Posts Tagged ‘GIE+EXPO 2010’

Another great year at GIE+Expo.

Friday, November 5th, 2010

Now that another year at GIE+EXPO has come to a close, we thought it might be time for us to do a quick recap of the products we unveiled during this year’s show.

Pioneer S-Series and E-Series

The Exmark Pioneer S-Series

The Exmark Pioneer S-Series

We’re excited to announce this latest addition to the Exmark family — the new Exmark Pioneer Series.  This mower offers the same professional performance you’d expect to see from an Exmark, but in value package that I think most landscape pros can appreciate.

The Pioneer is equipped with full-floating UltraCut deck cutting technology and Kawasaki V Twin engines. The S-Series is equipped with a 44”, 48” or 52” UltraCut Series 3 cutting deck. The E-Series is built on a full-floating 48” or 52” UltraCut Series 2 cutting deck.

More details on both of these new units can be found here and here.

Vantage

This year, we’re adding a 36” UltraCut option to the Vantage’s existing 48” and 52” decks. We’re also adding a 25 hp Kohler EFI engine to this line-up.

New EFI Units

For 2011, we’re introducing a new line of units with EFI engines. This new fleet of EFI units feature a state-of-the-art Kohler Command PRO EFI engine, which is the industry’s first closed loop fuel injection system.

New 2011 EFI Units include:

  • Turf Tracer X-Series will have a 21 hp Kohler EFI engine
  • Lazer Z S-Series will have both a 25 and 29 hp Kohler EFI engine
  • Lazer Z X-Series will continue to have a 29 hp Kohler EFI engine
  • The Navigator will have a 27 hp Kohler EFI engine

These engines allow the machines to consume up to 25 percent less fuel than a standard carburetor-powered mower for savings that really add up over time.

In case you missed the other great stuff we unveiled at GIE + EXPO 2010, you can check out our kick-off post here.

Exmarkpride.com

Monday, November 1st, 2010

As many of you know, we just wrapped up GIE + EXPO 2010. We have a lot of great things heading your way in 2011exmarkpride (for a recap, check out our GIE + EXPO kick-off post), and we’re really excited to launch our Exmark member community website, exmarkpride.com.

Here are the details:

Exmarkpride.com is the official gathering place for all Exmark fanatics. It’s designed to connect you with fellow Exmark owners, operators, landscape professionals, dealers and diehards in general.

At exmarkpride.com, you can share your favorite Exmark ‘moments,’ ideas, mowing tips and stories, interact with Exmark and industry experts, and gain special access into what is happening at Exmark.

A peek at what you'll see when you join the crew

A peek at what you'll see when you join the crew

As a member, you will also have access to business tools, receive exclusive Exmark offers on products and parts, participate in monthly contests and have the ability to win and purchase exclusive Exmark gear.

As if hanging out with Exmark crew isn’t enough to convince you to join, register by December 31 and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a Lazer Z X-Series unit. With hundreds of other Exmark fans already a part of the site, what are you waiting for?

A GIE+EXPO Preview From Lawn & Landscape’s Chuck Bowen

Monday, October 25th, 2010

Chuck BowenTo get ready for GIE+EXPO, we chatted with Chuck Bowen, editor of Lawn & Landscape, to see what he is looking forward to at this year’s event.

What do you hope to see this year at GIE?

It’s a great opportunity to have some face-to-face with people I typically only talk to on the phone or via e-mail. And, it’s always exciting to see all the new products that suppliers release.

What trends do you think we’ll see in new products?

As far as equipment goes, we’re seeing more and more alternative fuel options coming down the pike. Fuel prices are only going to go up, and contractors are more willing – and have more reliable options – now to explore electric and propane-fueled equipment.

What will be the trend in 2011 for products/Landscape Pros? Dealers?

They say the recession is over, but people are still having a hard time. Customers still want more for less, and, for dealers, their contractor customers have a similar outlook. Everyone’s being a little more reluctant to buy, and doing more homework before they sign off on projects or big purchases. So, whether you sell service or hard goods, you really have to make your case to customers that you’ll be a good investment or save them money in the long run.

Whose booth should you definitely stop by?

I’d be remiss if I didn’t say ours – number 1084. We’ve got a lot of great stuff for the industry, namely our new scholarship program. You can donate as little as one dollar, pick up a wristband and, if we take your picture wearing it, you’ve got a chance to win some pretty amazing prizes, like a week in Hawaii or a Caribbean cruise.

But I always encourage people to visit the outdoor demo areas. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with lots of equipment and see if it really does what you need it to.

Are you looking forward to the concert this year? What acts would you like to see open the show next year?

They always have great acts come to Fourth Street and put on an entertaining show. Looking at my schedule, I don’t think I’ll be able to make the concerts this year, but I encourage everyone to attend. Keynotes are good, but a big part of the show is networking and relaxing with your colleagues.

What do you think we’ll see more of next year (industry-wide)?

More and more companies are looking for ways to set themselves apart from their competition, and we’ll see more creative ways of doing that. The best companies and dealers know their niche and how to thrive in it, regardless of the economy.

How has the industry changed in the last year?

Companies are smaller and younger – they’re making lower revenues and have been in business for less time. We’ve seen a correction, and there’s been lots of turnover and change. This sets the stage for more competition and really ups the ante for companies to compete at a much higher level.

What’s your favorite thing about Kentucky?

Definitely the bourbon. No, I can’t just pick one thing. It’s a great state – it has beautiful scenery, friendly people and great cities. Whenever I’m in Louisville I make sure to have breakfast at Lynn’s Paradise Café and grab a drink at the lobby bar at the Brown Hotel.

What are you looking forward to at GIE+EXPO 2010? Leave us a comment and let us know!

You can contact Chuck via e-mail and find Lawn & Landscape on Twitter.