Now that mowing season is well under way, the last thing you want to happen is for your mower to experience downtime. The following tips will help you keep your mower running in tip-top shape.

• Check your operator’s manual to see what might need to be greased!  Keeping the right parts greased is an important step in extending the life of your mower.
• Check the air filter (inner and outer) and change it if necessary.  Never use compressed air to clean a filter.
• Depending on how many hours the mower has been running, consider changing the fuel filter.
• Check and, if necessary, change the spark plugs.
• Verify that you are doing the oil changes at the proper intervals.  You should NEVER exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations by more than 100 hours.
• Blow the debris off the unit
  • Remove the belt deck belt shields and blow off all foreign material.
  • Blow the grass off the areas around the pumps and wheel motors (overheated oil leads to shorter component life).
  • Blow through the openings in and around the console or remove the console mounting screws to get debris out of this area.
  • Check for loose hardware.
  • Verify torque on wheel motor castle nut and tire mounting lug nuts.

How is your season going? If you have any comments or questions, we’d love to hear from you.

It’s been almost a year since the introduction of Vantage™, our stand-on mower, and since then, the positive reviews have been pouring in.  The features that really stand out in the minds of pros and dealers are the mower’s platform and suspension system, and the exclusive Exmark deck.

When we first started working on Vantage, we spent a lot of time with customers, talking to them, watching them work and figuring out their pain points. We discovered that comfort is key for the guy who is standing all day long. We designed the suspension to be easier on the operator’s knees and joints. And, as always, the deck delivers the distinct Exmark cut.

A few of our customers mentioned that they actually waited for the launch of this machine to buy a stand-on mower. They also told us it was well worth the wait. That makes us very proud.

Vantage features:

• Powered by 20 or 24 hp Kawasaki® V Twin engines.
• Available with 48″and 52″ UltraCut™ Series 4 cutting decks.
• Ergonomically designed steering system includes an adjustable front reference bar that can control the top-end speed of the machine.
• Self-compensating suspension makes standing easier for pros of all shapes.
• Platform folds up, allowing the machine to function like a walk-behind.
• Superior traction and handling allows you to mow, changing landscapes effortlessly.
• Angled platform sides allow operator to shift body weight for a smoother ride when mowing hillsides.
• Greaseless spindles eliminate the need for yearly greasing.
• 11 x 4.0-5, smooth-tread, semi-pneumatic front caster tires for increased reliability.
• 20 x 10.0-8 Turf Master® drive tires for optimum traction. Tough 1.5″ x 3.0″ steel-frame blades ensure maximum durability.
• Integrated tie-down points for secure trailering.

Have you been on the Vantage? Share your thoughts below.

At Exmark, one of our top concerns is safety. Around the plant, at the dealership, during development and especially while on the mower itself. One thing you can always count on is that safety comes first. Always.

Everything we do goes into making each unit as safe as possible for operators, as well as how the machine works for the operator. Of course durability and quality are what we’re known for, but; at  Exmark, safety is essential to a great, successful unit.

To help you with keeping safety at the front of your mind as well, we’ve developed a series of videos for you on our YouTube channel. These videos detail:

• Proper conditions for mowing
• Proper care for and operation of the Lazer Z, as well as instructions for utilizing the rollover protection system
• Exmark’s unique handling instructions, features and controls for full safety and performance
• Proper maintenance, transport and storage that are crucial to performance
• Care of your Exmark mower
• General operation and safety instructions for the Vantage

• Safety features of your Exmark Quest

Stop by the Exmark YouTube channel to catch all the videos and learn more about your Exmark.  Feel free to leave a comment or two along the way! We love hearing from you.

Scott isn’t the kind of guy who would ask anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself. A line supervisor at Exmark since 1998, Scott gets to work before his staff and stays well past their clock-out time. He says he feels like a firefighter as he goes into the assembly line to get everything prepped and organized, making sure parts are ready and available for the day’s work.

As Scott puts it, “I like to jump right in and help those on the line throughout the day. I want to make them feel more comfortable through leading by example.” That’s why on most days, you can find him helping on the line. He honed his supportive management style at a couple of his previous jobs, where he was a head manager of Godfather’s Pizza and a nightclub owner.

Receiving his first Circle of Excellence award in 2005 is his proudest moment at Exmark. Outside of work, Scott rocks out. Literally. He’s been the lead vocalist and drummer in a local band since 1976. If you live in Beatrice, Neb., or the surrounding areas, you’ve probably heard of them and caught one of their shows. They’ve built up quite the following. As his daughter, who shares the mowing responsibility with her father, once said, “Dad, you are not Bon Jovi or Def Leppard, but you are famous in this area.”

But Scott isn’t just about building a fan base. His helping spirit guides him in giving back to the community by organizing yearly concerts and fundraisers, two of which are ‘Rock For Hunger’ and ‘Rock Against Rape.’ Recently, he raised more than $4,000 at one of the events.

Around here, we’re Scott’s biggest, and possibly loudest, fans.

We used to get asked all the time what we were doing at fishing, hunting and boating shows. Reels, guns and boats, that’s the kind of stuff you’d expect to see there. But a mower? It seemed odd…at first. Now a lot of Exmark users stop by our booth to tell us how much time they saved with their mowers. And there’s the connection.

If you’ve ever used an Exmark, then you know just how productive these babies are. So whether you’re mowing for a living or mowing your backyard, you can count on the job being done as efficiently as possible. For some of you, this means you can get back to fishing, hunting or boating before the day is done.

Our goal is to be the booth that’s buzzing with activity at all times–from entering our Grand Gear Giveaway Sweepstakes, to video games for the kids to giving away cool gifts to all those who stop by. If you’re the outdoorsy type, then you know that Cabelas is one of the places to go for an impressive selection of gear.

Our presence at outdoor shows is now expected. People love seeing us there. They love to stop by and ask a lot of technical questions. And we love talking with them and sharing our passion for the outdoors. These folks really appreciate quality and craftsmanship in a machine. We can definitely understand that.

This post is by John Cloutier, senior marketing manager at Exmark.

Our community in Beatrice, NE is nothing short of amazing. We love being here. Working here. And for the majority of us, living here. It’s more of a family than a community. And as with any family, pitching in and helping out is the responsibility of every member. One of the ways we stay involved in our community is through the Exmark Community Giving Back Program. Recently, we made a $20,000 donation to Main Street Beatrice, specifically for the beautification of downtown Beatrice’s Charles Park. This helped Main Street Beatrice install a Toro irrigation system and benches throughout Charles Park. A portion of the money was used toward the park’s various operation expenses.

Now that the days are warm, you can see families out enjoying the park. That’s what it’s all about for us – not the media write-ups or pats on the back or name recognition, but giving members of our family a nice outdoor environment where they can catch up and spend time together.

Donating money is only one way of giving back to your community. If you want to donate and money isn’t an option, think about donating your time and your machines to help beautify your town. Just imagine what your local park would look like if you had a chance to cut it. A simple phone call or two to your local city office or parks and recreations office can get the ball rolling.

We’d love to hear how you give back to your community. Leave a comment below.

To put it lightly, our employees rock –every single one of them. They’re the reason Exmark mowers are tough, reliable and deliver the best cut in the industry. To show our appreciation to all of the hard-working men and women who make this place tick, we’re going to feature one employee a month. Consider this to be the first of many “Thank Yous.”

Lenny Magnall – Customer Service Technician

13 years and counting.

In a nutshell, Lenny is a problem solver. Whether it’s over the phone or during face-to-face visits, he can answer questions that deal with everything from electrical issues to warranty inquiries to that clickity-click-veeee sound a mower is making while idling.

But answering questions is only part of what he does. Lenny’s also a presenter, video editor and website developer. During the off-season, he’s a road warrior, traveling around the country to speak with dealers, distributors and technicians in person. There isn’t much this guy can’t do.

On a scale of one to 10, Lenny gives his job in the customer service department a 15. His tenure in Research and Development also ranks pretty high. But he’ll never forget starting out as a welder. Putting mowers together was quite an experience. And wielding a blowtorch wasn’t bad either.

When he’s not working, Lenny’s busy fishing and coaching his three boys’ sports teams. As for mowing the lawn, you’ll rarely see him with his Exmark walk-behind. That’s because his wife has taken the reins. He would say something, but then he wouldn’t have as much time for everything else on his plate.

Much like cars, mowers tend to have different personalities. You have your workhorse or your sleek rider. And much like car enthusiasts, there’s a breed of devout mower enthusiasts. On occasion, the two are one and the same. But whatever camp you happen to fall in, you probably know that a mower shouldn’t be treated like a car, especially where engine oil is concerned. Up until now, your options were limited.

Engine oil specifically designed for mowers didn’t exist. What was available was a common blend almost identical to oils manufactured for the automotive industry. Seeing the need for oil specific to the lubrication requirements of the mower, we’re excited to announce our newest product, Exmark-branded engine oil that’s formulated to deliver everything a mower needs.   It’ll help boost performance and, along with regular maintenance, it’ll help extend the life of your machine. You won’t get that out of the car oil blends.

Key benefits of the new oil include:

• Both SAE 30 and SAE 10W-30 in one bottle.
• Contains increased levels of zinc and phosphorus for increased lubricity.
• No Viscosity Index Improvers that tend to shear down in high heat.
• Synthetic formulation.
• Gas & Diesel compatible.
• Anti-corrosion additives.
• API ‘SL’ and JASO rated with wet clutch compatibility for other machines in your fleet.

Check out our new Exmark engine oil and see what it can do for your Exmark here.

Ahhhhh, mowing – being outdoors, surrounded by the scent of freshly-mowed grass, no walls or fluorescent lights or cubicles standing between you and nature, the feeling of instant gratification that comes with turning a plain lawn into a masterpiece – there’s nothing like it.

The only catch is, spending all that time outside during the prime summer months, when the sun is at its most relentless, can be bad news for your skin. The rays are at their worst between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Aside from painful sunburn, you’ll increase your chances of skin cancer. Fortunately you can protect yourself with a few easy steps.

It’s all in the timing.

When you apply your sunscreen is just as important as actually applying sunscreen. So slather it on 30 minutes before you head out to maximize its effectiveness. And don’t forget to reapply every few hours to keep your skin protected.

Choose the right amount.

Most people think a little squirt of sunscreen will do the job. Those people usually end up burned. What you need is at least a shot-glass full to cover your entire body.

The right outfit.

It may seem like a no-brainer, but what you wear can make a difference in protecting your skin. The color, thickness of material and tightness of the fabric’s weave all contribute to a piece of clothing’s SPF rating.  Clothing’s SPF can range from less than 10 for a plain white T-shirt to more than 50 for sun-protective clothes.

If you get burned.

If you do end up with a sunburn, there are several things you can do to treat it.  The first is to take an anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen to help reduce swelling.  The second is to use a sunburn spray or gel and apply it directly to the burn. Skip the heavy lotions though; they can actually prevent the skin from cooling down.

Do you have any tricks for protecting yourself from the sun? Post a comment and tell us all about it.

Gas prices, economic uncertainty, unpredictable weather – there’s always something chipping away at your bottom line. You’re forced to find different ways of cutting cost and hopefully staying in the black. One thing landscape pros often think about is whether to buy or rent machines. If you’re in that camp, there are some matters to consider that may help you reach the best decision.

Start by thinking about the region you work in, the amount of time you devote to your business and the style of work you do.

If you’re just starting out, only mow part time or live in an area where lawn maintenance is a concern only a few months out of the year, then renting may be your best and most cost effective option.

Buying is a better alternative for those who’ve been in the business long enough to know exactly what they need. Also consider buying if you live in an area where lawn maintenance takes place close to year round.

You also have the option of doing both: buying core equipment, like a commercial-grade mower, and renting other tools as they become necessary.

To see even more saving solutions, check out our past posts Tax Tips and Maintenance Advice. By the way, if you haven’t read our Spring Maintenance Series, now is the time.  Proper maintenance will save you hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars later on.

Got more ideas? Share with us in the comments.

This post is by Bruce Cooper the director of sales at Exmark Manufacturing.