Page 18 - OPE Sep-Oct 2021

MARKETPLACE
Ride-on Mowers
Rover range on the rise
CUB CADET MOWERS have been
manufactured in the US for 50 years and sold in New Zealand for over 30.
“We really see Cub Cadet expanding with lots of product on order that will be in the market fairly quickly,” says Gavin Lowndes, adding that the new Cub Cadet LX547 establishes a new lower circa $4,000 opening price point in the range to attract new customers to the brand.
The new Cub Cadet LX547 with its 547cc OHV motor and 42-inch pressed- steel cutting deck is suitable for use on medium to large lifestyle blocks and offers precise cutting and control with 12
Electric ride-ons are also certainly under development at Husqvarna for one, but Steve Middleton suggests they are “still some way down the track in terms of reaching our market”.
In fact, Husqvarna has pretty much kept last year’s ride-on mower range rolling through this year, he explains.
“Covid has impacted new product development overseas and there are plenty of new releases in the wind for next year but with the instability of factory output and shipping, we haven’t had any major upgrades on our ride-ons.”
That said, whether it’s an out-front rider, a side discharge or a rear-collect, there are stillplentyofreasonsforcustomersto
NEW FROM STEELFORT is the
Rover RZ42, which provides a zero-turn within the Rover mix for the first time, but still with a slightly lower specification than the equivalent Cub Cadet.
The new-generation Rover RZ42 features a fresh design and a full- length, fully welded tubular steel frame. Built from the ground up for superior ergonomics, comfort, and strength, it’s
been calmly biding their time: “You sense that everyone knows what to expect as we work through the levels back towards normality.”
Buyers move upmarket
As with most outdoor power products, growing numbers of consumers and professionals are looking to exchange their gas-powered tools for greener options but not at any price.
Cost has indeed been a barrier to greater uptake of the electric models in the Cub Cadet range, admits Gavin Lowndes, “despite the interest being there.”
“Sales are limited purely on price. The premium is currently so high that they’re a hardsell.”
ideal for large Kiwi lifestyle blocks with excellent manoeuvrability and stability. The 679cc V-twin engine provides
ample power while the Dual Hydrostatic Transmission offers a smooth drive. The 42-inch cutting deck houses adjustable twin blades with eight cutting positions and an optional mulch kit. An updated ergonomic control panel and high-back seat enhance user comfort.
www.steelfort.co.nz
Looking further out however, he says: “We do expect the manufacturers to start bringing prices back, as has happened with Lithium power tools, but it probably won’t be in the short-term.”
Bruce Scott from Mean Green Electric Mowers has already noticed a shift in
the market as councils implement their sustainability policies, leading to a higher level of interest from this client base.
“There’s a clear trend developing
where contractors will need to meet the sustainability requirements of clients if they are to have any chance of winning contracts.
“This activity will underpin the demand for electric mowers going forward,” Bruce believes.
018 NZOUTDOORPOWEREQUIPMENT SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER2021
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Taking a stronger stand
ZTR MOWERS HAS continued to
extend its Wright Stander model range and now carries nine models in stock, from 32- to 72-inch, with entry commercial models priced from $12,400 and a full commercial 72-inch workhorse with 37hp EFI engine capping the range.
Andrew Peacocke of ZTR Mowers says the company now has a number of Wright dealers across the country, mostly STIHL SHOPs, and is looking to expand the network further with these very
competitive, high-quality, low-maintenance machines that offer key advantages over sit-on, zero-turn mowers.
“Although stander mowers are still
a niche product in New Zealand, we’re finding some commercial customers who are looking to improve the profitability of their business have a clear understanding of the benefits of standing and recognise Wright as experts in this segment,” says Andrew.
www.zeroturnmowers.co.nz
CUB CADET RANGE EXPANDS
adjustable cutting heights between 25mm and 100mm.
The motor features IntelliPower technology that digitally monitors and maintains engine speed, giving users more available power to tackle heavy and wet grass without bogging or slowing down.
Along with automatic cruise control and a deck washing system, the
LX547 provides a high-quality mowing experience and mulching and catching options are also available along with an array of attachments and accessories for year-round versatility.
www.steelfort.co.nz
upgrade their ride-on.
And that’s despite the lifecycle of these
mowers also being on the rise, with Steve Middleton suggesting that a well looked-after mower could last more than 10 years.
“A pattern emerged last year of people spending more to get something above what they would normally be buying,” he says.
“The opening price points are steady, but we’ve found people are not afraid to spend more to get a longer-lasting product that can do the job quicker and more efficiently.
“They also realise that better run quality and higher specification can translate into better value over the long-term.”
And that’s a message that is worth holding onto,nottomentionmakingmoreof. n