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PRODUCT NEWS |
Bobcat Co. introduces a new line of compact tractors that are now available with the Bob-Tach quick attachment system as an option. The four new models with the option are the CT335, CT440, CT445 and CT450, which are available in three different packages. The economy package includes a three-point implement hitch with power take off; the standard package comes with the three-point hitch, power take off and a loader joystick and control valve; and the standard package with cab features all the elements of the standard package plus an enclosed cab. Each of the new models includes an independent PTO that can be engaged with the flip of a switch while the vehicle is in motion, a feature that allows operators to engage the PTO on a three-point implement only in areas where needed. Contact Bobcat Co., (www.bobcat.com).
Save-a-Tree, a nonpolluting organic lawn fertilizer, was originally developed by golfer Jim Zamzow to cure ailing trees but later was discovered to help keep greens in top condition and also control rising maintenance costs. Distributed by TerraLife Inc., Save-a-Tree is made with sugar cane molasses, and because it smells good it does not attract ants and discourages nematodes. Other ingredients include nitrogen, phosphate and sulfur. All ingredients are natural, contain no animal byproducts and are manufactured in the U.S., the company says. Organic fertilizer is also said to reduce fuel and labor costs for mowing because it causes grass to grow more slowly. Contact Save-a-Tree, 866-855-9552 (www.save-a-tree.com).
Michael Patrick Shiels, a Michigan-based author, collaborated with more than 100 golf course architects to create “Secrets of the Great Golf Course Architects,” which was released last fall by Sky Horse Publishing. The book, which features personal, first-hand career stories and hand-drawn sketches and renderings, is an effort of many members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, including Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones, Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest, Robert Trent Jones Jr., John Sanford and Jim Engh. The architects provide inside stories, funny anecdotes, business lessons, mishaps, philosophies, travel tales and graphics examples of their handiwork. Contact Jennifer Hobbs at Sky Horse Publishing, 212-643-6816, ext. 224, or e-mail jhobbs@skyhorsepublishing.com.
Roundup Promax is the newest generation of Roundup herbicide from Monsanto Co. Said to offer consistent performance, a higher concentration and a guarantee of 30-minute rainfastness, Roundup Promax is formulated with a new potassium salt solution that uses a smaller molecule and delivers a more concentrated formula than its predecessor, Roundup Pro. The new solution comes in a smaller, more convenient jug that requires less storage space. Roundup Promax controls a broad spectrum of weeds with virtually no regrowth, the company says. Contact Monsanto Co., (www.rounduppromax.com).
The new Web site recently launched by Phoenix Environmental Care offers a new look, simple navigation and several new customer-friendly features, the company says. The site includes an expanded product information area, a comprehensive section about NexGen enhanced pesticide technology and a distributor listing for customers to find a local product supplier. Another new section is dedicated to company news and industry events. Contact Phoenix Environmental Care (www.phoenixenvcare.com).
Salsco Inc. introduces new models of electric and gas greens rollers. Standards on the new models include a tilt steering wheel, a full rubber mat in the trailer box and tailgate, load-and-go rails on the transport trailer, a fully integrated neutral system for safe starts and operation, fully sealed roll ends to prevent water leakage and an updated linkage for a smoother transition from left to right. A 13-hp Honda electric start engine is available as an option. The electric greens roller also now comes equipped with a battery watering system, plus load-and-go and latch-and-lock features. Contact Salsco Inc., 800-872-5726 (www.salsco.com).
Mosquito 86 is a new tool that can attach to a hand-held leaf blower to convert it into a mosquito-repelling machine. A solution to mosquitoes that’s an alternative to professional mosquito and pest sprayers requiring commercial-sized foggers or truck-mounted systems, Mosquito 86 provides immediate results and can give protection for up to three weeks, depending on weather conditions, the company says. Safe around people and pets, Mosquito 86 can be applied in about 15 minutes. The company also offers custom adapters that fit more than 50 leaf and yard blower models. Contact Mosquito 86, 646-502-3575 (www.mosquito86.com/video.php).
Valley, a division of Thule Towing Systems North America, announces new extension tow mirrors for added visibility during towing operations. The mirrors come in two sizes: one to fit most passenger car side mirrors and one to fit pickup trucks, SUVs and van mirrors. The extended mirrors are designed for added safety and visibility in situations where large trailers, wide loads and truck campers can obstruct the driver’s view of what’s behind or parallel to the vehicle. Contact Valley, 209-368-8881 (www.valley.us.com).
The new Cub Cadet Volunteer 4x4D utility vehicle is equipped with a 854-cc, 3-inline cylinder Yanmar diesel engine and offers the performance of a fully independent suspension, according to Cub Cadet. With a torque of 36.9 foot-pounds at 2,400 rpm and a payload capacity of 1,400 pounds, the Volunteer 4x4D is available with optional equipment such as an electric bed lift, a heavy-duty bed liner, a 72-inch snow blade, deluxe hard cab and a bench seat. The suspension gives users 8 inches of travel, up to 25 percent more than competing diesel utility vehicles, the company says. Other benefits include a wide stance, fully welded steel frame and a low center of gravity for stability, traction and control. Other options are high back seats, trail tires, a heavy-duty air filter and a fully enclosed CVT transmission. Contact Cub Cadet, (www.cubcadet.com).
The new ProTect rake handle from Par Aide features a protective, long-lasting thermoplastic coating that reduces the chance of fiberglass splinters. With a flexible and fade-resistant handle, it offers the best UV protection of any rake handle on the market, according to Par Aide. Coating materials are bonded together by heat instead of mechanical adhesives, so the coating won’t slip. The handle is compatible with any Par Aide rake head. Contact Par Aide, 888-893-2433 (www.paraide.com).
The IGEBA TF-35 thermal fogger from Nixalite can be used indoors or outdoors to create large volumes of fog to control insects, birds, diseases and odor or to treat mold and fungus. The unit applies oil-based formulations with the standard fog tube in small particle sizes. The TF-35 also features a stainless steel fuel tank and formulation tank, a 4140 stainless steel expansion chamber and tube and a convenient stainless steel drain at the bottom of the solution tank. The device can also apply Fog Force repellent with an optional control valve. Contact Nixalite of America, 800-624-1189 (www.nixalite.com).
Kubota announces its new gas-powered RTV500 compact utility vehicle with a 15.8-hp, liquid-cooled, two-cylinder Kubota gas engine, four-wheel drive and a top speed of 25 mph. The RTV500 is 54.7 inches wide, 72 inches tall and is compact enough to fit in the bed of a full-sized, long-bed pickup. The unit also comes with the company’s exclusive new VHT Plus variable hydrostatic transmission, which eliminates the need to adjust belt drives and provides smooth transmission-assisted braking and hill-holding capabilities. Able to handle up to 440 pounds in its metal cargo box, the unit can tow up to 1,100 pounds. Designed to ensure comfort and safety for operators, the cab features durable bench seats and a dash layout that’s simple and intuitive, Kubota says. A flat floor provides unobstructed legroom, while an integrated roll-over protective structure meets OSHA standards. Contact Kubota Tractor Corp., 888-458-2682, ext. 900 (www.kubota.com).
Companion liquid biological fungicide from Growth Products Ltd. has received a new EPA label for all turfgrass and landscape use. Companion is engineered to prevent, control and suppress a broad range of root and foliar diseases such as anthracnose, brown patch, dollar spot, summer patch, fusarium patch, pythium and phytophthora. The fungicide contains a GB03 strain of Bacillus subtilis, which has multiple modes of action and produces a broad-spectrum antibiotic (Iturin) that disrupts pathogen cell-wall formation. Contact Growth Products Ltd., 800-648-7626 (www.growthproducts.com).
Kioti announces the DK75 as the latest addition to its line of compact tractors. With a 75-hp, 268.5-cubic-inch, turbo-charged diesel engine that’s mounted to a fully synchronized transmission with 12 gears, the DK75 can handle power take off, tillage work and other front end loader applications. A category II, three-point hitch with stabilizers and telescoping ends is built to make implement attachment quick and painless. The fully enclosed cab also includes features designed for safety and comfort such as air conditioning and heat, an optional radio/CD player, a suspension seat, power steering and a tilt wheel. Other standard features are push-button four-wheel drive, a single lever joystick for easy loader control and operation, forward-facing hydraulic couplers, rear differential lock, rear power take off, wet disc brakes, a single element air cleaner and a single remote hydraulic valve. Contact Kioti, 877-465-4684 (www.kioti.com).
Dow AgroScience’s Sapphire specialty herbicide controls English lawn daisy, a prevalent weed on the west coast. Sapphire has shown tolerance for cool- and warm-season grasses on fairways and rough. Its active ingredient, penoxsulam, is absorbed via leaves, shoots and roots and begins to work immediately by translocating throughout the entire plant to achieve control, the company says. Unlike other herbicides labeled to control English lawn daisy that contain four to five active ingredients, Sapphire includes one, low-use rate active ingredient and it can be tank-mixed with other herbicides for broad spectrum weed control. Contact Dow AgroSciences LLC, (www.dowprovesit.com).
The Haas Text-and-Track H1000 GPS vehicle tracker gives superintendents the ability to track and locate a fleet of equipment and vehicles in real-time via a cell phone or computer. Manufactured by Haas GPS, the units also send alerts if the vehicle is stolen or towed and gives users the control to set maximum speed limits, geographic boundaries and curfew times on the equipment. Users will receive immediate notification if any conditions have been violated. The company says that some insurance companies offer discounts on vehicles equipped with the tracker. The H1000 can also keep track of vehicle maintenance schedules for oil changes and tune-ups, and will alert the owner when the vehicle’s battery starts to run down. Contact Haas GPS, (www.haasgps.com).
Becker Underwood now uses environmentally friendlier packaging materials for several of its products. Rising costs for product ingredients, packaging materials and transportation led to the decision to move to energy-saving packaging for its Sprint iron chelate products, the company says. The company’s Sprint 330 and Sprint 330+Mn 50-pound products had been packaged in a bulk-size fiberboard barrel with heavy reinforcing metal rings, but now are packaged in a lighter-weight, durable, double-walled, recyclable corrugated cardboard box. The packaging change has reduced product packaging weight by more than 75 percent and lowered same-quantity shipped weights by almost 10 percent, the company adds. Contact Becker Underwood, (www.beckerunderwood.com).
John Deere recently unveiled its new line of 5D, 5E Limited and 5M series utility tractors. The 5D and 5E series ranges in horsepower from 45 to 75, while the 5E Limited series ranges in horsepower from 83 to 101. The 5E series offers two-wheel drive or mechanical front-wheel drive, while the 5D offers only two-wheel drive. Synchronized transmissions are designed for smooth shifting, and easy-to-reach, color-coded controls for simple operation. Additional features and options include a durable frame especially designed for loaders, more hydraulic flow and added capacity. Contact John Deere, (www.johndeere.com/ag).
The new RollerPro, a portable sprinkler base from Underhill International, features solid brass impact sprinklers to provide supplemental irrigation to dry spots and newly-seeded turf on greens, tees and other landscaped areas. The portable sprinkler base includes a 22-inch-wide stainless steel roller and can work with both a ¾-inch and 1-inch hose. Available in six models ranging from 13 to 54 gpm, the impact sprinklers feature full and part-circle heads that provide 57 to 96 inches of coverage. Stainless steel drive springs and chemical-resistant bearing seals are designed for durability, the company says. The sprinkler base and impact heads are sold separately. Contact Underhill International, 866-863-3744 (www.underhill.us).
The new self-priming adapter from Hypro, a subsidiary of the Pentair Water Group, provides fast self-priming for all standard centrifugal pumps. The patent-pending design is said to reduce fill time while protecting the mechanical seal from dry-run. The tool can be mounted up to 10 feet from the centrifugal pump, which allows the pump to be mounted in tight-fitting configurations while maintaining priming and flow performance capabilities. The self-priming adapter is available in 2-inch NPT and 1½-inch BSP sizes. Contact Hypro, 800-424-9776 (www.hypropumps.com).
The 8th Edition Chemical Resistance Guide from Ansell Ltd., includes updated permeation and degradation data from the company. Available as a downloadable PDF, the guide allows users to accurately search for the right protective glove based on specific chemical applications. A free hard copy can be sent by regular mail with a request at the company’s Web site, www.ansellpro.com. Available as a three-ring binder or a wall poster, the guide has been improved with expanded product ranges and updated test data. Contact Ansell Ltd., (www.ansellpro.com).
Terex offers a new TL60 compact wheel loader designed for economical, quiet and low-maintenance operation. Ideal for digging, loading and hauling jobsite material, the 50-hp TL60 incorporates a transverse-mounted engine for optimal stability. Designed with an oscillating rear axle, the wheel loader provides comfort and easy handling on rough terrain by maintaining four-wheel traction, and articulated steering allows maneuverability through tight spaces. Operators can control movements even when giving the loader full power. Bucket capabilities range from 0.65 cubic yards to 1.3 cubic yards, while its breakout force is 8,325 pounds. Contact Terex, (www.terex.com).
Horizon has partnered with The Toro Co. to offer the Toro Dingo to its customers in Texas. The Dingo compact utility loader will be offered in both wheeled and tracked models. Wheeled models feature a ride-on platform that provides improved visibility and a width of 40.5 inches to offer access in confined spaces. Five tracked Dingo models come equipped with engines ranging from 13-hp gasoline to 25-hp diesel. Additional features include easy-to-use controls, a walk-behind design, a 42-inch gate on all tracked models and a 36-inch gate on narrow track models. Contact Horizon, (www.horizononline.com).