Countax Brochure 2021 by Ariens UK

DESIGNED FOR THE BRITISH GARDEN

Contents 4 | 5

Built in Britain for British gardens

6 | 7

A tractor for all seasons

8 | 9

Owning a Countax – Gallery

Photos are a representation of product. Product may differ. All tractors now feature CE compliant belt guarding which may not be illustrated in this brochure.

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Countax®: A manufacturing success story

Built in Britain for British gardens Countax is a British manufacturing success story. Our factory, located just outside Oxford, has been producing tractors for over 30 years. It’s a state-of-the-art facility utilising the very latest manufacturing technology. What really sets Countax apart though is the people who build the tractors. Each and every employee is passionate about our products and they continuously work to drive quality at each stage of the manufacturing process. This passion begins with our engineers. Our latest range of tractors was designed in conjunction with Countax customers and dealers. By listening to and understanding how our products are used in ‘real life’ conditions, we strive to develop innovative products which exceed the expectations of our customers. By following this principle, Countax designs all of its products to specifically cope with the unique conditions of the British climate. Electronic controls are weatherproofed, while painted components have surpassed 500 hours of continuous salt spray exposure without corrosion – one of the most stringent tests available.

Countax joined Made in Britain, the official collective mark for British manufacturers. We are proud to display this symbol on all of our garden tractors.

Built for British gardens 4 5

Owning a Countax Sharing the memories

Countax owners are particularly fond of their garden tractors. Many write in to tell us how much they look forward to the weekend, when they can get out on their mowers and cut the grass. We love to see owners enjoying their machines by making memories and sharing their mowing experiences. A picture paints a thousand words. So, if you’re a Countax owner, please share your best Countax pictures with us via our email address – countaxlife@countax.com

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Owning a Countax

Welcome to Countax Life

CountaxLife

Are you looking for tips on how to look after your lawn? Have you ever wondered how your tractor was made? Would you like to hear stories from Countax owners? If your answer is ‘Yes’ to any of these, Countax Life has it covered and much more besides.

Newsletter – April 2021 – Issue 1

Welcome to Countax Life this newsletter x Life. We hope that you will find Thank you for subscribing to Counta for tips on and stimulating. If you’re looking tive informa both are that articles full of tractor was made, you have ever wondered how your how to look after your lawn, or if x Life has it stories from Countax owners, Counta or perhaps you would like to hear covered. would like to larly proud of your machine and Want to get involved? If you’re particu in a forthcoming issue. it feature will we and us t tell its story, why not contac Happy reading!

Sign-up today at www.countax.co.uk/countax-life to receive a bi-monthly e-newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.

GET THE

LAWN AND GARDEN CARE

Why Countax rains supreme for It is true to say that Britain is famous plethora many things. However, despite the and cultural of inventions, discoveries, artists famous influences, Britain remains world Beatles, for three things in particular: The Manchester United and rain. weather is The country’s reputation for wet is the reputation perhaps a little exaggerated (as Britain are to of Manchester United). Visitors ble often pleasantly surprised how comforta are. In and long the summer months really is now more fact, a drought in July and August from common than not. That said, statistics does indeed NationMaster shows that the U.K. of the all to d have the highest rainfall compare EU countries

“We have had this Coun tax mower since 2009 , never missed a beat Great bit of kit.” .

MOST FROM YOUR MACHINE

Paul Rowland - Nott

inghamshire

Why buy from a dealer? especially Online purchasing continues to soar, ential during COVID times when all non-ess garden retailers have been closed. Most ut, througho open remained dealers machinery you buy but with all shops now open, should to trip a take or online mower your new ride-on your local dealer? n, general We caught up with Adam Robinso Machinery in manager of Jim Robinson Garden throughout the open remained has who Devon, insight into COVID pandemic, as he gives his from a why you should buy a ride-on mower dealer rather than online. Read more

COUNTAX

OWNER OF

THE MONT

an Dan Chapm

a little over mower for my Countax ch as “I’ve owned now, as mu oy using it enj l stil I my second a year and It is actually I first got it. ject’, had ‘pro a as I did when ght first one I bou owner. I can Countax. The its previous the abused by been heavily t time I started ber the firs em rem l stil t made me actually combined tha it was all this engine and untax!” a fan of Co Read more

SPOTLIGHT ON ACCE

SSORIES

Grass Sweeper cassette The Countax PGC+ is specifically designed for the British garden and enables the tracto r to do more than just cut grass. Connected to its power take-off, a range of interchangeable cassettes can be fitted to it, to achieve a range of garden tasks. The Grass Sweeper come s as standard with the PGC+. It collects grass clippings, fallen leaves and other debris from the lawn. Fifty-o ne brushes rotate at over 1,100 strokes per minut e to sweep cut grass and garden debris into the hopper. Even when the grass is wet, there is little risk of clogging. Read more

INSIDE THE FACTORY

Craftsmanship and the art of knowing when to auto mate Just like in a car, the chass is of a garden tractor is everything. It not only carries the weight of the engine, transmission and operator, but it must also help keep the cuttin g deck suspended and level whilst mowing. Quite often, the chass is is a major differentiato r between a ‘built-to-las t’ machine and one of the cheaper, throwaway impor t ride-ons that started to enter the market over the last 10 years Derek Davis is a bit of a legend at our Great Haseley plant. If you’v e purchased your Coun tax in the last 20 years, the chances are, Derek welded up the chassis. Well... sort of.... Read more

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CountaxLife

LAWN AND GARDEN CARE

INSIDE THE FACTORY

SPOTLIGHT ON ACCESSORIES

We provide you with information and advice on all things lawn and garden care, so you can sit back and enjoy your garden all-year round.

Did you know our Countax tractors are designed and built in our Oxfordshire factory? If you’ve ever wondered how your tractor was made, we share the many different stages it goes through before it starts work in your garden.

A Countax is the ultimate garden workhorse. When used with the right optional accessory, it can carry out a range of seasonal chores from scarifying in early spring to collecting autumn leaves and removing snow in the colder months.

GET THE MOST FROM YOUR MACHINE

OWNER OF THE MONTH

COUNTAX LIFE SHOP

We know how proud Countax owners and their pets(!) are of their machines. If you’d like to feature in a forthcoming edition, we’d love to hear from you.

Peruse the Countax Life shop for a range of Countax branded merchandise including gifts, clothing and tractor accessories.

Our handy hints and tips will help you get the most from your garden tractor.

www.countax.co.uk /countax-life 8 9

A tractor for all seasons

Countax: A better garden tractor First and foremost a Countax garden tractor is an outstanding lawnmower. Its unique cut and collection system, developed specifically for the British garden, sets it apart from any other machine on the market. A Countax allows you to cut shorter, collect fully and stripe a lawn, even when the grass is wet. Why do we say ‘A tractor for all seasons’? Own a Countax and you have a small, rugged tractor that can be used all-year round in your garden. Where most ‘ride-on mowers’ fail, a Countax excels – it’s designed to be used in all weathers. A push-button* controlled power take-off drives accessories and attachments that extend your tractor’s use beyond that of a conventional ride-on mower. Scarify your lawn in spring, collect leaves in autumn or spread salt in winter – a Countax is an invaluable tool for every month of the year. For added convenience and versatility, Countax has introduced an optional PGC+ Cassette System for its C and B Series tractors. A range of interchangeable cassettes including a Grass Sweeper, fitted as standard in the PGC+, and a Scarifier cassette transform your Countax into a multi-use workhorse. Parked side by side with a competitor machine, it’s clear that a Countax is in a class of its own. It’s built to professional standards. A heavy-duty steel body, cast front axle (C Series only) and reinforced cutter deck ensure reliable performance over a very long working life.

*Available on the C and B Series. The A Series has a manually operated PTO

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PGC+ cassette system

Maximum versatility

The world’s most effective grass collection system just got even better The PGC+ is much more than just a grass collector. A range of interchangeable cassettes transform your C or B Series tractor into a multi-use, year-round workhorse. Maintaining the garden and grounds is now much easier. The Grass Sweeper cassette comes as standard with the PGC+. A Scarifier is also available. The cassettes are designed to save you both time and money. There’s no need to unhitch the grass collector from the tractor and re-attach a different accessory. Simply remove the collection net, take out the current cassette and load the next one. This new cassette system is also cost-effective as there’s no need to purchase standalone equipment.

GRASS SWEEPER CASSETTE

SCARIFIER CASSETTE

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Cut and Collect system Grass Sweeper

The XRD deck’s contra-rotating blades discharge the grass clippings to the rear of the deck

Cut and collect wet grass

Pick up what others leave behind... The British weather is notoriously unpredictable. Make a plan to mow your lawn and it seems inevitable that it will start to rain. A Countax is the only machine that ‘cuts it in the wet’. Most ‘ride-on mowers’ rely on the air flow caused by the cutting blades to throw lawn clippings into the grass catcher. This system can be noisy and inefficient. Damp grass will often get clogged in the deck and discharge chute, requiring regular unblocking and an unacceptable finish on your lawn.

A Countax will NOT clog

The Countax cut and collect system works in a better way. The three hardened-steel blades found in the heavy duty Countax XRD and IBS decks, are contra-rotating and throw the clippings to the rear of the deck. The ejected grass is swept up by the Grass Sweeper cassette, part of the optional PGC+ system*. Fifty-one brushes rotating at over 1100rpm sweep clippings and garden debris into the hopper. The Countax ‘system’ means that even wet grass can be cut and collected fully, with little risk of clogging. Leaves and other garden debris can be quickly cleared from the lawn. Simply drive over the material with the collector engaged.

The Countax collection system uses brushes to sweep up the grass cuttings

*Available for C & B Series tractors only. A Series tractor has an optional 390 litre PGC

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Cut and Collect system Grass Sweeper

A high quality, striped lawn finish Countax believe that you shouldn’t have to compromise the quality of the finish of your lawn for the speed and convenience of a ride-on lawnmower. Many British gardeners seek a striped finish for their main lawn. Not only do stripes look smart, they can also give the illusion of a longer, greener lawn plus they provide the highquality finish that many customers desire. Stripes are created by the contrasting shades of grass laid flat in one direction and then again in the opposite direction. This effect can be difficult to accomplish with a conventional rotary ride-on mower. Often a separate pass with a heavy lawn roller or ‘striping kit’ is required and results can be mixed. A Countax tractor works in a different way to other machines. It leaves a striped finish every time thanks to a heavy roller mounted in the PGC or PGC+ unit which produces the quintessentially English striped lawn finish. The unique action of the sweeping brushes enhances the striping effect further. A Countax stripes a lawn every time with a single pass of the collector.

Stripe your lawn 16 17

PGC+ cassette system Scarifier

Encouraging a thicker, lusher lawn In order to ensure a lawn looks great and is also healthy and disease-free, it needs to be scarified to rid it of thatch and moss. Scarifying removes surface thatch which enables oxygen, light and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots, encouraging thicker, lusher growth. Countax’s optional Scarifier cassette, part of the PGC+ cassette system*, makes light work of this laborious process. Twenty-four individual tines rip through the thatch and moss at high-speed, removing material from the bed of the lawn and into the hopper. Simply insert the scarifier cassette into the PGC+ and start scarifying. Another benefit of the Scarifier cassette is there is no need to buy a separate walk-behind scarifier and collection system. The PGC+ does them both simultaneously, saving time and money. Simply empty as you would grass clippings.

*Available for C & B Series tractors only

Scarify your lawn 18 19

Cutting without collection High Grass Mulch Deck

Clear tall grass, nettles and brambles

Make short work of tall grass, brambles and nettles ... a versatile deck that will tame the roughest orchard or paddock yet still produce a great finish on a lawn... When the going gets really tough, the Countax High Grass Mulch (HGM) deck is in a class of its own. Using the same principles as an agricultural mulcher, this deck is capable of cutting thick long grass, brambles, thistles and scrub. Chains located at the front and rear prevent the grass from being completely flattened and stop it escaping before being cut. Six hardened steel mulching blades cut multiple times, with the resulting mulch left on the ground to decompose. But what may surprise you about the HGM deck is that it is equally at home cutting shorter grass on a lawn, meaning there is no need to change decks. There are many benefits to mulching, including achieving a healthier lawn as the mulched grass clippings provides nutrients for the soil. Available deck sizes are 92cm (36") or 107cm (42")*.

*See page 34 for tractor compatibility

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Features of a Countax

Ariens Foot controlled transmission. A Countax is so easy to drive. One pedal controls forward speed and the other reverse. The further you press the pedal, the faster you travel. Robust controls. All levers, controls and switches found on a Countax are built and tested to withstand continuous use. Engines. Countax only fit premium quality engines from Kawasaki and Ariens.

Heavy-duty, durable construction. Features such as a cast front axle (C Series) and a reinforced cutter deck design means that a Countax will outlast most other machines available on the market. Each and every component used on the tractor is selected and tested for its durability in ‘real life’ use. Power take-off. Power to drive the grass collector and accessories is taken directly from the engine. An independent clutch allows you to use the PTO to power accessories with the cutting blades disengaged.

Automotive-style steering. The ballbearing steering found on the C and B Series is easy to use and tough enough to withstand the knocks and bumps of everyday use. Ergonomically designed for easy access and operation. The unique steering wheel design and seat operation (C and B Series) allows easy access on and off the tractor. Switches and controls are intuitive to use and are positioned within comfortable reach of the operator.

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Features of a Countax

Operating Management System (OMS) OMS is a simple to use dashboard display. Everything you need to know about your tractor available in one location. Every Countax tractor is fitted with OMS*, Countax’s unique on-board computer. This system works independently from the main functions of the tractor, monitoring the engine, cutter deck and power take-off. It provides an ‘at-a-glance’ view of the operation of your machine – just like a car dashboard display. Most Countax tractors include low fuel warning and RPM monitor*. The RPM monitor on the electronic display indicates the engine speed. If revs fall, the cutter deck symbol flashes red to indicate to the user that the deck should be raised or forward speed reduced. This means the best possible cut for the conditions can be achieved.

*C40 garden tractor dashboard shows running hours, Powered Grass Collector and cutter deck status

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C Series 2WD Garden Tractors

Britain’s ‘workhorse’ garden tractor The C Series has been a favourite of British gardeners for over two decades. The core benefits of cutting and collecting in the wet, striping a lawn and being able to use the machine all-year round, make the C Series the tractor of choice for thousands of customers. Like all Countax tractors, a C Series is built to a much higher specification than most ‘ride-on lawnmowers’. It’s extra-tough. With a heavy-duty steel chassis, cast front axle and reinforced cutter deck, a C Series is designed to handle the rigours of hard work – day in, day out. The push-button controlled power take-off drives a range of accessories, including the PGC+ and broadcast spreader, extending the use of the tractor. For added convenience and versatility, the optional PGC+ Cassette System uses interchangeable cassettes, including a Grass Sweeper, fitted as standard, and a Scarifier cassette.

The C100 features a seat with armrests for extra support and comfort

Ariens

Model

Engine

Cutter Deck

High Grass Mulch Deck

C40

Ariens single cylinder 546cc

97cm (38") XRD rear discharge

N/A

C60

FS481V Kawasaki twin cylinder 603cc

107cm (42") XRD rear discharge

92cm (36")

C100

FR730V Kawasaki twin cylinder 726cc

122cm (48") XRD rear discharge

92cm (36")

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B Series 4WD Garden Tractors

A 4x4 tractor for your garden The unique 4TRAC system turns a Countax into a ‘go anywhere, mow anywhere’ garden tractor capable of tackling slopes, mud and rough terrain. Four-wheel drive extends the tractor’s utility even further. With a B Series you can take your Countax to places where most ‘ride-on mowers’ can’t go. Safely mow slopes that previously required a handheld brushcutter to clear. Tow a trailer through a muddy copse or clear the snow from your drive. 4TRAC provides ‘on demand’ four-wheel drive. It senses where grip is required and applies drive accordingly. Dynamic Traction Control avoids scuffing on your lawn by varying the speeds of the front wheels when turning. Refined, lightweight steering and a tight turning circle make manoeuvring around obstacles such as trees and flowerbeds easy. The push-button controlled power take-off drives a range of accessories, including the PGC+ and broadcast spreader, extending the use of the tractor. The optional PGC+ Cassette System uses interchangeable cassettes, including a Grass Sweeper, fitted as standard, and a Scarifier cassette. Turn your 4x4 tractor into a year-round workhorse.

Model

Engine

Cutter Deck

High Grass Mulch Deck

B65-4WD

FS481V Kawasaki twin cylinder 603cc

107cm (42") XRD rear discharge

92cm (36")

B255-4WD

FR730V Kawasaki twin cylinder 726cc

122cm (48") XRD rear discharge

92cm (36")

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A Series Garden Tractors

A larger tractor for a larger garden The A25-50HE is Countax’s largest garden tractor. The 726cc Kawasaki engine drives a 127cm (50") IBS rear discharge deck or 127cm (50") Combi deck and an optional 390 litre Powered Grass Collector. The bigger deck and collector mean that this tractor can cut a larger area faster than the smaller C or B Series. Suitable for grounds of around three acres or more, the A Series will make short work of mowing lawns, paddocks and orchards. The extra-large collector is lifted and emptied via push button control. Its larger capacity means fewer trips to empty cuttings. With 58cm rear wheels and a differential lock, the A Series is comfortable to operate on inclines and won’t mark your turf.

Model A25-50HE

Engine

Cutter Deck

High Grass Mulch Deck

FR730V Kawasaki twin cylinder 726cc

127cm (50") IBS rear discharge or 127cm (50") Combi

107cm (42")

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Garden Tractor Accessories

Use a Countax for year-round chores Countax garden tractors are designed for year round garden care not just for cutting, striping or mulching a lawn. A range of unique attachments are available for the many tasks around the garden. PGC+ (C & B Series only) Transform your tractor into a multi-use workhorse by fitting the optional PGC+. Driven by the tractor’s PTO, this system features a range of easy-to-fit interchangeable cassettes. Cassettes include a Grass Sweeper, fitted as standard, and a Scarifier. See pages 12-13 to read more about the benefits of owning a PGC+.

Powered Grass Collector (A Series only) Even for those wanting to cut without collecting, the grass collector is a useful option. It’s the quickest and most efficient way to collect leaves and garden debris and is invaluable for clearing up after scarifying. Brushing also stimulates turf, helping to prevent the formation of thatch, while the integrated roller leaves neat stripes.

Powered Broadcast Spreader Powered by the tractor’s engine, the broadcast spreader has a hopper that holds up to 50kg of granular material. It can be used for quickly spreading salt on icy paths and tracks. Features an adjustable flow rate.

High Grass Mulch Deck Using the same principles as an agricultural mulcher, this deck is capable of cutting thick long grass, brambles, thistles and scrub. Six hardened steel mulching blades cut multiple times, with the resulting mulch left on the ground to decompose.

Snowblade Fitted with a front-mounted snowblade and high-grip chevron tyres, a Countax tractor becomes a formidable force in quickly clearing snow from paths and driveways. The tough rubber-tipped edge of the steel snowblade has been specifically designed to clear snow without damaging a concrete or tarmac surface.

Dust Cover A purpose designed dust cover for protecting your tractor when not in use. (Please note: this cover is not waterproof)

Towball Automotive type ball hitch can be fitted to the tow bar. Tow trailers and other attachments with your Countax.

Chevron tyres provide extra grip on slippery ground and muddy conditions.

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Specifications C40

C60

C100

B65-4WD

B255-4WD

A25-50HE

Ariens single cylinder 546cc

FS481V Kawasaki twin cylinder 603cc

FR730V Kawasaki twin cylinder 726cc

FS481V Kawasaki twin cylinder 603cc

FR730V Kawasaki twin cylinder 726cc

Transmission

Hydrostatic Foot Control

Standard Cutter Deck

97cm (38") XRD rear discharge

107cm (42") XRD rear discharge

122cm (48") XRD rear discharge

107cm (42") XRD rear discharge

122cm (48") XRD rear discharge

127cm (50") IBS rear discharge

Combi Deck

N/A

127cm (50")

12mm (½") up to 101mm (4")

High Grass Mulch deck

N/A

92cm (36")

107cm (42")

Grass collector capacity (litres)

300

390

PGC+ Compatibility

Yes

PGC* Electric Lift

N/A

Standard

PGC* Electric Emptying

N/A

Standard

Power Take-off

Standard (Electric engage)

Standard (Manual engage)

Bullbar

N/A

Standard

Engine

XRD and IBS deck height settings

OMS

Hours meter

Hydrostatic Foot Control

Colour digital display Colour digital display Colour digital display Colour digital display

LED display

Fuel Tank (litres)

7 litres

Differential Lock

N/A

Standard

38cm / 51cm (15" / 20")

41cm / 51cm (16" / 20")

41cm / 58cm (16" / 23")

185cm x 104cm x 116cm

190cm x 117cm x 116cm

190cm x 127cm x 116cm

192cm x 117cm x 116cm

192cm x 127cm 122cm

190cm x 131cm x 125cm

237.8kg

245.5kg

249.8kg

267.5kg

288.6kg

278.8kg

Wheel Size (Front / Rear) Dimensions (L x W x H) exc PGC* Weight (exc deck & PGC*)

* PGC – Optional Powered Grass Collector

Dimensions (H x W x L) Weight

PGC+ body ✝

PGC+ Grass Sweeper cassette

PGC+ Scarifier cassette

975mm✝ ✝ - 1022mm✝ ✝ ✝ x 914mm x 1207mm

402mm x 311mm x 731mm

43.5kg

10.5kg

13.9kg

✝ With no cassette installed ✝ ✝ Roller in lowest position to top of tipping handle ✝ ✝ ✝ Max height to the top of the tipping handle when the roller is at the highest position

For a FREE, no-obligation demonstration in your garden visit countax.co.uk Authorised Countax dealers are an essential part of the purchasing experience and on-going aftercare of our products. Be assured that as garden machinery specialists with first class product training, our dealers are experts in finding the right Countax model to suit your requirements. They have the ability to demonstrate first hand, and in your own grounds if desired, the many benefits of owning a Countax. Only through our specialist dealers will you receive entitlements such as warranties, product inspections and safety checks on delivery – and have total confidence in the training and advice you will receive. Furthermore, they will carry out the necessary servicing and provide on-going maintenance advice if required.

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AriensCo Countax House Great Haseley Oxford OX44 7PF Telephone: 01844 278 800 sales@countax.com www.countax.co.uk E & OE We reserve the right to change specifications without prior notice. Consult your local authorised Countax dealer for detailed specifications and compatibility of any product described in this brochure. Photos are a representation of product; product may differ. All tractors now feature CE compliant belt guarding which may not be illustrated in this brochure. © copyright AriensCo 2021

Countax Brochure 2021

Articles inside

23 Features of a Countax

33 Accessories

31 A Series Garden Tractor

25 Operating Management System (OMS

13 PGC+ cassette system

15 Cut and Collect system – Cut and collect wet grass

11 Owning a Countax – Countax Life email newsletter

17 Cut and Collect system – Stripe your lawn

9 Owning a Countax – Gallery

19 PGC+ cassette system – Scarifier

5 Built in Britain for British gardens

7 A tractor for all seasons