Posts Tagged ‘Exmark’

The Advantages of Stand-on Mowers for Lawn Care Businesses

Tuesday, July 19th, 2016

All the landscape training and experience in the world won’t matter if you don’t equip your team with the right tools for the job. Lawn grades, landscaping, and other factors you can’t control will always have an impact on your job, which is why you need the equipment necessary to handle each challenge that comes your way. Not only is it safer to match the right mower to the project, but choosing the best equipment can also be more cost-effective overall.Vantage X-Series stand-on mower

Depending on the type of business you run and the volume of clients you serve, a stand-on mower could be the best investment in your future. Here are the main considerations:

Property Size: The number one factor in determining which type of lawn mower to invest in is the size of the property (or properties) you tend. If you serve lots that are more than an acre in size, a push mower will take hours to get the job done. For lots that are half an acre or smaller, a riding mower will lose its precision. That’s why people who tend variable-sized lots often go for stand-on mowers. They get the job done faster than push mowers but also allow for precision in those hard-to-reach areas.

Property Type: Wide, open spaces are often best served by a riding mower, but when you’re working with tight spaces, small lawns, a lot of landscaping features, like shrubs and irregular plantings, a stand-on mower provides better maneuverability.

Transportation Needs: Traveling with one (or more) riding mowers can be a logistical nightmare, especially if space on your trailer is limited. Stand-on mowers are smaller and easier to transport, making them ideal when you don’t want to spend too much time figuring out how to get from one client’s property to another’s.

Less Turf Damage: Although zero-turn mowers have come a long way in detailed turf care, many pros prefer stand-on mowers for their precision. When a picture perfect finish is your goal, you may want to downgrade the technology for more user control.

Visibility and User Control: If you ask your team, you might find that they have a preference for stand-on mowers because it gives them more control over their work. Not only does a standing position offer better visibility, but the ability to quickly hop on and off can be instrumental when working around a large number of obstructions.

Safety: Although there is always a possibility of falling off of a stand-on mower, many businesses prefer them over riding mowers for safety reasons. This is especially true if you’ll be working with steep or slippery grades that aren’t ideal for riding mowers.

Steep Lawn Grades: Most stand-on mowers have greater hillside stability than their riding mower counterparts. Not only do stand-on mowers have a lower center of gravity, but users can shift their weight in order to counteract a slope’s incline.

Price: Money is a consideration for any lawn care business that wants to stay in the green. Stand-on mowers tend to be 10 to 20 percent less expensive than riding mowers, which can make a big difference to your bottom line—especially if you run a fleet of lawn care specialists.

While stand-on mowers can provide greater flexibility, you should remember that they typically require greater strength in the legs and back, and they tend to be slower than riding mowers. If stand-on mowers fit your business model – mainly small to mid-sized properties, hills, or yards with a lot of features — an Exmark Vantage stand-on mower offers industry-leading options in a variety of deck-sizes.

Lawn Mower Mistakes to Avoid

Wednesday, July 13th, 2016

Exmark lawn care

When you make the investment in a quality mower, regular maintenance and upkeep is a must. Therefore, it is important to avoid situations that can damage your equipment, cause wear and tear, or even increase your chances of an injury. Take better care of your lawn—and your equipment—by staying away from these common lawn mower mistakes.

 

Buying More/Less Mower Than You Need: If your yard is smaller in size or covered with many things to mow around, chances are a larger zero-turn mower might not be the right machine for the job. At the same time, a yard that’s half an acre or more could take you hours to trim with a push mower. Always match the lawn mower you use to your specific needs. Considerations like the size of your lawn, the grade of any slopes, the type of terrain and obstacles, like trees, will all play a role.

Low Oil Levels: Just like a car, low oil levels can damage your lawn mower’s engine. To avoid overheating and keep everything lubricated properly, check your mower’s oil level each time you go out.

Low Tire Pressure: If you’re noticing an uneven deck, your problem might be as simple as low tire pressure on one or all of your tires. Low pressure can cause an uneven cut and affect your ability to steer or have proper traction, so always make sure the pressure matches mower guidelines before heading out.

Clogged Decks: The common mower advice to clean out your equipment after every use exists for a reason. Mowers work best and are safest when their blades and undercarriage are clean. After you mow, and once the mower is turned off, remove any dirt, grass, weeds, or other debris, and be sure to give the equipment plenty of time to dry before you put it away.

Dull Blades: Lawn mower blades aren’t meant to last forever. Over time and with excessive use, they will grow dull and less effective overall, which can cause tearing of the grass and make the turf more susceptible to disease. If you aren’t equipped to sharpen mower blades yourself, take them to your authorized dealer for sharpening or replacement.

Not Checking for Rocks and Other Debris: Even fairly small rocks and other debris in the yard can bend or chip your mower blades, leading to dull blades and uneven cutting. More importantly, not removing these items from the lawn before mowing can cause serious injury to others or property damage. Be careful with known rocky areas in your lawn, and trim around rocks that are too big to move before mowing.

Ignoring the Air Filter: When you’re performing regular lawn mower maintenance, make sure you check the air filter. To avoid clogs, wash the filter after each use and replace it once or twice a year.

Cutting a Wet Lawn: Clumps caused by wet clippings can clog the machine, and the water-soaked grass might be more slippery than you think. Even if you’re on a tight mowing schedule, it’s safer to wait until conditions improve.

Bad Storage: A lawn mower isn’t like a car, in that it’s not ideal to leave it parked outside and exposed to the elements. Covered storage is a must when the mower isn’t in use, even if it’s just for a few days at a time; however, you will want to make sure the mower is cooled down before putting it away. You should also consider storage where rodents and other pests can get in.

You should also keep up with mower maintenance schedules and follow the safety instructions for your mower. Most accidents occur because of shortcuts or a failure to properly secure the equipment before you use it. It might take a few extra minutes to get everything running in tip-top shape, but the quality of your lawn and your safety will be well worth it.

Mulch, Bag or Blow… Which is Right for You?

Sunday, June 19th, 2016

Deciding on the perfect lawn mower is only the first step in taking control of your lawn. Although a high-end mower will go a long way in making sure your landscaping efforts are the envy of the neighborhood, regularly cutting the grass is only a small part of lawn maintenance.

If you’re not sure whether you’d like to mulch your grass clippings, bag them and toss them out, or blow any excess yard debris out of the way, here is an overview of each option.

EX16_Pioneer_S-Series_InUse_6_web72

Mulching Grass Clippings

In today’s age of eco-friendly initiatives and greener lifestyles, mulching (or “grasscycling”) is becoming an increasingly popular choice for both homeowners and commercial landscapers. Although large and unwieldly clumps of grass are both unsightly and damaging, mulched grass provides a natural and low-cost fertilizer to help keep your lawn looking greener for longer.

Grass clippings are almost entirely composed of water, which makes them a natural and easy source of hydration for your lawn. They also put up to 25 percent of the lawn’s nutrients and nitrogen back into the soil—thereby reducing your need to fertilize or add growth stimulants to your lawn. And as long as they’re less than one inch in size (which should be the case if you mow on a regular schedule), they’ll fall naturally down to the root zone of the grass and break down, which means you don’t have to do anything but let the grass clippings fall where they may.

If it’s been awhile since you last mowed, if you mow damp grass, or if your mower blades are becoming dull, you may need to do a little extra work since the mulch could clump. Most of the time, spreading the grass clippings out with a rake will do the trick. The other option is to bag portions of the mulch to be distributed at a later date (or to put somewhere like a garden or even compost heap).

 

Bagging Grass Clippings

Cleaning up grass clippings from the lawn and putting them into bags to be disposed of became popular in the 1950s, but the practice has fallen out of favor for some. In large part because it creates more work, requiring you to either rake the clippings from the yard or frequently stop to empty the bagged clippings. Either way, there’s an additional step required.

Because grass clippings are such a healthy part of lawn maintenance, and they could be put to better use in the garden, bagging them with the intent to throw them away tends to be viewed as wasteful. However, there are incidences when bagging needs to be done. When you’re mowing a very long yard, for example (with grass blades that are several inches tall), the clippings will be too big to be used as fertilizer. In this case, you’ll most likely need to bag the clippings and dispose of them. This can be done by throwing them out or by turning them into compost, as they are still very nitrogen- and nutrient-rich.

 

Blowing Grass Clippings

A third—and not very common—option is to blow the grass clippings out of the way so they don’t prove unsightly in a freshly mowed yard. This can be great if you plan to do your own edging and sidewalk cleanup afterward, but can also be an annoyance if you blow the clippings into communal neighborhood areas like the street.

Most of the time, people choose to blow because there is more than just grass mulch in the yard. Leaves, weeds, small twigs, and other debris that collect over time aren’t as nutrient rich as the grass clippings, and leaving them sitting can be damaging to your lawn over the long-term.

Here’s a better strategy: Instead of blowing the grass after you mow the lawn, we suggest you do the blowing first. That way, you remove the harmful yard debris and can bag it up separately. Then, after you mow, the only mulch is made of grass clippings, which can be left in place to provide nutrients and keep your lawn looking great.

 

Proper Mowing Key to a Healthy Lawn

Thursday, June 2nd, 2016
Exmark Pioneer S-Series

Experts say many turfgrass problems can be tracked back to improper mowing.

Many gardeners spend considerable time and money to produce a healthy, attractive lawn. Fertilizers are applied to promote root and shoot growth and produce a dark green lawn. When necessary, herbicides are used to control crabgrass and broadleaf weeds. While fertilization and weed control are important aspects of lawn maintenance, proper mowing is another vital key. In fact, many turfgrass problems can be traced back to improper mowing.

The Importance of Cut Height

Mowing height and frequency are the most important aspects of mowing. Bluegrass lawns should be maintained at 2 to 2 1/2 inches in the spring and fall months. Raise the mower blade to a height of 3 inches during summer. Mowing frequency is based on the growth rate of the turfgrass.

The 1/3 Rule

As a general rule, never remove more than 1/3 of the total leaf surface at any one mowing. For example, to maintain a lawn at 2 inches, the grass should be mowed when it reaches a height of 3 inches. In the spring it may be necessary to mow every 4 to 5 days, possibly only once every 1 to 2 weeks in summer, with more frequent mowing again in the fall. Irrigation and fertilization practices, and weather conditions dictate mowing frequency.

Mowing Tall Grass

Mowing grass that is much too tall is hard on the mower and, more importantly, is harmful to the grass. It weakens the turfgrass allowing weeds to move into the lawn. It may take several weeks for the grass to recover from a severe mowing. Another problem would be the large amounts of “hay” or clippings. Excessive amounts of clippings are unsightly, tend to smother the turfgrass and create an environment that favors disease development. Grass clippings should be bagged or raked and removed when mowing grass that has grown too tall.

Grass that has gotten extremely tall should be mowed as soon as possible. Raise the mower blade as high as possible, mow, and remove the grass clippings. Gradually reduce the height of the grass in later mowings until the lawn is being mowed at the proper height. When the lawn is mowed properly, the grass clippings do not have to be removed. The small clippings will simply filter down into the turf and decompose quickly, returning essential plant nutrients to the soil. Lawn clippings do not significantly contribute to thatch development.

Because mowers can cause serious injuries to the operator and others, follow safety precautions when mowing the lawn.

  • Dress appropriately: wear sturdy shoes and long pants.
  • Remove all debris including branches, stones, and toys from the lawn before mowing.
  • Keep children and pets at a safe distance to protect them flying debris.
  • Keep hands and feet away from the blade when the mower is running.
  • Never leave the mower running unattended (newer models automatically shut off).

Proper, careful mowing will help protect the health of the turf and the operator.

Written by Don Janssen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Educator and reposted with permission.

You can find other yard and garden articles and resources on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension website.

New Product Showcase: Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

Wednesday, May 25th, 2016

Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

New 60-inch Vantage S-Series is Exmark’s most productive propane-fueled stand-on riding mower

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 riding mower.

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 model we launched in 2015 was overwhelmingly positive,” Walters said. “That said, one thing we consistently heard from customers is of a need for a model with a larger cutting deck.

“The 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane will give these customers added width of cut 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.”

Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

The state-of-the-art Kohler EFI-propane engine is the industry’s first OEM-engineered propane powerplant for commercial mowers.

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. The EFI design also 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 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.

Measuring Mower Productivity

Sunday, May 22nd, 2016
Exmark Pioneer S-Series zero-turn riding mower

Exmark engineers its machines to deliver a better finished quality of cut in less time. Win-win.

The productivity of your mowers and lawn care equipment matters, perhaps more than you think.

Whether you’re a landscape maintenance professional, or an acreage owner looking to spend less time mowing and more time enjoying your lawn, speed and efficiency make a big difference when it comes time to getting big jobs done quickly.

Of course, speed isn’t the only factor to judge when it comes time to select a new mower. Qualities such as cut quality, durability, ergonomics, comfort and dealer support, among others, are important as well. But any business owner will tell it to you straight — time is money, and by choosing your tools wisely, you can save a lot of both with the right mower(s).

How to Determine Mower Productivity

Exmark mower productivity chart

Click the photo to visit the mower & equipment productivity resources at Exmark.com.

While there are a lot of variables that can impact the productivity of a mower or piece of lawn care equipment, it’s fairly easy to determine the potential of a machine if you know the cutting/application width and the speed at which it’s designed to run.

At Exmark.com, you can find productivity charts for mowers and turf management equipment that can be useful for determining a machine’s potential, or the gains you can expect from a new mower or piece of equipment.

You’ll find Exmark publishes productivity numbers at two efficiency levels: 100-percent; and 80-percent. That’s because, while 100-percent efficiency numbers may look impressive on paper, in the real world, most landscape professionals operate at closer to 80-percent efficiency. You can’t mow at full speed all the time, and the 80-percent figure more accurately reflects that everyday reality.

LEARN MORE

 

 

How to Mow Like a Pro

Sunday, May 15th, 2016

(StatePoint) You might not earn your living taking care of lawns, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the same quality of cut as landscape pros.

For a consistently superior cut, experts say average consumers should look for Exmark Lazer Z E-Series commercial zero-turn mowercommercial grade products.

“Homeowners can also benefit from the performance and reliability a true commercial mower offers,” says Lloyd von Scheliha, product manager at Exmark, a leading manufacturer of lawn care equipment. “You’ll get lawn care done faster and it will look better in the end. Your mower will also last longer and require less maintenance.”

Homeowners should be advised however that the term “commercial grade” is thrown around a lot these days in advertising. If you’re in the market for a new mower, you should understand what commercial grade really means before making a purchase.

“Take a look at the equipment your local landscape professionals are using and you`ll get a good feel for what commercial mowers look like,” says von Scheliha.

He says homeowners should consider the following:

  • Your mower should offer superior durability to stand the test of time. Look for fabricated cutting decks, which are stiffer, stronger and more durable than stamped decks — even reinforced models. The durability advantage should extend to the components as well.
  • Productivity and maneuverability in a mower offer average consumers time-savings, reducing the time that’s needed to cut a lawn, and then do trim work. Consider a zero-turn mower, which delivers a finished appearance more quickly than other mower types.
  • Even a commercial mower will deliver superior results longer if you perform routine maintenance. Always consult your owner’s manual to determine what specific maintenance is necessary for your machine. Cleaning, sharpening or replacing blades as they dull, replacing belts as they become worn, oil and filter changes, and other specific maintenance as outlined in your owner’s manual, will improve equipment performance and longevity.

More information about lawn care and commercial grade lawn equipment can be found at Exmark.com.

This season, take steps to be informed so you can mow like a pro.

Exmark Spreader Sprayer Video Series

Wednesday, May 11th, 2016

Introduction

Spray System Advantages

Safe Operation and Routine Maintenance

Spray and Spread System Calibration

Spray System Operation

Spreader Operation

Maintenance

Learn more about the Exmark stand-on Spreader-Sprayer at Exmark.com.

Exmark Advantage: Lazer Z Suspended Operator Platform

Wednesday, May 4th, 2016

Exmark Lazer Z Suspended Operator Platform

Exmark has 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.

Exmark Lazer Z X-Series Suspended Operator Platform

Make long days in the seat a lot less taxing with the suspended operator platform.

“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 Iso-Mount system

Exmark patented Iso-Mount isolation system

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 the advantages of Exmark’s suspended operator platform-equipped Lazer Z models and locate your local Exmark dealer at Exmark.com/Exmark-Advantage.

How to Get a Great Lawn in Less Time

Sunday, May 1st, 2016

(StatePoint) A stunning lawn is the trademark of most proud homeowners. After all, the front yard is the first thing visitors and passersby see. But achieving and maintaining the perfect landscape can be time consuming without the right tools.

Exmark Lazer Z X-Series commercial zero-turn mowerWant more of your weekends back? Experts say achieving professional-level results in less time starts with the equipment you use to do the job. Take stock of the tools in your garage or shed. Are they up to the task? If you’re spending too much time on the yard, it may be time to make some key upgrades.

The right lawnmower, for example, “is not just an investment in the beauty of your property, it’s an investment in your quality of life,” says Judy Altmaier, general manager of Exmark, a leading manufacturer of mowers and other lawn care equipment. “A faster mower means more free time, plain and simple.”

With that principle in mind, here are a few insights about what to look for when replacing an older mower with a new, more efficient model.

  • Maneuverability: Between trees, flower beds and other landscape features, a mower should be easy to maneuver, so you can mow closer and spend less time with the trimmer.
  • Quality of cut: Not all mowers offer the same quality of cut. When choosing a new mower, take this factor into consideration, as well as the type of lawn and grass you have.
  • Durability: A durable mower will include features such as welded, fabricated cutting decks, commercial engines and heavy-duty welded, tubular steel unibody frames.

For quick guidance, consider taking a cue from those who make a living by being more efficient in the yard – landscape professionals.

“These days, it’s safe to say that zero-turn riding mowers have become the tool of choice among landscape professionals,” says Altmaier.

Those from Exmark, for example, are available at various price points and offer great mower productivity, power and durability. For more information, visit www.Exmark.com.

This season, give yourself more time and energy to enjoy the yard you so painstakingly maintain.