Archive for the ‘Eco-Friendly’ Category

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.

 

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PERC Propane Mower Incentive Program Returns for Limited Time

Monday, October 19th, 2015

The Propane Education & Research Council is bringing back its popular Propane Mower Incentive Program for a limited time. Effective immediately, landscape contractors can apply to receive $1,000 toward the purchase of a new propane-powered mower and $500 toward a qualified conversion. The incentive will be available until program funds expire, so applicants are encouraged to act fast.

Exmark Vantage Propane Mower

For a limited time, PERC is offering $1,000 toward the purchase of any of Exmark’s industry-leading propane mowers.

“It’s officially the buying season for landscape contractors and, while many already know the value of propane mowers, a little assistance with the upfront costs associated with converting their equipment can prove to be the tipping point,” said Jeremy Wishart, PERC’s deputy director of business development. “Propane can give landscape contractors a lower total cost of operation and also reduce emissions compared with traditional fuels, so it’s exciting to be able to help offset some of those initial conversion costs for contractors wanting to take advantage of propane’s benefits.”

Since the Mower Incentive Program first began in 2012, well over 3,000 applications from landscape contractors have been received by PERC. Contractors can apply for the Propane Mower Incentive Program at propane.com/mowerincentive.

The Mower Incentive Program is just one of many tools that PERC offers contractors to help them save money with propane. PERC’s suite of cost-calculator tools is designed for use in the propane industry’s fastest-growing markets, including commercial landscape. The calculator tool, available at propanecostcalculator.com, estimates potential fuel savings and ROI for contractors using clean, American-made propane when compared with conventional fuels like gasoline and diesel.

Learn more about Exmark’s industry-leading line of propane commercial mowers at Exmark.com.

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When to Stop Mowing Your Lawn for the Season

Thursday, September 17th, 2015

In most parts of the country, turf grass growth slows to a crawl as the temperatures cool in the fall. A common question from our customers is when to stop mowing their lawn for the season.

As you might imagine, there’s really not one date where you can say “it’s time to stop”. That said, with a little knowledge of what to look for, it can be a relatively easy question to answer for yourself.

What to Look For

As with many lawn-related questions, the answer to when you should stop mowing is rooted in your geography and the prevailing weather pattern your area is experiencing.

Aeration -- when to stop mowing

Aeration in the fall helps reduce soil compaction and encourages root growth of cool-season turf types.

According to research published by Cornell University, top-growth (growth above ground) of the lawn slows to a virtual standstill after about 10 days with average daily temperatures below 50 degrees F. At this point, the turf grasses will focus on root growth until the ground freezes.¹

You’ve likely notice the decrease in your lawn’s growth as cooler fall temperatures settle in. By keeping tabs on your local weather, you’ll be able to determine when your daily average temperature goes below 50 degrees F.

Though mowing frequency may decrease significantly, folks who live in warmer parts of the country may end up continuing to mow throughout the year, if simply to keep the lawn looking well-kept. That said, those of us in the upper two-thirds of the country will inevitably end up putting the mower away for a few months.

Cooler Temps = Less Frequency & Lower Cutting Height

when to stop mowing lawn

The annual growth cycle of cool-season grasses. Source: Cornell University

As temperatures drop and your mowing frequency decreases, you’ll want to finish the transition to the low-end of the cutting height window for your turf grass type. This prepares the lawn for winter by reducing its exposure above ground and encouraging the active root growth that takes place in cooler temperatures.

According to the Iowa State University Extension, you should cut your lawn to 2-2.5 inches for Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue, and 1.5-2 inches for perennial ryegrass or creeping red fescue.²

Fall is a Good Time to Fertilize

Fall dethatching -- when to stop mowing

Early-fall is also a good time to perform dethatching on cool-season grasses.

As you transition your cutting height to the lower end of your cut height window, you might also want to consider fertilizing your lawn. This supports the active root growth that’s taking place and fortifies your lawn so it stays healthy through the winter and greens up quickly next spring.

If you still have questions about when to stop mowing, or how to prepare your lawn for winter, contact your local Extension agency or a local landscape professional. Both can be valuable references as you work towards a more beautiful lawn.

Citations and References:

  • ¹ “How Grass Grows“, Cornell University. Cornell University, n.d. Web. 31 Aug 2015
  • ² Agnew, Michael and Christians, Nick. “Mowing Your Lawn“, Iowa State University Extension. Iowa State University, revised August 2009. Web. 31 Aug 2015

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Mower Settings for Late Summer and Early Fall Lawn Care

Wednesday, August 19th, 2015

Mower settings are a hot topic of debate for some, but a few basic guidelines can help keep your lawn healthy and weed-free throughout the year. Today, we’ll talk about the seasonal cycle of mower height settings, with a particular focus on lawn mower settings for cooler late-summer and early-fall cutting conditions.

Mower settings for late-summer

Your ideal cutting height range will depend on the type of grasses you’re cutting.

Ultimately, your ideal mower height settings vary with the type of grass you’re cutting and the time of year. While it’s typical to cut cool season grasses a little longer, in the 2 to 4 inch range, warm season grasses can be cut to as short as one inch, sometimes less. Consultation with your local county extension office or lawn care professional can help you dial in your mower height settings based on region and grass type.

The seasonal cycle explained

While turf types may vary, the method for setting mower height is similar within the ‘ideal’ range of the grass you’re mowing. Here in the Midwest, Kentucky Bluegrass is prevalent, which typically thrives when cut to a height of 2-3 inches. With Kentucky Bluegrass, set the mower at roughly two inches in the spring, and as the weather warms up in July and August, gradually increase mower height to a maximum of 3 inches.

Mowing grass higher in the heat of the summer helps keep vital moisture in the ground for your lawn to use, reducing the need for water.

With the transition to fall, the days get shorter and begin to cool off. As they do, it makes sense to lower mower height gradually, so it’s on the low end of your ‘ideal’ height range just before the first freeze, or you see your coldest annual temperatures. Doing so helps to prevent fungus growth over winter months.

Lawn care rules to remember

Mower settings

As your daily temperatures decrease from their seasonal peak, you can begin to lower your cutting deck incrementally until you reach the low end of your ideal height range.

As you transition to mowing grass shorter, don’t forget the ‘Rule of Thirds’. That is, never cut more than one-third of the total length of the grass. If you’re starting with three-inch tall grass, don’t mow shorter than two inches in one cutting.

Also, avoid mowing during times of heat stress, or extreme wet. Instead, mow just before a forecast rain to allow the freshly cut grass to soak the moisture in.

As soon as the weather begins to cool from its seasonal peak, it’s time to begin adjusting your mower settings for late summer and early fall lawn care. You’ll help your lawn be healthier and more beautiful all year long.

References & Additional resources:

  1. http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/what-is-the-ideal-height-to-cut-the-grass
  2. http://outdoorswithdave.com/landscaping/mowing-your-lawn
  3. http://www.safelawns.org/blog/2012/05/13-essential-mowing-tips-first-and-foremost-keep-the-blade-sharp-set-high/
  4. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/mowing-lawn-turf

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Rear Discharge vs. Side Discharge: Why Choose a Rear Discharge Mower?

Sunday, August 16th, 2015
Exmark Lazer Z Rear-Discharge

A rear-discharge mower offers numerous advantages, not the least of which is the ability to trim on both sides of the deck.

An increasing number of Exmark mowers are now available with our UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting deck. And as our customers learn more about the advantages of a rear-discharge mower, they’re choosing the option more and more.

Today we’ll talk through the reasons somebody would choose rear-discharge riding mowers over the more common side-discharge mowers, and what cutting conditions rear-discharge commercial mowers excel in.

Reason 1: increased clipping control

Rear-discharge decks send clippings out behind the deck, under the mower, instead of through a side-discharge chute. The operator stays cleaner and clippings are distributed uniformly over a wider area. Rear-discharge decks also reduce the potential for debris or foreign objects to be discharged at dangerous velocity, making them a popular option with municipalities as well as parks and recreation departments.

Reason 2: increased cutting efficiency

With one counter-rotating blade, the UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting deck offers increased cut quality and even clipping distribution.

With one counter-rotating blade, the UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting deck offers increased cut quality and even clipping distribution.

The UltraCut Rear Discharge deck reduces clipping over-processing using a counter-rotating blade design and patented Flow Control baffles. Because clippings are cut once and discharged, a rear-discharge deck uses less horsepower than an equivalent side-discharge deck, which must pass clippings from blade-to-blade to be discharged. As a result, rear-discharge is a great choice for cutting taller grasses and in rougher cutting conditions, so they are an appealing choice for use on farms or acreages.

Reason 3: ability to trim on both sides of the deck

Whether you’re a landscape professional looking to maximize productivity, or an acreage owner looking for maximum versatility, the ability to trim on both sides of the cutting deck is a big advantage for a rear-discharge mower. No longer must you plan your entire mowing pattern based on the location of landscaping. Now, you simply take the most efficient route and get the job done faster.

Reason 4: reduced noise

Exmark rear-discharge

The decreased noise and increased clipping control of a rear-discharge mower are ideal for maintaining residential properties.

Discharging clippings behind the deck, under the mower, dramatically reduces the noise level of the deck for both the operator and for bystanders.

For those looking for additional noise reductions as well as an increased quality of cut for the most highly manicured appearance, Exmark offers its Finish Cut baffle kit for the UltraCut Rear Discharge deck. It’s perhaps the ultimate combination of cut quality, productivity and clipping control.

Bagging is perhaps the one challenge that the UltraCut Rear Discharge deck doesn’t tackle. That said, our Navigator – a dedicated bagging machine – uses a rear-discharge deck, so if you’re committed to bagging and like the benefits of rear-discharge, it just may be the rear-discharge commercial mower you’re looking for.

The UltraCut Rear Discharge deck is available on select Pioneer and Lazer Z rear discharge mower models. Visit Exmark.com to learn more about Exmark’s entire line of UltraCut decks.

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Clean American Innovation: Exmark Manufacturing

Thursday, April 16th, 2015

Click to go to view the Exmark video on the Clean American Innovation site.

The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) has released the latest video in its “Clean American Innovation” video series, which highlights America’s propane technology leaders. Exmark is proud to be featured in the video, as it recognizes the commitment we’ve made to our growing line of EFI propane commercial mowers.

Lazer Z S-Series Propane

The Lazer Z S-Series Propane leads the industry for propane mower performance and durability.

Exmark’s Lazer Z S-Series Propane was the industry’s first EFI propane commercial zero-turn mower in 2013, and it continues to deliver industry-leading performance, durability and cut quality today.

In 2014, Exmark introduced two new EFI propane Turf Tracer walk-behind models — the Turf Tracer X-Series Propane and the Turf Tracer S-Series Propane.

Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

The new Vantage S-Series Propane brings EFI propane advantages to commercial stand-on riding mowers.

Recognizing the growing popularity of stand-on mowers among landscape professionals, as well as the need for a propane-powered option, in 2015 Exmark launched its Vantage S-Series Propane stand-on rider. It delivers the productivity benefits of a stand-on rider combined with the fuel  and cost efficiency benefits of propane and Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) in a progressive, operator-focused design.

Exmark’s propane mowers use state-of-the-art Kohler Command Pro EFI propane engines to deliver increased fuel efficiency for longer run times and decreased operating costs, with significantly improved starting and running performance compared to carbureted propane engines.

See the Clean American Innovation: Exmark Manufacturing video, and the other videos in the series, on the Clean American Innovation website, or learn more about Exmark’s industry-leading EFI propane products at Exmark.com.

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