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Robotic concept, autonomous and electric mower prototypes are highlights_x000D_
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Robotic concept, autonomous and electric mower prototypes are highlights_x000D_
At GIE+EXPO, 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 trade show in Louisville, KY. _x000D_
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Exmark also unveiled its 2022 product line at the show. New introductions include a new 144-inch Lazer Z Diesel zero-turn riding mower._x000D_
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The new Lazer Z Diesel features an incredible 144-inch UltraCut rear discharge flex wing cutting deck, which pairs a 48-inch center deck with two 48-inch wing decks. Capable of articulating 20-degrees up and 15-degrees down, the floating wing decks minimize scalping while enabling maximum productivity when mowing in uneven conditions. The deck uses six matching blades and a rear discharge design to deliver maximum productivity and an unmatched finished cut quality._x000D_
To ease transport, both wing decks fold hydraulically to ease loading and unloading, and reduce required trailering space. This enables the 144-inch Lazer Z Diesel to fit on industry-standard trailers that are designed for 72-inch machines._x000D_
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Powering the 144-inch Lazer Z Diesel is a 43.5-horsepower* Yanmar three-cylinder diesel engine. Equipped with common rail fuel injection and a turbo charger, the engine delivers the torque necessary to power through the toughest cutting conditions without compromising speed or cut quality. Designed to be extremely fuel efficient and clean running, the Yanmar engine meets EPA Final Tier 4 emissions standards._x000D_
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Dual variable-speed fans increase speed as engine temperature rises to keep the engine cool, and the fans reverse at set intervals to loosen any debris build up. The fans also tilt out to ease removal of accumulated debris._x000D_
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The 144-inch Lazer Z Diesel features a two-speed drive mechanism. The low range (0-10mph) provides maximum torque and mower control, while the high range provides a top speed of up to 17mph, ideal for transport. The transmission is directly coupled to the engine without drive belts, for a more efficient, robust drivetrain that significantly reduces service and maintenance requirements. This maximizes uptime and delivers a lower total cost of ownership when compared to other commercial zero-turn mowers._x000D_
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Next in the exciting GIE+EXPO introductions: the all-new Vertex S-Series stand-on mower. Vertex S-Series models feature Exmark’s UltraCut Series 4 cutting decks in a choice of 48-, 52-, or 60- inch cut widths. Constructed of formed and welded high-strength steel, the UltraCut Series 4 cutting decks feature flow control baffles to optimize air and clipping flow through the deck. A single-point deck lift enables easy, tools-free changes to cut height. The rod-style floating deck offers easy rake adjustment, with anti-scalp rollers for a consistently superior cut quality on any turf type. And the available Micro Mulch system further enhances the versatility of the UltraCut Series 4 cutting deck._x000D_
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Exmark designed the Vertex S-Series with the heaviest components, including the engine and hydro drive system, lower in the frame for increased stability, maneuverability, and traction in any terrain. An ergonomic control panel places all vital controls close for easy reach and operation. And the large, open platform offers more room for the operator to adjust their stance, providing even greater operator comfort._x000D_
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The Vertex S-Series includes several features designed to reduce and ease the required maintenance, with no in-season grease points, a single belt drive system and tools-free access to hydro drive components. The Exmark Series 4 cutter housings feature maintenance-free sealed bearings, and the company’s patented spherical idler bearings require only annual lubrication. Sealed bearing caster wheels and forks work with Exmark’s flat-free semi-pneumatic front tires to deliver maximum reliability and durability._x000D_
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2022 Vertex S-Series models are available with a choice of carbureted Kawasaki FX730V, or fuels saving EFI Kohler Command Pro ECV740 commercial engines. Exmark’s proven hydro drive system delivers infinitely variable ground speeds of up to 8.5mph, enabling the Vertex S-Series to make quick work of large jobs._x000D_
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Als0 shown at GIE+EXPO, the Vanguard Oil Guard-equipped Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn riding mower was seen for the first time. This Radius is equipped with a 60-inch UltraCut Series 4 cutting deck, which features a high-capacity 5.5-inch deep, side-discharge design. The UltraCut Series 4 cutting deck features Exmark’s exclusive Flow Control baffles to deliver Exmark’s signature quality of cut. Patented Lazer Z-style deck strut isolation technology eliminates sway, eases deck height adjustment, and increases operator comfort by reducing vibration that reaches the operator._x000D_
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The Kawasaki FX921V engine features an overhead V-valve design with three valves per cylinder, with pressurized lubrication and a high-efficiency oil cooler to deliver performance and reliability landscape professionals can count on. The engine was designed for use on commercial zero-turn mowers, with a metal engine cover with integrated clean out ports, heavy duty shift-type starter and multi-stage canister style air filter._x000D_
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The high-capacity integrated Hydro-Gear drive system offers infinitely variable ground speeds of up to 10 mph. Large caster tires and aggressive 24-inch Kenda drive tires offer increased traction, ground clearance and stability, with a brawny stance that stands out from the crowd._x000D_
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The 2022 Radius X-Series features a heavy-duty unibody frame that’s fully welded of 2-inch by 3-inch rectangular steel frame tubes for maximum strength and durability. The frame design places the heaviest components, including the engine, fuel tank, and hydro drive system, lower in the frame for improved balance, with increased stability, traction and maneuverability._x000D_
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An isolated floor pan reduces the vibration and noise felt through the operator’s feet, while Exmark’s deluxe full-suspension operator seat suspends the operator atop three inches of travel. The seat is easy to adjust for different operator sizes and ride quality preferences and features an Elastomeric Vibration Control foam base and plush seat foam to deliver all-day comfort._x000D_
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Introduced at GIE+EXPO by Exmark, the new, more powerful Radius X-Series zero-turn riding mower. _x000D_
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This Radius is equipped with a 60-inch UltraCut Series 4 cutting deck, which features a high-capacity 5.5-inch deep, side-discharge design. The UltraCut Series 4 cutting deck features Exmark’s exclusive Flow Control baffles to deliver Exmark’s signature quality of cut. Patented Lazer Z-style deck strut isolation technology eliminates sway, eases deck height adjustment, and increases operator comfort by reducing vibration that reaches the operator._x000D_
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The Kawasaki FX921V engine features an overhead V-valve design with three valves per cylinder, with pressurized lubrication and a high-efficiency oil cooler to deliver performance and reliability landscape professionals can count on. The engine was designed for use on commercial zero-turn mowers, with a metal engine cover with integrated clean out ports, heavy duty shift-type starter and multi-stage canister style air filter._x000D_
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The high-capacity integrated Hydro-Gear drive system offers infinitely variable ground speeds of up to 10 mph. Large caster tires and aggressive 24-inch Kenda drive tires offer increased traction, ground clearance and stability, with a brawny stance that stands out from the crowd._x000D_
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The 2022 Radius X-Series features a heavy-duty unibody frame that’s fully welded of 2-inch by 3-inch rectangular steel frame tubes for maximum strength and durability. The frame design places the heaviest components, including the engine, fuel tank, and hydro drive system, lower in the frame for improved balance, with increased stability, traction and maneuverability._x000D_
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An isolated floor pan reduces the vibration and noise felt through the operator’s feet, while Exmark’s deluxe full-suspension operator seat suspends the operator atop three inches of travel. The seat is easy to adjust for different operator sizes and ride quality preferences and features an Elastomeric Vibration Control foam base and plush seat foam to deliver all-day comfort._x000D_
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According to Exmark General Manager, Daryn Walters, the company showed 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. _x000D_
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“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.” _x000D_
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Walters said that Exmark, both as a brand and as a company, is focused on developing relevant technology for its customers. _x000D_
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“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.” _x000D_
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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. _x000D_
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Despite the unanswered questions, he said the potential for robotic mower technology is too great to ignore. _x000D_
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“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. _x000D_
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“Just like our customers, at Exmark, we’re built for this.”