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Exmark Advantage: Hydro Drive System

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016
Exmark Pioneer S-Series zero-turn mower

Exmark hydro drive systems deliver increased reliability, durability and ease of use for landscape professionals and homeowners alike.

The heart of any zero-turn mower is the hydro drive system. It’s the system responsible for controllably putting the power to the ground — undoubtedly an important job.

That’s why Exmark has worked hard to develop innovations that make its hydro drive systems function better, more reliably, with increased long-term durability. Working in partnership with Parker, we designed a unitized pump and motor unit that eliminates all hoses, fittings and potential leak points.

In testing, the Exmark UHT drive system in combination with Exmark Premium Hydraulic Oil has been proven to operate in the toughest commercial conditions while maintaining cooler system temperatures than the “off the shelf” hydro drive systems used by other manufacturers.

Exmark UHT hydro drive system

The UHT hydro drive system on Lazer Z zero-turn riders is designed to work harder, stay cooler and last longer than other hydro drive systems.

With no hoses and fewer parts to wear out, Exmark drive systems are more durable and easier to maintain than traditional drive systems. In fact, with proper preventative maintenance and care, the UHT hydro drive system on an Exmark Lazer Z can deliver 3,000 hours or more of productive mowing. That’s durability you can count on for years to-come!

Features of the Lazer Z UHT hydro drive system include:

UHT Hydro – 16cc

  • Used on Lazer Z X-Series with 60″ and 72″ Cutting Decks
  • Pump: Parker 16cc
  • Type: Axial piston
  • Displacement: 16.0 cc/rev
  • Motor: Parker
  • Type: Gerotor
  • Displacement: 280 cc/rev
  • Peak Torque: 684 ft.lb
  • Reservoir: 2 quart integral

UHT Hydro – 12cc

  • Used on Lazer Z E-Series, Lazer Z S-Series and Lazer Z X-Series with 48″ and 52″ Cutting Decks
  • Pump: Parker 12cc
  • Type: Axial piston
  • Displacement: 11.4 cc/rev
  • Motor: Parker
  • Type: Gerotor
  • Displacement: 240 cc/rev
  • Peak Torque: 684 ft.lb
  • Reservoir: 2 quart integral

Learn more about the advantage of Exmark hydro drive systems at Exmark.com/Exmark-Advantage/Features/Hydros.

 

 

The Value of Propane Mowers in Today’s Economy

Sunday, March 20th, 2016
Exmark Lazer Z Propane

The reduced greenhouse gasses propane mowers produce isn’t just good for the environment, it’s a great marketing advantage.

Each day, a growing number of landscape professionals open their eyes to the potential of modern propane-fueled commercial mowers. Even as gasoline prices have come down in recent months, propane is still extremely price competitive and the environmental benefits of propane mowers are in-line with what the majority of landscape maintenance customers say they’re looking for in a landscape contractor (see first bullet point below).

Exmark’s white paper, Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane, has a number of compelling reasons you should consider propane mowers for your business. Following is an excerpt from the Executive Summary.

  • 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 typically 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.
  • 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 2013. The EFI-propane Vantage S-Series stand-on riding mower followed in 2015.
  • 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). In addition, robust, sealed containers virtually eliminate the opportunity for fuel spillage.
  • The selection of a retailer and the negotiation of a seasonal contract are two important aspects of a switch to propane for landscape maintenance professionals to consider.
  • 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 one to two seasons.
Click the image to download the complete Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane white paper in Adobe PDF format.

Click to download the complete white paper.

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.

See the average fuel prices in your area:

 

Spring Lawn Care Checklist

Sunday, March 13th, 2016

While the spring equinox is coming up March 20, many folks across the country have been experiencing spring-like weather for some time now. As your lawn wakes up from its winter slumber, there are things you can start doing almost immediately to clean it up and get a proactive start on maintenance.

A Note on Timing

Exmark lawn care

Paying attention to the needs of your lawn this spring will make it easier to maintain the beauty of your lawn throughout the season.

While it may seem beneficial to get out as soon as the weather begins to warm up, a little patience can go a long way to maximize the results of your work. Wait until your lawn has mostly greened up to begin mowing, aeration or other maintenance. Too much traffic on the lawn before it’s green increases the chances of killing off new shoots before they mature, or compacting the turf.

Turf Type Matters

Understanding whether you’ve got cool-season grasses (such as bluegrass, fescue and rye) or warm-season grasses (such as Bermuda, St. Augustine and Zoysia) is important to knowing which maintenance tasks you’ll need to perform, and when it’s best to perform them.

Cool-season grasses have two primary growth periods: one in the spring and another in the fall. They can struggle and go dormant in the heat of the summer, so spring maintenance should focus on strengthening the lawn to better deal with summer heat.

Warm-season turf grasses begin growing shortly after the final spring frost and hit their full growth stride as the midsummer heat cranks up.

Here are some maintenance items you can perform to help your lawn be more beautiful and weed-free this season, with notes on timing for warm- and cool-season grasses:

  1. Yard raking/clean-up — Most lawns can use some clean up first thing in the spring. Rake up all leaf and organic material to ensure your lawn is getting the sunlight it needs to green up quickly. As you rake up the leaves in your yard, make note of any areas of the lawn that may be compacted (and need to be aerated) or have excessive thatch (and need to be dethatched).
  2. Fertilization — You won’t necessarily need to fertilize your lawn in the spring, particularly if you applied fertilizer last fall. But depending on what type of fertilizer program you’re on, spring can be a good time to have your soil tested to check available nutrient levels. Cool-season grasses can benefit from a light fertilizer application in the spring, once they’re actively growing. For warm-season grasses, it’s best to fertilize in late spring — typically in April or May — as soon as the lawn greens up and is actively growing.
  3. Weed control — Regardless of whether you have warm- or cool-season grasses, a spring application of pre-emergence herbicide can be very beneficial for your lawn. For control of annual weeds such as crabgrass and foxtail, you want to apply the weed control as soon as the soil temperature consistently reaches 55 degrees. Often, your local extension office can help you understand the soil temperatures for your area. If you plan to perform any seeding to your lawn, you will want to choose your herbicide carefully, as most will prevent the germination of grass seed. According to the University of Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, the only pre-emergence herbicide that can be used with new seeding is siduron, which is commonly sold as Tupersan.
  4. Seeding — Cool-season grasses can be planted as soon as soil temperatures are consistently in the 50s (and air temps are in the 60s). The goal is to plant as soon as conditions allow to give the grass as much time to establish before the stress of summer heat bears down on it. Fall is a better time to plant cool-season grasses, so your focus for spring planting should ideally be on filling in bare spots. Warm-season grasses should be planted when soil temperatures are consistently in the 60s and all threat of frost has passed.
  5. Mower maintenance — We covered spring mower maintenance comprehensively in this post from Feb. 17, 2016.

 

You may find that if your lawn went into the winter in a well-maintained condition, it may not need all of these steps to be ready for spring. Lawn maintenance you performed in the fall, such as aeration or dethatching, may or may not need an additional spring application. It all depends on the condition of your lawn coming out of winter. And if you maintained your mower in the fall, you won’t need to do another comprehensive service in the spring.

For more information:

Exmark Advantage: Spindles

Wednesday, March 9th, 2016
Exmark Navigator

A half-mowed playing field doesn’t look so good, so this isn’t the time when you want trouble with a blade spindle.

When it comes to what makes an Exmark an Exmark, there isn’t one single thing you can point to and say “that’s it.” Rather, there are countless things — some big, some not so big — that add up to the unmatched performance, productivity and durability you get with Exmark mowers and lawn care equipment.

Today we’ll take a look at the blade spindles: a key feature of Exmark walk-behind, stand-on, and zero-turn riding mowers. Since they’re covered by shrouds atop the cutting deck, they aren’t parts you often think about, unless you’re having trouble with one.

Exmark Series 5/6 blade driver

This UltraCut Series 5/6 spindle cutaway shows the maintenance-free sealed bearings and 30mm splined blade driver, which eliminates impact-related bolt tightening.

If you’re relying on that mower to make your money for the day, that’s not a very appealing option. And even if you just want to mow your lawn, an awesome mower with a bad blade spindle isn’t going to get it done for you.

As a result, our designers, engineers and test crew have spent a lot of time and energy on the blade spindles on our UltraCut cutting decks. The result are spindles that do the vital job of making the blades go around with industry-leading efficiency, durability and low-maintenance.

Exmark uses tough cast aluminum housings with maintenance-free sealed, non-greasable bearing design. 25-30mm splined blade drivers (depending on UltraCut series) eliminate bolt over tightening and the spindles are completely serviceable. Exmark spindles are designed with features that minimize the opportunity for moisture ingression into the spindle assembly and/or bearings. This increases spindle lifespan considerably.

Learn more about the advantage of Exmark blade spindles at Exmark.com/Exmark-Advantage/Features/Spindles.

New Product Showcase: 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane Stand-On Rider

Sunday, March 6th, 2016

New model is Exmark’s most productive propane-fueled stand-on riding mower

Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

Equipped with a 60-inch UltraCut Series 4 cutting deck, the Vantage S-Series Propane delivers incredible productivity.

Exmark has expanded its industry-leading line of propane-fueled commercial mowers to include a 60-inch version of its Vantage S-Series Propane stand-on rider for 2016. The machine’s innovative Kohler EFI propane powerplant delivers increased fuel economy and performance combined with reduced emissions, making it one of the most environmentally friendly commercial stand-on mowers available today.

Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, said the 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane is a machine customers have frequently been requesting.

“The reception to the 52-inch Vantage S-Series Propane we launched this past year has been overwhelmingly positive,” Walters said. “That said, one thing we’ve heard is of a need for a larger propane-fueled stand-on rider.

“The 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane will give these customers the cutting width they need to maximize productivity, combined with the cost-saving advantage of our cutting-edge Kohler EFI propane powerplant. It’s a win-win situation. More productivity combined with lower cost equals greater profit. It’s as simple as that.”

Kohler Command Pro EFI Propane engine

The state-of-the-art Kohler Command Pro EFI propane engine offers increased performance, responsiveness and fuel efficiency.

The Vantage S-Series Propane is powered by a state-of-the-art Kohler Command Pro PCV740 V-Twin EFI propane engine. The professional-grade design uses automotive-style closed-loop electronic fuel injection to eliminate carburetor-related issues and automatically adjust to load, weather and altitude for better performance every day. Plus, the EFI design offers car-like ease of starting – just turn the key and go. No choke, no priming and no fuel pressure adjustments needed.

The 60-inch UltraCut Series 4 side-discharge cutting deck features Exmark’s patented flow-control baffles to deliver the company’s signature quality of cut. Heavy-duty welded construction and high-strength 7-gauge spindle reinforcements deliver superior strength with increased long-term durability. Maintenance-reducing features include sealed, no-maintenance spindles and Exmark’s patented spherical bearing design idler arm pivots.

“When combined with the incredibly reliable Kohler EFI propane powerplant, the maintenance-reducing features help keep the Vantage S-Series Propane out making money more of the time,” Walters added.

The new 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane mower joins Exmark’s existing EFI propane Lazer Z (zero-turn rider), Turf Tracer (walk-behind) and Vantage (stand-on) models.

Learn more at Exmark.com.

Exmark Advantage: Engines

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016
Exmark Quest S-Series Front Steer

The Exmark Quest family of mowers features Exmark engines exclusively (Quest S-Series Front Steer shown).

If you mow lawns for a living, then you already know – the mower engine makes all the difference in a machine. That’s why, at Exmark, we give so much thought to matching engine and machine for the most optimized mower performance possible.

On select models, we even develop our own engines – built precisely to our specifications and allowing us to control engine quality from start to finish.

Features and innovations include:

  • Super-quick and easy oil drain system.
  • Advanced air intake system specially designed to decrease dirt ingestion and increase performance.
  • Cast-aluminum intake and dual-barrel carburetor with vacuum choke release.
  • Cast-iron cylinder liners offer increased long-term durability.

Check out this video introduction to the Exmark 708cc twin-cylinder engine:

After the sale, we’ll be right there with you as well – with industry-leading parts, service, technical support and a powerful 3-year warranty.

Learn more about Exmark engines at Exmark.com.

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

Sunday, February 28th, 2016

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

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

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

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

Lazer Z X-Series

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

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

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

Pioneer S-Series zero-turn rider

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

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

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

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

Spring 2016 Special Offers from Exmark

Sunday, February 21st, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finance Options

Exmark Commercial 30

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

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

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

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

 

Spring is Coming… Is Your Mower Ready?

Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

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

Exmark blades

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Service resources at Exmark.com:

 

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

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016

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

Exmark EFI propane

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

What is EFI?

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

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

Exmark Navigator

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

EFI Benefits

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

Exmark EFI-Equipped Mowers

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

Learn more about Exmark Electronic Fuel Injection mowers.

Additional Information