New products include a chainsaw, pruner, rear wheel drive mower and electric pressure washer.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – DEWALT will preview a range of new outdoor power tools at the 2021 Green Industry and Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO). Designed to tackle tough landscaping and maintenance jobs, new DEWALT outdoor products include the 60V MAX* 20-In. Chainsaw (DCCS677Z1), 20V MAX* Pruner (DCPR320), 2x20V MAX* Rear Wheel Drive Mower (DCMWSP255U2) and an Electric Jobsite Pressure Washer (DWPW2100).
“The landscaping and outdoor industry is rapidly changing, with more robust and innovative technologies powering equipment,” said Christine Potter, VP, Outdoor Product Development for Stanley Black & Decker. “We are doubling down on our electrification technology to continuously transform outdoor solutions to battery power while delivering the quality and performance professional users expect from DEWALT. All of our new products were designed with the pro in mind and are tough enough to tackle the most challenging outdoor projects.”
Made for professional landscape use, the 60V MAX* 20-In. Chainsaw (DCCS677Z1) delivers 20% more peak power and more than 2X the max torque than a 50.2 cc gas chainsaw. Capable of cutting through 17-In. white oak logs as fast as 15 seconds using a DCB615 battery, the chainsaw features robust chain tensioning for reliable chain retention, auto-oiling for longevity of use, a chain brake and an onboard wrench for quick chain adjustments. The unit will be demonstrated at the DEWALT booth (#7068) throughout the show and comes kitted with a FLEXVOLT® battery (DCB615), charger, bar sheath, rugged carrying case, sharpening file and tension tool.
The 20V MAX* Pruner (DCPR320) joins the 250+ products in the DEWALT 20V MAX* System and requires 16X less effort on average to make cuts than a manual pruner. Weighing just 3 lbs. (tool only), this lightweight tool was designed to cut unwanted branches, trim bushes and clip flowers throughout the day. It delivers up to 1,100 cuts per charge∆ with a 1-1/2-In. cut capacity for thick stems and shrubs and features an on-board LED work light for improved visibility. The pruner makes smooth and swift cuts with its non-stick coating and easy to switch blades and comes equipped with a tool for blade changes.
2x20V MAX* Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled 21.5-In. Mower Kit
In addition, DEWALT will be displaying the new 2x20V MAX* Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled 21.5-In. Mower Kit (DCMWSP255U2). Designed to quickly mow large yards, the rear wheel drive mower cuts grass from 1-1/2-In. to 4-In. tall with auto-sensing technology that helps maintain high revolutions per minute (RPM) when tackling demanding yardwork. With 3-IN-1 functionality, the mower can mulch, bag, or discharge clippings and features a fold-over handle for convenient and trouble-free transport when the job is done. The unit is sold with two 20V MAX® batteries (DCB210), two chargers, a side discharge attachment and a grass collection bag.
2100 MAX* PSIΩ 1.2 GPM† 13 Amp Electric Jobsite Pressure Washer
Power through outdoor cleaning jobs with ease using the 2100 MAX* PSIΩ 1.2 GPM† 13 Amp Electric Jobsite Pressure Washer (DWPW2100). Designed with internal storage capability to seamlessly stow and retrieve the included wand and nozzles, the unit has a durable frame for stacking‡ and is 3X smaller when stored in the closed position β. Weighing just 24 lbs. (tool only), its compact design allows the unit to be stored vertically or horizontally and includes multiple grab points for loading and unloading, wheels for ease of movement and a retractable handle for hassle-free mobility. Accessories include a 25- Ft. high pressure hose, turbo nozzle for up to 2.4X cleaning width§, 15-degree nozzle, 40-degree nozzle, a soap nozzle, wand with nozzle storage and a built-in removable soap tank for projects that require detergent for a full clean. In addition, the pressure washer is Cleaning Equipment Trade Association (CETA) certified adhering to the CPC100 performance standard.
Also debuting at GIE+EXPO is the DEWALT 60V MAX* 18-In. Chainsaw (DCCS672), 60V MAX* 26-In. Hedge Trimmer (DCHT870) and 20V MAX* Edger (DCED400). All of these new outdoor power tools will be available where DEWALT products are sold beginning in Spring 2022. More details on both kitted and bare units are below. For more information on DEWALT tools, visit www.DEWALT.com.
The tradeshow will have a new look and feel in 2022.
LOUISVILLE – The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) announces that GIE+EXPO will rebrand and relaunch in 2022 as Equip Exposition, evolving the industry’s largest tradeshow and starting a new chapter for the event while reinvesting in its host city.
“We’re excited to announce this evolution of our industry-leading tradeshow,” said Kris Kiser, president of OPEI. “The opening of our new office shows the investment our industry has in the event and in its long-standing location of Louisville. With OPEI bringing the management of the show wholly under the association’s umbrella, it was time to re-envision the event while honoring its long history.”
Concurrent with the launch of Equip Exposition, the OPEI Board of Directors and Kiser, joined by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet Michael Berry, and other invited guests, cut the ribbon on new show offices on Main Street Tuesday night. Equip Exposition will bring on veteran show management staff and Karen Williams, longtime head of Louisville Tourism, as Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Development.
Plans are already underway to expand education opportunities and enhance the attendee and exhibitor experience in Louisville: • Trace Adkins will headline the concert series • David Feherty will give the opening keynote • Bob Clements International and the Professional Grounds Management Society will host a series of educational workshops • The TurfMutt Foundation will launch the first-ever Mulligan’s 5K and Fun Run in downtown Louisville
“Equip Exposition is where the landscape changes, and is the place for landscape contractors, outdoor power equipment dealers, distributors and manufacturers to connect, learn and grow,” Kiser said. “The tradeshow remains the best place to connect with your peers, network, and gain a competitive business edge. We’re excited to evolve the show and can’t wait to see you in Louisville October 19-21 next year.”
In 2019, the trade show was the 6th largest in the United States according to the Gold 100. It attracts more than 20,000 attendees hailing from all 50 U.S. states and 54 countries. The show has an economic impact on Louisville of more than $20 million, has 20-plus acres of newly renovated outdoor demonstration areas, and more than a thousand exhibits. It co-locates with Hardscape North America.
The OPEI Board of Directors includes: • Chair, Tom Duncan, Executive Board Member, Positec USA, Inc. • Vice Chair, Joe Wright, President and CEO, Excel Industries, Inc. • Secretary/Treasurer, Brian Melka, Group President — Power, Kohler Co. • Immediate Past Chair, Rick Olson, Chairman and CEO, The Toro Company • Equip Exposition Show Chairman, Dan Ariens, Chairman and CEO, Ariens Company • Mike Clancy, CEO, Chervon North America • Tim Dorsey, President, Echo Incorporated • Peter Hampton, President and CEO, Active Exhaust Corporation • Robert McCutcheon, President, Husqvarna North America • Rob Moll, CEO, MTD • Lee Sowell, President, Outdoor Products, Techtronic Industries Power Equipment • David Thorne, Vice President, Turf & Compact Utility Business Unit, John Deere • Will Walton, III, Business Unit Head, Vice President, Honda Power Equipment
The new LANDSCAPES name will launch next September.
The National Association of Landscape Professionals has rebranded their LANDSCAPES event as ELEVATE, which will kick off September 2022 in Orlando.
NALP CEO Britt Wood made the announcement during the opening session of LANDSCAPES 2021. The event will move to November in 2024. You can learn more by clicking here.
Wood also announced 4 NALP awards including Lawn & Landscape columnist, Bruce Wilson of Wilson & Co. consulting group, as the Lifetime Leadership award winner.
2021 Advocacy Award: Brandon Sheppard, Weed Man
2021 Young Entrepreneur: Andrew Ziehler, Ziehler Lawn & Tree Care
Woman Entrepreneur of the Year: Loriena Harrington; Beautiful Bloom
Opening keynote: Kaihan Krippendorff focused on 5 steps to generate the fourth option and outthink your competition.
The "fourth option," as Krippendorff said, is the option that your competition hasn’t considered. He said there is a point where people stop thinking and they stop looking for new options, but you have to go beyond that point to beat your competition.
He used the example of American high-jumper Dick Fosbury, who used a different way to perform a high jump. Prior to Fosbury, there were a few different ways to high-jump until Fosbury came along and did what came to be known as the Fosbury Flop.
Dissect your business mode: Explore multiple points of differentiation.
Expand your strategic options: generate 40-150 options: “You have to prepare for the future while focusing on today,” he said.
Analyze and choose options: Take a crazy idea and work on it. How can you turn it into a winning idea. Competition will laugh at you but use that time to focus on it, he said.
Robotic, autonomous and electric mower prototypes are being featured.
BEATRICE, Neb. ––Today, Exmark announced it is working to develop a number of future technologies, including electric, robotic and autonomous commercial mowers. The company unveiled an early prototype of its robotic mower concept, and showed prototypes of autonomous and electric mower models at the GIE+EXPO trade show in Louisville, KY.
Exmark also unveiled its 2022 product line at the show. New introductions include a new 144-inch Lazer Z Diesel zero-turn riding mower and all-new Vertex S-Series stand-on mower, as well as a Vanguard Oil Guard-equipped Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn riding mower and a new, more powerful Radius X-Series zero-turn riding mower.
According to Exmark General Manager, Daryn Walters, the company is showing the future models aside its current line to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, and to raising the bar for landscape maintenance professionals today, tomorrow, and into the future.
“Whether it’s the next evolution of an established product, or the development of innovative new products from the ground-up, we’re committed to giving our customers tools that deliver a competitive advantage,” Walters said. “Consistently raising the bar for landscape professionals has been a cornerstone of the Exmark brand since its beginning, more than 40 years ago.”
Walters said that Exmark, both as a brand and as a company, is focused on developing relevant technology for its customers.
“When the technology is ready and the timing is right for the commercial marketplace, Exmark will be ready,” Walters said. “As an industry, we’re still working to fully understand where autonomous and robotic equipment fit into the equation for landscape professionals.”
Walters said many questions remain to be answered when it comes to commercial robotic mowers. He cautioned that the prototype shown at GIE+EXPO is still at an early stage, and that the form factor could change significantly by the time it reaches production at some point in the future.
Despite the unanswered questions, he said the potential for robotic mower technology is too great to ignore.
“We see a big future for autonomous and robotic mowers in the commercial marketplace,” Walters said. “We’re excited for what the future holds, and are prepared to give our customers the tools they need to succeed."
Visit the Exmark.com/GIE2021 to learn more about Exmark’s future innovations.
Bill Arman and Ed LaFlamme told LANDSCAPES attendees how to get employees in the front door – and how to keep them from leaving.
When Jenn Myers from NALP introduced the Harvest Group’s Bill Arman and Ed LaFlamme, she first told LANDSCAPES attendees that the pair has amassed 200 years of landscape industry experience.
Sure, it was an exaggeration – just to make sure everyone was paying attention, Myers joked. But during the session, titled “How to Build a Recruiting Machine that Works,” the tandem that’s combined for over 100 years of experience outlined a bleak hiring and retention reality.
“It’s pretty harsh out there. I’ve been in the industry for 55 years,” Arman said. “This, without a doubt, is the biggest challenge I’ve seen in my career.”
The answers are not easy; Arman acknowledged as much. But the Harvesters spent their hourlong session detailing ways to improve in three key areas: building a quality retention/loyalty program; building/shaping a culture; and going to the sources.
BUILDING A QUALITY RETENTION PROGRAM. Arman recommended having “stay on” interviews with employees rather than just having “exit” interviews when they leave. He offered a suggestion on ways to maintain a consistent schedule to garner feedback from employees.
Arman also suggested creating a buddy system for recently hired employees so they have a peer they can talk with if they’re experiencing any issues or have questions on a jobsite.
Other advice the Harvesters offered in this area:
BUILD AND SHAPE YOUR CULTURE. Arman told attendees that every company has a culture – and it can be your best or worst recruiting tool. For a clearer picture of what your company’s culture actually is, examine what happens closely when there’s an issue or problem.
“I kind of like adversity,” Arman said. “I like a hiccup or two. Champions really come to the surface.”
The Harvesters suggested reinforcing a positive work environment, and deal with people fairly. Say “thank you” often and sincerely mean it. Celebrate their successes publicly and have fun often. Keep a clean workplace with company plaques, trophies and ribbons prominently displayed around the facility. Spend 90% of your time fixing problems and 10% talking about them, not the other way around.
LaFlamme also mentioned that outlining a clear company vision is important. For a great resource on how to outline your company’s vision, they suggested reading the book, “The Advantage” by Patrick Lencioni.
“A company with no vision is like a jigsaw with no picture,” LaFlamme said. “Where are you going?”
When new employees come through the door, LaFlamme also said it’s important to talk with them frequently. After their first day of onboarding, end their day by asking them, “How did the day go?” Ask them if they have any questions or if they’ve seen your career ladder.
“They’re going to go back and say, ‘Man, it was a really hard day but I’ve got potential to grow in this company,’” LaFlamme said.
LaFlamme added that a good company culture is all about building one-on-one relationships with employees.
“At least once a week, 30 minutes, sit there and have lunch with them. Just sit and get to know them,” LaFlamme said. “That is so powerful, you can’t imagine what that means to them. The boss is coming to
GOING TO THE SOURCES. Of course, examining where you find new employees is also important, too. Consider the following places to find your next employees:
Above all, the Harvesters mentioned that landscapers should avoid just tossing their job descriptions or company names on ads or social media posts.
“Stop making it so transactional,” LaFlamme said. “We need this, we need that; instead, make it warm and fuzzy. We have an opportunity for you. We have a family operation. Make a story out of it.”