A maintenance project isn't complete on any property you service until you've attended to every detail. You'll need trimmers, edgers and backpack blowers to give every property that finishing, professional touch.
Trimming is commonly done with a string trimmer, and refers to a vertical trim of the edges using a small, spinning head with plastic twine acting as a cutting head. It's generally done along sidewalks and driveways, but is also used to trim turf around obstacles where most mowers can't reach.
Andrew Johnson, Little Wonder product manager, says contractors should be looking for "reliability of the unit - they need to know that the unit is dependable and going to give consistent results."
Edgers are similar to trimmers, however they feature metal blades and a vertical cutting head. They're used for defining a landscape bed or separating any area of the landscape from turf by creating dramatic cut lines.
"Landscape contractors are facing the same issues as all other companies: less business with decreased margins. Decreased margins means that every minute on the job must be productive billable time. Anything a contractor can do to be more productive helps make up for the decreased margin," says Jim Day of Turf Teq. Productivity is the name of the game, he stresses.
Backpack blowers can make quick cleanup of debris to leave a polished site for your clients. They use forced air to blow leaves and debris into piles, making them easier to pick up and dispose of, as well as disperse clippings and clean walkways and patios.
Patsy Penner, marketing coordinator for The Grasshopper Company, says that for 2012, the "trends are towards finding ways to reduce fuel usage and maintain sustainable lawns," which involves using efficient equipment to do more in less time.
The manufacturers here know you need solid and versatile tools to produce a top-notch job. We've even added a section for companies who offer accessories specific to these types of equipment. Whatever you're in the market for - trimmer, edger, backpack blower or an accessory for what you already have - take a look here first. Also, you can find additional information about the companies highlighted in red by visiting their advertisements in this issue.
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CORE Outdoor PowerCGT400
- Engine: Electric motor
- Cutting diameter: 14 inches
- Feature: Instant trigger start, dual-mode controls for torque and speed
www.coreoutdoorpower.com |
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EchoSRM-280T
- Engine: 28.1cc Power Boost Vortex
- Cutting diameter: 17 inches
- Feature: Debris shield with built-in cutoff knife for optimum line length
www.echo-usa.com |
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GravelyPro-Trim
- Engine: 4.5 hp Kohler
- Cutting diameter: 22 inches
- Feature: 14-gauge steel deck, four-position height adjustment
www.gravely.com |
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HondaHHT25SLTA
- Engine: GX25 or GX35
- Cutting diameter: 17 inches
- Feature: Mini-4-stroke technology, Quick Start system, uses regular gas
www.honda.com |
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KawasakiKGT27
- Engine: 26.3cc Kawasaki TJ27E
- Cutting diameter: 17.25 inches
- Feature: Steel driveshaft, accepts attachments, heavy-duty air filter
www.kawpower.com |
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Little Wonder2230S
- Engine: 21.2cc
- Cutting diameter: Cut growth up to 1 inch thick
- Feature: 30-inch blade, two-position front handle, rubber mounts
www.littlewonder.com |
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Makita USAEM2650LH
- Engine: 25.4cc
- Cutting diameter: N/A
- Feature: Steel driveshaft and easily adjustable handle
www.makitatools.com |
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PECOZ-Trimmer
- Engine: Electric
- Cutting diameter: 19 inches
- Feature: Attaches to most zero-turn mower decks, controlled from seat
www.lawnvac.com |
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ShindaiwaT254
- Engine: 24.5cc Hybrid 4
- Cutting diameter: 20 inches
- Feature: Speed-Feed head, full anti-vibration system, optional blade kit
www.shindaiwa-usa.com |
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TMC Power EquipmentKPW2750V
- Engine: 1 hp, 26.3cc Kawasaki
- Cutting diameter: 17 inches
- Feature: 7 mm solid steel driveshaft, cast-aluminum clutch housing
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Toro51484, 51486
- Engine: 20 or 24-volt lithium ion battery
- Cutting diameter: 12 inches
- Feature: Rapid charger, onboard charge meter to display battery status
www.toro.com |
Edgers |
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Buffalo TurbineEdge-N-Blow
- Engine: N/A
- Cutting depth: 15 and 20 inches
- Feature: Bucket-mounted edging system, PTO or engine-driven blower
www.buffaloturbine.com |
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E-Z TrenchBedscaper BE400
- Engine: Honda GX200
- Cutting depth: 2, 3 and 4 inches
- Feature: Steerable, angle cut, adjustable depth, mini trencher also
www.eztrench.com |
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EchoPAS-280 with Bed Redefiner
- Engine: 28.1cc
- Cutting depth: 2.25 inches
- Feature: Plastic shield with guide marker, adjustable support wheel
www.echo-usa.com |
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Eliet USAEdge Styler Pro
- Engine: 4 hp Honda GX120
- Cutting depth: Depends on blade type
- Feature: Oscillating blade, studded wheels, straight lines and curves
www.elietusa.com |
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GrasshopperEdge-Eze
- Engine: Mower attachment
- Cutting depth: 2.5 inches
- Feature: 12-inch vertical adjustment; reversible, self-sharpening disc
www.grasshoppermower.com |
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GravelyGravely Edger
- Engine: 169cc Subaru
- Cutting depth: 3 inches
- Feature: 12-gauge steel deck, 110-degree pivot head rotation
www.gravely.com |
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Little WonderBedShaper
- Engine: 13 hp Kawasaki or Honda
- Cutting depth: .5 to 4.5 inches
- Feature: Hydrostatic transmission, cuts up to 100 feet per minute
www.littlewonder.com |
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Seago InternationalAtom Professional Edger
- Engine: 33cc Mitsubishi
- Cutting depth: 3.5 inches
- Feature: Adjustable depth control, anti-vibration system, shaft drive
www.seagousa.com |
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ShindaiwaLE254
- Engine: 24.5cc Hybrid 4
- Cutting depth: 2.25 inches
- Feature: 7.75-inch Cyclone blade, ergonomically designed left handle
www.shindaiwa-usa.com |
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T. Allan PiperPiper Edger-Vac
- Engine: 6.5 hp, 190cc B&S
- Cutting depth: Up to 3 inches
- Feature: Creates crisp, clean edge while vacuuming up grass clippings
www.tallanpipercompany.com |
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Turf Teq1305 Power Edger
- Engine: 13 hp Honda
- Cutting depth: 5 inches
- Feature: Optional trenching blades, fully hydrostatic transmission
www.turfteq.com |
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TurfcoEdge-R-Rite II
- Engine: 4 hp Honda
- Cutting depth: Up to 3 inches
- Feature: Oscillating blade action, controls include depth-adjusting lever
www.turfcodirect.com |
Backpack Blowers |
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EchoPB-770
- Engine: 63.3cc
- Air volume/speed: 765 CFM, 204 mph
- Feature: Tube or hip-mounted throttle, air ventilation system
www.echo-usa.com |
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efcoSA 2700 BP
- Engine: 1.2 hp, 30.5cc
- Air volume/speed: 424 CFM, 145 mph
- Feature: Silenced muffler, throttle control positioned on discharge tube
www.efcopower.com |
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Husqvarna580BTS, 580BFS
- Engine: 75.6cc X-Torq
- Air volume/speed: 907.6 CFM, 206.2 mph
- Feature: Efficient fan design, commercial-grade air filter, comfort handle
www.husqvarna.com |
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JonseredBB 2250
- Engine: 2.2 hp, 50.2cc
- Air volume/speed: 406 CFM, 190 mph
- Feature: Clean Power engine reduces emissions, increases fuel efficiency
www.jonseredpower.com |
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RedMaxEBZ6500
- Engine: 65cc Strato-Charged
- Air volume/speed: 632.13 CFM, 232.42 mph
- Feature: Side-mounted air filter, wide shoulder straps, large back pad
www.redmax.com |
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ShindaiwaEB802RT
- Engine: 79.2cc
- Air volume/speed: 730 CFM, 191 mph
- Feature: Hush Mode, harness system with four-point adjustment
www.shindaiwa-usa.com |
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STIHLBR 600 STIHL Magnum
- Engine: 64.8cc
- Air volume/speed: 712 CFM, 201 mph
- Feature: Nozzle with extended wear area, easy-to-adjust blower tubes
www.stihlusa.com |
Accessories |
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EdgitThe Edgit is an edging guide designed for trimmers. The rolling guide indicates where the string cuts and vertically edges as fast as the operator can walk.
www.edgit.com |
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Power Chute DesignThe one-piece, ROPS-mounted trimmer rack holds trimmers and edgers. It can be transferred between mowers, with no holes to drill or permanent mounting needed.
www.powerchutedesign.com |
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TrimmerTrapThe TT-1 Trimmer Rack holds two trimmers and features welded steel construction with a powder-coat finish. Locks trimmers individually with standard padlocks.
www.trimmertrap.com |
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W.E. ChappsThe W.E. Trimmer Cover protects engines and fuel tanks. The outer material is water-repellent and resists mildew, abrasions and tears. Three liners available.
www.wechapps.com |
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Yard MunchersThe Trimmer Caddy holds a refill of fuel and a refill of trimmer string. It is constructed of steel and easy to mount on the trimmer shaft.
www.yardmunchers.com |
The Product Focuses in the May issue of Turf will be Erosion Control, and Water Features and Aquatic Weed Management. |
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