Briggs and Stratton displays latest innovative products at GIE+EXPO 2015

Briggs & Stratton Corporation showed off its latest wave of innovative products and technology at GIE+EXPO.

“A few year years ago, I talked a little bit about innovation and where our company was headed,” said Todd Teske, chairman, president and CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation. “And I think now two to three years later, if you look around the booth, we’re executing.”

* On the commercial engines side, Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power introduced its Vanguard air-cooled V-Twin Big Block EFI engine, which gives landscape contractors the power and durability that only Big Blocks offer with the increased fuel efficiency of a closed-loop electronic fuel injection (EFI) system. “Since Vanguard pioneered the Big Block engine category in turf in 2005, they have been famous for delivering big power in a compact air-cooled engine,” said Jim Cross, marketing manager for Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power. “With the Big Block EFI engine, operators are getting that versatile all-day power with the added benefit of a more fuel-efficient power source.” The new engine joins a growing lineup of Vanguard EFI engines, including open-loop Big Block EFI engines for mud boats in the marine market and the closed-loop 810 EFI engines for zero-turn commercial mowers. Big Block engines are designed for the toughest mowing jobs, powering commercial mowers with 54-inch cutting decks and larger. The new EFI technology is available in 33- and 37-gross-hp. Big Block engines. It features an automotive-based closed-loop EFI system for up to 25 percent better fuel economy compared to the already-efficient carbureted Big Block engines. EFI engines use less fuel than carbureted engines because fuel in an EFI system is delivered precisely where and when needed, so fuel flow is less under certain conditions. Like the Vanguard 810 EFI engine, the Big Block EFI engine offers unique diagnostic features to arm fleet or dealer technicians with an abundance of information to eliminate downtime and optimize engine performance. Three diagnostics options will enable easy identification of issues in the field, and provide technicians unmatched ability to test, update, save, and share engine data. These include in-field blink codes, supported by Vanguard’s exclusive Power Code; a Tiny Scan reader that can be plugged into the service port to display error codes; and a cable connecting the ECU to a computer for a deeper dive into engine data. For more information, visit www.vanguardengines.com.

* On the consumer engines side, the company introduced Gas Off by Briggs & Stratton hand and surface cleaner. Whether at the pump or in the garage or workshop, nearly all of us have experienced the unwanted, lingering smell and/or leftover residue of gas or diesel on our hands, clothes, cars or outdoor power equipment. Gas Off by Briggs & Stratton provides an effective solution to the widespread challenge of removing that residue and odor of gas or diesel. Gas Off doesn’t mask the smell like other sprays, cleaners and home remedies. Its special mal-odor, nano-scale formula transfers the gas or diesel molecules onto wipes (or towel if using the spray), leaving your hands clean and odor-free. Gas Off is a non-toxic, plant-based formula, and will not dry out hands like alcohol-based cleaners. Gas Off comes packaged in convenient single-use foil packs, an eight-ounce spray bottle, a 15-wipe flat pack perfect for glove compartments or a 36-wipe canister ideal for a garage or workshop. Gas Off is currently available at Walmart and will be available at other dealers and select retailers in spring 2016. For more information, go to www.briggsandstratton.com.

In addition, Briggs & Stratton’s Turf and Consumer Products Division introduced several zero-turn mowers under its Ferris, Snapper and Simplicity brands, as well as an inverter generator. The division also highlighted its POWERflow+ technology pressure washers, as well as its SnowShredder auger system on single-stage snowblowers under its Simplicity and Briggs & Stratton brands.

* Ferris announced that for 2016 the Ferris IS 3200Z will feature three new top-of-the-line powerful commercial engine options: a Briggs & Stratton 32-gross-hp., 896-cc Vanguard Big Block; a Briggs & Stratton 37-gross-hp., 993-cc Vanguard Big Block with EFI; or Kawasaki 35-gross-hp., 999-cc FX1000V. For commercial cutters seeking a diesel option, the new IS 2600Z with Ferris’ patented mower suspension system will be available with a 24-gross-hp., 904-cc Yanmar diesel engine, allowing it to travel up to 10 mph and mow up to five acres per hour. Ferris also rolled out three new Fleet Series fixed-frame zero-turn mowers: the compact, mid-frame F160Z with three engine options (a 26- or 28-gross-hp. Briggs & Stratton or a 23.5-gross-hp. Kawasaki FX730V engine), Hydro-Gear ZT-4400 transaxles, and iCD cutting system in 48- and 52-inch cutting widths; the mid-frame F210Z with 2 engine options (28-gross-hp. Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 810 EFI or a 25.5-gross-hp. Kawasaki FX801V engine), Hydro-Gear ZT-5400 powertrain transaxles, and a 61-inch iCD cutting system with a professional striping kit; and the F320Z for tackling large-acreage jobs with a 37-gross-hp. Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Big Block EFI or 35-gross-hp. Kawasaki FX1000V engine, Hydro-Gear ZT-5400 powertrain transaxles, and iCD cutting system with 61- or 72-inch cutting widths. Ferris also debuted the Soft Ride Stand-on (SRS) Z2 mower, featuring a first-of-its-kind adjustable operator platform for optimum comfort and unprecedented performance. For more information about Ferris mowers, visit www.ferrismowers.com.

* Snapper introduced its 360Z zero-turn mower, complete with a rear cargo bed to provide homeowners with more on-the-go versatility and convenience than a traditional zero-turn mower. The integrated rear cargo bed (optional on some models) has a 50-pound capacity to add even more utility around the yard. The 360Z includes many commercial-grade-inspired features. A 46-inch stamped or 42-, 48- or 52-inch fabricated steel mower deck offers cutting durability. A commercial-style foot-operated mower deck lift makes adjusting between 13 height-of-cut positions simple for the operator. “The Snapper 360Z is much more than just a zero-turn mower,” said Harold Redman, president of Briggs & Stratton’s Turf and Consumer Products Division. “With the new cargo bed, homeowners can carry tools, mulch, flowers, debris, and even a cooler for ice-cold water for those warm days of mowing.” The 360Z is available with a 22-gross-hp. Briggs & Stratton Intek, 21.5-gross-hp. Kawasaki, or a 23- or 25-gross-hp. Briggs & Stratton Professional Series engine with ReadyStart. For more information about the Snapper 360Z, visit www.snapper.com.

* Simplicity introduced two zero-turn mowers — the Contender for prosumers and the Courier for residential use. The Contender is a commercial-quality zero-turn mower that is available in two models featuring a 25-gross-hp. Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series V-twin engine; high-performance Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transaxles; a rugged, welded-steel frame; and a 52- or 61-inch fabricated mower deck. Both models feature speeds up to 8 mph, a 5.5-gallon fuel tank and 20-inch drive tires. The Courier is a premium zero-turn mower with the versatility of a utility vehicle, thanks to an integrated rear cargo bed with a 50-pound capacity and universal attachments. The Courier also features an exclusive suspension comfort system, a 23- or 25-gross-hp. 724-cc Briggs & Stratton Professional Series engine with ReadyStart, a 12-gauge steel frame, pivoting welded steel front axle, durable stamped or fabricated mower deck, foot-operated deck lift for 13 possible height-of-cut positions from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, and an integrated parking brake. For more information, visit www.simplicitymfg.com.

* The new P2200 PowerSmart Series inverter generator is equipped with parallel capabilities previously only available on more expensive units, so it can be tethered together with another inverter generator to provide outdoor recreation and tailgating enthusiasts with even more quiet and consistent, affordable power. “Outdoor recreation enthusiasts who require more power than a standard 2- or 3-kilowatt inverter, but still want the benefit of quiet operation, now have the ability to connect two Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart Series inverter units,” said Dan Roche, director of marketing for Briggs & Stratton’s Portable Power and Cleaning Systems group. “This provides tailgaters and campers with the additional power needed to run their RV’s HVAC unit, while simultaneously keeping the lights on, cell phones charging, and music playing.” Parallel capabilities allow two PowerSmart Series units to be connected — either on two P2200s, two P3000s or a P2200 and a P3000 inverter — for more power. The new PowerSmart Series P2200 has 1,700 running watts and 2,200 starting surge watts, and comes with a USB adapter, two 120-volt outlets and one 12-volt DC accessory battery-charging outlet. The P2200 inverter is up to 45-percent lighter than traditional camping generators. Designed with camping and tailgating in mind, all Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart Series inverter generators are quiet, lightweight and efficient. They feature computer-controlled technology that continuously monitors and automatically adjusts engine speed to reduce noise and conserve fuel. With less than 3 percent total harmonic distortion, the PowerSmart Series inverter generators are safe for powering laptops, cell phones, TVs, gaming systems and other sensitive electronics. A twin-handle design makes it easy for two people to lift and transport the generator from one location to the next. For more information about the P2200 PowerSmart Series inverter generator, visit www.briggsandstratton.com.