Photo: GreenworksGreenworks Commercial has three new lithium-ion string trimmer models in its 82V line.
The 82T16 brushless front motor string trimmer, the 82TB16 brushless bike handle string trimmer and the 82TB18 brushless bike handle string trimmer have all been added to provide a new level of customization and cost savings, according to Greenworks.
The 16” and 18” bike handle models have an ergonomic design built with comfort in mind so landscapers can clear large swaths of property with less strain on their arms. Greenworks says the balance and directional steering of the bike handle make these models well equipped for clearing tall grasses and weeds in open fields and common areas. The 82TB16 and 82TB18 both come standard with a brush cutter blade as well.
As for working in tighter spaces the front motor 16” loop handle trimmer is created for power and precision. The front motor design delivers energy directly to the cutting head, without it having to travel through the shaft, making it a good fit for small space trimming.
“As lithium-ion powered trimmers become a ‘must-have’ part of landscape crews’ daily tool arsenals, we wanted to offer more highly-customized options that can tackle a wide array of jobs and meet all the varied ergonomic preferences of crew members,” says Tony Marchese, commercial business unit leader for Greenworks America. “With our two new bike handle trimmers, the 82TB16 and the 82TB18, and our new loop handle front motor trimmer, the 82T16, we are proud to now offer landscape pros more lithium-ion powered trimming options than they’ve ever had before, allowing them greater ability to tailor their tools to specific jobs and preferences.”
The 82T16 is priced at $250, the 82TB16 is priced at $365 and the 82TB18 is priced at $389. Each tool comes with a two-year warranty. The new string trimmers can be purchased through the Carswell, Carswell OEI, PACE and Steven Willand independent dealer networks.
Turfco adds drop seeder attachment for TurnAer XT8 riding aerator
The Turfco TurnAer XT8 riding aerator can now pull double-duty with a new, front-mounted drop seeder attachment.
This optional attachment allows landscapers to aerate and seed at the same time over the same aeration pattern. The drop seeder has a 2.5 cubic-foot hopper that can hold has much as 60 pounds of seed. The dispersal rate is controlled by a hopper-mounted dial. It can spread seeds across a 30-inch swatch.
Photo: Turfco“We know that contractors need to operate as efficiently as possible today, and the drop seeder option can reduce labor time significantly,” says Scott Kinkead, executive vice president of Turfco Manufacturing.
The XT8 is also built to operate efficiently, keeping chains out of the aeration area, preventing debris from getting in wheels and chains. It has sealed, self-lining bearings near the aeration area instead of debris-collecting grease zerks. The suspension is designed to reduce shocks and vibration, increasing operator comfort.
The aerator can cover as much as two acres in an hour and its 22-horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine gives it the power to handle any terrain. The patent-pending Auto Depth Control allows users to set the tine depth anywhere between zero to five inches. The machine ensures the depth is kept consistent across a property.
“Aeration is a difficult part of the landscape management business, so we made the XT8 to be the aerator of choice for operators who want to increase productivity while minimizing downtime,” Kinkead says.
Boss Snowplow redesigns acquired brand, Snowrator
Boss Products, a division of the Toro Company, acquired the Snowrator brand in March 2018 and has redesigned the product to maximize its performance and reliability.
The Snowrator is a tool that can be deployed to plow and de-ice sidewalks, allowing operators to brine, spread and plow all at the same time. It also reduces the need for shovelers clearing walkways.
Photo: Boss SnowplowBoss’s engineered improvements include a 4’ hydraulic snowplow with 20” polyethylene skin and improved electrical and plow attachment systems. The electrical system has weather-resistant connectors and the hydraulic hoses ends have seven times greater corrosion resistance.
The new chassis has greater protection from punctures to the brine tank and has a removable rear plate for easier access. Added rear fenders and splashguards help protect the user from slush, salt and other debris. LED worklights have also been included for clear visibility on the job.
“At Boss, it’s our business to make snow and ice management more efficient and profitable,” says Mark Klossner, marketing vice president for Boss Snowplow. “Our customers can rely on the redesigned Snowrator to provide clean and clear sidewalks for metro, commercial and residential jobs, and Snowrators don’t call in sick or need time off. It’s a dependable labor solution in tough winter weather.”
The Snowrator can now use all Boss ATV plow accessories and common parts for better convenience of service.
Available accessories for the Snowrator include a 20-gallon auxiliary tank, plow wing extensions, material carrying trays, broadcast spreader, plow box wings, shovel mounting brackets, EXACT PATH drop spreader, urethane cutting edge and 5-gallon bucket mounts.
SnowEx debuts Power Pusher TE snow pusher
Photo: SnowExThe Power Pusher TE snow pusher from SnowEx is available in 8- and 10-foot-wide models and will work for skid steers, wheel loaders, backhoes and tractors.
The new snow pushers have steel trip-edges to deliver cleaner passes and help landscape contractors get down to the pavement. The steel trip-edges use four extension springs along with two outer double ribs, allowing it to handle heavy-duty loads.
SnowEx says the 63-degree angle of attack is specifically designed for maximum scraping. The Power Pusher TE has six vertical ribs to support structural integrity. Side support posts help prevent bending that may occur from accidental impacts.
The pushers are coated in an industrial paint that is salt- and UV-resistant to protect against corrosion and wear. The pushers’ accessories include a rubber back-drag edge for pulling snow away from tight spaces such as loading docks. High-wear shoes are also available that allow the pushers to slide easily along the surface.
Belgard rolls out new line of porcelain pavers
Belgard has announced its newest product line, Belgard Porcelain Pavers, will be available for contractors in time for the 2019 building season.
Photo: BelgardThese pavers, produced in Nashville, Tennessee, are versatile and contemporary, giving projects a streamlined, upscale appearance. The pavers are compact and virtually non-porous. They are frost-resistant, skid-resistant, stain-resistant and easy to clean.
“Belgard Porcelain Pavers are the first of their kind to be produced in the U.S., and we are excited to make these products available to our valued contractors, dealers and homeowners,” says Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes at Belgard. “By manufacturing the line in Nashville, our customers will have better access to the latest trends and contemporary products that carry Belgard’s promise of quality, durability and aesthetic.”
Belgard’s new pavers are available in various sizes such as planks or large modular shapes and can appear as stone or wood. They can be used in projects such as patios, pool decks, driveways or walkways.
The porcelain pavers are resistant to acids and chemicals so there is no need for sealers. They combat corrosion and do not spread flame. They can hold loads up to 2,000 pounds without breakage.
The porcelain pavers also work well with creating a flow from indoor to outdoor spaces.
iQ Power Tools partners with American Lung Association
iQ Power Tools has announced that it will be partnering with the American Lung Association to raise awareness of the dangers of silica dust.
The silica, which is part sand, rock and mineral ores, will cause scarring in the lungs over time and harm a person’s ability to breathe.
“With over two million U.S. workers potentially exposed to occupational silica, more is needed to be done to bring awareness to the risk of developing silicosis,” says Paul Guth, president of iQ Power Tools. “By teaming up with the American Lung Association, a highly respected organization, we can expand our reach and take the message of awareness to individual workers in the construction industry even further than before.”
As part of the initiative, a video will be created featuring a healthcare provider discussing the risk factors, prevention, symptoms and treatment.
“This relationship is aimed at connecting technology, education, research, and experts to develop impactful resources to improve overall awareness and the options available to create a safe work environment,” Guth says. “We hope to develop even more strategic partnerships with several of the leading construction industry associations in the very near future.”
The partnership with the American Lung Association will consist of two main components. The educational video and video clips highlighting the danger of silicosis will be shared on social media and the association’s website. The other element of the partnership is activation of a companywide employee giving campaign to engage iQ’s employees in the mission of the association and demonstrate the company’s commitment to lung health.
“With hundreds of silica-related deaths per year, our company decided it was time to ‘up our game’ in education and awareness,” says Sarah Hurtado, iQ’s marketing manager. “This is the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term partnership to develop, deliver and promote tools and resources that actively engage people and construction workers in lung disease prevention and disease management. Together, all of us can help minimize lung disease caused by silica dust and by doing so, raise the quality of life for individual construction workers.”
Pine Hall Brick Company acquires new cutting technology for thinner bricks
Pine Hall Brick Company has acquired an advanced diamond saw blade that allows them to create thinner bricks.
Thinner bricks are growing in demand and the new technology will be used for two products. The interior veneer brick called ThinClad and brick floor tiles branded PaverTiles are suited for both new construction and remodeling jobs.
Photo: Pine Hall BrickPine Hall Brick created both products by using a conventional wet blade saw. As demand grew, the need to ramp up production became apparent.
The saw is 16 feet long, seven feet wide and seven feet tall, with a 36-inch blade. It can be loaded with 12 pavers or 15 face brick at a time and is capable of cutting about 4,000 thinner versions of Pine Hall Brick’s products in an eight-hour shift.
“It’s really a continuation of coming out with new products as markets and trends change,” says Preston Steele, vice president and thin products business manager. “It’s part of the evolution of Pine Hall Brick. But in order to do that, we have to have the right tools and equipment.”
PaverTiles were introduced in early 2018. Pine Hall Brick says these are ideal for rehabilitating outdoor spaces by placing the brick over a tired concrete slab. Steele expects the PaverTile orders to triple this year.
Steele says that prior to getting this new blade, the company couldn’t market their products too much out of fear they would not be able to meet demand. He also adds that the PaverTiles are the same products Pine Hall Brick has always been known for, but thinner.
