Product News

Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power launches interactive Web site

Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power has launched a new Web site that allows engine owners and operators can visit to find engines, locate product support and participate in the industry’s first site designed to offer user-generated content on commercial engines.

"OEM engineers told us that locating engine information was difficult," said Dan Roche, marketing manager. "We designed a new way to speed the process by making the search tool extremely flexible. And if an owner has a specific question about an engine, they will find everything they need on the engine page."

The new "Power Vault" provides information about Vanguard engine specifications and detailed engineering documents. Visitors can search by a number of criteria including engine configuration, cylinders, horsepower range, displacement and weight in both SAE and metric units. The revised engine section contains detailed information about every Vanguard engine. By clicking on a specific engine users will have easy access to features, benefits, specs, accessories and warranty information.

The new site includes the Vanguard Owner’s Group section in which visitors can respond to or submit questions on industry topics. Each month, Briggs & Stratton will feature one question on industry trends, new ideas and business issues. Visitors can chime in with suggestions and experiences.

The Where We Work section connects Vanguard engines to the applications and OEMs. The site also includes illustrated parts lists, engine owner’s manuals and enhanced dealer locator. Visit http://www.vanguardengines.com/.

Bobcat improves large-frame compact track loaders

Bobcat Co. has announced a roller suspension system option and an improvement to the undercarriage of its large-frame compact track loaders.

The new roller suspension system is now available as an option on the Bobcat T250 and T300 compact track loaders, in addition to the T320. Bobcat has also improved the design of the solid-mount undercarriage on the T250, T300 and T320.

The suspension system utilizes all-steel components to increase operator comfort without sacrificing durability. The rollers are suspended by high-strength steel leaf springs to reduce vibration and improve operator comfort.

The Bobcat roller suspension system does not require greasing or adjusting. The rollers are permanently sealed and lubricated. The company says it is the first roller suspension system with an all-steel design and the first with steel imbed tracks. The rollers are made of forged steel and the springs are shot-peened steel for strength and durability.

The design of the roller suspension system also includes features that make it easier to keep the undercarriage clean. These features are now built into the solid-mount undercarriages of Bobcat T250, T300 and T320 compact track loaders. Visit http://www.bobcat.com.

Toro utility vehicles at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Toro Co. is the official provider of utility vehicles for the 2008 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, joining Buzz Lightyear, Horton, and the big blue Smurf balloon in New York City.

The parade, which is on Thanksgiving Day from 9 a.m. to noon, will attract more than 3.5 million spectators and over 50 million television viewers on NBC and Telemundo.

Storr Tractor Company, a Toro distributor based in Branchburg, N.J., will provide 42 Workman MD Series vehicles to help guide the balloons down the 2.5 mile parade route.

"We are thrilled to support the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade," said MaryLou Des Champs, president and CEO of Storr Tractor Co. "It is special to be part of this historic Parade."

The balloons are anchored to Toro Workman utility vehicles and flown under the direction of pilots and captains. "Storr has provided Workman vehicles to guide the balloons in the Parade and transport people for six years," said Ken Indyk, sales director.

In addition to the flying balloons, Macy’s will include a Balloonicle, the Energizer Bunny. The Balloonicle, a balloon and self-powered vehicle, was designed around a Toro Workman.

Tanaka introduces two Inspire design chain saws

Nikko Tanaka Engineering has introduced the TCS-3301PFS and TCS-3351PFS Inspire design chain saws which feature honeycomb-shaped, maximum strength outer plastic housings. 

Manufactured with PA6 GF30 (polyamide 6, glass fiber 30 percent), this material features outstanding strength and rigidity and is more than twice as strong as similar products using ABS plastic housings.

Common features between the models include S-Start which reduces pull-force by 50 percent, auto choke return, side-access chain tensioner, Oregon bar and chain, and soft elastomer grip.  In addition, both chain saws are powered by a new 32-cc, 1.6-horsepower PureFire two-stroke engine.

"We are excited to introduce another Inspire design product category," said Jeff Wright, vice president of sales and marketing. "Tanaka now has seven Inspire design models in three product categories."

Both saws feature a two-year commercial use warranty and three-year consumer use warranty, and Tanaka products now feature a 10-day money-back guarantee. Visit tanakapowerequipment.com