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Loftness Adds Lightweight Mulching Head For Compact Excavators
Jessica Schwartz
Landscape Product Manufacturer News For Summer 2022
As Summer winds down, it’s no surprise that the busy Green Industry is packed with corporate news. Here are a few highlights from the Summer season. KIOTI Tractor Receives 2022 Gold Level Award KIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA, Inc., recently received the 2022 Gold Level Award from the Equipment Dealers Association (EDA). This recognition is determined by dealer ratings gathered via the EDA’s annual Dealer-Manufacturer Relations Survey. KIOTI received exceptionally high ratings from dealers, setting the company apart and earning special recognition within its category. This year marks the fifth time KIOTI received the EDA’s Gold Level Award in the past decade. Previous years in which KIOTI was recognized include 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019. EDA’s annual awards recognize manufacturers that are leading the industry by providing top-quality service, support, products and parts to dealers in the United States and Canada. Each year, the EDA administers a Dealer-Manufacturer Relations Survey that focuses on 12 categories including overall satisfaction, product availability and quality, technical support, parts availability, marketing and advertising support, and customer service. Gold Level Awards are presented to manufacturers that receive exemplary ratings and score exceptionally well for their respective categories. Syngenta Extends SummerPay™ To help customers manage expenses, Syngenta is introducing extended SummerPay™ terms on purchases of products needed to maintain clients’ lawns. Landscapers can defer payment until June 20, 2023 on purchases of the following products made until Sept. 30, 2022: Headway® fungicide 2×1 Headway 10-gal. LinkPak™ Instrata® fungicide 2×2.5 Warm Season Herbicide Solution Those that ...
STIHL and Briggs & Stratton Announce New Manufacturing Relationship
STIHL Inc. and Briggs & Stratton announce a new manufacturing relationship that will expand the offerings of STIHL products in the U.S. Through this relationship, STIHL will launch a line of zero-turn mowers for professionals and homeowners. The new products will be available in select authorized local STIHL Dealers beginning in January 2023. STIHL will add zero-turn mowers to its line of outdoor power solutions for landscaping, tree care, construction, cleaning and gardening. Combined with the existing gasoline and battery-powered handheld outdoor power equipment range, the addition of zero-turn mowers allows STIHL and STIHL dealers to provide one of the broadest ranges of outdoor power equipment in America. Briggs & Stratton will manufacture the new line of zero-turn mowers to meet STIHL specifications and quality standards. “The introduction of zero-turn mowers allows our network of authorized local STIHL Dealers to offer an even greater breadth of product solutions for our customers who turn to STIHL for world class products and support to meet their garden and landscape needs,” said Terry Horan, STIHL Inc. President and CEO. “Working with Briggs & Stratton, a well-established leader in this product category, allows us to bring a superior product to market for both demanding professionals and discerning homeowners.” “We take great pride that STIHL has seen in Briggs & Stratton what we have known for years – we design, engineer and manufacture the best zero-turn mowers on the market,” said Steve Andrews, Briggs & Stratton president and CEO. “With a 114-year legacy of power ...
Vanguard Hosts Training Session for Spanish Speaking Landscape Equipment Techs
During the first week of April, Vanguard® hosted a Spanish version of its popular Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) service training. Hispanic and Latino individuals represent one of the largest and most rapidly growing groups within the professional landscape and adjacent industries. To better serve this audience, Briggs & Stratton is prioritizing training and continued education opportunities that are accessible and inclusive through sessions like the Spanish EFI service training. The course, taught by Briggs & Stratton global bilingual product service trainer, Flavio Miranda, provided hands-on training focused on troubleshooting circuits, sensor theory and testing, system component testing, use of diagnostic tools and a laptop software overview and troubleshooting lab. EFI technology is an important feature for landscape fleet managers looking to maximize fuel efficiency in the face of rising fuel costs and tightening margins. By offering EFI training in Spanish, Vanguard is working to increase access to knowledge and practices that will help these individuals better serve their customers. According to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. landscape industry employs almost 1.6 million workers and generates almost 959,000 jobs in other related industries. Latinos represent over 830,000 workers in those two categories. Despite representing such a large portion of the industry, there is a historic lack of training options available in Spanish. “Vanguard is committed to supporting our OEM partners, dealers and their customers as both a power solutions provider and a trusted source for training and ongoing education,” said Carissa Gingras, senior director of Marketing at Briggs ...
Powerful Debris Management In A Compact Frame
Ferris, a brand of Briggs & Stratton®, has expanded its line of stand-on blowers with a new compact offering, the FB1000 Hurricane. The new unit is a great addition for any landscaping crew looking to expand its operations to get more done faster than ever before. While the 35.5″ overall width of the FB1000 is compact, it does not sacrifice power. Its Vanguard® V-Twin engine delivers 18hp* of reliable power. Coupled with a large horizontal impeller, the stand-on blower can provide 3500 CFM and 150+mph of hands-free debris cleaning power at ground speeds of up to eight mph. “Landscapers have told us that they needed a stand-on blower with a smaller footprint for some jobs, and the FB1000 delivers,” said Kody Van Sistine, Ferris brand manager. “It’s a perfect addition to any growing lawn care or groundskeeping fleet and is packed with features to drive productivity and ensure operator comfort.” Other features of the FB1000 include: Patented foot-driven airflow direction control allows operators to keep their hands on the operating controls and maintain productivity. A fold-up operator platform is isolated from bumps through polymer platform bumpers making for a more comfortable operating experience. The 20 x 8-8 drive tires optimize stability and traction, while the flat-free front caster tires deliver reliable performance on all types of terrain. Ergonomic steering controls and simple choke and throttle controls, plus a key-operated start, make the FB1000 intuitive to operate. The FB1000 Hurricane is available through local Ferris Dealers with an MSRP of ...
Ferris Mowers Sponsors NCAA Basketball Ranking
A weekly ranking of the top 25 NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams is being sponsored this year by Ferris Mowers, a leading commercial and industrial turf care equipment provider, and part of the Briggs & Stratton family of brands. The 2021 Ferris Mowers Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, in conjunction with the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), was launched January 4 by USA TODAY Sports. For over 25 years, USA TODAY Sports has partnered with the NABC to produce the ranking. The Ferris Mowers Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll will be conducted weekly throughout the men’s college basketball regular season. A panel of NABC-member Division I head coaches, representing each of the 32 Division I conferences, votes on the poll each week. The rankings are published by USA TODAY Sports online on Mondays and in print on Tuesdays, reaching an audience of more than 60 million sports fans. Ferris Mowers will also receive the naming rights of the Ferris Mowers NABC National Championship Trophy, which will be presented to the Division I men’s basketball team that finishes first in the final poll of the season in April. “Each season, college basketball’s best teams are recognized through our weekly Coaches Poll and the presentation of the prestigious NABC National Championship Trophy,” said Craig Robinson, Executive Director, National Association of Basketball Coaches. “We are excited to partner with Ferris Mowers to amplify the poll and trophy, and in doing so, further celebrate the accomplishments of our game’s coaches and student-athletes.” ...
Billy Goat Offers Equipment Deals For Goatoberfest
Billy Goat, manufacturer of property cleanup products, is celebrating its annual Goatoberfest* campaign, a Fall Clean-up Spectacular providing combo deals plus finance options that support contractors through the optimal leaf season. Through 12/31/20 at participating dealer stores, Goatoberfest specials are being offered on any combination of blowers (starting at 9 gross hp†) with any Billy Goat 13.0 – 37.0 gross HP† debris loader. When combined with the company’s “Recovery Financing**” Special of up to 120-day deferred and zero down or low interest options up to four years, landscape contractors can benefit from Goatoberfest savings with the lowest financing ever offered by Billy Goat. Billy Goat offers an extensive line-up of blowers from 6.0 to 35.0 gross HP†. Force wheeled blowers are up to 34% lighter and have up to 52% more debris blowing force and up to 55% more air velocity than others on the market. Aim n Shoot™ technology directs air flow where it’s needed, directly from the blower’s handle. The award-winning Hurricane X3000 and Z3000 zero turn stand-on blowers features optimum commercial leaf and debris clean up from seamless operating controls to directional blowing options including left, right, and center. The Patented Quad Control Handle System™ provides seamless forward/reverse direction, automatic return to neutral, integrated operator presence control and a self-activating parking brake. The Patented Dual Deflector Air Flow System™ allows the operator to change angle of air flow for deeper more efficient cleaning of leaves and debris. And, the award-winning Next Gen Debris Loader series (shown here) ...
Briggs & Stratton Files For Bankruptcy Protection
Citing challenges faced during COVID-19, Briggs & Stratton Corporation announced it has filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11. The world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, the company designs, manufacturers, and markets power generation, lawn and garden, and turf care products through its Briggs & Stratton®, Simplicity®, Snapper®, Ferris®, Vanguard®, Allmand®, Billy Goat®, Murray®, Branco®, and Victa® brands. The move allows for a court-supervised voluntary reorganization and helps the company address its debt obligations while continuing to operate. Todd Teske, Briggs & Stratton’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Over the past several months, we have explored multiple options with our advisors to strengthen our financial position and flexibility. The challenges we have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic have made reorganization the difficult but necessary and appropriate path forward to secure our business. It also gives us support to execute on our strategic plans to bring greater value to our customers and channel partners. Throughout this process, Briggs & Stratton products will continue to be produced, distributed, sold and fully backed by our dedicated team.” As part of the filing, Briggs & Stratton entered into a definitive stock and asset purchase agreement with KPS Capital Partners, LP. Under the terms of the agreement, KPS will assume certain customer, employee and vendor liabilities, and will act as the stalking-horse bidder through a court-supervised sale process (known as a Section 363 process). Among other things, the sale agreement is subject to higher or better bids from other ...
RMLCS: Making A Difference, One Lawn At A Time
While several companies have generously reached out to provide free lawn care to first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s one organization (besides GreenCare for Troops) that has championed this charitable spirit since 2016. Raising Men Lawn Care Service (RMLCS) provides free mowing, raking, and snow shoveling for single mothers, veterans, elderly, and those who are disabled. But here’s the twist: it’s kids age seven to 17 who do the work! Designed to promote community awareness and volunteerism in future generations, RMLCS is a platform for youth to give back to those in need. And the kids gain a variety of valuable lawn care and social skills, which enables and influences them to pass along the keys of charitable giving to the next generation. RMLCS is the brain child of Rodney Smith, Jr. of Alabama. He was driving home from college one day in Huntsville when he saw an elderly man, a Mr. Brown, struggling to mow his lawn. Smith jumped out of his car to help the man and later, realizing there must be many others like Brown, made a pledge to himself: he would mow 40 lawns for people in need. When he reached that number in less than two months, he upped his goal to 100 lawns. Eventually, as word spread of Smith’s efforts, he received news about kids he had inspired to mow lawns in their areas. It gave Smith an idea and RMLCS was born — and with it came “The 50 Yard Challenge,” ...
Ferris ISX3300 Mowers Powered By Vanguard ETC Technology Engine
Briggs & Stratton Corporation’s Ferris brand has introduced two all-new models in the Ferris ISX3300 platform powered exclusively by the Vanguard BIG BLOCK 40.0 Gross HP* EFI ETC engine (seen here), the first in the lineup to feature Vanguard’s all-new electronic throttle control (ETC) technology. The ETC technology reacts instantaneously to any applied load from its environment to maintain power when the application demands. Equipping the premier zero turn mower in the Ferris line — which also features the industry’s most advanced independent suspension system, Forefront™ — with the most powerful engine in the Vanguard lineup creates an ultimate mowing solution. “The all-new ISX3300 models — equipped with Vanguard’s most powerful engine yet — allow the mower to harness and put to work more of the power created by the engine,” said Jennifer Walth, senior marketing manager at Ferris. “This allows the mower to make quick work of long, dense, wet grass for added productivity so our operators can go home feeling good at the end of a long day.” The new ISX3300 models benefit from Vanguard’s all-new ETC technology. A flywheel speed sensor detects any change in speed and sends a signal to the throttle body, ensuring consistent engine speed and quality of cut, no matter the environment or load. Also equipped with EFI, this engine has improved starting at all temperatures, smooth performance at all elevations, quick load acceptance, and reduced fuel consumption. “We’re excited to offer Ferris customers another opportunity to benefit from Vanguard’s superior performance and ...
Ferris IS 3200 Midnight Limited Edition Commercial Mower Debuts
Briggs & Stratton Corporation debuted its new Ferris® IS® 3200 Midnight limited edition commercial mower at the recent GIE+EXPO to celebrate its 20th anniversary of suspension technology. Available for a limited-time only, new styling highlights a premium Ferris suspension, new rugged tires and a multifunctional front end guard with recessed jack mount for increased accessibility and LED lights for increased visibility. Premium features on the new IS 3200 Midnight limited edition mower allow operators to work comfortably while achieving the highest cut quality. Benefits include: Unrivaled Comfort: A premium HP shock system with a 12-position adjustable dampening, and progressive rate spring allows the shock to smoothly absorb smaller bumps while being firm enough to handle big dips. A top-of-the-line, two-tone suspension seat with headrest optimizes operator comfort. Improved Cut Quality: The upgraded shocks and springs on the IS 3200 Midnight limited edition mower allow the patented adjustable front and rear suspension technology and the iCD Cutting System to follow the terrain even more closely, allowing the systems to work even better. Easy Access, Better Visibility: A new multi-functional front end guard provides a recessed jack mount for easy access to deck components and recessed LED headlights for loading enclosed trailers at dusk, extending the day. Improved Traction: New tires feature a rugged, deep tread design for added traction. “The IS 3200 Midnight edition is the first unit crafted by the Advanced Concepts Team,” said Joe Ferris, product manager, commercial products. “This select, cross-functional team took the IS 3200 model to ...
