The Educational Forum articles from December 2003

The Educational Forum archives from December 2003

The battle to keep equipment prices down.(Viewpoint)
December 1, 2003... Proposed new exhaust and emission regulations from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) could increase average compliance costs by $73 for commercial walk-behind mowers and by $189 for commercial riding mowers, according to the Outdoor...

CARB regulations 'problematic'.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... On October 14th, staff of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) finally issued its draft regulatory language addressing evaporative emissions from lawn and garden equipment. After an initial review of these draft regulations, the...

Hunter facility hit by arson.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... The main manufacturing facility at Hunter Industries in San Marcos, Calif., was the target of arson fires early Sunday morning, Oct. 26th. Damage from the fires was estimated to be $5 million. Units from the F.B.I. and A.T.F. are...

CPSC recalls hedge trimmers.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Shindaiwa's Professional Hedge Trimmers are being recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission because their fuel caps can leak, posing a fire and burn hazard. 59,200 such units are affected, though no accidents or injuries had been...

Jacobsen Div. of Textron.(Supplier news)
December 1, 2003... Gene Carter, manager of M.C. Services in Eastwood, Ky., is the winner of a new Bob-Cat Classic Gear Drive Walk-Behind Mower at the Expo 2003 show held in Louisville, Ky., October 18-20. Bob-Cat is a brand name of Jacobsen Div. of Textron, which...

Environmental Turf.(Supplier news)
December 1, 2003... Michael N. Vanatta is new international sales director and Stacie Zinn is new marketing director for Environmental Turf. Their immediate focus is in promoting Environmental Turf's SeaDwarf and SeaGreen, two very well received varieties of...

John Deere.(Supplier news)
December 1, 2003... John Deere is the new preferred provider of grounds-care equipment for the recently renovated Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. The multi-year partnership includes in-stadium signage; radio, print and on-line advertising; merchandising and...

Jarchem Industries.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Jarchem Industries celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The company deals in acetate salts, de-icers and other chemicals in a wide variety of markets.

Perkins Engines.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Perkins Engines of 2.2 liters and below will be offered on J.C.B.'s line of construction equipment, thanks to an agreement signed between the two companies in August. J.C.B. also selected Perkins to be its Stage 2 supplier of 4-liter engines....

Venture Products.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Venture Products is offering a new V Plus Limited Warranty which covers Ventrac tractors and attachments for two years' commercial use. The new V Plus warranty covers Ventrac equipment sold after Sept. 1. New Ventrac sales managers are Al...

Mid-Am adds keynoter.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Former Air Force test pilot Dan Cox will be the keynote speaker at the Mid-American Horticultural Trade Show Jan. 14-16, 2004 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. Cox's message, "There Are No Limits" offers real-world solutions for employee...

Kohler Engines.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... In an effort to keep dealers and distributors abreast of ever-changing utility engine technologies, Kohler Engines rolled out its first fleet of mobile trailers, primarily devoted to its electronic fuel injection (EFI) engines. The mobile...

Echo Inc.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Timberland Machines of Lancaster, N.H., is Echo Inc.'s 2002 Distributor of the Year for the second consecutive year. Florida Outdoor Equipment won the Echo Outstanding Performance Award as second highest grossing distributor.

Bayer Environmental Science.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Formulators from 14 companies throughout the country learned about new application techniques, updated product information and enhancing customer relations at a three-day Formulator Summit sponsored by Bayer Environmental Science in Chicago...

Hot Box.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... The First Coast Manufacturers Association (FCMA) named Hot Box its 2003 Manufacturer of the Year. FCMA represents more than 300 manufacturers and related businesses in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia.

Dixie Chopper.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Dixie Chopper has a new 16,000-sq.ft. assembly facility at its manufacturing complex in Coatesville, Ind. The building was to have opened in September. It is the fourth expansion for Dixie Chopper in nine years, and additional facilities are...

Flowtronex P.S.I.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Dan Driscoll is succeeding the retiring Emil Gram as managing director of Flowtronex P.S.I. With the acquisition of Flowtronex by I.T.T. Industries in 2002, Driscoll became vice president of sales, business development and integration.

Remote Control Technology.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Remote Control Technology has appointed Jim McClung sales manager, Cindy Gladner as irrigation sales account executive and Arthur DeYoung wireless technician. The Redmond, Wash.-based company also has signed a distribution agreement permitting...

Dow AgroSciences.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Dow AgroSciences has appointed Beth Whitehouse as sales specialist for turf and ornamental accounts in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and the western half of Indiana. She replaces Robert Stewart, Jr. who now works with the company's crops...

Maruyama U.S.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Maruyama U.S. will continue to be the preferred supplier of two-cycle landscape equipment for Universal Studios Florida, Universal CityWalk Orlando and Universal Studios Islands of Adventure through 2004.

Precision Laboratories'.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Don Spier is new director of Precision Laboratories' Turf Business Unit. He will be responsible for specialty-turf sales and marketing. Spier, a former golf-course superintendent, has worked for Simplot Partners, Ciba, Novartis and Syngenta.

Syngenta Professional Products.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... New sales personnel at Syngenta Professional Products, Greensboro, N.C., are: Tom Halvorson, Midwest district sales manager; Howard Jaekle, Northeast district sales manager; and Pablo Perez, sales specialist in South Florida.

Dixie Chopper.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... To help meet an increasing demand for the "World's Fastest Lawn Mower," Dixie Chopper is opening a new 16,000 sq.ft. assembly facility at its manufacturing complex in Coatesville, Ind. According to Art Evans, company founder and president, the...

Carefree Tire.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Carefree Tire has opened a new distribution center in Chattanooga, Tenn. The center will reportedly reduce lead times and considerably reduce freight charges.

A.C.R.T., Inc.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... A.C.R.T., Inc. In his new position, Stephens will oversee the all of the company's training programs, including certificate courses at A.C.R.T. locations; hosted training at client locations; and entry-level tree-trimmer training at various Job...

Shindaiwa.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... In Shindaiwa's Handheld Division: Dennis Stauch is promoted from vice president, engineering to vice president, engineering and manufacturing; Bob Hudlow is new director of operations and manufacturing; Jon Ferguson is promoted to director of...

J.C.B.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... The J.C.B. Dancing Diggers performed at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, N.Y., this summer. The group performed stunts and precision maneuvers, choreographed to contemporary music, using 8-ton J.C.B. backhoe loaders. Liftech Equipment...

Winter storage of walk-behind mowers.(Outdoor Power)
December 1, 2003... It's that time of year when the temperatures are dropping, daylight is getting shorter and the chill is in the air. Grass-cutting season is over until next spring. So what does a good equipment owner do with all his walk-behind mowers, riders,...

Return of a classic.(Outdoor Power)
December 1, 2003... The Bob-Cat Classic, an updated version of the popular Bob-Cat gear-drive walk-behind mower, was announced at the Outdoor Power Equipment Expo in October. The Classic offers you a choice between a 15-hp Briggs & Stratton ELS or a 15-hp...

Updated features.(Outdoor Power)(Cover Story)
December 1, 2003... Designed for easier use and increased productivity, the John Deere 7H17 and 7H19 walk-behind mowers are equipped with twin-cylinder Kawasaki engines. You can choose from a 48- or 54-inch heavy-duty 7-Iron mower deck. Cutting height is...

Peak performance.(Outdoor Power)
December 1, 2003... Its Commercial Series mowers offer peak performance for demanding mowing conditions, Honda says. You have a choice of zone-start or Roto-Stop blade brake clutch. Propulsion options are (1) push, (2) 2-speed transmission with shaft drive, or (3)...

Walk-behind has hydro drive.(Outdoor Power)
December 1, 2003... The Ferris HydroCut walk-behind mower comes in 32- or 36-inch cutting widths. Ferris claims that the HydroCut is the landscape industry's only compact commercial walk-behind mower with hydrostatic drive. With an overall width of 35 inches...

Warranty now five years.(Outdoor Power)
December 1, 2003... RedMax has extended the engine warranty on its CV225 cultivator to five years. This compact, lightweight cultivator is powered by RedMax's reliable G24LS two cycle engine. The rugged serpentine tines carry a lifetime warranty against...

For heavy or light trimming.(Outdoor Power)
December 1, 2003... EZ TrimMowers can churn their way through the heaviest of weeds or lightly trim around the most intricate landscaping with ease, Bear Cat says. The mowers feature: * 14-gauge steel frame and cutting head * anti-wrap 2.25-inch...

Packed with power.(Outdoor Power)
December 1, 2003... Toro ProLine heavy-duty mowers are available with two different engine options: the Suzuki 2-cycle, which delivers continuous lubrication for extended engine life, and the Kawasaki 4-cycle equipped with "true" full-pressure lubrication. To...

It's a real 'pro' mower.(Outdoor Power)
December 1, 2003... The new Gravely Pro 21 SCH (shown above right) has a new 5.5-hp Honda GCV overhead cam engine. Additional features include a rugged design; compact handle bar that folds for easy stores; and a baked-on, powder-coat finish that resists corrosion...

0 to 100 ... in 60 seconds flat.(Outdoor Power)
December 1, 2003... The BedShaper cuts crisp clean edges, even s-curves, up to 100 feet per minute. Its added differential and zero-turning radius offer outstanding maneuverability and precision, Little Wonder notes. The BedShaper has a hydrostatic...

36- and 48-inch workhorses.(Outdoor Power)
December 1, 2003... This year's line of Cub Cadet Commercial walk-behinds features all-new, soft-touch hand controls for optimum maneuverability with less user fatigue, and a Float-Fab floating fabricated deck. Mowers range in size from the G1436 gear-driven...

It's called a 'supreme machine'.(Outdoor Power)
December 1, 2003... Each of Dixie Chopper's three new Supreme Zero Turn mower models cuts nearly seven acres of grass in an hour. Each also features Dixie Chopper's exclusive VIE (Velvet Touch Control) system that makes the drive system run cooler and longer. A...

Expanded engine offerings.(Outdoor Power)
December 1, 2003... Two new horizontal-shaft Aegis models expand Kohler Engines' liquid-cooled engine technology. Its LH750 27-hp and LH760 29-hp engines--both scheduled for production in 2004--have electronic fuel injection (EFI). Combining an advanced...

Skid-steers: what size is right?(Design/Build Depot)
December 1, 2003... One way of sizing skid-steer loaders is by "rated operating capacity." For breezing through work in tight quarters, you'll want a smaller unit with an operating capacity of 500 to 700 lb. When you need to take on bigger jobs, a larger unit of...

Designed for traction.(Design/Build Depot)
December 1, 2003... The Caterpillar 247 Radial Lift and 257 Vertical Lift multi-terrain loaders are rubber tracked machines designed for traction and stability with a suspended track undercarriage that allows them to work in a broad range of applications,...

More than 100 improvements.(Design/Build Depot)
December 1, 2003... Since the introduction of its 200 Series skid-steers, John Deere has made more than 100 improvements based on customer feedback. Series II machines are powered by a John Deere PowerTech engine with direct-injection fuel system. Engines are...

This baby's big!(Design/Build Depot)
December 1, 2003... At 7,525 lb., the SK1020-5 skid-steer is the largest Komatsu skid-steer available in North America. The SK1020-5 has a patented Automatic Power Control (A.P.C.), HydrauMind hydraulic system and the only standard 2-speed transmission in the...

Powerful radius lift.(Design/Build Depot)
December 1, 2003... The new Bobcat S220 skid-steer incorporates a similar mainframe design as the popular Bobcat $250 while offering the advantages of a radius lift path for applications that require superior digging and grading performance. Boasting a...

Make it wet.(Design/Build Depot)
December 1, 2003... Replications Unlimited has introduced a new series of easy-to-install pre-manufactured streams, cascades and waterfall kits to assist contractors in the water garden and landscaping market. The "Starter Stream" (see photo) is a durable,...

Minimizing downtime.(Design/Build Depot)
December 1, 2003... Turbo Technologies' new HS-500XPW hydraulic seeding system features an 18-hp Kohler Command Pro Engine and now has a removable 6.5-gal. fuel tank to minimize downtime. It also has a new 4-by 4-inch pump designed specifically for hydraulic...

Easy to install.(Design/Build Depot)
December 1, 2003... Oly-Ola Edgings' paver restraints fit a variety of paver projects and installation preferences. They're made of 100% recycled black vinyl and feature an innovative, easy-to-install L-shaped design. Oly-Ola paver restraints also feature...

Steel tracks expanded.(Design/Build Depot)
December 1, 2003... The Loegering Z-Track was designed to provide added traction to skid-steers. It has all the benefits of the F-Series Steel track, plus more aggressive traction and excellent side-hill stability, Loegering says. The hammer-forged steel...

Outdoor collections grow.(Design/Build Depot)
December 1, 2003... As consumers desire to extend their living space, they are spending more than $6.2 billion in the lawn and garden accessory market. In order to address one of the largest growing home trends, Progress Lighting, the leading single-source...

No more shake, rattle, roll.(Truck accessories ... and other stuff)
December 1, 2003... Created by Speed Rack of Santa Clara, Calif., the new SR1 Tie Down operates on a simple yet unique principal: the four rings of each column can rotate 180 degrees to allow left and right side tie-downs simultaneously. The unit is ideal for...

Highly adaptable.(Truck accessories ... and other stuff)
December 1, 2003... In order to address clean-up, material handling and snow-removal applications, the SweepEx Mega 600 by TrynEx International is built with a 60-inch long mainframe. Ideal for a wide variety of applications including clean-up of dirt,...

Making tools accessible.(Truck accessories ... and other stuff)
December 1, 2003... The Rollerbox Professional rolling storage-box system has unique compartments that roll to the truck's tailgate for easy unloading. The bottom portion of the unit even detaches, doubling as a handy on-site toolbox. The Rollerbox...

Cab enclosure is all-weather.(Truck accessories ... and other stuff)
December 1, 2003... Columbia's new All Weather Cab Enclosure fits the EX21 Expediter. Manufactured in 14-gauge steel with polycarbonate windshield, the cab enclosure provides passenger protection from the elements while operating outdoors. It's perfect for larger...

For high-performance filters ...(Truck accessories ... and other stuff)
December 1, 2003... Green Filter U.S.A.'s high-performance air filters fit most Ford, Chevy and Dodge diesel pick-ups. A Green Filter brings an average 5 % horsepower increase, improved throttle response, better fuel mileage and greater torque throughout the...

Shhhh!(Truck accessories ... and other stuff)
December 1, 2003... If you find the constant thunk and clunk of your ball mount annoying when traveling with a trailer or hitch-mounted accessory, you might want to try Valley Industries' Silent Hitch Pin. It takes all movement and travel out of the connection...

Rugged, economic durability.(Vehicle Emporium)
December 1, 2003... Broyhill's new TerraSport utility vehicle boasts a 1500-lb. total capacity and robotic-welded tubular steel frame construction for exceptional strength and durability. It has a 16-hp Briggs and Stratton engine; continuously variable...

Industrial-grade dump box.(Vehicle Emporium)
December 1, 2003... Ideal for landscape professionals, Dakota's new 550 Turf Contractor carries a 4-yard or 10,000-lb. load and turns with no scrubbing while protecting turf. This industrial grade, pull-behind dump box measures 72 inches wide by 120 inches long...

Drip irrigation for trees.(Irrigation & Water)
December 1, 2003... Trees are perhaps the most valuable features of a landscape--and probably the most difficult landscape component to replace with an equal size, shape and value. Surprisingly, trees still are given low priority in many irrigation schemes....

Simple and easy.(Irrigation & Water)
December 1, 2003... Orbit Irrigation Products' 5500 Series high-performance rotor sprinklers are built especially for medium to large residential and commercial landscapes. Simple to install and easy to adjust even with the water on, contractors have relied on...

Add third-party sensors.(Irrigation & Water)
December 1, 2003... Onset Computer has two new Universal Sensor Adapters for the company's Hobo Weather Station products. The new 12-bit 4-20 mA adapter and 0-5 VDC voltage Universal Sensor Adapters enable Hobo Weather Station and Micro Station users to quickly...

Decrease installation time.(Irrigation & Water)
December 1, 2003... DryConn Waterproof Connectors are silicone-filled to provide a dry, safe and reliable environment for wire splices exposed to water, condensation, vapors or dust in both interior and exterior applications. Engineered to eliminate pre-twisting,...

4-legged or 2-winged they still pose problems.(Chemical Corner)
December 1, 2003... "Vertebrate" means biologically, "having a backbone." "Vertebrate" means, horticulturally, having enough of a backbone (that is to say, courage) to make a mess of your landscape. Hence, the term "vertebrate pests." Included in this...

Good things in pairs.(Chemical Corner)
December 1, 2003... Poulenger U.S.A. offers two products that positively affect soil and plants: * NaEx Sodium Management reduces tissue sodium levels, guards roots from salt and improves the plant's overall health. It contains ingredients that displace and...

Registered in New York.(Chemical Corner)
December 1, 2003... Radiance algaecide from Aquatrols has received registration approval from New York State and is now available for sale across the continental U.S. and Hawaii. Radiance is the next generation in algae prevention in lakes, ponds and...

Keep deer away.(Chemical Corner)
December 1, 2003... Nationally recognized, Tree Guard from Becker Underwood is an odorless deer repellent that can be used on non-food plants such as trees, shrubs and flowering ornamentals. The repellent's ready to-use formulation dries to a clear coating after...

It's not poisonous.(Chemical Corner)
December 1, 2003... Scent-Off Pet & Plant Protectors is designed to keep dogs and cats away from gardens and shrubs. It can be applied directly to plants. The product is 99.9% natural, using natural essential oils that are blended into paraffin wax and encased...

Proven most effective.(Chemical Corner)
December 1, 2003... Deer Away--found to be among the most effective deer deterrents in a recent U.S.D.A. study--also proved most effective for National Home Gardening Club members, based on a recent field-test program. In tests conducted by 270 members of the...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
December 1, 2003... An inappropriate quote was used in the November issue of L&I. On page 36, Dr. Randall Heiligmann of Ohio State University was quoted as having said: "Tree injection involves introducing a herbicide into the undesirable tree through...

The world of product catalogs.(Tools & Resources)
December 1, 2003... Every month or so, I receive free catalogs from my computer suppliers. Since I'm a big computer aficionado, I appreciate this "perk" that the suppliers provide their valued customers. Catalogs generally contain product descriptions, photos...

Hands getting ruined?(Tools & Resources)
December 1, 2003... Gloves In A Bottle is a lotion that turns your outer layer of skin into what works like an invisible pair of gloves to keep the moisture-robbing irritants out while retaining your own natural moisture, when you Know you should be wearing...

More updates.(Tools & Resources)
December 1, 2003... Nemetschek North America's entire VectorWorks line of products has been updated to version 10.5. VectorWorks, RenderWorks, Architect, Landmark, Spotlight and Mechanical 10.5 are now available as a free downloadable update from the company's...

A shovel with backbone.(Tools & Resources)
December 1, 2003... UnionTools has made a bestselling shovel even stronger by giving its new Razor-Back Professional Fiberglass Handle Shovel an exclusive raised backbone head and redesigned steel reinforced head-to-handle connection. The unique raised...

High in the sky.(Tools & Resources)
December 1, 2003... The Branch Wizard is an alternative to manual pole pruners, Remington contends. It's more powerful and user-friendly with a 6.0-amp motor that easily cuts through branches up to 6 inches thick with less effort. The unique, in-line powerhead...

Websites.(Tools & Resources)
December 1, 2003... www.kafflex.com--product specifications for PVC conduit, tubing and hoses for pools & landscape irrigation www.alllighting.com--product info and customer-service links for all types of outdoor lighting www.use-enco.com--35,000...

Web-based "community" ...(Notices)
December 1, 2003... Web-based "community"... Lawn Cafe is a community for green-industry professionals that helps people get answers from other Landscape Personnel in dealing with day to day issues. You may post a subject of concern and people will reply in order...

Youth scholarship ...(Notices)
December 1, 2003... Youth scholarship... The "Harrington-Arthur Memorial Scholarship" essay competition is sponsored by the Backflow Prevention Manufacturer's Association. Entries due Jan. 31, 2004. More information available at the Website www.bpma.cc.

Another one ...(Notices)
December 1, 2003... Another one... Aquatrols' Scholarship Essay Contest is open to children of turf managers who will be attending an accredited college or university during the 2004-05 academic year. Entrants will compete for $4,000 in scholarships. Full...

Growth opportunities ...(Notices)
December 1, 2003... Growth opportunities... 800 Marketing For Success, Inc., offers professional marketing strategies to lawn-care and pest-control service providers nationwide. Using a unique, coast-to-coast program, the company offers vanity phone numbers....

Events.(Tools & Resources)(Calendar)
December 1, 2003... Jan. 4-6, 2004: Western Nursery & Landscape Association Convention & Trade Show, Hyatt Regency Crown Center, Kansas City, Mo. Phone: (816) 233-1481 or Website www.wnla.org or e-mail westernms@ ponyexpress.net. Jan. 5-7, 2004: Turfgrass...

Carissa macrocarpa--Natal plum.(Plant Palette)
December 1, 2003... What a treat awaits those who have yet to experience Carissa macrocarpa's brilliant charms. A feast for nearly all of the senses, this "Natal plum" will offer delights for the eye, the nose and the palate. Visually stunning with its glossy...

Civic charm: library's sustainable landscape invites visitors.(Provocative Panoramas)
December 1, 2003... When of Alexandria, Va., began planning its new library in the community's West End, local officials turned to the architectural firm of Michael Graves & Associates and landscape architect Rhodeside & Harwell to design an enduring landmark that...

Schiller-Pfeiffer.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Schiller-Pfeiffer, manufacturer of Little Wonder and Mantis power equipment, has acquired the BedShaper line of self-propelled and tractor mounted edgers from Pro Industries. Brian DeMaris, president of Pro Industries, will join the...

Irrigation Station.(The Buzz)
December 1, 2003... Irrigation Station held its 10th annual contractor appreciation golf tournament with 80 attendees in September. The 18-hole scramble was won by Yard Pro; second place went to Hou-Scape and third place to Diverse irrigation.