The Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) was held October 28-30, 2010 in Louisville, Ky. This year marked the first time that the Hardscape North America conference and show was held concurrently with GIE+EXPO. A range of major announcements and new product introduction were made at the show, including...

GIE+EXPO 2010: Post-show Recap

New Products Arena Participants

Accelerated Systems Inc.
ASI Electric Drive System


Agrium Advanced Technologies
Spread it & Forget it


Ariens, Gravely & Parker
Gravely Pro-Walk


B3C Fuel Solutions, Inc.
Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle


Briggs & Stratton
Single Cylinder Engine w/Transport Guard System
Commercial Turf Series Engine


Cub Cadet
Z-Force S Commercial Zero Turn Rider
Tank S LP


Dixon/RedMax/Yazoo Kees/Bluebird
Dixon DX260
Dixon DX161
RedMax BCZ 2460 TS


Driven by Solar Inc.
Recharge Mower


Flame Engineering, Inc.
Mini Dragon w/ Backpack


Fountainhead Group, The
Professional Backpack Sprayer


Generac Power Systems
4000psi x 4gpm Professional Grade Pressure Washer
3000psi x 2.7gpm Pressure Washer


Grass Stitcher LLC
Grass Stitcher


Green Works
Green Works 36 Volt String Trimmer


Ground Logic Inc.
Pathfinder XC


Havener Enterprises, Inc.
Sulky Mower


Husqvarna Professional Products, Inc.
BP4E
Husqvarna 562
Hedge Trimmer 122HD45
RedMax GZ380
Husqvarna Walker Mower
Husqvarna P-ZT6128


Invisa Flow, LLC
Stealth Flow


John Deere
WB 36


Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA
KHDS600A


L.T. Rich Products
Z-Plug


LawnShark USA
LawnShark


Lawn Solutions
Top Dresser
24’’ Walk-Behind Aerator


LeafCat
LeafCat Bagger


Lista International Corp.
Technician Series Toolbox


Maruyama
Venom B42 Brushcutter


Meyer Products
The Home Plow by Meyer


Mibar Products
Mibar D-thatcher


MoJack Distributors
MoJack XT


Oregon
PowerSharp Precision Saw Chain Sharpening System
G6 – The Next Generation of Lawn Mower Blades


PBI-Gordon
Trimec 1000 Low Oder Broadleaf Herbicide
Q4 Plus Turf Herbicide


Petrol Pal, LLC
Petrol Pal


Podges Ent. LLC
Mowbarrow


PROLAWN, Inc.
EMS3053 Shielded Sprayer w/PLSS220 Spreader


Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.
Classen SCHV
Little Wonder 14hp Truckloader
Bob-Cat Predator-Pro LP Mower
Bob-Cat Predator-Pro DFL Mower
Mantis XP Tiller


SNAP-N-GO PRODUCTS
SNAP-N-GO CHAPS


Steiner
Steiner 235 Tractor


STIHL, Inc.
HSA 65
SE 122
MS 261 C-Q


Tail Gate Master Truck Steps
Tail Gate Step Model DT-310


TMEC Product Ltd.
Caster Wheel Alu. Deck Mower


Top Saw Tool LLC
The New TopSaw Pocket Tool


TSB Wisconsin Corp.
3 Speed Transmission


Turf Teq
1305PL Turf Teq Plow


UTECO, Inc.
ZRATOR


VP Racing Fuels, Inc.
SEF94 (Small Engine Fuels)


Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
Wright Stander


ZTR Country, Division of Cycle Country
ZTR Country Snow Plow System

The Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) was held October 28-30, 2010 in Louisville, Ky. This year marked the first time that the Hardscape North America conference and show was held concurrently with GIE+EXPO.


Bill Harley, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) said that GIE+EXPO 2010 was host to approximately 20,000 participants — including exhibitors, buyers, dealers, retailers, manufacturers, representatives, rental shops, and distributors. Registrations were from more than 20 countries and throughout the United States, and the show featured 750 exhibits in one 425,000-plus-square-foot exhibit hall as well as the 642,000-square-foot outdoor demonstration area.


Harley also announced that the show’s partners (OPEI, the Professional Landcare Network and the Professional Grounds Management Society) signed an agreement to stay combined for GIE+EXPO through 2014. Hardscape North America will co-locate with GIE+EXPO again in 2011.


For the related video, click here.


 


OPEI provides overview of major legislative issues


During OPEI’s introductory press conference, Kris Kiser, executive vice president of OPEI, gave a brief overview of some of the major legislative topics facing the industry.


“In California, legislation was introduced that reforms the California Air Resources Board [CARB] and their treatment of violations,” said Kiser. “It corrected the way California treated our manufacturers within the regulatory framework.


“California is fiscally challenged and the emissions agency was going after reputable manufacturers with some outrageous fines for paperwork violations, and ignoring offshore manufacturers that were bringing in non-compliant product,” Kiser added. “It became a genuine burden, both administratively and financially for the business. So OPEI along with 17 organizations in the state of California initiated legislation that moved through the California legislature and was signed by the governor this year. This dramatically reforms the way CARB assesses penalties and deals with manufacturers. It is a robust change in California — our largest market.”


Kiser also addressed ongoing efforts to deal with policy challenges related to managed lawn and landscapes. Organizations, environmentalists and others have been attacking the managed lawn as cosmetic and environmentally harmful. As an example, Kiser referenced the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program, which would limit turfgrass to 40 percent of the landscapeable area on a new home site.


“It’s a huge challenge for the business,” he said. “It’s a voluntary standard, but, much like EnergyStar, it could become part of everyday building.”


According to Kiser, OPEI fears that municipalities, water districts and even state administrations will incorporate this criteria and make it mandatory as the new home building standard. OPEI is working with its partners to deal with these challenges at a policy level.


One aspect of that effort is education. As part of that, Kiser announced that OPEI’s TurfMutt program is partnering with Discovery Education to provide nationwide education in tens of thousands of schools, teaching the benefits of stewardship of the managed landscape.


“We believe that our industry must present a face on stewardship,” said Kiser. “The outdoors begins at your back door or your front door. You can have a role in making sure that your lawn and landscape is an environmental asset, and not an environmental problem.”


Kiser also commented on the EPA’s decision to approve E15 in the marketplace (it has been approved for 2007 model year and newer automobiles. E15 is specifically NOT APPROVED for outdoor power equipment, the marine industry, ATVs, snowmobiles, utility vehicles, etc.


People base their fuel purchase decisions almost exclusively on price, said Kiser. E15 is going to be cheaper. The incentive will be to buy the cheaper product. EPA is going to put a new label on the pump warning users not to put E15 in their outdoor power equipment.


“We don’t believe that’s adequate,” said Kiser.


According to Kiser, the challenge is that people are not likely to activate two pumps. They may fuel their car or truck with E15, but then that is probably what is going in the fuel can used for filling their mower, snow thrower, etc. Most people will not put the E15 pump up after filling their automobile, then go to a second pump to fill their fuel can. This is a huge challenge, because the machines are not designed for E15, said Kiser. He added that E15 in outdoor power equipment leads to performance irregularities, increased heat, and unintentional clutch engagement.


“So our industry is now challenged,” he added. “It’s a complicated issue, so stay tuned.”


For the related video, click here.


 


Kohler debuts next generation EFI Diagnostic Software at GIE+EXPO


Kohler Engines announced the availability of its second edition Kohler EFI Diagnostic Software, developed by Kohler for the next generation Kohler EFI (electronic fuel injection) engines which began rolling off the production line in 2010. Fully compatible with earlier Kohler EFI models, Kohler EFI Diagnostic Software highlighted Kohler Engine’s demonstration presence at GIE+EXPO’s High-Performance Parts & Accessories Department, the special how to and best practices pavilion for outdoor power equipment parts and service managers attending GIE+EXPO 2010.


Kohler EFI Diagnostic Software enables an outdoor power equipment dealer’s service technicians to tap into critical performance data logged by the engine control unit (ECU). The proprietary Kohler Engines software walks service technicians through the diagnostic process, and supports troubleshooting with engine performance information such as operating conditions, failure codes, total hours, oil temperatures, detailed load parameters and much more — all of which can help facilitate maintenance and repairs. Kohler also offers a companion Service Tool Kit.


“As Kohler Engines continues to offer a full complement of performance parts for its legacy Magnum and Command engine series that are still running strong in outdoor power equipment, we’re also committed to empowering dealers to be successful in servicing our newest Kohler Command PRO closed-loop EFI technology, which represents a significant technology leap forward for many service departments,” said Cam Litt, manager — marketing, Kohler Engines.


Kohler also introduced Kohler Pro Series Fuel Treatment, part of Kohler’s expanding lineup of enhanced aftermarket maintenance and performance solutions for Kohler engines. It is specifically formulated to provide superior protection and performance for 4-cycle engines. Available now in 4- and 16-ounce packages as professionals and consumers alike prepare their outdoor power equipment for winter or any type of long-term storage, the 3-in-1 Kohler Pro Series Fuel Treatment features a fuel stabilizer, corrosion inhibitor and fuel-system cleaner.


 


Gravely introduces a re-designed series of commercial Pro-Walk mowers


Gravely introduced a re-designed series of commercial Pro-Walk mowers in both gear drive or hydro drive with Pro-Steer or Pistol Grip controls. A fixed/floating deck on all models provides operator flexibility in mowing styles in a single machine and affordable price. The floating deck easily cuts to the contours of the landscape and is lockable giving operators the adaptability to meet any job need.


 Built with a durable, 7-gauge steel deck, the newly designed Pro-Walks have a deeper, 5.4-inch cutting chamber and extra-wide discharge tunnel to expel clippings faster and farther without clogging. Each mower features maintenance-free aluminum spindles that do not require greasing, backed by a two-year warranty.


Powered by either 16-hp. or 20-hp. Kawasaki FS engines, the Pro-Walk series are available with recoil or electric start. Height of cut adjustments in 1/4-inch increments allow operators to deliver precise, manicured landscape appearances.


Hydro drive units are available in two control choices. Improved Pro-Steer controls are positioned top side for greater comfort and ease of operation while Pistol Grips with new dual speed controls maintain perfect sidehill and straight line control.


A heavy-duty rubber side discharge chute in the deck design results in less damage to the surrounding environment. The rear hydraulic filter and reservoir are easily accessible for ease of service. A single belt drives the system and is easily accessible through the large belt shield, which is easily removable.


The Gravely Pro-Walk with gear drives feature a speed shift saw-tooth design for reduced wear on the drive system and extended life. A 16-hp. Kawasaki FS engine provides the power to cut through the tallest of grasses. An electric PTO ensures quick and easy engagement of the cutting blades. Pro-Walk gear drives are available in 32-, 36-, and 48-inch cutting widths.


At GIE+EXPO, Jeff Hebbard, president of Ariens Company Wholegoods Business, also discussed the September announcement that Ariens would be discontinuing its EverRide and Great Dane brands following the 2011 season.


 

Jeff Hebbard“The reason we announced early is trying to be as fair as we can to our dealers and distributors to give them time to transition,” said Hebbard. “We will continue to support all end users and all dealers on these brands with warranty, parts and all of the program elements.


“Our main rationale in doing this was to concentrate all of our resources on our core brands — in this case Gravely as our core commercial brand — and hopefully this creates a little bit of clarity in a very crowded commercial market,” Hebbard added.


For the related video, click here.


 


Billy Goat announces several new products; merchandiser program


Billy Goat introduced the new family of Force II blowers.


 For residential clean up, the Small Force costs little more than a backpack, but is 2.5 times more powerful. The distinct black intake housing is the heart of the Force II – a new single shot, closed-face fan. With 16 blades, the Billy Goat Force II has more than twice the blades of most competitors. Surrounding the fan is a smooth rounded housing which eliminates air voids, reduces noise, increases output, won’t rust or dent and is up to 30 percent lighter than stamped metal housings. Billy Goat has even made the unit 9 pounds lighter than before. To increase productivity, the Force II now features a self-propelled option.


 Billy Goat’s DL Series of Debris Loaders feature CustomFit options to allow contractors to build a machine that’s just right for the job. The DL features an exclusive dual shredding system with Piranha blade for greater debris reduction and improved truck loading. The result is improved productivity and savings by completing more jobs between dump runs and fees. The unit has a replaceable steel housing liner, rotational discharge, and a heavy-duty clear urethane helical intake hose with user-friendly handles and hose connection for improved hose management and maneuverability. The unit can be skid mounted as standard or optional tailgate mounts or a swing away truck hitch is sold separate.


Billy Goat’s new Self-propelled Over Seeder reduces fatigue associated with pushing, and features intuitive forward and reverse operator controls. The unit is 22 inches wide with an exclusive 11-blade slicing reel that floats along contours of yards increasing seed-to-soil contact and improving germination rates. The unit comes standard with a 30-pound seed box that is generously elevated above the turf to eliminate any clogging that may occur from moisture. Billy Goat’s exclusive Auto Drop system automatically starts and stops seed drop with reel engagement and disengagement

 conserving seed and prevents “end of run” seed piling. Infinite depth adjustment of the slicer blades promotes longer blade life versus presets and seed settings are found on board for operator convenience.


For dealers, Billy Goat also introduced its dealer merchandiser display. The merchandiser allows dealers to maximize showroom space and professionally display any 6 products in the space of three. The display sells products in three seasons, improves floor space, leverages purchases, and improves same store sales in less space than it takes to display one Z mower sold in only one season. The professional showroom unit is assembled in minutes and features full graphics, electrostatic-paint-over-steel construction, wheel chocks, literature holder, and expanded metal top for light and dust to pass.


 


B3C Fuel Solutions introduces new products for ethanol and bio-diesel blended fuel related problems


The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved E15 (15 percent ethanol) for use in vehicles past 2007 model year. Confusion at the consumer level will increase the amount of damaged engines and fuel systems tenfold, stated Brian O’Neil, chief business development officer for B3C Fuel Solutions. B3C offers a complete line of fuel solutions specifically designed to combat the negative side effects of ethanol and protect engines new and old.


B3C Fuel Solutions’ Tank Snake Water Extractor is a device that continuously removes water, preventing phase separation in gasoline or algae and sludge buildup in diesel fuel. It also contains a fuel preservative to keep your fuel fresh and preserved — especially in storage. The device is designed to be placed into the fuel tank for the whole season, making protection from biofuels easy. The gasoline version is available in one size and protects gas cans and equipment up to 20 gallons. The diesel version is available in 12 sizes from 20 gallons up to 10,000-gallon storage tanks.


B3C’s Diesel Mechanic in a Bottle is engineered to protect the entire fuel system from all problems related to both diesel and biodiesel blended fuels, including gelling in cold weather. Today’s diesel can contain up to 5 percent biodiesel in many parts of the country. It is causing a multitude of problems, such as water absorption, which acts as a nutrient for bacteria and fungi growth. Biodiesel can cause fuel to age much faster and form sludge and deposits in the fuel system.


For the shop, B3C designed a non-toxic carburetor cleaning solution that is tough on old fuel deposits but gentle on all foam, plastic and rubber components. An integrated filtering bag that you soak the disassembled carburetor in collects small particles of dirt, keeping the cleaning solution clean for the next carburetor. Cleaning times are 1/2 to 2 hours on typical jobs. There are no petroleum distillates, ozone depleting or environmentally hazardous ingredients — only EPA-approved solvents that are 100 percent biodegradable.


 


Stihl Lithium-Ion battery technology


 No Gasoline. No Emissions. No Power Cord. These are just a few of the benefits offered by Stihl’s state-of-the-art cordless hedge trimmer. Powered by the advanced 36-volt Stihl Lithium-Ion battery technology, the Stihl HSA helps achieve environmentally responsible hedge trimming with professional results. Ideal for pro users, government agencies, and homeowners who want environmentally responsible performance without sacrificing results, this hedge trimmer is four times quieter than its gasoline-powered equivalent. The Stihl HSA 65 features diamond-ground blade edges for cleaner cuts, and high cutting speeds to trim job times as fast as it cuts fuel costs.


“The new cordless hedge trimmer combines first-class cutting performance with outstanding working comfort,” said Jürgen Steinhauser, senior vice president of marketing and sales for the worldwide Stihl group.


The lithium-ion battery used for the STIHL HSA 65 is particularly long-lasting and durable as each battery boasts an impressive 36 volts, ensuring that there is plenty of power on hand to deliver a strong performance with each use. The battery can be charged hundreds of times without any noticeable loss in capacity, so users experience no loss in power.


“Lithium-Ion battery technology has developed swiftly in recent years. The technology is now so advanced that we can offer cordless tools that meet STIHL’s high standard of quality and performance,” Steinhauser said, to explain STIHL’s entry into the highly promising battery technology market.


In 2011, additional Stihl Lithium-Ion products will be available in the United States: two string trimmers in the spring and a chain saw and handheld blower in the fall.


Stihl also announced a battery belt for Stihl Lithium-Ion-powered tools. available now, the comfortable and lightweight battery belt with battery bag for one battery, electric cable and battery adapter housing. Taking the weight of the battery off of your hands, arms, and shoulders, and carrying it on your hips and not in the unit reduces the handheld weight of the tools, and with the optional additional bag, has the possibility of longer run time by carrying a second and even a third battery.


 


Husqvarna announces wide range of new products


 The new Husqvarna P-ZT line of zero-turn mowers presents professionals the opportunity to increase their productivity without breaking the bank. The P-ZT borrows from many of the innovations that made the PZ Series so successful. The heart of the P-ZT series for example is the same rugged 2-inch-by-3-inch tube-style frame from the PZ series. Extreme-duty front caster assemblies include pneumatic tires as standard equipment and flat-free versions are available as an option. The fabricated cutting deck is constructed from twin 11-gauge steel sheet construction which equates to a 1/4-inch-thick top deck area for added structure and spindle support. Cast aluminum blade spindles feature tapered roller bearing construction for increased service life and the top idler system is borrowed from the PZ series to ensure extended belt life. The cutting deck also includes heavy-duty scalp roller mounts and a rubber discharge shield. To meet the reliability and performance expectation of the ground drive system, the new P-ZT mowers utilize commercial-duty integrated ZT3400 transmissions with 12cc pumps. This allows smooth operation, speeds up to 10 mph and reduced potential for hose and fitting leaks. The integrated design also creates a cleaner and wider open area under the seat to improve serviceability. The new drive system carries a 2-year commercial warranty.


 Husqvarna also developed two new professional chain saws the 555 and 562 XP. These saws boast a sleek and slender product design. The slimmed-down height and width of the saw chassis makes them easier to handle in almost any application. The distance between the front and rear handles has been optimized for efficient, comfortable operation. The design also incorporates a lowered front handle with an overmold grip. On the inside, the 555 and 562 XP take advantage of Husqvarna’s revolutionary reduced gyro force technology. By reducing the weight of the saws’ key moving parts — fly wheel, crank shaft and piston — there is less interior movement in the engine, which creates less gyration. These unique features, inside and out, provide for the ultimate in control. Available on the 562 XP is the latest breakthrough feature from Husqvarna, Revboost. This feature allows for acceleration in chain speed over short periods to increase efficiency during cutting, specifically in de-limbing applications. Revboost is controlled by the ignition and enables users to increase to maximum RPMs for about two seconds. It is designed to provide an optimum ratio of power to RPMs without having the engine run wide open for extended periods of time. To make field maintenance easier, both new saws come with captive bar nuts that remain attached to the clutch cover. This clever feature reduces the possibility of losing parts and productivity while on the job. In addition to these new developments, the 555 and 562 XP also incorporate many proven elements of Husqvarna’s existing professional-grade chain saws, such as Husqvarna’s X-Torq engine technology, AutoTune technology, LowVib, Smart Start and Air Injection.


 Weight, balance and power are essential to effective performance with a hedge trimmer. With the introduction of the 122HD45 and 122HD60, these new Husqvarna hedge trimmers offer an ideal blend of each of these components. Both hedge trimmers feature a powerful 21.7cc 2-cycle engine that is strong enough to easily cut through the toughest branches. The dual-action, double-sided blades are made from hardened steel to stay sharper and last longer.


The 122HD45 weighs in at 9.9 pounds and has an 18-inch blade length. The 122HD60, with a 24-inch blade, weighs 10.6 pounds, and features a 5-position rotating rear handle for the ultimate in maneuverability and ergonomic comfort. Equipped with Husqvarna’s Smart Start, the starter is engineered so that the machine starts with minimal effort. Pulling force in the starter is reduced by up to 40 percent with this feature.


 Husqvarna also announced that its Dixon brand has introduced two lines of commercial-grade mowers, the DX100 and DX200 series. All models come standard with: cutting decks that feature twin 11-gauge steel sheet construction and oversized belt idlers to extend belt and component life; certified rollover protection system that is foldable to allow navigation in areas with low-hanging limbs; new commercial-duty vinyl seat with flip-up arm rests and EVC (elastomeric vibration control) for added support and reduced vibration to the operator; fully adjustable control levers and generous seat travel to accommodate multiple users; heavy-duty front casters with tapered roller bearings and 13 x 6.5 tires; commercial-duty aluminum blade spindles with tapered roller bearings; commercial duty integrated ZT3400 transmissions with 12cc pumps and ground speeds up to 10 mph; reinforced anti-scalp roller mounts and rubber discharge shield; and 2-inch-by-3-inch welded, box tube steel frame for maximum strength and open accessibility. The DX100 series is available with 48-, 52- or 61-inch cutting decks as well as Kawasaki FX series 22-, 24- or 26-hp. engines. The DX200 series offers deck options of 54, 60 and 72 inches and Kawasaki FX series engine choices of 26, 29 and 34 hp. The DX260D features a 29-hp. Kubota diesel, 21cc pump and motor drive system and is only available in a 60-inch variation.


 


Exmark unveils new mowers at GIE+EXPO


 Exmark introduced several new units at this year’s GIE+EXPO. The 2011 additions include the introduction of the Exmark Pioneer Series, a new 36-inch Vantage stand-on unit, and several new units equipped with Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI) engines.


The newest addition to the Exmark collection, the Pioneer Series, includes E-Series and S-Series units. The Pioneer S-Series is equipped with full-floating 44-, 48- or 52-inch UltraCut Series 3 deck cutting technology and 20-, 22- or 24-hp. Kawasaki V Twin engines for speeds of up to 8 mph forward and 5 mph reverse. The mower’s hydraulically dampened steering system offers true zero-turn radius maneuverability and its unibody, heavy-duty tubular steel frame provides a solid platform. The Pioneer S-Series also includes 22 x 9.5 – 12 Turf Master drive tires for optimum traction.


The Pioneer E-Series is built on a full-floating 48- or 52-inch UltraCut Series 2 cutting deck. Power comes from 22- or 24-hp. Kawasaki V Twin engines for drive speeds of up to 7 mph forward and 5 mph reverse and includes 20 x 8.0 – 10