Here’s What We’re Doing at Equip Exposition in Louisville this Week
If you’re looking to find me this fall, I’ll likely be in Louisville. All the best tradeshows in America are in Louisville this September and October, including The Utility Expo (see our coverage) and this week Equip Exposition, taking place October 17-20 in Louisville’s Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). The best part of Equip Expo and the best thing about the KEC (in my opinion) is the outstanding outdoor demo areas. There is no better place in America for attendees to test out machines in the dirt or grass — mini excavators, compact track loaders, skid steers, backhoe loaders, mowers, stand-on tool carriers, UTVs, just too many to name. Then, there’s everything else. Amazing booths, access to the industry’s top product managers, excellent educational sessions, Drone Zone, UTV test track, women’s tree climbing, exhibitor parties and awesome concerts.
Every year the CE crew hits this show hard. Why? It’s the biggest landscape show in America, yes, but even more importantly this tradeshow is a ton of fun. As an example, attendees can adopt a dog at the Mulligan’s Mutt Madness and then run over to the Drone Zone to start their professional drone pilot certification. Go run a 5K, drop in on an educational session about expanding into pool and spa services and, after a long day of (um) work, visitors can rock out to Third Eye Blind and Dylan Scott at the KFC Yum! Center (Equip Expo’s first-ever arena concert). Sign me up. Oh wait. I am signed up.
As mentioned, the Outdoor Demo Yard makes Equip Expo one of the best tradeshows in the United States and was expanded last year to 30 acres. It’s going to be the best place this fall to test drive and inspect both construction and outdoor power equipment focused on the green industries, including mowers, UTVs, compact tractors, chainsaws, leaf blowers, track loaders, compact excavators and every other piece of iron that helps landscape contractors succeed.
“Equip Expo is the only place where 30 acres is dedicated to giving landscapers, dealers and other attendees the opportunity to dig, cut, trim, saw, drive and run equipment through its paces,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), in the press release. Just a reminder: Equip Expo is October 17-20 in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Kiser continues: “Expo helps our attendees make smart business decisions. After all, a landscaper and their staff will spend hours operating that equipment. If they need to carry it, the weight and feel have to be right. If they need to drive it, the maneuverability and features are important. They can do that at Equip Expo. In fact, it’s the only place where you can do that with so many different types of equipment all in one place.”
Since we’re talking test driving, Equip Expo’s UTV Test Track is a must-do. Attendees can drive and compare the latest utility vehicles from the likes of Polaris and John Deere while navigating curves, hills, rocks and bumps. Attendees age 16 or older with a valid driver’s license will be able to drive alongside a representative of the manufacturer who can answer questions about load capacity, features, price and more. There are lots of similarly cool things to do.
To ensure you know this, the show staff at Equip Expo pulled together this list of 40 things to see and do at the show in 2023, many of them new and based on input from attendees and exhibitors. It’s also the show’s 40th anniversary! See you there.
Experience The Latest Industry Innovations
1. Mow, dig, mulch, saw and more with the latest outdoor power equipment in the 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard.
2. See the latest and greatest outdoor power equipment at the New Product Showcase, returning in 2023.
3. Take a ride around the UTV Test Track.
4. Try out a drone in the Drone Zone, and take steps to earn your professional drone pilot certification.
5. Test the latest technology with vendors who can power your business to new heights.
6. Flow with the best in irrigation and learn how to expand your business.
7. Plow into the newest snow removal equipment and supplies.
Mini excavators are making big waves on jobsites all over North America. Click here for the latest news on these machines and the companies that make them.
Grow Your Business
8. Be inspired to learn new ways to grow your business at ENERGIZE or The Morning Show at Expo, sponsored by Kohler, and connect with industry social media influencers.
9. Cruise the West Wing to see exhibits and meet vendors to help you expand your business.
10. Price your services for profit with the help of experts running business education workshops.
11. Learn the latest installation techniques at Hardscape North America.
12. Splash into pool and spa services with the help of a new track at Expo on this lucrative moneymaker, produced by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance.
13. Soar into tree care with the knowledge you gain at a special track on arborist services.
14. Observe the latest arborist techniques from professionals from the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop and Davey Tree Expert Co. scaling a real tree in Freedom Hall sponsored by STIHL Inc.
15. Light up the night with landscape lighting services that improve your profitability and show off your work, with the help of experts from the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals who have already done it during a workshop.
16. Unlock the latest in accessories for your outdoor power equipment so you can do more efficiently.
Get Inspired
17. Recharge at the Echo Means Business social media lounge, where influencers broadcast live and take Expo to a whole new level online.
18. Find new horizons for your business in an adventurous keynote speech by Polar explorer and master storyteller Ben Saunders.
Network
19. Connect with peers at the Welcome Reception sponsored by Cat Compact Track Loaders on the first night to network and talk shop.
20. Walk the indoor exhibit hall to talk one-on-one with the manufacturers and exhibitors, the very people who design and build the equipment you rely on.
21. Talk at the first-ever Women’s Reception, sponsored by SiteOne, bringing together women in the field.
Improved Logistics
22. Skip the line by checking in at a kiosk or express lanes to print out your badge.
23. Navigate the show with ease using the Equip Expo app sponsored by the TurfMutt Foundation.
24. Phone home and get some work done in the new Business Lounge that keeps your work humming while at the show.
25. Uber on-site with ease thanks to improved transportation logistics.
26. Ride free motor coach transit to downtown Expo events.
Fuel Up
27. Caffeinate yourself at the Equip Coffee Lounge sponsored by EGO while resting your feet.
28. Eat breakfast on-site, with existing and new food choices.
29. Fuel up at the themed grab-and-go food options and food trucks.
Have Fun
30. See the sawdust fly as a piece of art depicting Mutt Mulligan comes to life, thanks to world-champion chainsaw artist Abby Peterson.
31. Party on at the Welcome Reception at the downtown Kentucky International Convention Center with a concert from Expo house band, the Crashers.
32. Jam out to Third Eye Blind and Dylan Scott at the KFC Yum! Center during Expo’s first-ever arena concert, sponsored by the Bobcat Company and SENIX.
33. Stay up late at 4th Street Live! enjoying concerts and rocking out with new friends.
34. Explore Louisville’s 2,500 restaurants and more than 90 attractions.
35. Meet celebrity spokesdog Mutt Mulligan and take your photo with her.
36. Adopt a fur friend and give it a fur-ever home from the Kentucky Humane Society at Mulligan’s Mutt Madness.
37. Run or walk those extra calories off at Mulligan’s 5K Fun Run and Walk, sponsored by Ariens Co.
38. Pop by the Louisville Tourism booth for information on the city’s restaurants and 90 attractions.
39. Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Zoo and/or the Kentucky Science Center.
40. Take a selfie by the Equip Exposition sign and post on social media with the hashtag #EquipExpo.
Compact track loaders are the most popular category of compact equipment in America. Learn why with loads of track loader features right here.
Booths and Demo Area
Equip Expo is great for equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations. The entire show will be a giant showcase of the latest equipment from a ton of exhibitors. Here are some of the booths we’re going to visit and some of the machines we plan to demo. See you there!
Altoz Switch Tracked Compact Tool Carrier
Revolutionize your operations with the Altoz Switch, the tracked compact tool carrier that powers an impressive arsenal of attachments built for the toughest challenges no matter the season. The Switch’s drop-swap-and-go functionality for attachments is a time saver. The attachments can be changed quickly and easily and include a snowblower, straight blade, power angle broom, V-blade, drop spreader and two mower decks to accomplish diverse tasks. The attachments make quick work of snow, ice and debris removal and cutting brush and grass. For more info, visit altoz.com or indoor booth 11086 and outdoor booth 6374-D at Equip Expo.
Toro Electric Ultra Buggy e2500
After a decade of innovation in the material buggy business, Toro introduced the next evolution in material handling: the new electric Ultra Buggy. The electric Ultra Buggy builds on Toro’s success with its popular and innovative line of Material Buggies by offering operators a battery-powered solution that will open the door to new jobsites. The buggy is powered by Toro’s proprietary, go-all-day HyperCell power system. Featuring a compact design, zero engine exhaust emissions and a narrow width of 31.5 in., the new electric Ultra Buggy can fit through a 3-ft door with a crash bar. It also features zero-turn-radius steering to navigate hard to access areas. For more info, visit toro.com or booth 7148 at Equip Expo.
Yanmar ViO17-1E and ViO25-6B Mini Excavators
Yanmar Compact Equipment is offering a new generation of its ViO17 and ViO25 mini excavators to tradeshow attendees. The ViO17-1E and ViO25-6B are upgraded for improved operator comfort, convenience and ease of use. The ViO17-1E is best suited for residential work, landscaping and small general construction projects. The ViO25-6B also excels in those applications but brings additional power and size in building maintenance projects, irrigation and plumbing pipeline. The ViO17-1E offers a 4,023-lb operating weight and 14.5-hp engine while the ViO25-6B features a 5,908-lb operating weight and 20.4-hp engine. Both are built with true zero tail swing tech. For more info, visit yanmar.com or indoor booth 1230 at Equip Expo.
ASV VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry Compact Track Loaders
ASV will be showcasing its VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry Posi-Track compact track loaders this fall. The new VT-100 compact track loader is a vertical-lift machine that excels in loading and grading applications in landscaping and construction. The VT-100 Forestry is suited for mulching, right-of-way clearance, site prep and more. The models include elevated comfort, visibility and performance features. ASV’s VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry come equipped with a 103.5-hp Tier 4 Final Yanmar diesel engine and standard 41 gpm high flow. The loaders’ large line sizes, hydraulic coolers and direct-drive pumps transfer more flow and pressure directly to the attachment and reduce power loss. For more info, visit asvi.com or booth 1230 at Equip Expo.
Kioti TL750 Track Loader
The Kioti TL750 compact track loader is built to withstand tough conditions. The wide, open cab includes a high-back suspension seat, standard LED front and rear lights and LCD digital display, while the rollup style door allows for easy entrance and exit. Boasting excellent all-around visibility, the TL750 also features a standard rearview camera. The self-leveling feature simplifies material handling with the switch of a button. Pilot joystick controls offer the ultimate in maneuverability. The TL750 has a 10.8-ft height to hinge pin and vertical-lift path, so operators can easily dump materials into trucks and high-sided hoppers. For more info, visit kioti.com or indoor booth 3212 or outdoor booth 7528D at Equip Expo.
Takeuchi TB350R Compact Excavator
Takeuchi’s new TB350R Series 3 compact excavator features the latest technology and a short tail swing design that makes it ideal for working in tight or confined spaces. Inside the cab, a 7-in., multifunction color monitor with touchscreen places a wide range of functions at the operator’s fingertips. A dedicated coupler circuit on cab models allows for the quick and easy exchange of various hydraulically driven attachments. A jog dial with one-touch controls lets operators easily control throttle position and multiple machine functions. The TB350 also offers greater working ranges, including a dig depth of 11 ft, 8 in., maximum reach of 19 ft, 10.8 in. and max dump height of 12 ft, 11.3 in. For more info, visit takeuchi.com or indoor booth 11146 or outdoor booth 7734D at Equip Expo.
Ignite Attachments Root Grapple
Ignite Attachments will showcase its new lineup of grapples, including their heavy-duty root grapple at Equip Expo. The root grapple is available in 62-, 68-, 74- and 82-in. widths. It features heavy-duty cylinders, 2.5-in. bore by 1.25-in. rod, for superior clamping force to lift and move trees, logs, brush, stumps and other debris. Independent dual grapple tines grasp uneven loads safely. 6.4-in. spacing between tines minimizes dropped or missed debris for increased efficiency. Attachment weight ranges from 800 to 920 lbs, the optimal grapple weight for maximum lifting capacities. Manufactured in the USA. For more info, visit igniteattachments.com or booth 42238 at Equip Expo.
Vermeer CTX100 Mini Skid Steer
The Vermeer CTX100 mini skid steer is a powerful machine with vertical-lift boom arms, high lift capacity and increased hinge pin height for efficient loading. It’s a great machine for the landscape industry. It has a tipping capacity of 2,958 lbs and a rated operating capacity of 1,035 lbs. Powered by a 40-hp Kohler KDI Tier 4 Final diesel engine, it can handle various attachments with its universal mounting plate. The CTX100 also comes with dual auxiliary hydraulic controls, ranging from 8.1 to 15.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Its operator station features a chariot-style, ride-on platform. It’s an all-around great unit. For more info, visit vermeer.com or indoor booth 7138 and outdoor booth 7634D at Equip Expo.
Polaris Pro XD UTVs
A budget-friendly alternative to traditional work trucks and pickups, Polaris Pro XD UTVs are less expensive to purchase, operate and maintain. The mid-sized models are designed for tighter spaces and lighter payloads while the full-size handles the toughest jobs without compromise. The full line of Polaris Pro XD UTVs come standard with safety features that help meet jobsite compliance, while safeguarding operators and surrounding crew members. Durability features are built to withstand jobsite abuse, like Kevlar backed seats, 8-ply tires and heavy-duty driveline components. Longer maintenance intervals (up to 200 hours) further reduce service costs. For more info, visit polaris.com or booth 23072 at Equip Expo.
Gravely Axis Compact Utility Loaders
The versatile Gravely Axis compact utility loader series is the ultimate multi-tool machine. It maximizes productivity by offering a wide range of possibilities with its universal attachment plate that accommodates an all-purpose bucket, 4-in-1 bucket, auger, stump grinder, brush grapple, pallet forks and more to match your jobsite needs. Unique category features of the Axis include dual, self-leveling lift arms that allow operators to effortlessly maintain the load in the pallet forks or bucket without hassle. Additionally, the hydraulic system is adjustable directly from the cockpit to channel the power from the machine’s 25-hp Kubota diesel engine to the task at hand. For more info, visit gravely.com or booth 7120 at Equip Expo.
We’ll Also Be Checking Out…
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
