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The Toro Co.’s Z Master Z500 Series zero-turn riders now come with added power via a 28-hp Kawasaki engine. The twin-cylinder gas engines on Z Master Z528 and Z558 models offer a step up from the previously available Z500 Series 25-hp Kawasaki engine. New Z558 models also come with Toro’s 7-gauge Turbo Force cutting deck, which includes its patented adjustable baffle for fine-tuned cutting performance. For long, dense grass or wet conditions, the baffle can increase the discharge opening and achieve faster mowing speeds when set to the wide-open position. It also can be closed down to produce micro-sized particles and maximize discharge velocity. When double cutting is needed, operators can power through on the first pass faster than with other decks by setting the baffle to the fully open position, the company says. New Z528 models come with 7-gauge 52-inch and 60-inch commercial decks and basic commercial features. Contact The Toro Co., 800-348-2424 (www.thetorocompany.com).
John Deere Golf & Turf One Source introduces its ProGator 2020A gas and 2030A diesel heavy-duty utility vehicles. The machines include a five-speed synchromesh transmission that allows operators to change gears on the go and start the vehicle in any gear, the company says. The A Series ProGators also feature a manual-engage 4WD system, which enables full control of additional traction when needed and conserves energy when not. A new auxiliary hydraulic pump configuration is said to supply more power for hydraulically driven attachments and increased durability. Zero grease points on the 2WD machines and three grease points on the 4WD machines mean technicians can conserve time when performing maintenance. Contact John Deere Golf & Turf One Source, 800-537-8233 (www.johndeere.com).
J. Ryder Group and Golf Digest have teamed to create a golf event-planning Web site, www.golfdigestplanner.com. The site starts off with a six-minute planning “wizard” to assist in all aspects of planning, including locating a tournament host course, accepting registration and payment and picking hole-in-one and million-dollar-shot contests. The system then provides a template for sponsorship packages, suggestions for sponsored contests and the percentage of successful tournaments that use each type of contest. Tournament participants can sign up and pay for the event online. Contact Golf Digest Planner, (www.golfdigestplanner.com).
Standard Golf Co. has expanded its selection of Rust-Oleum Industrial Brands’ precision-line inverted marking paint for golf courses, athletic fields and other hard surfaces. Rust-Oleum’s paint is available from Standard Golf in a range of colors to alert players of hazards, boundaries and parking areas. The paint can cover 15 to 30 percent more linear feet than other brands, the company says. Contact Standard Golf Co., 866-743-9773 (www.standardgolf.com).
The new Tundra fire-extinguishing spray from BRK Brands Inc. contains a liquid firefighting agent that can cover a surface area up to three times greater than a typical actuator, the company says. The spray nozzle is easy to operate and dispenses up to four times more spray than typical fire extinguishers, giving users more time to fight a fire, the company adds. The extinguishing spray is said to be effective on paper, fabric, wood, cooking oil and electrical fires. Nine inches tall and weighing 22 ounces, Tundra can be stored in a cabinet, drawer, utility room or on a countertop. The agent in Tundra is biodegradable and cleanable by wiping the surface area with a damp cloth. Contact BRK Brands Inc., (www.brkelectronics.com).
Shemin Nurseries, a nationwide chain of 29 landscape supply centers, now sells LawnGrips performance shoes for contractors and gardeners. LawnGrips footwear features a patented Grip-N-Go outsole based on a soccer shoe design for maximum forward and lateral traction, even on wet grass, the company says. The tread pattern of the outsole includes specialized, oblique lugs positioned in the forefoot and heel areas to provide traction for pushing, turning and stopping. High-quality materials and construction are designed for long-lasting wear and a waterproof protective toe. For added safety, the shoes are built with a steel toe under the molded rubber toe. Contact Shemin Nurseries, (www.sheminnurseries.com).
Underhill’s new Gulp and BigGulp hand pumps are designed to remove water from valve boxes, sprinklers and other wet spots on golf courses and sports fields. The 12-inch-long Gulp features a 6-inch quick-clean discharge tube, while the BigGulp measures 36 inches long, can pump out one gallon per stroke and has a 72-inch discharge tube. BigGulp is the self-priming model, and can eliminate water from flooded areas, sprinklers and valve boxes in four strokes, the company says. Both models are built with durable corrosion-proof materials and can be carried on maintenance carts for fast cleanup. Contact Underhill, 866-863-3744 (www.underhill.us).
Bobcat Co.’s S100 skid-steer loader features a rated operating capacity of 1,000 pounds and a spacious cab with an easy-to-read instrument panel and a transversely mounted engine. Designed to work in tight spaces with its width of 50 inches with bucket, the new S100 replaces Bobcat’s 553 skid-steer. Other features include a 4-cylinder, 33.5-hp diesel engine and a lift height of 8 feet 6 inches for loading and dumping materials. An operating weight of 4,110 pounds allows convenient transportation between jobsites. A system shutdown alerts operators when certain engine and hydraulic systems are out of range and shuts down the machine to prevent damage. More than 35 attachments are approved for the S100 loader. The machine also comes with the company’s standard Bob-Tach attachment mounting system to enable a switch between attachments in less than a minute without additional assistance or tools. Contact Bobcat Co., (www.bobcat.com).
Eight portable generators from Mi-T-M Corp. range from 6,000 to 8,000 watts of maximum AC output, while four are available with an electric start option. A low-profile, compact design accommodates many industrial application requirements, the company says. The generators come with USDA/USFS-approved spark arrestors that meet CARB and EPA emissions standards. Equipped with 13-hp displacement Honda OHV or 13.5-hp displacement Subaru OHV engines, the generators feature low oil engine shutdown, a brushless 120V/240V alternator, a fuel shutoff valve, an easy-to-read fuel gauge, idle control and angled isolator design features. Additional elements include heavy-duty industrial air cleaners, large low-tone mufflers, a protected control panel with magnetic circuit breaker and a heavy-duty wraparound frame with 1-inch powder-coated steel tubing. A wheel kit and lifting hook are optional for all models. Contact Mi-T-M Corp., 800-553-9053 (www.mitm.com).
Solo Inc.’s new 129 HS model hedge trimmer eliminates the need to use a ladder to trim high hedges, it says. By setting the adjustable cutting blade to the required angle, users can achieve an exact trim no matter the height of the trim. Powered by a Solo 29-cc displacement 2-cycle gas engine, the unit features an adjusting gear with a 135-degree operating range. An easy-start system enables the motor to start with a light tug, which tensions the spring, the company says. The model also features an anti-vibration system with loop handlebars and a 21-inch-long cutting blade. Weighing less than 14 pounds, the Solo 129 HS has a half-liter tank capacity and a three-shoe clutch with plates. Contact Solo Inc., (www.solousa.com).
A current membership list from the American Society of Golf Course Architects is now available. The group’s membership directory lists golf course architects that are pre-qualified to handle golf course jobs. All ASGCA members have designed and finished at least five golf courses, though most on the list have achieved more than two dozen, the group says. The recently updated, no-cost listing of member architects includes addresses, telephone and fax numbers, in addition to e-mail and Web site addresses when applicable. To obtain a copy, contact ASGCA at 262-786-5960; info@asgca.org; or 125 N. Executive Dr., Suite 106, Brookfield, WI 53005. Include your name, company and mailing address in any inquiry.
New Holland says its new T1520 delivers reliable performance, solid construction and easy operation. The 3-cylinder, 35-hp compact tractor can come with a three-range hydrostatic transmission or manual gear transmission. The machine can run on B5 biodiesel or standard diesel fuels. A three-point hitch lifting capacity of 1,635 pounds allows the machine to handle heavy, wide implements, while hydraulic flow provides fast cycle times and enough flow to operate a loader, blade or other hydraulically powered implements. Within the operator station, a mechanical transmission shift lever is located on the dash, which allows for a wide-open deck and convenient loader operation. With the muffler under the hood and not in the line of sight, the operator’s view is unobstructed. The T1520 is designed with convenient access to service points for easy refueling and routine maintenance. Contact New Holland, (www.newholland.com/na).
A blade-capable string trimmer from Kawasaki is designed for sale in California, the company announces. The new KBL27BC features lightweight, two-stroke power, boasts 25 percent increased fuel efficiency compared to the previous model and is CARB Tier III approved. Its TJ27 engine offers a 26.3-cc displacement and is easy to start with a crisp throttle response, low noise and low vibration, the company says. Additional features include a crankshaft with roller main bearings, chrome cylinder with two-ring piston, a heavy-duty felt panel air filter and an easy-access air filter cover. An interactive choke and throttle design automatically disengages starting enrichment when the throttle is applied. Weighing 10.8 pounds, the KBL27BC has a hollow steel drive shaft designed to produce reliable power and durability. A variable-position loop handle is fully adjustable for custom fittings. Extras include an oversized safety guard and an anti-kickback bar at the handle. Contact Kawasaki Engines and Power Products, 800-433-5640 (www.kawpowr.com).
Seven new Arcusaflex flywheel coupling sizes for larger engine applications have been introduced by Ringfeder Corp. The flywheel couplings in sizes AC 4.1, AC 4.9, AC 5.1, AC 6.1, AC 6.5, AC 13 and AC 13D bring the total available to 21 different sizes. Now available in standard rubber as well as a silicone mixture for resistance in high-temperature applications, the couplings are available in special configurations upon request. The couplings also are certified to be used in hazardous locations according to the 64/9/EC directive, the company says. Contact Ringfeder Corp., 800-245-2580 (www.ringfeder.com).
Designed for popular tow vehicles, the Journey HD electronic brake control is available from Valley in a pre-wired format. The pre-wired brake control comes with the factory tow harness mating connector already attached and ready to plug into the tow vehicle for easy installation. Users receive full power capabilities and can manually override lamp activation. No internal moving parts are included, and the self-diagnostic control requires no leveling. It can mount anywhere inside a vehicle and features an easy-to-read digital display. Suited for one- to four-axle trailers with two-, four-, six-, or eight-brake systems, the pre-wired brake control is available in four models to work with most current-model Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Dodge, Chevrolet, GMC and Hummer trucks, vans and SUVs. Contact Valley, a division of Thule Towing Systems North America, 209-368-8881 (www.thule.com).
Dana Corp. says its new Spicer model 114 Hercules drive axle completes its line of axles designed for 3- through 60-ton capacity wheeled loaders. Specifically engineered for vehicles with operating weights of up to 15 tons in front axle applications and 18 tons in rear axle applications, the model 114 axle features 6.00-to-1 outboard planetary wheel ends, self-adjusting internal wet brakes, a trunnion mounting option and several torque-biasing differential and park brake options. A 100 percent clutch-actuated, limited-slip differential lock provides a constant 2.6 bias ratio, while a 45 percent locking
capacity delivers excellent tractive force and nimble steering for front-end wheeled loader applications, the company says. Contact Dana Corp., (www.dana.com/offhighway).
A.R.E. has announced its Z Series fiberglass truck cap for the 2007 model Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups in all bed sizes. Custom-designed and manufactured to customers’ specifications, the Z Series features recessed windows and doors on the cap and an LED brake light. Side vent windows come equipped with screens for ventilation, while an ergonomically designed door handle comes with the original equipment quality locks and a double-sided key. Options include a tilt-down or sliding front window, Yakima roof racks and remote keyless entry. Each Z Series fiberglass cap is painted by A.R.E. to match the truck’s OEM paint code. The unit also includes a mounting rail system that eliminates drilling holes so it can be clamped on with a common 9⁄16-inch wrench. Contact A.R.E., 800-649-4273 (www.4are.com).
CutDown plant growth regulator is the latest product in Phoenix Environmental Care LLC’s line. CutDown contains the active ingredient paclobutrazole, which is proven for suppressing unwanted plant growth in turf and tree applications, the company says. It’s the only product containing paclobutrazole that’s labeled for both suppression of turfgrass growth and tree growth management, according to the company. CutDown also is said to facilitate Poa conversion, reduce the likelihood of scalping and reduce mowing frequency by up to 50 percent. Adept at regulating unwanted vegetative tree growth, CutDown reduces the production of gibberellic acid and allows trees to reallocate resources toward root growth, defensive storage and reproductive systems. The product, which comes in cases of four 1-gallon containers, can be applied by soil injection or basal drench. Contact Phoenix Environmental Care LLC, (www.phoenixenvcare.com).
Sync fungicide activator from Precision Laboratories is a proprietary adjuvant technology designed to enhance contact and systemic fungicide performance at lower spray carrier water volumes, the company says. It adds that independent university and field trials have shown that Sync optimizes disease control, increases fungicide longevity and efficacy at lower spray volumes, and reduces application times. Contact Precision Laboratories, 800-323-6280 (www.precisionlab.com/sync).
Floratine Products Group has unveiled its MAP Pack, part
of the company’s management action plan system. The MAP Pack is a repackaging of Floratine’s products into 4-packs of individual containers small enough to treat a single acre of turf. The system includes four products that come in easier-to-use, pre-measured kits, the company says. The all-inclusive package contains each component in one box. The MAP system is designed to help superintendents address issues such as fairway color, heat stress, spring start, tournament prep and winter strength. Contact Floratine Products Group, 901-853-2898 (www.floratine.com).
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