A maintenance project isn’t complete on any property you service until you’ve attended to every detail. You’ll need trimmers, edgers and backpack blowers to give every property that finishing, professional touch.
Trimming is commonly done with a string trimmer, and refers to a vertical trim of the edges using a small, spinning head with plastic twine acting as a cutting head. It’s generally done along sidewalks and driveways, but is also used to trim turf around obstacles where most mowers can’t reach.
Andrew Johnson, Little Wonder product manager, says contractors should be looking for “reliability of the unit – they need to know that the unit is dependable and going to give consistent results.”
Edgers are similar to trimmers, however they feature metal blades and a vertical cutting head. They’re used for defining a landscape bed or separating any area of the landscape from turf by creating dramatic cut lines.
“Landscape contractors are facing the same issues as all other companies: less business with decreased margins. Decreased margins means that every minute on the job must be productive billable time. Anything a contractor can do to be more productive helps make up for the decreased margin,” says Jim Day of Turf Teq. Productivity is the name of the game, he stresses.
Backpack blowers can make quick cleanup of debris to leave a polished site for your clients. They use forced air to blow leaves and debris into piles, making them easier to pick up and dispose of, as well as disperse clippings and clean walkways and patios.
Patsy Penner, marketing coordinator for The Grasshopper Company, says that for 2012, the “trends are towards finding ways to reduce fuel usage and maintain sustainable lawns,” which involves using efficient equipment to do more in less time.
The manufacturers here know you need solid and versatile tools to produce a top-notch job. We’ve even added a section for companies who offer accessories specific to these types of equipment. Whatever you’re in the market for – trimmer, edger, backpack blower or an accessory for what you already have – take a look here first. Also, you can find additional information about the companies highlighted in red by visiting their advertisements in this issue.
Trimmers
CORE Outdoor Power
CGT400
Engine: Electric motor
Cutting diameter: 14 inches
Feature: Instant trigger start, dual-mode controls for torque and speed
The Edgit is an edging guide designed for trimmers. The rolling guide indicates where the string cuts and vertically edges as fast as the operator can walk.
The one-piece, ROPS-mounted trimmer rack holds trimmers and edgers. It can be transferred between mowers, with no holes to drill or permanent mounting needed.
The TT-1 Trimmer Rack holds two trimmers and features welded steel construction with a powder-coat finish. Locks trimmers individually with standard padlocks.
The W.E. Trimmer Cover protects engines and fuel tanks. The outer material is water-repellent and resists mildew, abrasions and tears. Three liners available.
Even in the extreme heat conditions of Southern Arizona, Desert Foothills Landscape designed and installed a stunning, functional landscape while also being water and climate conscious.
