Tag Archive for: Leads

Polaris leads into the future

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Polaris leads into the future: Polaris (NYSE: PII), the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, has harnessed the power of electrification and is once again pushing the industry forward with the introduction of its highly anticipated RANGER XP Kinetic – the hardest working, smoothest riding UTV ever built.

Featuring an entirely new electric powertrain born from Polaris’ partnership with Zero Motorcycles®, RANGER XP Kinetic establishes a new standard for UTV performance and productivity, delivering uncompromised capability, unrivalled durability and refined performance.

Polaris leads into the future

Polaris leads into the future

Time and again, Polaris has demonstrated our commitment to rider-driven innovation, delivering what our riders need and going beyond what they imagined was possible,” said Mike Speetzen, CEO of Polaris. “Building on this rich legacy, we continue our relentless pursuit to create unmatched riding experiences and are partnering with Zero Motorcycles® to harness the incredible capabilities of electric for our customers. The new RANGER XP Kinetic is a powerful example of this.”

With industry-leading horsepower and torque, RANGER XP Kinetic offers more power than ever to pull more, haul more, and get more done. The electric powertrain’s instantaneous torque delivers precise control when pulling or towing heavy loads. In addition, the industry’s most advanced drivetrain performs with less moving parts for lower maintenance costs and more uptime for increased productivity. Plus, the quiet electric powertrain means easy conversation with family and friends, the ability to work in the early morning without waking neighbours, quiet operation around animals and offers stealthy entry and exit to hunting spots.

“The RANGER XP Kinetic is built for our hard-working customers who take pride in their work, value accomplishment, and are always looking for ways to maximise their productivity,” said Steve Menneto, President of Polaris Off-Road. “The RANGER XP Kinetic unlocks the benefits of electrification to enable these customers to drive efficiency and get more done, giving them the power to do more than ever before.”

“Electrifying an already class-leading product is a very complicated undertaking, but with Polaris we had the advantage of starting with both the best UTV in the industry and a very talented and collaborative team,” said Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “The combination of Zero Motorcycles’ technology, our passion for electrification as a powertrain solutions provider, and Polaris’ dedication to consumer-led innovation has created an all-new electric Ranger that delivers an incredible rider experience.”

RANGER XP Kinetic is available as a 3-seat model and will feature a Premium and Ultimate trim. The Premium trim contains a single 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers an estimated range of 45 miles (70 kilometres), while the Ultimate trims delivers 29.8 kWh of battery capacity and offers an estimated range of 80 miles (130 kilometres).* The Ultimate trim also offers a 18-centimetre infotainment screen powered by RIDE COMMAND technology.

UNCOMPROMISED CAPABILITY

The all-new RANGER XP Kinetic offers uncompromised capability to help customers get more done and features the most horsepower and torque ever found in a utility side-by-side. Industry-leading 110 HP and 140lb-ft of instant torque delivers maximum capability for confidently hauling and towing heavy loads even over the toughest terrain. Together, the unmatched horsepower and torque gives customers the power they need, when they need it, for the ability to effortlessly tow 1134kg and haul an industry-best 567kg. RANGER XP Kinetic also features a class-leading 35.5-centimetres of ground clearance to confidently rise over obstacles, and is equipped with 74-centimetre, 8-ply Pro Armor X-Terrain tires for maximum traction and durability to crawl over rocks and ruts. And with 25.4-centimetres of suspension travel, XP Kinetic smooths out the bumps so customers can ride comfortably in challenging terrain – no matter where the job takes them.

UNRIVALLED DURABILITY

RANGER XP Kinetic also delivers unrivalled durability so riders can maximise their uptime and improve productivity. The electric powertrain features fewer moving parts, meaning less maintenance and more uptime. RANGER XP Kinetic has been torture-tested in extreme conditions and treacherous terrain and is backed by a 1-year factory-installed warranty, 3-year electric powertrain coverage, and 5-year battery coverage**. What’s more, the electric powertrain does not require oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs or clutch maintenance. Scheduled maintenance costs are expected to be 70% less than average maintenance costs for similar fuel-powered vehicles.***

RANGER XP Kinetic also features a full-coverage front bumper and full-body skid plate for added vehicle protection while riding on tough terrain.

REFINED PERFORMANCE

Capable and durable, RANGER XP Kinetic also delivers refined performance with clean, quiet operation for easy conversations with friends and family, stealthy trips to remote hunting spots, and quiet operation around horses and other livestock. The electric powertrain delivers smooth, precise control when operating at low speeds, so customers will have full control and confidence while towing, backing up to a trailer, or spraying a fence line. The instantaneous torque also delivers faster acceleration for an exhilarating ride on the family property.

RANGER XP Kinetic also offers smart performance features to help customers maximise productivity. A 12V cargo box outlet is convenient for powering accessories like sprayers or charging portable batteries. A new shifter design includes high, low, neutral and park, but features a new, integrated switch for forward and reverse so customers change directions with the flip of a switch, making tasks like plowing fast and efficient.

In addition to high and low gear, RANGER XP Kinetic also has three drive modes for maximum versatility optimised to driving conditions and range management:

Eco+: Optimises torque and top speed for maximum range and light duty jobs.
Standard: Optimises throttle response for everyday driving and moderate-sized jobs
Sport: Optimises throttle response for spirited driving and the toughest jobs

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY POWERED BY RIDE COMMAND

RANGER XP Kinetic is available with a 18-centimetre infotainment screen powered by RIDE COMMAND technology that lets you work smarter and delivers peace of mind. Customers will have the ability to see estimated remaining range and the battery state of charge directly on the 18-centimetre screen. You can even drop a waypoint on your charging location and see how far away you are from your next charge at any given time.

FAST AND CONVENIENT CHARGING

Convenient charging options are designed to fit specific customer needs and are as easy as plugging into a standard wall outlet. Whether customers are looking for an overnight charge, or a quick top off during the lunch hour, they are covered. XP Kinetic comes standard with a combined Level 1 / Level 2 EV charge cord that allows you to charge from a 120V or 240V outlet.

Factory-installed on-board charging rate is 3kW for the Premium trim and 6kW for the Ultimate trim. Both can reach full charge from 0% in as-fast-as 5 hours as equipped.†† With the available accessory onboard charging system, rates can be boosted to 6kW for Premium and 9kW for Ultimate for up to 50% faster charge times. A 240V power supply is recommended for fastest charging and can deliver over 4x faster charging than a standard 120V outlet.

CUSTOMISATION

RANGER XP Kinetic is compatible with 95% of RANGER XP 1000 accessories including the same great Pro Shield cab systems for tight sealing and all-season rider comfort. Additional accessories available include easy-to-install Pro HD winches for added pulling power and Lock & Ride Storage to keep tools and gear secure while riding.

Plus, Polaris has designed new accessories specific for RANGER XP Kinetic, including a fast-acting electric heater kit so customers can ride in comfort in the colder months, as well as an upgraded 3kW on-board charger for maximum fast charging. With a whole portfolio of off-road accessories, consumers can build the ultimate machine for work, play, or anything in between.

RANGER XP Kinetic will arrive in dealerships in Summer 2022.

* Range estimates based on manufacturer data on typical customer driving usage and conditions. Actual range varies based on conditions such as external environment, weather, speed, cargo loads, rates of acceleration, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle usage.
** Warranty coverage period, terms and conditions may vary by market.
*** Manufacturer estimate based on average scheduled maintenance costs over the course of a 5-year timeframe.
†† Estimated charging times based on a 240V power supply.

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Toro leads the way

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Toro leads the way: With Stage V emissions regulations now in place, finding compliant yet reliable, durable and productive machinery has become a key priority. And when it comes to out-front rotary mowers, the Groundsmaster 3000 series from Toro leads the way.

The Groundsmaster 3000 series is the first wave of new Stage V emissions compliant machines from Toro, in fact both the Groundsmaster 3200 and 3300 were designed with Stage V compliance in mind.

Toro leads the way

Toro leads the way

Alastair Rowell, UK sales manager – turfcare equipment for Reesink Turfcare, says: “Stage V engine legislation is welcome and good, but it brings with it a period of uncertainty as customers assess the way they maintain their grounds and contracts. Is there a different way to compile a fleet or can different purchasing decisions be made that allow customers to remain profitable and productive? It might cost more to buy a specific machine but if you can buy one machine to perform more than one function, or opt for a machine under the 25hp limit that hasn’t incurred the associated Stage V engine cost increase, those factors become more important than ever.”

When it comes to the Groundsmaster 3000 series however customers don’t need to consider how the addition of a Diesel Particulate Filter or a reduction in horsepower will affect the machine’s performance, because the design process considered it for them.

Alastair continues: “Toro benefitted from its experience with the roll-out of Tier IV products in North America. It learned how to design out inefficiencies in systems and looked at whether a product can meet customers’ needs with less horsepower or migrate to alternative fuels. For example, the fact that the Groundsmaster series has a fine-cut flail attachment option means you can cut two ways with one machine.”

Launching on to the market at the beginning of last year, the Groundsmaster 3200 and Groundsmaster 3300 are still relative new-comers, but their ability to deliver year-round productivity and multiple cutting options, cope easily with longer, coarser, dry or wet grass and combat extended mowing cycles immediately caught the market’s attention.

With a 24.7hp Yanmar engine, the Groundsmaster 3200 packs a punch, perfect for applications in smaller estates, schools and colleges. Meanwhile the heavy-duty Groundsmaster 3300 with its powerful 37.4hp engine is a real jungle-buster. Both machines benefit from Toro’s CrossTrax all-wheel drive system, which provides automatic traction control, shifting power to the wheels in slippery conditions for increased control and accuracy even in tough conditions.

Each has the option of 152cm (60ins) or 183cm (72ins) rear and side, or rear-only discharge rotary decks, with or without mulching kits, or a 152cm flail deck. There are three deck options; two rotary options to meet customers’ feature and price requirements – the standard deck has rear and side discharge and replaceable deck bumpers – and the Turbo Force deck has rear discharge and welded deck bumpers.

Another bonus is the durable deck design. With 4.5mm high strength steel decks, rugged spindles, a bullnose bumper and reinforced sideskids, it’s built for longevity and reduced downtime. Plus, the tip-up cutting deck makes servicing even easier, with access to the underside of the deck in under 15 seconds.

When it comes to getting jobs done quickly, the Groundsmaster 3000 series benefits from a transport speed of 22km/h, so you can move between sites efficiently, and its 19.8cm ground clearance means curb climbing is easy and doesn’t break up work. Plus, a large 45.4 litre fuel capacity maximises mowing time between refuelling for even more efficiency.

Alastair concludes: “The Groundsmaster series is the perfect out-front rotary choice in the new Stage V world. They are clean, considered and compliant.”

To discover on the Groundsmaster 3000 series, or to talk to someone about the Toro range and the finance options available, call 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Makita’s Powered Wheelbarrow Leads To Medals

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Makita’s Powered Wheelbarrow Leads To Medals: The Makita 18v LXT Brushless power-assisted wheelbarrow has taken some of the back-breaking labour out of Landform Consultants inspirational garden builds at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018.

Mark Gregory, managing director of award winning Landform Consultants Limited, together with his talented team, designed The Welcome to Yorkshire Garden in Main Avenue.  It was justifiably awarded the Gold & Best Construction medals as well as winning the People’s Choice Award.  Landform also designed and constructed The Seedlip Garden in the Space to Grow area of the Show which was awarded a cosseted Gold medal.

Makita's Powered Wheelbarrow Leads To Medals

“Chelsea garden show builds are always an enjoyable challenge and we take them extremely seriously so any help from Makita is very welcome,” says Mark Gregory, now a twentyone-time Gold medal winner.  “This labour-saving powered wheelbarrow has helped to reduce much of the pushing of a fully laden wheelbarrow.  This is a very impressive piece of kit and a fine match for the greatest flower show anywhere in the world.”

Designed principally to reduce the physical demands in the construction industry the new Makita DCU180Z is proving popular in many operating fields including commercial gardens.  Capable of carrying 130kg of blocks on the tubular frame, or similar amount of ballast in the barrow bin option, this power-assisted wheelbarrow has the Brushless motor integrated into the front wheel to ensure the maximum possible traction to the heavily ribbed agri-tyre.  This barrow has two forward speeds: Hi up to 3.5 km/h, Lo 1.5 km/h; powered reverse of 1.0 km/h and will climb a 12° maximum incline.  Main braking is provided by the front disc brake controlled by the hand lever on the steering handles. The wheelbarrow weighs just 32.5kg, is ready to work with handles that can be adjusted to three height levels for operator comfort and also fold for easy storage.  The detachable rear trailing wheels with kick down brake can be adjusted from a width of 480mm to 760mm which further improves stability and reduces operator effort.

The Welcome to Yorkshire Garden, sponsored by Welcome to Yorkshire, is inspired by the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, world famous for its dry stone walls, buttercup meadows, wild woodland, tumbling becks and artisan Wensleydale cheeses.  The Landform team made cheese in the stone dairy during the show and served it in the traditional Yorkshire way – on fruit bread.  “This is a celebration of Yorkshire’s stunning scenery and it is hoped that the garden will inspire visitors to experience Yorkshire’s captivating and serene beauty first hand,” continues Mark.  “And we are proud to have been awarded Best Construction too.  After breakdown everything in the garden will either go to charity, be recycled or reinstated, and even taken back to Yorkshire.”

The Seedlip Garden, designed by Landform’s senior designer Dr Catherine Macdonald, is sponsored by Seedlip, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit.  Inspired by the humble pea the garden was a first for Chelsea Flower Show as all the plants were from just one family – the pea family. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be awarded Gold for something I thoroughly love doing, and it’s even more special when you think the design is centred around the humble pea,” comments Catherine.

Compatible with any of the Makita 18v LXT Lithium-Ion batteries used to power Britain’s number 1 professional power tool range, the new Makita DCU180Z power-assisted wheelbarrow has soft start to ease the load away; constant speed control; twin LED driving lights and locking brake lever for maximum site safety.  For site security an individual ignition lock key is provided.  Previous walk-behind powered site platforms can cost several thousand pounds but the new Makita powered wheelbarrow will prove particularly attractive in relation to price competitiveness and rugged performance.

The DCU180Z is a body only machine which is available with a choice of optional accessories which can include the pipe frame set or bucket frame option.

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SALTEX Drives Year Round Leads

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SALTEX Drives Year Round Leads: Since SALTEX 2017 took place last November at the NEC, Birmingham, a number of exhibitors are still generating business as a direct result of the show – re-affirming that the exhibition is the must-attend event for any company involved in the grounds care industry.

Fivesquared, a brand of Earlsmere, is a leading vibration management provider to the grounds care industry. After exhibiting at SALTEX 2017, the company reported a 15 per cent increase in stand enquiries compared to the previous year with a number of significant leads coming from professional sports clubs, schools, universities and colleges.

SALTEX Drives Year Round Leads

The company now boasts a number of prestigious clients such as English Heritage, Southampton FC, Manchester United FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Manchester City FC, Wimbledon (The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club) and Merchant Taylors School – all of which were a direct result of exhibiting at SALTEX.

“Predominantly I would say that the majority of our overall business comes from exhibiting at the show,” says director Jeremy Hoyle.

“We have been exhibiting at SALTEX for about eight years now and since it moved to the NEC we have found a location that we are really happy with. In my opinion you can’t just exhibit at a show like SALTEX the once and not return. You need to establish a presence year-on-year because that is when you see an upward increase in business.

“It is not just after the show that you see the results – business continues to come in throughout the year. In fact, we are still getting enquiries from people who visited our stand – literally on a weekly basis.”

SCH Supplies, specialists in attachments and accessories for garden tractors and ride on lawnmowers, reported that SALTEX 2017 significantly helped increase its European dealership network.

“SALTEX is very important to us because we don’t employ any outside sales representation,” says managing director Andrew Rodwell. “The event is our only vehicle for engaging with potential customers face to face, while showcasing our products, which is enormously important.

“We already have numerous dealers in the UK but as a direct result of the 2017 show we appointed several new dealers from Europe, which is a trend that we’d like to continue.

“SALTEX is usually the only show that we have a presence at. It provides a focal point for the company and allows us to consider the direction the industry is taking which in turn informs the decisions we make regarding development of new machinery.”

Market-leading machinery manufacturer, Kubota UK, used last year’s SALTEX as the ideal platform to showcase its latest range of innovative and high-performance compact tractors and ride-on mowers.

“SALTEX is a great platform to showcase new solutions to groundsmen, greenkeepers, estate managers and turf professionals,” says Adrian Langmead, business development manager for Kubota UK’s Groundcare Division. “We had a fantastic time meeting with everyone to discuss our current and latest product ranges.”

The results of the SALTEX 2017 exhibitor survey is further testament to the success of the show with over 95 per cent of SALTEX exhibitors’ generating new sales leads while 83 per cent took direct orders on the show floor.

No doubt these statistics are a reflection of the growing trend in new exhibitors to this year’s show. Honda Engines and Honda UK, Case IH UK and ISEKI UK are just some of the newcomers in 2018.

David Withers, managing director at ISEKI UK, is certainly looking forward to exhibiting at SALTEX for the first time.

“As we continue to grow our ISEKI business in the UK we are always looking for relevant opportunities to meet with existing and potential customers to understand their needs and share the latest technologies that our product range has to offer. As such SALTEX offers us a great opportunity to meet a wide and diverse group of customers in one place. We look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones at the NEC later this year.”

Commenting on the growing trend of new exhibitors Charles Neale, event sales manager, says: “The show continues to grow and we are receiving new enquiries every week alongside existing exhibitors investing in bigger stands. Demand at this period in the sales cycle has never been higher.”

To view show highlights and key interviews please visit www.youtube.com/MyIOG

For more information visit www.iogsaltex.com

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