Equipment and Technology Focus
The following is a round-up on blowers, sweepers and vacuums for landscape applications.
Billy Goat’s award-winning Hurricane stand-on blower
For unprecedented commercial leaf and debris cleanup, the Hurricane 23- and 35-gross-hp. blowers offer tri-directional blowing at 6,500 cfm (X3000) and 8,500 cfm (Z3000). A patented Dual Deflector Air Flow System allows the operator to change the angle of airflow for deeper more efficient cleaning of leaves and debris, and the patented Quad Control Handle System provides seamless forward/reverse direction. Add an automatic return to neutral and a self-activating parking brake plus zero-turn maneuverability, and you have a dream machine for fast, easy cleanup on or off the field.
Echo PB-9010
Echo Incorporated launched the world’s most powerful backpack blower, the PB-9010, featuring 18 percent more power than its closest competitor. The PB-9010 is part of Echo’s X Series lineup, and is ideal for heavy debris cleanup, and clearing large open areas. The PB-9010 features:
• 2-stroke technology for easy maintenance
• 3.6-inch (91mm) diameter blower pipes for maximum airflow
• 2-stage commercial air filtration system with heavy-duty pleated paper air filter for maximum performance
• Tool-less air filter access for easy in-field cleaning or replacement
• 83.8-fluid-ounce fuel tank for extended runtimes
• Heavy-duty backpack straps for all-day comfort
• Ergonomic, rubber overmolded throttle handle (T model only) for maximum comfort
• Strap connection keeps straps securely situated on the user’s shoulders for all-day comfort
• MSRP: $599.99
• Two-year commercial warranty and five- year consumer warranty.
Harper turf sweepers
Harper Turf Equipment released the new self-propelled Harper Hawk turf sweepers. From an extra-wide footprint to tackle slopes or slippery terrain, to clearing cores in a single pass, the Harper Hawk is tough on challenging debris, yet easy on the turf. The Hawk utilizes a two-stage system for pick up. This brush rotor and paddle setup eliminates common clogging transitions to keep the flow of material running smoothly into the hopper. The absence of a vacuum fan also improves operator confidence when backing the unit to a truck or utility trailer to empty the 3.5-cubic-yard hopper. The 6-foot high-lift dumping feature offers a clear line of sight while the sweeper is moving in reverse to the waste container. The HK4400 (4-wheel drive) and HK4200 (2-wheel drive) are powered by a 24.8-hp. Kubota engine. The new models are available for spring order.
Honda Power Equipment VersAttach Multi-Purpose System
Featuring two powerhead options and six different attachments, the Honda VersAttach Multi-Purpose System combines the power and reliability of Honda 4-stroke engines with a robust lineup of tools to fit a wide range of needs. The Honda VersAttach System offers two powerhead models – the UMC425, powered by a Honda GX25 Mini 4-stroke engine, and the UMC435, powered by a GX35 Mini 4-stroke engine. The design of the Honda Mini 4-stroke engine provides for full, 360-degree operation, allowing the VersAttach to be used (and stored) upright, sideways or even upside down, and eliminates the need to mix fuel and oil, saving the operator valuable time, money and frustration of trying to get the right fuel/oil mixture. Each model can be paired with an optional interchangeable edger, line trimmer, blower, hedge trimmer, pruner and cultivator that fit quickly and securely into the attachment shaft by way of Honda’s SureLoc joint locking system.
Mighty Mac vacuums
Mighty Mac vacuums make debris cleanup easy. Yards, driveways, patios, sidewalks and parking lots are no obstacle for Mighty Mac’s push or self-propelled walk-behind machines. The tremendous vacuum suction is created by a 17-pound heavy-duty commercial steel impeller, and the 11.50 ft. lbs. gross torque of the Briggs & Stratton XR Professional Series 250cc engine. The high discharge design and top-loading collection bag mean more productive debris collection between bag dumps. The 25-inch-wide vac path and the 4-bushel collection bag combine to make quick work of your cleanup needs. Six height adjustment settings allow users to position the vac snout at the perfect height for any condition or application. The optional 8-foot vac hose kit is a great accessory for getting to hard-to-reach areas such as between bushes, landscaped areas, gardens, flower beds or any other tight spots that require cleaning. These vacuums are 50-state compliant, and are made in the USA.
Scag Windstorm
The Windstorm stand-on blower features the exclusive Nozzle Direction System (NDS), providing unprecedented control of the air discharge tilt and rotation. Quick and easy adjustment via fingertip controls: 1) A mechanical lever provides 16-degrees of vertical tilt adjustment; 2) Two electric switches allow for automatic left/right horizontal rotation or manual rotation adjustment. Massive air output of up to 6,000 effective cfm paired with ground drive speeds up to 10.5 mph deliver optimum productivity. Windstorm’s spacious operator platform with coil-spring suspension ensures a smooth ride, whether you’re preparing asphalt for sealcoating or cleaning up leaves in the fall. A 37-hp. Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Big Block EFI engine delivers huge power and exceptional efficiency. The Scag Windstorm features a 2-year commercial warranty. Visit your dealer today.
Steiner Rotary Sweeper
The Steiner Rotary Sweeper is ideal for clearing away light snow, leaves and other debris on pathways, parking lots, sidewalks and driveways. Available in 16- and 24-inch models, the Steiner Rotary Sweeper reaches a speed of 265 rpm, and features reversible rotation. With a hydraulically controlled nylon broom for left- and right-hand operation, operators can tackle a wide range of sweeping projects, keeping the property clean and safe. Durable caster wheels also allow operators to adjust the sweeper’s height. Mounted on the versatile Steiner 450 tractor, it features excellent maneuverability on level ground or on jagged, uneven terrain. And with more than 20 other attachments, users can take full advantage of the Steiner 450 tractor’s capabilities all year long.
Stihl BGA 86
With 50 percent more blowing force than its predecessor, the Stihl BGA 86 battery-powered handheld blower gives end-users the power they need to take on tough blowing tasks. A brushless motor allows for quiet operation and an excellent power-to-weight ratio. Its well-balanced design and optimized controls make it easy to use for right- and left-handed users. The BGA 86 is also rain resistant. MSRP: $239.951
Toro Pro Force debris blower
The Toro Pro Force debris blower provides greater air volume flow than any single nozzle turbine-type debris blower currently available. A wireless RF remote provides the capability to start and stop the engine, adjust engine throttle up and down for low to high rpm range of operation, and rotate the nozzle 360 degrees – all from the operator’s seat in a Toro Workman or similar utility vehicle. This blower delivers superior productivity and greater efficiency in jobs ranging from cleaning cart paths and other maintained paved areas, to blowing grass clippings, aeration cores or chaff, or other organic debris.
Turfco tractor-mounted Torrent 2 PTO blower
Golf course superintendents and sports turf managers looking to reduce the amount of work time spent on debris management can hitch their hopes to the new Turfco Torrent 2 PTO debris blower. By substituting on-board engine power with tractor-mounted PTO hydraulic power, the Torrent 2 PTO blower weighs in at less than 340 pounds – about 150 pounds lighter than its self-powered sibling. That makes it a lightweight, agile turf performer that’s also quiet, stingy on fuel consumption, and easy to maintain. Connect the PTO version to a standard turf tractor – minimum 20-hp. engine to run the blower hydraulics – and hit the turf. The supplied handheld controller enables operators to change nozzle direction fast and on the fly, without having to slow down and wait for the nozzle to swivel around. For even greater productivity, Turfco’s optional patented MagnaPoint technology eliminates guesswork.
Turf Teq Power Broom
Brush pressure, brush speed and pivot angle (left/right) can all be adjusted easily from the operator position on the Turf Teq Power Broom. The Power Broom features a hydrostatic transmission, differential lock and a Honda commercial-grade GXV390 engine. The multi-use capability of the Power Broom allows the operator sweep debris, move snow or de-thatch lawns. The Power Broom attachment can also be removed, allowing the operator to mount a Power Edger, Power Rake, Brush Cutter or Plow attachment.
Wiedenmann Super 600
The Wiedenmann Super 600 is a heavy-duty sweeper, verticutter, flail and fraise mower that collects clippings and debris with a multi-purpose head. It collects clippings into a 5.9-cubic-yard hopper with a high dump reach up to 83 inches, and has special flotation tires with a large contact area and low ground pressure to protect the surface. It includes a golf course kit for following undulations. Options include a super contour kit, core pulverizing kit, and several blade options.