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Kubota Tractor Corp. is introducing the ZD-300 series of zero-turn commercial mowers. Five new models are powered by energy-efficient Kubota diesel engines designed to use up to 30 percent less fuel than gasoline engines, produce fewer emissions and operate more quietly, the company says. A hydrostatic transmission offers individual control of the units’ rear wheels during turns, and is constructed of such high-strength components as a copper wear plate on the cylinder block and an external gear charge pump for durability. Deep mower decks provide precise results on rugged terrain with a flat design and improved discharge of clippings, the company says. Three deck sizes, 72-inch, 60-inch and 54-inch, are available. A full-flat operator platform gives users more leg room, and an ergonomically angled control panel in the cab offers easy access to speed controls, fuel and oil gauges, a new 1⁄4-inch cutting-height adjustment dial and locking PTO lever. Several accessories and options such as a new mulching system are available with the units. Contact Kubota Tractor Corp., 888-458-2682 (www.kubota.com).
A new backpack blower designed for heavy-duty commercial applications is now available from Husqvarna. The 170BT features an X-TORQ engine that delivers more power and torque than standard two-stroke engines, yet reduces fuel consumption and emissions, the company says. Its engine technology provides 70 minutes of run time while reducing fuel refills by 20 percent, it adds. Powered by a 65-cc engine, the 170BT supplies an air flow of 742 cfm and a 199-mph wind speed output. A two-stage air filter is designed to keep the engine clean and performing at peak capacity. Husqvarna’s LowVib antivibration system reduces vibrations felt by the operator, and the unit’s Air Purge function is intended to provide an easy start. Ergonomically designed for efficiency and productivity, the blower has a rigid backpack frame with thick padding, contoured shoulder straps, a hip belt to reduce back stress and an adjustable throttle handle with cruise control that’s mounted on the side of the tube to improve control and reduce fatigue. Contact Husqvarna, (www.husqvarna.com).
A new saltless iron remover works without the use of salt or chemicals. Available from U.S. Irrigation LLC, the AquaNue system is ideal for facilities that irrigate with well water and experience the resulting iron stains on sidewalks and buildings. Implementing AquaNue does not require salt or any chemical additives to remove iron from well water. The system can reduce the costs of chemical cleaning and other ways to remove iron stains, the company says. Contact U.S. Irrigation LLC, (www.usirrigation.us).
In preparation for its summer 2007 opening, Chambers Bay, a championship golf course in Pierce County, Wash., has launched its official Web site, www.chambers baygolf.com. The site features photographs, hole-by-hole descriptions, the history of Chambers Bay, development updates, a frequently asked questions section, a link to a monthly “Superintendent’s Update” and other course-related content. Interactive elements of the Web site allow users to book tee times, group tournaments or special events; correspond with members of the design team through its “Ask the Architect” section; or send a Chambers Bay postcard. Web site visitors also will be entered in a drawing to win VIP tickets to the course’s grand opening in June. Chambers Bay is managed and operated by KemperSports Management. Contact KemperSports Management, (www.kempersports.com).
Tanaka America Inc. has added the TBC-260PFL, an extended-reach grass trimmer/brush cutter, to its lineup. Designed with a 7-mm, solid steel, 71-inch drive shaft and powered by Tanaka’s new 25-cc, 1.3-hp PureFire engine, the TBC-260PFL also features a 5-inch semi-automatic cutting head. Other features include a heavy-duty, padded front handle and a throttle lock. The 13.2-pound unit is blade and attachment capable. The company also announces a new portable edger, the TPE-260PF (pictured). Weighing 13.9 pounds, the unit replaces the TPE-250PF and is fueled by Tanaka’s new 25-cc PureFire engine. It also features an eight-layer cable, an 8-inch cutting blade, a 23-fluid-ounce transparent fuel tank and a 3-inch cutting depth. Contact Tanaka America Inc., (www.tanaka-usa.com).
Bayer Environmental Science’s Tempo Ultra GC insecticide has received official registration for use on golf course turf and landscape plants. The pyrethroid insecticide is used to control multiple insect pests on turf, trees and ornamentals, the company says. The newest pest added to the product’s label is emerald ash borer, which tends to affect ash trees in northcentral states. It also is effective for: aphids, cutworms, flies, grasshoppers, lace bugs, leafhoppers, mosquitoes, scale, spiders, thrips and webworms. Contact Bayer Environmental Science, 800-331-2867 (www.bayerprocentral.com).
The Automatic Disc Filter, an automatic, self-cleaning, plastic disc filter from Amiad Filtration Systems, is now available. The ADF system can be configured to meet any flow requirement and handle various water qualities, the company says. With the new filtration process, water enters through an inlet pipe, enters the base of the filter chamber and passes through fin plate blades, which force the water to enter the chamber with a vortex effect. As the water swishes around in the chamber, some dirt particles are forced outward and upward, collecting on the wall of the upper filter chamber where they remain until the next flushing cycle. From there, water flows from the outside of the disc stack to the inside, flowing along grooves on the discs, which are designed to catch suspended material. The stack of discs is held compressed by the top piston, and clean filtered water flows out from the center outlet. A self-cleaning process also is available. Contact Amiad Filtration Systems, 800-969-4055 (www.amiadusa.com).
A newly expanded label is now available for Monterey Lawn & Garden Products’ garden insect spray, made with the naturally occurring active ingredient Spinosad. Now OMRI-listed, the label is bilingual and contains new applications. Applicable on turf, ornamentals, shade trees, shrubs and as a mound treatment for fire ants, the insecticide is safe to use around beneficial insects, the company says. Monterey Garden insect spray works on controlling worms, thrips, borers, leafminers, plus such new insects on the label as codling moth, armyworms, loopers, diamond back moths, corn borers, sod webworms, bagworms, gypsy moths, tent caterpillars, fire ants and more. Available in pint, quart and gallon containers, the spray can be
applied at a rate of 2 ounces per gallon of water. It’s also available in ready-to-spray containers. Contact Monterey Lawn & Garden Products, (www.montereylawngarden.com).
The Superintendent’s Video Workshop/TV Trainer Maintenance Crew New Hire Kit is now available through a partnership between TV Trainer and EPIC Creative. The training kit combines a superintendent’s video workshop program with optical code technology to create an interactive training tool, the companies say. Three programs, “This is a Golf Course,” “Safety Basics of the Golf Course” and “Crew Etiquette,” are included in the kit. It also includes an interactive handset, a manager’s guide and a carrying case. Short video segments in a feature called “Culture Clips” highlight cultural differences to help facilitate communication and message delivery. A new hire kit targets Spanish-speaking ground crew workers with job-related vocabulary. Contact TV Trainer or EPIC Creative, (www.tvtrainer.tv) or (www.epicwi.com).
The new Magnum Scrub Pro range ball washer from Standard Golf Co. has been introduced to the golf maintenance market. Featuring a dimple brush design of scattered trim bristles, Magnum Scrub Pro can clean 15,000 balls an hour by scrubbing to remove dirt and debris. Made of a polyethylene material, it’s encased in a tubular powder-coated steel frame, and the brushes are reversible for longer use. A 1⁄4-hp drive motor powers the unit, which is available in 115-volt and 230-volt formats. The Magnum Scrub Pro comes pre-assembled so customers simply install the basket and fill it to begin cleaning. Contact Standard Golf Co., 866-743-9773 (www.standardgolf.com).
Tycrop is extending its warranty on equipment from one to two years, it recently announced. The new warranty applies to the company’s MH-400 material handler, PP-180 advanced spinner technology topdresser, the QP-300/450 multifunctional topdresser and the TD-460 large area topdresser. Contact Tycrop, 800-845-7249
(www.tycropturf.com).
E-Z-Go has introduced its PowerWise QE 36-volt high-frequency charger in a lightweight model that the company says reduces energy costs and charging time by 15 percent or more. The new 9-pound charger, equipped with an LED operation indicator, also can increase efficiency and deliver energy savings up to 30 percent, the company adds. Other features include a self-diagnostic capability to troubleshoot any charging issues, a maintenance charge that maintains peak condition during winter and long-term storage and an enclosed case to protect the unit’s internal components from harsh elements. Standard with the company’s 36-volt electric vehicles, the PowerWise QE also is compatible with any 36-volt electric model, including the TXT fleet golf car, the Freedom personal golf car, the ST Sport 2+2, Shuttle 2 and 2+2E, Clays Car and more. Contact E-Z-Go, (www.ezgo.com).
Cybergolf recently launched daily video broadcasts of golf news in 3-minute segments available to golf fans around the world. Cybergolf TV can be viewed directly on the company’s Web site, www.cybergolf.com, without additional downloads or memberships. The program features two shows — The Front 9 and CGTV Travel. The Front 9 is a snapshot of world happenings in golf including news, the latest golf products and equipment and tour updates. CGTV Travel showcases regional golf travel destinations and profiles specific golf courses. Matt Biondi, a sportscaster with more than 25 years of experience, is the host for the shows. The company also offers a new online resource, Cybergolf Search, which enablesusers to search for golf-related topics. The site also provides Cybergolf blogs by established golf writers, the
company says. Contact Cybergolf, (www.cybergolf.com).
Phoenix Environmental Care LLC has added Firebird Pro insecticide to its line of products. Formulated for use in the nursery and ornamental markets, Firebird Pro is a light-stable synthetic pyrethroid that offers a quick knockdown for a wide variety of insects, including thrips and aphids, the company says. It can be used on more than 100 different crops such as woody ornamentals, foliage plants, plants grown in green and shade houses, commercial crop production and plants grown for resale. Available in 1-gallon containers, the product is low-odor and is developed for a long-lasting control. Firebird Pro also can be tank-mixed with various other insecticides and fungicides.
Contact Phoenix Environmental Care LLC, (www.phoenixenvcare.com).
A 50-foot welding cable reel from Reelcraft Industries is designed with a lighter weight for gas welding applications. The S Series provides easy storage for welding cable, which the company says extends the cable’s service life and provides extra safety. The STW3450 OLP can hold 50 feet of 1⁄4-inch twin welding hose for use with oxygen/acetylene gasses. Built with an external swivel for easy maintenance and a reduced likelihood of fire hazards from gas leaks, the device also features a snap ring that exposes seals should they need replacement. A corrosion-resistant outer casing is made from a UV-stabilized polypropylene material said to be resistant to many acids and alkilis. Contact Reelcraft Industries, 800-444-3134 (www.reelcraft.com).
The Grand L40 series of compact tractors from Kubota Tractor Corp. includes three types of advanced transmissions, Kubota diesel engines and redesigned operator station features. The series allows for upgrades such as the factory-installed Grand Cab, loaders, backhoes and other implements. Included in the operator station is a newly developed HST Plus, an electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission. It allows operators to select one of 13 response levels to control transmission response to the HST pedal. Operators also can choose automatic or manual mode for the Hydro Dual Speed, which allows high and low shifting for a total of six speed ranges. All Grand L40 tractors are built around Kubota’s three-vortex, combustion-system engines ranging from 34 to 59 hp. A large displacement creates high power output, higher power-takeoff torque, cleaner emissions and an improved fueling process, the company says. The IntelliPanel digital display provides easy-to-read indicators and sensor messages. Contact Kubota Tractor Corp., 888-458-2682 (www.kubota.com).
The TrunkPump, an alternative to gas-powered water pumps, has been aligned with the Ventrac tractor from Venture Products Inc. Designed by Doug McFarland, the TrunkPump eliminates the need to struggle with long hoses, a two-person crew to transport the pump
and the limited gas tank capacity of a gas-powered water pump, the company says. The Ventrac tractor carries the operator, the TrunkPump and all hoses to a location where the tractor’s PTO is engaged and the TrunkPump starts pumping. A custom deep-draw strainer is available for shallow-water applications. Contact TrunkPump, (www.trunkpump.com).
A new organic potting soil from The Organic Mechanics Soil Co. LLC is now available to the green industry. Organic Mechanics is an all-purpose, peat-free mix containing 100 percent organic materials. Product research and development over seven years resulted in the soil blend, which contains different types of compost, pure worm castings, coconut husk fiber and perlite. The mix contains five times more worm castings than any other potting soil on the market, says its inventor, Mark Highland. Organic Mechanics also includes fungi, bacteria and protozoa for a good growing plant environment. The potting soil is manufactured using equipment powered by biodiesel fuel made from waste oil, according to the company. The potting soil will be available in 16-quart bags, and larger sizes will be available in 2008. Contact The Organic Mechanics Soil Co. LLC, (www.organicmechanicsoil.com/productsat.html).
Pin High Golfing Ltd. has created what it calls the first truly portable marker set for “longest drive” and “nearest to the pin” golf competitions. The Pinhigh set of markers is small enough to fit in any golfing bag pocket and comprises two telescopic markers with highly visible flag wallets, reusable preprinted cards and pencils all within a polypropylene wallet no bigger than a VHS tape. The Pinhigh markers’ legs feature a small spike at the base that doesn’t damage putting greens and can be helpful when playing on hard surfaces, the company says. A player in the first group of a competition pushes the marker leg into the ground and extends it to the required height. Marker sets can be customized to feature full-color corporate logos and sponsor names on the outer wallet, the two flag wallets and the name cards. Contact Pin High Golfing Ltd., (www.pinhighgolfing.com).
A new mobile lube maintenance cart from Innovative Fluid Handling Systems has been introduced to the golf maintenance market. The ESP maintenance cart is available in various models with 75 to 100 variations. A modular design allows users to install different-sized containers on the same cart and use a different type of pump with each container. The PC172 model can hold a 65-gallon container with a diaphragm pump, a 30-gallon container with a diaphragm pump and hose reel and a 15-gallon container with a hand pump. Built with a 28-inch-by-60-inch frame base with rugged 8-inch-diameter molded-on rubber casters, the ESP mobile lube maintenance cart is compatible with any combination of containers, pumps, filters, meters, reels, storage space and more, the company says. Contact Innovative Fluid Handling Systems, 800-435-7003 (www.ifhgroup.com).
SnowEx, a product division of TrynEx International, is unveiling its line of SnowEx salt boxes for conserving salt and sand. Water-resistant and constructed from a high-density, UV-protected polyethylene material, the salt boxes are available in three models: the SB-550, SB-1100 and SB-1800. The models range in load capacity from 500 pounds to 1,750 pounds. Equipped with a heavy-duty lockable lid and fork pockets for easy maneuverability, the SnowEx salt boxes are also designed to store fertilizer, tools, sports equipment and any other objects requiring a secure, weather-protected enclosure. Contact TrynEx International, 800-725-8377.
The Toro Co. says its power box rake attachment, designed for use with its Dingo compact utility loaders, can transform rough terrain into a prepared seedbed. The power box rake also prepares sod and removes rocks. Triple-sealed, shielded roller bearings are durable for a long life, and pure carbide teeth ensure the best possible seedbed subbase fracture pattern, maximizing moisture retention and release, the company says. The unit’s adjustable Rhino-Hide barrier makes it adaptable to a variety of soil moisture conditions by allowing users to choose the size of material to be left on the seedbed. End plates channel dirt through to the raking roller and are removable and attachable to the backside of the rake for reverse box raking and spreading fill piles. Other features on the 4-foot-wide unit include dual independently adjustable gauge wheels and a low-profile frame design. Contact The Toro Co., 800-344-8676 (www.toro.com/dingo).
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