Dixie Chopper Magnum Series mower
New for 2010 is Dixie Chopper’s Magnum series mower, which pays homage to the very first zero-turn mower created by Dixie Chopper founder/owner Art Evans in 1980. He called that mower a “Magnum 5018” for its 50-inch deck and 18-hp Briggs & Stratton engine.
The 2010 version of the Magnum features a 27-hp Briggs & Stratton engine, marking the return of Briggs to the Dixie Chopper horsepower stable, and comes with either a 50- or 60-inch mowing deck.
As the company’s new entry-level commercial-grade model, the Magnum is also equipped with a heavy-duty ZT3400 transaxle that ensures longer drive train life while helping reduce noise.
Other features of the Magnum include Dixie Chopper’s patented operator-controlled discharge chute (OCDC), hydraulic oil cooler, performance air filters and mufflers, a flip-up floor pan for easy access to belts and steering dampers.
With mowing speeds capable of up to 9 mph, the compact Magnum units make short work of tall grass for commercial cutters and homeowners alike.
Production of the Magnum has begun and models are rolling off the Dixie Chopper assembly line at the Coatesville, Ind., plant as the company anticipates an aggressive selling season to accompany its 30th anniversary.
The very first Dixie Chopper was completed on April 15, 1980 in an old dairy barn on the farm property of Art Evans’ late parents, Lucille and Phillip Evans. That property, just outside Fillmore, Ind., remains the headquarters for Dixie Chopper, one of only two family-owned lawn mower manufacturers in the United States.
Dixie Chopper unit No. 0001 was used weekly by the Evans family to mow their property for more than 25 years before it was retired while still in working order. The green-and-white Magnum 5018 model mower has since been refurbished and repainted for display as a museum piece.
Meanwhile, as a novel way to help celebrate its 30th anniversary, Dixie Chopper has announced a video contest titled “Who Loves Their Dixie Chopper Lawn Mower.” Dixie Chopper owners and/or those who use Dixie Chopper mowers may submit a 60-second (or shorter) video that will be posted on You Tube.
There is no entry fee required to participate. The contest period will run from Jan. 18 through May 31, 2010. Full details are available at www.dixiechopper.com.
The contest winner, to be announced in June, will receive a new Magnum mower. The winning video will be selected based on originality, message and degree of devotion to Dixie Chopper, as well as the popular vote by viewers of You Tube.