Toro’s New Self Propelled Snow Blower – the SnowMaster

Posted on October 14, 2015 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

The 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

Toro 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!

New Fall Cleanup Accessories for 2015

Posted on October 8, 2015 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!

Little 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.

Billy 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-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.

Stihl 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!

Stihl 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!

Top 5 Best Accessories for your Exmark Lawn Mower

Posted on September 15, 2015 by baggervance71

Top 5 Exmark Lawn Mower Accessories

If you have an Exmark Lawn Mower, then you already know how great it is. It’s not hard to fall in love with an Exmark mower. Between Exmark’s tremendous engineering, quality and intuitive controls, it’s not hard to see why Exmark is ahead of the class in commercial and residential lawn mowing. Along with Exmark’s amazing performance, they even have a few accessories that can instantly improve your mowing experience. If you would like to take your cutting to the next level, then check out these awesome Exmark Lawn Mower Accessories.

5. 12 Volt Adapter

This 12 Volt Adapter lets you power anything you might need while you’re mowing. This is an absolute must-have for any operator. Whether you’re charging your phone, GPS or any other accessory, this adapter is a necessity. It’s also conveniently located to make it easy to access during operation.

4. Trash Container Kit

You don’t have time to stop and worry about debris while you’re mowing. And now you don’t have to! The Exmark Trash Container Kit allows you to pick up any trash or debris and throw it away on the go – in no time at all. This container is conveniently located within arm’s reach of the operator. It features a 2.5 Gallon capacity basket with durable, easy to clean, mesh material.

3. UltraVac Bagger Collection System

The Exmark UltraVac Bagger Collection System takes your yard to the next level of quality. This bagger collects all excess debris into the hopper with every pass, which leaves behind a neat, crisp appearance. Along with picking up any grass clippings, bagger systems are also great at picking up leaves in the fall, making your lawn look flawless.

The Exmark UltraVack Bagger collection system also features quick-attach capabilities, which allow you to easily switch between side discharge and bagging. Plus, only Exmark’s bagging system features a wide diameter tube that helps reduce clogging.

2. Operator Control Discharge

When mowing around sensitive objects like cars, windows, and mulch beds, you know that every second counts. The operator control discharge system allows you to quickly and easily operate the discharge chute. This awesome accessory is compatible with any Exmark Lazer Z or Vantage Lawn Mower. This is a must-have accessory – especially for landscape professionals.

1. Turf Striper Kit

Have you ever been at a baseball game and paid attention to the outfield? Most ballparks use a really neat looking striping effect for their outfield grass. This gives the lawn a beautiful, professional look. Well, now lawn stripes aren’t just for the ballpark. With the Exmark Turf Striper Kit, you can have that fresh, ballpark look right in your own backyard.

These striping kits attach to existing mounting points, which makes installation quick and easy. The innovative design makes it easy for you to service the striper kit, which will make sure that it lasts season after season.

The New Stihl Push Button Start Backpack Blower

Posted on September 11, 2015 by baggervance71

Introducing the Stihl BR 450 C-EF

Backpack blowers can be a pain – especially if you’re a commercial landscaper. When you’re on a job that requires multiple stops and starts, your choices are to:

Power the blower off only to have to remove the whole unit to restart it when you get to the next job.
Leave the blower running while you move to the next job, wasting fuel.

Who wants to remove the blower from your back every time you need to restart it?!? The fact is – most backpack blowers are not designed for on-the-go landscapers. For the first time, the Stihl BR 450 C-EF Electric Start Backpack Blower completely eliminates the need for removing the blower every time you need to restart!

Innovative Electric Start System

The innovative Stihl BR 450 C-EF is the ONLY backpack blower available with Electric Start. That’s right — this awesome new blower allows you to start it up while the unit is still on your back! No more time wasted putting on and taking off your blower. No more fuel wasted by letting the blower idle.

Extreme Power

Along with the incredibly easy startup, the BR 450 C-EF also offers exceptional blowing power once it’s started. Weighing in at only 25 pounds, the BR 450 C-EF is powered by an incredibly lightweight, but powerful 63.3 cc Engine. That power, combined with blowing speeds of up to 186 MPH, gives you one of the most powerful blowers on the market.

Anti-Vibration System

Backpack blowers can wreak havoc on your back when you use them for long periods of time. Many bulky, heavyweight blowers don’t take the operator into account. On the other hand, the Stihl BR 450 C-EF Backpack Blower was designed with you in mind. Stihl’s amazing anti-vibration technology drastically reduces the amount of engine vibrations, which gives you a much more comfortable experience with NO fatigue. When using the BR 450 C-EF, you can keep going all day long.

Multi-Function Control Handle

Aside from tremendous blowing power and incredibly user-friendly features, another awesome feature on the BR 450 C-EF is the intuitive controls, all the way around. The design of the Multi-Function Control Handle allows easy access to all of the controls. The intuitive control panel allows you to quickly complete any task without your hand ever having to leave the handle.

These are just few of the reasons that the new Stihl BR 450 C-EF Electric Start Backpack Blower is going to be a huge game-changer in the world of professional landscaping.

Five Quick and Easy Labor Day Weekend Projects Around the Lawn

Posted on September 1, 2015 by baggervance71

5 Easy Projects to get your Lawn Ready for Fall

Each year, Labor Day comes along to celebrate you! You’ve been working hard all year long and it shows! To celebrate all that you do, we’re giving you the day off! So take an extra long weekend and relax! Kick back and enjoy some “you time!” Labor Day weekend is also great for getting in a few projects around the lawn. With Fall right around the corner, now is the time to prepare for the incoming colder months. If you’re trying to get some work done this extra long weekend, here are five easy projects for your labor day weekend.

1. Prune Trees

After only a few minutes with a pruner, your trees and shrubbery will be looking great! Clear way those dead branches and unsightly twigs. Trimming away any out of control limbs will be sure to give your trees a clean appearance.

2. Aerate your Lawn

Over the summer, you probably put a lot of pressure on your lawn – literally. When soil becomes compacted due to high traffic and usage, it becomes harder for it to receive nutrients and oxygen. Regularly aerating your lawn drastically improve it’s ability to breathe properly, which will result in a beautiful, deep green color.

And for most cool season grasses , the best time to aerate is RIGHT NOW! Early fall aerating will help to promote healthy growth and aeration when your lawn needs it the most!

3. Edge Sidewalks

If weeds and grass are starting to creep up onto your sidewalk or driveway, you could probably stand edging. Using an edger or weed trimmer, clean up along paths and walkways to give your exterior a neat, symmetrical look.

4. Mulch your Lawn

Mulch Kits do wonders for your lawn’s health and appearance! They dramatically reduce the size of your lawn clippings, which makes it easier for them to break down. Fall is also the best time to mulch your lawn! Using a mulching kit promotes healthy growth and aeration, while severely reducing damaging thatch buildup. Mulch Kits are also incredibly easy to install! If you don’t have one, then it look’s like you’ve found your Labor Day plans!

5. Sharpen your Mower Blades

Just as it’s important to keep your lawn maintained heading into Fall, it’s equally important to maintain your lawn mower! By this point in the summer, your lawn mower blades have probably taken quite a beating. Dull or chipped lawn mower blades can leave your lawn looking dull. If you’re not sure if your lawn mower blades need sharpening, look at your lawn right after you mow. If your lawn looks white immediately after mowing, that means the grass blades are being torn, rather than cut, which is damaging to your lawn. Replacing your lawn mower blades can be done in under 10 minutes, and it will do wonders for your lawn!

Along with maintaining your lawn before Fall, maintaining your lawn mower is just as important! By now, your lawn mower blades have probably taken quite a beating. Dull or chipped lawn mower blades can leave your lawn looking dull. One telltale sign of dull blades is that your lawn will begin to look white right after you mow. This is a sign that the grass blades are being torn, rather than cut. If this is the case, then it’s time for a blade replacement. Replacing your lawn mower blades is a simple task that can be done in under ten minutes.

By now, you’ve probably got a list of projects to do this weekend! We hope you have a great Labor Day Weekend!

Mid-Summer Mower Maintenance Tips

Posted on July 21, 2015 by baggervance71

4 Steps to Keeping your Lawn Mower Running all Summer Long

Summer is almost halfway over, which means your lawn mower has probably seen it’s fair share of daylight. In order to keep your lawn mower running great all summer long, now is the perfect time to give your mower a mid-season tune up. Here are five steps to giving your lawn mower some mid-season maintenance.

1. Give your Lawn Mower a Good Cleaning

The first step in giving your lawn mower a mid-summer tuneup is to clean it up a little bit. During the first half of the summer, chances are, your mower has collected some dirt, debris and grass. It’s important to give your mower a good cleaning. Clean thoroughly, especially underneath the mower deck. Grass buildup underneath the mower deck can hold a great deal of moisture, which will make your mower deck rust.

PRO TIP: Save water and use an air compressor to get rid of debris quickly! If you don’t have an air compressor, a leaf blower will work just as well.

2. Tighten Bolts and Hardware

Over the course of a summer, your lawn mower takes on a great deal of wear. Vibrations among other things can cause bolts on your lawn mower to loosen. Grab a wrench and make sure all of your hardware and bolts are tightened up!

3. Change the Air Filter

If your air filter is dirty, then it’s probably time to change it. Replacing your paper air filter can maximize your mowers performance and engine life. If your air filter is foam, then you could probably benefit from cleaning it. Using soap and water, remove all debris, grass, and anything else it might have collected so far.

4. Check the Blades

Well sharpened blades can make all the difference in the world, when it comes to cut quality. Remove the blades and carefully inspect them for chipped or dull edges or any chunks that are missing. Properly balanced and sharpened Lawn mower blades are without a doubt, the most important part of achieving a high quality of cut.

After you do these 4 simple steps, your lawn mower should be all ready to take on whatever you throw at it, as we head into the last half of the summer. Happy Mowing!

Taking a Look at Electronic Fuel Injected Engines (EFI)

Posted on June 16, 2015 by baggervance71

Why Choose an EFI Engine Lawn Mower?

About three decades ago, the automobile industry went through a nationwide revolution! Between rising gas prices and pressure to become environmentally friendly, automobile manufacturers made the switch from traditional, carbureted engines to Electronic Fuel Injected Engines. Following the success of EFI Engines in the automobile industry, most commercial mowers and landscapers were also looking for an EFI Alternative in their lawn mowers, which led to a nationwide boom in Electronic Fuel Injected Lawn Mowers. If you’re still running on a carbureted engine, here are some reasons why switching over to EFI engines could be huge for you and your mowing operation!

How Does EFI Work?

Fuel injectors are electronic valves that send a fine mist of fuel to each cylinder. Each valve is connected to a computer that calculates factors, such as:

Temperature
Air Density
Throttle Position
Air Intake Volume

The EFI Engine’s computer takes real time readings of each of these factors, then uses these readings to adjust the amount of fuel that is being injected into the cylinders. Because of the flexibilty, EFI engines perform better and consume less fuel than carbureted engines.

Environmentally Friendly

EFI Equipped mowers use less fuel, give off less CO2, and offer a cleaner burn than traditional engines. Studies have shown that EFI engines use between 25 and 30% less fuel, which greatly reduces it’s carbon footprint! EFI engines are also more flexible and versatile than the bulky design of the traditional carburetor.

Cost Effective

Along with being incredibly environmentally friendly, EFI engines will also save you a lot of money! EFI engines use 25% less fuel, which means you will save 25% on fuel costs! Is that not impressive enough? Let’s put that into real-world terms.

Let’s pretend that you own a commercial mowing business. You run your carbureted lawn mower 600 hours per year, and your lawn mower consumes 1.35 gallons of fuel per hour. If gas prices are $3.50, then at the end of the year, you will pay $2835 in fuel costs alone. But when you switch to an EFI engine, your fuel consumption will be reduced to 1.01 Gallons per hour, and your annual fuel cost will be reduced to $2121! With an Electronic Fuel Injected Engine, you will save around $714 per year, and that’s only for one mower! If you replace four of your mowers with EFI mowers, you will save over $2800 per year on fuel costs! If that’s not enough to make the switch, I don’t know what is!

If you would like to see how much you can save by switching to EFI, check out this EFI Fuel Savings Calculator.

If your commercial mowing operation hasn’t made the switch over to an EFI engine, do it today! EFI engines perform better, burn cleaner fuel, are more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient! Think of all the money you will save with an EFI Engine Lawn Mower!

How to Change your Lawn Mower’s Spark Plug Like a Pro

Posted on May 26, 2015 by baggervance71

Changing the Spark Plug on your Lawn Mower

If you can’t get your lawn mower to start, many times it’s because of a faulty spark plug. An old or dirty spark plug can cause your lawn mower to have problems starting. Does your lawn mower start on the first pull? If not, simply replacing your spark plug can usually be exactly what your mower needs. Fortunately, replacing your mower’s spark plug is one of the easier things you can do for your mower. Here is a step by step guide to changing your lawn mower’s spark plug in under 10 minutes!

Does your Spark Plug Need Changed?

If your lawn mower doesn’t start on the first or second pull, then it’s probably time for a new spark plug. To decide whether or not you need to change your spark plug, first remove your old one and inspect the tip. If it’s black or dark in color or covered in debris, then it’s time to change your spark plug. Fortunately, spark plugs are incredibly inexpensive and super easy to replace!

You will Need:

New Spark Plug
Spark Plug Socket Wrench (These types of sockets contain a rubber insert that protects the ceramic spark plug.)

How to Change the Spark Plug

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and clean around the spark plug hole with a wire brush.

2. Using a spark plug socket, remove the old spark plug.

3. Purchase a new spark plug. New spark plugs typically only cost a few dollars. Take the old spark plug into your local lawn mower service professional or hardware store to have it replaced. All spark plugs come with the model number printed right on them, so you can be sure you’re getting the right one.

4. Install the new Spark Plug. Insert the new spark plug into the spark plug hole. Turn the spark plug by hand until you can’t anymore, then use the spark plug socket to tighten the spark plug into place. Don’t over-tighten the the spark plug – applying too much pressure can crack the ceramic spark plug. Once the new spark plug is in place, connect the spark plug wire and you’re ready to go!

Changing your Lawn Mower Blades in Less than 10 Minutes

Posted on May 26, 2015 by baggervance71

How to Change your Lawn Mower Blades

The key to a better looking lawn sometimes lies in new lawn mower blades. If you’re noticing any missed patches of tall grass right after mowing your lawn, then it could be time to replace your lawn mower blades. The quality of your mowing can be greatly improved by newer, sharper lawn mower blades! Fortunately, lawn mower blades are easy to replace and inexpensive! If you’ve never replaced your lawn mower blades – don’t worry! Here is a step by step guide to changing your lawn mower blades in under ten minutes!

1. Disconnect the Spark Plug

As always, be sure to disconnect the spark plug before doing any work to your lawn mower. This will keep the engine from accidentally engaging while you are underneath the mower; which removes any chance of accidents.

2. Lift the Deck

Before you can change the mower blades, you need to be able to easily access the underside of your mower. If you have a walk behind lawn mower, simply tilt the mower back and prop it up on its side. Be sure to pay attention to which side your gas tank is on and avoid tilting your mower in a way that will spill gas on the engine. However, if you have a lawn tractor or a zero turn mower, you will need to lift up the deck with a jack.

Before tilting your walk behind lawn mower back, take off the gas cap and lay a plastic sandwich bag over the opening of the gas tank. Then replace the cap, twisting it securely. This will make sure no gas spills out during the blade changing process.

3. Take Off the Mounting Bolt

After you have the mower propped up on its side, it’s time to remove the blade. Keep in mind that it’s usually a good idea to wear gloves when handling a sharp blade. In most lawn mowers, there are between 1 and 3 bolts holding the blade into place. Using a socket wrench, unscrew the bolt from the deck’s mount. Pay attention to which direction the blade is positioned, because the new blade will go on exactly like that.

PRO Tip: Before taking off the old blade, take a picture of the underside of your mower deck with your phone. That will help you be sure the new blade goes on the same way.

4. Install the New Blade

Once you have a new blade, using the same socket wrench, attach it to the mount. Make sure that the blade is positioned exactly the same way the old blade was. Don’t over tighten the bolt – this can cause warping in the blade. Once the new blade is on, sit the mower back up and connect the spark plug wire! After this, you should be ready to mow like a pro!

How to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Posted on May 5, 2015 by baggervance71

How to Add Value to Your Home and Improve Curb Appeal

If your house has been on the market for a long time, it can be discouraging. In honor of Coldwell Banker’s Curb Appeal Week, we are going to share some ways you can improve your home’s curb appeal so you can get it sold quickly!

Did you know landscaping and having a well kept lawn can have a direct effect on the resale value of your home? A poorly landscaped yard can discourage potential buyers! If someone pulls up to a house and notices that a yard is a disheveled mess, they will probably assume the same for the inside of the house. Curb Appeal is extremely important! It’s also an inexpensive way to drastically improve the appearance of the outside of your home without having to spend a lot of money.

“Good landscaping can add up to 28% to the overall value of a house and even cut its time on the market by 10-15%.”

– Landscape Economist John Harris

Last week, we gave you some insider tips on how to get a golf course quality yard. This week, we’ll tell you how you can easily increase the value of your home and it’s curb appeal so you can get your house sold!

Landscaping

First and foremost, landscaping is key to maximizing your curb appeal. Taking care of your lawn is an extremely inexpensive way to make sure the exterior of your house looks great! Well manicured lawns make a home look crisp, neat and symmetrical. In order to achieve a perfectly manicured lawn, some necessary steps include:

Take Care of Your Grass – Make sure your grass is thick and green. If your yard is brown and dry, here are some ways to achieving a green, beautiful lawn.
- Edge – using a weed trimmer, edge along curbs, driveways and fences.
- Mow – Striping Kits can help give your yard a neat, ballpark effect. Striping can be just what your lawn needs.
- Clean Up After Yourself – After you have trimming, edging and mowing, be sure to use a leaf blower to clean grass clippings and other debris off of the driveways and sidewalks.

Dress up the Entryway

Along with a well manicured lawn, the first thing that a buyer looks for in a home is the front entryway. Because of that, the key to an aesthetically pleasing home is an elegant entryway. Here are some easy ways you can improve your home’s entryway.

Accent the Door by painting it a bold color. If your homes exterior doesn’t draw the attention to the entryway, a bold colored door can be just what it needs.
Incorporate some potted plants or other greenery to either side of your door to give your entryway some added symmetry.
Add new light fixtures. If your outdoor lighting is outdated, replace them with some newer fixtures.
If your front porch is starting to look drab, then repaint or refinish the porch and/or deck.

Add Some Greenery

Greenery such as potted plants, trees, and an elegant garden can make sure your front lawn radiates a welcoming environment. Here are some ways to use greenery to make your home seem more inviting:

Adding flower boxes to front facing windows.
Making sure your garden is in top shape.
Pruning trees.
Trimming Hedges.
Putting down new mulch.
Planting a few trees.
Sprucing up your front entryway with potted plants.

Add some Accents

One more thing that can spruce the your home and add tons of curb appeal is to add a few accents. Incorporating a few, simple decorative items can be the added touch that your home needs. However, remember that less is more! Some ideas of elegant accents include:

Outdoor lighting
Updated House Numbers
A New Mailbox
Shutters
A small fountain or pond.

Get a second Opinion

As a homeowner, you might tend to overlook some of your home’s imperfections. We get so used to seeing imperfections such as chipped paint and cracks in the concrete, that we don’t even see them anymore. Because of this, it can be a good idea to get a second opinion. Invite a friend or realtor over to take a look at your home and point out glaring issues. Here are some easy fixes that you might have overlooked in your home.

Pressure-wash the porch, deck, and siding.
Fix cracks in steps and driveways
Prune trees and trim bushes
Repair Gutters
Repaint faded or chipped doors or siding.

Taking care of your lawn and landscaping is the easiest, most inexpensive way to both improve your curb appeal and raise the value of your home. When your home sends a warm, inviting message, then you can be sure that your home will be sold in no time at all.

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