Archive for the ‘Exmark Information’ Category

Exmark Employee Profile: Lenny Mangnall

Thursday, August 6th, 2015

Lenny Mangnall of Exmark

Where are you from?

I’ve lived 50 miles from Beatrice, Nebraska my whole life. I currently live about ten miles away, with my wonderful wife and my three boys, ages nine to sixteen.

Tell us about what you do at Exmark.

I work in customer service, which has two groups: customer care and technical service. I’m in technical service, where we focus on the technical aspect of the product, and assisting our distributors. Typically we’re on the road about 50 percent of the time January through March. We go to different regions and do hands-on sessions on-location at dealers, making sure they are up to speed on our latest products.

For the rest of the year, we’re tied to the phone the majority of the time. For instance, last year Exmark customer service took 6,500 phone calls. If there’s a major issue we can’t resolve over the phone, we hop on a plane and go out to help resolve the problem firsthand.

The main parts of our job are preparing our service people with hands-on service and knowledge, and answering the customers’ needs. We combine those two and become both the voice of the service guy and the eyes of the customer.

What’s your favorite thing about working with Exmark?

This industry is amazing, full of such great people. I’ve built amazing relationships with end users, dealers, and distributor partners. It’s something that I look forward to each day.

At Exmark, we focus on doing the right thing and developing partnerships with our distributors, dealers, and our end users. By working together and helping our partners, whether distributors, dealers or end users, we’re making our own jobs a little easier in the long run. We’re all interrelated.

What do you like to do in your free time?

With three boys at home, I don’t have much free time! But my main passion for the last 7-8 years has been coaching baseball for my boys. It’s so much fun. The organization does it right. Even though we want to win, the more important priority is building character. And the people are great. There’s nothing better than getting a group of parents and kids together and watching them grow together as a secondary family.

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

I’d like to talk to somebody who lived through the Great Depression or The Dust Bowl. We take so many things for granted and must remember to be careful with what we continue to take from Mother Nature. Any person that lived through such trying times and fought through that: it’s just remarkable to me. Those people just didn’t have the same benefits we do today. You see pictures of what they went through with the Dust Bowl and it’s remarkable they could persevere. We take a lot of things for granted today.

What’s something surprising about you not many people know about?

I graduated in a class of just 8 people. When I was in 6th grade, the entire school from kindergarten to 12th grade had about 110 people in it so I knew everybody by name. Most people are surprised to hear that.

Lenny Mangnall has been a member of the Exmark family for 17 years.

Gifts for the Exmark Aficionado

Monday, July 27th, 2015

Looking for great gifts for a friend or family member that bleeds Exmark red? Or perhaps rewards for your hard working crew? You’re in luck! Exmark offers a wide variety of high quality branded clothing and gear that’s both stylish and practical. You can find Exmark gear online at the Exmark Apparel & Gift Store.

Popular Exmark branded clothing and gear includes:

Exmark Realtree Blaze Orange cap. Click on photo to go to the product page.

Exmark Realtree Blaze Orange cap: perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. Click photos to view the product pages.

Exmark Safety Glasses

Exmark Safety Glasses: durable, stylish eye protection.

Exmark Lazer Z X-Series replica

Exmark Lazer Z X-Series 1:24 scale die-cast replica: sure to be a hit with both the young and the young at-heart.

Exmark Tumbler

Exmark Soft Touch Tumbler: carry your coffee in style.

See all the Exmark clothing and gear that’s available today at the Exmark Apparel & Gift Store.

Mower Safety Tips

Sunday, July 19th, 2015


Exmark General Mower Safety Tips

  • Read and understand your operator’s manual before operating the mower.
  • Do not add gasoline to a running or hot engine and never leave the machine running in an enclosed area.
  • As with other power tools and equipment, do not operate a lawn mower when consuming alcohol.
  • Wear appropriate clothing – significant footwear, long pants, eye and hearing protection.
Safe mower operation

Safe operation of a zero-turn mower includes always mowing with the ROPS in the up position (if so equipped) and the lap belt fastened snug and low around the operator’s waist.

  • Pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent injuries and damage from flying objects.
  • Never allow children to be passengers on ride-on mowers.
  • Keep children and pets a safe distance from the area you are mowing. Use extreme care near blind corners and around objects that may block you from seeing a child.
  • Do not operate without the grass catcher, discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and working.
  • Be careful when mowing slopes.
  • Do not mow in wet conditions.
  • Never mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary – carefully look for others behind you when you do.
  • Turn off the mower and wait for blade(s) to stop completely before leaving the mower, removing the grass catcher, picking up debris, or crossing gravel roads or paths.
  • Let the mower cool before refueling, cleaning and storing.
  • Follow all directions – including turning off the engine and disconnecting the spark plug or electric cord – before working on the mower or trying to unclog the discharge chute.

Learn more about safe operation of your mower at http://www.exmark.com/Service-And-Support/Safety-Resources/. View additional safety videos on the Exmark YouTube channel.

Mid-Season Mower Maintenance

Thursday, July 16th, 2015

By David Martin, Exmark customer service manager

Maintenance: mower cleaning

Minimize the use of water when cleaning your mower. Instead, use compressed air whenever possible.

Now that mowing season is well under way, the last thing you want to happen is for your mower to experience downtime. The following maintenance tips will help you keep your mower running in tip-top shape.

Maintenance: mower blades

Sharp, balanced blades are critical to the performance of the cutting system. Check and sharpen blades if necessary.

  • Check the operator’s manual to see what might need to be greased. Keeping the right parts greased is an important step in extending the life of a mower.
  • Check the air filter (inner and outer) and change it if necessary. Never use compressed air to clean a filter. The powerful air stream can compromise the filter’s ability to effectively filter the air coming into the engine.
  • Depending on how many hours the mower has been running, consider changing the fuel filter. Consult your owner’s manual or http://www.exmark.com/Service-And-Support/Maintenance/Schedules/ for the recommended replacement interval.
  • Check and, if necessary, change the spark plugs.
  • Blow the debris off the unit:
    • Remove the belt deck belt shields and blow off all foreign material.
    • Blow the grass off the areas around the pumps and wheel motors (overheated oil leads to shorter component life).
    • Blow through the openings in and around the console or remove the console mounting screws to get debris out of this area.
  • Check for loose hardware.
  • Verify torque on wheel motor castle nut and tire mounting lug nuts.
  • Verify oil changes are being performed at the proper intervals, and perform the service if necessary. NEVER, under any circumstances, exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations by more than 100 hours. Significant damage will result that will reduce the machine’s lifespan and compromise productivity.

Learn more about how to effectively service and maintain your mowers and lawn care equipment at http://www.exmark.com/Service-And-Support/Maintenance/Service-Tips/.

Exmark Employee Profile: David Rayburn

Monday, July 13th, 2015

 

David Rayburn, Exmark

Exmark Logistics Manager, David Rayburn, stands with Logistics Coordinator, Patty Kaufman (middle) and IS Supervisor, Liz Daubendiek.

Where are you from?

I was born in Wisconsin and my family moved here when I was small. I went into the service for two years and then moved back to Nebraska after I got married. We’ve now lived here for the last 34 years.

Tell us about what you do at Exmark.

I manage the product planning process— also known as forecast– for Exmark products. My team consists of myself and our logistics coordinator. We receive direction from marketing for the product need and bring everything down to the specific quarter to meet the financial plan. The production facility then takes the plan and breaks it down. That’s how the production flows.

What’s your favorite thing about working with Exmark?

There’s a passion and a knowledge that people have here and it makes work very enjoyable. When we talk as a team or go through different groups, everyone is knowledgeable about their areas; they have expertise. It’s fun to work with people like that. You don’t have to repeat yourself a lot because everybody knows what they’re doing. Everyone is passionate and easy to get along with.

What do you like to do in your free time?

My family and I like to go camping, fishing, and boating. We take trips to Minnesota and North Dakota to fish and camp as much as we can during the year. But with the weather lately, it’s been tough. At least the rain is good for business in the long run.

What initially drew you to Exmark?

Both my son and daughter work here at Exmark. My son started here first and then my daughter came here after college. After that, Exmark hired me. It’s funny because normally the kids follow the parents into a company but it was the reverse for me. I started off working on the floor in the plant and was able to transition into different areas. After 13 years, I’m now in this position. I’ve been very fortunate. They’ve been very good to me.

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

Probably John F. Kennedy. When I was in grade school, he was running for president and he was one of the first ones where I was old enough to understand a little bit about what was going on. During his election, Bobby Kennedy came through my town. I was in fifth grade, and I skipped school so I could listen to his speech. That’s somebody I would like to understand.

What’s something surprising about you not many people know about?

For the last 27 years, I’ve been doing a yearly reenactment for the Pony Express Association. Every year in June, we’ll ride a horse and carry the mail from Sacramento California to St. Joseph, Missouri, like they did on the original Pony Express back in the 1800’s. We do it in nine days and it’s pretty cool. We try to stay as close to the original trail as we can.

David Rayburn has been a member of the Exmark team for 13 years.

Spotlight: Exmark-Sponsored Professional Fisherman, Mike Iaconelli

Thursday, July 9th, 2015

At Exmark, we’re passionate about the outdoors. For 2015, we are demonstrating that passion through our sponsorship of professional fisherman, Mike Iaconelli.

We recently sat down and chatted with Mike and learned a little more about what makes him tick. Here’s the result of our conversation.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Mike with Exmark machines

Mike’s Exmark equipment helps him maintain his 10 acre property quicker, so he can get back to doing the things he loves. Photo: Becky Iaconelli

My name is Michael Iaconelli. I’m 43 years old, husband to Becky and father to four kids: Drew (16), Rylie (15), Vegas (4), and Estella (2). I’ve been fishing since I was a little kid and I’ve been lucky enough to turn my passion and hobby into a full time career. Besides fishing and spending time with the family, I love the outdoors and gardening around the house.

What excites you about your relationship with Exmark?

There are a lot of things that excite me about my relationship Exmark. First is that they build the most amazing products. These are the kinds of products that help us everyday at home! Second, the folks at Exmark share our values. Family, outdoors, and getting kids involved in fishing are at the top of that list. And finally, we’re excited to help bring the Exmark brand to the fishing world, and to fans of the sport.

How have you been using your Exmark 700S Utility Vehicle?

We use our Exmark 700S utility vehicle extensively at home, for normal yard and gardening chores such as moving mulch and top soil, hauling wood and rocks, or carrying gear and equipment. We also use it for other activities like getting the mail, surveying the property and launching small boats in the lake. The amount of time and effort the utility vehicle saves us is awesome!

How much time has your Exmark Lazer Z X-Series mower saved you in yard maintenance?

Great question! The Lazer Z X-Series has saved us such an immense amount of time. As a large land owner (we have 10 acres), we used to lose a lot of time, especially out of our weekends, trying to keep the grass cut with a traditional riding mower. Now, with our Exmark Lazer Z, it’s not only easier and more enjoyable, but has cut our mowing time by more than half!

It’s fantastic because now we can spend more time engaged in other activities we love like gardening, playing with the kids, boating and kayaking in the lake… and fishing of course!

How’s your 2015 season going? What tournaments do you have coming up?

My 2015 season is going great. I’ve had several top finishes and I’m still looking for a major win this year. I have about 8 events left this season, including one coming up in August on the upper Chesapeake Bay. The Bay is an amazing place and a home field advantage for me. I’m really looking forward to that event.

Where would somebody go to learn more about you and your fishing?

Anyone who wants to keep up with my family and I can follow us on our web site (mikeiaconelli.com), through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and on our live web show Ike Live.

Exmark Employee Profile: Trevor Porter

Thursday, June 18th, 2015
Exmark Engineering Manager, Trevor Porter - Photo

Exmark Engineering Manager, Trevor Porter

Where are you from?

I’m from all over, really. I grew up in Florida and then went to school in Florida, Utah, and Arizona. I lived in Illinois before Nebraska, which is where I’m at right now.

Tell us about what you do at Exmark.

I’m the engineering manager here. My group handles all the engineering issues surrounding things in production. We do things such as design improvement, fixes, emergency handling, replacement parts, and substitute parts. We always try to get feedback from customers and figure out if there are any issues that we need to address.

What’s been a good, challenging experience for you at Exmark?

The biggest challenge is our growth. Each year, we come out with a new model and my group takes care of that. There’s a new design group that works on one model every 1-2 years. Each one that comes out needs support, kind of like what customer service does.

What’s your favorite thing about working with Exmark?

My favorite thing about working here is the people. The people here are the secret sauce to Exmark. I also love engineering, which makes it fun to come to work every day. It’s really a great place to work.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I spend a lot of time working on my house, which my two teenage boys help out with. We’re actually building a sundeck this year. Other things include hanging out with my friends and family and learning how to play the guitar and bass.

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

I’d like to talk with Isaac Newton because he came up with calculus, which is an amazing thing when you really get into it. How can someone figure something out like that and develop it out of thin air? I’d like to find out.

What’s something surprising about you not many people know about?

I’d have to say how much I’ve moved around the country. I’m also a big fan of 80’s metal, like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden.

Trevor Porter will celebrate his tenth year at Exmark this August.

ECS Controls: Why They’re Better

Thursday, June 11th, 2015

Landscape maintenance is a tough job, and during the season downtime is lost revenue. That’s why it’s important to take every opportunity to make it more sustainable for operators and their bodies. It was precisely for this reason that Exmark developed the exclusive ECS (Enhanced Control System) controls for its wide-area walk-behind mowers.

Why ECS is Better

Exmark ECS Controls -- Turf Tracer

The improved ergonomics of ECS controls increases control while reducing operator fatigue.

ECS controls improve the ergonomics of walk-behind mower controls when compared to traditional pistol-grip controls. ECS places the arms in a more neutral position to keep the operator’s joints in a more natural state. The elbows rest naturally against the body, while the lower arms extend easily to grasp the controls, reducing arm strain and hand fatigue significantly. Thanks to ECS, operators will experience less upper body pain after a long day of work.

Back, neck and shoulder pain is reduced thanks to the improved ergonomics of the ECS controls, and the hands are positioned closer to the machine center, keeping them out of harm’s way when maneuvering in tight spaces. Padded operator handles reduce vibration and the ECS controls feature a shorter grip distance for enhanced control and reduced hand fatigue.

Learn more about ECS and Exmark walk-behind models it’s a standard feature on at Exmark.com.

The Lazer Z Seating System: A More Comfortable Ride

Thursday, May 14th, 2015

Riding mowers are a time-saving wonder, but your backside should pay the price for productivity. That’s why at Exmark, we’ve come up with a way to mow more comfortably. With some original thinking and a whole lot of innovation, we’ve designed a seat every backside can love. We call it the Lazer Z Seating System.

Lazer Z Seating System

The Lazer Z Seating System significantly reduces the effect of bumps and vibration on the operator.

What Is the Lazer Z Seating System?

Most riding mower seats follow the same old pattern: some padding and a couple of springs that may or may not be useful. After a few hours of riding, you may find the mower’s vibration making you stiff while all the jarring impacts can leave you sore. That’s no way to run a landscaping business, whether you maintain one property or several.

Why Is It Different?

This seating system is different in a number of ways. It’s a unique design that utilizes research, science, and engineering innovation.

The system includes 4 major elements that make all the difference:

  • Ball-bearing suspension with a 3-inch range of controlled vertical travel – delivers a better ride with less bouncing
  • Patented Iso-Mount isolation system with ½-inch vertical and ¾-inch lateral travel
  • Custom vinyl seat with plush foam – comfort starts where the operator meets the seat
  • Vibration control stretch fabric – sits below the seat foam for an additional layer of isolation from vibration and bumps

Together, this comprehensive approach delivers less vibration, less bouncing, and more long-term comfort.

If professionals with desk jobs get ergonomic chairs, so should you. It’s that simple. A mower seat needs to support your back, legs, and arms in a way that keeps you comfortable and doesn’t lead to chronic problems.

The end result is reduced vibration, less soreness, and less stiffness after a long day of mowing. And when you’re comfortable, you get more done. Not only will you feel better after a day’s work, but you’ll also be able to deliver your services day after day. Test the difference for yourself between a traditional riding mower and an Exmark mower with the Lazer Z Seating System. We’re confident you’ll love it.

Learn more at Exmark.com/Exmark-Advantage/Features/Seating.

Why Exmark Original Parts Make a Difference

Thursday, April 30th, 2015

Whether you mow your lawn once a week or you own a multi-location landscaping company, when it comes to replace parts on your Exmark equipment, only Original Exmark parts will do. If you want to get the most out of your machine, original parts make all the difference in the world.

Tried and Tested

Exmark Original Parts

Only Original Exmark blades deliver the Exmark’s signature cut quality.

You can learn a lot by testing data in a lab or research center. That said, the bottom line is how a product or part performs in the real world, so we test Original Exmark parts as our customers would, which means getting our hands dirty. When part breaks or wears out, we take it back, learn what caused the problem, and find a solution through engineering and testing. We also know our customers are by far our greatest asset when it comes to improving our products, so we make it a priority to listen to, and proactively solicit customer feedback. We use your feedback along with our own data and testing to create parts that meet our stringent standards for performance and durability.

Variety and Availability

Do you need a 36″ Blade Drive for your Viking? Or, how about a throttle cable for your Commercial 21 X-Series mower? Are you looking for a new tire for your Navigator? If you need a part for your Exmark machine, we have exactly what you need, and it’s engineered precisely for your machine. We understand how important it is to provide you with quality parts in a timely manner. When you order original Exmark products from your local Exmark dealer, you won’t be disappointed.

Exmark Original parts

Original Exmark belts fit precisely to maximize the durability and performance of your Exmark cutting system.

Consistency Is Crucial

Consistency is crucial in everything you do. At Exmark, we understand that consistency between our parts and accessories can mean the difference between a job well done and a lost client. Our rigorous testing procedures and your ongoing feedback help us deliver the highest quality parts and accessories available.

What makes our parts better than the rest?

  • We field test every part and accessory for hundreds of hours before certifying it meets our standards.
  • We use the latest engineering and manufacturing technologies to ensure every product is optimized for the job it is built to perform.
  • We use customer feedback to ensure Original Exmark parts and accessories meet the stringent standards of our users.

Ordering Made Easy

The last thing you want to do is spend hours online or in your owner’s manual trying to figure out what broke or how to fix it. We make it easy to find exactly what you need. If you need a part for any of our products, we provide an easy reference guide to help you pick exactly the right part for your Exmark machine.

Keep Your Mower Running

All of the best parts in the world can’t keep your Exmark equipment running properly if it isn’t well maintained. Each one of our products has a specific maintenance schedule that must be followed to preserve its performance and durability. By following the maintenance guidelines, your Exmark equipment will give you years of reliable service.

Make the Most of Your Mowing

If you want to get the most out of your Exmark equipment, proper maintenance is a must. And when something does wear out, replacing it with Original Exmark parts will help extend the life of your machine and save you money for years to come.