Month: October 2015

Toro’s New Self Propelled Snow Blower – the SnowMaster

Posted on by baggervance71

New to 2016 is Toro’s most innovative product of the century – the SnowMaster.  This brand new snowblower design is being called an “inline two-stage” snow blower.  This new design is comparable to a single stage/two stage snowblower hybrid.

Toro has designed the perfect solution for the user caught in the single stage vs. two stage snowblower dilemma.  The last few years, we’ve seen a gradual rise in the national snowfall average per season.  This has led to the creation of the innovative hybrid stage snowblower.

The Age Old Snowblower Dilemma

Typically, a single stage snowblower is ideal for clearing 2″ – 8″ of snow on a paved surface.  However, most single stage snowblowers do not offer self propelled drive systems or adequate height for large snows.  They also aren’t designed to be used on gravel driveways.  On the other hand, two stage snow blowers come standard with self-propelled drive and can handle up to 24″ of snow or more.  At the same time, these snowblowers don’t work well when there’s less than 4″ of snow on the ground.  To further complicate matters, the self propel on two-stage snowblowers are relatively slow, compared to walking pace.  Because of this, single stage snowblowers are much quicker when it comes to lighter snowfalls.  In certain parts of the country, no matter which snowblower you buy – it’s only the proper equipment half of the time.

Toro’s SnowMaster: The Solution

Toro has taken these above issues and provided an innovative solution.  Their solution is so simple, that it seems almost obvious.

Larger Intake and Chute

Toro SnowMasterThe first step in creating the perfect hybrid snowblower was providing a snowblower that could handle larger snowfalls, while quickly and effectively removing small amounts of snow.  In order to achieve this, Toro started with a larger housing and a taller intake that handles larger snows.  Then they added a large, single stage paddle system that still removes snow clear to the surface for light snowfalls.  They’ve also upgraded to a larger chute that is typically found on two stage snowblower models.  This allows the  SnowMaster to better move large volumes of snow in no time at all.

Self Propelled Drive

Self Propelled SnowblowerToro has been using their patented Personal Pace self propel system on their walk behind lawn mowers for years – with amazing results.  For the SnowMaster, Toro has decided to utilize the same Personal Pace system found in their mowers.  Turns out, it works just as beautifully in the snow!  The larger tires mounted to the powerful transaxle allow the SnowMaster to easily power over or through the snow with minimum effort!  Going from froward to reverse has never been easier!

Trac-Vac Lawn Vacuum & Leaf Collection Systems

Posted on by baggervance71

A Guide to Trac-Vac Leaf Collection Systems

If your lawn is being taken over by leaves, then you probably need a Trac-Vac Leaf Collection System.   Trac-Vac makes a wide variety of great lawn and leaf vacuums for any mower type.  That’s right – many Trac-Vac lawn vacuums are universal – so you can always find a Trac-Vac machine for your mower or tractor, no matter which model you have.  If you’re not sure which type of Trac-Vac system is best for you, here is a guide to some of the most popular Trac-Vac models.

470Walk Behind Lawn Mowers

If you would like to add a leaf collection system to your commercial walk behind lawn mower, then the Trac-Vac 470 is without a doubt, the best model for you.  The 470 is powered by a 6 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine, with an 8-Bushel capacity Rubbermaid tub that mounts easily and securely on top of your mower deck.

565CKGStand on Mowers

If you have a Stand on Mower, then the  Trac-Vac 565 Leaf Collection Vacuum is the perfect model for you.  The 565 mounts on most commercial stand on mowers and is powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine, mounted to the side of the mower, which reduces interference and excess heat.  It also features a 44 gallon Rubbermaid tub, mounted on top of the mower deck.

TracVac462ZcutoutZero Turn Mowers

If you need to add a lawn vacuum system to your zero turn lawn mower, then you have a few different Trac-Vac options to choose from.

  • The 1060 Trac-Vac has a 44 Bushel Capacity cart that can be wheeled behind most Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mowers.  This model is powered by an 11 Horsepower Briggs & Stratton Engine and heavy duty construction.
  • If you’re in the market for a lawn vacuum with more maneuverability than the 1060, then the 655 Trac-Vac is probably more up your alley.  This model features two 8-bushel capacity Rubbermaid Tubs that mount right on the rear of your Zero Turn Mower, for maximum convenience.
  • If you have a smaller lawn, the Trac-Vac 462Z might be a better option for you.  The powerful, yet affordable 462 features a compact design that maximizes maneuverability, and a 6.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine with a single 44 gallon Rubbermaid tub that mounts to the back of your ZTR.

Trac-VacRiding Lawn Tractors

On the other hand, if you have a lawn tractor, then Trac-Vac has a wide variety of models available for your tractor.

  • The Trac-Vac 580 vacuum is built for medium size lawn tractors.  The 580 consists of a draw bar mounted Briggs Engine, heavy duty metal construction and a 25 Bushel Capacity cart.
  • The Trac-Vac 880 is very similar to the 580, with the key difference being the larger capacity hopper.  The Trac-Vac 880 uses a draw bar mounted 44 bushel cart.  This heavier system is designed for use with larger garden tractors.
  • The Trac-Vac 520C is brand new to the Trac-Vac lineup.  It’s also one of the more popular models available for small lawn tractors.  The new 520C features a 17 Cu. Ft. Cart with a detachable mesh top so you can use this cart for material handling as well as grass and leaf collection.

854Utility Tractors

On the other hand, for tractor owners, a few other options exist.  The Trac-Vac 854 is compatible with compact utility tractors and can even be used at the same time a mid-mount mower deck is activated.  On the 854, the 540RPM rear PTO of your tractor powers the vacuum’s turbine assembly.  The turbine hooks right up to any Cat 1 – 3-Point Hitch for added convenience.  The 854 features a 44 bushel cart and 8″ turbine intake.

The  Trac-Vac 662 lawn vacuum is also compatible with compact utility tractors.  This model is very similar to the 854 tractor, in that it easily attaches to your tractor’s Cat. I, 3-Point Hitch.  It also features two 44 gallon Rubbermaid tubs, 6 HP Briggs Engine and an 8″ intake for maximum performance.

New Fall Cleanup Accessories for 2015

Posted on by baggervance71

New Leaf Cleanup Accessories for 2015

As we’re headed into Fall, temperatures aren’t the only thing dropping!  You might have noticed all the leaves!  Nothing can screw up your lawn mower than leaves.  Fortunately, there are some great new leaf cleanup products from Stihl, Trac-Vac, Little Wonder and more!  If leaves are starting to take over your lawn, then it’s time to fight back!  Here is a guide to some of the best new fall cleanup accessories, including Leaf Blowers, Lawn Vacuums and more!

c5-blower-02Little Wonder C5 Wheeled Leaf Blower

It’s no wonder why the Little Wonder C5 Wheeled Blower is one of the most popular leaf blowers on the market.  It’s powerful, yet lightweight design features never-flat, oversize wheels and a padded handle for maximum operator comfort and the simplest maneuvering.  This great new leaf blower even features the new, adjustable Aim Rite nozzle for maximum versatility.


KV650_534x575Billy Goat Walk Behind Leaf Vacuum

If lawn vacuums are more your style, the Billy Goat Walk Behind Leaf Vacuum is a perfect choice for any homeowner.   This powerful vacuum features a heavy duty Briggs & Stratton Engine, a 27″ clearing width and heavy duty construction that’s rugged enough to pick up leaves, grass and even pinecones!

Trac-VacTrac-Vac Pull Behind Leaf Collection System

On the other hand, if you have a little more land to clear, Trac-Vac has a wide variety of pull behind leaf collection systems that are ideal for large areas.  Whether you will be pulling the Trac-Vac system behind a  lawn tractor, zero turn lawn mower, or compact tractor, there is a Trac-Vac collection system that is perfect for you and your operation.   Simply tow this system behind your mower or tractor and experience a clean, perfect lawn.

 

BR600-MagnumStihl Leaf Blowers

Whether you’re a homeowner or a commercial landscaper, Stihl leaf blowers are perfect for any user.  Stihl offers a wide variety of leaf blowers at any price point so you can be sure to find the perfect blower for you.  Stihl handheld leaf blowers are lightweight, powerful and even come in battery powered models!   If you’re going to be operating a leaf blower for longer periods of time, then Stihl backpack blowers are more up your alley!  Lightweight, comfortable and super convenient, the Stihl backpack blowers rest easily on your back while you go to work!  Now, Stihl even offers an Electric Start Backpack blower for added convenience!

gutterkitStihl Gutter Kit

We can all pretty much agree that clearing gutters is – hands down, the worst part about fall cleanup.  Between shaky ladders and wet, smelly leaves, gutter cleanup typically makes for a pretty bad afternoon.  Well, you’re in luck!  The days of getting up on a ladder are over!  Stihl now offers an incredibly convenient gutter cleaning kit!  This kit consists of a series of plastic tubes that can easily attach to most handheld leaf blowers and extend over ten feet!  Now you can clean your gutters from the safety of the ground!