TLC0514

may 2014

TotalLandscapeCare.com

How To Solve the Social Media Puzzle Gain followers and turn them into clients page 26 Like Comment Share

Status

359

78

10 Tips for Summer Irrigation

Photos

Friends

Post

page 21 Like Comment Share

248

52

Get More From Your Compact Track Loader page 40 Like Comment Share

126

41

*Class is 6-7 Conventional Cabs. **See dealer for details. Requires the CNG/LPG Gaseous Engine Prep Package at time of order.

When you need to pull ahead, just hit the gas — with the 6.8L TritonŽV10 3-valve gasoline engine in the Ford F-650. Only Ford offers you the low acquisition cost of a gas engine in this class* of trucks. With a substantial 362 hp, 457 lb.-ft. of torque and available CNG or LPG conversion capability,** Ford Commercial Trucks give you some great business choices to make.

Find out more at ford.com/commercial-trucks.

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

Tackle Tough Jobs EXPERIENCE OUR NEW TRACK LOADERS Need to get more done in a day? Count on Takeuchi track loaders. Featuring a light footprint and an impressive rated operating capacity of 2,105 lbs, the new TL8 track loader offers an unrivaled blend of power and efficiency.

With bucket breakout forces exceeding 6,800 lbs, and loader lift arm forces of over 6,700 lbs the TL8 is able to deliver unmatched performance in the most demanding applications.

Find your new edge on productivity. See the full line at takeuchi-us.com.

©2014 Takeuchi Manufacturing.

Contact your dealer for current warranty and financing program details.

FIND OUT WHAT OTHERS KNOW. VISIT TAKEUCHI-US.COM TO FIND THE DEALER NEAREST YOU. Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

table of contents

May 2014 Volume 8 | Issue 5

industry news

5

Breaking Ground: Stop Playing It Safe

7

Field Report: 8 Lawn Care Myths

Why and how you should change your mindset about failure

Exposing landscape realities – plus, “Pets We Dig”

equipment

13

Editor’s Picks: Stay Cool

17

Safety Watch: Falling Fronds

Manage the heat, designs, irrigation systems and more with these new products and equipment.

What to do when trimming around power lines

40

Equipment Matters: Max Out Your CTL

52

ProPickup: Making Green

Ways to get the most from your compact track loader

How propane autogas is hitting full stride

design/build

60

Portfolio: Evolving Edibles

Landscaper seamlessly blends garden with hardscape elements

21

PHOTO COURTESY OF TORO

business

lawn care

26

21

Cover Story: Going Social

How to gain followers – and what to do once you have them

Irrigation: Summer Irrigation

Keep lawns looking their best by following these water tips.

35

46

Small company has big success because of landscaper’s design skills, marketing and relationships

It’s hard to be selective when taking perennial ryegrass out of the mix.

Landscaper of the Year Finalist: Works of Art

Chemical Care: What To Do When Turf Goes A-Rye

M AY 2014

TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.co m 3

Now is the time to take advantage of RedMax’s Fleet Program benefits including up to 20% discounts for 24 months and 0% financing for 12 months.* See your local dealer for a free demonstration and complete details. *Only available for qualified applicants for a limited time. Visit your RedMax dealer for complete details.

(2) EBZ8500RH BACKPACK BLOWERS $1,139. MSRP ($569.99 ea.) u $911.98 Fleet Price 98

(2) BCZ2460S TRIMMERS $619. MSRP ($309.99 ea.) u $495.98 Fleet Price 98

HEZ2460S EDGER $399. MSRP u $319.99 Fleet Price 99

HTZ2460 HEDGE TRIMMER $479.99 MSRP u $383.99 Fleet Price

PACKAGE PRICE $2,639.94 FLEET PACKAGE PRICE $2,111.94 u AS LOW AS $176 PER MONTH (with 0% financing for 12 months)

www.redmax.com Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

breaking ground totallandscapecare.com /TotalLandscapeCare @TLCmagazine

Editorial

Editor-At-Large: Lauren Heartsill Dowdle Editorial Director: Marcia Gruver Doyle Online Managing Editor: Patty Vaughan editorial@totallandscapecare.com

Stop Playing Things Safe

Design & Production

Why and how you should change your mindset about failure

Construction Media

We’ve all heard you get stronger with failure,

Art Director: Richard Street Graphic Designer: Timothy Smith Advertising Production Manager: Linda Hapner production@totallandscapecare.com

Senior VP, Market Development, Construction Media: Dan Tidwell VP of Sales, Construction Media: Joe Donald sales@randallreillyconstruction.com

Corporate

Chairman/CEO: Mike Reilly President: Brent Reilly Chief Process Officer: Shane Elmore Chief Administration Officer: David Wright Senior Vice President, Sales: Scott Miller Senior Vice President, Editorial and Research: Linda Longton Vice President of Events: Alan Sims Vice President, Audience Development: Stacy McCants Vice President, Digital Services: Nick Reid Director of Marketing: Julie Arsenault

3200 Rice Mine Rd NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 800-633-5953 randallreilly.com For change of address and other subscription inquiries, please contact: totallandscapecare@halldata.com For subscription information/inquiries, please email: totallandscapecare@halldata.com. Total Landscape Care (ISSN # 1932-8303) is published monthly by Randall-Reilly Publishing Co. LLC, 3200 Rice Mine Road NE, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. Single copy price: US $6, Canada/Mexico $9, Foreign $12.

For subscriptions, call (800) 517-4979 in the U.S. or (847) 763-9610 outside the U.S. U.S. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tuscaloosa, AL and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to Total Landscape Care, PO Box 2196, Skokie, IL 60076-9852. All contributions in the form of unsolicited letters, manuscripts, stories, materials, photographs or art are welcome, addressed to the editor. These submissions cannot be returned except where the sender provides a postage-paid, addressed, stamped envelope. RandallReilly Publishing Company, LLC cannot assume responsibility for unintentional loss or damage to submitted materials. All advertisements for Total Landscape Care magazine are accepted and published by Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC on the representation that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC harmless from and against any loss, expenses or other liability resulting from any claims or suits for libel violations of right of privacy or publicity, plagiarisms, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or suits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Copyright ©2014 Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Total Landscape Care is a trademark of Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC Randall-Reilly Publishing Company, LLC neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee regarding the quality of goods and services advertised herein.

Total Landscape Care is a proud supporter of...

but who actually likes to fail at something?

Maybe that’s because we are going about it all wrong.

Megan McArdle – author of “The Up Side of Down: Why Failing Well is the Key to Success” and columnist for Bloomberg View – shared her advice while on “Fareed Zakaria GPS.” “The idea is not to just fail at things just for the sake of failing,” McArdle says. “The idea is to take calculated risks and to see what went wrong. That’s really the most valuable information you can have.”

This may be easier said than done, though. “People are lossaverse,” she continues. So, she suggests people consider how inventors think about projects.

She gave Thomas Edison as an example. Each time he failed at creating the lightbulb, he didn’t view it as a setback. Instead, he knew he had figured out what wouldn’t work, thus making him one step closer to his goal.

“I’ve not failed,” Edison said. “I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

So, until you push yourself beyond your comfort level and into the realm of possible failure, you will never truly know great success. Stop making decisions to “not fail,” which will only hold you back from your true potential, and push yourself beyond the limits.

Be prepared to stumble and make mistakes along the way, but also know the end result will be much better than if you took the safe approach.

Nothing great was ever created by someone afraid to fail – so if you don’t succeed at first, you’ll be in good company.

Lauren Heartsill Dowdle Editor-At-Large

M AY 2014

TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.co m 5

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

FieldReport: news, trends & cool stuff

Top 8 Lawn Care Myths

F

act or fiction? That’s the question PLANET, the Professional Lawncare Network, posed to its members. The trade association asked landscapers for their top lawn care myths.

“Our job as landscape professionals is to help advise and emphasize ways to save time and money on lawn care, and, oftentimes, that means we need to dispel some fairly persistent myths,” says Glenn Jacobsen, Landscape Industry Certified, president of PLANET. Here are their Top 8 myths and the truths behind them.

1. Myth: The best time to replace the lawn is in the spring, as plants get ready to bloom.

Reality: Sowing seed in the spring sets you up for potential problems, as heat sets in during the summer months and weeds compete for space. The best time to sow seed is in the fall when the temperatures are more consistent and highly competitive weeds, like crabgrass, have gone dormant.

2. Myth: Water new plants every day to prevent them from drying out.

Reality: Overwatering kills as many plants as lack of water. It is better to make sure you are wetting the entire root system of a new plant and then allow the soil to dry to the point that it is only moist.

M AY 2014

TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.co m 7

fieldreport:

at different times of the year. You need to use the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place. Cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, are usually given nutrients in fall and early spring when it is cooler. Warmseason grasses, like Bermuda grass, usually like nutrients in late spring and early fall when it is warmer.

3. Myth: Golf courses cut their grass short, so it’s a good idea to do the same.

Reality: Golf courses use incredibly sophisticated and expensive mowers to achieve a short height of cut. Check the appropriate mowing height for a species of grass, but in general, never cut more than one-third of the grass leaf at a time.

4. Myth: To have a healthy lawn, dethatch in the spring.

Reality: Thatch is a layer of living and dead plant material, including the crown, roots and stems of the turfgrass plant. The brown on the surface at the beginning of the spring will slowly recede into the background all by itself as new leaves emerge.

While dethatching is a common and sometimes necessary practice, it should be done only when thatch is excessive.

7. Myth: The products lawn care companies use are dangerous and more powerful than what a homeowner can use.

Reality: Most of the products professionals use can be purchased at the garden center, but the difference is that professionals are regulated and, by law, have to use the proper amounts, apply them correctly and dispose of them properly.

5. Myth: It’s a good idea to remove clippings after mowing.

Reality: There is a misconception that grass clippings contribute significantly to thatch. Grass clippings are mostly water and decompose rapidly, returning significant amounts of fertilizer to the lawn. Research shows that up to one-third of applied fertilizer can be recycled by simply returning clippings.

8. Myth: Watering the lawn with the garden hose saves more money than installing an irrigation system.

Reality: Consider installing an irrigation system that uses smart controllers and has sensors that only allow for watering when conditions require it. Smart irrigation can offer a cost savings of approximately 15 to 20 percent on water bills.

Convert irrigation spray nozzles from sprinklers to rotating nozzles, which spread heavy droplets of water at a slower pace, which makes them more targeted and effective.

6. Myth: The best time to fertilize your lawn is in early spring.

Reality: Different varieties of grass like nutrients

To see the Top 10 lawn care myths debunked, visit totallandscapecare.com/10-most-common-lawncare-myths.

8 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m

m ay 2 014

Professional equipment for demanding jobs.

The Husqvarna Professional Series mowers represents the latest in high performance drive systems and operator interface. Combined with high productivity cutting deck designs, these mowers deliver premium cut quality and clipping dispersal at higher ground speeds. Careful consideration of components and design not only provide extended durability but unprecendented ease of service access. To find out more about our products, or find a dealer near you, visit husqvarna.com

HUSQVARNA PZ SeRieS Kawasaki and Kohler engines 54" - 72" fabricated decks Starting at: $9,799.95

Financing, Commercial Fleet & Demo Programs Available Special Husqvarna financing options are available for qualified applicants. See dealer for details. *Only available for qualified applicants. Limited time offer. Financing available on new equipment in US only.

Some restrictions apply. Available only at participating dealers. Visit your Husqvarna dealer for complete details.

For up to 48 months*

husqvarna.com Copyright Š 2014 Husqvarna AB (publ). All rights reserved.

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

fieldreport:

Pets We Dig

By Lauren HeartsiLL DowDLe

Rompin’ Good Time

Rosco, Labrador

R

osco, an 8-year-old Labrador, loves everything about the outdoors. He can be seen dove hunting, camping, fishing and retrieving items – even arrows from bow targets. But his favorite activity is swimming, and he looks for any

chance to get in the water, says his owner, Shane “Zeke” Ezekiel, SouthernScapes LLC in Cottondale, Alabama.

This furry crewmember helps out by picking up sticks and limbs on Ezekiel’s property. When he

Every season.

Any job..

One machine.

Bobcat ® and the Bobcat logo are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2014 Bobcat Company. All Rights Reserved. | 1251B-0

fieldreport:

isn’t hard at work, Rosco also likes to show off a bit with his many tricks, including balancing a treat on his nose until he is given the signal to eat it. Fetching an oversized tennis ball is another one of his favorite games.

“He loves to do commands, like sitting and waiting until after the ball has been thrown and we tell him to go get it,” says Ezekiel, who maintains commercial and residential lawns. “He’ll bolt off with his tail winding and nose smelling for it and then proudly bring it back to put it in our hands.”

To have your pet featured online and in the magazine, visit PetsWeDig.com and enter your pet’s photo.

Text info to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com

Seasons change. So do Toolcat™ utility work machines.

With more than 40 front-mounted attachments, plus limitless combinations of complimentary Category 1 PTO attachments on the Toolcat 5610, you can transition to spring, summer, winter or fall in minutes. To power through more tasks this season, check out the Toolcat lineup at Bobcat.com/AnyJob5

Bobcat.com/AnyJob5

1.877.745.7813

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION www.secatdealers.com

MATCH YOUR FLEET TO YOUR

PROJECT

LOAD. BLANCHARD MACHINERY www.BlanchardMachinery.com Serving S. Carolina 800-922-2790

RING POWER CORPORATION catrental.ringpower.com Serving Central and N. Florida St. Augustine, FL 888-748-7464

Supplement your core fleet when you need to with high quality machines from the Cat® Rental Store. We have a full line of Cat machines and performance matched work tools to meet all of your jobsite needs.

Your job requirements may change with your customer’s demands and though you may not have the right equipment on hand – we do! Rely on The Cat Rental Store to quickly supply the right tools for the task.

Visit us online today at www.secatdealers.com to view our full inventory of low hour, late model machines available for immediate rental.

CAROLINA CAT www.carolinacat.com Serving Western North Carolina Charlotte, NC 800-277-1212

THOMPSON TRACTOR CO., INC. www.thompsontractor.com Serving Alabama and NW Florida Birmingham, AL 800-547-0760

CARTER MACHINERY www.CarterMachinery.com Serving Virginia and Southern West Virginia 844-CAT-RENT

WHAYNE www.whayne.com Serving Kentucky and Southern Indiana Middletown, KY 502-244-5700

YANCEY BROS. CO. www.YanceyBros.com Serving Georgia Atlanta, GA 800-282-1562

© 2014 Caterpillar All rights reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com www.caterpillar.com

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

KELLY TRACTOR CO. www.kellytractor.com Serving Southern Florida Miami, FL 305-592-5360

LOUISIANA CAT www.LouisianaCat.com Serving Louisiana 866-843-7440

BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE

From staying cool to controlling irrigation on your phone, these products and machines can help.

Cool off Add some water to the Mission EnduraCool Instant Cooling Towel and snap it in the air, and the towel instantly cools to 30 degrees below the average body temperature. It stays cool for up to two hours, and when dry, the towel absorbs sweat. Available in towel and bandana form, the material has UPF-50 protection and is machine washable. For more information, visit missionathletecare.com.

Create designs & quotes With new features and enhancements, Drafix Software’s PRO Landscape Version 20 adds more than 1,000 images to the photo-imaging library, bringing the total to more than 12,000 objects.

Version 20 also allows the companion app for iPad and Android tablets to not only design on the tablet but also create an instant price quote.

Other features include 3D renderings and night and holiday lighting design capabilities. For more information, visit prolandscape.com.

Blow & go Clean up yards, flowerbeds, driveways and patio areas with the Little Wonder C5 wheeled blower, which has more than 1,100 cfm of air movement. The blower features the Aim Rite nozzle, which can be adjusted to blow air in a downward or forward position. The wheeled blower is powered by a professional 170-cc Subaru engine and 16-inch fan, and it has flat-free front and back wheels. For more information, visit littlewonder.com.

For product information, text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCREQUEST.COM

M AY 2014

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 13

editor’s picks

Powerful clean Available on select Briggs & Stratton pressure washer models, Powerflow+ Technology has two separate cleaning modes: high pressure and high flow. This technology is available in two gas-powered pressure washer models with Briggs & Stratton Professional Series OHV engines, as well as an electric pressure washer model. The models feature a 7-in-1 nozzle that propels the stream up to 30 feet. For more information, visit briggsandstratton.com.

Track water The Netafim Landscape Controller (NLC) incorporates historical and current weather data, as well as real-time data from soil moisture sensors that monitor the amount of moisture available to plants in each zone. Features include intuitive programming for retrofit and expansion and remote management capabilities from Internet-ready devices.

The irrigation controllers are available in a conventional, two-wire decoder-based and hybrid models. For more information, visit netafimusa.com.

Trim weight The lightest trimmer in the Stihl professional line, the FS 94 R trimmer weighs 10 pounds and has a two-stroke engine.

The FS 94 R is equipped with the Ecospeed throttle adjustment wheel, which allows users to set the most effective speed for a particular application. The “R” designation signifies a loop handle – ideal for trimming in tight areas. For more information, visit stihlusa.com.

For product information, text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCREQUEST.COM

14 To t al L a n d s c a p e C a r e . com

M AY 2 014

RAM COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ®

RAM 1500 / BEST-IN-CLASS 28 MPG HWY FUEL ECONOMY 1 RAM 3500 / BEST-IN-CLASS 30,000 LB TOWING2 RAM Chassis Cab / BEST-IN-CLASS GCWR – 37,500 LBS3 RAM C/V / BEST-IN-CLASS DRIVING RANGE OF 520 hwy MILES4 RAM PROMASTER® / BEST-IN-CLASS 4,430 LB PAYLOAD 5

5-YEAR/100,000-MILE POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY 6

Up to 1500 $

7

in ON-THE-JOB incentives in addition to current offers.

1 Based on standard pickup class. EPA est. 28 highway mpg based on available EcoDiesel V6 4x2. 2 350/3500 pickups. With Cummins® Diesel when properly equipped.

3 Based on class 3–5 pickup-based conventional cab chassis over 10,000 GCWR. 4 Based on Small Commercial Van Segment. EPA est. 18 city/26 highway with 20-gallon fuel tank. Actual results may vary. 5 Based on Class 2 Cargo Van (single rear-wheel axle). 6 See dealer for details and a copy of Limited Warranty. 7 Includes $500 ON-THE-JOB Upfit Bonus Cash Allowance on most 2013 and 2014 Ram Commercial vehicles. Must take delivery by 6/30/14. See dealer for ON-THE-JOB incentive details and eligibility requirements. Ram is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC. Cummins is a registered trademark of Cummins Inc.

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

Falling Fronds

BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE

What to do when trimming around power lines THE ACCIDENT: A 35-year-old landscape maintenance crewmember is working by himself at a residential home in California. While trimming a palm tree, one of the fronds he is cutting falls and comes in contact with a 16,000-volt electric line located 6 feet away from the tree.

The crewmember is electrocuted and pronounced dead at the scene.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If crewmembers are working within 10 feet of an energized power line, they must follow OSHA’s line-clearance tree trimming requirements. This includes receiving specialized training, having a second employee within normal voice communication range and maintaining the proper minimum-approach distance.

Here are safe practices every worker should use when trimming trees near power lines.

• Determine the voltage(s) of any lines that may pose a hazard before work begins. All lines must be considered as operating at the voltage of the highest-voltage line.

• Contact the utility company to discuss deenergizing, grounding or shielding power lines.

• Perform a hazard assessment of the work area before starting.

• Do not trim trees in dangerous weather conditions, such as high winds, icing, thunder and lighting.

• Only use insulated tools and equipment to

ILLUSTRATION BY DON LOMAX

remove branches and limbs.

• Wear approved personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, non-conductive clothing and harnesses as needed.

• Use extreme caution when moving ladders and equipment around downed branches and power lines.

• Inspect trees and limbs for structural weakness before climbing or cutting.

To read and download more Safety Watch articles, visit totallandscapecare.com/ safetywatch.

M AY 2014

TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 17

Ramas en caída POR LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE

Cómo proceder cuando se poda en torno al alambrado público EL ACCIDENTE: Un miembro de una cuadrilla de mantenimiento de jardinería de 35 años, estaba trabajando solo en un hogar residencial en California. Mientras podaba una palmera, una de las hojas de palma que está cortando cae y entra en contacto con un cable eléctrico de 16,000 voltios ubicado a seis pies (1.80 m.) del árbol. El trabajador es electrocutado y pronunciado muerto en la escena.

CONCLUSIÓN: Si hay trabajadores operando a menos de 10 pies (3 m.) de un cable cargado de electricidad, estos deben seguir los requerimientos de poda de árboles para evasión de cables de la OSHA. Estos incluyen recibir entrenamiento especializado, contar con un segundo empleado a un rango de voz normal de comunicación y mantener la distancia apropiada mínima de acercamiento.

Estas son algunas de las prácticas de seguridad que todo trabajador debería seguir al podar árboles cerca del alambrado eléctrico.

• Determine el o los voltajes de cualquier cable que pueda crear un riesgo antes de que empiece el trabajo. Debe considerar a todos los cables como si tuvieran el voltaje del cable de mayor voltaje.

• Comuníquese con la compañía de servicios públicos para discutir la desconexión, conexión a tierra o cobertura protectora de los cables eléctricos.

• Realice una evaluación de riesgos del área de trabajo antes de comenzar.

• No pode árboles bajo condiciones climáticas

18 To t al L a n d s c a p e C a r e . com

M AY O 2 014

ILUSTRACIÓN POR DON LOMAX

• •

• •

peligrosas tales como vientos fuertes, congelamiento, rayos y truenos.

Utilice únicamente herramientas y equipos con aislamiento eléctrico para retirar ramas y troncos.

Utilice indumentaria de protección personal (PPE, siglas en inglés), incluyendo guantes, cascos, protección auditiva, ropas no conductoras y arneses, según sea necesario.

Aplique un cuidado extremo al mover escaleras y equipos en torno a ramas caídas y alambrado eléctrico.

Inspeccione los árboles y ramas en busca de debilidades estructurales antes de trepar o cortar.

Para leer y descargar más artículos de Safety Watch, visite totallandscapecare.com/ safetywatch.

Siempre adelante en ciencia y valor

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

Spend more time cutting, and less time worrying.

DX200 SERIES

A computer aided cutting deck design delivers premium cut quality and dispersal at high speeds. Extensive use of heavy gauge steel, cast iron and oversized components combine to provide solid commercial construction for increased durability, even in the most demanding conditions. Plus, with a 3 year commercial warranty and a limited lifetime warranty on the deck leading edge, blade spindle housing and frame - you will only be concerned about the time you save. To find out more about our products, or find a dealer near you, visit dixon-ztr.com

PAYMENTS SPECIAL FINANCING AS LOW AS 0% APR FOR 48 MONTHS*

$202 PER MO.

COMMERCIAL FLEET DISCOUNTS UP TO PROGRAMS AVAILABLE *

20% OFF

*Only available for qualified applicants. Financing available on new equipment in US only. See participating dealer for more details. Limited time offer.

dixon-ztr.com Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

irrigation

Summer Irrigation Keep lawns looking their best by following these water tips.

BY PATTY VAUGHAN

W

ith hot summers comes an unquenchable thirst, especially when you’re talking about lawn care.

However, satisfying that need for water is not as easy as scheduling a smart irrigation system once or flipping on the sprinkler switch.

When it comes to proper irrigation techniques, landscapers need to follow key guidelines and routines to make sure lawns look luscious all summer long.

Checking in First and foremost, checking every residential and commercial irrigation system is key in avoiding over watering, as

PHOTO COURTESY OF TORO

M AY 2014

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 21

photo Courtesy of eWing

irrigation

When installing irrigation equipment, paying attention to the details is key, including focusing on proper installation and using the right tools for the job. Cutting corners or rushing through the process can lead to serious problems later on.

well as under watering.

“My recommendation is to do it in the springtime when you’re firing the system back up in the colder climate markets,” says Warren Gorowitz, vice president of sustainability, Ewing Irrigation. “It’s turning on the irrigation valves, running the sprinklers to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible and making adjustments. You might find leaks that you can fix before you get into the summertime.”

As the weather begins to change, so should irrigation systems. Plants and lawns will need different amounts of water throughout the summer, and the equipment should meet the minimum irrigation needs.

In a normal season, it’s typical for a landscaper to check irrigation systems at least once during the summer months. “If they do two, they’re really ahead of the curve,” says Jed Price, marketing manager, Rain Bird Corporation. “My recommendation would be to do two – one in the June time-

22 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

m ay 2 014

frame and one in the August timeframe.”

Dealing with drought Many states and cities will deal with different levels of drought this summer. Some states, like California, are already feeling the pressure of watering restrictions.

Irrigation systems need to be working at their top efficiency when dealing with a drought situation. “When droughts come, that’s when you need to change your schedule and have it optimized,” Price says. “Droughts will show uneven coverage where it’s not set correctly, and the mid-season check is the No. 1 thing a landscaper can do to help with the drought.”

Because drought can be widespread, many cities and municipalities are offering incentives or exemptions for drip irrigation systems or smart controllers.

“Using high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles to

PHOTO COURTESY OF EWING

irrigation

water lawn areas can significantly reduce water use without sacrificing the turf quality,” says Peter Lackner, irrigation product marketing manager, Toro. “Similarly, for shrub areas or trees, switching to a drip irrigation system from sprays can have an equally effective impact in increasing efficiency of an irrigation system, allowing you to do more with less during a drought.”

Beyond checking irrigation systems and checking the water output, landscapers need to be checking the irrigation equipment for efficiency.

Sometimes, a high-efficiency sprinkler system will have a lower precipitation rate, which means the sprinklers will run longer than a traditional nozzle.

“That can come back and not be a good thing because you’re limited on how long you can run an irrigation system,” Gorowitz says.

When looking for efficient irrigation equipment, landscapers can look for items that are EPA WaterSense certified. “This means they have been third-party certified by organizations associated with the EPA to minimize over or under watering,” says Alexis Bookman, product marketing manager, Irritrol. “Plants get just the right amount of water when they need it.”

If an area is prone to drought, it’s a good idea to stay up to date on legislation, rebates and restrictions in the area. Since 2005, the Irrigation Association has hosted Smart Irrigation Month during the

M AY 2 014

Tot alL an dsc ap eC are.c om 2 3

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com

By using drip irrigation on individual trees, flower beds and container plants, landscapers can keep landscapes looking healthy, as well as reduce water waste through evaporation or runoff.

photo courtesy of rAin bird

irrigation

Landscapers should check client’s systems at the beginning and end of the hottest season to make sure everything is working properly. A misaligned head, clogged head or torn line can lead to thousands of gallons of wasted water.

month of July to bring awareness to water conservation. As part of the campaign, local governments can declare July as Smart Irrigation Month. “Legislation is important to understand with what needs to get done,” Price says.

First signs of trouble Detecting issues and problems early on can save a lawn before it’s too late. When it comes to detecting the issues, it’s all about watching the plants.

For example, if a brown spot appears in the lawn, it’s normal to think the area isn’t getting enough water. However, there may be other remedies.

“There could be a more practical solution that doesn’t involve using more water,” Lackner says.

“Try running the sprinkler system and looking for anything suspicious around the problem spot – clogged nozzles, tilted sprinklers and sprinklers that won’t pop up are all possible culprits. If fixed, the brown spot should disappear, with little to no impact on water use.”

24 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

m ay 2 014

Brown spots can be an easy problem to detect.

However, what can be more challenging is watching the plants. If there are irrigation coverage issues, there typically will be wet or dry spots or, the more obvious, dead plants. If nozzles or emitters are clogged, Gorowitz says plants will begin to die in that particular area.

However, the idea is to catch the problem before a plant may reach its untimely end, which means looking for signs of wilting.

“There are certain nozzles that can be chosen that will give you better coverage than others,” Price says. “There are even better ones in windy conditions than others. Make sure the water droplet size is optimized, which eliminates misting and gives you better coverage. All of those things will prevent different shadings in the grass, which is an indicator of poor coverage.”

Common Mistakes One of the worst mistakes a landscaper can make

30 YEARS TO GROW. 30 MINUTES TO PROTECT.

irrigation

ZYLAM LIQUID CONTROLS INSECTS FAST. ®

Something that takes this long to mature deserves the fast, dependable protection of Zylam® Liquid Systemic Insecticide.

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com

at the beginning of the season is to “set it and forget it,” Price says.

“Sprays get 15 to 20 minutes, and rotors get 25 to 30 minutes,” Price says. “They set that, and in the early part of the season, it runs too much. The later part of the season it runs too much and in the middle part, it doesn’t run enough.”

By using soil-moisture sensors and weatherbased products, over watering or under watering can virtually be eliminated.

“The best analogy is it’s a lot like your thermostat inside your house,” Price says. “With the old thermostat, you just turned it on and cooled to whatever you set it at, where as your thermostat now, you can set programs, connect it to an alarm system and adjust it appropriately. Irrigation systems have similar products to do the same thing.”

Too much water for plants and lawns can be a bad thing. However, sometimes slightly overwatering can help a lawn stay green through the hotter season. “One of the most common methods used to ensure a green landscape throughout the summer is to over water, erring on the side of too much water instead of too little, creating a ‘safety buffer’ of sorts,” Bookman says. “Try upgrading to a ‘smart’ sensor-based system instead, which doesn’t require a ‘buffer’ and will continue to ensure a healthy landscape without excessive use of water.”

To truly avoid making mistakes, Gorowitz says it’s all about paying attention to the details. When installing an irrigation system, landscapers need to make sure it is glued together properly. “People try to cut corners when installing an irrigation system,” Gorowitz says. “They might rush through things, and they will have problems down the line.”

Landscapers also need to have the right tool for the right job. For an irrigation system to run as efficiently as possible, having the correct type of technology and equipment on a jobsite is vital.

Equipment such as pressure regulators and check valves, which have been around for a number of years, are commonly overlooked.

“Taking advantage of some of the irrigation technology and things that have been around for a long time can help the system run as efficiently as possible,” Gorowitz says.

Zylam Liquid moves through plant tissue fast to control more than 100 sucking and chewing insects – some species in as little as 30 minutes.

It’s ideal for multiple application methods, including bark banding, drench and foliar, and Zylam Liquid offers extended systemic activity for residual control that lasts.

It takes time and money to get trees and shrubs perfect. Protect them with Zylam Liquid.

800.884.3179 • GordonsProfessional.com Always read and follow label directions. Gordon’s® and Zylam® are registered trademarks of PBI-Gordon Corporation. 04/14 02985

M AY 2 014

Tot alL an dsc ap eC are.c om 2 5

cover story

26 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

M AY 2 014

cover story

Solving Social Media

BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE

How to gain followers – and what to do once you have them

T

he social media hype is higher than ever. You’re constantly being told to tweet, post statuses, upload videos and share photos on a dozen different sites – but why?

And how can you maximize your efforts to get the most return for your business?

There’s no magic bullet to social media success, although there are steps you can take to grow your online presence. To do that, you must first understand why people visit these sites.

“You’re dealing with an audience that doesn’t want to deal with you,” says Marlin Caddell, web developer and social media adviser for Randall-Reilly, TLC ’s publisher. “They get on to read and see funny things.”

So, instead of trying to conduct business, be less formal and more personal. “Think of your page as an extension of you,” he says. “Facebook isn’t a press release or a business communication.

Be a person who is talking directly to other people.”

M AY 2014

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 27

cover story

Understanding how to interact on social media is only half of the task – then you need to turn followers into actual clients. “All of your engagement is trying to get people to trust you, your brand and to want to use you for their landscaping needs.”

If managed correctly, these sites can help you grow your client base and gain more exposure for your business. Here are tips, techniques and tools to achieve your company’s social media goals.

Getting started It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the social media sites out there, but there are two main ones you should focus on in the beginning.

Facebook is the primary social media site, with

Twitter coming in second. “If you focused on those two media channels, you would be covering the vast majority of your audience,” Caddell says. “It reaches all age groups, demographics and incomes – it’s all across the board.”

(If you have the manpower and already mastered these two sites, consider expanding into YouTube and Google+.)

While there’s no charge to join these sites, there’s still a time component, so social media isn’t exactly free. But, it is a low-cost tool compared to other forms of marketing, such as newspapers and TV ads. And also unlike traditional media channels, these sites allow you interact with your audience.

“They let you get directly to people and have them communicate with you,” Caddell says.

WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT THAN SOCIAL MEDIA? Before you create a Facebook page or post on Twitter, you need to have a functioning website. “You can’t live in 2014 without a website,” Marlin Caddell says. If someone is looking for a landscape company, even older clients, they will search online – and you need your business to show up.

Your site can have a simple, one-page design with the business name and contact information.

“Having a bad website is better than nothing,” Caddell says.

Once you have a page up and running, add bios of you and your staff, project photos, your services and what makes you different from the competition.

28 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

M AY 2 014

For more website resources, including free templates, mistakes to avoid and creating mobile-friendly sites, visit totallandscapecare.com/you-dont-havea-website.

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

cover story

Make people “like” you

CRACK FACEBOOK’S CODE Have you ever wondered how Facebook chooses what posts to run in its newsfeed? Although they keep their exact formulas a secret, there are a few ways we know increase your odds of being seen.

Adding multimedia elements to a post makes it more likely to end up in someone’s feed. Posting videos, photos, links and regular status updates (ranked from most to least likely to be pulled into the feed) increase your chances.

While uploading a video is your best bet of getting to the newsfeed, don’t worry about editing it. Just record 30 seconds to a minute on your phone of how you do certain tasks. For example, show how you mow a lawn, what makes your business different, something you’re working on or even a funny clip from an office party.

“These videos will give people insight into your business and show you’re personable,” Marlin Caddell says. “It builds your brand and demonstrates you’re not just out for people’s business – you want to entertain them and be a good landscaper.”

Later on if you have the time, you can always improve the quality, but it’s more important to just get videos out there.

30 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

M AY 2 014

At first, you won’t have any followers, so try to attract an audience from other places.

Search on Twitter and Facebook for topics such as your city, landscaping, hardscape, lawn maintenance or any other service you offer. Including a hashtag (#) before the word(s) – such as #landscaping – will pull up people who are posting about that topic.

Once you find people and groups that relate to your company, follow or “like” them – and hopefully they will follow you back.

You can even find feeds or chats on Facebook and Twitter to chime in on. Start commenting on other people’s sites to expand your audience reach. “To break into it, you have to get into other conversations,” Caddell says.

Also, reach out to your current clients, and suggest they follow you on social media if they are happy with your work.

To take that a step further, ask customers if you can share their testimonials and then post what they say along with photos from their projects.

“Let your clients talk about your product, so it isn’t a heavy pitch,” Caddell explains.

“The testimonial is one of the best ways to put yourself out there. It’s not you saying, ‘We’re the best.’ It’s other people saying you’re actually good.”

However, don’t expect clients to do this automatically – you have to get the process started. Mark Halla, one of TLC ’s 2014 Landscaper of the Year finalists and owner of The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Centers in Chaska, Minnesota, installed iPads in one of his garden centers where customers can like the company’s Facebook page to be entered to win prizes.

Not only do they add their customers as followers, but they also get their page in front of a larger audience. “This helps us reach these people’s friends,” Halla says.

“What a great way to capture all of those

cover story

COMBINE SOCIAL SITES When you’re first getting started, automate your social media posts.

On Monday mornings, for example, figure out what you will post for the entire week: before/after project photos, coupons, interesting landscape images, business quotes, customer testimonials or information about your staff.

If you’re only using Facebook, you can schedule posts by clicking the clock image in the box. But once you have several sites to maintain, you might want to turn to a site where you can post to all of them in one place.

On HootSuite.com, you can manage up to five media accounts for free and schedule posts on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Foursquare, WordPress and Mixi. The site also allows you to see anytime someone mentions your company.

email addresses – it’s a good marketing tool.” In less than a year, they’ve added about 2,200 new Facebook “likes.”

But remember: It’s not about having 5,000 people who like your page – it’s about having 5,000 people who are willing to promote your business.

“You want your followers to use your services or push the services to other people,” Caddell says.

What to post All of this takes time – so don’t get frustrated if the results aren’t what you expected. “You have to

Grow bet ter every day.

Our line of turf and landscape ornamental products is growing bigger and better every day. And, with more quality solutions, we can deliver more options for your business to grow better too.

To learn about our recent product additions, talk to your distributor or visit us online.

www.Nufarm.com/USTO ©2014 Nufarm. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Anuew™, Change Up™, Last Call™, Mallet®, Menace®, Millennium™ and ProDeuce® are trademarks of Nufarm. 3336® and Affirm® are trademarks of Cleary Chemical, LLC. TriStar® is a trademark of Nippon Soda Co, LTD. Arena®, Safari®, SureGuard® and Tourney® are trademarks of Valent U.S.A. Corporation.

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com M AY 2014

Untitled-53 1

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 31 4/16/14 3:02 PM

cover story

SOCIAL MEDIA BY THE NUMBERS For Twitter

83% 43.4%

Have a personal Twitter account

Access Twitter daily

But…

60.4%

Do not have a business Twitter account

Here’s how Total Landscape Care’s

readers currently use social media.

Facebook

64.5%

Access Facebook daily

But, only…

Have a Facebook page for their business

56.9%

54%

Post content on their business’s Facebook page once a week or less often

*Based on respondents who have a Facebook page for their business

*Total Landscape Care conducted the survey from Sept. 11 to Oct. 18, 2013, and 325 landscapers responded. The average respondent age was 50 years old, and the top services offered were lawn maintenance and design/build.

think about social media like a relationship. It’s not just constantly taking,” Caddell explains. “There’s just as much giving as taking.”

So what should you be sharing? Provide entertainment and informational value, instead of trying to pitch or sell people on your services. “People get

on there to see pics of friends and funny stories,” he says. “You don’t have to post photos of cats, but you need to engage the audience.”

For example, post a photo of a patio you just installed and write, “Here’s my latest project.” You can also post photos throughout the project to demonstrate your services and keep people updated on your work. Another type of post that works is introducing your staff with bios and photos.

“At first, just show you’re a knowledgeable person and good company,” he says. “Be more human than you would normally be – don’t be like, ‘I’m a business, buy services from me.’”

Instead, show followers you want to earn their business. You can do this by offering deals, coupons or showing off your project photos.

Once you’ve built that relationship with your followers, To see an infographic on how TLC ’s readers use social media, visit totallandscapecare. com/how-landscapers-use-social-media. And for more stats and tips, watch “How To Gain slowly take it a step further Social Media Followers for Your Business” at totallandscapecare.com/social-media-video. with posts like this: “You’ve

32 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

M AY 2 014

cover story

seen our testimonials and project photos. Now, if you ever have a landscaping need, I’d love to earn your business. Let me know if you have questions or want a job quote.”

It’s also important to remain consistent with your message delivery on all of your sites, making sure you are staying true to your brand, says Steven Cohen, landscape-snow industry consultant with GreenMark Consulting Group in Richmond, Virginia (greenmarkgroup.com).

“A successful landscape company understands its competitive essence,” Cohen says. “Deliver your message with a value proposition to attract attention.”

Deal with negativity As your following grows, so can the not-so-nice comments. But, if handled correctly, you can turn this into something positive for your business.

Instead of letting your emotions drive your response, explain how and why you did a project

that way in a respectful tone.

“It gives you a chance to show the company listens and that you know what you’re doing,” Caddell says.

Try not to delete comments, unless they are offensive. If a customer has a bad experience with your business, fix it on Facebook where everyone can see the resolution.

NEXT LEVEL Once you reach the point when you’ve grown all you can, you can start purchasing Facebook ads to further extend your reach.

“Only do ads as a secondary measure once you’ve hit the upper limit on your organic growth,” Marlin Caddell says. The ads allow you to target your audience based on region, age group, zip code and even interest, so you can make sure you’re reaching your target audience. To learn more about the ads, visit facebook.com/advertising.

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com M AY 2014

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 33

Presented by

Join the Best in the Industry!

Boost your business’s reputation and network with the best landscapers from across the country by entering our Landscaper of the Year program.

All of the finalists win an all-expense-paid cruise to the Bahamas and have their business featured in an issue of Total Landscape Care magazine.

Enter Today

totallandscapecare.com/loy

Congratulations to our 2014 Landscaper of the Year and Finalists!

LANDSCAPERS OF THE YEAR Andrea Wilson Mueller & Michael Mueller Inside Out Design Frankfort, Kentucky

Mark & Kay Halla The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Centers Chaska, Minnesota

David Land Tulsa Landscape, Inc. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Lewis Bennett & Dana Shook Green Dreams Landscape Management, Inc. Pinebluff, North Carolina

Joe Hanauer Landscape Architecture, LLC Madison, Wisconsin

Scott Reister TG&R Landscape Group Rock Hill, South Carolina

Ross Bowen Ross NW Watergardens Portland, Oregon

Dustin Hanson Hanson Landscape, Inc. Big Rock, Illinois

Terry Sims The Garden Artist, LLC Boise, Idaho

Matthew Gilligan Magnolia Landscape, LLC Virginia Beach, Virginia

Claude Kershner III Reef Tropical Lawn Key Largo, Florida

Stephen Wright Creative Landscape & Irrigation, Inc. Asheboro, North Carolina

34 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

M AY 2 014

Works of Art

Terry Sims The Garden Artist, Inc. Boise, Idaho

A small company has big success because of a landscaper’s design skills, marketing, relationships and time management.

BY AMY MATERSON

T

erry Sims has always been a woman of action. Possessing the ability to fuse her creative thought processes with practical applications, she’s able to come up with innovative, yet sensible, solutions for any problem.

So when she realized she

wasn’t putting her Fine Arts degree from Cal State Long Beach to good use, she knew she needed to find a job she would be passionate about.

She discovered a book, “I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was,” and in eight hours, she realized the career for

her was in landscape architecture. “It was perfect,” Sims says.

“Being a landscape architect was exactly what I wanted to do.”

When Sims divorced at the age of 45, she found the opportunity to enroll in the Boise State University horticulture program, which she followed with the

M AY 2014

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 35

landscaper of the year finalist

The Garden Artist created a waterfall that spills into a fishpond, which is flanked by a walkway of stones that appear to float above the water.

University of Idaho’s landscape architecture program. As the single mom of then-10-year-old

daughter Kodi, she studied landscape architecture via distance education, becoming the first

4 TIPS TO SIMS’ SUCCESS

1

Long-term view. This phrase, which is the company’s mission statement, means they focus on their commitment to longterm relationships, continuing education, research and development, sustainability and community involvement.

2 3

Watch the clock. “Time efficiency is our most valuable asset because however business savvy, no one gets the opportunity to recapture time,” Terry Sims says.

4

Vendor relationships. “Because we develop long-term relationships, our vendors are familiar with our repeat purchases and keep these items in stock,” Sims says. “We never wait for a shipment unless it’s something we haven’t ordered in the past.”

Above and beyond. They don’t just create well-designed outdoor areas that clients will enjoy – Sims and her team also include warranties, quarterly touchbacks, quick turnaround on warranty items, phased landscape improvements and annual walk-throughs to assess the health of plants.

To hear more of Sims’s tips, visit totallandscapecare.com/ sims-success.

36 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

M AY 2 014

person to attend the school’s program remotely – all while continuing to work full time.

Her hard work paid off, and she launched The Garden Artist, a high-end design/build firm specializing in outdoor living areas, in 2004 in Boise, Idaho.

Sub success The company has an unusual structure, with only three employees. Sims is the sole designer and general contractor, and she hires trusted firms for the installation. She has formed a close working relationship with Curt Gallegos and Dave Wells of Cougar Mountain Landscaping and says the partnership offers the best of both worlds.

“They build 85 percent of my projects,” she says. “The beauty of not having them on my staff

landscaper of the year finalist

SEO, or search engine optimization, and to handle The Garden Artist’s social media initiatives.

Sims keeps in constant contact with prospective clients and always goes above and beyond

to showcase her projects. One of her successful strategies is to offer a landscape plan for various arts venues.

“I’ll donate a plan to be auctioned off for charity,” she says.

Water flows into a copper bowl and then cascades into a reflecting pool. A fire feature surrounded by seating provides warmth.

Reaching her audience

Sims refers to herself as a “marketing genius,” noting up to 70 percent of her business initially came from her website. She has hired someone specifically to do

CUT YOUR MOWING COSTS WITH PROPANE.

AND GET UP TO $1,000 PER MOWER TO PROVE IT.

Text info to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com

is that they remain independent contractors with benefits of licensing and insurance – less risk for our firm.”

Having Cougar Mountain Landscaping handle the majority of her installations also allows Sims to reap a huge financial benefit. With a small staff, there’s no need for her to have a lot of equipment or materials; most of what she needs to have on hand can be found on her 1 1/2-acre property in Boise, which she had custom-built as a combination residence/studio.

Her partner, Patrick McIntire, a general contractor who specializes in fine furniture and cabinetry, occasionally is brought in to handle an improvement. “He’s always pushing the limits,” she says. “I know it will be done perfectly if I bring him in as a sub on complex outdoor kitchens, for example.”

Take part in our Propane Mower Incentive Program and get $1,000 back for each new qualifying propane-fueled mower purchase, or $500 back for each qualifying mower conversion. In return, you’ll tell us about your experience for one mowing season.

For more information, see your mowing equipment dealer or visit poweredbypropane.org.

Some restrictions apply.

See rules at poweredbypropane.org.

m ay 2014

Untitled-5 1

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 37 3/24/14 8:42 AM

landscaper of the year finalist

“Everyone there sees it, and it allows me to advertise to the type of people who go to these auctions – people who support the arts or Boise State University.

It allows me to advertise while giving back to the community.”

Sims sees giving back to her community as crucial. She’s lived in the Treasure Valley area for 23 years and wants to help the area that supported her.

She’s often taught at the Idaho Botanical Gardens and served as a guest speaker at the College of Western Idaho. Additionally, Sims is a published author in local and national publications.

Managing the details

A creative approach Sims has taken with the practical side of the business is spending one entire day per week with her accountant.

Although Sims says she would get out and pull weeds if she needed to, she knows she needs to concentrate on the big

(Above) The fire/water feature was combined to save space in this small backyard.

(Right) Water drops into a channel adjacent to the fire with this yin-yang feature.

picture and on the numbers.

One area Sims felt she needed specific help in was time management, and she knew her accountant could help her.

Her accountant has worked out a unique system that enabled Sims to designate how much time she spent on certain activities and which should be

handled by someone else.

Charting the time has enabled Sims to better plan not only her projects, but also the future structure of her company. For example, she now knows she will need to hire an administrative assistant this year and bring on a personal gardener to manage upkeep on her projects next year.

Reaping the rewards

Water originates from a weir below the fire and spirals down, dropping into a vessel for sound.

38 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

m ay 2 014

Efforts to get her name out as a leader in upscale landscape design have been wildly successful. Boise has a thriving medical community with a large population of trauma specialists and other medical professionals, and The Garden Artist was able

landscaper of the year finalist

house was built around them – not the other way around.”

To see more project photos from The Garden Artist, visit totallandscapecare.com/thegarden-artist.

To enter to be Landscaper of the Year, visit totallandscapecare. com/loy.

Your Vision, Their Dream – Anywhere Communicating your vision to prospective customers has never been easier with PRO Landscape design software. Whether your design platform is a desktop, laptop or tablet you can design and sell anytime, and now – anywhere.

PRO Landscape is not only easy to use, but feature rich including stunning photo imaging, night and holiday lighting, 2D CAD, 3D renderings, and complete customer proposals.

Text info to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com

to serve this market and actually experience growth during the recession.

“The upper-end projects allow me to be more creative,” she says. “Those clients expect a huge ‘wow’ factor.”

However, Sims notes she’ll take on almost any project and says she loves a challenge. “It pushes my boundary when someone has a smaller budget.

You still can’t provide something typical.”

The demand for beautiful, functional outdoor living spaces is high in Boise, where there is an abundance of natural beauty. “My clients understand the benefit of being outdoors,” Sims says. “People want serenity when they come home. I design landscapes that will be as beautiful in the winter as they will be in the summer, spring and fall.”

Although she has numerous projects in Boise, Sims says she would like to continue to expand The Garden Artist in the Northwest. She consistently works in Boise until Christmas and then loads up into her mobile studio – a huge RV she’s named Bernadette – and heads for California, where she’ll work until her Feb. 15 startup in Boise.

No matter where Sims’s clients are located, she brings the same level of perfection to each client. Her specialty is features that evoke “walking on water,” and she often incorporates fire into her water features, and water features into her fire pits.

“I want it to look like the water features were there, and the

Bring your customer’s dreams to life – starting today!

D

E

S

I

N

S

O

F

T

W

A

R

E

prolandscape.com sales@prolandscape.com 800-231-8574

m ay 2014

Untitled-6 1

G

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 39 3/24/14 1:40 PM

equipment matters

Max Out Your CTL

By RichaRd Ries

How to get the most from your compact track loaders

C

ompared to skid steers, compact track loaders (CTLs) cost more, have slower travel speeds, are better in soft underfoot conditions and handle slopes better. Common knowledge.

But if your assessment of the performance of CTLs and their potential for your business stops with the commonplace, you

40 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

m ay 2 014

can’t make the right decisions regarding their use.

First, consider the cost factor.

It’s true a CTL typically costs 30 percent more than a comparably sized skid steer, which amounts to an upcharge of $10,000 to $15,000. But that CTL will also offer performance advantages that increase productivity and may more than offset the initial

The Bobcat T650 compact track loader – paired with the tree spade attachment – can dig, transplant and load trees.

cost during the service life of the machine.

One of the challenges for contractors making the switch from skid steers to CTLs is to make accompanying changes in their business practices, according to Mike Fitzgerald, product specialist with Bobcat. “Assess your work practices and procedures and related billing charges to maximize the advantages of a CTL,” he says. “Faster production means you can move on to another job sooner, and you’ll be

equipment matters

With a vertical lift design, the Case Construction Equipment TV380 has an 84-horsepower engine and 10,200-pound operating weight.

able to work on wet days when you otherwise could not.”

Lars Arnold, product manager with Volvo North America, says it’s important to understand the difference in establishing the rated operating capacity when calculating productivity. Skid steers are rated at 50 percent of tipping load, whereas compact track loaders are rated at 35 percent.

“The intent is to reflect the understanding that CTLs are more likely to be operated on soft ground and on slopes, and the 35-percent figure is more realistic in these conditions,” Arnold says. So, if a skid steer and CTL both have tipping loads of 7,000 pounds, the skid steer will have an ROC of 3,500 pounds, and the CTL will have one of 2,450 pounds. (Even OEMs that list a CTL’s 50-percent figure first will provide the 35-percent number as well.)

A big factor in the cost of operation of a CTL is in the tracks and undercarriage, but

that’s largely controllable, says Jamie Wright, product manager at Terex. “The most common cause of premature track failure is operating technique. Many operators run their CTLs as they would skid steers, doing counter-rotation spin turns and spinning the tracks when driving into a pile to more fully fill the bucket. These practices will increase wear and tear on tracks, especially in rough underfoot conditions.”

He advocates running CTLs as any other crawler machine, using three-point turns, alternating turns to the left and right to even out undercarriage wear, minimizing backing and avoiding sudden changes in direction.

Wright says payback on a CTL is approximately 18 months when the machine is managed properly to take full benefit from its advantages.

Next, there’s travel speed.

Arnold says Volvo’s single-speed skid steers top out at 7.5 mph and single-speed CTLs at 5.7

mph. Numbers for the two types when configured as two-speed models are 18.5 and 7.8 mph.

So, the two-speed CTL has only marginally faster travel speeds than the single-speed skid steer.

But travel speed only matters in some applications, says Paul Wade, marketing manager at New Holland, “and for most applications where CTLs are best-suited, travel speed isn’t a factor.”

Sometimes it goes beyond the application to the attachment used in that application, explains Gregg Zupancic, marketing manager with John Deere. “Typical ground pressures are 30 to 35 psi for skid steers and 4 to 6 psi for compact track loaders, making skid steers better for blade-type snow removal despite a CTL’s greater push. A skid steer’s higher ground speed also facilitates snowplowing.

With a snowblower attachment, the CTL may be a better choice because speed is less important for results, and the CTL’s better tractive effort emerges as an advantage.”

Arnold says one spec to watch is operating weight. “A CTL will have about 20 percent more weight than a comparable skid steer, which may raise transportability issues.”

Attachments Essentially, all attachments that work on a skid steer will work on a compact track loader, and CTLs and skid steers of comparable size have comparable specs as far as dump height and

m ay 2014

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 41

equipment matters

reach. But a CTL’s more stable demeanor gives it the edge in some tasks, such as front grading. (The distinction disappears with back grading, and either type of machine performs that task well.)

CTLs are also great for trenching, says Warren Anderson, brand marketing manager for Case Construction Equipment.

“Trenching typically takes place in a finished yard, and CTLs provide minimal rutting and low ground pressure. And as with grading applications, CTLs provide a smoother and more consistent path with a trencher due to their great stability and lower tendency to bounce.” CTLs also react better to obstructions and surface irregularities, tending to glide over them rather than moving up and over, as does a skid steer, Anderson says.

“Asphalt profilers are becoming popular on CTLs,” says George Chaney, international sales manager of skid steers and CTLs at JCB. “With their greater lift capacity, lack of bounce and overall greater stability, they produce a much tighter finished spec.”

Kelly Moore, product training specialist at Gehl, says landscape tools are an especially good match for the operating characteristics of CTLs. “Ground preparation, leveling and finishing work are perfect uses of a compact track loader. But, this assumes the general conditions are suitable for a CTL. If conditions are not right for a CTL, if there’s a lot of rock or other

42 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

m ay 2 014

Powered by an Interim Tier 4 diesel engine, the large-frame model has up to 10 percent more horsepower than the previous D-Series models.

hard, abrasive material, a CTL is not the right machine for the job no matter how well it matches the attachment required for that job.”

Because CTLs have greater lift capacity, they are well suited for larger, heavier attachments.

“With their long, stable lift platform, CTLs handle heavier work tools well,” says Kevin Coleman, senior marketing engineer at Caterpillar. Examples he gives include mulching heads, brush cutters, wheel saws and large cold planers.

With their high lift capacities, CTLs can carry some big attachments, and the weight of the attachment may not be the limiting factor in matching it with

your CTL. So Wright emphasizes the importance of matching an attachment with a loader’s hydraulic system.

“Pay attention to the attachment’s flow requirements,” Wright says. “If the hydraulic system is underrated for the total demands of the CTL and its attachments, operation may be sluggish with attachments requiring continuous flow, such as augers and brooms. Or the CTL may cut flow to the attachment altogether.” He recommends working with the dealer where the CTL was purchased to ensure desired attachments will work with a given CTL. CTLs may be prone to overheating in applications with

equipment matters

The Cat 289D compact track loader has a vertical lift design, 74.3 net horsepower, 3,800-pound rated operating capacity at 50 percent and 10,533-pound operating weight.

high hydraulic requirements if performed in hot conditions, Zupancic says. One example would be cold-planing asphalt on a hot day. This is because the CTL’s undercarriage and tracks put additional load on the hydraulic system. “This doesn’t mean CTLs can’t be used for these applications,” he explains. “It does mean that operating technique and machine maintenance become even more important.”

Interestingly, sources diverged on the suitability of CTLs for forestry and land clearing.

Some said those applications were perfect for a CTL’s power, tractive effort, stability on slopes and ability to handle heavy attachments. Others said the presence of sapling stumps and other harsh materials would compromise track life. The disparity underlines the fundamental distinction between CTLs and skid steers: aggressive underfoot conditions generally exclude CTLs and favor skid steers.

Options As with skid steers, CTLs are available with either vertical or radial lift. But vertical is more common than radial on CTLs, and radial usually is found on the smaller machines.

Arnold says the same rule applies to CTLs as skid steers: “If the operator looks down at the attachment, radial is better. If the operator looks up, vertical is better.”

Operators are more productive when using a familiar control pattern, so most OEMs provide choices. Deere offers three: joystick controls with switchable ISO or H patterns and foot controls.

Joysticks on Volvo machines can be switched between ISO and H pattern; Volvo does not offer foot controls.

Case also offers ISO and H patterns via a rocker switch, and operators can further adjust machine performance with up to nine presets through the EZ-EH

(electrohydraulic) controls.

Because a high percentage of CTLs go to owner-operators, comfort and convenience features are often spec’ed on these machines, Chaney says.

Examples include enclosed cabs, HVAC, heated and adjustable seats, two-speed travel, a power quick hitch and JCB’s Smooth Ride System (SRS), which provides boom cushioning to help maintain full bucket loads and improve operator comfort on rough terrain. The company’s protection package includes Level II FOPS, front and side screens and other beefedup safety items and is popular in forestry and land-clearing applications.

Some OEMs offer only one size of tracks with their CTLs. Bobcat offers two, a standard and a wide. Volvo offers two widths – 12 and 18 inches – for their mid-range MCT110C and MCT125C models. JCB’s track options include turf and all-purpose. Terex offers three tracks: general purpose, smooth/ turf and extreme terrain, with 10 percent more width and aggressive track treads.

With other crawler machines, such as dozers, underfoot conditions often dictate track width.

Soft conditions require wider tracks, like on low-groundpressure (LGP) machines, to provide additional flotation. Rocky conditions will twist wide tracks, accelerating wear on them and other undercarriage components, so narrow tracks are best there.

Fitzgerald says track width is

m ay 2014

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 43

equipment matters

determined by ground conditions, required flotation and maximum acceptable machine width.

Caterpillar offers two distinct types of compact track loaders. In addition to a product line named compact track loaders, they also offer multi-terrain loaders (MTLs), which are designed to have even lower ground pressure.

The MTLs come with wide tracks as standard equipment, and the use of different materials in the tracks and undercarriage sheds some weight.

For example, their 289D CTL has an operating weight of 10,533 pounds, an ROC of 2,660 pounds (at 35 percent of tipping load) and ground pressure of 4.6 psi. Their 287D MTL has an operating weight of 9,929 pounds, an ROC of 2,800 pounds (at 35 percent) and ground pressure of 3.9 psi.

Daily checks Track tension is key to minimizing problems and costs with CTLs. Too loose, and the machine can de-track. Too tight, and undercarriage and track wear are accelerated.

Track tension should be part of every day walk-arounds, and the tracks should be tensioned as required. This usually takes only a few minutes and is accomplished by adding or bleeding grease from a cylinder that expands or contracts to adjust tension.

Gehl machines offer IdealTrax Automatic Track Tensioning Sys-

44 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

m ay 2 014

The Gehl RT250’s lift arm incorporates dual bucket cylinders and two lift-arm stop blocks on the front of the main frame. When fully raised, the hinge pin has a 128-inch height.

tem. “The system automatically tensions the tracks at start-up,” Moore says, “and it maintains correct, continuous tensioning while the machine is operating.

At shutdown, the tracks automatically slack, reducing load on the tracks, bearings and rollers and extending the service life of those components.”

Anderson advises customers to consider the impact of emerging Tier 4 regulations. “As Tier 4 Final continues to roll out to other engine power categories, it will be important to assess the unique service and repair requirements of machines with Tier 4 Final power.”

He says it’s best to find machines with minimal demands

related to emissions control systems, “because these machines are often operated and serviced by numerous people throughout an organization with varying levels of technical expertise.”

“There is a specific place in the market for CTLs,” Wade says.

“They go hand-in-hand with skid steers but work in different environments. Customers need to evaluate their working conditions and use the machine best-suited to those conditions, while also adjusting their business practices to take advantage of that machine type’s strengths and weaknesses.”

This article originally ran in Equipment World magazine.

STANDARD LOAD-SENSING HYDRAULICS BURN LESS FUEL

SELECT OPERATIONAL ECONOMY MODE TO ACHIEVE AN ADDITIONAL 20% FUEL SAVINGS

INDUSTRY EXCLUSIVE 200-DEGREE BUCKET ROTATION

BLADE FLOAT ON ALL MODELS IMPROVES THE SPEED AND EASE OF FINISH GRADING

GROUND LEVEL ACCESS WITH GROUPED SERVICE POINTS REDUCES MAINTENANCE TIME

KEY MACHINE FEATURES TO DEMAND ON YOUR NEXT MACHINE. SAVE COST ON MAINTENANCE We offer Preventive Maintenance Kits that give you everything you need to perform routine maintenance on every machine we offer. Simply stop in and pick one up.

SINCE 1933 Louisiana Cat www.LouisianaCat.com 866-843-7440

The industry’s most successful contractors count on exclusive features to give them a competitive advantage on every jobsite they work on. When it comes to your fleet, don’t settle for anything other than the next generation of tough. Make yourself the preferred contractor.

SINCE 1982 PUCKETT MACHINERY CO. www.puckettcat.com Jackson, MS 601-969-6000 800-748-3095

SINCE 1927 RIGGS CAT riggscat.com Little Rock, AR 800-876-1021

SINCE 1985 WARREN CAT warrencat.com Oklahoma City, OK Tulsa, OK 1-866-2WARREN

© 2014 Caterpillar All rights reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com www.caterpillar.com

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

chemical care

e y R -

When Turf Goes

A

It’s hard to be selective when taking perennial ryegrass out of the mix.

BY CINDY RATCLIFF

46 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

M AY 2 014

In it to win it

T

here are many good uses for ryegrass. No other grass is faster at providing a quick pop of green. It’s prolific. In southern states, this cool-season grass is often overseeded on warmseason turf to provide a green lawn during winter.

In cooler climates, ryegrass can serve as a permanent lawn. It’s versatile and adaptable. It has good disease and insect resistance and even tolerates moderate shade.

These are all good traits for turf, except when you don’t want ryegrass in your lawn. The characteristics that make it a desirable option are the same ones that make it so difficult to purge, especially if you live where there aren’t especially harsh summer temperatures to help.

Annual ryegrass is more compliant than its counterpart, perennial ryegrass. There are some pre-emergence herbicides (pendimethalin, prodiamine) that can help you transition annual ryegrass from turf. Perennial ryegrass, by contrast, presents more of a challenge because there are far fewer tools from which to choose, and no selective herbicides can do the job. If you want to take down perennial ryegrass, you have two options: a nonselective herbicide like glyphosate or a shovel.

The good news is that perennial ryegrass is not really an invasive weed, certainly not in a lawn environment. It’s not one of those plants that goes to seed in a lawn, according to Peter Landschoot, Ph.D., professor of turfgrass science at The Pennsylvania State University.

“It’s either being planted in lawns or was planted in the past and has somehow gained an advantage,” Landschoot says. It can over-compete and take over a newly seeded lawn, even when it’s planted as a small part of a seed mix, which is sometimes the case. Many seed mixes will include ryegrass in some amount, even as little as 20 percent, for its quick-green qualities.

“I’ve seen situations before where lawns have been seeded with an OK mix, and for years, the lawn performs fine. But have a few bad summers or winters, and certain grasses predominate more than others,” he continues. “A lawn is an ecosystem and is constantly changing. If you plant with three grasses, you’ll never retain the same amount of each. It will always go back and forth between species. Also, you start to get certain types of grasses segregating into patches or clumps.

“You’re dealing with a long-term perennial ecosystem, and things are going to change; some bad and good will happen,” he says. If for some reason clumpy, coarse turfgrasses have gained an advantage, it’s all part of the process, and it’s likely because of the weather, soil or traffic.

Taking out the grass One reason your clients are going to complain about perennial ryegrass as a weed is because it’s the first grass species to green-up in early spring

M AY 2014

TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 47

chemical care

when the turfgrass surrounding it has not, which definitely draws attention. In addition, it will grow faster in early spring compared to the other turf.

If a client is willing to be patient, though, the ryegrass eventually can blend in with other grass if mowed consistently.

“When the other grasses start to come in by mid-spring, it starts to blend in. By May, you don’t notice it as much,” Landschoot says.

This can be a good option if you have perennial ryegrass in patches throughout the lawn, given the only other options for control are more severe.

If you or your client want

to get rid of isolated clumps of perennial ryegrass for good, spot treating with a non-selective and suffering through the wait with some bare batches is your only chemical option.

“There is no pre-emergence herbicide that is going to take it out,” Landschoot says. “The only thing that ever worked on selective removal of perennial ryegrass (Nufarm’s Corsair, a chlorosulfuron-containing product used to eliminate undesirable clump grasses like ryegrass), was taken off the market for cool-season turf. Since that has been removed from our arsenal, there is nothing selective that will take it out.”

If you decide to spot treat with glyphosate, Landschoot recommends doing it late spring (around the end of April).

“If you have patches all over, you may as well just clear it with glyphosate and start over,” he says.

If you’re waiting for extreme temperatures to help knock it out, don’t, unless you live in the southern states. The temperatures don’t get hot enough in the north to do the trick, not even normally in the Midwest.

Mixing it up The best defense against ryegrass in turf is to not get it started in the first place.

Join the Conversation Stay updated on green industry news, network with other pros, find project ideas, watch equipment videos and much more on Total Landscape Care magazine’s website and social media pages.

www.TotalLandscapeCare.com 48 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

facebook.com/totallandscapecare

pinterest.com/tlcmagazine/

Total Landscape Care magazine (group)

twitter.com/tlcmagazine

youtube.com/tlcmagazine

houzz.com/user/tlcmagazine

Total Landscape Care magazine

M AY 2 014

TLC_SocialMedia_Half_HouseAd.indd Untitled-14 1 1

12/16/13 8/9/13 2:46 8:50 PM AM

“Even if a mixture says it contains only 20 percent rye, that’s a lot of plants,” he warns.

Also, be leery of seed packages that don’t state the variety. If your client likes to get out in the spring or fall and throw seed, it may be a good opportunity to invite him or her to consult with you so you can evaluate the seed first. It could also be the encouragement your client needs to let you handle the seeding. At the very least, it will increase your implied value and expertise to your client.

Even if your client hasn’t planted perennial ryegrass, it could lie dormant in the soil for years, waiting to pop up when the perfect conditions are present.

PHOTO COURTESY BOB MUGASS, U OF MN

chemical care

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com

chemical care

SEED SELECTION: READING BETWEEN THE LINES Purchasing quality seed is the first step to establishing a lush, green lawn of turfgrass. Mess up this step, and it doesn’t matter how well you prepare the soil or care for it while it’s growing – it’s never going to be great.

One of the most common mistakes made when selecting seed is choosing a cultivar that is not appropriate for your growing environment. You can, however, choose a completely on-target grass seed and be sabotaged if the seed you buy is not quality seed. The key to knowing the difference is looking for clues on the bag and in the label.

For instance, if it says on the bag the seed provides “quick green,” then it’s likely to include some form of ryegrass, typically annual ryegrass. If you don’t want ryegrass in the mix, stay away from any seed that advertises being “quick” or “fast.”

According to Michigan State University Extension (MSU), you should also know the keyword “tough” or phrase “for high-traffic areas” is code for “probably contains tall fescue,” at least in cooler regions.

“Shade mix” can mean the seed contains Kentucky bluegrass and fescues.

If you provide turf care for a client who insists on seeding without your help, it’s a great idea to go over these elements or even offer to consult or make a recommendation. Helping them understand how to read the label and what to look for on the bag can make your job much easier.

The following tips for reading a seed label and recommendations by category were provided by MSU. Cultivars: The simplest tip is to look for specific cultivar names, not only “Kentucky bluegrass” or “tall fescue.” Named cultivars

Dreampackage Enter to win equipment and products from these companies at landscapersdreampackage.com.

SE ASON AFTE R SE ASON

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com 50 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om LDP AD_TLC0414PG044.indd 1

M AY 2 014

3/25/14 11:08 AM

chemical care

Grass Seeds

are superior in many traits to the common types.

Purity: The percent by weight of the particular cultivar seed.

Germination: The percent of pure seed that germinates under ideal conditions. Simple guidelines include never

purchasing seed with less than 70 percent germination. A higher germination percentage is better.

Crop: This is the seed of any other commercially grown grass crop. Crop could include grasses such as orchardgrass, timothy,

Win a Soil Knife and Sheath!

clover or bentgrass. High-quality turfgrass seed should contain no other crop seed or, at the most, 1 percent.

Inert: The percent by weight of material other than seed. This might include chaff, corncobs, sand or soil. Look for a value less than 4 percent.

Noxious Weeds: These are weeds that are particularly difficult to control and are declared noxious by some states. It is illegal to sell seed that contains noxious weeds. If noxious weed are present, they must be listed by name.

Date Tested: This is the date the seed was tested. Look for seed that was tested within the previous 12 months.

SOURCE: “TURF TIPS,” MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

y a w a e v i G Enter by

JUNE 18

Divide plants, uproot weeds, plant bulbs, cut twine, remove rocks and more with A.M. Leonard’s deluxe soil knife. The soil knife’s stainless steel blade is 1 3/4 inches wide and has a deeply serrated edge for root cutting.

Enter to win one of seven deluxe soil knives and sheaths at totallandscapecare.com/ giveaway by June 18. /tlcmagazine

/totallandscapecare

for your chance to win!

Enter to win here

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com M AY 2014

Ed Picks Giveaway Ad_TLC0514.indd 1

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 51 4/17/14 9:07 AM

Making Green

BY BRUCE W. SMITH

Larger fleets benefit from having their own refueling station onsite.

Sometimes, smaller landscapers can make arrangements to fuel their vehicles at the same location.

52 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

M AY 2 014

How propane autogas hits full stride PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PERC

ProPickup

PhotograPhy courtesy of Perc

K

eeping a landscape company profitable is a huge undertaking that requires smart decision-making on all fronts. One area that is always of concern is finding ways to keep annual fuel costs in check.

The biggest cost in that regard is the fuel used for moving crews and equipment from jobsite to jobsite. Pickups and vans, especially when trailers are in-tow, are not the most fuelefficient vehicles on the road. So utilizing smart routing, keeping vehicles well maintained and educating drivers how to drive with fuel savings in mind helps in cost reduction.

But the best way to reduce fuel costs begins with those vehicles’ engines – and choosing the best engine fuel system for the tasks at hand. That’s where propane autogas, also known as LPG, comes into play.

Today, more and more landscapers are taking advantage of the benefits bi-fuel vehicles bring to the corporate table.

Profitability and propane go hand in hand, says Tucker Perkins, chief business development officer at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), which oversees the training, safety, research and development of LPG in the United States, including propane autogas.

(Propane autogas is the term for propane used as vehicle fuel.)

Some reading this may discount that idea right away thinking LPG is both inefficient and a hassle to use in landscape company’s pickups or vans

New technology has simplified autogas refueling during the years so it’s an easy procedure, much like filling a conventional gas tank.

when compared to gas or diesel.

While that line of thinking may have been somewhat accurate a dozen years ago, new engine technology, the growing abundance of U.S.-produced propane and a widespread acceptance of alternative fuels has changed the mental landscape dramatically.

Thermal energy From a purely comparative standpoint of thermal energy, British thermal unit (BTU), propane makes about 15 percent less than unleaded E-10, 25 percent less than regular unleaded gasoline and about 40 percent less than diesel.

But that’s thermal energy, and those numbers don’t equate to fuel economy in today’s fuelinjected/direct-injected engines, according to Perkins. Propane is

more efficient in the combustion chamber than gasoline (or diesel) because it vaporizes completely.

“We study propane autogas like crazy,” Perkins says. “Generally, we see a gaseous bi-fuel [propane autogas/gasoline] system delivering 10 to 15 percent less than gasoline fuel economy, while the more modern liquid direct-injection bi-fuel systems are within 4 to 5 percent of gasoline’s mpg numbers.”

Perkins says that gap will narrow even further in the next of couple years as directinjection systems become standard in pickup and van engines.

“I think it’s comfortable to say that even at those great BTU differences, propane autogas technology will bring that efficiency gap much closer to zero than 5 percent of gasoline’s mpg numbers,” Perkins says.

m ay 2014

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 53

ProPickup

Thermal efficiency and fuel economy aside, the cost difference between propane autogas and gasoline/diesel is where the cost savings of utilizing LPG as a primary vehicle fuel shines bright.

To compare the price of gasoline or diesel, which are liquids, to propane autogas, which is gaseous, the industry uses what’s called Gasoline Gallon Equivalents (GGE) where gasoline is the base number. For example, 15 LPG gallons is the equivalent of 11.16 GGEs. In general, propane autogas prices follow the trends of gasoline. March 2014 fuel prices averaged $3.33 for gasoline, $3.91 for diesel and $1.99 GGE for autogas according to cleanfuelusa.com.

What would be the typical annual fuel savings going from gasoline to propane power – all other factors being equal?

“For the typical fleet running 30,000 miles per year, the annual fuel savings could be $2,800 per vehicle – gasoline to propane,” says Curtis Donaldson, founder and managing director of CleanFUEL USA. “Diesel to propane could be a cost savings of $5,500/year. Those figures are calculated using $3.10/gal for gasoline or $3.75/ gal for diesel and propane at $1.80 per gallon.”

Those fuel savings can be even greater if landscapers take advantage of buying auotgas in bulk, which further reduces the cost-per-gallon along with other

54 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

m ay 2 014

PhotograPhy courtesy IcoM North aMerIca

Price

Bi-fuel propane autogas conversions vary widly in price and complexity. But all of them require certified installation.

financial benefits.

“Companies can purchase all or a portion of anticipated annual propane usage in advance,” says Ben Wood, Regional Manager of Northwest Propane Gas Co., which provides services to the northern region of Texas.

“Typically, the customer needs to be able to commit to a certain amount of propane purchased during a period of time, and depending on the length of the agreement and the amount of fuel needed, there may be some storage fees. But the bulk rate is a good deal for landscapers,” Wood explains.

Autogas refueling solutions

Another financial benefit of buying propane autogas in bulk, according to Woods, is that many propane wholesalers will set up a storage tank and vehiclerefueling pump at your business for free on long-term purchase contracts. The tanks are typically of the 500- or 1,000-gallon variety with a gas station-style pump.

Filling one’s own vehicles with propane autogas has become easier with new fuel tanks and filler designs. It’s much like filling a normal fuel tank with a

HARBOR FREIGHT

500 Stores Nationwide

LIFETIME WARRANTY

QUALITY TOOLS AT RIDICULOUSLY LOW PRICES

FACTORY DIRECT SAVINGS How does Harbor Freight sell great quality tools at the lowest prices? We buy direct from the same factories who supply the expensive brands and pass the savings on to you. It’s just that simple! Come in and see for yourself why over 25 million satisfied customers and leading automotive and consumer magazines keep talking about our great quality and unbeatable prices. Visit one of our 500 Stores Nationwide and use this 20% Off Coupon on one of over 7,000 products*, plus pick up a Free 9 LED Aluminum Flashlight, a $6.99 value.

• We Will Beat Any Competitor’s Price Within 1 Year Of Purchase • No Hassle Return Policy • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

SUPER COUPON!

ON ALL HAND TOOLS!

SUPER COUPON!

FREE 20%

3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHT NINE LED ALUMINUM FLASHLIGHT

OFF

ITEM 65020 69052/69111

Item 65020 shown

6

$ 99

ANY SINGLE ITEM

LIMIT 1 - Save 20% on any one item purchased at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon, gift cards, Inside Track Club membership, extended service plans or on any of the following: compressors, generators, tool storage or carts, welders, floor jacks, Towable Ride-On Trencher (Item 65162), open box items, in-store event or parking lot sale items. Not valid on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase date with original receipt. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

WITH ANY PURCHASE

VALUE

LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last.

Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

NOBODY BEATS OUR QUALITY, SERVICE AND PRICE!

Customers and Experts Agree Harbor Freight WINS in QUALITY and PRICE R !

PE ON SU UP CO

6.5 HP (212 CC) CHIPPER SHREDDER

1.5 HP ELECTRIC POLE SAW

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE $30

LOT NO. 60599/95964

SAVE $100

Item 60599 shown

$

349

$

369

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

3 PIECE DECORATIVE SOLAR LED LIGHTS

SAVE $

50

$7999 $8999

$

Cannot by calling 800-423-2567. or HarborFreight.com or es after 30 days from original LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores t or coupon or prior purchas le. Original be used with other discoun Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferab er per day. per custom coupon one purchase with original receipt.

Limit Valid through 9/6/14. coupon must be presented.

SAVE 50%

Item 95275 shown

LOT NO. 95275 60637/69486/61615

$

39

REG. 99 PRICE $79.99

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

REG. PRICE $299.99

59

LOT NO. 68053 69252 60569/62160

• 3-1/2 Pumps Lifts Most Vehicles!

• Weighs 27 lbs.

61235 93640/60447 93641/60448

SAVE 63%

3

SAVE $150

LOT NO. 90154/62170

$

• DOT certified

Item 93640 shown

REG. $ 69 PRICE

Item 90154 shown

24999

REG. PRICE $399.99

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

LOT NO. 67020 61770/61906

5/8" x 100 FT. COMMERCIAL DUTY GARDEN HOSE

SAVE 50%

Item 68053 shown

R !

MECHANIC'S GLOVES PE ON SU UP MEDIUM LARGE X-LARGE O LOT NO. LOT NO. LOT NO. C YOUR CHOICE!

1195 LB. CAPACITY 4 FT. x 8 FT. HEAVY DUTY FOLDABLE UTILITY TRAILER

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

9

– Four Wheeler Magazine

REG. SAVE 99 PRICE $60 $119.99

160

REG. PRICE $29.99

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

3 GALLON, 100 PSI OILLESS PANCAKE AIR COMPRESSOR

18999

discount Cannot be used with other s last. by calling 800-423-2567. or HarborFreight.com or purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplie er per day.

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores es after 30 days from originalValid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per custom or coupon or prior purchas must be presented. coupon l Origina le.

Non-transferab

$ 99

"The Undisputed King of the Garage"

RAPID PUMP® 1.5 TON ALUMINUM RACING JACK

REG. PRICE $129.99

Item 60561 shown

LIMIT 7 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

LOT NO. 68333/69488

LOT NO. 95588 69462/60561

Includes three AA NiCd rechargeable batteries.

$649.99

Item 68333 shown

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE 66%

Gloss Finish!

1500 PSI PRESSURE WASHER

$139

$99.99

$

Item 69684 shown

SAVE

REG. 99 PRICE

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

69

99

$

INDUSTRIAL QUALITY ROLLER• CABINET 2633 lb. Capacity Super High

Item 68784 shown

LOT NO. 69684/61776/61969/61970

REG. 99 PRICE

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

Are Impressed With the Quality...

R !

R !

NEW! "We The Price is Incredible" PE ON PE ON SU UP SAVE SU UP – Car Craft Magazine O CO 44", 13 DRAWER C $280 LOT NO. • • Weighs 245 lbs.

$

• Extends from 6 ft. to 8 ft. 10"

REG. PRICE $449.99

68784 69387 62270

12" SLIDING COMPOUND SAW DOUBLE-BEVEL MITERGUI DE WITH LASER

LOT NO. 68862

99

LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

NEW!

R !

PE ON SU UP CO

Item 67020 shown

$

2499

REG. PRICE $49.99 LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R !

PE ON SU UP • CO

4000 PEAK/ 3200 RUNNING WATTS 6.5 HP (212 CC) 70 dB Noise Level Item 68528 shown GAS GENERATORS SUPER QUIET!

SAVE

$

200

729 LOT NO. 68528/69676/69 LOT NO. 69675/69728 CALIFORNIA ONLY

$29999 $33999

$9.99

REG. PRICE $499.99

LIMIT 8 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

discount Cannot be used with other s last. by calling 800-423-2567. or HarborFreight.com or purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplie er per day.

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores es after 30 days from originalValid through 9/6/14. Limit one coupon per custom ed. or coupon or prior purchas l coupon must be present Origina le. nsferab Non-tra

If You Buy Tools Anywhere Else, You're Throwing Your Money Away Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

few safety procedures added to the process.

“A landscaper with two or three vehicles has lots of choices,” says Perkins, referring to refueling options. “It becomes cost effective if the company owner wants to establish a fuel contract with a local autogas supplier and plans to grow his fleet – then he can usually negotiate having a dispenser set up on his location.”

Another choice that should also not be overlooked when negotiating an autogas contract is asking to bring the vehicles to their plant for refueling.

Also, landscapers can approach a convenience store or a commercial fleet fueling location

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PERC

ProPickup

Landscapers who already run propane lawncare equipment get double benefit from having bi-fuel trucks and vans.

and ask if they would install an autogas dispenser on their property.

“So often, the store owner will find the propane retailer and say, ‘I’ll set that up for free.

In exchange, you’ll give me a four- or five-year agreement that you are going to buy fuel from me.’ That’s a win-win for everyone.”

ADDED TAX INCENTIVES Propane autogas has another aspect that may or may not contribute to reducing annual corporate fuel costs: tax incentives.

In years past, propane autogas users were given a 50 cents/ gal rebate at the end of each year as Alternative Fuel Excise Tax Credit. However, continuing those incentives for 2014 are still undecided on Capitol Hill.

“We are watching the autogas tax credits for 2015 and beyond closely,” says Tucker Perkins, chief business development officer at PERC. “Congress tells us they are working on the two tax extensions, the fuel tax credit and the infrastructure credit. It’s written in the bill, and it’s in the Senate now being discussed.

Clearly, today’s landscape business owners aren’t making vehicle buying/upfit decisions based on tax effects that are expired. But tax incentives are worth keeping in mind as a potential financial bonus. If the bill passes, PERC and others say it’ll be retroactive.

“We believe the payback period for going to bi-fuel using propane autogas is there with or without an incentive,” Perkins says. “Running autogas will consistently cut operating costs by 25 to 30 percent.”

At 50 cents, if a crew drives 30,000 miles and gets 20 mpg, using 1,500 gallons of fuel, they save $750. “You can almost double that refund amount for a guy who’s pulling a landscape trailer and getting 12 to 14 mpg,” Perkins says.

56 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

M AY 2 014

Autogas conversion costs

Propane autogas is considerably cheaper per-gallon than running either gasoline or diesel in pickups and vans. It’s also readily available around the country, and if a fueling station is setup at your business, it’s convenient.

But what’s the cost to get the engines converted to bi-fuel autogas? The prices vary widely depending on the vehicle and the conversion company.

Roush CleanTech, which is one of Ford’s primary LPG conversion sources, prices F-250 and F-350 in-bed fuel-tanks bi-fuel systems at $10,495.

The MSRP for the under-bed tank system is $11,450. Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 cargo and passenger van conversions have an MSRP for the mid-ship system of $11,300, and the invehicle system is $11,600.

Another converter is ICOM North America, a supplier of core propane-liquid injection technology to others in the industry.

ICOM, which has installation/ conversion centers across the country, charges between $6,500 to $7,500 to convert 2010 or newer GM pickups (4.8L-6.0L), 2009-2014 Ford ESeries vans and 2012-newer FSeries pickups with gas engines.

They will also send out a certified installer to do onsite conversions for fleet vehicles if there’s not an installation center nearby.

Albert Venezio, ICOM chairman, says their propane conversions are EPA-certified and don’t

ProPickup

SHOPPING CONTRACTS

Propane wholesalers value long-term commercial customers, which means when it comes time to set up an autogas contract, shop around for the best deal.

Compare prices for refueling at the supplier’s storage and refueling facilities; buying fuel at a fixed price based on expected annual use and how long a contract is require to set up a refueling station at your own business/shop.

Do they offer 24-hour propane pump access and a fuel card reader like a regular gas station? For local fleets within a few minutes or a few

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PERC

require propane-prep engine packages or hardened valve seats. They also work with Ford and GM dealers, so new trucks and vans can be converted.

Venezio says they are seeing a 30- to 35-percent growth in propane conversions each year as the popularity of bi-fuel work trucks grows. “The ROI for the typical landscaper putting on 30,000 miles/year should be less than two years figuring 12 mpg running on gasoline. That kind of fuel savings makes smart business sense.”

To read about the future of propane – from directinjection to turbocharging – visit totallandscapecare.com/ propane-future.

Working closely with a local propane provider can make autogas decisions easy related to where and how your fleet refueling is handled.

miles of the provider, with just a few propane vehicles and equipment, setups like that at the provider is a viable option.

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com M AY 2014

TotalLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 57

Founding Advertisers

FREE PRODUCT INFORMATION

Bayer Environmental Science Bobcat Case Caterpillar CLIP Software Ditch Witch Dixie Chopper Ferris Ford

SCAN:

TEXT: INFO to 205-289-3796 (Text and data rates may apply) VISIT: TLCrequest.com SEARCH: The advertiser’s website is listed right on this page!

ADVERTISER NAME

PG

ADVERTISER NAME

www.amleo.com 59 www.billygoat.com 59 www.mipond.com Insert Catalog www.bobcat.com 10-11 www.casece.com BC www.cat.com 45 www.secatdealers.com 12 www.dixon-ztr.com 20 www.prolandscape.com 39 www.earthandturf.com 59 www.ecolawnapplicator.com 59 www.fabfours.com 57 www.ford.com/commercial-trucks IFC-1 www.harborfreight.com 55 www.husqvarna.com 9

Kunz Engineering, Inc. L.T. Rich Neely Coble, Inc. Nissan North America Inc Nufarm Americas, Inc. PBI Gordon Katana PBI Gordon Trimec PBI Gordon Zylam Pine Hall Brick Planet Professional Landcare Network Propane Mower Incentive Program RAM Commercial Truck Redmax Takeuchi Manufacturing, Inc. Vitamin Institute Weed Alert

www.isuzucv.com

IBC

WEBSITE URL

PG

www.kunzeng.com www.z-spray.com www.neelycoble.com www.nissancommercialvehicles.com www.nufarm.com www.gordonsprofessional.com www.gordonsprofessional.com www.gordonsprofessional.com www.americaspremierpaver.com

58 33 16 29 31 23 49 25 6

www.landcarenetwork.org www.poweredbypropane.org www.ramtrucks.com/commercial www.redmax.com www.takeuchi-us.com www.superthrive.com www.weedalert.com

12 37 15 4 2 19 58

marketplace

A.M. Leonard Billy Goat Blue Thumb Distributing, Inc Bobcat Case Construction Equipment Caterpillar Dealers Delta Caterpillar Dealers Southeast Dixon Drafix Software Earth & Turf Ecolawn Fab Fours Ford Commercial Truck Harbor Freight Tools Husqvarna Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.

WEBSITE URL

John Deere Kubota Lebanon Turf New Holland Takeuchi Toro Vermeer Volvo

LET

ADVERTISING WORK FOR YOU FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL

CASEY WEATHERLY

(800) 633-5953 ext. 1071 58 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

M AY 2 014

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com

marketplace

All NeW Hydro drive!

introducing the industry’s Newest, Coolest Sod Cutter!

Featuring effortless operation and maximum productivity for any job, any operator

• • • • • •

Best in class Set and Forget™ blade depth adjustment Variable speed hydrostatic drive with reverse Fastest transport speed of any unit on the market Standard rear swivel caster Oversized handle isolation mounts Unique drive wheels clear mud and improve grip Scan the QR code for more information at www.billygoat.com!

For More information contact your Billy Goat representative or call

1-800-776-7690 or visit www.billygoat.com Made in the USA

Clean up in all seasons With Billy Goat!

www.billygoat.com

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com

ntitled-48 1

M AY 2014

4/16/14 Earth&Turf_TLC0510_PG.indd 1:46 PM 1

Tota lLa nd s ca p eCa r e.com 59 4/13/10 4:45 PM

portfolio

Evolving Edibles

PROJECT:

Private residence, Clyde, North Carolina Haywood Landscapes, Inc., Waynesville, North Carolina haywoodlandscapes.com

Landscaper seamlessly blends garden with hardscape elements

BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE

O

riginally, the design for this space only included creating an area where the clients could grow their vegetables each year. But, this garden space soon developed into a relaxing backyard room that made Haywood Landscapes a 2013 HNA Hardscape Project Award winner (hardscapena.com).

“The project began with developing a plan to satisfy the owner’s desire for gardening, great views, sun and wind orientation, existing grades and then it blossomed from there,” says John Fields, owner of Haywood Landscapes.

The layout takes advantage of the sun exposure, while creating an area for gardening and entertainment that complements the architectural style of the 26-year old home, Fields continues. Although not part of the original plan, the crew demolished the original patio and retaining wall and then rebuilt ones that blended in with the space.

To have y our Haywood Landscapes used Pine Hall project fe atured, email hig Brick hardscape materials throughout the h-resolutio n photos, a 2,600-square-foot project. The clients descriptio n of the pro ject & the can now access their multi-level gardenname of y o ur business ing area from below or above the terrace. to lheartsi ll.rrpub They also installed a mix of ornamentals to @gmail.c om. provide year-round color and night backlighting.

To see more photos from this project, visit totallandscapecare.com/evolving-edibles.

6 0 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c om

M AY 2 014

BUILT FOR YOUR BUSINESS

The only low cab forward truck to offer two diesel engines and one gas engine that is CNG/LPG capable.

Isuzu Exclusive Offers: •

•

Exceptional Financing Rates: 0.99% APR when purchasing a new Isuzu gas or diesel LCF* 24/60 Covered Maintenance: Factory-recommended diesel maintenance covered for the first 24 months or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first†

* Eligible models include all diesel N-Series trucks and Reach vans delivered January 1, 2014 – June 30, 2014. Credit approval required. This is a limited time offer only available through Isuzu Finance of America, Inc. Finance terms limited. Participating dealers only. See your Isuzu dealer for complete financing and special offer details. † Extreme or severe usage/applications may not qualify. See dealer for details.

Availability based on Isuzu dealer inventory, inventory can vary by dealership. N-Series is a trademark of Isuzu Motors Limited.

Reach is a registered trademark of Utilimaster Corporation.

#1 Selling LCF Since 1986 © 2014 ISUZU COMMERCIAL TRUCK OF AMERICA, INC.

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com

Power needs control. CASE skid steers feature on average, over 20% greater breakout force than the nearest competitor. They’re also built with our Power Stance chassis so you can dig, pry or push with confidence, no matter the surface or grade. The muscle to do your hard work is here. See your CASE dealer today.

CaseCE.com Š2014 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CASE is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit www.tlcrequest.com