Posts Tagged ‘vantage’

The Advantages of Stand-on Mowers for Lawn Care Businesses

Tuesday, July 19th, 2016

All the landscape training and experience in the world won’t matter if you don’t equip your team with the right tools for the job. Lawn grades, landscaping, and other factors you can’t control will always have an impact on your job, which is why you need the equipment necessary to handle each challenge that comes your way. Not only is it safer to match the right mower to the project, but choosing the best equipment can also be more cost-effective overall.Vantage X-Series stand-on mower

Depending on the type of business you run and the volume of clients you serve, a stand-on mower could be the best investment in your future. Here are the main considerations:

Property Size: The number one factor in determining which type of lawn mower to invest in is the size of the property (or properties) you tend. If you serve lots that are more than an acre in size, a push mower will take hours to get the job done. For lots that are half an acre or smaller, a riding mower will lose its precision. That’s why people who tend variable-sized lots often go for stand-on mowers. They get the job done faster than push mowers but also allow for precision in those hard-to-reach areas.

Property Type: Wide, open spaces are often best served by a riding mower, but when you’re working with tight spaces, small lawns, a lot of landscaping features, like shrubs and irregular plantings, a stand-on mower provides better maneuverability.

Transportation Needs: Traveling with one (or more) riding mowers can be a logistical nightmare, especially if space on your trailer is limited. Stand-on mowers are smaller and easier to transport, making them ideal when you don’t want to spend too much time figuring out how to get from one client’s property to another’s.

Less Turf Damage: Although zero-turn mowers have come a long way in detailed turf care, many pros prefer stand-on mowers for their precision. When a picture perfect finish is your goal, you may want to downgrade the technology for more user control.

Visibility and User Control: If you ask your team, you might find that they have a preference for stand-on mowers because it gives them more control over their work. Not only does a standing position offer better visibility, but the ability to quickly hop on and off can be instrumental when working around a large number of obstructions.

Safety: Although there is always a possibility of falling off of a stand-on mower, many businesses prefer them over riding mowers for safety reasons. This is especially true if you’ll be working with steep or slippery grades that aren’t ideal for riding mowers.

Steep Lawn Grades: Most stand-on mowers have greater hillside stability than their riding mower counterparts. Not only do stand-on mowers have a lower center of gravity, but users can shift their weight in order to counteract a slope’s incline.

Price: Money is a consideration for any lawn care business that wants to stay in the green. Stand-on mowers tend to be 10 to 20 percent less expensive than riding mowers, which can make a big difference to your bottom line—especially if you run a fleet of lawn care specialists.

While stand-on mowers can provide greater flexibility, you should remember that they typically require greater strength in the legs and back, and they tend to be slower than riding mowers. If stand-on mowers fit your business model – mainly small to mid-sized properties, hills, or yards with a lot of features — an Exmark Vantage stand-on mower offers industry-leading options in a variety of deck-sizes.

New Product Showcase: 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane Stand-On Rider

Sunday, March 6th, 2016

New model is Exmark’s most productive propane-fueled stand-on riding mower

Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

Equipped with a 60-inch UltraCut Series 4 cutting deck, the Vantage S-Series Propane delivers incredible productivity.

Exmark has expanded its industry-leading line of propane-fueled commercial mowers to include a 60-inch version of its Vantage S-Series Propane stand-on rider for 2016. The machine’s innovative Kohler EFI propane powerplant delivers increased fuel economy and performance combined with reduced emissions, making it one of the most environmentally friendly commercial stand-on mowers available today.

Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, said the 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane is a machine customers have frequently been requesting.

“The reception to the 52-inch Vantage S-Series Propane we launched this past year has been overwhelmingly positive,” Walters said. “That said, one thing we’ve heard is of a need for a larger propane-fueled stand-on rider.

“The 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane will give these customers the cutting width they need to maximize productivity, combined with the cost-saving advantage of our cutting-edge Kohler EFI propane powerplant. It’s a win-win situation. More productivity combined with lower cost equals greater profit. It’s as simple as that.”

Kohler Command Pro EFI Propane engine

The state-of-the-art Kohler Command Pro EFI propane engine offers increased performance, responsiveness and fuel efficiency.

The Vantage S-Series Propane is powered by a state-of-the-art Kohler Command Pro PCV740 V-Twin EFI propane engine. The professional-grade design uses automotive-style closed-loop electronic fuel injection to eliminate carburetor-related issues and automatically adjust to load, weather and altitude for better performance every day. Plus, the EFI design offers car-like ease of starting – just turn the key and go. No choke, no priming and no fuel pressure adjustments needed.

The 60-inch UltraCut Series 4 side-discharge cutting deck features Exmark’s patented flow-control baffles to deliver the company’s signature quality of cut. Heavy-duty welded construction and high-strength 7-gauge spindle reinforcements deliver superior strength with increased long-term durability. Maintenance-reducing features include sealed, no-maintenance spindles and Exmark’s patented spherical bearing design idler arm pivots.

“When combined with the incredibly reliable Kohler EFI propane powerplant, the maintenance-reducing features help keep the Vantage S-Series Propane out making money more of the time,” Walters added.

The new 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane mower joins Exmark’s existing EFI propane Lazer Z (zero-turn rider), Turf Tracer (walk-behind) and Vantage (stand-on) models.

Learn more at Exmark.com.

Exmark White Paper: Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane

Sunday, November 1st, 2015
Exmark Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane white paper

Click the image to download the free white paper in Adobe PDF format.

Every day, an increasing number of landscape maintenance professionals are opening their eyes to the potential of propane-fueled commercial mowers. Here are a few compelling reasons why that shift is occurring, from our white paper, Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane:

  • 2013 market research conducted by Lawn & Landscape magazine revealed that 63 percent of homeowners responsible for decisions related to some or all landscape contract services are influenced by a sense of environmental responsibility.
  • Propane-fueled commercial mowers and equipment produce significantly fewer greenhouse gasses (GHG) than those fueled by gasoline.
  • PERC, Kohler and Exmark partnered on development of the industry’s first EFI-propane engine for commercial mower applications. The engine is the industry’s first OEM-level EFI-propane engine, offering full commercial warranty and support. The EFI design increases fuel efficiency by up to 25 percent, and coupled with the lower cost of propane, reduces overall fuel costs by up to 40 percent compared to carbureted gasoline engines. Uptime is also improved since the EFI engine solves startability and performance issues frequently encountered with engines using aftermarket conversions.
  • In 2013, Exmark introduced a Kohler EFI-propane powered version of its Lazer Z S-Series zero-turn riding mower as well as two Turf Tracer wide area walk behind models. In 2015 it introduced an EFI-propane Vantage S-Series stand-on riding mower.
  • Propane is widely available nationwide and is used in an estimated 12.6 million U.S. households for heating, cooking and recreation. It is a fossil fuel derived from the refining of oil and natural gas. It is a very safe fuel for commercial mowers, with an ignition temperature that’s nearly double that of gasoline (900 deg. F vs. 495 deg. F). Plus, robust, sealed containers virtually eliminate the opportunity for fuel spillage.
  • The selection of a propane retailer and the negotiation of a seasonal contract are two important aspects of a switch to propane for landscape maintenance professionals to consider.

    Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

    Exmark propane mowers deliver industry-leading performance, productivity and durability.

  • Incentives from PERC, as well as a number of state marketing associations can mitigate some or all of the increased up-front cost of propane mowers. Combined with the EFI-related fuel savings and the lower cost of propane,
  • Exmark mowers powered by Kohler propane-EFI engines can save up-to $2/hour, or more depending on duty cycle and other factors. This allows pay back of the added investment in just one to two seasons.

Download the complete Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane white paper in Adobe PDF format.

Learn more about Exmark’s complete line of EFI-propane commercial mowers at Exmark.com.

 

PERC Propane Mower Incentive Program Returns for Limited Time

Monday, October 19th, 2015

The Propane Education & Research Council is bringing back its popular Propane Mower Incentive Program for a limited time. Effective immediately, landscape contractors can apply to receive $1,000 toward the purchase of a new propane-powered mower and $500 toward a qualified conversion. The incentive will be available until program funds expire, so applicants are encouraged to act fast.

Exmark Vantage Propane Mower

For a limited time, PERC is offering $1,000 toward the purchase of any of Exmark’s industry-leading propane mowers.

“It’s officially the buying season for landscape contractors and, while many already know the value of propane mowers, a little assistance with the upfront costs associated with converting their equipment can prove to be the tipping point,” said Jeremy Wishart, PERC’s deputy director of business development. “Propane can give landscape contractors a lower total cost of operation and also reduce emissions compared with traditional fuels, so it’s exciting to be able to help offset some of those initial conversion costs for contractors wanting to take advantage of propane’s benefits.”

Since the Mower Incentive Program first began in 2012, well over 3,000 applications from landscape contractors have been received by PERC. Contractors can apply for the Propane Mower Incentive Program at propane.com/mowerincentive.

The Mower Incentive Program is just one of many tools that PERC offers contractors to help them save money with propane. PERC’s suite of cost-calculator tools is designed for use in the propane industry’s fastest-growing markets, including commercial landscape. The calculator tool, available at propanecostcalculator.com, estimates potential fuel savings and ROI for contractors using clean, American-made propane when compared with conventional fuels like gasoline and diesel.

Learn more about Exmark’s industry-leading line of propane commercial mowers at Exmark.com.

Mower Safety Tips

Sunday, July 19th, 2015


Exmark General Mower Safety Tips

  • Read and understand your operator’s manual before operating the mower.
  • Do not add gasoline to a running or hot engine and never leave the machine running in an enclosed area.
  • As with other power tools and equipment, do not operate a lawn mower when consuming alcohol.
  • Wear appropriate clothing – significant footwear, long pants, eye and hearing protection.
Safe mower operation

Safe operation of a zero-turn mower includes always mowing with the ROPS in the up position (if so equipped) and the lap belt fastened snug and low around the operator’s waist.

  • Pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent injuries and damage from flying objects.
  • Never allow children to be passengers on ride-on mowers.
  • Keep children and pets a safe distance from the area you are mowing. Use extreme care near blind corners and around objects that may block you from seeing a child.
  • Do not operate without the grass catcher, discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and working.
  • Be careful when mowing slopes.
  • Do not mow in wet conditions.
  • Never mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary – carefully look for others behind you when you do.
  • Turn off the mower and wait for blade(s) to stop completely before leaving the mower, removing the grass catcher, picking up debris, or crossing gravel roads or paths.
  • Let the mower cool before refueling, cleaning and storing.
  • Follow all directions – including turning off the engine and disconnecting the spark plug or electric cord – before working on the mower or trying to unclog the discharge chute.

Learn more about safe operation of your mower at http://www.exmark.com/Service-And-Support/Safety-Resources/. View additional safety videos on the Exmark YouTube channel.

Clean American Innovation: Exmark Manufacturing

Thursday, April 16th, 2015

Click to go to view the Exmark video on the Clean American Innovation site.

The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) has released the latest video in its “Clean American Innovation” video series, which highlights America’s propane technology leaders. Exmark is proud to be featured in the video, as it recognizes the commitment we’ve made to our growing line of EFI propane commercial mowers.

Lazer Z S-Series Propane

The Lazer Z S-Series Propane leads the industry for propane mower performance and durability.

Exmark’s Lazer Z S-Series Propane was the industry’s first EFI propane commercial zero-turn mower in 2013, and it continues to deliver industry-leading performance, durability and cut quality today.

In 2014, Exmark introduced two new EFI propane Turf Tracer walk-behind models — the Turf Tracer X-Series Propane and the Turf Tracer S-Series Propane.

Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

The new Vantage S-Series Propane brings EFI propane advantages to commercial stand-on riding mowers.

Recognizing the growing popularity of stand-on mowers among landscape professionals, as well as the need for a propane-powered option, in 2015 Exmark launched its Vantage S-Series Propane stand-on rider. It delivers the productivity benefits of a stand-on rider combined with the fuel  and cost efficiency benefits of propane and Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) in a progressive, operator-focused design.

Exmark’s propane mowers use state-of-the-art Kohler Command Pro EFI propane engines to deliver increased fuel efficiency for longer run times and decreased operating costs, with significantly improved starting and running performance compared to carbureted propane engines.

See the Clean American Innovation: Exmark Manufacturing video, and the other videos in the series, on the Clean American Innovation website, or learn more about Exmark’s industry-leading EFI propane products at Exmark.com.

The Importance of Keeping Mower Blades Sharp

Thursday, March 26th, 2015

At Exmark, we understand the importance of making sure your lawnmower is in tip-top shape in preparation for the upcoming landscaping season. One of the top maintenance items for any rotary mower is to ensure blades are properly sharpened, balanced and in good working order.

Exmark blades

Sharp, balanced blades are an essential component of cut quality. Exmark offers a variety of blades to optimize performance for different cutting conditions.

Why Sharp Blades Matter

When you are shaving your face in preparation for the day, think about the difference between the times you use a brand-new razor blade and the times you are trying to get one last shave out of an old blade. When using an old blade, your skin is more prone to cuts, infection, and irritation. When using a brand-new blade, you get a nice, clean shave.

The same thing happens with your grass. If the blades are dull or nicked, the lawn will get cut in a ragged way, causing it to suffer damage and become more susceptible to pests and other diseases. But if the blades are nice and sharp, the grass will get a clean cut, with greatly reduced damage or stress.

Blade Inspection

Mower Blade

Inspect and sharpen or replace mower blades at the start of each cutting season.

At the beginning of the landscaping season (and after roughly 8-10 hours of service) do a thorough inspection of your mower’s blades. Signs of a dull blade include bends, nicks, and/or dents. You’ll want to ensure the blades are properly sharpened and balanced. In addition to the physical inspection of the blades, do a quick inspection of the lawn before you begin your landscaping — clear away any rocks, sticks, or other debris in the immediate area. As you mow, keep an eye out for these blade-nicking items.

Properly Sharpening Your Blades

Keep in mind these few basic tips for sharpening your blade:

  • Wear protective gear, such as safety glasses
  • Disconnect the spark plugs
  • Remove the blade (instructions are found in your owner’s manual)
  • Use a metal file or sharpening stone
  • If using a file, run it in the direction of the blade’s angle — never file back and forth
  • Work in one direction only; blades usually have an angle of 45 degrees
  • Consult your owner?s manual for procedures specific to your mower

Depending on usage, replace your lawn mower’s blade(s) every 1-3 years. Always use OEM blades designed for your specific mower. Universal blades may save you a couple dollars, but can cause potential safety issues from improper mounting and/or the type of metal used to construct the blade.

Properly Balancing Your Blades

Having properly balanced blades is every bit as important as blade sharpness. An unbalanced blade causes stress on the engine and cutting deck due to vibration.

After you sharpen the blade, test its balance with a blade-balancing tool. If you don’t have access to this specialized tool, you can hammer a nail partway into a wall in your garage and hang the blade from it (using the center hole). If the blade hangs horizontally, it is in balance. If one side drops, remove excess material from the side it leans to, using a file or sharpening stone.

Professional Sharpening

If you follow these recommendations and have the proper tools and safety gear on-hand, sharpening your blades is a relatively easy task. However, if you don’t have the proper gear, or don’t feel comfortable doing this type of maintenance yourself, your local Exmark dealer can quickly sharpen and balance blades for you.

Bottom line: using sharp blades will help you have a perfectly mowed lawn, every time.

Resources:

Exmark Brings EFI Propane Innovation to the Vantage S-Series Stand-On Rider

Thursday, March 19th, 2015

New Kohler EFI propane power plant can reduce fuel expenditures by up to 40 percent

The Vantage S-Series Propane joins Exmark's existing EFI propane Lazer Z and Turf Tracer models.

The Vantage S-Series Propane joins Exmark’s existing EFI propane Lazer Z and Turf Tracer models.

Exmark has unveiled the latest addition to its industry leading line of EFI propane commercial mowers — the Vantage S-Series Propane 52-inch stand-on rider. The new model uses a state-of-the-art Kohler EFI propane powerplant that delivers significant increases in fuel economy, performance and reliability along with being the most environmentally friendly engine option available today.

The new stand-on machine joins Exmark’s existing EFI propane Lazer Z and Turf Tracer models, providing the broadest product line-up in the industry. Landscape professionals now have an increasing number of options that can precisely meet their needs and enjoy the reliability, economic and environmental benefits of EFI propane power.

Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, said an increasing number of landscape contractors are turning to propane power as a way to reduce costs, increase profitability and reduce impact on the environment.

“Time and again we hear that fuel is one of our customers’ largest expenses, and increasing fuel costs have put a serious dent on the profitability of many contractors across the country. More and more of these folks are turning to EFI propane powered equipment as a way to reduce their fuel bill and get more work done with fewer resources.”

The Kohler PCV740 EFI propane engine delivers increased fuel efficiency, performance and ease-of-starting.

The Kohler PCV740 EFI propane engine delivers increased fuel efficiency, performance and ease-of-starting.

The Vantage S-Series Propane machine features the groundbreaking Kohler Command Pro PCV740 EFI propane powerplant. The engine’s automotive-style closed-loop EFI system delivers significantly increased fuel economy, reliability and improved performance, combined with easy, no-choke starting. It precisely adjusts fuel/air mixture settings in real-time for optimal performance at any altitude, any temperature, in any conditions.

The efficiency of the EFI system reduces fuel consumption by up to 40 percent compared to carbureted propane engines.

The Vantage S-Series Propane model is available with a 52-inch UltraCut Series 4 cutting deck. The deck features Exmark’s patented Flow Control baffles to provide an unmatched quality of cut, and the welded steel deck construction features 7-gauge high-strength steel reinforced spindle mounting rings for top-notch strength and durability. Blade spindle assemblies feature rugged cast aluminum housings and zero-maintenance sealed heavy-duty bearings to maximize service life, even in the most demanding conditions.

Learn more about the 2015 Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane stand-on commercial mower at Exmark.com.

How-to Buy Your Next Exmark Mower

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

Here’s a post for the Exmark newbies.  As you prepare to purchase your next mower in 2011, we want you to be informed and prepared. So we’ve put together a short guide to help you pick out the right Exmark mower for the job. You’ll want to meet with your local Exmark dealer as well, but this will at least get you headed in the right direction.

Budget

The first thing you want to keep in mind, when purchasing your new Exmark, is your budget. You need the most dependable and durable mower that you can afford. Exmark has many mowers to suit any budget or mowing needs. Interested in learning how you can finance your next Exmark retail mower? David Adams, Exmark Financial Services Manager, explains the process in our latest YouTube video.

Mowing properties

The next thing you’ll want to consider, is what kind of properties you’ll be mowing. Smaller residential lawns require smaller mowers like the new 36″ Vantage or Commercial 21, but for larger commercial properties you’ll want to go with a zero-turn mower like the Lazer Z.

For properties under a 1/2 acre we’d recommend:

  • Vantage
  • Commercial 21
  • Metro
  • Viking
  • Turf Tracer

For properties above a 1/2 acre, we’d recommend:

  • Quest
  • Pioneer
  • Navigator
  • Lazer Z

Mower Engine and Features

After you’ve considered your budget, lawn size and terrain, you’ll want to look at your next Exmark mower for the engine and features offered. All Exmark models come with a variety of engine types and configurations (including eco-friendly models) and mower accessories (like mulching and striping kits). Still not sure what you’d like?  You can check out the “Not Sure What to Buy” section of exmark.com or the Compare Mowers section here.

Need any additional help? Have specific questions about a mower your considering for 2011?  Let us know in a comment below.

The Exmark Vantage

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011
Vantage

The new Vantage featuring a 36" cutting deck

It’s been more than a year since we introduced the Vantage. During that time, we’ve continued to tweak and make the Vantage one of the most comfortable, reliable and productive stand-on mowers in the industry.

This year, we’ve made a few additions to the mower. The first addition is a new 36″ Vantage with the UltraCut Series 3 cutting deck technology. This new 36″ unit makes getting in and out of gates easier and comes with integrated tie-down points for secure trailering.

We’ve also added a new fuel efficient option to the Vantage product line — a 25 hp Kohler Command Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Pro V-Twin engine.

Of course both of the new options available will still have the standard great stuff you’ve come to love about the Vantage including;

  • Speeds up to 8 mph forward and 4 mph reverse
  • Self-compensating suspension makes standing more comfortable
  • Adjustable platform for mowing hill sides and fold up ability allowing for walk-behind functionality
  • Heavy duty canister air filtration system

If you have time in the next few months, we encourage you to test out the new 36” Vantage and tell us what you think.

Love the Vantage?  Tested it already? Share your thoughts below.