Landscape Management articles from January 2002

Landscape Management archives from January 2002

Events : WHAT, WHEN & WHERE.
January 1, 2002... January 21-24 Michigan Turfgrass Conference / Lansing, MI; 517/321-1660 21-24 Professional Horticulture Conference of Virginia and Trade Show / Virginia Beach, VA; 757/523-4734 22-23 Cornell Organic Turfgrass Management Short...

We mean business in '02. (Landscape Management magazine).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... You can't put your landscape or lawn care operation on autopilot and expect it to be as valuable to your customers as you want it to be. The same goes for us at Landscape Management magazine. Any business worthy of being called a business...

Toro closes Indiana plant.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... BLOOMINGTON, MN -- The Toro Company closed its Evansville, IN plant, shifting manufacturing to its Tomah, WI and Windom, MN plants. The move, which affected 94 employees, is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen operations and leverage...

Shindaiwa gets new distributor.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... TUALATIN, OR -- Shindaiwa, Inc. signed JET Equipment & Tools Ltd. of Burnaby, British Columbia to distribute Shindaiwa products in Western Canada.

CoCal acquires Pratt Landscape.(CoCal Landscape Services Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... DENVER, CO -- CoCal Landscape, with offices in Denver, Colorado Springs and Ft. Collins, acquired Pratt Landscape, a division of Pratt Properties in Longmont, CO. Included is 60 maintenance accounts, including Pratt Business Park, a 2.2 million...

FMC reorganizes, changes name.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... TUALATIN, OR -- FMC Corp. reorganized into two independent, publicly traded companies, one chemical, the other machinery. It also changed its name to FMC2 to reflect this reorganization.

LM to report on JP's Owners' Network.
January 1, 2002... The new "Owners' Network" program provides real-life networking and business-building opportunities for lawn/landscape company owners. Landscape Management will be reporting on some of the business-building ideas arising from the program. ...

LM Web site relaunches...
January 1, 2002... Check out the new look of the Landscape Management Web site at www.landscapemanagement.net More great info in an easy-to-surf design. And make sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter if you haven't already. It's the best way to follow...

Rising health insurance costs worry industry. (lawn and landscape maintenance services).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Budget for rising insurance premiums for 2002, your company's bottom line is going to take a hit. Lawn and landscape business owners contacted by Landscape Management realize that the tragedy of Sept. 11 is resulting in higher premiums for...

Briggs & Stratton. (Doug Page appointed director).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Briggs & Stratton named Doug Page director of commercial marketing.

Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products. (Jon Carlson becomes president of Turf and Professional Lawn Care unit).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products named Jon Carlson president of its Turf and Professional Lawn Care business.

Exmark Manufacturing Company. (sales manager Michael Hirschman retired).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Exmark Manufacturing Company's Michael Hirschman, national sales manager, announced his retirement effective Oct. 31, 2001. Active in the outdoor power equipment industry since 1972, Hirschman joined Exmark in 1990.

Echo Inc.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Echo Inc. appointed Joseph F. Fahey vice president of marketing.

The RBI Companies. (joined by Rod Wiberg as landscape architect).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The RBI Companies added Rod Wiberg to its landscape design/build team as senior landscape architect.

Agrisel USA. (appoints Mike Zech manager).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Agrisel USA appointed Mike Zech national sales manager.

Symbiot Business Group. (appoints Bruce K. Wilson to board of directors).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Symbiot Business Group named Bruce K. Wilson to its Board of Directors.

The Toro Company, Irrigation Division. (appoints Leo Lovato director).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Toro Company, Irrigation Division, appointed Leo Lovato managing director, sales and marketing.

Simplot.(Mike Tentis)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Simplot named Mike Tentis BEST fertilizer area manager for Northern California.

PBI/Gordon Corp. (appoints Mark Miller sales manager).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... PBI/Gordon Corp. named Mark Miller sales manager for its professional turf and ornamental and agricultural products.

Harmony Products. (appoints Michael P. Bardaro VP).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Harmony Products appointed Michael P. Bardaro senior vice president, chief financial officer.

Scag Power Equipment. (gives award to PACE Inc.).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Scag Power Equipment presented its "Distributor of the Year" award to PACE, Inc. of Plymouth, MI.

Valent USA.(advertisement)(Masayo Tada president)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Valent USA named Masayo Tada president.

New LESCO prez off to fast start.(Michael P. DiMino)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... CLEVELAND, OH -- What does a company that provides uniforms to service businesses have in common with LESCO, based here? Plenty, says Michael P. DiMino, 43, who started as LESCO's new President and Chief Operating Officer Tuesday, Dec. 11. And...

Surfin' Turf : Get with the program.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... You're guaranteed to find more than one extension service Web site out in cyberspace, but the University of Massachusetts has a particularly good one. As soon as you log on at www.umassturf.org, information on management updates, workshops,...

PLCAA president explores lawn care in Asia.(Professional Lawn Care Association of America)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... PLCAA president Mike Kernaghan recently visited two major Asian franchise shows as part of a Canadian trade mission. His goal was to explore the development of lawn care in these emerging markets. Kernaghan, COO of Weed Man International,...

Managers buy Post Landscape Group.(acquisition details)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... ATLANTA -- Managers of Post Landscape Group -- Bill Lincicome, Jim McCutcheon and Ken Rogers -- bought that business from Post Properties, Inc. (NYSE: PPS) this past November. The company's 240 employees are now a part of the newly named...

Chipco Academy offers training on Chipco line.(training service details)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... MONTVALE, NJ -- The Chipco Professional Products group of Aventis E.S. has launched the Chipco Academy, a free on-line product training program for turfgrass professionals offering end-user training on Chipco fungicide, herbicide, insecticide...

Woods Equipment Company gets debt restructuring agreement.(company financial management details)
January 1, 2002... ROCKFORD, IL -- Woods Equipment Company will stride into the new year with a fresh start thanks to an agreement with its debt holders to exchange all outstanding debt and accrued interest for common stock. "This will improve the financial...

Friends, your best resource.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Sometimes it's difficult to swallow your pride and admit you need help from an outside source. Don't be blind to the help available to you When I run into roadblocks in dealing with some of the challenges facing all of us in today's...

Award-winning landscape management : Post Riverside.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... 2001 PGMS Grand Award Winner for Condo, Apartment Complex or Planned Community Post Riverside is an 80-acre, mixed use, "live, work, walk and play" planned community that contains 527 apartment units. That's a lot of picky residents, and...

Buy right in 2002 : Industry experts say good equipment buying policies and practices will keep you profitable.
January 1, 2002... What effect should the current slow economy have on your equipment acquisition plans for 2002? Not much, provided you already have good equipment acquisition policies and practices in place. That was the consensus of the experts we talked...

It's all about the Zs : Zero-turns are still the hot market, but don't count out walk-behinds and stand-ons in tight times.
January 1, 2002... Zero-turn mowers are still red hot. That's the general consensus among the major players in the commercial mower market. And they don't see demand slackening any time soon. But recent economic and demographic changes have led them to...

Value at a good price.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Woods Equipment Co. says its M2050 mid-mount zero-turn mower offers all of the commercial grade features at an entry level price. A hydrostatic drive train, hydraulic cutting height adjustment, and 11-gal. fuel capacity are some of its...

Zoom through jobs.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... John Deere's 717 and 727 mini-frame Z-Trak zero-turn mowers feature smaller frames for easier trailer access, air-cooled Kawasaki gas engines and seven-gauge steel decks. The 717 has a 19-hp engine with 48-in. deck, and the 727 has a 23-hp...

Out front.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Kubota's F60 Series front mount mowers include 22-, 25- and 30-hp four-wheel drive models that automatically transfer power to all four wheels when necessary. Available are 60- or 72-in. decks with side or rear discharge. For more...

Take a chomp out of grass.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Textron's Bob-Cat ZT 200 Series zero-turn mowers are known for their fully floating, suspended ContourCut system for quality cutting and minimal scalping. The Z-219 features a 19-hp Kawasaki v-twin OHV gas engine and 48- or 52.5-in. DuraDeck....

No shock.(advertisement)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
January 1, 2002... Ferris Industries' new compact IS 1000Z mid-mount zero-turn mower features pivoting upper shock mounts that keep all four wheels on the ground for a smoother ride, increased mowing speed and better quality of cut. For more information...

In the game.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Cub Cadet carries a full-line of walk-behinds and ride-ons, including the 5521 walk-behind with 21-in. deck and 3-speed Tuff Torq transmission, and the M60 tank mid-mount zero-turn with 23-hp Kawasaki V-twin OHV engine and 60-in. Command Cut...

Bigger and better.(advertisement)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
January 1, 2002... Husqvarna has added the ZTH7226 to its zero-turn mower lineup, which has a 72-in. deck and 26-hp Kohler electronic fuel injected engine. To its walk-behind line, the company has added an Easy Touch System for easier operation. For more...

All steel.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... Encore's Z-34 zero-turn mower is a 34-in. mid-mount rider with steel-welded uni-body construction and a 10-gauge steel deck with seven gage steel plate supporting it. The machine also has a lifetime sealed hydrostatic drive and greaseless blade...

All in one.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... Wright Manufacturing says its Sentar zero-turn mower has the power of a sitdown and the agility of a standup. A Quad Lever control system allows for precise work in tight areas, and the company claims its Rapid Hite deck height adjustment is...

Mow like crazy.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... New Holland's commercial front mowers feature diesel engines, two-range hydrostatic transmissions and optional dual-mode and automatic four-wheel drive. For more information contact New Holland at 717/355-1240 or www.newholland.com /...

Go like a pro.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... Gravely's Promaster 260Z zero-turn has Gravely maintenance-free XL spindles, tungsten carbide coated blade and hydraulic deck height adjustment as just some of its highlights. Also, get up to a 72-in. deck and 25-hp Kawasaki engine. For...

Power walking.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... The "ultimate" zero-turn walk-behind from Scag boasts 36-, 48-, 52 and 61-in. floating deck size options, de-clutch cold start feature, and 15-, 17- or 21-hp Kohler or Kawasaki engine. For more information contact Scag at 920/387-0100 or...

Zippin' along.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... Zipper offers front cutting zero-turn riding mowers with gas and diesel engine sizes from 20 to 31 hp and deck sizes from 54 to 74 in. For more information contact Zipper at 888/876-6937 or www.zippermowers.com / circle #300

One bad mower.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... The Bad Boy zero-turn takes a bite out of grass thanks to a 27-hp Kawasaki water-cooled engine, 1/4-in. solid steel construction, heavy duty hydro drive and 60- and 72-in. deck. For more information contact Bad Boy at 866/622-3269 / circle...

Hop on that grass.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... Grasshopper carries front- and mid-mount zero-turns. Its mid-mount diesel 400 Series mowers feature 61-in. full floating Level-Eze decks and Hydra-Smooth control levers. For more information contact Grasshopper at 620/345-8621 / circle...

The price is right.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... Front-mounts, mid-mounts and walk-behinds can all be found under the Howard Price Turf Equipment label. The company's mid-sized walk-behinds feature decks from 36 to 52 in. and five-gear or dual hydro transmission. For more information...

Mow to the max.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... Yazoo/Kees' new MAX2 large frame, mid-mount zero-turn mowers feature Kohler 23-27 hp or Kawasaki 23-25 hp options, 52-, 61- and 72-in. decks, height adjustment lever and dual 5.6-gal. fuel tanks. For more information contact Yazoo/Kees at...

Master mowing.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... The Toro Company has mowers for every job, including its Z Master ZRT Riders. Z280 Series features Super Flow System decks, Z Stand kit, and choice of Kohler or Kawasaki engines. For more information contact Toro at 800/595-6841 or...

On the mark (1).(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... Exmark now has its Enhanced Control System on all of its walk-behinds. Two new models of Lazer Z zero-turn riders have been added as well: a 20-hp Kohler with 52-in. deck, and a 25-hp Kawasaki with 60-in. deck. For more information contact...

Steer clear.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... The Hustler hydro walk-behind's H-bar steering works like a motorcycle's, with a forward twist to go forward and a twist back to go in reverse. Choose from 37-, 48- or 54-in. deck and 15- or 17-hp Kawasaki air-cooled gas engine. For more...

On the mark (2).(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... Dixie Chopper now features Honda 24-hp and Kawasaki 25-, 26-hp electronic fuel injected engines in its line of zero-turn riders. A flip-up floor pan makes maintenance a snap, and a bigger 10-gal. fuel tank reduces fuel stops. For more...

Mower of steel.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Dixon Industries' Model 7523 zero-turn rider has an all-steel construction, 23-in. tires, and full-floating deck with 52- or 60-in. deck. For more information contact Dixon at 877/288-6673 or www.dixon-ztr.com / circle #309

Quite compact.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Walker Mfg. Co. claims its zero-turn mower is one of the most compact ones available on the market. Seven tractor models with 11-26 hp are offered with gas or diesel engines. Seven mower deck sizes range from 36-74 in. and tilt up 90 degrees...

Two-in-one.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... Rich Mfg.'s Convertible is not only a zero-turn but a hydro walk-behind. It comes available with a 17-hp Kawasaki or 17-, 20-, 22- or 25-hp Kohler engine, and 48-, 52- or 61-in. deck. Lots of attachments fit on it too. For more information...

All decked out.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... LESCO's Viper mid-mount zero-turns have three new deck widths of 48, 54 and 60 in. Decks are fitted with four adjustable anti-scalping rollers on the front and back. For more information contact LESCO at 800/321-5325 or visit www.lesco.com...

Hoggin' all the turf.(advertisement)(Bush Hog Corp.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The mid-mount zero-turn mower from Bush Hog offers a choice of three engines and two cutting widths (54 or 60 in.). Fuel tank holds 12 gallons, and cutting height is adjustable from 1-1/2 to 5 in. in 1/4-in. increments. For more...

Surf that turf.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Great Dane's Super Surfer stand-on mowers, with cutting decks from 36 to 61 in., ensure a smooth ride with a spring loaded platform set forward of the drive wheels. For more information contact Great Dane at 877/246-8770 or visit...

The 'dirt' on infield skins : A former Major League grounds pro's tips for the perfect infield.
January 1, 2002... Editor's note: This article is the first in a series of three that will discuss the basics of infield care. Every sport played on an outdoor field has its own set of unique groundskeeping challenges. In football, it's attempting to maintain...

Soccer in the desert : Las Vegas gambles by building soccer fields on flood plains, and citizens win.
January 1, 2002... The City of Las Vegas is covered with stretch marks. It's growing so fast that it has trouble building enough roads, schools and other facilities, including sports fields. One of its most pressing recreational needs is more soccer pitches. ...

Get a grip : Here's the low-down on today's lighter, more versatile and easier-to-use landscape trimmers.(advertisement)
January 1, 2002... Engineers designing power hand tools are finally getting a hand on the problems users have faced for years. That is, those designers are coming out of their ivory towers and making it easier for workers who use the tools to keep their hands on...

Get your life back : How this Minneapolis contractor boosted profits, reduced stress and reclaimed his weekends.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Sure, John Perkins was making money, but he often asked himself if the headaches and stress were worth it. Equipment was expensive, and manual laborers gave him another set of problems, including payroll, health insurance and workers' comp. ...

Ask the expert.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Weeding out the problem We're a small landscape design, installation and maintenance company with many weeds in our ornamental planting areas -- mostly grassy weeds, some broadleaf weeds. What kind of herbicide can we use as a preemergent,...

Tackling tough grass.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Billy Goat says its Contour mower can tackle knee-high grass and weeds, plus the toughest grasses. Features include a 24-in. deck, a 6.5-hp Briggs OHV Intek Pro I/C engine, 16-in. rear pneumatic tires and ergonomic handle. For more...

Trimmer with a charge.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... RedMax's CHTZ2500 double-sided hedge trimmer with Komatsu Zenoah's strato-charged 25cc two-cycle engine allows operators to realize a 34% fuel savings, 73% fewer exhaust emissions and 5% less weight, according to the company. Double-sided,...

Transform rough terrain.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Toro soil cultivator attachment for use on Toro Dingo compact utility loaders transforms rough terrain into an ideal planting bed in a single pass. An optional seed box attachment allows users to cultivate and seed at the same time. ...

Hitch it up.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The new Lift-Pro from Hitch Things features a powerful electric motor, a variety of platforms and is available with 400 or 800 lbs. capacity. It easily pins to the back of a truck and adjusts to any receiver height. For more information...

Mid-range rotor.(advertisement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Irritol Systems' CR500 is a mid-range, gear-driven rotor designed for commercial, light commercial and residential applications. The rotor can be adjusted from 40 to 360 degrees and provides continuous rotation for even coverage when set to...

Lock and load.
January 1, 2002... The new Allmand TLB-325 compact tractor loader backhoe features an ESL backhoe design to reduce friction and extend service intervals. Powered by either a Kohler CH25S or Robin EH72 25-hp gasoline engine, the 3,950-lb. TLB-325's backhoe offers...

Spray away.
January 1, 2002... Hunter Industries' Institutional Spray is a new multi-featured spray sprinkler that was made for use in high traffic commercial or institutional sites. The spray is available as a 4-, 6- or 12-in. pop-up and features a built-in pressure...

No danger here.
January 1, 2002... Environmental Products' hazardous material storage buildings comply to building, environmental and safety codes and feature advanced coating technology, oversized containment sump, modular, interlocking wall panels, stainless steel interior...

Improved sprinkler performance.
January 1, 2002... NIBCO says its new electronic control device, XeriTron, improves lawn sprinkler system performance while saving homeowners water and money. Easily connected to an existing sprinkler system's controller, the XeriTron unit sends a series of...

Tough guy.
January 1, 2002... The Thomas 254 turbo loader features a turbo-charged Kubota diesel engine that produces 87 net hp. It also has over 6,970 lbs. of breakout force combined with a lift capacity of 2,400 lbs. For more information contact Thomas at 866/...

Save labor.
January 1, 2002... PowerHouse Equipment's new PowerHouse Prodigy is a 13-hp compact loader that can trench, auger, till, move materials and more. The loader and its attachments can be transported easily on a custom built trailer, which can be pulled behind a...

Plant and mulch.
January 1, 2002... D & G Products' Tree Mantis and Mulch Mantis attachments for commercial front mowers let landscape professionals do more with less. With the Tree Mantis, one person can plant trees or shrubs with a ball or bucket ranging from 9- to 24-in. A...

The wood deck alternative.
January 1, 2002... CertainTeed Outdoor Living Products' EverNew vinyl deck is the low maintenance, durable alternative to a wood deck. It never needs to be sanded, stained or painted, and it installs directly on the joists. Vinyl planks are light, easy to...

Boost plant health and yield.
January 1, 2002... Agreaux Organics now offers their natural and organic fertilizers to commercial growers, nurseries and landscapers. The fertilizers come in pelletized or crumbled form, in 20 lb. bags which cover 1,000 sq. ft. each. The 6-2-4 natural fertilizer...

Appealing machine.
January 1, 2002... Earth-a-peel Industries' Cable-a-peel buries cable, wire and small tubing at tractor speed. The ground is left virtually undisturbed. For more information contact Earth-a-peel Industries at 847/382-7147 or www.earthapeel.com / circle no....

A blanket of protection.
January 1, 2002... Simplot Turf and Horticulture's new APEX Wulkap is an all wool pellet containing no manures or compost and designed for weed prevention, soil media amendment and moisture retention. It turns into a wool "blanket" that reduces plant stress up to...

Fuel catalyst.
January 1, 2002... Advanced Power Systems International's (APSI) Fitch Fuel Catalyst is a pre-combustion fuel treatment device that improves the combustion of diesel, gasoline (2- and 4-stroke) and other fuels. Simply drop the catalyst into the fuel tank to...

Sharp stuff.
January 1, 2002... STIHL pole pruners feature adjustable pole length, bark cutter and hook to keep the blade in the cut, and a revolving arm for precise cutting. Other sharp hand tools can be found in STIHL's new Precision Series Hand Tools product line. ...

Get energized.
January 1, 2002... Motorola's new impres series of replacement batteries and chargers for existing Motorola two-way radios reduces memory effect. This occurs when a battery is recharged before it is fully discharged, which makes the battery lose capacity and the...

Cleanup crew : THIS AND THAT.(Toro Co. provides equipment at New York and Washington DC terrorist sites)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... To support the relief efforts at Ground Zero in New York and Washington DC, The Toro Company contributed material support in the form of heavy duty vehicles for transportation on the sites of the terrorist attacks. Bob Dole is among the...