Archive for August, 2010

Mid-season mower maintenance

Monday, August 30th, 2010

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.

The Exmark Vantage: One Year Later

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Vantage_Outdoor_01It’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.

Exmark Mower Safety

Friday, August 13th, 2010

green_unitsGAAt 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

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.

Employee Spotlight: Scott Wolbert

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

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.