Page 8 - OPE Nov 21-Feb 22

MARKETPLACE
ZTR Mowers
BEGINNING OUR ZTR
round-up on an upbeat note,
Gavin Lowndes at Steelfort reports “huge growth” in the Cub Cadet zero-turn range over the past two to three years and sees strong opportunities ahead in a market in which the Cub Cadet brand already has a firm footing among lifestyle property owners, who “simply seem to have more dollars to spend.”
“We’re feeling very buoyant with plenty of new product set to arrive in the first or second quarters of 2022,” says Gavin, at the same time conceding that the latter might be more likely for the new Ultima zero- turns, “given the way the supply chain has gone”.
“Getting orders is not the problem at
the moment,” he says, “and I’m sure it’s the same with our main competitors. We’ve got a huge container arriving this month but 75% of that will be straight out the door.”
As the Cub Cadet range expands,
Gavin says Steelfort is starting to see some straddling of lifestyle and commercial applications but even in a range with a top price of $32k, most product is still going to flush domestic users.
“Due to the strength of the brand name
in the market, in time it will probably be easier for us [than for some rivals] to launch new product into other categories. We’ve had some success with the battery ride-ons, with an uptick in sales in the last month but, while everyone wants one, the prices remain high.”
If US volumes increase, prices may come back, says Gavin Lowndes, before adding “The biggest issues remain logistics and shipping out of the US. The upshot is we’re factoring in reasonably significant price increases from February.”
Rain means mower sales grow too
Turning to Husqvarna, Steve Middleton and his sales team are enjoying “perfect conditions across the country with good rain in most areas, even too much in some”, and with ground temperatures rising, he says mower sales are surging.
“People are spending more on their properties, upgrading machines and seeking more of a premium finish. All dealers report a greater volume of enquiries and increased trade in higher spec models, often translating into above-average spends.
“We’re finding consistent demand for the out-front riders with the Auger system
GRAVELY ZTR
RANGE SET TO EXPAND
MASPORT IS SET to expand its
Gravely ZTR range in 2022 with a host of new models featuring the advanced X-Factor III cutting deck (photo below ). Lifestyle users will now have a choice of three ZT-HD models with the new deck in 44-, 48-, and 52-inch widths.
Product Manager Simon Gaunt says the X-Factor deck has been completely redesigned for better grass dispersion and is constructed from either 7-gauge or 10-gauge steel. The new design is able to process more grass allowing the operator to cut at a higher speed.
New baffle geometry creates a stronger vacuum effect in the cutting chamber, lifting the grass more evenly and effectively, improving cut quality and material flow through the deck. It also results in improved performance when cutting wet grass. The larger discharge opening disperses clippings further and with more even distribution, minimising clumping, and leaving a neat and tidy finish.
Moving into commercial applications,
Simon Gaunt says the entry Pro-Turn
ZX series (48-, 52-, and 60-inch) will also feature the X-Factor deck and these models will sit alongside the Pro-Turn 200 series, which is back by popular demand.
Performance and comfort ramp up with the Pro-Turn 600 series (PT660 shown above), available in 52, 60 and 72-inch cutting widths, and featuring both the X-Factor III Deck and a new suspension system.
Simon Gaunt says the Operator Pod suspension (comprising a dual four-bar linkage with two coil-over shocks) isolates the operator from impacts and vibration on the roughest terrain, giving a sensation akin to floating on the mower without sacrificing control or mowing speed.
A flip-up floor pan further allows the user to easily access the deck drive system. And the Parker HTG Transaxles enable mowing at speeds of up to 24km/h and share the machine’s five year/1500 hour warranty.
www.masport.co.nz
Getting meaner and greener
MEAN GREEN MOWERS
released a fully upgraded, lifestyle- ready, zero-turn mower at the recent GIE trade fair held in Kentucky, USA. With choices of 48- and 60-inch decks, the Nemesis battery ZTR is ready for 3-4 hours of continuous mowing depending on deck size and mowing conditions.
The machine fits into the “prosumer” class, making it also suitable for light
commercial work and production is due to start in January with the first shipments to New Zealand leaving in early February.
“We have a lot of clients waiting for this new lifestyle machine so we’re really excited that it will hit our shores soon,” comments Bruce Scott, local distributor of Mean Green Mowers.
www.meangreenmowers.co.nz
08 NZOUTDOORPOWEREQUIPMENT NOVEMBER2021-FEBRUARY2022
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