 |
|
A new loader radio remote control system from Bobcat Co. gives operators of Bobcat skid steer and compact track loaders the option to operate remotely. The system enhances capabilities of the vehicles with selectable joystick controls and all-wheel steer loaders. Users can start the loader engine and operate the drive, lift, tilt and auxiliary hydraulic functions from approximately 1,500 feet away with the radio remote control transmitter. The joystick controls activate the loader’s joystick in the ISO control pattern. Useable for up to 15 hours on a rechargeable battery, the system offers the ability to switch between remote control mode and machine/direct control mode. The system is portable so users with multiple machines can quickly transfer the system from one machine to another. Contact Bobcat Co., (www.bobcat.com).
Versa-Lok’s new Solid Solutions Estimating Software is designed to help contractors and dealers estimate and sell the company’s retaining walls, columns and stairs. The company says the user-friendly application will save time and take the mistakes out of estimating materials for Versa-Lok projects. The software calculates the number of Versa-Lok units and pins, quantities of geogrid and aggregate for a project. Users can select a feature such as retaining wall, stairs or freestanding wall, and then choose a unit for each feature. The tool also lets users print out a package for clients with sample details, project photos and an order form for dealers. Contact Versa-Lok, 800-770-4525 (www.versa-lok.com).
Synthetic rubber tees from Precision Tees Inc. are designed to replace fixed-height rubber tees used at driving ranges with artificial grass mats. The tees allow golfers to adjust the height of the tee to their swing, rather than adjusting the swing to suit the height of the tee. The patent-pending adjustable height function uses threading to allow the tee to move up and down within its base. Contact Precision Tees Inc., (www.precisiontees.com).
DryConn DBSR Aqua is King Innovation’s latest connector targeted for water utility trace line splices. Pre-filled with a silicone sealant, DBSR Aqua comes with all the features of a direct-bury twist-on waterproof connector and also features a latching cover to provide strain relief. Ideal for connections specifying waterproof and corrosion-proof tracer line splices, DBSR Aqua can be used for all direct-bury and low-voltage wire splices fewer than 50 volts. The tool eliminates the need for products such as grease tubes, tape, mastics and epoxy packs, the company says. DBSR Aqua is installable by inserting the pre-stripped wires into the connector, twisting the connector until tight and snapping the lid shut. Contact King Innovation, 800-633-0232 (www.kinginnovation.com).
The new ProLite shoe from LawnGrips LLC is a men’s 6-inch lace-up model designed for professionals who want a high-performance shoe without a steel toe, the company says. The tan-colored ProLite is made with triple-stitching, a steel shank, diffuser plate, waterproofed leathers and sealed seams. Its tread pattern features the patented Grip-N-Go outsole, a series of specialized oblique lugs in the forefoot and heels to provide superior traction when pushing, turning and stopping. These lugs and the centers of the heels and forefoot are slightly rounded to easily shed grass clippings and dirt, the company adds. Additional features include a molded rubber toe and a composite insole board with polyurethane midsole for support and comfort. Contact LawnGrips LLC, 877-447-4771 (www.lawngrips.com).
The newly patented Bird Buffer, distributed by Nixalite of America Inc. and manufactured by GBS Inc., is formulated to control birds in open air spaces, indoors and outdoors. The Bird Buffer machine uses methyl antranilate, a repellent used to deter birds without harming them. The unit converts the liquid Fog Force, another bird repellent formula, into tiny nano-particles which, when blown into the air at 90 mph, create an invisible haze that stays suspended in the air for six hours, the company says. Set on timers to dispense the haze periodically, the machine distributes haze that doesn’t damage paint when used indoors. The Bird Buffer uses 1 gallon of Fog Force to keep a 3- to 5-acre area bird-free for two months. Contact Nixalite of America Inc., 800-624-1189 (www.nixalite.com/BirdBuffer.aspx).
Spectrum Technologies Inc. received a patent for its Field Scout Direct Soil EC Probe/Meter, a tool that supplies instant, accurate measurements of nutrient salts in soil media as well as water or nutrient solutions, the company says. The portable EC probe measures soil conductivity in greens on the spot without soil sampling and preparation methods. The tool provides a resolution of 0.01 mS/cm and an accuracy reading of +/- 2 percent. Contact Spectrum Technologies Inc., 800-248-8873 (www.specmeters.com).
GolfLogix Inc. introduces what it calls the first-ever handheld golf GPS system that’s compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. GolfLogix GPS incorporates hardware designed by Garmin International to give users precise distance information on a golf course. A waterproof and shock-resistant device, GolfLogix GPS is equipped with an easy-to-read screen and an auto-advance feature that enables the screen to advance automatically to the next hole, displaying hazards and green distances without the need to push buttons. Enhanced software increases the download speed of course maps and optimizes the user interface. The new version allows for 10 golf course maps to be downloaded in less than a minute over a high-speed connection, the company says. Its library includes more than 13,000 mapped courses, and the system can also add a new course and update a recently renovated one. Contact GolfLogix Inc., (www.golflogix.com).
Autograph fungicide is the newest addition to Phoenix Environmental Care LLC’s line of products. Labeled to control pythium, phytophthora and anthracnose, Autograph includes the active ingredient fosetyl-al, which has had no resistance problems in 20 years of use, according to the company. The fungicide is said to give turfgrass the ability to self-manage stresses and fight off diseases. It also is tank-mix-flexible with many other fungicides and is available in a 70 percent DF formulation. Contact Phoenix Environmental Care LLC, (www.phoenixenvcare.com).
Petersen Brands LLC has released its 4Way String Light System for workspace lighting. The temporary lighting system can be set up as a grid pattern, linear or branched out into individual rooms one fixture at a time, unlike standard string lights which are linear, the company says. Its four-way lighting fixture contains a male twist lock power inlet and three female power outlets. Connect the red power cord to any of the base units to power the system. Designed as overhead lighting, the system uses NEMA standard twist lock cords to prevent disconnection. Powered by a 25-foot red power cord, the system is component-driven to break down into smaller parts easily to fit into an organized job site storage case. Each case holds 10 light bases and 10 cords with room for backup replacement bulbs. The system also comes with nine yellow 10-foot connector cords. Contact Petersen Brands LLC, (www.petersenbrands.com).
CoreTect tablets from Bayer Environmental Science have received registration from the EPA. The new tablets, designed for use during tree and shrub installation or on established plants, contain a treatment technology that combines Merit insecticide with a fertilizer. CoreTect’s controlled-release properties are said to provide insect control and fertility and allow plants to better survive harsh environmental conditions such as drought, heat and poor soils. Developed to systemically trigger enzymatic pathways that produce antioxidants, the CoreTect tablets result in better stress defense and more efficient use of nutrients and water, the company says. This method eliminates the need to spray pesticides and fertilizers, which the company adds can save on equipment and labor costs, and also allow plant protection in hard-to-treat areas. Contact Bayer Environmental Science, (www.backedbybayer.com).
A new device from Mo-Jack can lift and secure lawn tractors to allow undercarriage maintenance. The MoJack, an adjustable lift made of solid tubular steel, is designed to fit any size of lawn tractor or riding mower, including zero turn radius models. A lifting capacity of 400 pounds makes blade sharpening, belt replacement and mower debris removal safe and easy, the company says. The unit includes triple-redundant safety jacks and pins, a non-slip, self-braking winch and a jack to prevent mower or tractor slippage. Built from 13/4-inch and 2-inch 11-gauge steel tubing, the machine provides up to 24 inches of clear working space. Three versions of the MoJack are available, varying on the basis of dimensions and weight of the mower being lifted. Contact Mo-Jack, 800-466-5225 (www.themojack.com).
The new Solo 681 chainsaw from Solo Inc. weighs 13.9 pounds, yet can handle a 36-inch guidebar and deliver 6.4 hp, the company says. With a high-torque, 80.7-cc, gas-fired, two-cycle engine, the unit comes equipped with a standard easy-start primer and an advanced vibration isolation system. Other features include a maintenance-free ignition system and a 25.4-ounce tank capacity. Contact Solo Inc., (www.solousa.com).
The Golf Mat, a mat designed to provide the same sensation of “give” at impact as taking a divot off natural grass, has been introduced by National Golf Products. Developed using feedback from professional golfers and ideal for golf ranges, the Golf Mat incorporates a polymer filament below fairway-length turf to produce a turfgrass alternative. The patented technology mitigates the likelihood of wrist, elbow and other injuries, the company says. Portable and requiring no installation, the Golf Mat features an adjustable tee to position the ball according to preferences. Its typical life span is more than 200,000 swings, more than that of traditional mats, the company adds. Contact National Golf Products, 888-647-8873 (www.thegolfmat.net).
Valent Professional Products’ Tourney fungicide has received EPA registration, the company says. Tourney offers broad-spectrum control of brown patch, anthracnose and dollar spot, plus can control red thread, rusts, grey leaf spot, large patch, zoysia patch, fairy ring and snow mold. The company says the product also has the lowest use rates of active ingredient when compared to other DMI fungicides. Contact Valent Professional Products, (www.valentpro.com).
Precision Laboratories Inc. announces new 42-pound packaging for its Cascade Plus 16G granular soil surfactant. The increased package size can treat a 6,000- to 12,000-square-foot area, the company says. Cascade Plus 16G is used to prevent localized dry spot and correct hydrophobic soil conditions. The company also updated its package design and added its product logo to reflect the combined branding efforts for its Precision Zone Surfactants, it says. Contact Precision Laboratories Inc., (www.precisionlab.com).
Vertech Limited, a new company with headquarters in Hong Kong and operational facilities in Singapore and Scotland, introduces its subsurface aeration technology that incorporates a pressure blower to move air through soil beneath golf greens by vacuum or pressure. The result is firm green conditions and a prolonged life of greens, even in wet conditions, the company says. The technology uses a blower connected to special fittings to separate drainage water from the air stream and also connects to the drainage network under the green. Vacuum aeration removes excess water, provides fresh air to the soil and brings greens back to firm conditions quickly after rain, while pressure aeration moves air in the opposite direction, pushing the air through the drainage system and up through the soil. Contact Vertech Limited, (www.vertechlimited.com).
Designed for courses with diverse elevation angles and difficult-to-maintain areas is the new AR-3 rotary trim mower from Jacobsen. With a 72-inch cutting width, the AR-3 features the company’s new TrimTek cutting decks with a downdraft blade. An advanced deck and blade design moves grass through a two-step process that pulverizes clippings, which the company says results in better mulching and a more attractive post-mowing course. The machine is built to leave a light footprint over hard-to-cut areas without scalping, and the height of cut can be adjusted without tools. Cutting units can be converted from rear-discharge to mulching decks within minutes, the company adds. Contact Jacobsen, 888-922-8873 (www.jacobsen.com).
VinylGuard vinyl shrink covering can eliminate the need to replace, repaint or repair fiberglass bunker rake handles, golf flagsticks and hazard stakes every season, says its manufacturer, VinylGuard Golf. The exterior-grade substance is applied using a heat gun and tightly conforms to fit the shapes of tools. It also can remove the maintenance issues and replacements due to fiberglass splintering, scratches, nicks, cracking and stains, the company adds. VinylGuard also protects against damage caused by abrasion and long-term exposure to sunlight. Available in bright, high-gloss colors to improve visibility and match brand colors, the heavy vinyl covering is easy to remove and replace, the company says. Contact VinylGuard Golf, 800-468-4822 (www.vinylguardgolf.com).
Autolite, part of Honeywell International, recently introduced a line of small engine spark plugs for small engine power equipment, including mowers, tractors, chainsaws and snow blowers. The Autolite Xtreme Start spark plugs feature an iridium-enhanced 0.6-mm finewire design, which requires less voltage. This can lead to fewer misfires, improved emissions and increased power, the company says. A more focused ignition provides quicker first-pull starts and features anti-fouling technology, it adds. Contact Autolite, (www.autolite.com).
The 3-D Coyote, the latest addition to Bird-X Inc.’s line of goose and bird repelling products, is a three-dimensional, life-sized coyote replica designed to deter geese. The 3-D Coyote includes a lifelike furry tail and is visible from all angles to ward off geese. A natural predator of geese, the coyote can reduce many of the problems common on golf courses populated with geese, such as unsightly and unhealthy conditions and the costs of cleaning. The 3-D Coyote stands in a stalking posture and measures 37 inches from head to tail, 8 inches wide and 16 inches tall. The coyote moves and changes positions in even the slightest breeze, the company says. Contact Bird-X Inc., 800-662-5021 (www.bird-x.com).
NDS Inc. has developed an alternative to concrete or asphalt pavements for commercial landscapes with its TuffTrack grassroad paver. Dubbed by the company an environmentally friendly method for maintaining healthy turf in high-traffic areas, the paver is easy to install and aesthetically pleasing. It forms a solid foundation with paver sheets of honeycomb-shaped cells equipped with a tongue-and-groove latching system, providing a quick and secure connection between each sheet, the company adds. The design allows for up to 98,500 pounds of vehicular traffic to drive over turf areas without putting pressure on roots or compromising the landscape’s condition. Each cell features a series of holes at the base to grip the subsurface, creating less soil compaction, which helps increase drainage and improve oxygen transfer to the soil. Contact NDS Inc., (www.ndspro.com).
RECENT issues
 |
 |
January |
December |