The Ultimate Landscape Show: Shop Equipment and Increase Your Education at GIE+EXPO this week in Louisville

According to GIE+EXPO survey statistics, the No. 1 reason industry members attend the annual tradeshow is to see new products. With some 900 exhibits featuring new products — both indoors and in a 20-plus acre outdoor demonstration area — a trip to GIE+EXPO is a valuable business investment for landscapers, snow removal professionals and outdoor power equipment and powersports dealers. The 2017 GIE+EXPO (Green Industry and Equipment Expo) show is set for October 18-20 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

With the combination of education, new exhibitors and travel discounts, GIE+EXPO is shaping up to be even bigger than the last two record-setting years. After moving into the North Wing last year to accommodate growth, Hardscape North America (co-located with GIE+EXPO) expects to continue its upward trajectory. Admission to the hardscape exhibits — both indoors and out — is included with GIE+EXPO registration. This co-location gives landscape professionals the opportunity to see a wide range of related new products and explore ways to tap into the growing hardscape market.

Back by popular demand, the GIE+EXPO Workshops will feature 10 sessions to help landscape pros grow their businesses. This year’s lineup will include two hardscape sessions with insights and tips for contractors interested in tapping into that market. Other workshop topics range from marketing strategies to hiring and retaining top-notch employees. For the second year, dealers who attend GIE+EXPO will have the opportunity to attend a UTV University featuring powersports dealer training specialists and a roundtable discussion on the first day of the show, which is Dealer Day.

For the second year in a row, golf course superintendents and sports turf professionals will have education opportunities at GIE+EXPO. The Golf and Sports Turf Management Conference, hosted by the Kentucky Turfgrass Council, will take place Thursday and Friday, Oct. 19-20, during the annual tradeshow. Maybe coolest of all: The show’s concert series provides free music for show participants at Fourth Street Live! all three nights. The 2017 entertainer lineup includes Uncle Kracker, Runaway June, The Crashers, Alaska and Madi and V-Groove. For more info on the show, visit gie-expo.com.

John Deere 317G Compact Track Loader

The 65-hp John Deere 317G compact track loader delivers superior pushing power and breakout force. The vertical-lift boom design rises to 10 ft, 1 in. and provides visibility and added stability. Combined with a 2,125-lb rated operating capacity, the 317G precisely places pallets and carries big loads. A low center of gravity, 30-degree bucket rollback, optional hydraulic self-leveling and optional ride control help keep buckets full and forks loaded. For comfort and productivity, air conditioning and an LED light package with integrated side lighting are available. The 317G offers a variety of landscape work attachments, including rotary tillers, planetary augers, pallet forks and more. For more info, visit booth 1110 or johndeere.com.

Cat M Series Compact Wheel Loaders

The new Cat M Series compact wheel loaders — 906M, 907M and 908M — feature Caterpillar’s exclusive Optimized Z-bar loader linkage, which combines aggressive digging power with parallel lift. These models use a 75-gross hp engine with an electronically controlled hydrostatic drive system that meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IIIB emissions standards. Electro-hydraulic controls allow for engineering enhancements for the drive system, implement controls, auxiliary hydraulic system and loader linkage. A range of work tools and couplers are available, ensuring optimum versatility and productivity. Valuable options include a high-speed configuration, ride control system and high-flow hydraulics. For more info, visit indoor booth 3084, outdoor booth 7650D or cat.com.

Bobcat R-Series Compact Excavators

The revolutionary new R-Series compact excavators from Bobcat Co. feature a bold, distinct design, helping boost operator productivity and comfort, as well as machine uptime protection. A new dual-flange track roller system has been added to provide up to a 15 percent increase in over-the-side capacity for greater digging performance and slewing ability. Operators will also experience improved ride quality, high-quality finish and a redesigned cab for a great operator experience. The Bobcat E32 and E35 in the popular 3- to 4-ton size class were the first R-Series excavators to launch. For more info, visit booth 1088 or bobcat.com/excavators/r-series.

New Holland Compact Excavators

New Holland Construction’s newest full line of compact excavators is complete with six new models ranging from 1.7 to 6 metric tons, featuring industry-leading serviceability and convenience. The lineup offers competitive performance measures on each model, including extended life components, liquid-cooled industrial Tier 4 Final compliant diesel engines, auto-shift traveling systems and low noise levels. With standard features such as selectable control pattern, SAE (backhoe) or ISO (excavator), any operator can be confident running the machine in any application. The mini excavator cab features excellent visibility with ergonomically placed controls. For more info, visit booth 1054 or newholland.com.

Ditch Witch MT9 Microtrencher Attachment

The Ditch Witch MT9 microtrencher attachment improves productivity and reduces cost-per-foot on small fiber jobsites. Developed to work in tandem with the Ditch Witch line of mini skid steers, the industry-first system is the ideal solution for fiber installation in tight or confined residential areas. The cost-effective microtrencher creates clean, shallow trenches up to 9 in. deep and 0.375 to 1.5 in. wide. The patented blade plunge provides infinite variable depth control while the machine is in operation. The MT9 works with the Ditch Witch-exclusive PDC Fiberblade that contains diamond-embedded carbide. For more info, visit indoor booth 1096, outdoor booth 7634 or ditchwitch.com.

Toro Dingo TX 1000 Compact Utility Loader

As the pioneer in the compact utility category, The Toro Co. recently announced the newest and most powerful Dingo in its lineup — the Toro Dingo TX 1000. The newest member of the Dingo family has a rated operating capacity exceeding 1,000 lbs, which is the strongest in the category. When the loader arms are fully-extended, the hinge pin measures an impressive 81 in. from the ground to allow the TX 1000 to easily reach over the side of dumpsters and 1-ton trucks to maximize jobsite productivity. Also unique to the industry in the category is the vertical-lift loader arm design, which keeps the load closer to the machine. For more info, visit inside booth 7148, outdoor booth 7600D or toro.com.

Avant Tecno Electric Articulated Loaders

Six years after introducing its multi-purpose loaders and attachments to GIE+EXPO and the North American market, Finnish company Avant Tecno USA debuts its innovative fully electric, battery-powered articulated loaders. The Avant e5 is the first of its kind in the family of Avant series loaders for the North American market. The fully electric, battery-powered compact Avant e5 is designed for indoor and outdoor use but is especially suitable for indoor use where ventilation is limited or non-existent. The e5 has no emissions, minimal noise level, low operating costs, is battery-powered, comes with an in-machine charging unit and fits all standard Avant attachments. For more info, visit outdoor booth 7720, indoor booth 3142 or avanttecno.com.

Vermeer RTX200 Pedestrian Trencher

The Vermeer RTX200 pedestrian trencher is designed to help landscape contractors install irrigation systems, drainage tile and outdoor electrical lines more efficiently. It is powered by a 20-hp Kohler gas engine. The RTX200 is available with a 30- to 36-in. trenching boom and 6-in. cutting width. It features the Vermeer VZ steering system that enables operators to steer the machine using only the handlebars and provides additional leverage when operating the pedestrian trencher in difficult terrain. For added protection, the operator presence system stops the trencher chain and ground drive if the operator lets go of the handle. The RTX200 is available with tracks or rubber tires. For more info, visit booth 4038 or vermeer.com.

Kubota K-Vertible RTV-X1140

Kubota’s RTV-X1140 features the innovative K-Vertible cargo conversion system, which transforms the vehicle from two passengers and a large cargo bed to four passengers and a cargo bed. Featuring sophisticated technology, the RTV-X1140 offers an impressive array of comfort and performance features, with tilt steering, simple inline shifting, lockable storage and a long-travel four-wheel independent suspension that enhances handling in most off-road conditions. The new five-point ROPS design increases RTV-X1140’s workhorse characteristics, allowing for more cargo volume and side loading. RTV-X1140 also comes standard with hydraulic dump bed. For more info, visit kubota.com.

SnowEx UTV Straight Blade Plow

For sidewalks, paved walkways and other tight areas, SnowEx introduces a new straight blade plow for UTVs. The plow measures 6-ft wide and can angle to 5 ft, 4 in. Compact but strong, the UTV straight blade contains four vertical ribs for additional reinforcement and stabilizing support. The blade is constructed of high-strength, low alloy steel components that are stronger and lighter than traditional steel. The plow features a full-trip moldboard to protect equipment when encountering obstacles. A high-strength base angle and A-frame further contribute to reliability. The UTV straight blade has a 5-in. hardened steel cutting edge and a powdercoat finish offers protection. For more info, visit booth 5042 or snowexproducts.com.

---

Gas Power: Kohler and Honda Offer Green Industry Engines

Kohler Command PRO EFI 999cc

As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the mowing experience for commercial cutters, Kohler has integrated an electronic throttle body into its Command PRO EFI 999cc engine. The new technology electronically controls intake airflow — much like in automobile engines — to optimize power and load response. The electronic throttle body is combined with Kohler’s proven electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, as well as the latest engine cooling technology, in the updated Command PRO EFI 999cc to deliver a range of benefits, including quick and easy starting, fuel economy, improved durability and enhanced response in challenging mowing conditions. For more info, visit booth 7176 or kohlerpower.com.

Honda’s GC Series

At GIE+EXPO, the Honda Engines team will showcase a variety of engine models of interest to attendees, including Honda’s GC Series — GC160/GC190 (horizontal shaft) and the GCV160/GCV190 (vertical shaft) models. Innovative design features, such as the world’s first internal timing belt on an engine of this kind, a tough nylon overhead cam and uniblock construction make Honda GC engines lighter and more compact than others in their class with significantly reduced noise, fuel and oil consumption. For more info, visit booth 3118 or honda.com.

Read more about the GIE + EXPO here.