Archive for the ‘Exmark Information’ Category

Zero-Turn vs. Lawn Tractor: Introduction

Sunday, January 3rd, 2016
Zero-turn riding mower

Whether mowing wide-open spaces or tackling a highly-landscaped lawn, zero-turn mowers get work done more efficiently.

Home and acreage owners with one or more acres of property are faced with more choices than ever when it comes to mower type, size, features and price.  Among landscape maintenance professionals, it’s safe to say the zero-turn riding mower has become the tool of choice to consistently and quickly achieve a beautiful after-cut appearance. However, when it comes of homeowners, are zero-turn mowers still the preferred choice? Read on to find out.

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 that homeowners don’t have to make money with their mower, it’s a good idea to consider what their time is worth.

Exmark Lazer Z zero-turn mower

An increasing number of home and acreage owners have found the productivity benefits of a true commercial duty zero-turn rider like this Exmark Lazer Z.

Let’s take the case of an acreage owner with about 5 acres to mow, with moderate landscaping, a mixture of mature and small trees, and a kids’ play area in the back yard. We’ll compare lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers at three popular price points: $4,000-5,000; $7,000-8,000 and $13,000-14,000 in posts spread out over the next two weeks.

The comparisons will provide an estimate of the relative productivity that could be expected at each price point from a lawn tractor and zero-turn rider. That said, raw productivity numbers don’t factor in other aspects of mower performance such as maneuverability, durability, operator comfort or quality of cut. As a result, the ultimate productivity of a mower will depend on a combination of factors.

To determine the acres-per-hour productivity of each mower, we used the top speed of the mowers, along with the published width of the cutting deck. Since most mowers are not able to produce a good quality of cut at maximum speed, we assumed 80-percent efficiency from the mowers to account for this, as well as for time spent not actually cutting grass, such as turning around or overlap.

Look for our next installment of this series on Monday, January 11.

Dig Deeper at Exmark.com:

  • Learn more about factors to consider when choosing a lawn tractor or zero-turn mower.
  • Learn more about how to determine mower productivity.

Exmark Employee Profile: Don Uher

Tuesday, December 29th, 2015

Photo Dec 16, 1 20 40 PMDon Uher is a Value Stream Manager in the Exmark manufacturing operation. He’s been an important part of the Exmark team for more than 18 years. Today, we’ll learn a little more about Don and his background.

Where are you from?

I grew up on a farm near Daykin, Nebraska (approx. 30 miles west of Beatrice), and today live on that same property, which is now an acreage.

Tell us about what you do at Exmark?

I’m responsible for the safety, quality, delivery, efficiency and morale of the north value stream at Exmark. I do just about anything that needs to be done in order to keep the assembly lines operating efficiently. I have an outstanding group of supervisors and support personnel who really do the hard work to get it all done. I have to name them all, as they really are the ones who, on an hour-by-hour basis, keep it all running smoothly. They include:

  • Manufacturing engineers: Justin Schuck and Brandon King
  • Supervisors: Dave Ullman; Vicki Pearce; Scott Wolbert; Rafael Oman; Chris Riley; Rick Miller; and Ronda Mewes in the Tool Crib.

They are a great group and do their best to build the highest quality product every day.

What’s your favorite part of working at Exmark?

I’ve been fortunate to have formed great friendships with a lot of people over the years. That’s the best thing I’ll take away from my time at Exmark.

What do you like to do in your free time?

My wife and I usually have too large of a garden, but I also hunt and fish, and we cherish every moment we get together with our grandchildren.

If you could have lunch with any person, who would it be?

People are just people. Some have had more success in life, some less, so meeting anyone in particular doesn’t hold a great deal of interest for me. The “person” I would most like to commune with though would be my Lord, Jesus Christ.

What’s the most surprising thing people might not know about you?

The most surprising thing about me people don’t know won’t be revealed today, but something interesting I’m willing to share is that I make a really good batch of peanut brittle. It’s fantastic!

 

Is Leasing Right for You?

Sunday, December 20th, 2015

LeasingGraphic_Exmark_jpgWhen it comes time to invest in new iron, there are more financing options than ever. You might think the low interest rates available today make a traditional bank loan seem like the obvious choice, but dig a little deeper and the best choice may surprise you.

Leasing is a popular financing option for the mowers landscape professionals use every day. Exmark offers 24- and 36-month lease options on new equipment, with flexible terms based on the number of hours you expect to use the machine(s) annually. Your business will benefit from the productivity and performance of the latest equipment with lower lease payments than even “zero percent” loan financing on like terms.

Other benefits of leasing include:

  • Budget certainty — Leasing offers a fixed monthly operating expense, with fewer unexpected charges since leased equipment is under warranty.*
  • Fleet flexibility — Change or update your equipment mix every 24 months to best suit the needs of your growing and evolving business.
  • Off balance sheet accounting — May qualify for off-balance sheet accounting; free credit lines for other purposes.**

Learn more about the leasing programs Exmark offers at Exmark.com/Special-Offers/.

* Subject to warranty hour limitations.
** Please consult your accounting advisor as to potential accounting implications.

Exmark Spreader Sprayer: Safe Operation and Routine Maintenance

Sunday, December 6th, 2015

Kent’s Lawn Service Owner, Kent Harlan, talks through safe operation of the Exmark Spreader-Sprayer, as well as routine maintenance he recommends for the machine.

View additional Spreader Sprayer videos on the Exmark YouTube channel, or learn more about the Exmark Spreader Sprayer at Exmark.com.

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.

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.

 

Exmark at GIE+EXPO 2015

Thursday, October 29th, 2015

Exmark booth at GIE+EXPO 2015.

Each October, the Green Industry makes its pilgrimage to Louisville, Kentucky for the GIE+EXPO trade show. It’s at GIE+EXPO that next year’s new products are revealed, so the show is highly anticipated among outdoor power equipment dealers and landscape professionals alike.

The 2015  show took place October 21-23, and show-goers were treated to virtually perfect fall weather, with high temps in the 70s during the day encouraging folks to get to the outdoor booths for hands-on equipment demos.

Exmark Pioneer S-Series Rear Discharge

In-booth displays provided a unique perspective on the qualities that make Exmark mowers unique, such as the UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting deck on the 2016 Pioneer S-Series mower.

Exmark Stand-On Spreader Sprayer

The new Exmark Spreader Sprayer was a popular stop for landscape professionals looking to work more efficiently and make more money.

2015-10-22 11.49.05 HDR

One highlight of the outdoor Exmark booth was the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s mower roll-over safety display. It demonstrates the importance of proper deployment of the Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) in partnership with proper lap belt use in operator safety during a mower roll-over. Exmark has supported this industry-leading safety program since its inception.

Exmark booth during Lazer Z drawing

Hundreds of folks packed into the indoor Exmark booth Thursday afternoon during the show. Each was hoping to hear their name drawn to win the Exmark Lazer Z commercial zero-turn riding mower we gave away.

Exmark Lazer Z winner.

Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, congratulates Heather M. of California, winner of the Exmark Lazer Z mower in the in-booth drawing.