Turf, lawn and garden: growing profitability.As the big ticket agricultural market continues its inexorable slide in terms of unit volume, many dealers have begun to invest more heavily in the Turf, Lawn and Garden market. The primary reasons driving this shift are relatively obvious -- access to a broader market that includes affluent homeowners as well as the opportunity to sell/service another business/profession - but there are other issues to consider as well. To gain additional insight into this vibrant market segment, we spoke with Kent Zimmerman, agricultural sales manager sales manager n → gerente m/f de ventas sales manager n → directeur commercial sales manager sale n → for the John Day Company, a wholesale distributor located in Omaha, Neb. When asked for an overview of the market, Zimmerman responded, "Sales continue to be strong. Lawn care equipment is holding its share of our overall market and we project it to continue to grow. Of course, much of this growth (for our dealers) comes from non-farm acreage owners." What makes the TL&G sector most attractive to dealers? The answer is simple - profit potential, not just raw sales. "Dealers can make a margin on many TL&G products whereas mainline mainline Drug slang verb To inject a drug equipment has become priced such that the margin has bottomed out," Zimmerman said. "This allows both the mainline dealer and the small lawn and garden shops to see new market possibilities in the lawn care industry. Increased product selection, supply and margin opportunity have opened new doors for both the consumer and the dealer." What's more, he added, "The main line manufacturer may not be able to adjust to (changing) consumer needs as quickly and efficiently as a smaller TL&G manufacturer." This need to "stay in front of the consumer and lawn care professionals, focusing on their needs," is key to continued success according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Zimmerman. "Likewise, the dealer and distributor must know the pulse of the marketplace," he added. While the TL&G market segment is enjoying current popularity, this in itself creates some significant issues to watch. As the market demonstrates its profit potential, there will be those who take advantage of the situation to sell on price alone, undercutting the market. "People have got to support the dealer/distributor/manufacturer that offers extra value to the picture," Zimmerman stated. "You can purchase anything on price. However, you've got to consider what is the value that is brought to the table? Quality products, experienced personnel, competitive pricing, etc. are all important and need to be 'sold' as a value." Once again, the old merchants' standard of "cheapest price doesn't always mean least expensive" comes into play here. Quality service and after sales support are as important to the overall equation as price alone. As Zimmerman summarized, "We do not have to have the cheapest price. What we do differently from our competitors will help us stand out and be successful." Truly, those are words to live by. Following, you will find information on some of the latest new offerings in the turf, lawn and garden market. We invite you to review these brief summaries and visit with the various manufacturers for more complete details. EdgeAll hand edger/trencher A new edging and trenching hand tool has been added to the line of landscaping tools manufactured by V&B Manufacturing Company. The five-foot tool uses momentum provided by its own 13-pound weight to slice through Verb 1. slice through - move through a body or an object with a slicing motion; "His hand sliced through the air" slice into go, locomote, move, travel - change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically; "How fast does your new car go?"; "We tough soil conditions, providing sharp, narrow channels for quickly installing edging, burying wiring and piping or neat, squared-off trench bottoms for foundations, timbers and stone walls. Call 800-443-1987; or visit http://www.vbmfg.com Rockaway Rockaway, narrow peninsula, c.10 mi (16 km) long, SW Long Island, SE N.Y., in Queens borough of New York City. Separating Jamaica Bay from the Atlantic Ocean and isolated from the rest of New York City, the densely populated peninsula owes its growth to road and rail landscaping tool Layton & Rose, Inc. has introduced the Rockaway landscaping attachment for compact tractors. Designed and built by a landscaper Frustrated frus·trate tr.v. frus·trat·ed, frus·trat·ing, frus·trates 1. a. To prevent from accomplishing a purpose or fulfilling a desire; thwart: with the cost of replacing chains and slats, it installs on the tractor's loader A program routine that copies a program into memory for execution. bucker to turn rough, rocky ground into a finely-groomed seedbed. A rotor equipped with spiral mounted carbide-tipped mining teeth pull material to the center of the unit. Rocks and debris are left in the loader bucket while fine, processed soil passes through the Rockaway screen. Call 800-879-6507, or e-mail johnb@mdsgroup.net. New Floating wing mower mower, farm machine used for cutting grasses and other hay crops. Mowers, drawn by or attached to tractors, or self-propelled, have superseded scythes. The mower is essentially an adaptation of the much earlier reaper. The first commercial mower was patented in 1847. Howard Price Turf Equipment has introduced its new 360Z-80 floating wing mower. This model features an 80-inch cut with cutting capacity of up to 6.46 acres per hour at 8 mph. In addition, maximum flotation capability allows for dips and knolls, with the wing operating at up to 20 degrees up and 12 degrees down. The additional reach offered by the floating wing provides superior trimming capability, allowing the unit to reach under bushes and shrubs. Call 636-532-7000; or fax 636-532-0201 for more details. Deere adds power portables John Deere has added three new items to its portable power equipment family -- the EH2342 and EH2659 Extended Reach Hedge Trimmers and the PS2383 Pole Saw. The EH2342 features a 42-inch boom along with the 22-inch cutting blade adding cutting reach and capability. An articulating head adjusts for a variety of cutting angles. The EH2659 features a larger, 59-inch boom and double-sided, double reciprocating 22-inch blade for trimming up to 12-feet high. The PS2383 pole saw has an 83-inch boom and 10-inch cutting bar that allows is to handle branches up to 8 inches thick, up to 12 feet above ground. The John Deere DP6000 generator can run for nearly 12 hours at half load and nearly nine hours at full load. Generating up to 6,100 watts the unit is powered by an electric start 12 hp Kohler engine and features the Equipment Starting Advantage, which allows starting of a wide variety of electric motor driven devices. The John Deere H20D Hedge Trimmer trimmer see resco nail trimmer, toenail scissors. now features an adjustable swivel handle that is capable of rotating 40 and 90 degrees in either direction for user comfort and increased cutting performance. Call 800-537-8233; or visit http://wwwjohndeere.com Hustler hustler Sexology A ♂ paid to service–nudge, nudge, wink, wink–♀ or other ♂ adds to line-up Hustler Turf Equipment has introduced the Hog, a rough duty mower designed to handle vacant lots, waterways The list of waterways is a link page for any river, canal, estuary or firth. International waterways
A new 72-inch side discharge deck has been added as an available deck for the Super Z compact mower unit. An optional mulching kit and BAC-VAC catcher are also available. The Hustler Z BAC-VAC features a 9-bushel hopper constructed of fiberglass for corrosion resistance and lighter weight. While many similar units require the operator to dismount and manually dump bags or containers, the Z BAC-VAC can be dumped without the driver leaving the seat. Blower and hopper mount without tools and the unit can be used on the 52-, 60- or 72-inch models of the Hustler Z or Super Z. Call 800-395-4757; or visit http://www.excelhaistler.com. Flat-free wheelbarrow tire Carefree Tire has introduced a low-profile version of its flat-proof wheelbarrow tire. At 15-1/2" in diameter, it carries 400 pounds and is available in blue, green, red, yellow, gray and black. Each tire is constructed of microscopic air cells in a matrix of polymer elastomer elastomer (ĭlăs`təmər), substance having to some extent the elastic properties of natural rubber. The term is sometimes used technically to distinguish synthetic rubbers and rubberlike plastics from natural rubber. for a lightweight, durable tire. The manufacturer claims this new tire will last four to ten times longer than pneumatic tires and is backed by a lifetime guarantee. Call 877-352-8776; or visit http://wwwcarefreetire.com. Cub Cadet Cub Cadet is a premium line of outdoor power equipment, established in 1961 as part of International Harvester During the 1960s IH initiated an entirely new line of lawn and garden equipment aimed at the owners of increasingly popular rural homes with large yards and private commercial line Cub Cadet Commercial has introduced a full line of turf care equipment and landscape maintenance products specifically engineered for commercial landscapers, including heavy-duty pressure washers, tank mid-mount zero-turn mowers, heavy-duty hedge clippers, commercial walk-behind mowers, backpack blowers, gear-driven wide-area walk-behind mowers, stick edgers and string trimmers. These commercial-grade units complement the traditional Cub Cadet line of compact tractors and utility vehicles that consumers and professional have been familiar with for years. Contact Patrick Skertich at 312-240-2632; email patrick.skertich@edelman.com. Abrasion-resistant hoses introduced Parker Hannifin Parker Hannifin Corporation (originally Parker Appliance Company) NYSE: PH, of Cleveland, Ohio, is a manufacturer of motion and control technologies. Founded in 1924, the company has been publicly traded on the NYSE since December 9, 1964. Corporation's Hose Products Division has introduced two new multiple-wire braided braid·ed adj. 1. a. Produced by or as if by braiding. b. Having braids. 2. Decorated with braid. 3. hoses that exceed SAB 100R17 and make it easy to match abrasion abrasion /abra·sion/ (ah-bra´zhun) 1. a rubbing or scraping off through unusual or abnormal action; see also planing. 2. a rubbed or scraped area on skin or mucous membrane. resistance to the application. Parker 451 TC features an MSHA-accepted tough cover that resists hose-to-hose and hose-to-object abrasion, while 451 ST with super tough polymeric polymeric /poly·mer·ic/ (pol?i-mer´ik) exhibiting the characteristics of a polymer. pol·y·mer·ic adj. 1. Having the properties of a polymer. 2. cover provides protection highly abrasive environments. Contact Steve Duricky at 440-943-5700; or visit http://www.parkerhose.coin Land Pride debuts models Land Pride has introduced 44-inch and 52-inch models of the Razor Z mowers. Designed for small to medium residential areas, the units are powered by Honda engines Automotive Inline 3-cylinder The Honda Insight hybrid contains a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine, Honda's smallest automotive motor and recipient of the [Most efficant engine of the year] award in 2000. and feature hydrostatic hy·dro·stat·ic or hy·dro·stat·i·cal adj. Of or relating to fluids at rest or under pressure. hydrostatic pertaining to a liquid in a state of equilibrium or the pressure exerted by a stationary fluid. drive, a large-capacity fuel tank, turf type drive tires and the cutting height can be adjusted in 1/4-inch increments while on the move. The CA25 Series Core Aerators help reduce compaction in heavy soil conditions. Available in 4-, 5- and 6-foot models, they feature case hardened 3/4-inch spoons to penetrate to 4-1/2 inches. Optional water tanks are available for extra weight on the 5- and 6-foot models. The 6-foot Straw Crimper is designed to work newly worked or seeded ground by hairpinning straw into the ground in 6-1/2" rows to keep wind and water erosion to a minimum. The TreeLiminator is a 6-foot pie shaped blade with saw teeth on each side that mounts to a skid steer to efficiently cut down unwanted trees up to 30" in as little as two minutes. Land Pride Flail Mowers are designed to handle needs from cutting grass to shredding shred n. 1. A long irregular strip that is cut or torn off. 2. A small amount; a particle: not a shred of evidence. tr.v. prunings. The FM20, FM30 and FM40 models feature rotors that turn in the opposite direction of travel, bringing the cut grass up and over the rotor for a more uniform dispersal of clippings. The AT26 Grooming Mowers are available in 60-, 72- and 84-inch widths and feature a vacuum formed ABS belt guard and discharge chute. The air tunnel design cuts grass cleanly and discharges efficiently, even in moist, rugged and tall grass conditions. Call 785-823-3276; or visit http://www.landpride.com Simplicity debuts new models of lawn, garden tractors and more Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. has introduced upgraded lines of Conquest yard tractors, Prestige garden tractors and Regent lawn tractors. The new Conquest yard tractor features a welded steel frame and cast-iron steer axle. There are three engine sizes from which to pick. Consumers can also choose from three engines when selecting the Prestige garden tractor with heavy-duty automatic controlled traction and a differential lock and standard hydraulic lift for garden chores. There are seven models of the Regent lawn tractor, including two new 16 hp models. Each model features torsion bar torsion bar Rod or bar that resists twisting (see torque) and has a strong tendency to return to its original position when twisted. In an automobile, a torsion bar is a long spring-steel element with one end held rigidly to the frame and the other end twisted by a suspension and hand-or foot-controlled drive. Simplicity also offers a variety of other products to make working in the yard and garden more pleasurable, including a line of garden tillers, chipper chipper Drug slang An occasional user of illicit drugs. See Recreational drug use Tobacco A popular term for a person who smokes < 5 cigarettes/day, who may be resistant to nicotine dependence or addiction, and often born to non-smoking parents. shredders and field and brush mowers. Contact Troy Blewett at 262-284-8706; or visit http://wwwsimplicitymfg.com. Kawasaki debuts turboblade Kawasaki has introduced its new Twin TurboBlade, a rotary blade attachment for the Kawasaki KBL KBL Kabul, Afghanistan (Airport Code) KBL Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (Philippines; New Society Movement) KBL Korean Basketball League KBL Kredietbank SA Luxembourgeoise (Luxemburg bank) 23A and KBL26A string trimmers that the manufacturer says allows users to make short work of long jobs and enhances operator safety. Additionally, it's the only rotary blade of its kind sold as an attachment in the US and Canada; operators don't have to purchase the entire unit to gain the blade's benefits. The Twin TurboBlade's rotary blades work like scissors scissors Cutting instrument or tool consisting of a pair of opposed metal blades that meet and cut when the handles at their ends are brought together. Modern scissors are of two types: the more usual pivoted blades have a rivet or screw connection between the cutting ends to deliver precise cuts and prevent clogging. Cut grass isn't scattered -- a feature that makes the blade particularly effective for use on golf courses, around bunkers and water hazards, and to keep sand traps neat. Cut objects aren't thrown, as they are with traditional single rotating blades and strings, making the Twin TurboBlade safer to use. Contact Karen Howard at 616-9543019; call 877-KAWPOWR, or visit http://www.kawpowr.com. New Swisher swisher Sexology A regional term for a really queer queer, not that there's anything wrong with that mowers The Swisher Mower and Machine Company has introduced two new mowers, the ZTR ZTR zero turning radius (riding lawn mowers) ZTR Zero Turn Radius (lawnmower feature; trademark of Husqvarna Professional Outdoor Products Inc.) ZTR Zweig Total Return Fund Inc. 42 zero-turn mower and the T44 trailmower. The ZTR42 features infinite cutting height adjustments from 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches, a 17.5 hp Briggs & Stratton OHV OHV Off Highway Vehicle OHV Overhead Valve OHV Overhead Hoist Vehicle OHV over Head Valve engine, a 42" wide cut with three blades and twin hydrostatic transmissions. The T44 attaches to a lawn tractor, acting as a wing mower and doubling the effective cutting width. The 44" cutting desk with twin blades adjust to match tractor cutting height and the unit features a universal articulating hitch. Contact Wayne Swisher at 660-747-8183; or visit http://www.swisherinc.com. Eagle compact skid steer The FINN Corporation has recently introduced the Eagle compact, stand-on skid-steer. Designed to save manpower in landscaping and irrigation irrigation, in agriculture, artificial watering of the land. Although used chiefly in regions with annual rainfall of less than 20 in. (51 cm), it is also used in wetter areas to grow certain crops, e.g., rice. installation, nursery work and many other labor-intensive tasks, the 35-1/2 inch wide Eagle can get into places larger units can't, while delivering the same power. The Eagle offers a high hydraulic rate, and features a parallel hydraulic system Noun 1. hydraulic system - a mechanism operated by the resistance offered or the pressure transmitted when a liquid is forced through a small opening or tube that provides full power to all functions simultaneously. More than 40 attachments are available for the Eagle, and can be quickly attached via a quick hydraulic connection. It is powered by a 25 lip Kohler engine and boasts a 650 lb. operating capacity. Contact Rochelle Abbott at 513-874-2818; e-mail rabbott@finncorp.com. Tree Protector saves bark from bite NSW NSW New South Wales Noun 1. NSW - the agency that provides units to conduct unconventional and counter-guerilla warfare Naval Special Warfare , L.L.C. has introduced a rigid plastic mesh netting that protects young tree trunks from damage caused by deer and other wildlife, string trimmers, mowers and other tools. Damaged bark exposes sensitive plant tissue to pests and disease and the Tree Protector keeps animals and tools away. As opposed to plastic sheet wrap, the Tree Protector will not harbor insects or trap moisture around the trunk. It allows air, light and chemicals to reach the bark and is easily applied and removed. Netting is available in standard 5' lengths that can be cut to length. Phone 800-368-3610; e-mail netting@nwsplastics.com or visit http://www.nswplastics.com. Updates from Grass Packer packer /pack·er/ (pak´er) an instrument for introducing a dressing into a cavity or a wound. pack·er n. 1. An instrument for tamponing. 2. See plugger. The Grass Packer, a patented grass catcher has announced a new mounting bracket designed to accommodate more mower models. The new bracket fits the "Vantage" style deck and similar models, plus makes it easier to attach to all mower decks. The unit itself features greater impact resistance. Call 800-536-3166; or visit http://www.grasspacker.com. |
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