The Big Buzz at GIE+EXPO 2013
Landscapers are basically architects of nature. They recreate microcosms of earth, engineering rock, soil, water and plants with human elements of construction (from patios to pergolas to barbeque pits). These landscape architects need to keep up with the latest technologies, techniques and equipment in the green industry to stay progressive in their respective green markets (design/build, hardscapes, general maintenance, groundskeeping and every other category). When it comes to higher education, there is no bigger event in the landscape business than the combination trade show of the Green Industry Conference and Expo (GIE) and the International Lawn, Garden and Power Equipment Expo (EXPO).
Now the 9th largest tradeshow in North America, GIE+EXPO (Oct. 24-25 in Louisville, Ky.) is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute Inc., Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). Hardscape North America (HNA), which accompanies the show, is sponsored by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and National Concrete Masonry Association.
What’s cool and new this year at these shows? The Dealer Resource Pavilion will combine education for dealership owners and managers, technician certification, a dealer-only lounge and Internet Café, new products and best-practice advice for managing your service center. On Oct. 23, a lunch-and-learn Dealer Summit will include a session unveiling new research about buying and attitude trends to help dealers be more effective in reaching top contractors. A lunch-and-learn education session for rental dealers is back with a new spin on Wed., Oct. 23, 1-3 p.m. The $30 fee covers lunch and two sessions: Part 1: Effective Advertising for Rental Stores and Part 2: “You Think You Know” Game Show.
The Green Industry Conference (GIC), organized by PLANET and PGMS’ popular School of Grounds Management offers powerful educational sessions and extensive peer networking. A big hit last year, the $10,000 Friday Giveaway will start at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. Winners must be present to win $1,000 at 1:00 p.m., $2,000 at 2:00 p.m., $3,000 at 3:00 p.m. and $4,000 at 4:00 p.m. The New Products Showcase will be a launching pad for new products. Visitors can stop here for a glimpse of the latest innovations and make their must-see lists, then stop at the exhibits throughout the show floor to meet with the manufacturers and test the products. Also, three free concerts are planned for the Nissan Commercial stage at Fourth Street Live: Wed., Oct. 23 (Jamie McLean Bann and Craig Morgan); Thurs., Oct. 24 (Angie Johnson and Three Dog Night); and Fri., Oct. 25 (Olivia Henken and Holly Williams).
Just outside at GIE+EXPO, visitors will find the world of outdoor products at their feet. The Outdoor Demonstration Area, open on Thursday and Friday during the show, covers 19 acres and is a shopping playground. Visitors can test new products and research the items that will make them more productive and profitable in 2014. For information and online registration, visit www.gie-expo.com or call 800.558.8767.
Cat Skid Steers
The Cat skid steer loaders, multi terrain loaders and compact track loaders have long been industry leaders in providing innovative features and solutions that deliver premium performance, operator control and operator comfort. Industry firsts such as sealed and pressurized cabs, air suspension seats, seat-mounted joystick controls, speed sensitive ride control, fully suspended CTL undercarriages and a Return to Dig and Work Tool Positioner feature are just a few of the performance technologies that make Cat skid steers and track loaders stand out. Visit the company’s inside and outside GIE+EXPO booths to see what industry leading features the new D Series has to offer you and your crews. For more info, visit www.cat.com.
Case Alpha Series Skid Steers
On display at GIE+EXPO will be the SR175 and SV185 medium-frame skid steers, as well as the large-frame SV300 model. The SR175 and SV185 were recently upgraded with new engine technology and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC)-only solution to meet federal Tier 4 Final emission standards. The SR175 boasts a 21 percent higher peak torque rise at 1,800 rpm compared to the previous model and goes from 60 to 67 gross hp, a 12 percent increase. The SV185 is rated at 60 gross hp and has 7 percent more torque than the previous version. The SV300 skid steer’s PowerStance chassis provides a 21 percent longer wheelbase and a front-rear weight distribution of 30/70 for superior stability. For more info, visit booth #7216 or www.casece.com.
Ditch Witch SK750 and SK755 Mini Skid Steers
To get more jobs done in less time, the Ditch Witch SK750 and SK755 Mini Skid Steers feature a 24.8-hp diesel engine and 32.8-hp diesel engine respectively, up to 800 lbs of lift capacity, 81-in. lift height and compatibility with 70 attachments. An innovative high-drive track system with bolt-on sprockets, wide track rollers and replaceable spindles makes it easy to convert from a narrow to a wide track stance, improving maneuverability and allowing operators to rotate the tracks for up to 40 percent more track life. With an operator platform 50 percent larger than the legacy SK650, operators will enjoy an ergonomic design with more room to comfortably position themselves and work. For more info, visit www.ditchwitch.com.
JCB 8026 Mini Excavator
A machine offering strength, performance and durability in a compact package, JCB’s 2.7-ton 8026 CTS mini excavator provides a conventional tail swing (CTS) option that complements the similarly sized JCB 8025 zero tail swing excavator (ZTS). The 8026 features: short pitch tracks and auto kick-down with 11 percent increase in travel speed; a new valve block with 17 percent longer spool stroke for increased precision control; and an easy-clean undercarriage. The 8026 is also extremely efficient due to the lower power rating of its three-cylinder, 24-hp engine. A dedicated boom and longer dipper arm provide superior digging, loading and grading performance, with a maximum digging depth of just under 9.2 ft. For more information, visit GIE+EXPO booth #7196 or www.jcbna.com.
Vermeer Gas Powered Brush Chipper
Vermeer continues its dedication to delivering highly innovative, fuel-efficient equipment with the BC1000XL brush chipper. Complete with an 89-hp GM industrial 3.0-L gas engine, the chipper is powered by a dependable electronic fuel injection (EFI) system. Bolstering the BC1000XL is a direct electronic pressure regulator that allows for greater control of fuel delivery, fuel economy and optimum combustion. Among the benefits provided by the enhanced engine components are improved cold-weather starts and lower fuel consumption, as compared to conventional carbureted engines. Patented SmartFeed technology is a feed-sensing system that helps monitor engine rpm and is able to automatically stop and reverse feed rollers when processing large, hardwood material. For more info, visit www.vermeer.com.
Kubota RTV X-Series
The all-new Kubota RTV X-Series is the next generation lineup of work utility vehicles. With enhanced styling and ergonomics, the RTV-X900, X1120D and X1100C feature superior ride and terrainability, delivering a new level of operator comfort and driving performance. At the core are Kubota diesel engines and VHT-X hydraulic transmissions. The RTV-X900 comes with a powerful 21.6-hp diesel engine and standard hydraulic power steering for comfort and control. The RTV-X1120D is a step up in power, comfort and style with a 24.8-hp diesel engine, higher ground speed and blue-tinted halogen headlights. Completing the lineup is the RTV-X1100C, offering a quiet, factory-installed, fully-enclosed unibody cab with a powerful air conditioning and heating system. For more info, visit www.kubota.com.
Polaris Brutus HDPTO
The Polaris Brutus HDPTO equips landscape professionals with a full, front-end power take-off system (PTO) with controls at their fingertips. Powered directly from the 24-hp diesel engine, the system drives a complete line of purpose-built commercial attachments. Three hydraulically-powered attachments — a 69-in. snow blade, 450-lb capacity adjustable width pallet forks and a 62-in. materials bucket with a 500-lb capacity — and three PTO-powered attachments — a 70-in. angle broom, a snowblower with a 62-in. cutting width and a finishing mower with a 66-in. cutting width — enable users to sweep, mow, blow, lift, plow and scoop with just one machine. The fully-enclosed, factory-installed cab combined with in-dash heat, defrost and air conditioning ensures users are comfortable, no matter what the climate. For more info, visit www.Polaris.com/BRUTUS.
Danuser CB40 Hammer Concrete Breaker
Established and family-owned since 1910, Danuser has manufactured drilling machines since 1943. They are also experts in post driver technology since 1951 — include the Danuser CB40 hammer concrete breaker. It delivers up to 82,000 lbs of impact force with each cycle; breaks up to 9-in. thick reinforced concrete; operates on any skid steer with 12-30 gpm without additional setup; anti-dry fire feature prevents unnecessary firing and improves durability of the machine; and delivers less maintenance with its drop hammer design. For more info, visit www.danuser.com.
Hiniker Scoop Plow
The Hiniker Scoop Plow provides operators with a cost-effective and efficient tool for parking lot and wide-area applications. With the blade ends at a fixed forward angle of 20 degrees, the Scoop provides greater snow-carrying capacity than a comparably sized V-plow while still maintaining full windrowing capability when fully angled. Hiniker also claims a substantial weight and cost savings compared to most V-plow and expandable designs. Snow and ice control products from Hiniker also include conventional plows, VF Series flare-wing trip-edge V-plows, C-plows, straight blade plows and both gasoline and electric powered salt and sand spreaders. For more info, visit www.hiniker.com.
SnowEx SuperMaxx II Spreaders
SnowEx has released its new SuperMaxx II spreaders for ice management. Available with 3.3-, 4.3- and 6-cu yd capacities, the units are engineered for superior pre-wetting integration and optimal weight distribution, making them ideal for large contractors and municipalities. SuperMaxx II spreaders feature an enhanced material feed system with a new stainless steel trough, where brine and salt are mixed before being delivered to the spinner. This system offers unmatched pre-wetting performance compared with other designs. The spreaders also feature unique cab-forward hoppers with up to 33-percent better payload distribution, resulting in improved safety and reduced stress on the carrying vehicle. For more info, visit www.snowexproducts.com.
Aluma Tilt Single Axle Trailers
Aluma recently introduced its latest model of aluminum trailers, the 7712H Tilt flatbed utility trailer. These single heavy axle trailers are ideal for a wide range of hauling applications. The 7712H Tilt model features 14-in. aluminum wheels, fenders with vinyl gravel guards, an extruded aluminum floor and front and side retaining rails. The bed is 77 in. wide by 144.5 in. long. The trailers also include an LED lighting package and safety chains. Durable aluminum trailers from Aluma are lightweight, corrosion resistant and maintenance free. Special features on many makes and models offer users versatility and convenience. Aluma trailers also come with an industry leading 5-year all-inclusive warranty. For more info, visit www.alumaklm.com.
Honda Engines GXR120 Generate Purpose Engine
The Honda Engines team will showcase its complete range of engine models, including the latest advancements for its GX Commercial Series Engines and the recent introduction of the all-new GXR120 general purpose engine, a model uniquely developed as an ideal source of power for rammers — equipment used to compact soil or other granular material. Offered as a second power option to the reliable GX100 engine, the new GXR120 engine has been designed to provide superb durability and reliability for heavy-duty applications. In addition, Honda Power Equipment will have its company trailer on display in the outdoor exhibit area, equipped with an array of power equipment products. For more info, visit www.engines.honda.com.
