane:

  • 2013 market research conducted by Lawn & Landscape magazine revealed that 63 percent of homeowners responsible for decisions related to some or all landscape contract services are influenced by a sense of environmental responsibility.
  • Propane-fueled commercial mowers and equipment produce significantly fewer greenhouse gasses (GHG) than those fueled by gasoline.
  • PERC, Kohler and Exmark partnered on development of the industry’s first EFI-propane engine for commercial mower applications. The engine is the industry’s first OEM-level EFI-propane engine, offering full commercial warranty and support. The EFI design increases fuel efficiency by up to 25 percent, and coupled with the lower cost of propane, reduces overall fuel costs by up to 40 percent compared to carbureted gasoline engines. Uptime is also improved since the EFI engine solves startability and performance issues frequently encountered with engines using aftermarket conversions.
  • In 2013, Exmark introduced a Kohler EFI-propane powered version of its Lazer Z S-Series zero-turn riding mower as well as two Turf Tracer wide area walk behind models. In 2015 it introduced an EFI-propane Vantage S-Series stand-on riding mower.
  • Propane is widely available nationwide and is used in an estimated 12.6 million U.S. households for heating, cooking and recreation. It is a fossil fuel derived from the refining of oil and natural gas. It is a very safe fuel for commercial mowers, with an ignition temperature that’s nearly double that of gasoline (900 deg. F vs. 495 deg. F). Plus, robust, sealed containers virtually eliminate the opportunity for fuel spillage.
  • The selection of a propane retailer and the negotiation of a seasonal contract are two important aspects of a switch to propane for landscape maintenance professionals to consider.

    Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

    Exmark propane mowers deliver industry-leading performance, productivity and durability.

  • Incentives from PERC, as well as a number of state marketing associations can mitigate some or all of the increased up-front cost of propane mowers. Combined with the EFI-related fuel savings and the lower cost of propane,
  • Exmark mowers powered by Kohler propane-EFI engines can save up-to $2/hour, or more depending on duty cycle and other factors. This allows pay back of the added investment in just one to two seasons.

Download the complete Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane white paper in Adobe PDF format.

Learn more about Exmark’s complete line of EFI-propane commercial mowers at Exmark.com.