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PRODUCT NEWS |
Broyhill’s new Chemical Containment Flex Berms allow users to drive vehicles and other equipment onto them, while a lip re-expands to catch any chemical spills from the equipment. Users can set up the containment berms in one minute, the company says, adding that they’re collapsible and easy to fold after use for carrying and storage. Ideal for a temporary wash-down station for sprayers or vehicles, the berms feature memory foam walls and a membrane floor. The berms are available as a round, 2-foot-diameter unit for small projects like oil changes or refilling chemical tanks, and an 8-foot-by-14-foot berm that can accommodate an entire vehicle so that all leaks are contained. Contact Broyhill, 800-228-1003, ext. 34 (www.broyhill.com).
The Groundsmaster 4500 and 4700 from The Toro Co. now include an auto-reversing engine cooling system that briefly reverses the fan to blow debris off the air intake screen. Also new to the machines is a 58-hp Kubota turbo-diesel engine, an integrated control hub with fingertip electronic controls, hood with top air-intake and a four-way adjustable seat with air-ride suspension. The mowers will still feature free-floating Contour Plus cutting units plus rear rollers on the decks to provide striping effects while mowing. Contact The Toro Co., 800-803-8676 (www.toro.com).
Jacobsen recently unveiled a new Web site with more training videos and safety information plus a new frequently-asked-questions section with a search function. Visitors to the redesigned site can request price quotes and equipment demonstrations through links on each product page. With all product information now centrally located, users can easily access specifications, manuals, recommended parts lists, product articles and all available training videos, the company says. Regionalized to offer market-specific information, the site also features a database-driven design, which automatically updates technical information, giving visitors the latest information. Contact Jacobsen, 888-922-8873 (www.jacobsen.com).
Two herbicides from BASF Turf & Ornamentals — FreeHand 1.75G and Drive XLR8 — have received full state registration in California, the company announces. Labeled for use in landscape and ornamental maintained areas, FreeHand 1.75G herbicide combines a granular formulation of dimethenamid-P with pendimethalin for pre-emergence weed control. Broad-spectrum herbicide Drive XLR8 can be applied to most tolerant cool- and warm-season grasses and features a liquid formulation of quinclorac for post-emergence control of weeds such as crabgrass, dandelions and clovers. With a use rate of 1.45 ounces per 1,000 square feet, Drive XLR8 is labeled for use on golf courses, commercial and residential turfgrasses, sod farms and sports fields. Contact BASF Turf & Ornamentals, (www.betterturf.com).
TrunkPump introduces three new pumps — a 3-inch trash version, a 2-inch trash version and a 2-inch pressure version — all available as three-point models powered by category 1 tractors. The trash pump models can handle solids up to 1.25 inches in diameter and move more than 300 gallons per minute. The pressure pump can service a small irrigation system with up to 88 psi. The company also offers a fuel savings kit, which can modify a pump to offer a reduction in fuel usage while the pump operates at peak volume, the company says. While gas-powered pumps require refueling every couple of hours, the trunk pumps can move water for a long period of time with little labor, the company adds. Contact TrunkPump, (www.trunkpump.com).
John Deere’s new G series of graders offers users a choice of console-mounted controls or armrest-mounted fingertip controls, in addition to cross-slope control, automatic differential lock and a rearview camera. Models ranging from 185 to 275 net horsepower are available with a front- or mid-mount scarifier, or a rear ripper, the company says. Grade-control ready, the machines can accept Trimble or Topcon grade control systems, while all automatic grade control buttons and controls are integrated into the control levers. Equipped with a keyless start with multiple security codes, the models include John Deere’s PowerTech Plus 9.0-liter Tier 3 engines and heavy-duty transmission with event-based shifting software. Three of the six new models offer six-wheel drive rather than tandem drive, resulting in increased traction and a 30 percent increase in tractive effort, the company says. All G Series machines come with programmable auto-shutdown for fuel savings. Contact John Deere,
(www.johndeere.com).
Valent U.S.A. Corp. recently received new registration from the EPA that approves its SureGuard herbicide in landscape settings in all 50 states. Said to offer pre-emergence and post-emergence control of broadleaf and grass leaves such as crabgrass, spurge, bittercress and groundsel, SureGuard contains the active ingredient flumioxazin, which the company says brings a new mode of action to the lawn care market. Contact Valent U.S.A. Corp., 800-898-2536 (www.valentpro.com).
Three new FX series of air-cooled, V-twin engines from Kawasaki offer power options from 27 hp to up to 31 hp. The engines incorporate new elements designed to deliver smooth power output, quiet operation and long life. Compact and air-cooled, the 90 degree engines feature hemispherical combustion chambers and overhead v-valve technology to minimize emissions, the company says. The two larger engines, the FX921V and the FX1000V, contain three valves per cylinder, two intake valves and one exhaust valve, which improves air volume efficiency for cleaner, more complete fuel combustion, the company adds. Other engine features include a twin-barrel, internally vented carburetor with fuel shut-off solenoid, dual-stage canister air filter and roller ball bearings in the upper crankshaft bearings. Equipped with high-performance lubrication systems and cast iron cylinder liners, the engines feature steel air shrouds instead of composite shrouds to permit tighter tolerance between the shroud and air intake screen. Contact Kawasaki Engines and Power Products, 800-433-5640 (www.kawpowr.com).
Kubota has expanded its line of zero-turn mowers to include the new ZD221 and ZD323, with 21 and 23 hp, respectively. The ZD323 (pictured) comes equipped with the company’s high-back deluxe suspension seat and an adjustable front axle that can be easily switched from rigid to oscillating, the company says. The ZD221 includes options for either a 48- or 54-inch commercial mower deck and operates at a maximum speed of 9 mph, while the larger ZD323 features a 60-inch, 6.5-inch-deep mower deck and operates at a maximum speed of 9.3 mph. Both models include shaft-driven hydrostatic transmissions, hydraulic power take-off clutches and hands-free operation in both a hydraulic deck lift and parking brake. Both machines also include a full-flat operator platform for operator comfort plus such amenities as a cup holder and an instrument panel that keeps controls and indicators close for easy access and viewing. Contact Kubota Tractor Corp., 888-458-2682, ext. 900 (www.kubota.com).
A turf edition of DTN/Meteorlogix’s MxVision WeatherSentry product has been updated with improved lightning detection and expanded mobile weather monitoring capabilities. The service’s Lightning Manager helps deliver lightning information to give a concise picture of anticipated lightning activity for specific areas to ensure golfer and staff safety. Upgraded animated lightning strikes are paired with real-time local radar to indicate where severe storms are moving and whether lightning is subsiding or intensifying, according to the company. MxVision WeatherSentry Mobile offers additional radar zoom levels and increased panning to see directions and locations of rain, ice and snow. The turf edition also provides information by high-speed Internet, cell phone or satellite delivery. Other new features include a storm-tracking function, a precipitation indicator and an alert manager that sends notifications when weather changes occur or the National Weather Service issues warnings or advisories in particular areas. Contact DTN/Meteorlogix, (www.dtn.com).
Cherrington offers a new option for its seedbed preparation rock and root screeners. A counter-rotating roller tills, grades and prepares the soil for immediate screening to remove rocks, stones and roots. To operate, users load the roller and screen the topsoil for objects larger than the selected screen hole size. The device eliminates the need for second passes; the entire surface is screened clean for a perfect seedbed the first time, the company says. Cherrington’s rock picker models come in widths of 4, 5 and 6½ feet with soil screening from 1 to 6 inches deep. Screening can be performed to any specifications. Contact Cherrington, 800-966-1588 (www.cherrington.net).
Lockup specialty herbicide from Dow AgroSciences, now available through distributors in the South, offers post-emergence weed control of dollarweed (pictured). Lockup is said to provide activity at low use rates (0.02 to 0.06 pound of active ingredient per acre) and provide post-emergence control of other broadleaf weeds such as white clover, kyllinga, Florida betony, chickweed, lespedeza and dandelion. Distributors offering the herbicide are The Andersons, Harrell’s, Howard’s Fertilizer, Howard Johnson’s Enterprises, John Deere Landscapes, Lebanon and Regal Chemical Co. Contact Dow AgroSciences, (www.dowprovesit.com).
The patent-pending Bird-B-Gone mist hazing system releases a fine mist into the air to deter pest birds from large open spaces. The mist system distributes methyl anthranilate, a grape extract that irritates the birds’ trigeminal nerve and mucous membranes through the eyes, nose or mouth. Methyl anthranilate is a food-grade material that’s recognized by the FDA as a safe substance, the company says. The hazing unit features an LCD touch screen for programming. Users can attach up to 64 misting drop units from the control unit, controlling each one individually. Each station can cover an area of about 6,000 to 8,000 square feet. Spray units can go off simultaneously or at alternating times. The control panel keeps track of liquid levels and notifies users when to refill. The unit’s nozzle design provides a 5-micron particle size, meaning the system leaves no residue behind, the company adds. Nozzles also are adjustable, letting users direct the mist toward problem areas. Contact Bird-B-Gone Inc., 800-392-6915 (www.birdbgone.com).
PulseTech Products Corp. says its Xtreme Charge 12-volt battery charger can increase the average battery life by three to five times. With the company’s patented Pulse technology, the charger is built with a charge algorithm and advanced battery evaluation capabilities to eliminate the need for customers to identify battery type or chemistry, the company adds. Users can select and set any specific charge criteria prior to charging. Features include an evaluation circuitry with 12 LED status indicators, a proprietary computer-integrated system to determine and deliver the appropriate amount of charge, and technology that minimizes the size of sulfation buildup on battery plates. The product is CUL-approved and works with all types and sizes of 12-volt lead-acid batteries including flooded, fill and charge. Contact PulseTech Products Corp., 800-580-7554 (www.xtremecharge.com).
American Golf Corp., in an effort to conserve thousands of gallons of water on southern California courses, is retrofitting sprinklers with efficient metal nozzles. The company is working with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which offers rebates to courses that switch to FCI Profile metal nozzles from plastic nozzles. The FCI Profile nozzles feature stainless steel orifices to increase distribution uniformity and save water, the company says. The nozzles are manufactured by Underhill International. American Golf manages more than 110 private, resort and daily fee courses in the U.S. Contact Underhill International, 866-863-3744 (www.underhill.us).
Vortex Insurance Agency offers weather insurance for courses, providing coverage against several types of weather, including excessive total rainfall, days with excessive rainfall, days that are too hot or cold, combinations of rain and temperature, and wind. A variety of choices designed specifically for golf courses can address a total golf season, the busiest period of the golf season, weekends and holidays only, league nights, tournaments, special events and periods of construction or maintenance. Insurance can come in increments from one hour to an entire year. Contact Vortex Insurance Agency LLC, 866-997-2469 (www.vortexinsuranceagency.com).
Gravely Turf, a brand of Ariens Co., offers its new ProVac 1060 that features a 3.5-cubic-yard hopper capacity for large leaf collection jobs and a 60-inch adjustable intake scoop to let users pick up thatch and wet leaves on turf or pavement. An optional hand vacuum unit supplies an extra 10 feet of reach to vacuum leaves from underneath shrubs or along a fence line. Powered by an 18-hp Kohler engine, the unit includes a 6-gallon fuel tank for fewer refueling stops; an all-welded, rectangular frame; 14-gauge steel construction; a ¼-inch abrasion-resistant plate; and a 17-inch diameter, six-blade steel fan impeller. Contact Ariens Co., (www.ariens.com).
Danfoss Drives announces that its VLT micro variable frequency drive is now available in an M4 frame size covering the 15-20 hp range. Just 250 millimeters tall, the M4 features a detachable local control panel with or without a potentiometer, an LCP copy function and a panel-front mounting kit. To operate, users connect the motor and power cables, turn the control knob and watch the motor speed change, the company says. The drive offers true side-by-side mounting without any derating due to its compact design. An automatic energy optimizer function allows the drive to consume less energy, while the automatic motor adaptation feature leverages the motor’s full operating potential. Additional features include built-in AC and DC brake functions, intelligent heat management and coated electronics for maximized drive reliability and life. Users can also copy settings via a local control panel to set up multiple drives. Contact Danfoss Drives, 800-621-8806 (www.danfossdrives.com).
J.J. Mauget Co. introduces a new line of refillable micro-injection chemical technologies called Liquid Loadables. The 1-liter bottles for insecticides, fungicides, antibiotics, fertilizers and micronutrients let tree care experts refill their preferred injection system. Mauget currently offers the Liquid Loadables for its Imicide, Stemix Plus and Inject-a-Min Manganese products, while others await EPA approval. Contact J.J. Mauget Co., 800-873-3779 (www.mauget.com).
Specifically developed for edging along asphalt surfaces, the new wire brush wheel blade from Seago International quickly and sharply slices grass while not harming the asphalt surface, the company says. The brush wheel blade specifically fits on the Atom cart path edger. The company says initial tests show that the wire brush blade lasts for up to 30 miles of operation before needing a replacement. The Atom edger is capable of 300 feet per minute. Contact Seago International/Atom, 800-780-9889 (www.seagointernational.com).
A newly designed Web site from Growth Products Ltd. now offers more than 100 pages of practical information for green industry professionals. With a new look and navigation, the site provides information on the company’s complete line of products and a Rate Application Calculator, which allows users to create their own customized plant nutrition programs. Users can also find solutions for correcting and preventing chlorosis, improving seed germination, increasing root development, increasing crop yield, reducing plant stress, maintaining disease-free turf and many other topics. Contact Growth Products Ltd., 800-648-7626 (www.growthproducts.com).
LebanonTurf’s ProScape 19-0-6 with Lockup specialty herbicide provides weed control with few irrigation requirements, the company says. The granular product provides activity at low use rates and can be used on wet or dry foliage and on warm- and cool-season turf. The formula also includes the company’s MESA, a nitrogen source that combines ammonium sulfate with methylene urea in a single particle. Contact LebanonTurf, 800-233-0628 (www.lebanonturf.com).