GIE+EXPO = Greener Opportunities
The grass can always be a little greener, the flower beds more attractive, the water pond more striking and the overall design built just a little cleaner. It’s the art of landscaping, and like all things that grow, green space requires a continual process of change and cultivation. Each year, green professionals groom their outdoor venues, yet their crews require just as much polish to improve techniques, applications and the beauty of their natural environments. That’s why local and national trade shows can be such an advantage to green gurus. They can be a one-stop shop for the latest in landscape training, equipment and services.
The ultimate stop for landscapers has to be GIE+EXPO (the Green Industry & Equipment Expo) and Hardscape North America (HNA), which will co-locate in Louisville again in 2014. GIE+EXPO and HNA, to be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, will draw industry members worldwide Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 22-24. GIE+EXPO is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS).
The highlights include:
• 750 exhibits showcasing their latest innovations in a 500,000-sq ft exhibit hall and in the adjacent 19-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area.
• A Dealer Day preview for dealers, distributors, retailers and media on Wednesday.
• The Dealer Resource Pavilion will combine education for dealership owners and managers and training and certification for technicians.
• GIE+EXPO Workshops feature 10 very informative sessions for landscapers, including new tracks from PLANET on irrigation and snow and ice management.
• A spotlight on UTVs with at least two test tracks in the Outdoor Demo Area.
• New Products Showcase featuring exhibitors’ latest innovations.
• Three free concerts featuring chart-topping entertainers — Montgomery Gentry with Jeni Carr and her band TwangTown on Wednesday night, Jamie Lynn Spears and The Crashers on Thursday and Olivia Henken and Josh Logan on Friday.
Cat E2 Series Mini Hydraulic Excavators
The five compact radius Cat E2 Series mini hydraulic excavators — 303.5E2, 304E2, 305E2, 305.5E2 and 308E2 — will all be produced at Caterpillar’s new 850,000-sq ft facility in Athens, Ga., and will also use the new High Definition Hydraulic system. The E2 models are designed to carry on the solid performance of their E Series predecessors, while adding even greater value for the customer. For example, the new High Definition Hydraulic (HDH) system in the E2 machines provides a load sensing and flow sharing capability leading to operational precision, efficient performance and greater controllability. The simple valve architecture reduces heat, which leads to a reduction in hydraulic instability and improved overall efficiency. For more info, visit cat.com.
Kubota KX040-4 compact Excavator
Kubota’s 4-ton KX040-4 compact excavator packs performance, versatility and comfort into one machine. The KX040-4 prioritizes the economy while supporting the environment with its “Eco Plus” system, giving operators the option of “eco mode” for up to 20 percent less fuel consumption than prior models. For applications requiring full power, operators can switch to standard mode and still experience improved efficiency and lower fuel consumption. The Advanced Load Sensing Hydraulic System provides optimum oil flow to each cylinder for smoother operation under any load, and dual auxiliary ports expand attachments and versatility. The KX040-4 also boasts auto downshift travel motors that shift automatically to improve productivity. For more info, visit kubota.com.
New Ditch Witch SK850 Mini Skid Steer
To improve jobsite productivity for landscapers and renters, the new Ditch Witch SK850 mini skid steer delivers more power to the attachment with its 37-hp Tier 4 Yanmar diesel engine. The 29-hp of hydraulic power delivered to the attachment helps operators increase performance of dozens of attachments for a wide range of tasks, including landscaping, plumbing and underground utility. Built to outperform, the SK850 features 860-lb rated operating capacity (SAE), 83-in hinge-pin height and 4.7-mph ground speed in both forward and reverse. A standard auto-throttle reduces engine throttle when not under load for greater efficiency and enhanced safety. Its exclusive high-drive track system has bolt-on interchangeable sprockets and wide track rollers to ease maintenance and enhance track life. For more info, visit ditchwitch.com.
Yanmar S165R Skid Steer
You can’t afford to waste time with machines that don’t have what it takes. With a Yanmar S165R skid steer, you get the raw power and fuel efficiency to take on a wide variety of jobs other machines back down from. Whether you’re digging up stumps or carrying loads of bricks, you always know you’ve got the versatility to get a lot more done in a lot less time. With the price of diesel fuel, you’ll appreciate how Yanmar’s Tier 4 Interim naturally aspirated diesel engine doesn’t waste gas, but you’re not giving up power to gain efficiency. With the S165R, you can still lift up to 1,750 lbs. You can take our smallest skid steer and work in just about any space you please. With the shortest length and narrowest width in its class, says Yanmar, you can quickly knock out tough jobs instead of having to make excuses. For more info, visit rulethejobsite.com.
Takeuchi TW65 Series 2 Wheel Loader
Takeuchi-US will showcase their brand new TW65 SERIES 2 wheel loader at GIE+EXPO. Equipped with an EPA Final Tier 4 engine, the wheel loader delivers increased performance, improved serviceability and an enhanced deluxe operator’s cabin for superior operator comfort. The compact design allows the loader to easily maneuver in tight spaces with minimal damage to lawns, pavement and other sensitive surface areas. The TW65 provides reach and a dump height up to 8 ft, 6 in. for trouble-free material handling. Featuring an operating weight of 11,354 lbs, the loader has a rated operating capacity of 4,050 lbs, tipping load of 9,171 lbs and a bucket breakout force of 11,600 lbs. For more info, visit takeuchi-us.com.
Wacker Neuson Wheel Loaders
When it comes to snow removal the job can call for removing a light dusting off a sidewalk or moving heavy snow from parking lots and roadways. Wacker Neuson offers wheel loaders that have proven to be extremely effective for snow removal from a dusting to a blizzard. Wacker Neuson’s WL 30 articulated wheel loader is the ideal choice for snow removal in confined areas. When outfitted for snow removal, the WL 30 is the only wheel loader on the market designed to fit 48-in. wide sidewalks, says Wacker Neuson. Add an optional salt spreader and contractors can plow and salt in one easy pass. The universal skid steer attachment plate makes it easy to switch between, blower, broom or pusher. This versatile machine is popular with snow removal contractors whose core jobs include malls, commercial parking lots, university campuses, hospitals, apartment complexes and municipal sites. For more info, visit wackerneuson.com.
John Deere Compact Wheel Loaders
Designed specifically for lower-clearance applications, John Deere introduces the 8-ft tall, economical 204K and 304K compact wheel loaders. Both machines include features to increase productivity, visibility, versatility and lower daily operating costs. A foot lower than other compact John Deere wheel loaders, the 204K and 304K feature rigid front and rear axles to meet the 8-ft height while lowering the center of gravity and increasing stability and the tipping load limit. The two new models can easily reach and work in areas with restricted access such as door and trailer openings. Both models come standard with an open operator station designed to withstand the elements, featuring weather-resistant gauges, extended rooftops, nonskid floor mats and optional vandal proofing. For more info, visit deere.com.
Boxer Equipment 120 Trencher
The completely restyled and redesigned Boxer 120 trencher takes gasoline-powered compact trenching equipment to the next level, boasting 472 ft-lbs of trencher torque and 5-ft per minute average trench speed. The 120 trencher offers class-leading features like: a ride-on operator platform for improved visibility, operator comfort and reduced fatigue; two-speed ground travel; planetary trencher drive; spring-loaded boom; and standard crumber assembly. The 120 Trencher is offered with a 6-in. wide combo chain and 24- or 36-in. bar options. Boxer equipment, manufactured by Morbark, is engineered for on-the-job flexibility and bottom-line performance — providing big power in all places. For more info, visit outdoor booth 7524D or boxerequipment.com.
Polaris Grapple Attachment
The Polaris Brutus HDPTO utility vehicle supports a complete line of seven commercial attachments, including the new grapple which is hydraulically controlled with a power take-off (PTO) system. The grapple has a powerful closing force and reinforced tines, allowing a strong, secure grip to move hard-to-handle materials. It is ideal for facilities like farms, ranches and governments and has the capability to support any kind of project. Additionally, the PTO system allows smooth performance right from the engine to the grapple attachment, which is powered directly from the vehicle’s 24-hp diesel engine. Furthermore, the Polaris Pro-Tach attachment system makes for easy and quick connection and disconnection of all supported attachments. For more info, visit polaris.com/brutus.
Edge Rotary Brush Mower
A new 72-in. high-flow Edge rotary brush mower has been added to the lineup of the current rotary brush mowers offered by CEAttachments. This new model Edge 72-in., high-flow rotary brush mower is the perfect size and power needed to complete the lineup of Edge rotary brush mowers. These machines are designed to cut through the thickest brush and glide over rough terrain with ease, built for performance to handle heavy weeds, undergrowth, brush and small saplings up to 4 in. in diameter. It will mow brush down, but won’t bog down your motor. Ideal applications include clearing trails for horses, snowmobiles, skiing or biking in areas that would normally be inaccessible. For more info, visit ceattachments.com.
Boss Super-Duty Full-Trip and Trip-Edge Plows
To meet booming demand, Boss Snowplow is offering stainless steel for its 7-ft, 6-in., 8-ft and 9-ft Super-Duty Trip-Edge plows as well as its 8- and 9-ft Super-Duty Full-Trip plows. Boss is expanding the availability of its stainless steel plows in response to customers who like the polished look of this premium silver design. Boss introduced stainless steel on its DXT plow for the 2013-14 snow season, a popular option that sold out quickly. Select plow models will also feature sharp 304 stainless steel moldboards. For more info, visit bossplow.com.
Peco Brush Blazer
The TBB-3002 Brush Blazer by Peco Inc. features a 48-in. cut width that makes the machine a stand-alone solution between smaller-scale lawn units and large, commercial forestry attachments. The Brush Blazer packs power, which boosts productivity and allows the unit to tackle trees up to 4 in. in diameter. The Brush Blazer is an ideal tool for clearing underbrush and trees, performing trail maintenance, cleaning retention ponds or clearing right-of-ways. The unit is also ideal for hazardous vegetation management and wildfire prevention. It is available with a 28-hp Briggs and Stratton Vanguard or a 27-hp Kohler EFI engine. The machine offers a mid-sized option with productivity to fill the gap between small-scale units and large forestry equipment. For more info, visit booth 384 or brushblazer.com.
Kohler-Powered Polaris UTVs
The Kohler KDW1003 engine, a 1028cc, three-cylinder diesel engine, now powers two Polaris off-road vehicles, the Ranger Diesel and Ranger Crew Diesel vehicles. The engine is ideally suited for this application due to its low-profile overhead cam and an advanced fuel-injection system. The liquid-cooled KDW1003 meets all EPA Tier 4 final, CARB and EURO emissions standards, and its belt-driven, overhead camshaft enables the engine to run at higher speeds, up to 4,200 rpm if needed. Low-turbulence, pre-combustion chambers, low-cylinder volume and superior balance provide quiet, smooth operation. The KDW1003 offers a robust 110 amps of alternator output to power a wide variety of accessories, including lights, heaters, audio systems and more. For more info, visit kohlerengines.com.
Honda Engines GC Series
At this year’s venue, Honda Engines representatives will be available at the company’s indoor booth and outdoor display area to discuss the company’s continued technological advancements and environmental commitment. The Honda Engines team will showcase its complete range of engines models, including the Honda GC Series — quiet, efficient engines specifically designed for home-use power equipment applications. A number of innovative design features — including the world’s first internal timing belt on an engine of this kind, a tough nylon overhead cam, and uniblock construction — make the GC engines lighter and more compact than other engines in their class, with significantly reduced noise, fuel and oil consumption. For more info, visit indoor booth 3118, engines.honda.com or powerequipment.honda.com.
Subaru EH99 and EA175 Engines
Subaru Industrial Power Products will feature its 40-hp EH99 and the EA175 at GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky. The company’s EH99 are ideal for zero-turn mowers, chippers, stump grinders and wood processors. The engines are durable, low maintenance and feature heat-reduction technology. The 999cc engine features heavy-duty connecting rods, large crankshaft bearings and three-ring pistons. The hardened exhaust valve and seats can handle high temperatures, which improves engine performance, efficiency and overall life of the engine. The engine is covered by Subaru’s five-year limited warranty. The EA175 features an innovative and completely original design — lightweight, yet rugged and powerful enough for demanding mower applications. For more info, visit booth 11170 or subarupower.com.
