Posts Tagged ‘mower’

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

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When to Stop Mowing Your Lawn for the Season

Thursday, September 17th, 2015

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

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

What to Look For

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

Aeration -- when to stop mowing

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

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

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

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

Cooler Temps = Less Frequency & Lower Cutting Height

when to stop mowing lawn

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

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

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

Fall is a Good Time to Fertilize

Fall dethatching -- when to stop mowing

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

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

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

Citations and References:

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

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Mower 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.

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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.

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Exmark Introduces New Accessories for Navigator

Thursday, January 8th, 2015

Available rotary broom and powered hopper lift options increase ease-of-use, multi-season utility

Exmark has expanded the accessories available for the Navigator dedicated bagging riding mower to include a rotary broom attachment, as well as a powered hopper lift system. The new accessories increase productivity and versatility for professional landscape contractors.

The powered hopper lift makes it incredibly easy to dump clippings from the Navigator's hopper.

The powered hopper lift makes it incredibly easy to dump clippings from the Navigator’s hopper.

“When we redesigned the Navigator in 2013, one of our goals was to make the machine easier to operate,” said Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters. “The powered hopper lift option gives Navigator operators the ability to empty a full load of clippings at the touch of a finger. Nothing could be easier.”

In addition to the powered hopper lift system, Exmark has also introduced a rotary broom for the Navigator. This not only increases the machine’s versatility during the cutting season, it expands the potential uses for the Navigator well beyond the cutting season.

According to Exmark Parts and Accessories Marketing Manager, Mark Aldendifer, the rotary broom is designed to perform in a variety of applications, from thatch reduction to snow removal, thanks to two available brush materials.

“Versatility is the name of the game with the Navigator rotary broom attachment. It is shipped with the heavy-duty black bristle set – optimal for snow and general debris removal. We also offer an optional yellow turf bristle set, which has been optimized for dethatching operations.”

The Navigator rotary broom allows angle adjustment of 20-degrees left or right, quickly from the driver’s seat.

The rotary broom attachment expands the usefulness of the Navigator well beyond the cutting season.

The rotary broom attachment expands the usefulness of the Navigator well beyond the cutting season.

A factory-authorized aftermarket accessory, Exmark partnered with M-B Companies, Inc. for manufacturing and sales of the Navigator rotary broom. The system requires installation of a quick hitch (sold separately). Once dealer installation of the quick hitch is complete, the rotary broom fits-up quickly without tools.

The Navigator’s large 9.5-bushel collection hopper increases productivity by allowing operators to spend more time mowing and less time managing the hopper. To further increase the productivity of the Navigator, Exmark developed an exclusive fill-reduction system, which increases the versatility of the machine by allowing the operator to quickly and easily switch from dedicated bagging to fill-reduction mode (30 percent bagging, 70 percent mulching), or 100 percent mulching.

Exmark offers the Navigator with a choice of 42- or 48-inch cutting decks. The floating design precisely tracks ground contours to virtually eliminate scalping. Patented flow-control baffles and a large-diameter blower allow the Navigator to generate massive airflow for increased vacuuming action and a superior, manicured quality of cut.

The 4 5/8-inch deep cutting deck features a rear-discharge design for superior clipping flow-through, reduced noise and the ability to trim on both sides of the deck. Constructed of high-strength welded steel, the Navigator cutting deck also features heavy-duty gear-driven spindle assemblies to deliver superior reliability and long-term durability.

The Navigator features Exmark’s FeatherTouch controls, which deliver smoother, more precise control for effortless maneuvering, even in tight spaces. Updated to reduce control force and provide a more consistent feel throughout lever travel, the FeatherTouch controls are easy-to-operate and offer an increased range of adjustment to precisely fit a wide range of operator sizes.

Two powerful Kohler engine options are available for the 2014 Navigator, including the CH640 Command V-twin, and the ECH730 Command EFI V-twin with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). Both engines feature heavy-duty cyclonic air filters and a Lazer Z-style hour meter module and harness for improved on-board diagnostics.

The Navigator features Superior Gear gearbox assemblies with spiral-bevel cut gears for quiet operation. Each gearbox is independently sealed to prevent cross-contamination or loss of lubricant, and Exmark engineers use 3/8-inch hardware to connect all gearboxes and shaft tubes for increased reliability and strength. Additionally, Premium Timken tapered roller bearings are used to ensure superior durability and long life.

The new accessories join a long list of productivity and versatility enhancing accessories for the Navigator, including:

  •  Custom suspension seat
  •  48-inch snow blade
  •  44-inch snow blower
  •  Mulching kit
  •  Light kit
  •  Dump Tubs

Learn more about the 2014 Exmark Navigator or find the nearest authorized Exmark dealer at Exmark.com, or call (402) 223-6300.

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It’s Time For Fall Mower Maintenance

Thursday, September 25th, 2014

As the calendar moves from summer to fall, it makes sense to turn your attention to maintaining your mower. Proper maintenance is essential to the longevity and performance of any mower, and proper service ahead of extended storage ensures the performance you enjoyed this season will carry forward to the next.

A focus on fall maintenance helps you get a quick, trouble-free start next spring.

A focus on fall maintenance helps you get a quick, trouble-free start next spring.

Start clean

It’s important to start a period of storage with a clean mower, as any debris left on the mower will either trap moisture or become fodder for a rodent nest. It’s also easier to inspect and perform necessary service prior to storage when you’re not working through a thick layer of dust and debris.

Never use solvents to clean your mower, and minimize the use of water as well. Instead, use compressed air or a leaf blower, and finish by wiping the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth. Take your time and clean the mower completely, including under the seat, under the deck, behind the wheels and around the engine and drivetrain.

Examine Your Machine

Refer to your owners manual or to Exmark.com for information about specific service schedules, but once your mower is clean, inspect it for clear signs of wear and tear and replace any parts that are at the end of their life cycle. Checking and servicing or replacing normal wear items such as belts, tires, blades and other parts restores mower performance and ensures safety and long life. Plus, replacing worn parts prior to storage gives you the opportunity to get a quick start on the next season, as your focus won’t be distracted by service related issues.

Pay particular attention to normal wear items during your mower inspection, such as the condition of blades and deck drive belts.

Pay particular attention to normal wear items during your mower inspection, such as the condition of blades and deck drive belts.

Sharpen Blades

The efficiency and quality of cut your mower delivers is highly dependent on sharp blades for top performance. After a hard season of mowing, it makes sense to sharpen your blades. In doing so, you can be confident your mower will hit the ground running when it comes out of storage in the spring.

Focus on Fuel

Extended storage can wreak havoc on an unprotected fuel system, so prior to storage it’s important to either drain the fuel tank (and system) completely, or add stabilizer to the fuel. If you go the fuel stabilizer route, be sure to run the engine for a few minutes after the stabilizer is added. This will distribute the treated fuel throughout the fuel system to keep it clean and deposit free during storage.

Remove the Battery

When storing a mower for extended periods, it’s a good idea to remove the battery from the machine and store it in a climate controlled area (preferably at 50-70 degrees F). Not only will this preserve battery condition, it will ensure that a leaking battery doesn’t cause corrosion to the mower frame during storage. Learn more about caring for batteries in this post from Exmark’s David Martin.

Fresh Lube is Good

Lubrication is the life blood of your mower, and it’s important to refresh all lubricants prior to extended storage. This includes changing the engine oil and filter as well as the hydro (drive) fluid and filter, and greasing all zerk-equipped bearings on the machine.

Replace both engine and hydro oil and filter(s) prior to extended storage.

Replace both engine and hydro oil and filter(s) prior to extended storage.

Take your time when lubricating your mower, as it’s important to remove any load or binding from bearings being greased. This ensures lubrication reaches the entire bearing instead of just a portion of it. Also, inspect bearings for wear and/or play, and replace any bearings that have been compromised in any way.

Storage Considerations

Regardless of where you store your mower — in a barn, under a waterproof tarp, or in an inclosed trailer — it’s just as important to keep rodents at bay as it is to keep the elements out. There are a variety of traps and chemicals to choose from, and natural solutions such as oil of peppermint or Osage oranges can also be effective at keeping your machine free of vermin. It’s important to avoid the use of harsh chemicals on your machine, as many can cause damage to its finish, or to specific components. Your local Exmark dealer can be a good resource for suggestions to control rodents specific to your area.

Keeping moisture at bay is equally important. Store your mower in a place where snow, rain and ice can not reach it. Rust can appear quickly on stored machines left out in the elements, so keeping your mower in a well-protected place preserves not just its longevity, but also its performance.

Learn more mower service tips at http://www.exmark.com/ServiceTips.aspx. Locate the service schedule for your Exmark machine at http://www.exmark.com/MaintenanceSchedules/.

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Morton Buildings and Exmark are “Giving Away the Farm”

Tuesday, August 19th, 2014

Register to win a prize package worth more than $76,000

 

Morton Buildings presents its “Giving Away the Farm” event for the fifth consecutive year. The winner will receive a $50,000 Morton building, and for the first time, will also receive an Exmark zero-turn mower and a Bad Boy Buggy.  Total value of the prize package is more than $76,000.

Morton Buildings is giving away a more than $76,000 prize package including a top-of-the-line Exmark Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn rider.

Morton Buildings is giving away a more than $76,000 prize package including a top-of-the-line Exmark Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn rider.

The building will be awarded to the winner as a $50,000 credit towards the construction of a Morton building of the winner’s choice.  The recipient must be 21 years of age or older and own land within the Morton Buildings service area to be eligible.  Individuals may register for the sweepstakes at any Morton Buildings exhibit at participating trade shows, as well as mortonbuildings.com.

Participating Trade Shows

  • Dakotafest – South Dakota (August 19-21)
  • Minnesota State Fair (August 21-September 1)
  • Iowa Farm Progress (August 26-28)
  • Kansas State Fair (September 5-14)
  • Clay County Fair – Iowa (September 6-14)
  • Big Iron Show – North Dakota (September 9-11)
  • Husker Harvest Show – Nebraska (September 9-11)
  • Ohio Farm Science Review (September 16-18)
  • World Dairy Expo – Wisconsin (September 30-October 4)
  • Sunbelt Expo – Georgia (October 14-16)

The Exmark Lazer Z X-Series Mower, valued at $11,899, boasts a Kawasaki FX801FV commercial grade engine.  It also features a 60-inch UltraCut Series 6 cutting deck, an exclusive Iso-mount seat isolation system and an exclusive hydro-drive system.  Additional information can be found at Exmark.com.

The Bad Boy Buggies Ambush iS 4×4 ATV has 28 horsepower, a 720cc air-cooled V-twin cylinder gas powertrain on the rear axle and a 48-volt AC electric drivetrain on the front axle.  The buggy, which has a 9.6 cubic-foot cargo bed, will also feature independent suspension and on-the-fly battery recharge.  The ATV has a retail value of $14,399.  More details are available at badboybuggies.com.

The sweepstakes will end at 11:59:59 p.m. CDT on Thursday, October 16 and is available to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and Washington, D.C.  No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter. Additional information, rules and restrictions for the sweepstakes can be found at mortonbuildings.com.

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The Crystal Ball of the Farming Community

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

The countdown has begun for this year’s National Farm Machinery Show. We’re loading up the trailers, filling up the tanks and heading to Louisville, Kentucky for another exciting year of meeting customers, answering questions and unveiling the latest and greatest in our mower line-up.

This year, we’ll have the new Pioneer Series and the newly designed Quest mower on display. They’re the latest consumer machines to be included in the Exmark family.

If you’ll be at the show, swing by booth 5050 to get a closer look at the mowers. We’ll also be on hand if you’d like to chat about all things turf.

If you’re not familiar with the show, it’s the nation’s largest indoor farm show that offers a great look at what you should expect in the coming year. If you want to learn more about the show, click here.

We hope to see all of you there.

Have you been to the show? Going to the show this year? Let us know with a comment below.

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Mower TLC

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

For those of you that haven’t had a chance to check out some of our older posts about maintenance for your Exmark, here’s a refresher. Sure, your Exmark mowers are tough machines, but even the metal beasts need to be shown a certain amount of care to keep giving the results you and your customers are looking for. Here are a few ways to help your equipment get the job done right.

  • Change the gas and oil soon after taking out your mower. Gas that has been sitting in the tank throughout the winter becomes lower in quality and has a tendency to go stale faster, causing damage to your mower.
  • Check the blades before any big job. Seriously. Do it. With a little practice, you can change a set of blades and be mowing in less than five minutes, and the higher quality cut is sure to impress.
  • Give your mower a good cleaning inside and out since grass clippings can often hide out of plain sight. It may require a little more work, but in the end better airflow through the deck will deliver more of the cut quality you’ve come to expect.
  • It’s not exactly manly, but reading the manual is essential for proper care of your equipment. Even if you’re a mower maintenance guru, the difference from one model to the next can be staggering.
  • If something does go wrong, call up an expert. A few well spoken words of wisdom can save a do-it-yourselfer from hours of headache.

See? It doesn’t take that much to keep your mower happy, which, in the end, will keep you happy.

We’d love to hear how you keep your mower in tip-top shape.

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Our Motivation Behind the First Lazer Z

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

Lazer Z X-SeriesIt’s hard to believe that the Lazer Z has been around for more than 16 years. Back in May 1994, when we first started working on the best-selling mower, we wanted to fill a hole in the marketplace. Mowers of that time were big machines that lacked productivity and reliability. They wasted time on the grass and wasted valuable space on trailers. So we decided that our mower wasn’t going to be just productive and reliable, but it was going to be a machine that would deliver an unmistakable cut. It would also be a machine that minded its space.

But before we rolled up our sleeves and cranked up the factory floor, we put on our comfy shoes and traveled to some of our territories to hear firsthand what pros want in a mower.

With feedback in hand, we headed to Beatrice and started building our vision. More than a year later, the very first Lazer Z rolled off the line. It was the first mid-mount mower to provide a quality cut with every job, and to do it in less time. It was a mower that wasn’t just productive, but extremely reliable. It was the first machine to take up less trailer space, allowing room for the rest of the fleet. It was truly a product that revolutionized the industry; it changed how a landscape pro mowed.

Of course the Lazer Z of today is different from its humble beginnings, but not by much. We transformed and improved on a few of its features, but we kept the productivity, reliability and quality of cut just as impressive as the original model.

It’s been a long, rewarding road. One we would travel on if we had to do it all over again.

Do you remember your first Lazer Z? We’d love to hear from you.

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