Briggs & Stratton offering EFI engine and much more in 2015
Briggs & Stratton Corporation displayed several innovative products and technologies across its many divisions at GIE+EXPO 2014. They included the following:
* Vanguard 810-cc EFI engine: Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power introduced its Vanguard 810-cc EFI engine series, which combines the increased fuel efficiency of a closed-loop electronic fuel injection system with the increased capability of an 810-cc engine. Add it together and the Vanguard 810-cc EFI engine gives landscape contractors an optimum level of power and fuel efficiency for commercial zero-turn mowers.
* EXi engine: EXi is Briggs & Stratton’s new durable and reliable engine platform that will become standard across all OEM partners and mower lines, phasing out the current Quantum engine over the next couple of years. EXi is the first walk-behind lawn mower engine that will never need an oil change — ever. Made in the USA of U.S. and global parts at Briggs & Stratton’s Poplar Bluff, Mo., plant, the engine will be featured on Toro, Husqvarna, Troy-Bilt and Craftsman mowers in early 2015 and available at major retailers.
* InStart: Starting is one of the two most important features in a mower, according to consumer research, and Briggs & Stratton’s InStart combines the power of gas with the starting reliability of lithium-ion technology, offering consumers the most advanced starting method on the market. The InStart starting system requires no prime, no choke and no rope to pull. More eco-friendly and lasting three times longer than traditional batteries found on mowers, the lithium-ion battery technology replaces lead-acid batteries of the past, which are much more likely to die and require pull starting or a new purchase. The battery pack is lightweight and mobile; requires no tools; and offers efficient, convenient charging. A full charge takes only one hour, yields up to 100 starts, and is good for the entire mowing season. Just 10 minutes on the charger results in up to 20 starts, so there are no worries of not getting the job done if the battery is dead.
* ReadyStart: Ever since the engine experts at Briggs & Stratton first brought its ReadyStart feature to walk-behind mowers in 2005, owners of riding mowers have longed to experience the same ease-of-start without the need to prime or choke the engine. With the ReadyStart System now available on select Husqvarna riding mowers, the wait is over. ReadyStart is an automatic choking feature designed to start the engine within two 5-second cranking attempts in weather above 32 degrees. The ReadyStart System automatically senses engine temperature to deliver the right amount of fuel to the carburetor. “Consumers want to know that their mower is going start with minimal effort each and every time,” said Carissa Gingras, marketing director for consumer engines and service at Briggs & Stratton. “A no-choke starting system, ReadyStart takes the guesswork out of starting the engine, and we are the only manufacturer to bring this system to riding mowers designed for residential use.”
The Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group also made several product introductions. They included the following:
* SnowShredder: The new SnowShredder serrated auger on single-stage snowblowers built by the Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group lets you easily clear snow and ice, including that tough and compacted end-of-the-driveway snow left behind by the snowplow. When matched with the Briggs & Stratton 1150 Snow Series engine, users can clear snow more than 30-percent faster compared to the company’s other single-stage snowblowers. The patented SnowShredder auger system combines 14 welded, serrated steel surfaces with reinforced rubber paddles to efficiently chop, grind, and clear compacted snow, ice and end-of-driveway snow buildup. The self-propelled drive system quickly clears down to the pavement and moves the snowblower forward effortlessly. This new feature is available on two easy-to-use models, the 922EXD and the 1222EE, in Snapper, Simplicity and Briggs & Stratton-branded single-stage snowblowers.
* Ferris IS 3200Z commercial zero-turn mower: Ferris introduced the IS 3200Z commercial zero-turn mower lineup with a patented suspension system — featuring adjustable rear coil-over-shocks and front independent, adjustable coil-over-shocks — allowing operators to maintain their ground speed and take full advantage of available horsepower (see page 25 in December 2014 OPE).
* Snapper Pro S200xt large-frame mid-mount zero-turn mower: Known for providing commercial cutters with maximum productivity, the Snapper Pro S200xt large-frame mid-mount zero-turn mower just got better. A new 28-gross-hp. model featuring the Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 810-cc engine with EFI is being added to the lineup (see page 28). In addition to its innovative engine, the S200xt drive system consists of commercial Hydro-Gear ZT-5400 powertrain transaxles with 9-inch cooling fans. It has a ground speed of up to 10 mph. The unit offers a 61-inch iCD Cutting System engineered to produce the best possible cut in a variety of grass conditions.
* Ferris IS 2100Z mid-frame zero-turn mower: With the addition of two new models featuring a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 810-cc engine with EFI, the Ferris IS 2100Z mid-frame zero-turn now offers eight models from which landscapers and homeowners can choose. The 28-gross-hp. Vanguard 810-cc engine is available with a 52- or 61-inch iCD Cutting System.
* Ferris FW35CC and Snapper Pro SW35CC commercial walk-behind mowers: The new Ferris FW35CC and Snapper Pro SW35CC commercial walk-behind mowers meet the demands of professional mowing crews. These dual-hydrostatic machines offer powerful engine options paired with a 48-, 52- or 61-inch mowing deck and Centralized Control handlebars. “The new controls are ergonomically designed so that operators experience less fatigue,” said Bill Shea, vice president of commercial sales for the Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group. “They provide improved hand positioning for maneuvering around trees, fences and other obstacles. They are also more efficient than traditional pistol-grip controls for operators using a sulky attachment.”
* TURBO-Pro Max: The Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group introduced a new turbo for use on Ferris and Snapper Pro collections systems. The TURBO-Pro Max system acts as a lawn vacuum for a clean finish in a wide variety of conditions. Highly resistant to clogging, it uses oversized drive and idler pulleys combined with a long drive belt for cool running and maximum belt life. A curved blade impeller allows for reduced impeller speed and noise while maintaining air velocity.
* Snapper 550Z with 52-inch fabricated steel deck: Building on the success of its popular 550Z prosumer zero-turn mower line (which debuted at GIE+EXPO 2013 with two 61-inch fabricated-steel mowing deck models paired with a 25-gross-hp. Briggs & Stratton Commercial Turf Series or 24-gross-hp. Kawasaki FR engine), Snapper revealed two new models with 52-inch fabricated steel mowing decks. Both deck sizes are constructed of 10-gauge steel and feature four anti-scalp wheels.
* Simplicity Regent S lawn tractor with rear suspension: The newest Regent S lawn tractor features rear suspension, reducing the impact that the operator feels at faster speeds, making for a more comfortable ride, and allowing work to get done quicker. This lawn tractor also comes with a 48-inch fabricated Free Floating mower deck with full-width rollers, a 14-inch turning radius and a manual infinite height-of-cut adjustment, ensuring a manicured, scalp-free cut.
* Simplicity Broadmoor lawn tractor: Simplicity has combined two of its patented features to offer homeowners a lawn tractor that combines high performance and operator comfort. A brand-new Broadmoor model for spring 2015 features both the company’s Free Floating fabricated (48-inch) mower deck with full-width rollers and its Suspension Comfort System.
* Snapper SPX lawn tractors: Snapper added two SPX lawn tractor models with Briggs & Stratton Professional Series V-Twin engines and heavy-duty fabricated-steel mowing decks. The 23-gross-hp. model features a 12-gauge steel frame, Hydro-Gear transmission, cast-iron front axle with grease fittings and 42-inch mowing deck with two blades. The top-of-the-line 25-gross-hp. model boasts a Tuff Torq K46 transmission, push-button start, electric deck lift, 22-inch drive tires and 48-inch deck with three blades. Both tractors have a 14-inch turning radius for enhanced maneuverability.
For more information, visit www.briggsandstratton.com.
