Page 8 - OPE November 2019

MARKETPLACE
ZTR Mowers
brands, the current Grasshopper range features both front-mount and mid-mount configurations and a recent inclusion is the 524V, a more relaxed-commercial model at a lower price point.
As Andrew Peacocke concedes: “People mowing a two-acre lifestyle block don’t really need a full-commercial model with high-spec drivesystemsandatop-lineengine”.
The 524V has an engine that’s one level down and a full-hydraulic transmission system that also helps contain cost. But it
still features, as standard, Grasshopper’s PowerFold electric deck lift that folds the deck up for easy cleaning and maintenance.
“The relaxed-commercial/commercial space is highly competitive, even when you get into the $10,000-plus category, and we’ve especially seen ongoing growth in the orchard market.”
Andrew Peacocke says the front-mount
524V 42-incher in particular has been a game-changer for his company.
“It’s been very well received by dealers and customers. In fact, we’ve got new dealers
on because of that model. It’s competitively priced but still a very robust, powerful, comfortable and straight-forward machine with a minimum of moving parts.”
Who’sbuyingthem?“Mostofour Grasshopper customers have at least half an acre to an acre to cut, starting with lifestyle blocks and farm lawns, some of which are undertaken by property owners and some
by commercial contractors using zero-turns. A growing sub-category is commercial application where operators are not mowing for a living, such as on the kiwifruit orchards.”
Andrew Peacocke adds that a lot of people were buying entry-level commercial-grade machines that used to cost $12-13,000 but the Kiwi Dollar has fallen by about 15% in the
past year, “so the equivalent machines are now $15k and if you’re buying for two-acre lawns, it’s easy to go down a level,” he says.
“My assumption,” he says, “is people are buying in the same price bracket but buying slightly lower-spec machines.”
Is the ZTR curve flattening off?
HusqvarnaSalesManager,SteveMiddleton, confirms that the ride-on market has shown a real surge in the past few years, driven by “substantial growth” in ZTR sales.
But this year he’s seeing “quite a bit of growth” with entry-level tractors while the ZTR boom is starting to level out a bit.
A key Husqvarna strength, Steve points out, is the ClearCut deck with its ability to clear grass at high blade speed and air flow, filling catch bags even in damp conditions.
“We’ll look to expand our ClearCut concept within the range. In fact, the
evolution of cutting decks means that our zero-turn cutting results are equal to those of any other machine we produce, even in grass with a high moisture content, and they also have the speed, manoeuvrability and ability to mulch or side-discharge where you don’t want to collect.”
At the entry level, Middleton is noticing alotoflifestylersgettingintothemarketor updating older machines for better speed, manoeuvrability and cutting results.
“We’ve got people now wanting a ZTR for the speed of getting over their properties and the manoeuvrability and the collector kit on it so they can catch in and around the house where needed.
“There’s plenty of trade-in and trade-up activity and we’ve also noticed a bit of a shift towards people wanting wider cutting decks.
“We say that a ride-on customer is a ride-on customer for life because they like
08 NZOUTDOORPOWEREQUIPMENT NOVEMBER2019
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GRAVELY UPS
THE ANTE WITH
ZERO-TURN HD
THE GRAVELY ZT HD zero-turn
range is distributed in New Zealand and Australia by Masport and promises advances in comfort, speed and mowing precision.
These premium mowers feature powerful Kawasaki
V-twin engines and commercial grade Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 hydrostatic transmissions. Large, heavy-duty tubular frames serve as a backbone, providing outstanding support and durability. Four cutting widths are available, from 44- to 60-inches.
Deep 10-gauge reinforced fabricated decks combine with Gravely’s Constant Belt Tension System (CBT) to ensure a constant blade tip speed, exceptional strength and superior airflow in the toughest of mowing conditions.
The Gravely ZT HD’s large tyres provide superior traction and ride quality, while the adjustable high back seat with padded arm rests enhances user comfort during long stints of sustained mowing.
www.gravely.com
STAND-ON MOWERS
www.ZeroTurnMowers.co.nz • 07 543 2700
MPM9097 1119