Green Industry Pros January/February 2020 by GreenIndustryPros.com

2020

Catalog is here!

over 9,500 outdoor Power equipment Parts!

800.841.3989 rotarycorp.com Available through servicing dealers & distributors.

YOU DON'T COMPROMISE.

NEITHER SHOULD YOUR MOWER. When your cut is your calling card, you can’t compromise. Neither should your mower. With Grasshopper, you get top quality, comfort and durability. And a cut on which

you want to put your name. GRASSHOPPERMOWER.COM

GIP0120_2-3_TOC - RW- final.indd 2

1/22/20 11:03 AM

TABLE OF CONTENTS THE MANAGEMENT RESOURCE FOR LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS AND EQUIPMENT DEALERS

COVER STORY

FEATURES

32 SPECIAL FOCUS: Robotic Mowers How Could Robotic Mowers Benefit Landscaping Pros?

Learn all about robotic lawnmowers, the technology behind them and what they could mean for the landscaping industry.

44 Equipment Focus: Spreaders/Sprayers What to Expect in 2020 in Sprayers and Spreaders

Sprayer/spreaders are increasingly becoming recognized as the most efficient way to distribute liquid or granular material across a property.

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

Volume 32, No. 1 | January/February 2020

Experts provide end-of-year insights into the landscaping industry’s top trends, challenges and innovations.

DEPARTMENTS

4 Through the Grapevine 8 Products 50 Advertisers Index

47 Beyond the Blade How to Avoid Making Common SEO Mistakes

Keeping your business website at the top of Google.

32 44 www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_2-3_TOC - RW- final.indd 3

❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 ❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 3

1/22/20 11:10 AM

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

Pros

™

GREEN GRASS

Published by AC Business Media

KEEPS GROWING

e share the view of landscape contractors and industry leaders that the outlook for the industry in 2020 is good. Landscaping is ranked third among administration, business support and waste management industries by market size and is reported as 113th largest industry in the U.S. Over the past few years there has been a shift to more of an understanding that there is more to landscaping than simply curb appeal. The landscaping industry continues to thrive and grow. While the labor shortage is still an ongoing issue company owners must address, factors such as emerging technology, equipment improvements and year-over-year revenue gains show no signs of slowing down. According to IBISWorld, the landscaping industry grew by 4.4% annually from 2014 to 2019 with a total projected revenue of $99 billion in 2019. The same study shows that there are 506,470 landscaping businesses in the U.S. and cites industry employment at 1,092,197 with both showing an average growth. There is low market concentration in the green industry, which means there’s more room for small businesses to compete. Because there’s less competition from large corporations than in many other industries, it’s a great time to start a new small landscaping business. Embracing efficiency-boosting innovations, adapting to changes in the marketplace and Ryan Whisner (920) 542-1238 rwhisner@acbusinessmedia.com debunking stigmas to bolster the workforce could be the keys to encouraging prosperity. Additional factors changing the face of the landscaping industry are primarily related to technology. From robotic mowers to software aimed at changing how quotes are provided, emerging technology is transforming the way landscapers manage and conduct their business. Take a deeper look into the opportunities available with the robotic mowers on page 32. Also, development and adoption of more business intelligence tools and client relations management software is expected to become more common. We’re going to be taking a harder look at that through 2020. Overall, it appears that with continuing construction, the need for maintenance and service, and increasing interest in entrepreneurship among younger generations, the landscaping industry will stay healthy for years to come. For every new home, every corporate campus and every commercial facility, there’s likely to be a lawn to tend, trees to prune or sidewalks to maintain. Property owners of all ages are discovering they don’t always have time to care for their landscapes and properties and are increasingly hiring landscaping professionals and groundskeeping workers to complete the work for them. Most Americans feel having a good lawn is essential. The grass still needs to get cut, the bushes trimmed and the leaves cleared and we know we’re going to hire a landscaper to do the job.

4 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_4-7_Grapevine-rw-final.indd 4

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

201 N. Main Street, 5th Floor Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544 Volume 32, Number 1

ADVERTISIN G

Publisher ................................................................................... Eric Servais eservais@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative ...................................................Megan Perleberg mperleberg@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative ..........................................................Sean Dunphy sdunphy@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative ..........................................................Nikki Lawson nlawson@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative ............................................................Kris Flitcroft kflitcroft@acbusinessmedia.com National Automotive Manager .......................................... Tom Lutzke tlutzke@acbusinessmedia.com

EDITORIAL

Editor ...................................................................................... Ryan Whisner rwhisner@acbusinessmedia.com Staff Writer ..............................................................................Sheena Ingle sheena.ingle@acbusinessmedia.com Creative Director ............................................................... Kirsten Wiskus kwiskus@acbusinessmedia.com

CIRCU LATION

Audience Development Director .................................... Wendy Chady Audience Development Manager .................................. Angela Franks

PRODU CTION

Senior Production Manager ................................................Cindy Rusch crusch@acbusinessmedia.com AC Business Media Chief Executive Officer .................................................. Barry Lovette Chief Financial Officer ............................................... JoAnn Breuchel Chief Digital Officer ...................................................... Kris Heineman Group Content Director.................................................... Jon Minnick Vice President, Sale & Marketing .............................. Amy Schwandt Director of Digital Operations & IT ............................... Nick Raether Director of Digital Strategy............................................... Joel Franke Change of Address & Subscriptions — P.O. Box 3605 Northbrook, IL 60065-3605 • (877) 201-3915 Fax: (847) 291-4816 • circ.greenindustrypros@omeda.com List Rental — Jeff Moriarty, Senior Vice President of Business and Media Solutions • InfoGroup • (518) 339 4511 jeff.moriarty@infogroup.com Reprints & Licensing — Erica Finger (920) 542-1230 • efinger@acbusinessmedia.com Green Industry Pros [USPS 003-763 and ISSN 2168-121X (print), ISSN 2168-1228 (online)] is published seven times a year: January/ February, March, April, May/June, July/August, September/October and November/December by AC Business Media. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Green Industry Pros, P.O. Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605. Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions are available without charge in the U.S. to qualified subscribers. Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscriptions. Subscription prices: U.S., $35 per year; Canada/Mexico, $60 per year; and all other countries, $85 per year. All subscriptions payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank. Back issues, if available, cost $10 prepaid. Printed in the USA. Copyright 2020 AC Business Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recordings or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission from the publisher.

www.facebook.com/GreenIndustryPros www.linkedin.com/company/green-industry-pros @greenindpros www.youtube.com/GreenIndustryPros

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/22/20 11:28 AM

loor

NO OTHER MACHINE RAISES THE BAR SO HIGH.

Servais ia.com leberg ia.com unphy ia.com awson ia.com litcroft ia.com Lutzke ia.com

Whisner ia.com a Ingle ia.com Wiskus ia.com

Chady

Franks

Rusch ia.com

vette uchel eman nnick andt ether anke

ness

ry/ ber

iling stry

out ves the ices: her nds, aid.

duced echanrage

ros

When it comes to precision engineering, the Kubota SSV75 stands head and shoulders above all the rest. A hinge pin height of 128.3 inches provides a reach other skid loaders can only wish for. The proven 74.3 HP* Kubota engine adds the muscle, with 5,884 pounds of breakout force. And a wider 36-inch cab entrance, optimized AC and full-suspension seat take productivity to a whole new level. Locate your dealer at KubotaUSA.com *For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manual. Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices. ÂŠ Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2020.

GIP0120_4-7_Grapevine-rw-final.indd 5

1/22/20 11:28 AM

GIP0120_4-7_Grapevine-rw-final.indd 6

1/22/20 11:28 AM

BATTERY POWER. MADE BY STIHL. Æ&#x2019;

REAL VERSATILITY ONE POWERHEAD, MULTIPLE ATTACHMENTS. The new battery-powered STIHL KombiSystem offers landscapers game-changing versatility. With up to 13 attachments and the added convenience of battery, the STIHL KMA 130 R delivers powerful, clean and quiet operation perfect for any landscaping job.

NEW KMA 130 R

KOMBISYSTEM

13 ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES BLOW

TRIM

CLEAR

EDGE

PRUNE

HEDGE

CUT

DEFINE

CLEAR

SWEEP

CULTIVATE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: STIHLUSA.COM

GIP0120_4-7_Grapevine-rw-final.indd 7

1/22/20 11:28 AM

NEW PRODUCTS

Cub Cadet Prox X 972 SDL Cub Cadet recently unveiled an addition to its PRO Z Series of commercial zero-turn lawn mowers. The PRO Z 972 SDL can mow up to a 25-degree hillside, or 46 percent of grade. Additional features include: • 35 hp Kawasaki engine • Self-leveling air-ride seat, which automatically levels 15 degrees in each direction side-toside

John Deere Three-bag Material Collection System The John Deere Three-bag Material Collection System (MCS) is compatible with all gas-powered commercial zero turn mowers. It features an improved design for more efficient material collection and superior performance. Features include: • Location of blower housing behind the rear tire of the mower creates a shorter path for clippings to travel from blower into the bag, reducing the occurrence of plugs

• Triple-plated steel cutting deck

• Stronger suction on the blower, reducing need for double passes • 11.75 inch diameter, heavy-duty impeller chops up material into small pieces, creating a more efficient fill from left to right

• Dual rear wheels that allows greater stability on rough terrain

• Bags are lighter than previous models, even when full • Tool-free clips offer easy in-field removal www.greenindustrypros.com/21085582

• Four-wheel steering system. www.greenindustrypros.com/21085012

2020 Rotary Catalog Features Over 9,500 Parts Rotary Corporation says its new 2020 master catalog features the industry’s most complete line of outdoor power equipment parts, tools and accessories. Available for servicing dealers and distributors, it includes: • More than 1,700 pages with photos, illustrations, descriptions, cross-referencing and part numbers for over 9,500 different items. • A wide range of outdoor power equipment parts for lawn mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, brush cutters, pressure washers, snow blowers, garden tillers and more. • Variety of Copperhead mower blades, air filters, commercial-strength belts, idler pulleys and ignition coils. • Copperhead chainsaw bars, tires, deck wheels, blade adapters, throttle and clutch cables, spindle assemblies, jump starters, snowblower plows and more. • A 2020 Quick-Cross CD with an easy index for parts, so customers can quickly locate specific products, such as blades, belts or tires, and save or print quotes. • A print or digital version, which is available at www.rotarycorp.com and downloadable. www.greenindustrypros.com/21096318

Mean Green EVO 74-inch ZTR Electric Mower The EVO is the flagship mower of the new “evolution” series mowers by Mean Green Mowers and features a hub drive system designed from heavy duty excavating equipment. The deck lift system was awarded a patent in July. • 10 hours of continuous mowing • Speeds up to 13 mph • Horsepower comparable to a 37 hp diesel mower • Stability on slopes up to 20 degrees • Quiet, low maintenance www.greenindustrypros.com/21098463

8 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_8-13_NewProducts-rw-final.indd 8

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/22/20 11:40 AM

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ANY MOWER IS RELIABILITY. Your engine isn’t just the heart of your mower, it’s the heart of your job, your business, your livelihood. When you trust the precision, power, and durability of a Kawasaki, you can rest easy— even while you’re hard at work.

www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_8-13_NewProducts-rw-final.indd 9

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 ❙ GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 9 KawasakiEnginesUSA.com

1/22/20 11:42 AM

NEW PRODUCTS Copperhead Trimmer Line and Accessories A full line of commercial strength Copperhead trimmer lines, parts and accessories are highlighted in Rotary’s 2020 catalog. Copperhead trimmer line available in a wide assortment of loops, donuts or spools for optimal tensile and impact strength, flex life, wear resistance and performance in hot, cold, dry or wet conditions

Toro Spray Master

Toro’s Spray Master is equipped with electronic smart controls that allows for more precise spreads and consistent liquid flows. Additional features include • Transparent white tanks to check fluid levels. • Auxiliary pump delivers 2 gal./min and up to 10 PSI for constant tank agitation • One-hand control forward/reverse and left/right steering allows for adjustments on the fly

• Vortex, diamond-cut, quad-tex, premium quad and precut line varieties.

• Custom-stitched operator seat pad

• Assortment of fast loading trimmer heads, replacement spools, covers, housing and cam assemblies. • Commercial trimmer systems with professional bump-n-feed heads are available with durable nylon construction and a large capacity spool for easy release

• Lean to Steer technology lets the operator control forward/ reverse and left/right steering with one hand, leaving one hand free at all times www.greenindustrypros.com/21096060

www.greenindustrypros.com/21105690

EGO Commercial Grade Cordless Power Equipment EGO POWER+ is extending its lineup of outdoor power equipment to serve landscaping professionals. The EGO Commercial Series includes: • EGO Commercial Series 15-Inch string trimmer • EGO Commercial Series 600 CFM blower • EGO Commercial Series 25.5-inch hedge trimmer

2020 Ford Super Duty The F-Series Super Duty improvements include new engines, a 10-speed automatic transmission, chassis upgrades, exterior and interior design updates and smart advanced technology. • Highest Super Duty conventional, gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing and payload ratings • Offers an advanced 7.3-liter gasoline V8, upgraded third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 and 6.2-liter gasoline engine options • Pro Trailer Backup Assist with Trailer Reverse Guidance now compatible with fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers • FordPass Connect with 4G LTE modem and available wireless charging www.greenindustrypros.com/ 21098424

10 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_8-13_NewProducts-rw-final.indd 10

❙

All three products are available now, and operate from a battery backpack.The battery pack offers: • Heavy duty performance with lightweight comfort (backpack weighs just 20lbs) • The power of professional gas equipment (1568WH, or 56-volts, 28Ah) • All day run time (outdoor power for up to 7 continuous hours) • Industry best recharging time (3.5 hours from 0% power to 100%) • IP56 rating with weatherproof construction for added durability • Quiet operation www.greenindustrypros.com/21096446

Walker R21 The Walker R21 is the ideal machine for residential properties and priced for residential owners. Both the tractor and mower deck feature simplified construction, reduced weight and a lower selling price. Features include: • Tilt-open comfort seat and tilt-up deck are designed for easy maintenance access • Smart-Choke technology • Ogura electric blade clutch • 21 HP Kohler KT620 • Two side-discharge decks 42’’ and 48’’ with mulch kit options www.greenindustrypros.com/21098438

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/22/20 11:42 AM

MANUFACTURER PROFILE

EXMARK 96-INCH

LAZER Z X-SERIES ZERO-TURN MOWER Capable of cutting up to nine acres per hour, Exmark’s new 96-inch Lazer Z X-Series uses a rear-discharge UltraCut Flex Wing cutting deck. With a full-floating 48-inch center deck and two articulating 24-inch wing decks the machine makes quick work of the largest, toughest jobs. The air-cooled Kohler EFI engine features Exmark’s patented RED Technology for increased responsiveness and engine health monitoring. The chassis is constructed of formed, welded and fully reinforced 7-gauge high-strength steel, with a cast engine cradle designed to hold hydro components low in the frame for maximum stability. Unitized hydro pump and motors eliminate hoses for increased reliability. Isolation mounts under the seat base provide threedimensional isolation from vibration. The fullsuspension operator seat uses a scissor link ballbearing suspension system, Elastomeric Vibration Control (EVC) stretch fabric base and custom seat cushion foam for increased comfort.

Learn more: Exmark.com INNOVATION THAT

RAISES THE BAR FOR PRODUCTIVITY.

96-INCH GAS-POWERED LAZER Z® X-SERIES

www.greenindustrypros.com www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_8-15_NewProducts-rw-final.indd 11

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 11

1/24/20 9:32 AM

NEW PRODUCTS

EGO Nexus Power Station

Gravely ZT X

The Nexus Power Station by EGO is a cordless, 3,000 watt, eco-friendly alternative to gas generators. The battery-powered device is excellent for usage during power outages, on jobsites or while camping/ tailgating. Encouraging energy independence and convenience, the EGO Nexus Power Station offers: • EGO POWER+ Connect app so you can control your Nexus remotely

Gravely has updated its residential customer experience with more options and styling on its ZT X line. Known as a commercial zero-turn lawn mower brand, Gravely also offers a line of residential mowers for consumers who want professional features, benefits and operating characteristics in their single-yard mowing applications. the ZTX models include:. • Fully-welded steel frame and a fabricated 11-gauge steel deck with a protective leading edge

• Dial-operated cutting-height adjustment system

• 42, 52- and 60-inch deck widths

www.greenindustrypros.com/21103666

• 4 USB outlets • 3 AC outlets • A 4-port charger

Grasshopper FrontMount Model 900D 1.3L

• Solar charging compatibility • LCD display • WiFi and BLE (Bluetooth low energy) connection • Ability to operate on only one battery • Flexibility to run on multiple battery configurations • Weather resistance and maneuverability at just 50 pounds (weight when using with four 7.5 Ah batteries) Run times and output will depend on battery configuration used and devices being powered. For example, a Nexus with: • Four 5.0 Ah batteries can provide 1120 watt-hours • Two 7.5 Ah and two 5.0 Ah batteries can provide 840 watt-hours • Four 7.5 Ah batteries can provide 1680 watt-hours

Equipped with a Tier 4 Final-compliant, fuelefficient and powerful 1.3L MaxTorque diesel engine that requires no power robbing after-treatment systems, the Grasshopper 900D 1.3L uses a second-generation G3 hydrostatic pump-and-wheel-motor system for smooth zero-turn maneuverability. Additional features: • Tier 4 Final-compliant, 1.3-liter, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled Kubota diesel engine

www.greenindustrypros.com/21096463

• FrontMount mower has balanced weight distribution among six wheels for a lighter footprint on the turf.

ECHO HC-2810 28” Hedge Trimmer

• High Temperature Clutch Cut-Out that automatically disengages the PTO if engine temperature reaches a certain point to prevent engine damage

The ECHO HC-2810 nonshafted hedge trimmer has 28-inch blades that are laser cut and precision ground. This model features a front facing exhaust which prevents plant damage and pushes exhaust away from user.

• Standard, low profile Roll-over Protection System (ROPS) structure with an adjustable seatbelt • ComfortZone seat • Available with PTO-driven, 5.5-inch-deep DuraMax cutting decks in 61- and 72-inch widths

• 21.2 cc engine

• 12.5 fl oz fuel capacity

• Grasshopper’s QuikConverter implement system to add turf renovation, debris management and snow removal implements for year-round productivity.Grasshopper’s PowerFold electric deck lift

• 28-inch blade length

• 11.4 lbs

• LED lights and two USB charging ports. • QuikAjust Tilt dual steering levers.

• 10,750 RPMs

www.greenindustrypros.com/21097176

www.greenindustrypros.com/21096802

GIP0120_8-13_NewProducts-rw-final.indd 12

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

• Kohler and Kawasaki engine options that range from 22 to 25 hp

• 2,000-watt continuous output

❙

• High-back seat for improved comfort and restyled fenders

• Maintenance-free Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles

• 3,000-watt peak output (SINE)

12 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

W Y

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/22/20 11:42 AM

MANUFACTURER PROFILE

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED You need contractor’s insurance that works just as hard as you do. As the

#1 Commercial Auto insurer*, we offer great rates and customized coverages for your work trucks. Plus, we have access to several business insurance products to protect everything you’ve built. Contact a Progressive agent or visit progressivecommercial.com for a quote. *No. 1 commercial auto insurer from SNL Financial’s 2018 national written premium data.

ProgressiveCommercial.com Progressive Progressive Casualty Casualty Ins.Ins. Co.Co. & Affi & Affi liates. liates. Business Business and and Workers’ Workers’ Compensation Compensation coverage coverage provided provided and and serviced serviced byby affiaffi liated liated and and third third party party insurers. insurers.

Small Smallbusiness businessis isno nosmall smalltask task. . So SoProgressive Progressiveoffers offerscommercial commercialauto autoand andbusiness business insurance insurancethat thatmakes makesprotecting protectingyours yoursno nobig bigdeal. deal.

| ProgressiveCommercial.com Local LocalAgent Agent| ProgressiveCommercial.com

www.greenindustrypros.com ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_8-13_NewProducts-rw-final.indd 13

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 13

1/22/20 11:42 AM

MANUFACTURER PROFILE

Honda Engines:

MORE POWER AND EVEN MORE VERSATILITY IN 2020 Four Honda V-Twin engines, the iGX700/iGXV700 and iGX800/iGXV800, are providing turf industry and commercial construction customers more versatile power and even greater adaptability with excellent fuel efficiency than ever before—all in a compact package. These models represent the pinnacle of Honda’s general-purpose lineup, serving as an extension of the GX Series commercial grade engines already known for their unparalleled durability, quality and reliability. Now on sale to power equipment OEMs in both vertical and horizontal shaft configurations, the newest Honda V-Twins are an ideal fit for demanding applications including commercial turf equipment (zeroturn radius [ZTR] mowers, lawn tractors, garden tractors, utility vehicles, trenchers, stump grinders and chipper/ shredders) and concrete and construction equipment (power screeds, hydraulic power units, concrete saws, ride-on concrete trowels, vibratory rollers, generators and pressure washers). Providing enhanced performance and quality, the Honda iGX700/iGXV700 and iGX800/ iGXV800 engines are equipped with fuel injection technology and an integrated electronic control unit (ECU) with a self-tuning regulator (STR) governor system that delivers drive-by-wire remote control capability to manage key aspects of engine operation—allowing the engine to communicate with the machine it is powering to achieve optimal performance by monitoring key parameters, controlling engine speed and diagnostics. To illustrate, a potential application for this technology is for the automatic varying of engine speed (based on load) for ZTR lawn mowers so the engine does not slow when mowing in thick grass. The iGX700/iGXV700 and iGX800/iGXV800 engines feature cutting-edge design and innovative, technologically advanced elements, including a hemispherical combustion chamber, an integrated cylinder and cylinder head, forged steel connecting rods and a 9.3:1 compression ratio, contributing to high efficiency as well as low noise and vibration. In addition, the integrated cylinder and head eliminate the need for a head gasket, resulting in superior cooling and reliable performance. The integration of electronic fuel injection, along with the advanced combustion chamber design and the integrated Digital Capacitive Ignition (CDI) with variable timing, results in excellent fuel efficiency and enhanced operation. These Honda V-Twin models feature high power output in a compact design comparable to the compact base frame footprints of other high-output Honda engines, ranging from the GX630 to the iGX800. The design compatibility minimizes changing time, making it easy for the user to install the new V-Twin models when older engines reach the end of their service lives. The design also allows manufacturers maximum flexibility with current tooling and frames. The Honda iGX models carry a three-year, non-declining warranty. Parts and services are widely available via the Honda national dealer network.

14 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_8-15_NewProducts-rw-final.indd 14

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

Honda is the world’s largest manufacturer of engines and offers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient, four-stroke models that provide easy starts, quiet, low-vibration operation, and dependable power for thousands of different product applications including lawn mowers and landscaping tools, pressure washers, and rescue and construction equipment. Honda engines are some of the quietest and easiest to start of their kind, even in harsh commercial environments— helping people get jobs done. Such attributes have made Honda engines the popular choice for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), especially turf industry customers, looking to add value to their own brands with more versatile power, greater adaptability, and excellent fuel efficiency in a compact package.

Follow Honda Engines and Honda Power Equipment news and video on: hondanews.com engines.honda.com powerequipment.honda.com honda.com

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/24/20 9:32 AM

WE BUILD THE ENGINE. YOU BUILD THE BUSINESS.

Honda iGX700 and iGXV800 engines are here! Find your distributor at engines.honda.com.

GIP0120_8-13_NewProducts-rw-final.indd 15

1/22/20 11:42 AM

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

by Sheena Ingle

2020 LOOKING AHEAD TO

and

THE TOP TRENDS,

fut me in mo G ap lan of ind

CE ab

Ex an

T tis lan “ tha ind Ke

16 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 16

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 11:11 AM

Experts provide insights into the landscaping industry’s top trends, challenges and innovations

s we begin a new decade, it’s time to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future. For landscaping pros, this means analyzing industry trends in order to operate their businesses more efficiently and effectively. Green Industry Pros spoke with a panel of experts that serve the landscaping industry in a wide variety of ways to get insight on the upcoming industry trends, innovations, concerns and expectations for 2020 and beyond. Kris Kiser president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI); Kendall Hines, creator and founder of Lawnbot; Kevin Kehoe, founder and managing partner of Aspire Software; Mark Bradley, LMN CEO; and Lisa Fiore, LandscapeHub CEO shared their thoughts on all of the above and more.

Expectations for 2020 and Beyond

The industry leaders and recent statistics suggest the future looks bright for landscaping pros. “I’ve been in this business for more than 30 years, and the landscaping industry is better than it’s ever been,” Kehoe said. “There is an influx of new,

younger owners and I think that forces some of us who are older to really adopt technology quicker because they naturally apply that to their businesses.” With the influx, he believes the industry is headed in the right direction. Recent surveys and studies indicate that he may be right with projections of continued growth in the landscaping industry. Since at least 2014, landscaping revenues have risen each fiscal year. Statistica reports that revenues in 2019 totaled $99 billion, and that the average landscaping spend per household equaled $503 per year. Landscape maintenance placed as the fastest-growing service of landscaping contractors. According to IBISWorld, the landscaping industry grew by 4.4% annually from 2014 to 2019. The same study shows that there are 506,470 landscaping businesses in the U.S. and cites industry employment at 1,092,197. On the future outlook, Bradley praised the industry-related associations such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals. “I think the industry associations have done a really good job over the past 15 to 20 years in providing more educational opportunities for business owners,” he said. “We’re seeing a lot of big corporations stepping up and supporting industry awareness and getting involved in programs like women in landscape and workforce development

U.S. LANDSCAPING INDUSTRY STATISTICS AT A GLANCE TOTAL REVENUE IN 2019

99 BILLION

INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT

1,092,197

LANDSCAPING BUSINESSES IN U.S.

506,470

ANNUAL INDUSTRY GROWTH FROM 2014 TO 2019

4.4%

AVERAGE ANNUAL LANDSCAPING SPEND PER HOUSEHOLD

$503

*Sources: Statistica and IBISWorld*

Bestgreenscreen / iStock / Getty Images Plus

www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 17

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 17

1/23/20 11:11 AM

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

U.S. LANDSCAPING INDUSTRY TRENDS AT A GLANCE MOST SIGNIFICANT TREND

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

Technology such as robotics and intelligent software are propelling the industry forward

FASTEST-GROWING SERVICE

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

More contractors than ever are offering landscape maintenance services

BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACED BY INDUSTRY PROS

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION

bgfoto / E+ / Getty Images Plus

campaigns. I think there’s a lot of great momentum in the industry.” With those educational opportunities and support, Bradley sees a shift toward operating more professional companies. “I think the average landscape company is far more professional today than they were 25 years ago,” he said. Kiser cites the importance of adaptability as the industry evolves. “The outlook is strong for those who understand the business model,” he said. “Good landscape professionals are prospering. The business is strong, and those who can adapt to challenges will be successful.” Similar to 2019, the OPEI president said it continues to be an evolving time. Regulations are coming down on emissions and noise for various pieces of equipment in some areas. Specifically, the California Air Resources Board’s proposal to update the state’s emission standards for small off-road engines is expected to be reviewed in 2020. Kiser noted that as a result, those landscapers will have to adapt. Fiore believes the industry is quickly becoming digitized and expects the adoption of more business intelligence tools and client relations management software to become more common. “For the first time ever there will be enough aggregated data available for the industry stakeholders to leverage to help make business decisions,” Fiore said. “I think integration is the name of the game for 2020.”

The labor shortage continues to be a significant problem for landscapers

Emerging Technology

When asked about factors that are driving the landscaping industry forward, the industry leaders that Green Industry Pros spoke to most-frequently answered the same way: technology. From robotic mowers to software

aimed at changing how quotes are provided, emerging technology is transforming the… well… landscape. “The trend towards technology adoption in landscaping [continues],” Kehoe said. “When hiring, finding talent at all levels, whether it’s the crew labor or mid-management, technology is a solution that is helping the industry grow and maintain itself.” Continuing, he notes, “People have to be more efficient at what they do and technology helps people do just that. One of the biggest trends is the greater investment in technology of all sorts.” He touts applications, business software, technologically advanced mowers and other innovations as tools that help to make landscaping contractors more efficient. Fiore is excited about the explosion of technology in the landscape industry. Her company, LandscapeHub, is a business-to-business marketplace and platform that provides a digital sales channel for suppliers on their network. The marketplace runs on sophisticated, streamlined software. LandscapeHub’s suppliers consist of growers, manufacturers, resellers, garden centers and the like. “I think now more than ever, there are awesome landscape ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems available,” Fiore said. “There are a lot of software programs available that help landscapers run their business. Whether it’s Aspire, LMN or other software companies, there are more and more software programs available to the contractor and they’re easy to use and reasonably priced.” Fiore added that the availability, ease-of-use and cost-effective nature of today’s software products are “driving contractors to understand how they can leverage those programs to better run their businesses, complete more profitable jobs and scale their crews.”

*Sources: Statistica and IBISWorld*

18 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 18

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 11:11 AM

P O

MANUFACTURER PROFILE

pe.

],”

PERFECT THE ART OF MOWING WITH LASTEC. In 1990, Lastec introduced articulating rotary mowers to the golf and turf industry and has earned the reputation as a leading turf equipment manufacturer for the global market.

hhe

In addition to the massive 120” wide WZ1000 as the world’s largest articulating flex deck zero turn mower, Lastec offers a complete range of flex deck zero turn mowers, pull behind decks, and out front decks for golf courses, landscape contractors, and turf professionals throughout the world. Built in the USA, Lastec mowers feature flex decks with 12° of up/ down articulation that can approach contours from any angle without turf damage or scalping caused by traditional fixed decks. In addition to superior cut accuracy, Lastec’s

patented low maintenance belt-driven decks enable a high power conversion ratio from the engine for unmatched mowing efficiency. Featuring sturdy welded steel decks, a heavy-duty fabricated frame, and a powder-coat paint finish, Lastec mowers are durable, dependable, and engineered to last for years of heavy-use. Perfect the Art of Mowing with Lastec.

lastec.com

. t ,

WORLD'S LARGEST ZERO TURN FLEX DECK MOWER WZ1000 FEATURES CALL TODAY FOR

FIVE 25” FLEX DECKS WITH THE ACCURACY OF A PUSH MOWER

SAVINGS

ELIMINATES SCALPING

SPRING

TOOL-FREE DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

nd -

d y’s g y er e .”

120” CUTTING WIDTH URS ROLLING TERRAIN O T N O C lastec.com

866.730.9910

e see us Com at GIS booth #5741

ARTICULATORS * PREPRODUCTION MODEL SHOWN. DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

www.greenindustrypros.com ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 19

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 19

1/23/20 11:11 AM

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

TOP SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT LANDSCAPING BUSINESSES WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE 52%

Trucks

Meanwhile, Bradley, Construction equipment 38% who operates Landscape Tires 34% Management Network or Business hardware 33% LMN, a proBattery-powered equipment 26% vider of business management softUniforms 23% ware, highlights Design software 21% the increased usage of GPS by landscape Business management software 20% contractors. He credits GPS techDrones 12% nology for enabling GPS 10% contractors to monitor equipment, decrease Business consultant services 8% liability and improve Tree equipment 7% processes. “I think GPS has been Financial services 7% used in many places in the Chippers 6% business for a few years to track where crews are, what Remote-operated equipment 5% time things are done, etc. GPS is also used to prevent liability in the industry or accurately track ipropertymanagement.com ideeone / E+ / Getty Images Plus job costs,” Bradley said. “I think it is having a really big impact on the way contractors do business because they’ve got the data to really understand where the inefficiencies are in their business. When GPS is used properly, it can have a huge impact on the bottom line.” In addition to software, Kiser says the landscaping industry has seen a rise in the usage of robotics and batteryelectric technology. “There are very significant trends in robotics, “When GPS is used properly, it can have remote control, software a huge impact on the bottom line.” applications and con- Mark Bradley, LMN nected product and battery-electric in the mar-

49%

Hand-held power equipment

20 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 20

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 11:11 AM

ket H ind see shi lith ter con com as fro an tur de lith op “ a lo pro on me its H tai dis “ be “I see thi as gre H cu be pro “ loo ind Hi H ma con “ of cli he F rea ne tha H

e e

S in k k n

lly

ry-

ar-

54%

BUSINESS OWNERS PAYING CREW 6% OR MORE OVER MINIMUM WAGE

87% ... PAYING AT LEAST 11% ABOVE MINIMUM WAGE

64%

www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 21

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

sbayram / E+ / Getty Images

le,

LANDSCAPING BUSINESS OWNERS INDICATED ONE OF THEIR BIGGEST CHALLENGES IS LABOR

crews with iPhones and tablets can ketplace,” he said. facturers have GPS also record what they’re doing every He says the tracking equipment day. Stop-start on the jobs, materiindustry has that allows landscapals being used, taking photos, making seen a significant ers to send a GPS map notes, choosing plans – all that reduces shift toward the path of the equipmistakes, reduces time on the job and lithium ion batment that was used on improves communication on the custeries both on the the specific property. tomer side.” consumer and Similarly, for larger commercial side, contractors there is as more products software available Employee Hiring from handheld to continually track and Retention and up to zeroand monitor progress Much like their response of “techturn mowers are throughout the season nology” when asked about the most debuting with as photos are taken influential trend in landscaping, lithium ion power during each visit. experts were just as unified on the most ipropertymanagement.com options. “That’s kind of a new pressing issue faced by landscaping “We’re seeing thing that we didn’t pros. The labor shortage continues to a lot of robotic mowers and connected have in years past but it is certainly be a significant problem for landscape products that enable you to have an app here today,” he said, adding the concompany owners. on your phone and find your equipsumers are really hands-on now. The consensus is that attitudes and ment, ensure it is operating and check “If I’m paying a company $500 a stigmas surrounding the industry (such its parameters,” Kiser said. year and maybe I work a lot or travel, as the often-false idea that pay is low) He pointed out that there was cerI want to know that we’re headed in exacerbate this dilemma which does tainly a plethora of robotic mowers on the right direction, that my lawn is not appear to be getting better. display at the 2019 GIE+EXPO. being serviced and the “When you “In the past, the green industry has condition is improvgo to speak to been slower to adopt tech,” Hines said. ing and the pH has the high school “I think the biggest thing I’ve been improved,” Hines guidance counseeing over the past 12 months within said. “In years past, selor, if you’re this industry are technologies such the older generations in the academic as robotic lawn mowers entering the would be more handslevel programs in green industry.” off maybe because school, they don’t He goes on to explain that, with the the technology wasn’t suggest that you current labor shortage in the industry, as prevalent as it is go and become a being able to use robotic mowers could today. In the world landscaper. That’s prove valuable for business owners. we live in, you can just really not on “I think the technology cycle and have minute-by-mintheir list of sugloop is finally catching up to the green ute updates of pretty gestions and we industry and it’s a very exciting time,” much everything in need to change Hines said. your environment.” that,” Bradley He also points to the home autoKehoe echoes the said, noting that mation that is currently available for sentiment that techthere are more consumers. nology is aimed college programs “We’ve kind of seen an explosion at improving both out there now that of this from a service perspective of efficiency and how clients having cameras at their house,” landscapers serve cushe said. tomers. He explains, “We’ve got GPS trackFrom an industry perspective it has ing, shop tracking, reached a point where the contractors management, everyneed to almost prove to the homeowners thing to control your that they were there and did the work. costs. Field mobile Hines pointed out that some manuipropertymanagement.com

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 21

1/23/20 11:11 AM

S P O N S O RE D C O N T E N T

A STAND-ON MOWER INSPIRED BY LANDSCAPERS.

Something else operators will appreciate is improved efficiency. The maintenance-free design of the PRO X Series means less time spent greasing spindles, bearings, hubs, casters, rims, linkages, levers and other pivot points. And the small footprint of the mower frees up trailer space for faster loading and unloading. Productivity gets a boost with the PRO X Series because its versatile design allows the operator to maneuver in tight spaces effectively, reducing the amount of trimming needed.

THE NEW PRO X™ SERIES BY CUB CADET SETS THE BAR FOR COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE.

From a performance standpoint, the PRO X Series was built with the toughest jobs in mind. It’s designed with professional high-lift Marbain® blades, which offer a blade tip speed of up to 18,500 fpm and a 1.5-inch blade overlap. The premium Kawasaki® engine provides up to 25.5 hp*

When Cub Cadet® decided to add a lineup of stand-on mowers to its fleet of commercial equipment, the company knew that to design industry-leading products, it would take plenty of research, lots of testing and insights from professional landscapers.

to power through the toughest terrain. And the standard 24-inch tires provide plenty of ground clearance. The PRO X Series is backed by a three-year, no-hour-limit commercial warranty and a five-year limited deck warranty.

“Even before we created our first drawings of what the PRO X Series could look like, we were traveling the country talking with landscapers about what they valued in a stand-on mower and what they would like to see in a new product,” said Josh Sooy, director of the professional business segment at Cub Cadet. “Every part of this product’s design has been based on our customers’ input. We observed job site workflows with stand-on mowers, discussed likes and dislikes in focus groups and held testdrive events for more than two years across the country. We are extremely proud of the product our customers have helped us create and can’t wait to see the PRO X Series in action on the job.”

“ Every part of this product’s design has been based on our customers’ input.” “We are extremely excited for landscapers to experience the PRO X Series. We have put a lot of thought into our controls and the comforts of the machine. A fully adjustable hip pad and suspension platform really set it apart from the competition,” said Sooy. “We have gone to great lengths to make sure we are providing commercial cutters with the responsiveness and agility they need to maximize their productivity.”

Those customer insights helped create the final PRO X Series design, which is built with practical features lawn professionals expect, like a fully fabricated 10-gauge deck shell with 7-gauge top and bottom reinforcements in 48," 54" and 60" cutting widths. But it’s also designed for maximum comfort, with multiple features that allow the operator to customize the machine based on his or her body type and mowing style. Most notable is the operator platform, which includes a customizable suspension system with a quick-adjust lever to fit the operator’s weight, allowing a smooth ride over rough terrain. After a long day of mowing that’s something landscapers will appreciate.

22 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 22

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

Learn more at CubCadet.com/PRO *As required by Kawasaki, horsepower tested in accordance with SAE J1195 and rated in accordance with SAE J2723 and certified by SAE International.

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 11:11 AM

“THIS THING IS AN ABSOLUTE MONSTER!”

PRO Z SERIES ™

PRO X SERIES ™

“ALL-AROUND EXCELLENT PRODUCTS.”

RELENTLESS PRODUCTIVITY. Take on any job with industry-leading strength, comfort and reliability with a rigorously tested lineup developed to go the distance year in, year out. Put true professional-grade cutting performance and versatility to work for you.

Visit cubcadet.com/PRO to learn more.

Commercial products are intended for professional use.

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 23

1/23/20 11:12 AM

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

about 50 percent, they need to try to find ways to make the job sexy,” Hines said. “There are lots of studies and statistics that say millennials feel that the pay is important. Millennials also value work-life balance, and the culture. They want to know that they’re on a team and working together for a common goal.” He said changing the way that companies market to the more millennial-aged workforce is going to be the next big roadmap and challenge. “Workforce is a huge challenge for a lot of industries right now,” Kiser said. “It’s a great problem to have when the economy is strong and unemployment is down, but labor is very challenging in our business.” One of the things OPEI has been encouraging landscapers to do is promote education and training and determine ways to retain employees year-round. Based on location, that could involve getting into snow and ice management or holiday decorations or tree work. “There are different things we can do and we have that kind of training now at GIE+Expo,” Kiser said. Through a partnership with ipropertymanagement.com Davey Tree and Stihl, a 60-foot tree was installed in Freedom Hall during the show for tree work demonstrations. For 2020, he said drones are the latest innovation landscapers have been utilizing to get a view of a property and

are starting to treat landscaping as a profession. Hines agreed that one of the challenges is the current workforce. “We need to be creative in how we’re framing this opportunity to the new millennial workforce,” he said, noting that business owners need to make an effort to offer things like work-life balance, fair pay and a professional company culture. Businesses are struggling to grow because they can’t find good people, unable to compete with companies such Amazon offering $20/hour and full benefits for working indoors in a controlled environment versus sitting in a hot truck all day spraying lawns. Echoing Bradley, Hines noted that it seemed that the kind of battle cry in years past was the only path to a better future was to go to college and get a degree. “What I’m seeing in the space is companies, especially large ones that where maybe year to year, the seasonal churn is

MORE THAN

50%

pixhook / E+ / Getty Images Plus

OF H-2B VISAS GO TO INDIVIDUALS WORKING IN THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY

24 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 24

❙

LEADING CHALLENGES OF LANDSCAPING CONTRACTORS AND BUSINESS OWNERS Quality labor shortage High fuel prices Low-ball competitors Personal stress High health insurance costs High workers comp costs Difficulty raising prices Lower margins at work Regulation/bans on pesticides and fertilizers Regulation/bans on water and irrigation

27% 25% 23% 20% 20% 19% 19% 17% 15% 14%

ipropertymanagement.com

will have an opportunity to learn about at EXPO in October. “We try to stay attuned to these challenges that our businesses are facing and offer education and other training to address that,” he said. “Workforce is a huge challenge for the business and that’s going to come down to availability, payments, benefits, etc. One of the ways we know that does work is having them year-round on payroll.” Bradley said it’s hard for business owners to capitalize on growth in the landscaping industry while also dealing with a labor shortage. “That’s something that I’m pretty passionate about. At LMN, we think

“Workforce is a huge challenge for the business and that’s going to come down to availability, payments, benefits, etc.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

- Kris Kiser, OPEI

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 11:12 AM

7% 5% 3% 0% 0%

9% 9% 7% 5%

al-

ng is

le ng

MANUFACTURER PROFILE

THE GRASSHOPPER COMPANY –

50 YEARS STRONG For 50 years, The Grasshopper Company has specialized in the manufacture of True ZeroTurn™ riding FrontMount™ and MidMount™ mowers and grounds maintenance implements to complement its full line of commercial mowing equipment.

The company is family owned and based in Moundridge, Kansas, USA. Grasshopper has a rich history in zero-turn mowers and grounds maintenance equipment. Its parent company, Moridge Manufacturing, was established in 1958. In 1969 that the Grasshopper Company was established and introduced the world’s first commercially viable zero-turn mower. Many “standards” in the zero-turn mower industry today were innovations from Grasshopper over the years, such as dual swing-away levers, hydrostatic transmissions, diesel engine options, powder-coat paint and robotic/automated manufacturing processes.

Grasshopper mowers are perfectly suited for landscaping and residential markets as well as for institutional and government applications. Designed for commercial and industrial use, every Grasshopper mower is built to withstand the toughest conditions and day-in, day-out mowing. Industry-exclusive 4X Dedicated Rear Discharge decks keep clippings and debris behind the mower and away from flower beds, sidewalks and parking lots. Out-front mower decks easily reach under low-hanging branches and in hard-to-reach areas. The exclusive one-touch PowerFold® deck lift effortlessly raises the front of the deck to a near vertical position for easy underside access and space-saving storage. This feature also adjusts the cutting height with the flip of a switch. Cutting widths up to 72” make quick work of mowing jobs large and small.

A full line of implements converts a FrontMount™ mower into an economical, year-round grounds maintenance machine. Choose from snow removal equipment, grass catchers and debris removal equipment, aerators, edgers, sprayers and other year-round productivity solutions.

grasshoppermower.com www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 25

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 25

1/23/20 11:12 AM

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

26 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 26

❙

SMALLER COMPANIES ARE MAKING THE MOST MONEY:

ONLY

15%

OF TOTAL REVENUE IS GENERATED BY THE LARGEST 50 COMPANIES IN THE LANDSCAPING BUSINESS.

pepifoto / E+ / Getty Images

that by creating more of a middle-class standard of living for those that work in the industry, we can really take this industry to another level of professionalism,” he added. Bradley also suggests that part of changing the stigma is helping job seekers understand that landscaping is a craft – something in which to take pride. He noted that many people say that gardening is their hobby and they take pride in how their yards look. However, those same people would not be proud to say it was their profession. “Whether it’s landscape maintenance or turf care or irrigation or landscape construction, it is a trade,” he says. “I think creating better apprenticeship programs, increasing the average wage and providing proper benefits and pension programs would really help the labor shortage.” The LMN CEO emphasizes that it will take everybody involved in the industry – from trade associations, suppliers, large corporations to smaller contractors – to make that happen. “I think if everybody kind of takes an active role in changing that mindset, we can make that happen in a relatively short period of time,” Bradley said, citing more activity in terms of better public relations, better consumer awareness and really explaining to people that landscapers are professionals in a more public-facing way. “I think there’s a lot of opportunity there for the industry.” Technology plays its own role in the labor market, making some landscaping employees fearful that implementation of technology is intended to eliminate jobs. “We’re a relationship-based industry and that’s not going to go away,” Fiore said. “The procurement in our indus-

BUSINESS FROM RETURNING CUSTOMERS

74% ipropertymanagement.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

try is so complex, so having people involved is imperative in executing the type of jobs that we’re doing. Tools like LandscapeHub or Lawnbot, we’re going to help people do their job more efficiently so they can increase productivity.” She said it’s important for companies to have that discussion with their employees and help them understand that they are not going to lose their jobs. “It’s not just a labor shortage, there’s a talent shortage,” Fiore said. “When kids are graduating college and entering the workforce and they’re looking at this industry, if there aren’t tech solutions available to them, they’re not going to be interested.” Those who do enter the landscaping field with a passion for beautifying the outdoors are expecting that innovation to be there. “They’re expecting to be able to go online and find product information,” she said. “They’re expecting to work with a supplier and be able to submit an order digitally. Technology is also what needs to happen for workforce development to be healthy in the space.” Hines added that while the workforce shortage remains an issue, the industry isn’t going anywhere. Lawns are not going anywhere. “I think this industry is pretty recession-proof. I have a lot of friends that grew companies through the recession in 2008 and are now multi-million-dollar operations,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of opportunity to dominate if business owners just think a little bit differently about how to frame the opportunity to the millennial workforce.” One opportunity he sees to address this is utilizing today’s platforms such as Facebook to advertise both product

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 11:12 AM

. ot, ob e

e’s n rng

MANUFACTURER PROFILE

VANGUARD INNOVATION Vanguard power solutions are designed with your productivity and bottom line in mind. When you put your trust in Vanguard, we take that as a personal

commitment to deliver the

power, application expertise

o n,” k

and world-class support you

y. at

From the first fully integrated

t e

n’t s

not only need, but expect.

complete battery solution on the market to a groundbreaking commercial engine lineup — Vanguard has the power you need. Visit vanguardpower.com to discover all our power solutions.

re s,” orrs ut e

ss ch uct

vanguardpower.com www.greenindustrypros.com ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 27

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 27

1/23/20 11:12 AM

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

and careers. “Historically, pay-per-click was always about lowest cost per lead or cost per sale,” Hines said. “What we’re seeing with all of our information on the backend is the low cost per sale and cost per lead platforms like Facebook are very, very lucrative. “Everybody’s attention right now is on Facebook so it’s a great place to get sales and employees,” he said. “You need to be building around the future that we’re all going to live in.”

BUSINESSES OPERATING YEAR-ROUND AND SEASONAL

starting with their importance on backyard. spending time “I think there is a outdoors. great opportunity that “There’s a a landscaper provides growing recognito their customers,” tion of just how Kiser said. “Our birds important need support, plant the outSeasonal the right plants, and doors are 18% that’s where landscapto our lifeers can come in. They styles, and can really target their to managing stress clients: Do you have and anxiety,” Kiser dogs, do you have chilsaid. “Stress relief, dren, what kind of lawn the importance of Embracing the Outdoors do you need? These are shade, greenery, the The industry leaders were quick to Year-Round where landscapers can importance of polnote a few other trends they have seen really excel is beginning linator support (bees, in the landscaping industry as well. ipropertymanagement.com to address those questions on butterflies, bats). So, Bradley signified a continued push behalf of a homeowner. there’s this criticality now for labor-saving equipment due to the “I think it’s a great business to be in,” about the landscape, and [landscapworkforce shortage. he said. ers are] the folks that give you those “With there being a growing backyards.” problem in finding labor in the indusOver the past few years he said try, I think landscapers are consistently Final Thoughts there has been a shift to more of an looking for labor-saving equipment Throughout 2019, the landscaping understanding that there is more to and alternative methods of doing the industry continued to thrive and grow. landscaping than simply curb appeal. work,” he said. “I think the equipment While the labor shortage is still an OPEI has a role in that education manufacturers have done a great job at ongoing issue company owners must through the TurfMutt Foundation’s creating more efficient equipment.” address, factors such as emerging techyouth education program. The message nology, equipment improvements and Kiser added that more landscapers has remained the same, however: are turning to larger pieces of equipyear-over-year revenue gains show no nature starts at your backdoor and ment to get the job done. signs of slowing down. everyone can help save the planet He also noted the rise of placing Kehoe cautions landscapers not to become complacent, however. “The economy is one of the best economies we’ve had in quite some “Now more than ever, I think contractors time, but I’ve done this for 30 years looking forward should be obviously robust, and I’ve seen three or four times where it pulls back and it gets ugly,” he said. but at the same time really be thinking about “Now more than ever, I think conhow to become more efficient” tractors looking forward should be - Kevin Kehoe, Aspire Software obviously robust, but at the same time really be thinking about how to become more efficient.” For landscaping contractors, it seems there is no limit to the amount of growth that can be experienced in this industry. Embracing efficiencyboosting innovations, adapting to changes in the marketplace and debunking stigmas to bolster the workforce could be the keys to encouraging prosperity. ›

82%

bgfoto / E+ / Getty Images

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 28

1/23/20 11:12 AM

me sta Alt fer F eng me Air ers for con blie pul B ens Co bla and dea has me sno

Am Am

A tak gua the A mo duc or inc cia flat R tes ope dur The of fied

Manufacturer Profile

WORLD’S LARGEST SUPPLIER

at s

lwn e

n,”

hd o

of outdoor power equipment parts

ounded in 1957, Rotary is recognized as the world’s leading supplier of outdoor power equipment parts, serving customers in all 50 states and 75 countries around the globe. Altogether, Rotary offers over 9,500 different parts, tools and accessories. From minor mower repairs to complete engine overhauls, Rotary has the replacement parts it takes to get the job done. Air filters, oil filters, belts, tires, starters and internal engine parts are available for a wide variety of commercial and consumer mowers. Plus piston assemblies, carburetors, electric starters, idler pulleys, tune-up kits and much more. Backed by an exclusive warranty that ensures quality and performance, Rotary’s Copperhead brand features mower blades, trimmer line and chain saw bars and chain that are available from leading dealers nationwide. In addition, Rotary has a complete line of parts for trimmers, brush cutters, pressure washers, snow blowers, garden tillers and more.

pre-filters that are professionally designed to protect engines under extreme operating conditions while ensuring maximum efficiency and peak performance. With over 50 years of manufacturing expertise, Rotary parts are recognized around the world for unsurpassed quality.

Next Day Service to 85% of the USA

American Made, American Proud

e me

As a family-owned business, Rotary takes exceptional pride in manufacturing guaranteed quality parts at its state-ofthe-art facilities in Georgia and Arizona. A longtime manufacturer of lawn mower and edger blades, Rotary produces one blade every four seconds or nearly 10 million blades annually including Copperhead brand commercial mulching blades and a variety of flat, high and low-lift blades. Rotary blades are engineered and tested to exceed all OEM standards for operation and are ISO certified for quality, durability and superior craftsmanship. The company’s blade division was one of the world’s first to become ISO certified for achieving high quality standards.

In 2017, Rotary acquired Desert Extrusion, a leading manufacturer of nylon copolymer trimmer line including its best-selling Copperhead Vortex brand. Each year, Rotary manufactures enough trimmer line to stretch around the world 10 times, utilizing a unique, quality-driven extrusion process that ensures maximum tensile strength and elasticity. The company’s filter division manufactures paper element, foam and

Rotary has built one of the industry’s most advanced distribution networks. Most orders are processed and shipped the same day, ensuring next day delivery to nearly 85% of its customers in the continental U.S. from eight U.S. distribution centers. As part of a strategic plan to enhance its supply chain and distribution system, Rotary completed a major expansion and upgrade of its shipping and fulfillment operations a few years ago. The company’s fill rate is setting industry standards, exceeding 95% in 2017. ■

www.greenindustrypros.com 2020 ❙2019 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS PROS 29 ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY www.greenindustrypros.com INDUSTRY 33 ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY ❙ GREEN

GIP0120_16-29_StateIndustry-rw-final.indd 29

1/23/20 11:12 AM

MANUFACTURER PROFILE

TORO UNLEASHES PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENTS TORO’S LATEST SOLUTIONS DELIVER NEXT-LEVEL EFFICIENCY. Z Master® 7500-G Mower Designed to get more done in less time while keeping crew numbers to a minimum, the new Z Master 7500-G gas mower features a 96” deck that folds to 75 inches for easy transport on most standard trailers. The Horizon™ onboard intelligence platform adapts the mower to changing terrain on the fly by automatically choosing the right operating mode for the conditions. Plus, the mowing wings flex up to 20 degrees and down to 15 degrees to hug the ground as you mow, delivering a proquality cut on uneven terrain. GrandStand® MULTI FORCE® Attachments Spring dethatching and aeration is easier than ever with the new front-mount tine rake dethatcher and highproduction 38” aerator attachments for your MULTI FORCE. The patented tines on the dethatcher lift thatch without damaging healthy turfgrass while simultaneously combing any matted grass to give your lawn a clean, hand-raked appearance. The wide aerator takes efficiency to a new level, handling 66,000 square feet per hour at 5 mph. It punctures up to six holes per square foot.

G W

Spray Master® Say goodbye to costly uneven applications with the new Spray Master. Featuring easy lean-to-steer control, it delivers precision applications with consistent liquid flows. The industry-first electronic smart controls ensure precise liquid and granular spreads, and fluid levels can be checked at a glance thanks to the transparent white tanks. Designed to work seamlessly on any property size, the Spray Master is the ultimate in precision and productivity. Toro understands that dependability, performance and productivity matter for every task, and Toro products are designed with that in mind. It’s all part of Toro’s commitment to innovation and customer support. Every day. On every job. From Start to Finish.

Toro.com/contractor 30 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_30-31_TOROAdvertorial.indd 30

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/24/20 3:17 PM

GET MORE DONE WITH LESS. ADD THE NEW SPRAY MASTER ™ PRODUCT LINE TO YOUR FLEET AND TAKE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY TO THE NEXT LEVEL – FROM START TO FINISH.

toro.com/contractor

GIP0120_30-31_TOROAdvertorial.indd 31

1/24/20 3:17 PM

SPECIAL FOCUS: ROBOTIC MOWERS

by Sheena Ingle

HOW COULD

ROBOTIC MOWERS

Learn all about robotic lawn mowers, the technology behind them and what they could mean for the landscaping industry

◀ In its first implementation of the Husqvarna Autonomous Operation, the company is using its new hybrid Rider lawn mowers.

32 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_32-43_Robotics-rw final.indd 32

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

LAND P

merging technologies are constantly changing the way work is performed in a variety of industries – and landscaping is no different. From GPS for equipment tracking to software aimed at streamlining business processes, innovative technology continues to move the industry forward. Enter robotic lawn mowers. These autonomous, battery-powered machines are already transforming residential homeowners’ lawncare methods – but what are they? What is the technology behind them, and how might they benefit landscaping contractors? Green Industry Pros consulted with a panel of robotic mower experts to get the answers to these questions and more. Mean Green Mowers founder and president Joe Conrad; Echo Incorporated president, product services and robotics Joe Fahey; Stihl product manager Brian Manke; Honda lawn and

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 10:44 AM

gar Eli Ro Ot rob po

◀ STIHL iMOW robotic mower trimming grass while landscaper sculpts hedges.

TIC RSBENEFIT

NDSCAPING PROS?

n t

ody n-

◀ Echo’s TM-2000 Autonomous Turf Mower can cut up to six acres, and is ideal for daily mowing of sports fields, golf courses or large campuses.

garden products marketing manager Elisha Lipscomb; and Left Hand Robotics co-founder and CEO Mike Ott all offered valuable insights into robotic mowers and their current and potential commercial applications.

What Are Robotic Mowers?

Robotic mowers are very similar to robotic vacuum cleaners in the way they operate. For most autonomous or robotic mowers, a guide wire is placed along a lawn’s perimeter – the

www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_32-43_Robotics-rw final.indd 33

❙

mower then automatically trims the grass located inside the boundaries of the wire. When it’s not in operation, a robotic mower returns to a docking station to charge its battery. Honda’s Elisha Lipscomb provided an easy-to-understand definition. “Overall, a robotic mower is a battery-operated device that cuts your lawn essentially without [people] having to interact physically. Robotic mowers cut your lawn autonomously, they mow and charge independently,” she said. “There is no need to be involved at all. They basically operate using the information from sensors that work in tandem with a low-voltage wire that’s placed along the perimeter of your lawn. That wire can be buried or on top of your lawn.” Mean Green ▼ Honda Power Mowers’ Joe Equipment Conrad said curintroduces Miimo, rently, there is its first robotic rapid growth of lawn mower. small (less than 20”) mowers being used in small areas. “Almost all use a buried wire around the perimeter or some kind of base station to define the perimeter,” he said. “These small lawn mower robots typically randomly drive around for hours day in and day out over the same small piece of property in order to keep it all cut.”

Technological Evolution

Conrad explained that, while many of us tend to think of robotic mowers as a new technology, they have actually been around for many years in one iteration or another. “Robotic mowers have been around for decades, but their widespread use is just now becoming practical,” he added. “In the past, most

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 33

1/23/20 10:44 AM

SPECIAL FOCUS: ROBOTIC MOWERS

◀ Mean Green Mowers’ ATOM: A largearea autonomous commercial electric zero-turn mower, created in partnership with the Kobi Company.

robots were confined to movement by very mechanical means with hydraulic cylinders and pumps.” Conrad continued, “With the advent of affordable portable computers in the 1990s, robotics became much more sophisticated, but were still limited by computer processing power and battery power. In the last decade, leaps in advancements in computers and the first real practical long-life, highdensity, lithium battery was developed. With the processing power and battery runtime problems addressed, basic robotics became somewhat practical.” Autonomous mowers have been popular in Europe for years and are now gaining traction in North America. Husqvarna is generally credited with having pioneered and shaped the robotic mowing segment with its Solar Mower in 1995, eventually leading to the development of its popular Automower. Over the past 25 years, the machines have continued to advance. For example, though most robotic mowers mow in a random pattern, some of the latest models are being designed to follow “intelligent patterns.” Mike Ott from Left Hand Robotics also mentioned the machines’ history and detailed how they have advanced over time.

34 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_32-43_Robotics-rw final.indd 34

❙

mentioned advancements in intelligent cutting design via GPS and artificial intelligence (AI). He said some advanced machines have added GPS in order to cut in straight lines and reduce the amount of time to cut the same piece of ground. “The next big advance has been in computer vision and artificial intelligence. Old fashioned wire or base station borders and line-of-site GPS signals have kept autonomous mowing from growing rapidly,” Conrad stated. “The latest ‘vision’ “Historically, driven robots robotic mowers “Robotic mowers do not have the have essentially have been around for limitations of a been small, elecborder or lose GPS tric machines decades, but their reception when that drive around widespread use is under a tree. New randomly in an computer vision area defined by a just now becoming partnered with perimeter wire,” practical.” artificial intelliOtt said. “More gence means that a recently, these robot can now navigate freely and machines are beginning to incorporate even make ‘educated’ decisions when ‘intelligent’ driving patterns (instead encountering unusual terrain or of random) and some are even using objects. Mean Green Mowers’ alltechnologies other than a buried wire electric commercial mowers can now to define the perimeter of an area.” provide a practical platform for the Lipscomb also discussed the differautonomous mower to develop.” ent directional options available on Stihl’s Brian Manke believes the today’s robotic mowers. Honda’s resimerging of technologies and new dential robotic mower Miimo offers advancements will continue to drive three different cutting patterns. costs down, making robotic mower “The three different patterns are random, directional or mixed, which is a combination of random and directional. Also, if you have higher concentrations of grass, it’ll do a spiral pattern until that Robotic mowers such as the Husqvarna Automower heavier grass is use sensors and guides (such as buried wires) to trim cut,” she said. lawns autonomously. Conrad also

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 11:25 AM

MANUFACTURER PROFILE

Z TURF EQUIPMENT Z-SPRAY LTS SPREADER-SPRAYER

Z Turf Equipment — the new parent brand of Z-Spray lawn care equipment – introduces the new Z-Spray LTS spreader-sprayer. Based on Exmark’s proven stand-on spreader-sprayer design, the machine is updated with new digital spread and spray controls for easier, more precise application settings. The lean-to-steer design enables one handed speed and direction control, freeing the other hand to adjust spread or spray controls, or use the easy-access spray wand. The Spyker style spreader system broadcasts up to 22-feet. The hopper carries up to 175 pounds, with space to carry 50 pounds of bagged material atop the tank. The spray system features selectable narrow (5.5 feet) and wide (11 feet) spray nozzles. The 20-gallon tank features molded-in graduations, and constant in-tank agitation to

ng d. n’

keep materials in suspension. The stainless-steel operator platform uses isolation mounts for a more comfortable ride. For a limited time, receive a $500 rebate on select Z-Spray models.

Learn more: ZTurfEquipment.com

CONQUER SPRAYING.

SAVE NOW.

500

INSTANT REBATE*

ON ALL Z-SPRAY MODELS 2/1/20 TO 3/31/20

*cannot be combined with other promotions or support programs to achieve additional discounts or incentives

OR RECEIVE FLEET BENEFITS WITH 2 UNIT PURCHASE

Z TURF EQUIPMENT IS PART OF THE EXMARK® FAMILY OF PRODUCTS

www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_32-43_Robotics-rw final.indd 35

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 35

1/23/20 11:25 AM

OF A

9FT LIFT HEIGHT 6.4 IN MAXIMUM

OPERATING CAPACITY

1,841 LBS

TL6R: SMALL AND AGILE COMPACT TRACK LOADER A pioneer in the compact equipment industry, Takeuchi introduced the first compact track loader (CTL) to the market in the mid-1980s. The innovation continues with the TL6R, now the most compact CTL in its lineup. An agile, radial lift machine, the unit is easy to transport, and features outstanding stability and performance in rental, agricultural, general contracting and landscaping industries. Powered by a reliable and efficient 65.2 hp engine, the TL6R delivers excellent power on the jobsite with a maximum lift height of 9 feet 6.4 inches, and a rated operating capacity of 1,841 pounds. Compact dimensions, including a height of 6 feet 5.8 inches, width of 5 feet and weight of 7,485 pounds, enable the CTL to access and work efficiently in areas with limited space.

For greater operator comfort, the optional cab features a swing-out door, heat and air conditioning. For even further overall ride quality, the unit comes standard with a quiet track design with flotation pads, reducing vibration and noise levels. Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM) comes standard on most Takeuchi machines. The telematics system is available during the machine’s warranty period of two years at no additional cost. It provides a variety of data points including machine health and condition, run time and machine location. The user-friendly TFM system can help reduce downtime, control costs, perform remote diagnostics and schedule maintenance. For details on the TL6R and more innovations that have made Takeuchi a world leader, visit www.takeuchi-us.com.

The newly designed cabin has an overhead 5.7-inch color multi-informational display and backlit rocker switches that control a variety of machine functions.

LEARN MORE AT TAKEUCHI-US.COM

36 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_32-43_Robotics-rw final.indd 36

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 10:44 AM

With 55 years of experience, Takeuchi has earned a reputation for innovation. From the invention of the first 360-degree excavator to the very first rubbertracked loader, Takeuchi has led the way in the compact construction equipment industry. See for yourself how our performance, power and reliability stand the test of time. Contact your nearest authorized Takeuchi dealer for details on the TB250-2 and our full line of excavators, track loaders, skid steer loaders and wheel loaders.

LEARN MORE AT TAKEUCHI-US.COM

GIP0120_32-43_Robotics-rw final.indd 37

1/23/20 10:44 AM

SPECIAL FOCUS: ROBOTIC MOWERS

usage more feasible for contractors. “Robotic mowers represent a convergence of technologies,” he said. “There are a lot of things that are coming together to make this a very viable solution in the marketplace.” Manke continued, “First, they’re battery powered. So, you see the evolution of battery products, batteries, electric motors, all the components – and the costs for all of those items are coming down. The costs are also coming down for the technology available to write the software, to run these products, to make them safe and make them function properly.” According to Manke, the current and expected future reductions in robotic technology costs are comparable to how cell phone billing practices have been changing as of late. “If you think back even a few years ago to how much your monthly cell phone bill was for data usage, and you compare that with where we’re at today – it’s a night and day difference,” he said. “So, when you look at all of the technological pieces that are needed to make a robotic lawn mower work and be affordable and to offer a return on investment, all of those pieces are coming together.”

Potential Benefits

When it comes to the landscap-

38 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_32-43_Robotics-rw final.indd 38

❙

ing industry, efficiency, quality and cost-effectiveness are key to running a successful business. Robotic mowers provide landscapers with an opportunity to offer continuous high-quality results. “Basically, a robotic mower works within a perimeter wire and mows continuously in a random manner,” Fahey said. “Because they mow continuously, only a small amount is taken off with each cut. This creates

▲ Robotic mowers such as the Honda Miimo can trim lawns without the need for human oversight. The grass is kept up on a regular basis keeping the lawn looking pristine at all times. ◀The chassis for the Miimo shows off the latest technology.

less stress on the turf. Over time the turf gets thicker and stays green longer during dry periods. In addition, it has a ‘just mowed’ look all the time, not just once a week.” He feels there is definitely a place for robotic mowers in the landscaping business model. “A number of landscape companies have begun putting small robots on homeowner properties and sup-

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

porting them with weekly trimming services. This can also be true for commercial properties,” Fahey said. “Landscape companies can offer that ‘just mowed’ look and better turf health at a different price structure because labor is limited. In addition, we have been contacted by many corporate and education campuses who are looking for options which are quieter and more eco-friendly.” Manke agreed, noting the reason golf courses look so good is due to being mowed every few days. “A robotic lawnmower, if it’s set up right, is mowing often enough [for that level of quality],” he said. “It’s kind of like Groundhog Day, the grass looks exactly the same every day. And not only that, but because of how you’re mowing it, you don’t have the grass clippings. It’s better for the grass, more of the nutrients are being returned.” Continuing, Manke said, “Robotic lawnmowers don’t kick up the dust, they’re not noisy. So, they also offer a huge allergy benefit, especially if it’s operating around a retirement community, school or hospital.” Lipscomb also spoke on the quiet, efficient operation of robotic mowers. “Because a robotic mower is so quiet, you can even set it to mow at night and you don’t have to worry about bothering your neighbors,” she said. “Unlike a traditional lawnmower, robotic mowers (including Miimo) put out no emissions. So, they’re perfect for those who are green-conscious.” Cost-savings was also touted as a substantial benefit of the robotic mowers. “Robotic mowers will certainly have

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 10:44 AM

ab pro sca Co mo in rou cos ele gre com lab mo pla O tha rep to “ is s sio wh yo pro yo ne rob ach M rob to lab les do bu ha L mo an tan Sh all rea can ab giv foc do rob Es res tiv

n of

. et,

a big effect on many professional landscape companies,” Conrad said. “Initially, most savings will be in reduced fuel and routine maintenance costs thanks to the allelectric platform. Even greater savings will come from reduced labor cost since a robotic mower will take the place of a person.” Ott also agrees that robotic mowers represent a path to cost- and time-savings. “It’s clear the shortage of labor is significantly impacting professional landscaping companies and whether you are looking to maintain your current portfolio of contracted properties with fewer people or if you’re looking to expand your business with the employees you have, robotic equipment is a great way to achieve those objectives,” he said. Manke echoed Ott’s belief that robotics could enable contractors to pick up more work despite the labor shortage. “We’ve heard countless stories of people that are turning down contracts and turning down business because they just don’t have the people to do it,” he said. Lipscomb detailed how robotic mowers increase both efficiency and productivity, while working in tandem with a human workforce. She said, “Robotic mowers are really allowing the landscape industry to reallocate resources. Contractors can send out smaller crews to be able to tackle more properties in a given amount of time. Crews can focus on trimming and edging and doing the smaller tasks while the robotic mower does the mowing. Essentially, it’s reallocating those resources to make them more productive while they’re out in the field.”

◀ Robotic mowers operate autonomously and quietly, producing no emissions. Pictured here: Echo TM-2000 Autonomous Turf Mower

Commonly Asked Questions/Considerations When adopting new methods for work completion, there will

LOW

ZERO

Find a Dealer at:

www.meangreenmowers.com

www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_32-43_Robotics-rw final.indd 39

always be factors to consider and concerns to address. The primary concern that many landscapers voice with regard to robotic mowers is a fear that the machines will take away human jobs. The experts interviewed were quick to point out that landscaping will always be a human-driven field. While robotics can help contractors perform duties more efficiently and effectively, there will still be a strong need for workers

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 39

1/23/20 10:44 AM

SPECIAL FOCUS: ROBOTIC MOWERS

in all aspects of the industry. “A common question from landscape professionals is about reduction of labor or loss of jobs. That would be a ‘glass half empty’ view,” Fahey said. “The other way to view robotics is, if you keep labor constant, how much more revenue could you generate by placing robots with more accounts? Autonomous mowing can offer superior results, lower cost and new opportunities for landscapers.” He believes robotics will prove to be increasingly popular in the industry. “The professional landscape industry is asking the right questions about this new technology and soon will begin featuring robotic mowers in the menu of services to their commercial customers,” said Fahey. Conrad added that there will still be a need for a ‘handler’ and large-area mowing will be the most practical, but the robotic mowers will gradually be used effectively in smaller yards as well. “Someday in the near future, it will not be uncommon to see an autonomous electric truck pulling a trailer full of electric autonomous mowers that pull up to a property, autonomously unload, mow, reload, and then move on to the next job,” he said. Manke echoed these sentiments. “It’s a lot like manufacturing. Even if you go into a super-modern plant, there will still be people,” he said. “They’re doing people things, but you have robotics doing repetitive tasks that don’t necessarily make sense to

40 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_32-43_Robotics-rw final.indd 40

❙

“As soon as you connect robotic mowers to a cellular connection, they have GPS,” Manke said. “If it is taken too far from its home zone, you will be notified through the app. And similar to your phone, there’s a pin code locked to the machine.” The same technology notifies you if the mower gets stuck because of a toy or something else on the lawn that blocks it. Robotic mowers are also smartly designed to notify users when they need maintenance. “Periodically the blades have to be changed. If the blades need to be changed, you’ll get that notification,” said Manke.

Future Use Of Robots in Landscaping

The STIHL iMOW RMI 632 P is designed for large lawns of up to 1 acre, and features a removable control panel that allows for easy programming.

have a person doing. And that’s where we’re starting to get at here is you’ve got a lawn mower that can handle the basic mowing, whereas you need the person to turn the bushes, sculpt the hedges and the sidewalk and do the things that require that human touch. But for the basic middle of the yard, mow the grass, keep it looking nice, we’re getting to that point now where a robot makes sense.” Safety and security are the other two big concerns. With regard to safety, robotic mowers are outfitted with sensors that cause the machine to instantly stop and shut off when an animal or person is in its path. They are also equipped with several features that deter theft.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

One final consideration is the fact that robotic mowers have traditionally been used to mow small areas, but this is changing as machines evolve. For instance, Fahey explains that Echo focuses primarily on the commercial market. “There have been a number of homeowner-sized units available in the market that have a mowing capacity of 1.5 acres or less,” he said. However, ECHO Robotics focuses on the commercial market with larger units featuring capacities of up to 3 or 6 acres. “Our robotic mowers have a number of commercial grade features, including: 3 or 5 cutting heads which float, giving a level cut even on uneven terrain, durable metal frame for stability, large-drive wheels, robust software which gives a broad array of functions and is regularly updated with increased functionality and connectivity which allows the customer to monitor performance and give commands remotely,” Fahey said. Mean Green Mowers is currently partnering with The Kobi Company to produce an all-electric autonomous 74” zero-turn mower with computer vision and artificial intelligence (no

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 10:44 AM

MANUFACTURER PROFILE

INTRODUCING

NOKIAN GROUND KING Introducing Nokian Ground King; combining all-terrain mobility with on-road performance. Nokian Ground King tire includes the Hybrilug™

technology, which combines the best features of lug and block patterns, offering all-terrain mobility and traction combined with high level comfort and precise handling response on road transport. Ground King utilizes high-grade, wear resistant tread compound in the pattern which offers extended ground contact area compared to the standard traction pattern. This results in excellent operating hours even in extensive on-road use. Besides offering 2-in-1 benefits, Nokian Ground King tire has high load-bearing capacity that allows the use of heavy work implements and high loads. This all-round performance further expands the diversity of the tasks you can tackle with Nokian Ground King.

www.nokianheavytyres.com

TRI 2

GROUND KING

Versatile professional contracting tire for year‐round use

Combining all‐terrain mobility with on‐road performance

er -

800.565.2525

nokianheavytyres.com www.greenindustrypros.com www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_32-43_Robotics-rw final.indd 41

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 41

1/23/20 10:44 AM

SPECIAL FOCUS: ROBOTIC MOWERS

GPS guidance or buried wires). ▶ Left Hand Robotics started Conrad said at GIE+EXPO 2019, Mean Green demonstrated a prototype with an autonomous tractor designed in the outdoor area. It showed how the for sidewalk snowmachine could start working on its clearing. They have own, cut in straight lines, maneuver since launched large-area mowing around objects and stop when encounwith that same tering a certain object (like a human). tractor and a 63” He said plans are to test and finish mower deck. certify the 74” “ATOM” mower attachment. in 2020 and start sales in 2021. Husqvarna’s EPOS technology is In terms of advancing the field, a high-precision satellite navigation Husqvarna announced in October system that provides enhanced real2019 that it will introduce its next time positioning accuracy, delivering autonomous mowing development, location accuracy of 2-3 cm (0.79-1.18 Husqvarna Autonomous Operation in.). The Husqvarna EPOS technolfor professionals. It consists of mulogy enables the machine to navigate, tiple self-operated Husqvarna robotic within and between work areas, using mowers powered by Husqvarna EPOS virtual boundaries. The operational technology. Three pilots were being efficiency is increased due to the ability established in 2019 to refine the system to operate the machines at any time. before an official launch in 2021.

USE THIS

FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS A HOLE UNDER SOMETHING HARD!

“Robotics and autonomous solutions will play a major role in the future of green space management,” Sascha Menges, President Husqvarna Division said. “We are committed to continuously improving professional green space management and Husqvarna EPOS is a technological breakthrough in Husqvarna’s robotic mowing that will further accelerate the adaptation of robotics in professional lawn care.”

World‘s sharpest Blades

® ®

MOWER & EDGER BLADES

Scan to view Blade Video.

TO DO THIS AND SAVE A LOT OF TIME • AAordable price • Saves money • Compact • Two year warranty • Most drills powered by a 4 cycle Honda engine • Goes from horizontal to vertical in two minutes • Removes soil under concrete, no water needed • Drills holes up to 8” • Don’t have to close a sidewalk or driveway to bore under it • Built in the USA • Fast, Reliable, AAordable.

SiBore Drill’s Spring Special

FREE SHIPPING Until March 31, 2020 (applies to lower 48 states)

Built for Powerful Performance!

330.844.0042 www.SiBoreDrill.com 42 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_32-43_Robotics-rw final.indd 42

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

Visit rotarycorp.com or call 1.800.841.3989 Servicing dealers and distributors only.

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 10:45 AM

I Hu usi law the sio be sio Ge “ sha is t rob ava na ma tri on typ the 4-w mo

”

WITH YOUR MOWER!

telematics on everything now, board, sophisticated area-mapping which is great because equipment capabilities and automatic job report can be really expensive, especially documentation have now brought a if you’re a small business owner. It’s solution to market that is changing all about being more efficient.” the game for professional landscaping The panel of experts seemed to contractors across North America.” agree that there will continue to be Manke reiterated the need for growth and expanefficiency in sion within the robotic the landscapmower segment ing industry. “Robotic mowing of the industry. “You want to get solutions are now “As more technology as much done as improves with batteries possible,” he said. available to help and greater connec“I think the fact them (landscapers) tivity is required by that we’re already end users, I think integrating telematdeal with our see robotic ics technology nation’s labor crisis.” you’ll mowers becoming and GPS tracking more of the maingoes right along stream in the future,” Lipscomb said. with the trends we’ve been seeing “We at Honda are excited to be a part in equipment and construction and of that evolution of our industry.” › landscaping recently. We’re seeing

DO MORE

ure

In its first implementation, Husqvarna Autonomous Operation is using Husqvarna’s new hybrid Rider lawnmowers. The new technology is the next step in Husqvarna professional robotic lawnmowing and will be launched with selected professional customers in the U.S, France, Germany and Sweden in 2020. “Probably the main message to share with professional landscapers is that commercial-class, large-area, robotic mowing solutions are now available to help them deal with our nation’s labor crisis,” Ott said. “While many are aware of the smaller, electric robotic mowers that are really only suitable for specific residentialtype applications, our machines with their 37hp EFI engines, fully hydraulic 4-wheel drive powertrains, 63” finish mower decks, 12-gallons of fuel on-

“

This spreader is amazing- I don’t need a helper anymore!

”

Mulch & Bark Hoses • For delivery of mulch, bark, and wood chips surfacing materials. • Increased flexibility; allows easier winding and unwinding from hose reels. • Easy slide helix; allows hose to slide easily over rough surfaces.

Save time and money with JRCO Heavy-Duty Attachments for Commercial Mowers. By using attachments for your lawn mower, you get the job done twice as fast and also save space by not hauling additional equipment. Do more with your mower!

600 PSI PVC-Reinforced Spray Hoses • Spray hoses are made with premium quality PVC compounds. • Ideally-suited for lawn and ornamental spray applications. • Pin-pricked ribbed cover reduces drag and increases flexibility. • Hoses are light weight and easily coiled after use.

SPOT SPRAYERS

TINE RAKE DETHATCHERS

TRANSPORTER

AERATORS

CANOPIES

LEAF BLADE PLOW

BLOWER BUGGY

TRASH BUCKET HOLDER

Kuriyama of America, Inc. (847) 755-0360 sales@kuriyama.com www.kuriyama.com

www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_32-43_Robotics-rw final.indd 43

866-537-6168 • jrcoinc.com/GIP

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 43

1/23/20 10:45 AM

by Gigi Wood

Affordable and easy to maneuver, stand-on sprayer/spreaders will continue to dominate the market in 2020. Shown here is the Z-Spray Max from Z-Turf Equipment.

Z-Spray

EQUIPMENT FOCUS: SPREADER/SPRAYERS

SPRAYERS AND SPREADERS:

2020

prayer/spreaders are increasingly becoming recognized as the most efficient way to distribute liquid or granular material across a property. It’s common to have a sprayer/ spreader combination which are available in a variety of sizes similar to lawn mowers.

Improvements

Lawn care contractors in 2020 will see technology improvements, from hardware to software, when it comes to the sprayer/spreader market. Experts from Toro, Exmark, Ferris and Graham Sprayer Equipment recently spoke with Green Industry Pros on the trends they’re seeing in the sprayer/spreader market for

44 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_44-46_EquipmentFocus-rw final.indd 44

❙

2020. Many are expecting new products with improved functionality to boost the quality of lawn care, while increasing efficiency for contractors and their crews as the turf renovation space continues to grow.

Standing Up To Spray

Affordable and easy to maneuver, stand-on sprayer/spreaders will continue to dominate the market in 2020. “They take up less trailer space and then I’d say they handle a broader range of terrains better than a sit down does, in a lot of scenarios,” said Chris Vogtman, senior marketing manager at Toro. “People really appreciate that, and they get used to just being able to maneuver and jump

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

Toro

WHAT TO EXPECT IN Stand-on sprayer/spreaders allow contractors to cover more ground in less time. In addition, it is easier to maintain consistent application rates across a property.

on and off as needed, quicker, and people feel like it drives a little bit more productivity for them. We’re seeing that as definitely a trend and a continued trend within our business.” Upgrading to a stand-on sprayer/ spreader allows lawn care contractors to tackle several tasks at once, says Jonathan Guarneri, product manager for Exmark. “We are seeing a lot of people trending away from the old style, where they’re airing the hose off of a truck and then push spreading,” he said. “They’re moving to stand-

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/22/20 12:46 PM

on ob do the U ho con “ spr pro fas typ wh mi all of in the Ty yo S ers mo “ sis res sur mu too T wi “ e-c wh con tor tw mo S ha cat “ is m inv pe bu tom as An tec ed ser

Toro

Z-Spray

ver, e to here ent.

on spreader/sprayers because they’re obviously able to get multiple things done at once, as well as improve their application consistency.” Using a hose spray off a truck limits how fast workers walk, and doesn’t control for consistency, he says. “When you’re out using a hose spray off the back of the truck, your productivity is based off of how fast you’re walking, right? You’re typically going to calibrate that somewhere between let’s say two, three miles an hour,” Guarneri said. “We all know that throughout the course of a day, whether it’s the first thing in the morning or the last thing in the afternoon, your speed changes. Typically, it’s because you’re tired or you haven’t had a cup of coffee yet.” Stand-on sprayer/spreaders allow contractors to cover more ground in less time. “It’s a lot easier to maintain consistent application rates, which results in fewer callbacks and makes sure you’re not putting down too much of a product but also not too little of a product,” he said. Toro and Exmark have found success with their lean-to-steer models. “We have both implemented e-control technology on there, which helps from two aspects. One, control the amount of applicator you’re putting down and then, two, control the spreader a little bit more precisely,” said Vogtman. Sprayer/spreaders in general have become more popular as education has increased, he added. “The bigger trend there is more dealers getting invested from a channel perspective in the business, allowing customers more places from a service standpoint. And more dealers and technicians being knowledgeable about how to service the product is really

They’re moving to stand-on spreader/sprayers because they’re obviously able to get multiple things done at once, as well as improve their application consistency – Jonathan Guarneri, Exmark

a key trend that we’re seeing to help the customers be more productive and have better uptime,” Vogtman said. “I think one of the biggest trends not to go unnoticed, is just more dealers getting invested in the business and that’s ultimately going to make it a better experience for the customer.”

Still Riding It Out

At Graham Spray Equipment, which produces custom sprayer/ spreader equipment from its three locations in Georgia, they’re seeing continued interest in ride-on sprayer/ spreaders and truck-mounted units. “The main change we’re seeing right now is everybody’s going to the ride-on sprayer spreader,” said Donny Pitts, general manager with Graham. “I thought they were going to be a phase. I’ve been doing this for 40 years and I’ve seen a lot of things come and go. But these keep coming up.” Lawn care contractors come to Graham looking for ride-on sprayer/ spreaders with lots of functionality. “They’re doing more low-volume, high-concentrate with the

sprayer/spreaders and we’re trying to accommodate for that by giving them a way to carry that sprayer/ spreader and carry the chemical and fertilizer, too,” he said.

Finding the Sweet Spot

As sprayer/spreader technology evolves, manufacturers continue to try to balance weight, size and volume. “There’s a really fine balance between carrying more and also what’s really practical,” Exmark’s Guarneri said. “Obviously, the more weight you have, the more capacity you have and the larger your footprint is on the turf.” He noted that it would be possible to develop a spreader/sprayer that has a 500-gallon tank but it wouldn’t necessarily be good for the customer. “We know that those operators don’t want to be carrying that much weight,” Guarneri said. “It’s a matter of finding that happy balance of what’s acceptable by the customer, what’s needed by the customer and what the machine carries.” Exmark’s Stand-On SpreaderSprayer and Toro’s Stand-On Spreader-Sprayer come with 20-gallon spray tanks, although both companies offer larger models with spray capacity ranging up to 200 gallons, and even higher capacities for granular fertilizers. Toro owns Exmark, which in turn operates Z Turf Equipment. Vogtman and Guarneri talked about how the Z-Spray Master Max, with its 60-gallon tank and 220-pound hopper, is one of the company’s most popular sprayer/spreader models. “We want to be very cognizant of weight and managing a good experience for the customer,” Toro’s Vogtman says. “We feel like we’ve kind of got to the limit of where we would

Toro

www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_44-46_EquipmentFocus-rw final.indd 45

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❯

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 45

1/22/20 12:46 PM

Z-Spray

EQUIPMENT FOCUS: SPREADER/SPRAYERS

Toro

that helps provide some of the stability. “We have widened the rear tires, widened the front tires, widened the front tire casters, moved the weight so that all four tires are taking more of the weight and distributing the weight more, so you have less impact per square foot, pounds per square inch as our competitor,” Clark said. “So even though you have a heavier machine, you distribute the weight more evenly is, we have amongst all four tires increased the and then also widencapacity from ing the tires gives you 60 to 80 gallons less ground impact.” and then 250 Toro has found success in the Clark noted that pounds of ferspreader/sprayer market with its the Voyager falls into tilizer plus an lean to steer models which lets the extra 100 pounds operator control forward/reverse and the “extra-large” category of spreader/ of bags that you left/right steering with one hand, leaving one hand free at all times. sprayers. The can carry out.” machines are designed The Voyager for big commercial properties, sprays in 12-foot-wide swaths instead schools, industrial parks or even of the standard 10, uses a vibrating agibig yards. However, the booms fold tator to break down fertilizer instead in making it possible to transition of grinding it and is equipped with to smaller compact areas as well. a three-section breakaway boom. “It’s a pretty versatile machine,” Ferris estimates that the Voyager’s Clark adds, acknowledging that capacity and design helps increase it might not be the right product productivity by about 20%. for smaller properties. “You boil that down to what a land“Now there are a lot of people out scaper might do in a day and that’s there that may or may not be sprayshaving an hour or two off the day. ing or treating properties that are A nice way to look at it is what you big, big areas,” he said. Those conused to do in five days, you can now tractors might be better served by do in four days,” Clark said. “That’s moving down to a medium or large a real change in productivity.” size machine such as the Ferris The other key features of the Pathfinder, Roer or Venture machines. Voyager that assist in making landIn 2020, each of the manufacturscapers more productive is the low ers indicated they would continue to center of gravity and the traction, listen to dealers and contractors to including the articulating front-end meet their needs with additional equipment and technological upgrades to Ferris says there is nothing sprayer/spreaders and related tools. quite like the Ferris Voyager This is great news for contractors, FS5250 sprayer/spreader on. It as it should make it easy to find the features an 80-gallon tank and machine you need for the job. ❯ 250-lb granular capacity.

like to be right now. The [Spray Master] Max holds what I’d say is the right amount to allow the contractor to get a big job done, but is also equally balanced with not burdening them with getting it on and off the trailer. We’re trying to balance those unique needs. There are some situations where I tell you going bigger could be better, particularly if you don’t have to transport the unit. But with the Max, we feel pretty good about the capacity that we have there on our Spray Masters today.” Meanwhile, the new Ferris Voyager FS5250 comes with an 80-gallon liquid tank and 250-pound granular, Rich Clark, Ferris’ national sales manager says, suggesting that there is nothing else on the market quite like it. “The standard has been 60 gallons or less,” he says. “Part of it is because of weight distribution and weight impact on the soil. If you have two machines with the same size tires on the same exact machine but different tanks, they’re going to have different impacts on the ground. What Ferris has solved with that

Ferris

46 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_44-46_EquipmentFocus-rw final.indd 46

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/22/20 12:46 PM

BEYOND THE BLADE

by Pam Haskell

PlargueDoctor / Chainarong Prasertthai / iStock / Getty Images Plus

HOW TO AVOID MAKING

COMMON SEO MISTAKES Keeping your website at the top of Google

Duplicate Content

Duplicate content is text that has been copied from one website and posted on another. It is one of the worst things you can do for your rankings. One of the most common problems when it comes to duplicate content occurs when a well-meaning staff member directly copies another website’s content and pastes it onto your website. This results in two websites having identical content, which raises flags for search engines. Your site’s Google rankings may then decrease significantly. Similarly, this can also happen

www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_47-52_BeyondBlade-rw - final.indd 47

when a member of your staff uses the same piece of content on multiple pages across your website – even if the content was written by someone in your own organization. Each page of your website should have unique, original content to engage your visitors and keep them reading (and eventually hiring you). Whoever oversees your content, whether it’s the designer or a team of content writers, should be made aware of duplicate content and how to avoid it. Using the same few sentences over and over will harm your website’s reputation and SEO ranking. Try to minimize your use of too-similar content across your website. If you have pages that aren’t very distinguishable from one another, then you might want to ask yourself if you need separate pages at all. Consider merging similar pages into one. Google recognizes if you have duplicate

cla

mgkaya / E+ / Getty Images Plus

imply put, SEO (search engine optimization) is essential for your website to be successful. If you want customers to find you online for the services you provide, you need to appear at the top of Google’s search results when someone looks for those services. How do you get your website to the top of the search results? Search engine optimization - it’s kind of in the name. SEO can be complicated and there are a lot of mistakes that can be made when doing it yourself. From having duplicate content to not putting enough information on your Google My Business profile, issues can mount up and affect your search engine rankings drastically. To help you avoid being penalized by Google, we have comprised a list of the most common mistakes that occur with SEO and how you can avoid them.

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 47

1/24/20 4:27 PM

BEYOND THE BLADE

events in the community around you, it will help you on Google, but it will also encourage people to support your business for being local. People are more likely to buy from locally owned businesses, so if you make yourself more visible, you will attract more customers in your area.

PRO TIP: When

it comes to creat ing content online, ALWAY S choose qualit y ov er quant it y.

No Content Strategy

So, you’ve hired a well-organized team of SEO experts. They’re ready to boost your search engine rankings by building links, optimizing your website for keywords and promoting it on social media, but they haven’t provided you with a content marketing strategy. You may think your team of experts is going to get you all the traffic you deserve, but if they’re running blind without a well-planned strategy then your search engine rankings aren’t going to skyrocket anytime soon. Content plays a massive part in determining whether your SEO campaign is successful or not. Without a content strategy in place, you won’t know what your goals are, or when you’ve reached them. It’s like throwing money into a bottomless pit. To help increase your local SEO via blogging, try writing about local

48 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_47-52_BeyondBlade-rw - final.indd 48

for good reason – a visitor should be able to find what they’re looking for on your website within three clicks. You need to make sure that everything on your website is easy to read and understand and that everything is uniquely labelled to attract as much attention as possible to your site. Your titles and descriptions all matter when it comes to making your user feel comfortable when using your site. Usability and ease of navigation ensure visitors don’t click away. An appealing site isn’t just for attracting customers, it is also used to attract the attention of search engines. Google considers the information it gathers from users to rank your site. If your website has bad CTR (Click Through Rate) and users spend a short amount of time on your site, it won’t perform well in the search engine rankings. mucahiddin / iStock / Getty Images Plus

pages or content repeated through your site and will penalize you for it by labeling it as “spam” or unhelpful to your site’s visitors. I ran a comprehensive website audit recently for a professional landscaping company and discovered that their website has over 900 web pages, all indexed on Google. They have a page for every city around them for every service they offer. Same content, different city. And now they are being penalized for it. This spam-SEO hack was used when SEO was a new concept and Google does not look kindly on it.

❙

PRO TIP: A t horough content

st rategy should include a mult ifaceted approach to y our SEO - it should include wr it ing or iginal and engaging content on y our website, building back link s and increasing y our citat ions.

Bad Structure

Just like a building, a website has a carefully crafted structure supporting it. There are many elements of this structure that add to (or detract from) its ranking on Google. If your site was built by someone unfamiliar with SEO best practices, it could be sabotaging your efforts without you realizing it. Having a good website structure allows your users to have a better experience when on your site, which in turn will help improve your SEO. The 3-click rule is still popular and

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

PRO TIP: Google measures how

long each v isitor spends on y our site and what t hey spend t he longest look ing at . I f y our site is f ull of or iginal, engaging, interest ing and helpf ul content t hat people lov e to read, y ou’ ll do well on t he search engines.

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 10:44 AM

Y ful int to Y wi eye ing yo kee be O can •Q •P •G •G

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The longer you keep your visitors on your page, the better your SEO ranking will be.â&#x20AC;? Relying on Words Only

h r n

ur men

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;t l-

Your website might have wonderfully crafted words, but if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all piled into one block of text most visitors to your site wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even glance at it. You need to break up your content with relevant pictures to capture the eyes of your users, as well as interesting videos to hold their attention on your page for longer. The longer you keep your visitors on your page the better your SEO ranking will be. Other forms of media you can include on your site are: â&#x20AC;˘ Quizzes â&#x20AC;˘ Podcasts â&#x20AC;˘ Graphs â&#x20AC;˘ Gif Animations

SEO significantly, if used correctly. - Pam Haskell, Chili Pepper Design Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to claim a business as your own. You can simply search for your business on Google, click on it and click claim. PRO TIP: They will ask you for some details but after that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all yours and you can upload pictures, edit opening times and much more. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often the case that busi ness owners will set up their Google My Business, upload a few photos with some information and then forget about it. Great Local SEO This is a huge mistake. The biggest mistake people make Your business is always changing when it comes to Google My Business and whether thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your opening times, is simply not claiming their listings. your product info or even what your Google My Business is an incredibly offices look like, it is highly imporuseful tool and can increase your local tant to keep all your information up

Are You Ready To Begin or Enhance Your Business?

ÂŽ

The average annual gross revenue produced * by our franchise , , owners is

Professional Grade for POWERFUL PERFORMANCE!

$1 880 398

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Looking For You.

Safer Lawn Care Since 1987

Vortex, diamond, quad tex & premium quad trimmer line

Plus Mosquito & Tick Control Opportunities 1st Year Revenue Potential: up to $150,000

1.800.841.3989

Serving 100,000+ Customers â&#x20AC;˘ 6 Year Avg. Customer Life $74M+ in Gross Revenues â&#x20AC;˘ Serving 24 States + D.C.

for more info!

Servicing dealers and distributors only.

Key Markets Available in Your Area!

rotarycorp.com

(800) 989-5444 | NaturaLawnFranchise.com *Based on 36 owners and the 2019 gross revenue report. ÂŠ2020. NaturaLawn of America, Inc. A division of NATURLAWNÂŽ Services and Products. All rights reserved. Each office independently owned and operated.

www.greenindustrypros.com

GIP0120_47-52_BeyondBlade-rw - final.indd 49

â?&#x2122;

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

â?&#x2122;

GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 49

1/23/20 10:45 AM

BEYOND THE BLADE

porcorex / iStock / Getty Images Plus

View d vide

This article was written by Pam Haskell, owner of the website design & development company Chili Pepper Design (cpdesignco.com). She helps businesses in the landscaping and outdoor living space create and maintain a modern web presence along with online marketing and reputation management services.

to date on your Google My Business so your customers can stay informed. Incorrect or missing information can make a bad first impression when it comes to customer experience. Issues such as inaccurate business hours or locations can result in visitors not returning.

Ignoring Online Reviews

What people say about your business matters, and that’s especially true about

what customers are saying online. If a customer leaves a review, whether it’s good or bad, it’s important to reply to them and address their concerns in a helpful and professional manner. Offering customers value and attentive assistance will make your company seem a lot more trustworthy. Replying to reviews can also increase your local customer base, and happy customers can spread positive word of mouth to your local community. If you’ve invested in your website, it might pop up as the number one result on Google. If you’ve claimed and optimized your Google My Business listing, it might be the highlighted option on the right of the search results. What happens if Google and social media are riddled with onestar reviews of your company? While online reviews may seem like a small piece of the bigger picture that makes up your online presence, people are relying on reviews more and more when deciding what companies to hire. If you found our list of the common mistakes that are made when it comes to search engine optimization helpful and want to learn more, get in touch. If you’re worried that your website isn’t performing to the best of its abilities, then try our free SEO audit. ›

ADVERTISERS INDEX Mean Green Products, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Naturalawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Nokian Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Progressive Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Rotary Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29, 42, 49, 51 SiBore Drill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Stihl Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7 Takeuchi Manufacturing Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37 The Toro Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31 Z Turf Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

American Honda Motor Co. - Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Bobcat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Briggs & Stratton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Cub Cadet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Exmark Mfg. Co. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Grasshopper Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 25 JRCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Kawasaki Precision Machinery (U.S.A.), Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Kubota Tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Kuriyama of America, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Lastec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

50 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS

GIP0120_47-52_BeyondBlade-rw - final.indd 50

❙

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

❙

www.greenindustrypros.com

1/23/20 10:45 AM

View dealer video.

y. se

t lt ng,

e t le e re. n s l

Over 9,500 guaranteed quality parts and world class service!

Outstanding Dealer Support.

Next Day Delivery to 85% of the USA.

Open 24/7 at rotarycorp.com

Successful servicing dealers depend on Rotary for outstanding customer service, a 95% fill rate, same day parts shipments and higher profit margins – thanks to lower prices and flexible payment options. We offer a vast selection of parts plus dealer incentives, early booking promotions and hands-on assistance from a sales team that builds strong relationships.

Your Partner for Success.

t O j O i n r O t a r Y ’ S d e a l e r n e t w O r k , c a l l 1 . 8 0 0 . 8 4 1 . 3 9 8 9 O r v i S i t r O t a r Y c O r P. c O m ©2020 Rotary Corporation. Rotary is a registered trademark of Rotary Corporation. Available through servicing dealers & distributors. *Available in most areas. Delivery time may vary and is subject to change.

GIP0120_47-52_BeyondBlade-rw - final.indd 51

1/23/20 10:45 AM

B O B C A T. C O M / D O N E T O U G H

It’s your ambition. It’s your drive to succeed. And it’s your Bobcat® equipment that brings it to life. When your competition says it’s impossible, you can say yes. Bobcat is a Doosan company. Doosan is a global leader in construction equipment, power and water solutions, engines, and engineering, proudly serving customers and communities for more than a century. Bobcat ®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2020 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 1375

GIP0120_47-52_BeyondBlade-rw - final.indd 52

1/23/20 10:45 AM