Briggs and Stratton unveils vast array of turf and consumer products at GIE+EXPO 2016
Briggs & Stratton Turf & Consumer Products showcased several new products in its Ferris and Snapper Pro commercial brands, as well as its Snapper and Simplicity consumer brands at GIE+EXPO 2016.
* Ferris and Snapper Pro: As mentioned in the previous story, Ferris announced that several of its 2017 commercial mowers will feature the new Vanguard Oil Guard System, which extends oil-change intervals to 500 hours. This system will be available on Ferris mid-mount zero-turns, stand-on zero-turns and wide-area walk-behinds equipped with Vanguard 810 EFI and Big Block commercial engines.
Ferris also introduced its most compact mid-mount zero-turn mower, the F60 Fleet Series, for landscape professionals who need a compact, rugged, 36-inch mower in their fleets, as well as its SRS-Z1 Soft Ride Stand-On mower with a 36- or 48-inch mower deck to help landscapers get into tight spaces.
In other developments, Ferris and Snapper Pro commercial zero-turn mowers will be available with a new mower deck drive system that promises longer belt life, reduced maintenance and improved performance. In addition to helping commercial landscapers improve their productivity by reducing downtime, the system offers a three-year, 300-hour limited warranty. It will come standard on all iCD Cutting Systems featuring 52-, 61- and 72-inch mower decks. Ferris models using this system include the IS 3200Z, IS 2100Z, F320 and F210 zero-turn mowers. The Snapper Pro line will have the new system on all S200xt models. “The new mower deck drive system is part of our commitment to continuous product improvement for our customers,” said Phil Wenzel, vice president of commercial products, Turf & Consumer Products. “By providing improvements that reduce maintenance and downtime, we keep them more productive and profitable.”
* Snapper and Simplicity: Snapper introduced its XD 82V Max lithium-ion battery-powered lawn & garden tool system. A single-battery multi-tool system, the Snapper XD lineup includes a walk-behind mower, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, leaf blower and chain saw. All tools feature a maintenance-free brushless motor and a Briggs & Stratton Battery and Rapid Charging Station. “Snapper XD products are ideal for convenience-oriented homeowners who want reliable, durable, powerful tools to help them easily take care of their lawn & landscape,” said Steve Ryczek, product manager for Briggs & Stratton. “Each tool is hassle free. There’s no cord to plug in, and there is very little maintenance. The 82V Max* Lithium-ion 2Ah or 4Ah** battery works in all Snapper XD tools.” [FOOTNOTES: *Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without workload) is 82 volts. Nominal voltage is 72. **Chain saw for use with 2Ah battery only.] In addition, Snapper introduced the 560Z prosumer zero-turn mower (see page 29).
Simplicity announced that two Prestige garden tractor models – one 2WD and one 4WD — will be available with a 27-gross-hp. Briggs & Stratton 810-cc Commercial Series engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI), saving up to 15 percent in fuel costs. Simplicity also introduced its redesigned Legacy XL sub-compact garden tractor in three models: 2WD with a 31-gross-hp., 885-cc Vanguard Big Block V-Twin engine or 4WD with either a 33-gross-hp., 885-cc Vanguard Big Block V-Twin engine with EFI or a 33-gross-hp., 885-cc Vanguard Big Block V-Twin engine with EFI and 540 PTO. Simplicity also upgraded its Contender zero-turn mower with a few commercial-inspired features, including Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series engines, Hydro-Gear transaxles, heavy-duty fabricated mower decks and an optional cargo bed with a 100-pound payload capacity.
