QUIT MAKING THE LABOR CRUNCH WORSE! PART 4 PAGE 34 JULY/AUGUST 2017
SUPPLIER PROFILE An Airbnb for the Green Industry? ❯Page 16
SPECIAL FOCUS Trucks & Trailers ❯Page 20
Old-World Workmanship
WITH A NEW TWIST The second-generation owners-brother and sister Rob and Lisa-of DeMelo Brothers Inc. continue to enhance the natural beauty of Cape Cod.
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PRODUCT COVERAGE • Debris Handling • Wheel Loaders • Brush Cutters & Trimmers
®® CHAIN SAW BARS & CHAIN
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TABLE OF CONTENTS THE MANAGEMENT RESOURCE FOR LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS AND EQUIPMENT DEALERS
Volume 29, No.6 | July/August 2017
8 Contractor Profile
COVER STORY
40 Years of Old-World Workmanship with a New Twist
It’s only natural that the secondgeneration owners of DeMelo Brothers Inc. continue to enhance the natural beauty of Cape Cod.
DEPARTMENTS
4 Through the Grapevine
8
34 Cutting-Edge Business
12 Dealer Profile Telling It Like It Is: A Family Legacy
Scag Queen Lacey Gassett will reign over Gassett’s Lawn Products with the gentlest of iron fists—with honesty and true concern for customers’ needs. The sharing economy could change the outdoor equipment game as DOZR turns the concept of equipment ownership into an investment rather than just another tool in a toolbox.
20 Special Focus: Trucks & Trailers What You Don’t Know or Don’t Do Can Hurt You Reputable landscaping companies need to understand and follow local and state highway regulations pertaining to the operation of vehicles and trailers.
24 Beyond the Blade Keeping Up with Evolving Engine Maintenance
Remember that keeping up with the trends and knowing the specifics for each of your engines is important for making your dollar—and productivity—go further.
20
PRODUCTS
22 Special Focus Trucks & Trailers
16 Supplier Profile An Airbnb for the Green Industry?
26 Maintenance Equipment Debris Handling 29 Maintenance Equipment Brush Cutters & Trimmers 32 Construction Equipment Wheel Loaders
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23 What’s on My Trailer? 33 Advertisers Index
FEATURES
12 13
6 The Dirt Green Industry News
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THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
Pros The Management Resource for Landscape Contractors and Equipment Dealers
Published by AC Business Media Inc.
The Bad, the Ugly and, Most Importantly, THE GOOD
O
ver the last couple of months, I’ve been doing exactly what I thought I would be doing in my first months as Green Industry Pros editor. A ton of research. Part of that research comes naturally as I cultivate noteworthy and cutting-edge news for you in the The Pro Report e-newsletter. We’ve had a lot of fascinating stories. But you know how the news can be sometimes—all thunderstorm and no sunshine. In fact, some recent articles have ranged from bad to ugly, including Fred Whyte, former president of STIHL Inc. and industry titan, passing away, to a senseless assault from a mentally ill landscaper: • Man of STIHL, Power Tool Icon, Dies after 45 Years of Service (greenindustrypros.com/12350287). • L andscaper Breaks with Reality, Assaults California Woman with Pickaxe (greenindustrypros.com/12351501). “We’ve had a lot On the other hand, I’ve also noticed a lot of good works of fascinating and old-fashioned fun in the news, too, including the expanstories. But you sion of the availability of H-2B visas to a remote-controlled slope mower recreating Leonardo da Vinci’s infamous Mona know how the Lisa on a hillside in the Czech Republic: news can be • Trump Administration Allowing More Low-Skill sometimes—all Foreign Workers into Country (greenindustrypros. com/12353051). thunderstorm • Remote-Controlled Mowers Recreate da Vinci’s and no Epic Mow-na Lisa on Hillside (greenindustrypros. sunshine.” com/12345282). While writing the articles for this issue, however, the scales tipped in favor of the good prevailing in the green industry. In Where Are They Now?, JC Grounds Management returns from the January/February 2017 issue in which we discuss how the business gives back to the community it serves, including support to the Girl Scouts to advocacy for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In this issue, the company gives back to its employees who contributed to that community service in the form of a new office building. In the Contractor Profile, DeMelo Brothers Inc., a 40-year-old, family-run landscaping business, insists not only on retaining the old-world workmanship of the founders who immigrated from Portugal, but also honesty in customer service. In the Dealer Profile, Lacey Gassett, general manager and future owner of Gassett’s Lawn Products, offers up advice at all hours of the night and weekends to demonstrate how responsive she is to her customers. Don’t be surprised if she even offers her assistance at Home Depot if you looked perplexed. Being friendly and resourceful is instinctual for her, especially when it comes to sharing her knowledge of outdoor power equipment. Good is good. After all, according to Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, “Life truly is a boomerang. What you give, you get.” Thanks and I hope you find as much good in this issue as I do! › Carrie Mantey (920) 542-1238 Comment and share online at cmantey@acbusinessmedia.com greenindustrypros.com/
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201 N. Main Street Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544 Volume 29, Number 5
ADVERTISIN G
Publisher.............................................................................Deirdre D’Aniello ddaniello@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative.................................................................. Fred Ferris fferris@acbusinessmedia.com National Automotive Manager ............................................. Tom Lutzke tlutzke@acbusinessmedia.com Vice Chair..................................................................................... Kris Flitcroft kflitcroft@acbusinessmedia.com
EDITORIAL
Editor ........................................................................................ Carrie Mantey cmantey@acbusinessmedia.com Graphic Designer .................................................................. Dave Haglund dhaglund@acbusinessmedia.com
CIRCU LATION
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PRODU CTION
Senior Production Manager................................................... Cindy Rusch crusch@acbusinessmedia.com AC Business Media Inc. Chairman — Anil Narang President and CEO — Carl Wistreich CFO — JoAnn Breuchel Editorial Director — Greg Udelhofen Digital Operations Manager — Nick Raether Digital Sales Manager — Monique Terrazas Change of Address & Subscriptions — P.O. Box 3605 Northbrook, IL 60065-3605 • Phone: (877) 201-3915 Fax: (847) 291-4816 • circ.greenindustrypros@omeda.com List Rental — Elizabeth Jackson, Account Executive Merit Direct LLC • Phone: (847) 492-1350, ext. 18 Fax: (847) 492-0085 • ejackson@meritdirect.com Reprints & Licensing — Erica Finger (920) 542-1230 • efinger@acbusinessmedia.com . Green Industry Pros [USPS 003-763 and ISSN 2168-121X (print), ISSN 2168-1228 (online)] is published seven times a year: January/February, March, April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/ December by AC Business Media Inc. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Green Industry Pros, P.O. Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605. Canada Post PM40612608. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Green Industry Pros, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions are available without charge in the U.S. to qualified subscribers. Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscriptions. Subscription prices: U.S., $35 per year; Canada/Mexico, $60 per year; and all other countries, $85 per year. All subscriptions payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank. Back issues, if available, cost $10 prepaid. Printed in the USA. Copyright 2017 AC Business Media Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recordings or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission from the publisher.
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REAL PEOPLE. STIHL PEOPLE. BRETT RUSSELL | NORFOLK LANDSCAPING
When dependability and service are more than words. Reliability is the key to Brett Russell’s bottom line. “My customers want the job done, and done right, so I need tools that help me keep them satisfied. STIHL offers the power and dependability I need to get each job done and keep my business growing.” Before Russell switched to STIHL, it was a guessing game. “You can’t run a landscaping business that’s as busy as we are with unreliable equipment. That’s why my trailer is full of STIHL.”
JOIN US. #RealSTIHL
Brand Among Landscape Professionals
in America
*
To find a dealer: STIHLdealers.com For product information: STIHLusa.com *”Number one brand” claim based on 2007-2016 Irwin Broh Research syndicated study data of the U.S. professional landscaper market. ©2017 STIHL
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THE DIRT GREEN INDUSTRY NEWS
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute Helps Prepare Members for Challenging Times Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) members gathered to discuss the challenges and growth potential for the outdoor power equipment industry at its annual meeting. “With growing regulatory issues, potential economic upheaval, and shifting attitudes about lawn care and landscaping, our industry and members are seeing new challenges, even as they face a period of growth and innovation,” said Dan Ariens, incoming chair of the OPEI board of directors.
At this year’s OPEI annual meeting, speakers provided both insight and advice on today’s unprecedented climate. Dr. Alan Beaulieu, award-winning economist, warned the audience of a potential 2030 global economic collapse and encouraged attendees to prepare for it. But he also noted that there is much opportunity ahead in the next 12 years. Ann Marie Buerkle, chairperson of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, discussed the changing regulatory climate and assured her commitment to following the data during decision-making around regulations.
BRIGGS & STRATTON PART OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
Taking care of the outside of a home is an important part of the American dream. Today, more than 70 million U.S. households and thousands of businesses use Briggs & Stratton engines and outdoor power equipment to maintain outdoor spaces. Eighty-five percent of Briggs & Stratton products are made in the USA, with U.S. and globally sourced components. Plus, those products are backed by a U.S. network of more than 12,000 independent dealers. “Briggs & Stratton manufactures products in the USA to better meet our customers’ expectations,” states Rick Carpenter, vice president of corporate marketing. “We believe the 4,500 Americans we employ help us create a competitive advantage in the marketplace.” Throughout its history, Briggs & Stratton has been committed to U.S. manufacturing, and has had multiple manufacturing and warehouse facilities in several states and regions across the U.S. The products these plants produced have shaped the industries they serve and helped people to get work done easier around the world. This year, employees at multiple Briggs & Stratton manufacturing facilities are continuing to enable the American dream and have reached some milestones: • The Murray, Kentucky engine plant produced its 85 millionth engine in June 2017 after opening in 1984.
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Political pundit and TV host Mark Halperin noted that the political climate remains in flux for now. Other speakers included Margaret O’Gorman of the Wildlife Habitat Council who encouraged the audience to remember that “every act of conservation matters” and that “it doesn’t take a lot of space to make a big difference.” “If there was a theme at this meeting, it’d be this: Prepare for a decade of everincreasing uncertainty, but don’t miss the opportunity around you,” said Kris Kiser, OPEI’s CEO and president. greenindustrypros.com/12349495
OTHER TOP NEWS › Landscapers Praise Extra H-2B Visas; Critics Say Foreign Workers Take American Jobs greenindustrypros.com/12355179
› Robotic Lawn Mowers Arrive in Southwest Virginia greenindustrypros.com/12353919
› Superheroes in Disguise: Lawn Service • The Poplar Bluff, Missouri engine plant produced its 80 millionth engine in February 2017 after opening in 1989. • The Statesboro, Georgia engine plant produced its 21 millionth engine in March 2017 after opening in 1995. • The Auburn, Alabama engine plant produced its 18.5 millionth engine in April 2017 after opening in 1995. • The Milwaukee, Wisconsin plant, which produces both engine components and end products, produced its 1 millionth pressure washer in November 2016 after starting pressure washer production in 2014. “We’re honored to be celebrating so many great milestones and to be a part of America’s history,” adds Carpenter. “More and more, we are extending this legacy to help professionals get the job done with commercial products and engines. Around the country, thousands of businesses rely on Briggs & Stratton products.” The four U.S.-based Briggs & Stratton engine plants have produced more than 200 million engines since opening. greenindustrypros.com/12348615
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Workers Help Catch Accused Burglars greenindustrypros.com/12353903
› 12 Tips to Get Outdoor Power Equipment Ready Before a Storm Strikes greenindustrypros.com/12353943
› Ruined Lawn Leads to a Fight over How Landscaper Should Handle It greenindustrypros.com/12353077
› Made in America: Grasshopper to Be Showcased at the White House greenindustrypros.com/12352037
› MTD Transacts with the Makers of Robomow to Leverage Robotics Technology greenindustrypros.com/12353895
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CONTRACTOR PROFILE
By Carrie Mantey
40 Years of Old-World Workmanship with a
It’s only natural that the second-generation owners of DeMelo Brothers Inc. continue to enhance the natural beauty of Cape Cod.
D
eMelo Brothers Inc., nestled among the natural beauty of Cape Cod, is a family-run landscaping business located in Marstons Mills, Massachusetts. The 41-yearold company was founded in 1976 by Jose DeMelo, his brothers, Norbert and David DeMelo, and his brotherin-law, Angelo Medeiros. By the 1960s, the family all immigrated to the U.S. from São Miguel Island— also known as the Green Island—of Azores, Portugal to build a better life. The family first found their calling
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working for a construction company— John Lebel Construction—and much of the work they did was in Cape Cod. At the time, the family resided in the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and commuted daily. As the commute began to take a toll, one by one, the family inched closer to work, which
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NEW TWIST
was a win-win as Jose DeMelo was reluctant to raise his children in the city. Recently hailing from the Green Island, the DeMelo and Medeiros brothers noticed there was a demand for landscaping services in the Cape Cod region, but a lack of supply. That’s when the brothers decided to form their own business closer to where they wanted to raise their families. Jose DeMelo and his fellow DeMelo Brothers Inc. co-founders prided themselves on the old-world workmanship they brought from Portugal. Jose’s
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son, Rob DeMelo, and daughter, Lisa DeMelo Lamminen, who took over in 2001, now operate on the same principles of quality craftsmanship as their father and uncles. According to DeMelo, his father Jose “instilled that in everybody that worked for him, including me and my sister. It’s mainly, be honest with your customers, do an honest day’s work and get rewarded for it. Knowledge is important and that was also a key factor with him. He made sure we both were well-educated.” Their father is still involved in the
company, but the day-to-day grind is attended to by Rob DeMelo as president, and Lisa DeMelo Lamminen as vice president of customer relations and marketing. While the business is constantly evolving, the more things change, the more they stay the same with the new-generation co-owners. The siblings’ new motto is still old-world workmanship. The twist is that the old-world quality is now served up by modern-day equipment and techniques. Especially as a family-run business, reputation is important for DeMelo Brothers. “I prefer quality over quantity. Yes, money is important, but my name is more important,” DeMelo says. “So is oneon-one contact with the people who run the company. I know every customer, I know every property, I know everything we do, I know everything that happens. I learned how to memorize what goes on where and how, so when somebody calls me, I can answer any question.” DeMelo’s skill was not achieved overnight, however. “By the time I was 12, I was running my own crew. To this day, I can repair all the equipment for the most part. From lawn mowers to heavy machinery, I learned it all. Then I went to college. I have an associate’s degree from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, a landscape architecture degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I brought all that to the company.” Meanwhile, Lamminen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business marketing from Bridgewater State University and her masters degree in business management from Cambridge College.
ness as its reputation grew amongst the larger local contractors. Now the company operates with around 20 employees divvied up between specialized divisions, some of which were only added since DeMelo and Lamminen took the helm, including: • Landscape maintenance. • Landscape design. • Landscape construction. • Fertilization. • Irrigation. Some of this diversification of services grew out of DeMelo’s frustration with waiting for other contractors. Rather than having to depend on other experts, he educated himself on whatever topic arose. He elaborates, “We were getting a lot of calls with problems in lawns—diseases, insects, whatever the case may be—and [the fertilization contractor, for example] would take a few days to come out. People want instant gratification. Whether you’re fixing it or not, they want to see you
Diversification of Services
On the Horizon
DeMelo Brothers offers a wide range of landscaping services. It wasn’t always the case, however. The company started with landscape maintenance, but over the years, its expertise grew more diverse. Construction was the next natural leap for the busi-
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there, talking to them and knowing that you are going to fix it. So, again, I educated myself and got my license. Now we can service customers usually the same day they call if there’s an issue.” DeMelo and Lamminen agree that expanding their organic business is on the horizon because customers new and old are demanding it. They say the surrounding community is becoming ever more environmentally conscious. DeMelo and Lamminen have to fore-
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CONTRACTOR PROFILE
Left to right: Joao Pedro, Paul Rocha, Joao Medeiros, Joao Furtado, Mark Jones, Doug Hopkins, Craig Suarez, Mike Melo, Lisa DeMelo Lamminen, Tim Welch, Rob DeMelo, Elias Suarez, Diane Guidebeck, Angel Morales, Tim Crowninshield, Joao Melo and Manny Carvahlo
warn customers who are leaning toward organic lawn care, however, that it is a process. Lamminen cautions, “The majority of people require instant gratification. They want it done yesterday. If you want organic, though, you’re going to have to be patient.” Additionally, if fertilizer is ever banned, DeMelo Brothers can be ready for it in advance. “I’ve been saying for years, it’s going to happen. We don’t know when, but it’s going to happen,” says DeMelo. He thinks the media is overzealous when it attacks the landscaping contractor. “Whether it’s a fertilizer, herbicide or rodenticide, it doesn’t matter, homeowners think more is better when it’s not. I try hard to educate people that it’s not going to look the same, it doesn’t happen overnight and it takes about three to four seasons for organic to work because you’re virtually taking the turf off steroids. But nobody wants to hear it. It’s all about instant gratification.” The company differentiates itself from the competition by not only
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employing organic products, but also doing all of its own recycling, composting and soil-making. DeMelo notes, “Soil-making benefits us and my customers because I can control what
DeMelo Brothers’ landscaping services. The problem was the residence was 40 minutes away, outside the typical purview of the company. Since Lamminen hated the thought
“Be honest with your customers, do an honest day’s work and get rewarded for it.” - Rob DeMelo, DeMelo Brothers Inc. goes into the soil. I can custom-make it however I want it— whether I want a sandy soil, a rich soil or 100 percent organic soil. It all depends on what the situation may be. For example, sandy soil allows nutrients in the water to flow through easier and allows roots to grow deeper. When you have a real heavy soil, the roots aren’t going to penetrate.”
Breeding New Customers
DeMelo Brothers works with customers on financing because Lamminen really strives to reach those customers who think they can’t have—or more accurately, can’t pay for—a nice yard. She says, “We’re very easy to work with. We offer payment plans ... I just want everybody to feel like they can have a nice landscape if they want one.” When she’s not drumming up new customers, Lamminen is busy trying to determine how to not only best service regular customers, but also accommodate those who are potential customers. A particular family dwelling in a neighborhood in Kingston, Massachusetts, desperately sought
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of turning down a new customer, she brainstormed. Eventually, she reached out to a marketing company DeMelo Brothers uses to acquire a list and send out a mailing to the neighborhood. “Now we have enough clientele that we’re able to service several properties in that area, making it more worth our while. Maybe next year we’ll run another marketing campaign ...” says Lamminen. DeMelo’s marketing campaigns typically offer an incentive, such as a free week’s worth of landscape maintenance if customers sign a one-year contract. If customers refer friends and they sign a one-year contract, they receive a free shrub. Lamminen is also a social media expert, conducting Facebook promotions for $25 gift cards to nice restaurants. “We’re trying to get 1,000 likes,” she explains. As of press time, DeMelo Brothers is at 947 likes. It won’t be long now before the company crushes that goal and goes on to pursue many others in the name of old-world workmanship with a new-world twist. ›
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You Never Forget Who You Grew Up With. The rough touch of tree bark, the scent of freshly mowed grass, the sweet chirp of birds in the gentle breeze — green spaces touch lives and all five senses. Green spaces are a vital part of growing up — they enhance lives, make memories and connect people with their neighborhoods and communities. Be a part of preserving and enhancing green spaces where we live, work and play. To volunteer, to learn how to help your community and to donate, visit ProjectEverGreen.org or call toll-free (877) 758-4835.
projectevergreen.org (877) 758-4835
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DEALER PROFILE
By Carrie Mantey
Telling It Like It Is:
A FAMILY LEGACY
Scag Queen Lacey Gassett will reign over Gassett’s Lawn Products with the gentlest of iron fists—with honesty and true concern for customers’ needs.
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acey Gassett, general manager and future owner of Gassett’s Lawn Products of Dallas, Texas, will be the thirdgeneration owner of the business after her father, Johnny Gassett, and his father, Hollis Gassett, who started it in 1959. Johnny Gassett is known not necessarily for selling you what you want, but he always sells you what you need. Lacey, his daughter who has been working in the dealership since she was 15, now operates under the same standard. That’s how Gassett’s has been telling it like it is for almost 60 years. Lacey says, “My dad is very to the point. It comes from a lot of knowledge and history in this business.” Although her father may Lacey Gassett will be the third-generation owner of Gassett’s Lawn Products. be a straight shooter by nature, the practice of being honest builds trust, which in turn, creates repeat cusbusiness to continue the family legacy tomers. As a matter of fact, Lacey claims ...” Telling customers the truth, which her father recently turned down a sale they may not always want to hear, on a mower after hearing about the although it’s in their best interest. problems with the potential customer’s current mower. Instead of scoring a Knowledge, Honesty and True full mower sale, Johnny diagnosed the Concern for Customers’ Needs problem, and winded up only selling Gassett’s Lawn Products values cusa spark plug and an air filter. The customer service. Nothing aggravates tomer, however, thanked him for not Lacey more than going to a big-box upselling him as he saved at least $500. store and witnessing customers’ frusWith this kind of on-the-job experitration. In contrast, she suggests: “The ence, Lacey is working her way up from second they come in the front door, summer job to future owner. She says, greet them with a smile. Make sure “I decided I was going to stick with it. they know you’re here for them because My husband and I both work here now. that’s all people want nowadays. If they In the next two to three years, my dad didn’t care, they’d just be buying online. will retire and we will take over the But everybody is going back to customer
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service and they really want the full person-to-person experience.” The big-box store business model bothers Lacey because she doesn’t think customers should have to struggle to purchase the right outdoor power equipment. She even stops to help big-box customers if it’s obvious they’re having a hard time in the lawn and garden area. She says, “Our job is to guide you to the right machine for your needs,” whether that’s in her dealership or a big-box version of it. According to her, even if you’re a landscape contractor, “You might not need the biggest, baddest thing, but maybe you want the biggest, baddest thing. It’s all up to us to get that information—to find out what you’re going to do, how you’re going to do it and how often you’re going to do it. Do you have a bad back or shoulder? Is it hard for you to start things? We find out all those necessities so we can point you in the right direction. That way, you’re happy with your machine because there’s nothing worse than buying something and regretting it. That’s the last thing we want.” Lacey feels like this honesty allows her customers to trust the dealership, so customers can lean on the business’ integrity. She says, “I know most of our customers by name, what they drive, what their phone number is and what equipment they have.” She says that, with all of that tribal knowledge, customers can come in and
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Johnny Gassett (left) stands beside Bob Phillips, host of the Texas Country Reporter TV program, and his daughter’s favorite piece of equipment-a Scag mower. They don’t call her the Scag Queen for nothing.
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DEALER PROFILE
get down to the nitty gritty of what they need without wasting time. Lacey’s customers recognize her from when she was a little girl. “When I was little, there was, within walking distance of our shop, six or seven other dealerships. They’re no longer in business, but we’re still here. Our honesty is kind of a legacy now. [Our customers] know my whole family, so they feel comfortable here. We all grow together.”
When she first established an Instagram account, Keys to the Social Media and her dad thought it Marketing Kingdom was a waste of time. Lacey prides herself on being as However, when responsive and accessible as life a customer conallows. You can communicate with tacted her through her via email, the website, Facebook, Instagram at midInstragram and more. If she’s awake, night one evening, she responds immediately. Many she responded other dealerships only operate by 5 a.m. the next morning, letting during their regular business hours; him know the dealership had the Lacey goes above and beyond. mower he was looking for in stock. In her eyes, though, the future “is That customer ended up driving all about social media. Everybody is two-and-a-half hours to buy that on it. We saw an increase in sales from mower because he was so impressed the get-go” of starting Gassett’s Lawn with her fast response, friendly Product social media accounts. While demeanor and social media access. she uses billboards and direct mail for Now her dad sees the value in social media. Lacey herself is an advertisement when she’s driving. She says, “My car is actually fully wrapped in Scag and tiger-striped. You cannot miss me.” People stop her to ask questions and confirm the dealership’s location in Dallas. A police officer even “My car is actually fully wrapped in pulled her over once to gab outdoor power equipScag and tiger-striped. You cannot ment. He asked if Scag mowers were the best. miss me.” - Lacey Gassett, Gassett remembers pulling her phone out to show him Gassett’s Lawn Products pictures of different offerings. Then she noted that some marketing, she is much more he lived pretty far from the dealership, interested in what social media can so she gave him a recommendation do. Her father was skeptical at first; for a friend’s dealership. He bought he is from a different generation, she a Scag. She says, “If I can’t help you, points out, a generation that advertises let’s find somebody who can.” Either in the Yellow Book and newspaper. way, Lacey says, “Come see us.”
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ABOVE: Pictured is Gassett’s Lawn Products’ storefront. LEFT: Current owner Johnny Gassett grew up at Gassett’s Lawn Products much like his daughter. He stands next to his mother Vicki in the bottom image.
Scag Nation Fit for a King
Gassett’s Lawn Products carries the following brands: Scag Power Equipment, The Toro Company, Snapper, Gravely, ECHO, STIHL, RedMax, Bear Cat, Honda, Kawasaki, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Giant-Vac, Shindaiwa and BlueBird. But if you ask the Scag Queen as they call her, Lacey’s favorite piece of equipment is Scag mowers. It wasn’t until seven or eight years ago that Gassett’s Lawn Products started to sell Scag Power Equipment. The dealership didn’t have the confidence in the brand to sell it until Scag started to educate the Gassetts. Lacey says, “Scag University gave us so many tools on the ins and outs of all the mowers. It boosted my confidence and, last year, we sold more than 80 of them. This year, we already sold 50.” Because Gassett’s knows the ins and outs of Scag mowers, so does its customers. Competitors can’t compete with that knowledge. Lacey gushes, “Scag Nation is on the cusp of being the newest and best, and it’s really the future of zero-turn mowers. That’s why they’re my favorite. They’re better built. They’re built in America. They’re stronger. They’re faster. They’re beefier. Most Scag mowers, depending on how the customer takes care of them, can last 15 to 20 years.” ›
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SUPPLIER PROFILE
By Carrie Mantey
An Airbnb for the Green Industry? The sharing economy could change the outdoor equipment game as DOZR turns the concept of equipment ownership into an investment rather than just another tool in a toolbox.
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he sharing economy is a phrase that’s frequently tossed about, but what does it mean? Generally, it’s technology built for the purpose of sharing resources. Airbnb is a prime example of the sharing economy business model in that it lets vacation rental, apartment or home owners rent or lease their unused resources—living spaces going otherwise unused—to people who would like to stay there, disrupting the traditional hotel model. Sound familiar? Do you have assets that are unused or idle at times? What if those assets could generate an extra revenue stream? What if you could be part of disrupting the traditional outdoor equipment game? DOZR, or dozr.com, enables the
“The whole idea is to get underutilized assets in contractors’ hands making money, because that’s what they bought them to do.” - Kevin Forestell, DOZR exchange of landscaping and outdoor equipment for money. An added bonus is that you can rent equipment from other contractors when your equipment is over-utilized or in need of repair, or your promises exceed your current equipment capabilities. This
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can be a mutually beneficial workaround, especially when it’s during the off-season or in between jobs, or really busy, depending on whether you’re the one purchasing the rental or the one listing the equipment to be rented.
How It Works
According to DOZR CEO Kevin Forestell, “The whole idea is to get underutilized assets in contractors’ hands making money, because that’s what they bought them to do.” As the former owner of a landscaping company, Forestell knows from experience. He hated watching his snow removal equipment, skid steers, backhoes and tractors sit idle, no matter the season. “DOZR can help contractors be profitable and achieve goals by changing thoughts about equipment ownership,” Forestell explains. He says many smaller companies, including landscaping businesses, purchase equipment as an investment in their business. Now the equipment that they aren’t using in their off-season is being rented by larger general contractors, and agriculture, mining and earth-moving companies, thereby still earning income, even if it’s not in use by the owner. The two-year-old company’s website reiterates, “The cost of owning and operating equipment is a key factor in profitability, and having equipment sit idle costs money. We started DOZR to enable business owners like us to earn additional revenue from their idle equipment
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and allow contractors to rent highquality equipment at lower rates than they find with traditional equipment rental companies.” As an added benefit, rates on the contractor-to-contractor platform tend to be about 40 percent less than retail rental rates and the variety of equipment is greater. And outdoor equipment dealerships and rental companies should not feel left out of the game either. DOZR can also be compatible with your business. Forestell says the relationship is different, however, because DOZR acts more as an Expedia, a website that is an online marketplace for discounted vacant hotel rooms. This means that dealers can list their available equipment at a discount—since any profit is better than no profit just like an occupied hotel room is better than an unoccupied one—while comparing their rates with competitors and competing with them. This profits dealers who can also browse equipment to rent for their customers, especially if it’s in a new industry that they haven’t broken into yet, to test its success.
What You Do
DOZR is free to join and it is also free to list your equipment. Forestell says there are two options once you log onto the website: Choose to instantly book a rental on the website at standard rates through a built-in rental coordinator, or browse or window shop for the equipment contractors listed at their own set rates. Rates, of course, vary based upon the age and condition of the equipment. To use the built-in rental coordinator, all you have to do is enter your name, company, location, email address, phone number and the kind of equipment you’re seeking. The service then
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matches you with an equipment provider, so you can avoid wasting time searching and window shopping. “It’s a wide range of equipment,” comments Forestell. However, the way the website is categorized makes it easy to navigate, whether you’re in landscaping, construction, snow removal, etc. Some categories include: excavators, vehicles (including pickup trucks), tractors, backhoes, skid steers, track and wheel loaders, aerial work platforms and more. As an example of how landscaping contractors might use the online marketplace, Forestell explains, “We’re actually supplying fleets of pickup trucks to landscape contractors. It’s a way for them to scale up quickly, with no risk and no commitment. Even if they have a job that’s only going to be a couple months, they could rent a fleet of pickup trucks, scale up and then scale down very quickly after that job.”
What the Marketplace Does
The online marketplace also has other features to make the purchasing experience as seamless as possible. For instance, the service takes care of all of the typical rental headaches, like payment, logistics and insurance. Many of the contractors who list their equipment expect to be paid as soon as possible; after all, it’s a quick way to generate revenue. “So when contractors rent from DOZR, they pay up front and DOZR pays [equipment rental providers] at the end of the rental period. That way, contractors who list their equipment are able to free up cash pretty instantly,” says Forestell. “In this industry, oftentimes the landscape company is the last one on the jobsite to get paid and that’s the opposite of what happens with DOZR. Coming from this industry, I knew that was something that we just had to fix for the landscape contractors.” The company also handles all of the logistics of the exchange, such as inventorying the equipment, resolving disputes, providing rental contracts and scheduling deliveries (including even same day or next morning). Although
dispute resolutions are rare, they typically involve small incidents, such as a broken window or empty fuel tank. But if something were to happen, DOZR would know as a result of already surveying and inventorying the equipment, documenting it through pictures and video. If necessary, the service can even back-charge irresponsible renters. Insurance is another task you don’t have to worry about. If equipment dis-
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appears or incurs damage, DOZR’s insurance is responsible for assessments and payments. “An owner can always feel safe when their equipment is rented out,” according to Forestell. “DOZR changes the way contractors look at their business, the way they purchase equipment and the way they conceive equipment ownership. It becomes more of an investment than a tool in a toolbox,” concludes Forestell. ›
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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 17
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Class-leading capabilities where it counts: Best-in-class GCWR – 40,000 lbs.* Best-in-class FGAWR – 7,500 lbs. Best-in-class gas torque – 430 lb.-ft. Most available configurations in its class THIS IS THE NEXT LEVEL FORD.COM ///
Aftermarket equipment shown. *When properly configured. Class is Full-Size Pickup Chassis Cabs over 8,500 lbs. GVWR based on Ford segmentation.
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SPECIAL FOCUS: TRUCKS & TRAILERS
By Rod Dickens
What You Don’t Know or Don’t Do Can Hurt You
Reputable landscaping companies need to understand and follow local and state highway regulations pertaining to the operation of vehicles and trailers.
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t happens every workday. Your employees hook their trailers to their trucks, load them, and perform a walk-around to ensure lights are working, safety chains are in place and the load is secured properly. Then off they go to begin their mowing route or work on an installation project. As an owner or supervisor, is observing this procedure enough to instill confidence that your rig returns without a citation or avoids an accident? The answer, of course, is no. Nor
does it satisfy the watchful eyes of state and federal transportation departments if an accident were to happen. Dennis’ 7 Dees Landscaping in Portland, Oregon, sends out dozens of construction and maintenance crews daily, most in a truck and trailer configuration. The company is a proponent of safety and serves as an example of how to create a company-wide safety culture. Still, nearly two years ago, it found aspects of how it managed the operation of its fleet wanting, thanks to a compli-
“Our drivers pay more attention to their trucks now. We have fewer breakdown on the road, truck and vehicle appearance improved, and we have fewer accidents,” says Dennis’ 7 Dees operations manager Nathan Dirksen.
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ance visit from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Although the visit was procedural and not caused by an accident, Dennis’ 7 Dees since put new company guidelines in place. As operations manager Nathan Dirksen explains, the implementation of these guidelines were painful at first. But they also paid important dividends in the long run.
Intrastate versus Interstate
Reputable landscaping companies have safe driver programs, and teach their employees how to load, inspect and operate a trailer. They also understand and follow local and state highway regulations pertaining to the operation of vehicles and trailers. Conducting business across state lines as Dennis’ 7 Dees does, however, adds another layer of regulations and guidelines become more stringent. “Once you cross into another state with a commercial vehicle, one with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 10,000 pounds or higher, your company is now subject to federal guidelines,” notes Dirksen. Guidelines include that: • In addition to having a clean driving record, operators need to carry a medical card that proves they have a physical every two years, maybe more often, depending on their overall physical condition. • Drivers are required to fill out daily vehicle inspection reports. Trucks found to have issues, even a broken windshield wiper, are put out of service until the issue is fixed. Technicians need to keep records of the repair as well.
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Completing an inspection and filling out a report are now part of the company’s daily routine.
• Each vehicle is required to have an accident kit that includes, among other things, an accident report form and a copy of the federal guidelines for operating a commercial vehicle. • A formal safety training program is required. For example, Dennis’ 7 Dees requires all drivers to attend a quarterly one-hour defensive training class. It also holds monthly tailgate training on topics such as how to properly load and back up a trailer. Dirksen re-emphasizes that compliance to federal guidelines like the above was painful at first and costly. Paperwork alone takes 10 to 15 minutes at the end of every day and there’s time associated with keeping repair records. There’s also a cost associated with physicals and obtaining a medical card. But the effort and money spent was worthwhile, he says. “Our drivers pay more attention to their trucks now. We have fewer breakdown on the road, truck and vehicle appearance improved, and we have fewer accidents. But accidents happen. The impetus for following the federal guidelines is to ensure, as a company, that you’re doing everything you can possibly do to prevent them.”
Employers’ and Supervisors’ Safety Checklist
The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) offers a wealth of safety training resources for landscape companies of all sizes. The following is a checklist for employers and supervisors: • Ensure your company adheres to highway safety regulations. Know which local, state, and/or federal regulations apply to your vehicles and/or drivers. • Know that, if the weight of a pickup truck, trailer and load exceeds 10,000 pounds, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration considers it a commercial motor vehicle and your company must comply with the associated regulations. These include having DOT markings on the truck, properly securing cargo and stopping at roadside inspection stations. The driver must
have a copy of a Medical Examiner’s Certificate stating that he or she is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. • Be aware that many towing regulations are governed by state vehicle codes and vary from state to state. Make sure you follow the requirements of all states in which your trucks and trailers operate. • Check with your state DOT to find out when trailer brakes and breakaway systems (which activate trailer brakes if a trailer disconnects from its tow vehicle) must be used. Most states require them for trailers over certain GVWs. Whether or not they’re required, trailer brakes and breakaway systems are a good idea. They can keep an unhitched trailer under better control and prevent it from causing the tow vehicle to have an accident. Failed or missing breakaway systems are a problem commonly noted during trailer safety inspections. • Understand that failure to follow requirements stated in owner’s manuals and guides, and on date plates and stickers on your trucks and trailers also exposes your company to legal liability in the event of an accident. • Know your insurance company is not coming to your aid if you or your employees disregard government regulations or manufacturers’ requirements. • Keep in mind that various truck makes and models have different tow ratings, and the weight a truck can legally tow is usually less than the advertised tow rating, which typically doesn’t include the weight of the hitch, hardware, cargo or passengers. • Be aware that vehicle manufacturers’ towing guides contain asterisks with
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footnotes stating that, above a certain trailer and/or tongue weight, a weightdistributing hitch must be used. With a standard rear-mounted hitch, the trailer’s tongue weight is transferred to the rear axle of the tow vehicle. This can force the rear end of the tow vehicle lower and raise the front end, negatively affecting steering, traction and stopping power. Weight-distribution systems transfer the load to all axles on both the tow vehicle and trailer. • Check the weight rating labels on your trailer hitches to make sure a weightdistributing capacity is listed. If not, don’t use a weight-distribution system. • Make sure your company’s safety program includes training specific to operating trucks with trailers. Employees who drive, load, or help set up truck and trailer combinations should fully understand all applicable regulations, requirements and procedures, and demonstrate the ability to follow them. • Randomly observe and inspect each crew’s trailer-towing practices on at least a monthly basis. • Make adherence to safety policies regarding properly towing trailers part of employees’ performance evaluations. • If an employee repeatedly violates your policies, consider terminating his or her employment. • Put vehicles and trailers on a manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance schedule that includes checking safety-related equipment. Rod Dickens is the founding editor of what is now Green Industry Pros and has been covering the landscaping industry for nearly 30 years.
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SPECIAL FOCUS: TRUCKS & TRAILERS
Easy Access to Tools with Slide-Out Truck Bed Box
Versatile 50-Ton Trailer with In-Deck Winch Hauls a Variety of Equipment
Buyers Products says its new slide-out truck bed boxes boast a reinforced box design that fits comfortably in truck beds for easy access to tools. Other features include:
Talbert Manufacturing designed its 50CC-BH 50-Ton Bus Hauler trailer with an in-deck winch so users can load equipment from either the front or rear of the trailer. According to the company, the 50CC-BH also offers: • A 50-ton capacity rating for hauling a range of oversized equipment, including excavators and Class A trucks, and ideal suitability for hauling equipment with low clearance and long wheel bases, such as graders.
• A push-button locking latch that releases the drawer easily, yet automatically locks in position every 8 inches to control drawer motion. • Aluminum construction and rain-gutter design for year-round durability and protection. • Movable partitions and dividers to enhance configurability for a range of tools and hardware. • A multitude of sizes to fit any work truck model or need. greenindustrypros.com/12321980
• Rollers and a snatch block that allow users to pull equipment from either end of the trailer using the 20,000-pound planetary in-deck winch, which can be operated via remote control, eliminating the need for additional people when loading inoperable equipment. • A 22-foot, 6-inch lower deck length, plus a 20-foot, 5-inch rear bridge to create a 43-foot load base that provides ample space. • A 21-inch deck height and a 24-inch flip-up gooseneck that increases the unit’s 84-inch swing radius to 108 inches, allowing the unit to be used with both three- and four-axle trucks, and keeps the trailer within the 53-foot overall length limit when running empty, saving permit costs. • Availability with heavy-duty, 10-foot removable aluminum ramps, which can be stored in compartments at the trailer’s gooseneck. greenindustrypros.com/12343893
Industry’s First Diesel/Diesel Exhaust Fluid Transfer Tank for Pickup Trucks According to Thunder Creek Equipment, its combination diesel and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) transfer tank for pickup trucks is the first in the industry. This combo tank provides:
Silverado Forging a New Path with Stainless Steel Snowplow Chevrolet created the Silverado 2500HD Alaskan Edition to forge a path in tough winter conditions. Equipped with a custom stainless steel snowplow, this work-ready truck additionally supplies: • A snowplow prep package that includes a power feed for auxiliary lights, 220-amp alternator, underbody shield, heavy-duty front springs and more. • A leveling kit to ensure an even stance for the truck when the plow is attached. • A Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo-diesel engine for horsepower and torque―a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)-certified 445 HP and net 910 pound-feet―for easier hauling and trailering. • A rubberized floor covering inside to facilitate brushing out snow and ice, while Alaskan-themed embroidery distinguishes the seats.
• 100 gallons of diesel and 18 gallons of DEF capacity that fits into the bed of pickup trucks (half-ton and larger—including goosenecks and fifth wheels) with both pumping systems concealed within its structure. • Diesel pumped at 15 gallons per minute (GPM) via an industrialgrade 12-volt pump, while DEF is pumped at up to 10 GPM. • An efficient and contained way of transporting both diesel and DEF out to the field. • A 100-gallon steel diesel tank and an 18-gallon polyurethane DEF tank that can be substituted with a tank and pumping system for engine or hydraulic oil.
• Quieter and smoother engine performance, along with a 19 percent increase in maximum torque over the current Duramax 6.6L.
• Fill nozzles (available in automatic or manual) that are located on the driver side of the truck and extend 10 feet from the tank.
• A custom silver-accented blue exterior and grizzly bear graphics.
• A sleek design to optimize rear visibility.
• Chrome bumpers, grille, emblems and trailering mirrors, along with 20-inch chrome wheels.
• A lockable, weather-sealed enclosure that comes with diamondplate aluminum doors as an option.
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Running the Lake-House Loop
WHAT’S ON MY TRAILER?
By Carrie Mantey
Kessler Lawn Maintenance works in an area that’s full of lake houses with a trailer full of proven, reliable equipment.
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n an area of Wisconsin that’s dotted with many lavish lake houses, Kessler Lawn Maintenance must accommodate homeowners that may not be present year-round, while also fully providing for its year-long customers and properties. Communication, in both cases, can be key to lasting customer relationships. So can the ability to be everything to everyone—whether simple or extravagant—providing one point of contact for many landscaping options. Kessler Lawn Maintenance dabbles in many services, including lawn maintenance, and hardscaping and landscape construction, while also installing automated irrigation systems in the fall. One of the things Ken Kessler, owner of Kessler Lawn Maintenance, likes best about the business is keeping busy by trying new things and adapting to meet all of his customers’ demands. Kessler consistently stocks his trailer with Ferris walk-behind mowers for the rolling Wisconsin hills. While the crew may only use it one day a week, it is ideal for those hills the riding mowers can’t efficiently scale. “It’s amazing the hills that thing goes on,” Kessler remarks. “The tires on the Ferris have a wide stance, so it does a great job on hills.”
Then, for virtually everything else, the company uses Exmark Manufacturing riders. “I bought my first Exmark 15 years ago. I used to just use the walk-behind, back when I was young and in shape,” jokes Kessler. “And then we started with the Exmark riders. I use them because the bagging systems are awesome. You can drive them through a puddle of water and they don’t clog nearly as easy as other machines. They work better than anything else. Exmark’s got a patent that nobody else can touch.” When it comes to his other musthave equipment, Kessler says he always runs everything ECHO, including blowers and trimmers. He says, not only is ECHO reliable, but he also likes “to have everything interchangeable, so if you use something for 10 years, now you have parts to use on the new stuff.” Kessler Lawn Maintenance also uses Husqvarna chainsaws and ECHO PB-770 backpack blowers, about which he says, “They have a lot of power when it comes to blowing wet leaves out of the bushes in the fall. Everything’s gas. With batteries, in industrial and commercial applications like this, you’re not going to get enough power out of an electric trimmer or blower.” ›
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Company Name: Kessler Lawn Maintenance Owner: Ken Kessler Location: Powers Lake, Wisconsin Years in Business: 18 years Geographical Coverage: Powers Lake to Burlington to Lake Geneva to Union Grove to Twin Lakes to Salem, Wisconsin Type of Clients: Commercial and residential Services Rendered: Lawn maintenance, landscape design, irrigation, landscape construction and snow removal
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BEYOND THE BLADE: INDUSTRY INSIGHT
By Tom Billigen
Keeping Up with Evolving Engine Maintenance Remember that keeping up with the trends and knowing the specifics for each of your engines is important for making your dollar—and productivity—go further.
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any of us remember the days before ethanol fuels, when oil options were limited and air filters needed to be changed frequently. Those days are fading as engines continue to advance, and manufacturers develop features that reduce maintenance and downtime. While these trends make maintenance easier, they also make it as important as ever to know your engines’ specifics. Ultimately, being proactive about maintenance and staying on top of new technology can lead to reduced downtime and go a long way toward being more productive.
Fueling Productivity
Getting the most out of an engine still starts with the fuel you put in the tank. The days of choosing between regular, unleaded and diesel, however, are long gone. The develop-
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ment of ethanol fuels created the need to be more mindful about fuel choices. Today’s commercial engines can tolerate ethanol fuel blends up to 10 percent. However, using ethanol can lead to fuel system problems—in large part because ethanol attracts water, which can lead to corrosion within the carburetor. While lower levels of ethanol—10 percent or less—are generally safe to use, it’s best to avoid ethanol if possible. Among the ethanolfree options, any gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher is typically a safe bet, especially if storage in higher ambient temperatures or high humidity is unavoidable. From the moment fuel is added to the engine’s tank, it begins to lose volatility, eventually becoming stale through oxidation and chemical breakdown. This is typically only a problem if the engine sits idle for a month or more
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without being started or having fresh gasoline added. Filling it with fresh gasoline appropriate for the season can help delay the effects of stale fuel by preventing diminished performance, vapor lock and other potential setbacks. To get the most out of your fuel, consider using a fuel stabilizer to combat stale fuel in equipment that tends to sit for periods of time. Many of these products are formulated to combat the corrosive effects of ethanol fuels, inhibit chemical reactions that lead to corrosion, and prevent gum and varnish buildup within the engine.
A Well-Oiled Machine
Regularly scheduled oil changes shouldn’t be a new concept for anyone working with engines and staying on top of oil changes is particularly important for small air-cooled engines due to the high temperatures at which they operate. A general rule is to change oil at every 100 hours of operation for most equipment and every 50 hours for some small utility equipment. Oil that’s used beyond its suggested service life loses viscosity, its additive package, and its ability to properly clean, cool and lubricate. This can put a damper on engine performance and cause lasting damage that reduces the engine’s life. Today, improvements to synthetic and conventional oils, as well as advanced oil management systems, are extending oil change intervals. While that’s good news, it also makes it more important than ever to know the guidelines for each engine in your fleet to make sure you’re not wasting money by changing oil too soon and also not running the risk of causing damage by waiting too long. Always check the owner’s manual and engine warranty guidelines for the recommended oil type. Most small engines
use SAE 30, as long as the engine is used in areas where the temperature remains at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a good idea to consider full synthetic oil options, which are typically formulated to withstand prolonged use in high heat environments, compared to semi-synthetic and mineral-based oil. In some synthetics, a zinc additive provides anti-wear protection from metal components, while a highquality detergent in the blend ensures lower engine deposits over time.
Beat the Heat
For air-cooled small engines, fresh air is one of the most important ingredients for sustaining performance, making regularly scheduled air filter changes key. Depending on the application and type of filter, air filters generally need changing every 100 to 250 hours. While the negative effects of a dirty or clogged air filter are well-known, improvements in filter media, as well as the development of cyclonic air filtration, are changing the game for air filtration. Choosing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filters guarantees the right fit, in addition to a design that is optimized for the particular engine’s performance. Plus, those filters can last as much as three times longer than bargain filters. Not only can this
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reduce how often the air filters need to be changed, but it can also result in better running, more productive equipment over the life of the filter. Reviewing the air filter guidelines for any new engines in your fleet can also save you from unnecessary filter changes. Many of today’s commercial engines feature high-performance air-handling systems that manage debris well, preventing the majority of it from ever reaching the air filter. This is especially beneficial for highdebris applications, such as turf. These new systems, paired with a superior air filter, can greatly reduce filter changes compared to engines from only a few years ago.
Always Stay a Step Ahead
As technology improves and engine maintenance simplifies, choosing the proper fuel and staying on top of oil and air filter changes remain pivotal for productivity. Remember that keeping up with the trends and knowing the specifics for each of your engines is important for making your dollar— and productivity—go further. › Tom Billigen is the customer education training manager at Briggs & Stratton.
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MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
Debris Handling Battery Blower for Righties and Lefties The 320iB battery blower from Husqvarna is suitable for both left- and right-handed use. The battery blower also boasts: • Intuitive cruise control to help users set and maintain the correct air volume for the job without pressing the power trigger, leading to extended run times and reducing unwanted object blow-away. • The capacity to generate 412 CFM and 103 MPH.
Reduce Yard Waste at a 14:1 Dry Leaf Mulching Ratio
• A brushless motor with a high torque-to-weight ratio for increased efficiency, better reliability, reduced noise and longer life.
STIHL’s SH 86 C-E professional shredder vacuum allows users to clear yards, while reducing yard waste at a 14:1 dry leaf mulching ratio. According to the company, the professional shredder vacuum not only comes standard with the necessary parts to easily convert this shredder vac into a handheld blower, but also:
• A compact, slimmed-down design for enhanced ergonomics, making the unit more lightweight and well-balanced.
• Quick and easy battery swapping.
• Compatibility with the complete range of Husqvarna batteries and chargers. greenindustrypros.com/12315480
• The ability to accumulate the clippings in a secure, easyopen zippered bag for convenient emptying as it shreds. • A vacuum bag and suction tube, plus a round tube for easy conversions between the shredder and blower. • An HD-2 air filtration system and Easy2Start system. • Soft-grip handles and four-spring anti-vibration technology for greater comfort on the job. greenindustrypros.com/12245524
Next-Generation Self-Propelled Turf Vacuums Harper Turf Equipment recently unveiled the details of its next-generation self-propelled turf vacuum-the TV35. According to the company, this redesigned vacuum promotes time-saving and economical features, such as: • A manually controlled hydrostatic foot pedal that not only provides a wide speed selection for comfort and convenience, but also a feather-step feature that allows operators to keep both hands on the steering wheel while adjusting ground speed and direction. • A hydraulic-powered cooling fan that can be reversed to blow debris off the screen-when it’s time to service the machine, the screen easily removes for deep cleaning. • An operator station layout that addresses performance and well-being through ergonomic control placement and convenient adjustments; controls for the unit were moved to the right of the operator, translating into greater productivity and increased visibility. • A remote-mounted radiator and oil cooler for improved temperature control. • A fully adjustable suspension seat to reduce driver discomfort and improve posture. • Availability of the accessible Kubota engine in diesel or gasoline. • The convenience of storing brake-release tools and cylinder stops in the operator station’s toolbox. greenindustrypros.com/12296287
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Easily Grappling with Debris Worksaver designed the SATG-72 Sweep-Action Tine Grapple to sweep debris into the bucket, reducing cleanup times. The grapple also grants:
Sweeping with Power YARDMAX built its Power Sweeper to clear surfaces in various conditions year-round, including snow accumulation up to 6 inches. Other features include: • Adjustable nylon brushes that spin at 520 RPMs in three sweeping directions. • A 28-inch sweeping width with 14-inch brush diameter for high-capacity sweeping. • A handlebar that’s height-adjustable and ergonomic, folding for storage. • Forward and reverse speeds.
• The ability to move and retain material in the bucket when the cylinder overcomes the spring pressure, causing the front rake to rotate toward the bucket in a sweeping motion. • Availability with a 72-inch overall width. • An open-tine bottom with sweep-in grapples, making it ideal for handling site demolition debris, rocks, brush, wood and metal. • The convenience of picking up small materials without leaving the cab, eliminating hand cleanup, while leaving the dirt behind. greenindustrypros.com/12331401
• A Briggs & Stratton engine with 9.5 pound-feet of torque. greenindustrypros.com/12315563
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• An optimized nozzle configuration to improve suction and debris flow, handling hedge clippings with ease. • Ideal suitability for cleaning between shrubs, under decks, window wells, utilities and other hard-to-reach areas.
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• 12-inch tires on the push unit and rearwheel drive on the self-propelled unit. greenindustrypros.com/12305063
Circle 5 on card or visit greenindustrypros.com/10857096
greenindustrypros.com
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MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
Rotary Broom Works against Walls and in Open Spaces
• A Honda engine and centrally driven brush, allowing for work against curbs or walls from the right- or left-hand side of the unit. • A three-speed transmission and variable down pressure.
The SweepEx SWB-400 walk-behind rotary broom from Douglas Dynamics has an efficient design for working against walls or in open areas. Additionally, it offers:
• Ergonomic features for comfortable, easyto-use operation. • A 40-inch working width.
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• Five brush angle settings to control the windrow of debris. • Intuitive controls and seven-position handle height. • An elastic hood to help prevent damage. • Availability of several brush kits to accommodate special applications, such as snow, tough dirt and sensitive surfaces. • Various options, including a debris collector box, leaf collector, protective cover and winter-tread wheel set. greenindustrypros.com/12338677
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Exmark 36-Inch Rotary Broom Raises the Bar According to Exmark Manufacturing, its 36-inch walk-behind rotary broom raises the bar for broom maneuverability with patented power steering technology, as well as: • Easy-to-use fingertip trigger controls with independent levers to control drive and broom engagement. • A thumb-operated broom angle adjustment for angle adjustments of up to 20 degrees to either side. • A broom height adjustment system for adjustments in 1/8-inch increments. • Availability of two bristle materials to provide maximum cleaning effectiveness with minimal impact on a variety of surfaces. • The multi-season design of the Kohler CH270 Command PRO engine to function optimally in both cold and warm environments with a simple 180-degree rotation of the air intake. greenindustrypros.com/12340157
28 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS
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MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
Brush Cutters & Trimmers Cut through Thick Brush, Glide over Rough Terrain
Easy to Handle for All Edging Weighing less than 10 pounds and providing up to 40 minutes of run time on a single charge, the Greenworks Pro 60V 16-inch cordless brushless string trimmer is easy to handle for all edging projects. The trimmer additionally provides: • The flexibility to choose between controlled power and run time, or use of the variable-speed trigger for on-demand power to get through the toughest weeds.
Manitou Americas added the EDGE 72-inch Open-Face Rotary Brush Mower to its mower lineup for compact loader attachments. Designed to cut through thick brush and glide over rough terrain with ease, the EDGE offers:
• A dual 0.08-inch twisted line with a bump feed head to automatically advance line when bumped on the ground.
• The capability to conquer heavy weeds, undergrowth, brush and small saplings up to 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter. • The ability to cut vegetation before the frame pushes material over.
• A brushless motor that’s engineered to provide more power and torque, quiet operation and a longer life.
• Two 1/2-inch by 4-inch high-strength steel blades.
• A 16-inch cut path for larger yard projects.
• An auxiliary hydraulic flow that requires 18 to 30 gallons per minute or 68 to 114 liters per minute.
• A convenient push-button start.
• A balanced stump jumper for smooth operation.
• A four-year limited tool warranty and two-year battery warranty.
greenindustrypros.com/12337000
• The inclusion of a lithium-ion battery and charger. greenindustrypros.com/12328245
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MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
Lightweight Battery Trimmer Ideal for the Burbs STIHL designed its FSA 56 string trimmer with an AutoCut head to feed out new line with just a tap on the ground. Other features include: • The ability to tackle a trimming job in a short amount of time due to a high cutting speed and 10.5-inch cutting width. • The capacity to trim the length of five football fields—up to 0.31 miles—on a single charge. • A weight of 7.3 pounds (including the battery) for easy portability and maneuverability, which is ideal for suburban yard care. • An adjustable shaft to fit different user heights, enhancing comfort. • The AutoCut 2-2 cutting attachment loaded with a 0.08-inch STIHL Quiet Line, helping finish yardwork quickly and quietly. • The STIHL AK 10 battery and AL 101 battery charger. • Advanced lithium-ion battery technology to reduce maintenance and operating costs by eliminating the hassle and cost of fuel. • No battery memory limitation and no gradual drop in power—the trimmer runs at full speed until the battery is depleted. greenindustrypros.com/12351982
Battery-Powered Trimmer Trims Over Three Football Fields on One Charge The easy-to-use STIHL FSA 45 string trimmer comes equipped with an adjustable shaft length to fit different user heights and enhance comfort, while its adaptable trimmer head can be modified for various trimming tasks. The company says the string trimmer also delivers: • The ability to trim the length of over three football fields on one charge.
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• The capability to tackle light-duty trimming jobs in a short amount of time due to a high cutting speed and 9-inch cutting width. • A six-position loop handle, and balance for maneuverability and control around landscaping obstacles. • A weight of 5.1 pounds for easy portability. • No battery memory limitation and no gradual drop in power. • Instant, quick starts—just squeeze the trigger and get to work. • An activation key that helps prevent accidental use of the machine. greenindustrypros.com/12351508
Cutting through Overgrown Brush
Air filters • pre filters • fuel filters • oil filters • transmission filters
1.800.841.3989 for more info!
Servicing dealers and distributors only. rotarycorp.com
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• A 26-inch-wide deck to tackle brush up to 6 feet high, grass and weeds over 8 feet tall, and saplings up to 2 inches in diameter. • Ideal suitability for wherever dense brush and weeds present a cleanup challenge.
Circle 9 on card or visit greenindustrypros.com/10155905
30 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS
Billy Goat designed the BC2600 Outback mechanical-drive brush cutter for cutting through overgrown brush. The Outback boasts:
greenindustrypros.com/12304284
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Making the Cut: Instant Speed Adjustments without Shifting Schiller Grounds Care recently unveiled its BRC-26 Little Wonder Hydro Brush Cutter with: • A hydrostatic drive with clutchless variable operating speeds—as fast as 4.2 MPH driving forward and 1.7 MPH in reverse—which makes it easy to adapt to changing conditions. • Suitability for a variety of vegetation, including weeds, heavy brush and dense vegetation, clearing about an acre of brush per hour. • The ability to handle heavy, thick brush and trees up to 2 inches thick and 5 feet high. • Solid rods to connect the transmission, park brake and blade clutch • A wraparound hand guard across the handlebars and front of the machine to shield your hands. • Five swinging 12-gauge steel deck plates that line the front of the unit for better containment of debris. • A speed limiter dial to set the maximum speed for conditions while on the go. • A parking break for secure footing when parking on slopes and hills. • Steel construction, including a steel push bar in front of the machine to knock down saplings. • 16-inch foam-filled tires to prevent punctures. • A two-year commercial and rental warranty. greenindustrypros.com/12339036
® Chain Saw barS & Chain
Easy Trimming Even at Awkward Angles Weighing in at less than 11 pounds, the Greenworks Pro 60V 24-inch cordless brushless hedge trimmer is ergonomic and well-balanced, making it comfortable and easy to use. It also offers: • 60 minutes of run time on one charge with a touch of the instant push-button start. • A 180-degree rotating rear handle that allows for easy trimming, even at awkward angles.
• saw bars • saw chain • sprockets • springs • starters • carburetors • cylinder assemblies • tools & accessories
• Dual-action blades for optimal cutting performance and reduced vibration. • Quiet operation at 60 decibels for a peaceful finish to yard work. • 24-inch, laser-cut steel blades for a longer blade life. • A convenient push-button start without the hassle of messing around with gas. • A well-balanced, ergonomic design for both ease of use and user comfort. greenindustrypros.com/12328249
1.800.841.3989 for more info!
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Servicing dealers and distributors only.
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CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
Wheel Loaders
All-Wheel Steer Loader Is Wacker Neuson’s Largest Wacker Neuson’s 8115L all-wheel steer loader not only offers the power and capacity for larger jobs, but also a compact design to access hard-to-reach areas. The largest of the company’s all-wheel steer models, it incorporates: • A straight-tip bucket load of 9,480 pounds and 7,992 pounds with forks. • A 100-HP Deutz Tier 4 final turbo diesel engine, which doesn’t require a diesel particulate filter, to deliver maximum power to the lift arms, drive system and attachment. • A rigid one-piece chassis that prevents shifts in the center of gravity even at full turn and a 40-degree steering angle on each axle for a high degree of maneuverability.
A Fuel Consumption of Less than 1 GPH The 30ZV-2 from KCM is powered by a 30-HP Kubota D1803 MDI three-cylinder diesel engine that meets Tier 4 Interim with no diesel particulate filter or selective catalytic reduction required. Other features include: • A Hitachi two-speed hydrostatic drive system that enables a top travel speed of 9.3 MPH. • Z-linkage lift arms with a 6-foot, 7.75-inch dump clearance and 2-foot, 11-inch reach. • A rollover/falling object protective structure canopy, limited-slip differentials, 52-cubic-yard quick-coupler bucket, universal coupler and third spool valve. • An adjustable suspension seat, automatic bucket leveler and single-lever hydraulic control aid.
• A travel speed of 25 MPH.
• A fuel consumption of less than 1 GPH in most applications.
• Three electronically synchronized steering modes, including fourwheel steering, two-wheel steering and crab steering.
• Oil-impregnated bucket pins, an easy-to-access engine compartment and cartridge filters for ease of service.
• An ergonomic, pressurized enclosed cab with wide doors; ample leg room; an adjustable and telescoping steering wheel; automotive-style heating, ventilation and air conditioning; intuitive joystick controls; and 360-degree visibility. greenindustrypros.com/12352766
greenindustrypros.com/12328490
Compact Wheel Loader with VariableSpeed Control in Forward and Reverse Yanmar’s V12 compact wheel loader uses the same central pivot with floating axle as the larger wheel loaders, as well as automatic selflocking differentials in both axles. The loader also boasts: • A hydrostatic powershift transmission for two speed ranges with variable-speed control in forward and reverse. • A bucket capacity of 1.57 to 2.35 cubic yards. • A tipping load of 11, 023 pounds (straight) and 9,700 pounds (articulated). • A cab with two doors, responsive steering and maximum visibility. • A joystick with a third and fourth control circuit in one hand. • A 100-HP Deutz four-cylinder, turbo diesel, Tier 4 final engine. greenindustrypros.com/12352708
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Get a Load of this Wheel Loader Kubota Tractor’s R Series wheel loaders—which consist of the R530 and the R630—are equipped with many operator-friendly features, such as high power, visibility and productivity, all in a compact loader. Other features include: • Four-wheel drive, 100 percent on-demand differential lock and rear frame oscillation for optimal traction, ride and stability. • An adjustable suspension seat and optimal visibility for more comfort.
The Versatility of Skid Steer-Style Attachments Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery’s L918F compact wheel loader now offers the versatility of skid steer-style attachments. The L918F additionally provides:
• A joystick-mounted forward and reverse switch that allows for on-the-go direction changes without clutching or braking.
• A two-speed countershaft transmission with a 15-MPH top speed.
• Four operating modes (exclusively on the R630) that can be easily selected to match the machine’s application.
• An operating weight of 14,990 pounds and rated load limit of 4,000 pounds.
• Easy access points to facilitate and speed up maintenance. • A Kubota Tier 4 Final diesel engine.
• A maximum breakout force of 8,540 pounds of force.
• An optional heated and air-conditioned enclosed cab to ensure year-round comfort.
• A 1-cubic-yard bucket capacity mounted to a skid steer-style coupler. • A Deutz Tier 4 final engine with a diesel oxidation catalyst—no diesel particulate filter or diesel exhaust fluid required.
• Dimensions of 9 feet, 7 inches tall and 6 feet, 8 inches wide. • Externally cooled dry disc brakes.
greenindustrypros.com/12348287
greenindustrypros.com/12352778
ADVERTISERS INDEX Advertiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page # Cub Cadet/MTD Products Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Ford Motor Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 19 Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) . 28 Irrigation Show/Irrigation Association . . . . . . . . . 15 John Deere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 PECO Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Project Evergreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Rotary Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 31 and 35
A High-Speed, Low-Torque Compact Wheel Loader The Yanmar V10 compact wheel loader comes with a hydrostatic drive for high speed and low torque. The hydrostatic drive can change to high torque and low speed when more power and greater traction is required as well. The wheel loader also comes equipped with: • A 74-HP, transverse-mounted turbocharged diesel engine. • An oscillating rear axle to provide stable operation on uneven ground while maintaining four-wheel traction. • A bucket capacity of 1.31 to 2.03 cubic yards.
Stens Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
• A tipping load of 9,634 pounds (straight) and 8,510 pounds (articulated).
STIHL Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
• A single-pin articulated joint for a more stable platform, and less need for adjustments and maintenance.
Sunbelt Outdoor Products Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
greenindustrypros.com/12352734
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CUTTING-EDGE BUSINESS
By William Eastman
Listen to the podcast for more information at greenindustrypros. com/12345341.
Quit Making the Labor Crunch Worse! Part 4: How do you really write a help-wanted advertisement without attracting rent-a-winos?
I
n case you forgot, here is a review of what we discussed over the last three installments of this series: • Part 1: What is your reputation in the community? Are you attracting the wrong people? Does the line of job candidates outside your door resemble a police lineup? Or do job candidates not show up? • Part 2: What are the critical factors of the job? Are the desired knowledge, skills, and certifications a wish list or based on performance? • Part 3: How do you sift through all the truth-stretching to find people capable of doing the job? This month, we combine all the earlier articles into writing killer ad copy that attracts the right people.
Creating a Magnetic Title and Introduction
Start with what the job produces— not what it does. It reminds me of an old story about a file clerk. (Yes, there were people in the day of paper who were responsible for filing.) Except that was not the job. Filing meant documents could be placed anywhere as long as it was in a folder. The real job was retrieval: If you couldn’t find the information, it does not matter how well it was filed. Moral of the story: Describe the job in terms of
the value it provides, the results produced or the impact on business.
Summary of Knowledge, Skills and Certifications
What do job candidates need to know, what must they be able to do, and what certificates must they hold or tests must they pass? There is always a dance between providing people with too little or too much information. Giving too little could minimize the probability of finding several qualified candidates. Giving too much information could communicate how to manipulate the interview. Instead of the porridge being too hot or too cold, focus on what candidates should know, what they must be able to do and what certifications they should have. Each of these can be verified with a combination of background checks and on-the-job testing. For example, if candidates claim expertise on a pedal tractor mower and are selected for the next step in the interview process—the interview—put them on one and make them perform. Remember, your goal is to collect information to screen candidates and only invest the time necessary to interview the qualified. Don’t
GreenMark Consulting Group’s unique three-pronged approach to coaching appeals to landscape and snow companies of all shapes and sizes. GreenMark’s offering of business toolkits, virtual coaching, live business boot-camp workshops and deep-dive one-on-one consulting can provide the insights and direction your company needs to thrive. Please visit greenmarkgroup.com for more information.
waste time interviewing over the phone or in person until you are certain they can do the job. Should they work for you is the next question we address in this series.
What Makes Us Different
This is all about how job candidates can contribute to the future— yours and theirs. Remember our first article? We covered the three things most prospective employees are looking for: • A n employer that makes a positive impact in the community and positions itself as a market leader. • A n employer that solicits and values each employee’s contribution. • A n employer that inspires excellence throughout the organization, rewarding good people and refusing to tolerate slackers. What are the implications for the business? Does your company contribute to the local community? If you do—make it public. If you don’t—this is a hint for the future. The next implication is how you lead and manage. If your approach is to treat people as warm bodies, just a strong back and weak mind, you cannot keep people who want more. The last implication is how well you suffer turkeys. If the fear of finding warm bodies affects your firing decisions, consistent high performance is difficult. Remember, eagles—the people you want to hire—eat turkeys. Write your help-wanted advertisement copy so it addresses these issues, focusing on soliciting job candidate contributions and maintaining standards of excellence. William Eastman is a senior consultant at GreenMark Consulting Group.
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t o j o i n R o t a R y ’ s d e a l e R n e t w o R k , c a l l 1 . 8 0 0 . 8 4 1 . 3 9 8 9 o R v i s i t R o t a R y c o R p. c o m
A powerful pArtnership. Gerald Sturgis, Milton Smith Rotary Corporation
Helen McLean, Al McLean, Louise McLean Autry Hope Mills Saw & Mower, Fayetteville, NC
We’ve been the parts provider for Hope Mills Saw & Mower since 2005 when it was converted from an auto repair and tire business to an outdoor power equipment sales, service and parts dealership. “Rotary is a family-owned business like ours so they understand the importance of building a strong relationship with servicing dealers. From the parts counter to the repair shop, we depend on them,” explains Al McLean. “Plus Rotary stands behind their parts and provides excellent sales support, easy online ordering and lower prices.” We’ve built powerful relationships with servicing dealers since 1957. And we’re ready to build a long-term partnership with your business. Now’s the perfect time to be a Rotary Dealer.
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Guaranteed Quality Parts since 1957.
You won’t find another parts supplier more committed to your success! Circle 10 on card or visit greenindustrypros.com/10155905
American Owned.
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American Proud.
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“ TRULY AN OVERALL IMPRESSIVE DESIGN.”
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“ MAN, THIS THING IS A BEAST!”
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TO PROVE OUT THE TOUGHEST DECK, WE HAD TO FIND THE TOUGHEST CRITICS. You don’t test the strength of a zero-turn on the factory floor — especially not one with the industry-leading triple-7-gauge steel cutting deck. So before launching the new PRO Z Series, we gave one to 100 landscapers and asked them to put it through the wringer. After thousands of hours on the job, they proved the PRO Z could handle anything a day of landscaping might throw at it. Visit your local dealer to demo a PRO Z today.
Circle 11 on card or visit greenindustrypros.com/10156102
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CUBCADET.COM/PRO
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8/2/17 10:11 AM
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What Snow Removal Equipment Should You Add to Your
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Making a CASE for Skid-Steer Snow Removal › Page 8
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
Number 1 - July/August 2017
Breaking the Ice
I
was born and bred in Wisconsin. My Midwestern accent gives me away immediately. Last year, however, winter was pretty mild … in Wisconsin. You read that right. It was a mild winter in Wisconsin. That almost never happens, which just goes to prove that winter weather is as unpredictable as the stock market. You would think, then, that every time winter approaches, I would be prepared for that first—and second and third and so on—snowfall, knowing full well it could be crippling. Instead, complacency takes hold after having to conquer winter year after year. For example, just last year, I discovered that a snow shovel disappeared out of the unlocked tool shed mid-winter. There was no spare. And it was a blizzard. Not being able to remove snow from my driveway for a couple of hour was annoying, but not being able to serve your snow removal clients could be catastrophic. Is your snow and ice removal equipment maintained and ready to go? Do you have enough equipment to serve your customers? Do you know what kind of contracts you may be responsible for during the upcoming season? While my snow blower can’t compare to the type of snow removal equipment on the market today, it gives me peace of mind knowing that it’s ready and waiting to go this winter, in addition to my three new snow shovels. Lesson learned. Now is the time to start a conversation with your customers about snow and ice removal. It can give you an idea of the amount and type of equipment necessary to get through winter. It can also give you a chance to attract landscaping customers who may be new to using snow removal services, looking to consolidate contractors or thinking about switching service providers. Now is the time to start preparing for your and your customers’ needs this winter. The following articles can help. Enjoy the read!
Now is the time to start a conversation with your customers about snow and ice removal.
Carrie Mantey (920) 542-1238 cmantey@acbusinessmedia.com
4 IN THIS ISSUE
4 What Snow Removal Equipment Should You Add to Your Landscape Business?
Manufacturers recommend these items for landscape contractors entering the snow business.
8 Making
a CASE for SkidSteer Snow Removal
Controlling operational costs is key for Nate’s Landscape Company, a Wisconsin landscape contractor, and snow and ice removal company.
8
14 Snow & Ice Removal Equipment Manufacturers recommend these items for landscape contractors entering the snow business.
18 Advertisers Index SNOWPRO 2017 SUPPLEMENT
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By Jessica Stoikes
What Snow Removal Equipment Should You
ADD TO YOUR LANDSCAPE BUSINESS? Manufacturers recommend these items for landscape contractors entering the snow business.
W
e know. It’s the middle of summer and we’re talking about snow. Trust us, though. When that white precipitation falls, you’re going to be glad we helped you prepare your business to withstand the change in the weather. Without realizing it, many landscape contractors already have some of the most expensive equipment needed for snow handling—skid steers, track and wheel loaders, pickup trucks, etc. You have the equipment 12 months out of the year, why not use it? Landscape contractors also have the commercial relationships already developed to become a snow partner with their summer landscape maintenance customers. “Some larger accounts, such as homeowners’ associations, typically only look for four-season providers,” says Michael Frank, senior product manager at SnowEx/ Douglas Dynamics. “By adding snow and ice control, it may give a contractor access to a larger or better cus-
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tomer base … one that opens the door to more clients for the [landscape] maintenance side of the business, too.” Someone is out there doing it, why shouldn’t it be you? But before you jump into adding snow handling as a way to keep business flowing during winter, put some time and consideration into what current pieces of equipment you may use and what additional support equipment you may need. Here’s what manufacturers say are the essential items landscaping contractors should add to their snow removal fleet.
Keeping It Compact Since you most likely have a skid steer that’s just sitting idle in winter, there are additional snow removal options to consider. “Contractors use compact equipment because, oftentimes, a pickup truck is too cumbersome and can’t fit into tight spaces,” says Mike Fitzgerald, a loader product specialist at Bobcat Company.
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This is why snow removal is a great business to put your company equipment to use year-round. “You can use a standard skid loader bucket to move snow, but if you’re getting serious about snow removal, you need to step up to dedicated snow attachments,” John Dotto, brand marketing manager of CASE Construction Equipment, says. “The type of attachments you choose should take into account a number of factors. The size and weight of your skid steer dictates the size snow push or plow blade your machine can handle. Consider putting on some additional counterweight, if you haven’t already, to improve traction and pushing performance in heavy, wet snow.” Attachments most commonly used with skid-steer loaders are the snow blade, snow V-blade, angle broom, push broom, snow blower, scraper, snow pusher and buckets. For further versatility, many snow removal companies opt for a snow V-blade. It can be configured five different ways—as a straight blade, V-cut blade, scoop blade, and 30-degree left- or right-angle blade. Due to time constraints, crews can’t always clear jobsites before traffic drives over the freshly fallen snow. So for snow removal jobs that require removing hardpacked snow and ice, Fitzgerald suggests using a scraper attachment. It has a selfsharpening cutting edge that easily slides under stubborn snow and ice on pavement to produce a smooth surface. A snow-blower attachment proves ideal for blowing snow away from the area, into a pile or into a dump truck with a truck-loading chute. “If you’re looking to use a snow blower to throw snow away from the site, you need to consider hydraulic flow rates and make sure you have the correct electrical auxiliary circuits to take full advantage of all the blower’s functions,” Dotto says. “Most snow attachments come in a variety of widths, from small sidewalk-sized V-plows and snow blowers to 10-foot-plus-wide pushes and blades. What your machines are capable of and the space limitations of the area you’re clearing should also be considered when selecting a snow attachment.” For lighter snowfalls, attach an angle broom, which is ideal for sweeping less than 6 inches of snow. In addition to clearing snow from parking lots, sidewalks and pathways in the winter, these attachments can be used for sweeping away dirt, leaves, gravel and other debris, which makes them valuable all year-round. “One more thing to consider for your snow removal fleet is lighting,” Dotto says. “Look for lighting package options that throw light all around the machine
Whereas pushing snow relies on snow falling in the first place, controlling ice is a winter-long battle, regardless of how much snow flies. Every company is faced with the concern of liability if someone gets injured on their property.” - Michael Frank, SnowEx/Douglas Dynamics and consider adding additional warning lights, such as beacons or four-corner strobes. If you’re clearing commercial parking lots, and there is pedestrian and vehicle traffic to contend with, you’re going to want to be as visible as possible.”
It’s a Push For a landscape contractor just entering the snow business, a snow-pusher attachment could be ideal. Compatible with smaller skid steers, tractors and wheel loaders weighing up to 5,000 pounds, snow pushers can clear small parking lots, sidewalks and larger driveways. The pushers can also reduce fuel and salt usage by increasing pushing efficiency and eliminating followup plowing. “Skid steers, backhoes and wheel loaders are attractive for pushers in a big-box parking lot because they move a ton of snow, and they move it all to one spot instead of windrowing it,” says Doug Clark, product manager with Western Plows/Douglas Dynamics. “Pushers require a prime mover with a lot of torque and traction to move this weight.” This is why it’s important to pick a pusher with the proper size and weight for the skid steer or loader, as well as for the application. Bigger pushers aren’t always better. For example, a skid steer equipped with a 10-foot pusher ideally clears narrow parking aisles and handicapped parking spaces during the day with traffic present—a common occurrence when people scramble for supplies to ride out the storm. A 19-foot loadermounted pusher works more efficiently on large lots with wider clearing areas. Contractors can use a formula based on acres and pushing capacity to determine productivity ahead of time. This creates a strategy for operator schedules and determines priority when it comes to clearing properties according to size. For example, if there is 3 inches of snow on the lot, a 10-foot containment plow with a pushing capacity of 13 yards can take roughly 30 minutes to clear anywhere from two to three acres. A contractor using a 16-foot SNOWPRO 2017 SUPPLEMENT
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model with a 28-yard capacity can estimate the same job in the same weather conditions to take about half the time. This formula changes depending on snow conditions and characteristics, such as wet snow, which takes longer to clean, but it gives a rough timeframe with which to work, and helps determine the amount of pushers and machines needed.
Pickups and Plows However, the problem with a compact piece of equipment is that it’s not as easy to transport quickly from job to job since each location requires moving the equipment on a trailer. This is why some contractors prefer to use a pickup truck with a snowplow for snow removal as it’s much more versatile. “Assuming contractors already own a mediumduty truck, they simply need to buy a snowplow package,” says Mark Klossner, vice president of marketing at BOSS Snowplow. “The mount system can be mounted to the frame of their existing trucks and easily removed when not in use.” As a contractor, however, it’s your job to choose a plow for your pickup that’s going to be kind to the surface underneath the snow.
Balancing Act The snow removal business can be boom or bust, so it’s important to create contracts in a way that helps your company be profitable in a low-snow season. “This business is obviously very weather-dependent,” Doug Clark, product manager with Western Plows/Douglas Dynamics, says. “You have to be very business-savvy to be profitable.” The best snow and ice contractors manage a portfolio of whole-season contracts, and contracts that are based on a perpush approach. Both help hedge your bets and ensure you can be profitable in a very unpredictable business. Seasonal contracts say that, for the entire season, you are paid a set amount of money no matter how much it snows. These can be good contracts for your best customers, those with small lots and locations grouped closely together. Per-push contracts are those that say, for every job you visit and clear snow on, you charge a fee. “From the contractor’s point of view, seasonal contracts are the most lucrative when it hardly ever snows,” Clark says. “Perpush contracts are best when it’s constantly snowing. Since you can’t tell ahead of time what the weather’s going to do, savvy contractors understand their cost structure and try to stabilize their income by maintaining a portfolio of each type.”
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“Snowplows traditionally come with steel cutting edges that are known to leave streaks and divots in the [surface being plowed],” Clark says. “Snowplow manufacturers make a number of different products that are more surface-friendly like a poly or rubber cutting edge. These do not damage the underlying surface.” The size of the plow and equipment you use vary depending on the size of the area you are plowing. If you’re installing a plow on a pickup truck, plow recommendations are based on the front gross axle weight rating (FGAWR) of your vehicle—which is the maximum allowable weight that can be placed on the front axle. The snowplow you use on your vehicle should comply with FGAWR recommendations. Straight blades and V-plows (V-blades) both get the job done, but V-plows have the ability to angle and direct snow. Straight blades are still the biggest seller and often can be more affordable than V-plows, but V-blades can be a better option for handling frozen snow. Depending upon your surface’s configuration, you may also consider the versatility and convenience afforded with a snow V-blade, which some manufacturers build for multi-directional use as a straight blade, V-cut blade, scoop blade, and a left- or right-angle blade. “For every V-plow you add, make sure you have at least three to four straight blades,” Clark says.
Ice Control Taking snow removal one step further, many contractors add a salt spreader to their business. “Not only does spreading salt provide a more allencompassing service to your customer, but you can also increase your workload,” Frank says. “Whereas pushing snow relies on snow falling in the first place, controlling ice is a winter-long battle, regardless of how much snow flies. Every company is faced with the concern of liability if someone gets injured on their property. “If you look at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics identifying that roughly 800,000 people are hospitalized each year due to a slip-and-fall injury— and overall medical costs for these injuries hits about $34 billion each year—it makes sense for business owners to take precautions to not only prevent injuries, but to also make it clear that they went through the proper procedures to try to alleviate a hazard.
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“Because of these common business concerns, by “A new snow and ice contractor should join having the ability to spread salt and sand on a property, an association like the Snow and Ice Management in addition to clearing snow, that’s a major leg up over a Association (SIMA) at the beginning,” Klossner advises. contractor just offering snow control.” “SIMA’s library of resources, training and trade shows A salt spreader attachment can be mounted in a can help a new snow and ice contractor quickly gain the utility vehicle’s cargo box, or can come in the form of a skill sets needed to be successful in the industry.” pickup tailgate spreader or a hopper. This can be used to spread salt and sand on sidewalks and pathways, making it ideal for more snow-removal tasks for buildings and grounds applications. BOSS recently launched the QuickCube system for skid steers that helps contractors overcome many of the obstacles to growth and profitability in the ice-removal business. “The system utilizes poly totes that hold about 1,000 pounds of salt and are weather-proof,” according to Klossner. “The totes can be pre-filled with salt and staged at a customer’s location along with a skid steer. When the winter weather hits, the operator simply travels to the job site and operates the skid steer to spread the salt. In addition, the contractor can purchase a box plow for the same skid steer, which can be quickly attached to the skid steer for plowing and then quickly switched back to the QuickCube system for salting.” If you’re spreading salt with a pickup, efficiency is key. “If you’re starting out with one to two lots, a tailgate spreader is great,” says Clark. “Once you have four to five lots, you should look in to a salt hopper. Tailgate Six-Way category blades are the ideal tool for spreaders do not handle bulk salt; contractors everywhere. Their versatile design you’re emptying each bag into the provides operators with six different configurations to spreader. With a hopper, you can get make the most of their time in the seat. more done faster. SB3600V blades are the ideal sidewalk blade for “When it comes to snow removal, compact tractors and skidsteers, and is available in look for anything to increase your effiwidths from 54” – 84”. The larger SB4600V series ciency,” Clark says. “If you can do anyblade makes quick work of small roadways and thing to improve how fast you move Both sides of the Sixdriveways, and is available in widths from 96” - 108” Way blade can be moved snow, like putting down more salt or with a max operating weight of 25,000lbs. independently to form an adding a wide-out plow, it can result angle blade, scoop, or V-Blade in faster plowing. This means you can Contact your nearest distributor to find the right Sixto ensure you have the right attack other contracts more quickly, Way blade for your snow program. blade for every condition. bringing down your marginal costs and allowing you to be more profitable.” v If you have questions about get1-866-567-4162 www.hlasnow.com ting into the snow removal business, there are many avenues to help you. Visit greenindustrypros.com/10155831
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By Brad Stemper
Making a CASE for
Skid-Steer Snow Removal Controlling operational costs is key for Nate’s Landscape Company, a Wisconsin landscape contractor, and snow and ice removal company.
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N
ate’s Landscape Company is a landscaping and snow removal company located in Belgium, Wisconsin. With more than 16 years of experience, the company has been serving eastern Wisconsin since 2000. “In Wisconsin, it’s not a question of if snow is going to fall, but when,” explains Nathan Kohn, owner of Nate’s Landscape Company. “We’ve been plowing snow commercially since 2000. Most recently, we’ve gone exclusive with snow and ice removal in the winter, focusing primarily on retail, commercial, and industrial snow and ice control.” In the winter season, Kohn manages nearly 80 employees, and a fleet of 24 CASE skid-steer loaders used exclusively for snow and ice removal. “Nate’s Landscape has recently transitioned into using more and more skid loaders for doing our snow removal.”
little more breakup for us with the radial lift machines. We have noticed it’s easier to load a high salt truck with a vertical lift machine. So that’s where the SV280s and SV250s have really helped us out,” says Kohn. As with any important equipment-buying decision, there were a large variety of criteria that needed to be met when Kohn was making his equipment investment. “When it comes to plowing snow with a skid loader, some of the options that we like to include are the strobe light package on the roof and the radios for the guys. I believe it’s standard on all skid loaders that you get a heated cab, which works fantastic.”
Cost Savings With the transition from plow trucks to skid-steer loaders, Kohn has seen a remarkable difference in both fuel and labor costs. According to Kohn, “The reason that we’ve gone to skid loaders is mainly to control our costs. It’s helped us tremendously with controlling our fixed expenses, as well as our operational expenses. We no longer have to pay drivers to sit on the road in a snowstorm trying to get on site. They can report right to the site because we store the key skid loaders on the premises. The fuel and the labor is really the biggest part of the savings.”
Operational Efficiencies In addition to the fuel and labor cost savings, Kohn has noticed several other benefits and operational efficiencies. “With the advancements of box plows in the snow and ice industry, we have found that we are able to replace five plow trucks with three skid loaders. [It’s] almost twice as efficient as the old way of doing it,” Kohn explains. “Skid loaders are also a lot more maneuverable, especially in tight spaces and busy parking lots. And the visibility in a skid loader is unmatched. No plow truck has the visibility that a skid loader offers. “There are many benefits and advantages to using skid loaders when managing snow and ice. When you’re plowing with a skid loader, you can run off-road diesel fuel and not pay a road tax on your diesel. Also you don’t have to license a skid loader like you do a truck.”
The Right Skid Steer for the Job Nate’s Landscape manages a fleet of 24 skid-steer loaders comprised of CASE SV280s, SV250s, SR210s and SR185s. “For us, in snow removal, whether it’s a vertical lift or radial lift, it doesn’t matter as much. There’s a
But really, Kohn admits, “For us, number one was the quality of the machine. Is it going to hold up to what we need to do? Is it going to look good? Is the resale going to be there for us to turn these machines around down the road? Another big factor was our dealer.” Working with the right dealer can make all the difference when it comes to making a smart equipment investment. Kohn has chosen to work with MillerBradford & Risberg Inc., an equipment dealer that has been in business since 1944, and operates seven branches throughout Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. “The dealer that we use locally here does a terrific job with service calls and keeping up on warranties. The relationship we have with our CASE dealer is very good. It is very responsive to our requests for breakdowns and service. It’s also fair when it comes to trade-ins and purchasing costs. The company understands what we’re trying to achieve with our fleet.”
A Maintenance-Free Tier 4 Solution Kohn points out that there was a deliberate decision to stick with machines below 74 HP in order to take advantage of CASE’s maintenance-free Tier 4 solutions. SNOWPRO 2017 SUPPLEMENT
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Class-leading capabilities where it counts: Best-in-class GCWR – 40,000 lbs.* Best-in-class FGAWR – 7,500 lbs. Best-in-class gas torque – 430 lb.-ft. Most available configurations in its class THIS IS THE NEXT LEVEL FORD.COM ///
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“When we were selecting what model skid loader to go with, we chose the 280, the 210 and the 185 primarily because we don’t have to worry about diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) throughout the winter. I’m trying to keep that capped off, so we don’t have to worry about maintaining an extra system,” comments Kohn.
Lighting Commercial snow and ice contractors often work in tight, low-light conditions where visibility is crucial. Kohn outfits all of his skid-steer loaders with roof strobes and a heavy-duty light package from the factory. “We choose the option of the factory strobe lights and heavy-duty light package primarily because, when we’re plowing snow, it’s the middle of the night, it’s pitch black, it’s snowing. We need as much light as we can get. We’ve noticed that, with the extra lights on the back of the machine and on the front, we have no visibility issues when we’re plowing,” continues Kohn. “When we’re out at night plowing snow, it’s important that our guys can see what they’re doing all around them, not just in front of them. It’s also important that the people in the immediate area can see them. Going with the strobe light option on the roof, these machines are visible even in heavy snows at night.”
360-Degree Visibility In addition to lighting, it’s also important for operators to have a clear line of sight in all directions for their own
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safety, as well as those around them. CASE skid-steer loaders offer a cab-forward design with a curved rear window and sloped rear hood, as well as thin sidescreens for 360-degree visibility. “The visibility off the sides and the rear played a huge role in us choosing to switch over to plowing snow exclusively with skid loaders. When plowing snow with trucks, there are a lot of blind spots; people walk behind you, and you can’t see if they’re there or not.” “Rear visibility with a CASE skid loader is second to none. There’s nothing there to obstruct your view from behind you. You can easily turn around, look over your shoulder and see what’s behind you. The visibility in the front of the machine, especially the lower part of the windshield, is nice. We can see right down. We can actually see the pavement behind the box plow as we’re plowing, so that’s helped a lot with snow removal.”
Operator Comfort CASE skid-steer loaders also provide a wide cab and low entry threshold, making it easy for operators to get in and out of the cab, and to stay comfortable for long hours. “It’s a lot easier to get in and out of a CASE skid loader because of the lower door entry. We have a lot of different drivers that drive for us. Not all of them are Olympic athletes. We like to use guys that are retired: They’re just looking for extra work and we can put them to work in a CASE. They don’t have to be a gymnast to get in and out of the cab.” Kohn says, “I’m a pretty big
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guy—I’m almost 6 feet, 4 inches—and I’ve got plenty of room in a CASE skid loader. Plenty of headroom, plenty of side-to-side room. It’s a very comfortable ride.”
Ergonomic Controls Long hours behind the controls of a skid steer can lead to operator fatigue, which can have a negative effect on an operator’s focus and productivity. Kohn has chosen to outfit all of his skid-steer loaders with CASE’s EZ-EH electro-hydraulic controls—an advanced control system that provides a setup menu with nine adjustable speed and control sensitivity settings. “All of our skid loaders we ordered with the EZ-EH controls. The operator fatigue is greatly reduced with just the joystick operation. We’ve gotten away from using any foot pedal or forward hand-tohand, side-to-side operating machines. Our operators found that they can run many, many hours in a skid loader with these EZ-EH controls and not have the fatigue of an old machine.”
From the Operator Nathan Tiegs has worked for Nate’s Landscape as an operator for nearly five years and is currently managing a snow removal crew of 15 operators across 25 commercial accounts. “Nate’s Landscape is a great company to work for,” Tiegs says. “I’m currently in college studying to be a fireman and the company works around my college schedule, so I really appreciate that. This is the first year I’ve been working as a manager—I’ve got about 25 accounts. I just really like being outside, working as a team, going out there and getting it done.” With the recent transition to a full CASE fleet, Tiegs has noticed several benefits and advantages, such as standardization of training. “The owner, Nathan Kohn, has had several CASE wheel loaders and I know he really liked them. Finally, he just got all CASE machines and standardized everything. Now when we have training and orientation, you can go to any jobsite and the skid loader is going to be the same. It’s really nice that you can put anybody anywhere, because we have accounts from Mequon all the way up to Manitowoc and Plymouth, Wisconsin.“ “We have 24 CASE skid-steer loaders that we keep at all of our big job sites. The joysticks are phenomenal—you can get into really tight spaces where, with other skid-steer loaders, you really can’t,” explains Kohn. “That’s really what our business is about—having the lot as cleared as possible at the end of the day to make the customer happy. “I started off with foot pedals, and if you’re in a snowstorm, working foot pedals would drive you insane
because it’s constantly up and down—your feet can get really tired. In the beginning, I thought getting used to [the joysticks] was going to be a lot harder because I was used to foot pedals, but after about a half-hour of learning the joysticks, it’s by far better than the foot pedals. With the joysticks, you can actually get closer to things, precisely back-drag and maneuver around cars—I could never go back to foot pedals. “Other skid loaders are more touchy—you move a little and the whole thing sways, but with CASE, the machines are really precise. You can easily come into something and back-drag, and it’s really simple without a bunch of jumping around. “The visibility is phenomenal—left, right, back, forward—you can see everything. The front is most important, when we put our pushers on, we’ve got to be able to see our drop hits. You’ve got great visibility in the front to make sure that you can see down so you know you’re in the right spot. “They have a lot of power—especially the 250s and 280s. They have a lot of power for pushing snow, especially with our 10-foot box plows. We have the ability to push a lot of snow and not get stuck.”
That’s really what our business is about—having the lot as cleared as possible at the end of the day to make the customer happy. - Nathan Kohn, Nate’s Landscape Company A Growing Business Running and developing Nate’s Landscape Company over the last 16 years, Kohn has learned the best way to ensure profitability is through effective management of his overall operating costs. “Over the last several years of running my business, just like any business, we’ve been through highs and lows, good times and bad times. We’ve learned to do a better job of controlling our costs, both our fixed expenses and our operational expenses. We’re just finishing off a winter season with below average snowfall. We’ve been able to control our costs by running the CASE skid loaders. It has been a big part of our business plan.” Brad Stemper is the solutions marketing manager at CASE Construction Equipment.
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PRODUCTS
SNOW & ICE REMOVAL EQUIPMENT
These Hopper Spreaders Perform to the Max SnowEx V-Maxx G2 hopper spreaders offer greater performance and operating efficiency on large ice-control applications. These hopper spreaders feature: • A polyethylene-constructed, multi-angled material hopper that helps provide a continuous flow of material to a heavy-duty auger drive. • A vibrator that shakes the inverted-V baffle to reduce material clumping, whether spreading salt, sand or both. • A self-diagnosing, digital, compact dual variablespeed control with independent adjustment of spinner and auger speeds; easy control of the vibrator; an auto-reverse function to clear auger jams; and control only requiring a single four-pin wire to enter the cab. • Selection from eight different V-box models, ranging in capacity from 1.5 to 6.0 cubic yards. • Optimized material placement and control due to a spinner that starts at the desired speed setting on the dial, rather than blasting upon startup. • A wider operating range for slower speeds to provide more efficient use of materials, while high speeds are available for larger properties. • A spread width variable up to 40 feet. • Suitability for use with full-size pickups, flatbed trucks or dump-bed trucks. greenindustrypros.com/12346470
Professional Features on Lightweight Spreader Fisher Engineering specifically designed the Poly-Caster UTV poly hopper spreader for utility vehicles. The company says this 11-cubic-foot spreader combines the professional features of larger spreaders with a lightweight design. The spreader also comes equipped with: • A multi-angled hopper to prevent bridging and clogging, and provide maximum flow to the auger. • A quick-connect spinner assembly to ease access to the vehicle’s hitch. • A traverse auger delivery system that automatically backs itself in and out until an obstruction is cleared or an adjustment made. • A dual variable-speed control that allows independent control of the two 12-volt auger and spinner motors to match the material flow and spread pattern to conditions. • A top screen to break up large chunks of de-icing material during loading. • A vibrating inverted V with a 12-volt vibrator. greenindustrypros.com/12214785
Cab Protection from Harsh Winter Elements The fully enclosed, full-view, metal winter cab from The Grasshopper Company protects you from harsh winter elements. The cab: • Fits 700 and 900 Series FrontMount mowers equipped with joystick-controlled DriftBuster snow throwers, Little Bully dozer blades, CleanSweep rotary brooms or a 60-inch V-plow. • Comes with electric windshield wipers and LED lights. • Includes options, such as a 16,000-BTU heater, lower panels for manual-lift implements and a beacon strobe light for increased visibility in hightraffic areas. greenindustrypros.com/12337006
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For additional snow-handling products and equipment, visit the Product Guide at GreenIndustryPros.com
Managing Ice Like a BOSS BOSS Snowplow designed its new QuickCube System, a skid-steerbased salting system, to improve contractor profitability, decrease operational costs and improve reaction times to customer service needs. According to the company, the system also offers: • Six weather-proof poly cubes (or hoppers) that can hold half of a cubic yard of deicing material, be filled with solid deicing materials and staged at job sites in advance of wintry weather, replacing the need for remote salt piles, tarps and temporary salt shelters. The cubes can be stacked and are neutrally colored to blend in with existing landscaping. Material is gravity-fed to the spinner disc and auger for reliability and ease of operation. • A fork-shaped spreader assembly—which is used to pick up the filled cubes, move them and spread salt—attached to the skid steer via a universal attachment system. The spreader uses the skid steer’s auxiliary hydraulic couplers to ease maintenance and reduce the risk of breakdowns. Furthermore, the weldment can be removed and exchanged for snowplowing implements for even more versatility. • Improved customer response times—simply stage a skid steer, a QuickCube system and a box plow at the job site, and hire operators who live close to those job sites, so they can travel directly to the site and begin servicing the customer. • Reduced truck and spreader rig travel during dangerous driving conditions, saving fuel costs, wear and tear on trucks, and the risk of accidents by staging QuickCubes on jobsites. • The flexibility to allow contractors to expand their service territory in a more cost-efficient manner than a traditional truck and salter combination. • The capability to expand your potential labor pool by hiring skid-steer operators, not truck drivers. greenindustrypros.com/12348372
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PRODUCTS
SNOW & ICE REMOVAL EQUIPMENT Optimal Reliability and Brighter Beams for Truck Plows SnowEx improved its new STORM SEEKER halogen headlamps to offer more durability and illumination for users of SnowEx truck plows. According to the company, features of the dualcavity lamp include: • Optimized low- and high-beam functions—the low beams are 17 percent brighter and 6 percent wider to put down more light in front and to the sides for safer plowing using H9/H11 bulbs, while the high beams are 36 percent brighter and illuminate 35 percent farther, allowing plow operators to see more of the road ahead. • Deterrence of water ingression—a reflectorto-housing seal with a vent allows moisture to exist, but not enter. • An improved lens seal with dual adhesive bead channels to ensure secure attachment of the lens. • Better structural balance and flexibility to withstand jarring shocks and vibrations. • A shallower headlamp casing to eliminate the need for additional brackets and avoid interference with the hood. • An enhanced mounting bracket design to dampen vibration dampening. • The ability to pass an IPX9K pressure washing protection test and humidity test. greenindustrypros.com/12339056
Plenty of SnowBlasting Power The KIOTI SB4096 rearmount snow blower quickly hitches to sub-frames for easy mounting and operates on a mid-mount power takeoff (PTO) drive for plenty of snow-blasting power. The dual-row SB4096 implement also offers: • A tractor PTO range of 80 to 150 HP and PTO speed of 540 or 1,000 RPMs. • A 200-degree hydraulic chute rotation. • A heavy-duty 96-inch fan with a depth of 9 inches and a diameter of 33 inches. • A weight of 1,420 pounds. • A 12-month warranty. Visit greenindustrypros.com/10155781
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For additional snow-handling products and equipment, visit the Product Guide at GreenIndustryPros.com
Silverado Forging a New Path with Stainless Steel Snowplow Chevrolet designed the Silverado 2500HD Alaskan Edition to make quick work of snow. Equipped with a custom stainless steel snowplow, this workready truck can forge a path in tough winter conditions. The company says the Alaskan additionally boasts: • A snowplow prep package that includes a power feed for auxiliary lights, a 220-amp alternator, an underbody shield, heavy-duty front springs and more. • A leveling kit to ensure an even stance for the truck when the plow is attached. • A Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo-diesel engine for horsepower and torque-with a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)certified 445 HP and net 910 pound-feet-for easier hauling and trailering. • Quieter and smoother engine performance, along with a 19 percent increase in maximum torque over the current Duramax 6.6L. • A rubberized floor covering inside to facilitate brushing out snow and ice. • A custom silver-accented blue exterior and grizzly bear graphics. • Chrome bumpers, grille, emblems and trailering mirrors, along with 20-inch chrome wheels. greenindustrypros.com/12351292
Quality Construction in a Contractor-Duty Plow The 9200 Series torsion-trip V-plow from Hiniker Company not only comes equipped with quality construction and components in a contractor-duty plow, but also: • Double-acting hydraulic cylinders to hold wings securely in position, even while back-dragging. • Simple, reliable torsion-trip edges for independent protection to each plow wing. • Moldboards with a low-friction, high-density polyethylene surface that is corrosion-free and dent-resistant. • Wrap-around curb guards with chrome-alloy wearbars for protection from wear and damage. • Availability in 8.5- and 9.5-foot widths. • Optional skid shoes, cutting edges and snow deflectors. greenindustrypros.com/12347473
Visit greenindustrypros.com/10155873
SNOWPRO 2017 SUPPLEMENT
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PRODUCTS
SNOW & ICE REMOVAL EQUIPMENT Don’t Let Snow Push You Around—Get a Snow Pusher! Hiniker Company introduces its 3600 Series skid-steer box-type snow pushers with: • A rubber cutting edge that optimizes cleaning on paved surfaces. • 36- (H) by 36-inch (D) sides for plenty of snow-moving capacity. • Availability in 96- and 120-inch widths. • 3/8-inch steel construction side plates for strength and durability. • Heavy-duty steel skids that allow for flotation over uneven surfaces. • A universal skid-steer attachment system to ease and speed connecting the snow pusher. • An optional pull-back attachment to provide a second rubber cutting edge for back-dragging operations. greenindustrypros.com/12349433
High-Volume Sand Spreaders
BOSS Stainless Steel Spreader Tougher than Winter BOSS Snowplow introduces its BOSS FORGE V-box hopper spreader as a powerful tool for snow and ice contractors when winter weather strikes. According to the company, the BOSS FORGE features: • A planetary gearbox that delivers efficient performance across a range of ice control material. • A 2-cubic-yard capacity. • Selection from a pintle feed or auger chain system with the same hopper. • A standard dual variable-speed controller that’s fleet compatible with existing VBX spreaders. • Motor covers to protect the drive and spinner motors from sand, salt and de-icing materials. • Some of the heaviest gauge stainless steel in the category—including the VBX drive train, hopper, 1/2-HP motor and inverted V option. • A standard top screen and tie-down kit. greenindustrypros.com/12350596
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Designed to spread sand, the SnowEx V-Maxx 8550 high-output spreader provides higher material feed rates than other V-Maxx spreaders. The unit is effective for snow and ice professionals looking to spread high volumes of bulk material in one pass, rather than making multiple passes to achieve a heavy application. The V-Maxx 8550 additionally offers: • A 2-cubic-yard capacity with the ability to spread 295 to 680 pounds of material per minute. • A corrosion-resistant polyethylene hopper. • A multi-angle hopper, inverted-V baffle and vibrator to maintain a steady flow of material to the auger. • Independently controlled spinner and auger speeds to maximize accuracy and prevent material waste. • Ideal suitability for parking lots and driveways. greenindustrypros.com/10277757
ADVERTISERS INDEX BOSS Snowplow........................................................... 2 ClearSpan Fabric Structures Inc.............................20 EarthWay Products Inc.............................................. 16 Ford Motor Company..........................................10, 11 Hiniker Company....................................................... 19 HLA Snow........................................................................7 May Wes Manufacturing Inc.....................................17 Progressive Insurance................................................15
SNOWPRO 2017 SUPPLEMENT
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Visit greenindustrypros.com/10155825
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KEEP YOUR PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY COVERED WITH
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V ISIT WWW . CLEARSPAN . COM OR CALL 1.866.643.1010 TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP WITH YOUR STRUCTURE NEEDS
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SNOWDOGG
™
UTV PLOWS BUILT TO PRO SPECS
VUT65
V-PLOW or STRAIGHT BLADE FAST ACTING HYDRAULICS IDEAL FOR CAMPUS & GROUNDS CREWS
NOTHING WORKS LIKE A DOGG™ www.snowdogg.com
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ALL NEW SALTDOGG PROSERIES
™
HEAVY-DUTY COMMERCIAL SPREADER
What Makes a PRO?
5-1/4 in. full length carbon steel auger with 3/4 HP gear motor
12 in. wide all steel pintle chain conveyor
High flow chute and large 14 in. spinner with 1/2 HP motor.
NOTHING WORKS LIKE A DOGG™ www.saltdogg.com
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