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The new Ventrac LK520 rear discharge mower from Venture Products Inc. is designed for trimming on both sides of the machine. Designed to attach to the 3000 series tractors, the LK520 attaches using the company’s Minute Mount system, which allows one person to add, remove or change attachments in about a minute with no tools or heavy lifting. With a 52-inch cutting width and 14 cutting positions ranging from ¾ to 4 inches in cutting height, the rear discharge mower features a center front roller for anti-scalping and a full rear roller for even cutting and striping. Cutting height adjustment can be done without tools using a single quick select lever, the company says. Equipped with three 18-inch mulching-style blades, the machine also includes a flip-up deck design for easy service and cleaning. Contact Venture Products Inc., 330-683-0075 (www.ventrac.com).
Davis Instruments, maker of wireless weather stations, has teamed with Communications Concepts Inc. to provide real-time weather data during live golf broadcasts and other events. CCI’s portable, solar-powered wireless Vantage Pro2 weather station can wirelessly transmit weather data from its sensors to a portable console every 2.5 seconds. It also can forecast and collect historical data. Placed just off the green for remote broadcasts, the device monitors current and changing conditions throughout the course. Users can hold the wireless weather console in their hands and communicate weather conditions as often as desired. Contact Communications Concepts Inc. or Davis Instruments, (www.cciflorida.com) or (www.davisnet.com).
“Classic Instruction,” the long out-of-print book by Bobby Jones and Ben Crenshaw, is now available on Crenshaw’s Web site at www.bencrenshaw.com. The book features an introduction by Byron Nelson, his last written piece before he died two years ago.
Agrotain International has unveiled the fourth painting in its “Artistry of Golf” collection, a series of commissioned paintings that honor the work and dedication of superintendents worldwide. The fourth installment, titled “The Razor’s Edge,” features Old Head Golf Links in County Cork, Ireland, the first of the series to feature an international course. Contact Agrotain International, (www.agrotain.com).
A new hydraulic utility valve system is now standard equipment on Kubota Tractor Corp.’s RTV900 worksite utility and turf utility models. Eight complementary hydraulic tools equip the machines to break concrete, cut lumber and brush, prune orchards, drive posts, bore holes and other tasks. The hydraulic utility system includes a remote valve at the rear of the vehicle for easy tool hookup. With a pump capacity of 5 gallons per minute, the system also features a hydraulic oil cooler and reservoir. Contact Kubota Tractor Corp., 888-458-2682, ext. 900 (www.kubota.com).
Rain Bird Golf introduces Version 6.0, its latest generation of central control software. Version 6.0 is available for all levels of the company’s central controls including Cirrus, Nimbus II, Stratus II and Stratus LT. Version 6.0 now offers support for the company’s MI Series of mobile controllers, support of Cirrus for up to 4,000 decoder stations and support of 250 stations per area for all central controls. Stratus LT also is now capable of incorporating information from Rain Bird’s WS Pro-LT weather station into its irrigation programs. Smart Pump actual flow and pressure are now logged within the Rain Bird flow graph and stored in annual logs, an improvement from the previous storage time of seven days. Static sensors on the decoder systems also now feature sensor conditions for more flexibility. Contact Rain Bird Golf, 520-741-6100 (www.rainbird.com/golf).
Two new additions to The Toro Co.’s line of aeration equipment are the ProCore 864 (pictured) and the ProCore 1298. The 864 features eight coring heads and a width of 64 inches, while the 1298 features 12 coring heads and a 98-inch width. Both are tractor-mount, PTO-driven units designed for large-area applications. A precision balanced coring head drive eliminates hopping, rocking and unnecessary vibration, the company says. Designed to accommodate Toro Titan tines, which are available in a variety of sizes and styles, both ProCore models include a RotaLink tine guide system and an impact resistance system. Contact The Toro Co., (www.thetorocompany.com).
The DBG with SmartGel from King Innovation is the newest addition to the company’s DryConn family of connectors. Designed to house push-in, twist-on or split-bolt connectors, the patent-pending product is ideal for waterproofing connections in two-wire/decoder irrigation systems. Filled with SmartGel, a nontoxic sealant that’s corrosion-proof and waterproof, the DBG can hold and protect three different connectors in the same housing. The semi-transparent housing allows for splice examination during and after installation without opening the encapsulated connector, the company says. DBG with SmartGel is designed to eliminate the need to use grease tubes, heat shrinks, primer, tapes and epoxy packs. Contact King Innovation, 800-633-0232 (www.kinginnovation.com).
Driven by GPS technology, the GolfTracker-Superintendent 1.0 is a Web-based program that translates detailed live and historical data into an analysis tool for superintendents to manage labor, time and capital asset productivity. Developed by Sport Stats Inc., the system sends data from each vehicle, golf car or maintenance equipment unit to the GolfTracker server in real-time, where it then is converted into analysis to point out any inefficiencies in a golf course’s operations; let superintendents know the location of every crew member and piece of equipment and where they have been; and potentially reduce operating costs and manage fuel consumption, the company says. The data are accessible from any computer or hand-held device with Internet access. A dashboard feature informs superintendents the location of equipment, what speed it’s traveling and whether a particular task has been completed. Contact Sport Stats Inc., (www.golftrackergps.comm).
The new Minimax series of diesel engines from Yanmar is designed for lawn and garden equipment, small agricultural machines, utility vehicles and compact generators. The 3TNM68 model, the first model released of the new series, is a 784-cc, three-cylinder, Tier IV-compliant engine equipped with the company’s proprietary indirect injection technology for low fuel consumption and low emissions, the company says. The engine block uses Yanmar’s latest structural technology developed for low vibration, noise and size. Ideal for tight-space applications, the Minimax engines feature a compact cylinder block design for high output levels relative to the compact size of the engine, the company says. Contact Yanmar, (www.yanmar.com).
The new Solo 472 ProPower backpack blower delivers nearly 865 cfm output at a maximum speed of less than 5,200 rpm, the company says. Powered by a two-stroke Solo engine with 53-cc capacity, the unit features an electronic ignition and anti-vibration system designed to reduce vibrations on contact surfaces such as the back or hands. Equipped with a newly designed padded backrest that’s easily adjustable and ergonomically designed to follow the contours of the back, the 472 ProPower also has broad shoulder straps with quick-release buckles for added operator comfort. Contact Solo Inc., (www.solousa.com).
In response to emerging green markets, The Liquid Fence Co. has developed its EcoLogic line of environmentally responsible turf and agricultural chemical products. The company manufactures EPA-exempt repellents for deer and rabbits. Contact The Liquid Fence Co., 800-923-3623 (www.liquidfence.com).
Imperial Headwear Inc. recently launched its Green line of headwear, made of 65 percent organic cotton and 35 percent bamboo charcoal. Bamboo charcoal yarn is naturally antibacterial, antifungal and deodorizing, the company says. The material also is hypoallergenic, breathable, quick-drying, machine-washable, thermal-regulating and environmentally friendly. The relaxed-fit headwear features a fabric closure with a buckle. Contact Imperial Headwear Inc., 800-950-1916 (www.imperialheadwear.com).
A new Web site from Howard Leight offers visitors product information, best practices in hearing conservation and the industry’s first hearing protector selector, the company says. The site, www.howardleight.com, features improvements based on user feedback such as more in-depth product knowledge and selection resources. The hearing protector selector offers assistance in identifying which product is needed based on noise exposure levels, specific ratings and product styles. An online product catalog encompasses all Howard Leight earplugs, earmuffs and accessories, including specs, recommended applications and literature downloads. The site’s best practices in hearing conservation section features program planning info, posters, motivational materials and the Sound Source series of technical articles on hearing conservation topics.
John Deere’s Construction and Forestry Division has redesigned its 210LJ landscape loader from the ground up with a Tier 3-certified engine and a cab option designed to make the machine more versatile and productive. The 210LJ features a turbocharged John Deere PowerTech E 4045HT engine with 84 hp, a new three-point hitch and a PTO option. The redesigned machine sits 12 inches lower than competitor machines, the company says. A redesigned operator’s station now features a wider platform, more legroom and a seat that swivels from 10 degrees to the left to 45 degrees to the right for enhanced visibility of rear-working tools. ROPS posts have been moved forward and inclined to further increase rear visibility. Cab units are fully enclosed and factory-mounted, heating and AC systems have six adjustable louvers for directing airflow, and the heater outputs 44,000 BTU for wintertime operation. Contact John Deere, (www.johndeere.com).
AgraQuest Inc. announces its biofungicide Rhapsody ASO has received approval of a Canadian label for ornamental markets. Available through UAP Canada, Rhapsody ASO is labeled for diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot and botrytis. The broad-spectrum biofungicide is derived from Bacillus subtilis, a naturally occurring bacterium, and is said to be an effective, safe alternative to traditional synthetic chemistries. Nontoxic to beneficial insects, Rhapsody ASO is effective on bedding plants, potted plants and foliage, the company says. Rhapsody has a zero-day harvest interval and a four-hour restricted entry interval, providing a minimal interruption following sprays. Contact AgraQuest Inc., (www.agraquest.com).
GullWing aquatic herbicide from Phoenix Environmental Care LLC offers broad-spectrum control of shoreline grass, nuisance floating aquatic plants, broadleaf weeds and brush species and emerged vegetation in and around aquatic features, the company says. With the active ingredient imazapyr, GullWing is tank-mixable with Avocet or Kraken aquatic herbicides to control a variety of aquatic foliage. Usable in still and floating water, GullWing is fishing and swimming safe immediately after use, the company says. Available in soluble liquid formulation containing 2 pounds of active ingredient per gallon, the product is offered in 2.5- and 30-gallon containers. Contact Phoenix Environmental Care LLC, (www.phoenixenvcare.com).
The 28-hp T1110 Boomer compact tractor, the newest entry to New Holland’s line of machines, is compact in size and larger than a subcompact tractor. The machine’s three-cylinder diesel engine has two standard PTOs to power front- and rear-mounted implements. A mid PTO of 2,200 rpm and a rear PTO of 540 rpm complement the unit’s 1,000-pound lift, three-point hitch that allows operation of rotary tillers, snow blowers, mowers, blades, brooms, front-end loaders and other attachments. The optional Sensitrak system engages and disengages the four-wheel-drive automatically when needed to reduce scuffing of turf, save tire wear and increase the life of driveline components, the company says. The T1110’s hood lifts with a gas strut, and there’s no need to raise it or remove a front-end loader to add fuel or check engine oil. All routine service points are on the right side of the machine. Contact New Holland, www.newholland.com/na
The new Caterpillar 938H wheel loader and IT38H with integrated toolcarrier linkage come with the company’s Cat C6.6 engine with Acert technology. The vehicle’s new engine, differential lock system, load-sensing hydraulics and increased lift and tilt forces are designed for digging and material handling applications while limiting engine emissions to meet Tier 3 off-highway and worldwide emissions standards. An in-cab Messenger display supplies real-time machine performance, engine and diagnostic data to help maximize productivity and lengthen component life. The 938H and IT38H include a new axle with a standard front differential lock or an optional automatic differential lock for front and rear. Each loader uses a load-sensing, variable-flow hydraulic system that senses work demand and adjusts flow and pressure accordingly, the company says. It allows full hydraulic forces at any engine speed, and the system is said to deliver faster cycle times with low operator effort and improved fuel efficiency. Contact Caterpillar, (www.cat.com).
Danfoss Drives has published its “Guide to Drives and Soft Starters for Water and Wastewater Applications” guidebook. The comprehensive, fully illustrated guide details the company’s family of VLT variable frequency drives and MCD soft starters, including product benefits and features, general specifications, dimensions, performance data, options, accessories and ordering information. The guide also includes a comparison chart for both products to assist in product selection. Contact Danfoss Drives, 800-621-8806 (www.danfossdrives.com).
GolfLogix Inc.’s new GPS-8 offers increased memory capacity — up to 20 courses on the device and up to six hazards per hole — and added features such as last shot distance and auto course recognition. Other improvements to the 100 percent waterproof device include auto-advance to the next hole, continual display of distances and a new, sleeker design, the company says. Contact GolfLogix Inc., (www.golflogix.com).
Innolytics LLC recently announced that its OvoControl G has received federal registration for use on domestic mallard ducks, domestic Muscovy ducks and hybrids of the two. The new product controls egg hatchability and represents nonhormonal oral contraception for birds. According to the Humane Society of the U.S., domestic ducks are not protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, protection is limited to state laws prohibiting animal cruelty and OvoControl provides a safe and humane method to manage duck populations. Originally developed to control Canada geese populations, OvoControl can provide long-term control, the company says. Contact Innolytics LLC, (www.hatchcontrol.com).
The newly released D-Series Toolcat 5600 utility work machine from Bobcat is the first compact loader to feature true four-wheel independent suspension, the company says. Enhancements are designed to maximize traction, attachment performance and turning. Wheel and frame isolation of independent suspension increases wheel-to-ground contact, the company says, allowing for better shock absorption to maintain a consistent mowing height. Features include a 2-inch receiver hitch, 4,000-pound towing capacity and a hydraulic dump cargo box with 2,000 pounds of payload capacity. Limited slip differentials monitor traction and deliver torque to all four wheels. The new series also includes an improved cooling package, on-board diagnostics and machine shutdown protection to
lessen the chance of damage to components. Contact Bobcat,
(www.bobcat.com).
Chickity Doo Doo 5-3-2.5 organic fertilizer is a granular form derived 100 percent from chicken manure that the company says can compete with synthetic fertilizers in price and performance. Its 5-3-2.5 analysis supplies a ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium and slow-release nitrogen to promote healthy turf growth even during drought conditions, the company adds. OMRI-listed Chickity Doo Doo will not burn plants, is 100 percent weed-free, contains a guaranteed 9 percent calcium to help damaged or cut turf and also contains 30 percent carbon to help rebuild soil and retain water. Contact Chickity Doo Doo, 920-648-4041 (www.chickitydoodoo.com).
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