What's New

December 2005/January 2006

	Honda "Intelligent" iGX Engine Honda has released revolutionary iGX440 engine that uses an advanced Drive-By-Wire (DBW) control system, a feature never before been seen in general purpose engines. For those amongst us who are technically illiterate, DBW control allows one-touch connection between the power product's switch and the engine, via a coupler connection for remote controlled engine speed adjustment. For example, an iGX440-powered pressure cleaner can switch the engine on when its nozzle trigger is squeezed, and then either shut down or go to idle, when the trigger is released. iGX440 can be programmed to start after other remote electronic prompts. Thus a pump can be set to start automatically water levels in a dam drop to a certain height or to start a bank of sprinklers if smoke is detected. The 11.2kW (15hp) 438cc engine incorporates Honda's advanced four-stroke technology for easy starting and low exhaust emissions (30% under US EPA Phase 2 & CARB Tier II). It has fuel consumption about 15% lower than engines in the same class, while noise has been reduced by approximately 4dB(A). For ease of use, iGX440 uses an auto fuel valve and choke that eliminates the need for manual adjustment. iGX440 features Honda's unique electronic governor system which continuously monitors throttle opening and engine speed, to maintain constant engine speeds even under changing engine loads. It can be programmed to eight different settings to produce the ideal specific engine speed characteristics and optimum maximum and idling rpms for the piece of equipment it is powering. Another feature of the new engine is a self-diagnostic and self-tuning function that helps achieve the engine's extended maintenance intervals, while an LED provides error confirmation, facilitating easy troubleshooting diagnosis. The engine can be connected to a PC to provide detailed diagnosis including access to engine history including operating hours, number of start-ups, warnings, faulty operation reports and so forth. Honda MPE is located at: 1954-56 Hume Highway Campbellfield 3061 (Private Bag 19, Somerton 3062); (03) 9270-1111 F: (03) 9270 1122 W: www.hondapowerequipment.com.au.
	Grasshopper ZTR Diesels Parklands has released four new diesel ZTR units from Grasshopper. Powered by 16.4kW and 20.9kW (22 & 28hp) Kubota diesel engines the mowers incorporate a “cool running” hydraulic system rated at 40°C plus that includes large radiators, improved fans and bigger screens that is ideal for Australia’s demanding conditions. The new ZTRs feature G2 hydrostatic transmissions, width HydroGear pumps, Ross wheel motors and a 7-micron filter. Each engine is available with two deck options. The 22hp can drive 137cm and 155cm (54” & 61”) decks, while the 28hp units are available with 155cm and 183cm (61” & 72”) cutters. All Grasshoppers are made from 10-gauge steel deck with additional 7-gauge reinforcement and formed skirts and feature deep decks (5-1/2”/14cm) that process grass quickly, without blocking. Dual function, full-floating decks provide the option of side-discharge, mulching or collection. Side discharge evenly disperses high volume clippings, at faster mowing speeds, because of superior airflow and the special “GrassMax” blade. Together they allow faster mowing speeds (up to 14km/h) without sacrificing finish. The four mowers also feature several operator comfort features including the padded, shock-absorbing, high-back seat, with lumbar support and padded armrests and coil spring suspension. All feature standard ROPS. Parklands has more details at: 106 Belmore Road (PO Box 213) Riverwood 2210; (02) 9584 7700 F: (02) 9153 9122 W: www.parklands.net.
	Echo Shogun & Samurai Mowers Allpower Industries Australia has launched a new range of Echo mowers. Manufactured in Australia under agreement with Kioritz, Japan, there are seven models in the range. The three “Shogun” models are 18” cast-alloy rear-catchers with roller-bearing wheels while the four 21” “Samurai” units are heavy-duty, side-discharge utility mowers. Both have choices of B&S and Honda engines. The Shogun 60 is powered by a Briggs & Stratton XTS 60 engine and has a heavy-duty polymer catcher and sealed steel ball-bearing wheels. The Samurai 190 features a proven 53cm (21”) cut pressed-steel heavy-duty side-discharge utility deck. It is powered by a Honda GSV 190 engine with cast-iron cylinder-sleeve and dual element air filter. Both decks are also available with a B&S Quattro 40 engine, while the Samurai also has the option of B&S Quantum 55 IC power. Allpower Industries Australia has more information on the Echo range of products at: 319 Middleborough Road (Locked Bag 2021) Box Hill 3128; (03) 9890 3344 F: (03) 9890 4249 W: www.allpower.com.au.
	John Deere Z-Trak John Deere has released the 997 Diesel “Z-Trak for heavy-duty commercial and governmental users. The 997 features a 23 kW (31hp) Yanmar engine and. A fully enclosed engine compartment reduces overall engine noise, making it ideal for governmental requirements. Operators can choose from Deere’s exclusive “7-Iron” decks in 60” or 72” side-discharge or 60” rear-discharge configuration. The full floating deck has a powerful vacuuming action to lift grass before cutting, allowing the 997 to handle more material and leave a quality finish. Adjusting the mowing height is easy with cutting positions ranging from 38-127mm (1.5 – 5”) in 6mm (0.25”) increments. A hydraulically adjustable deck lift is standard. The shaft-driven deck maximises power transfer, supported by a hydraulic PTO clutch for smooth engagement. Operators can mow all day without refuelling on a 45L (10gal) fuel tank – and change job sites quickly with a transport speed of up to 18.5km/h. In response to customer feedback, the 997 Diesel Z-Trak™ Mower offers a standard heavy-duty canister air filtration system to increase engine life. The 997 is equipped with standard seat belt and high-clearance, folding two-post ROPS. John Deere distributes its range of equipment from: 166-170 Magnesium Drive, (PO Box 2022) Crestmead 4132; (07) 3802 3222 F: (07) 3803 6555 W: www.deere.com.au
	New Iseki TM Series Iseki distributor AGCO has released the TM range compacts. There are two models: TM3200 (19hp) and TM3240 (22hp). The new TMs are handy all-round worker that can be used in a variety of applications including mowing and front-end loader work. The reinforced chassis accepts a wide range of multi-purpose accessories with a 3-point linkage lift capacity of 540 kg. Both models use powerful Iseki 3-cylinder water-cooled diesel engines. The large displacements mean the engine works less to generate the same horsepower giving better fuel consumption, reduced noise levels and increased service life. Easy access to the engine makes service and regular maintenance easier. Both models are equipped with a two-range hydrostatic transmission, offering a range selection for a number of varied applications, providing a speed for all tasks. The electro-hydraulic PTO can be engaged by the flick of a switch, without having to depress the clutch. TM models have large oil immersed multi-disc wet brakes - giving longer lasting, as well as accurate and precise stopping, while the 4-wheel drive and differential lock ensure solid traction, even on steep terrain. On hard surfaces, the TM Series can easily revert to 2-wheel drive to reduce tyre wear.. AGCO is located at: 615-645 Sommerville Road, Sunshine West 3020; (03) 9313 0313 F: (03) 9311 8171 W: www.agco.com.au
	Biscount Incorporates KPI Feature The widely used Biscount business management system has been up-graded to incorporate a “Key Performance Indicator” feature in its “workshop” area. The initiative follows Dealers requests as increasing numbers of Suppliers encourage Dealers to monitor the profitability of all aspects of their business more closely. The feature operates with a simple “KPI Wizard” display that requests relevant information to be supplied following every repair. For it to work properly users must first input some key details including mechanic labour cost. However, this is simple to do. Once “set up” is complete, Biscount does the number-crunching. The software company is eager to get feedback from users of any improvements or additional functions that they would like to see incorporated in the KPI program. Developments currently under way include adding a graph feature and the ability to export the reports as an Excel file to other programs. KPI features will be added to other parts of the Biscount Suite in the future. For more information: Biscount, PO Box 1400, Moorabbin 3189; (03) 9570 1777 F: (03) 9570 3377 W: www.biscount.com.
	Stihl MM55 Yard Boss Stihl has released a new modular multi-tool for jobs around the yard and garden. The MM 55 “YardBoss” offers gardeners and landscapers an easier way to do several important (if unpleasant) tasks. YardBoss comprises Stihl’s proven 27.2cc displacement engine generating 750W (1hp) power mounted on a frame that folds up quickly and compactly. The housing of impact-resistant polymer material is robust, lightweight (9.9kg/21lbs) and durable. All controls are conveniently positioned for easy operation. YardBoss comes with standard wheel kit and Pick Tines that easily turn hard or compacted soil prior into fertile garden beds. YardBoss’ Bolo Tines are designed for gentler soil-turning activities such as tilling existing garden beds or mixing in soil additives. There are two lawn renovation attachments allowing air, water, fertiliser, and other nutrients to penetrate to the rootzone. YardBoss’ slitter-type aerator cuts into the lawn’s soil while the dethatcher combs remove thatch (accumulated organic material) choking the turfgrass plant. YardBoss has two attachments designed to speed up garden clean-up work: Bristle Brush and Power Sweep. The former is ideal for quickly cleaning up paths, paving and cobblestones. The brush action is also great for renovating synthetic grass surfaces such as tennis courts. The PowerSweep is made from durable rubber and can be used as a “squeegee” to clean up liquids or solids carried in solution as well as gravel and sand. YardBoss can also be converted into a “bicycle-handle” style edger. All attachments are easy to exchange with needing tools. Stihl has more information at: 2 Forbes Close, Scoresby 3179 (PO Box 74, Knoxfield MDA 3180); (03) 9215-6666 F: (03) 9763 4423 W: www.stihl.com.au
	Shibaura CM364 Fount-Mount Shibaura importer Inlon has released the CM364, the largest of three new front-mounts. Powered by a 26kW (35hp)3-cylinder diesel engine the mower has 1.83m (72”) rear- or side-discharge decks with cut heights between 3.8-11.5cm (1-1/2” – 4-1/2”). As well as a front PTO the mower has an optional side PTO to drive a catcher. The front PTO is wet multi-plate type. A large 50L (11.1gal) fuel tank means that the mower can do large jobs without needing to refuel. The smaller CM214 & CM284 are powered by 21hp & 28hp engines respectively and have 48” and 60” rear- or side-discharge decks. The CM364 has hydrostatic transmission with Auto 4WD or Full-Time 4WD. The two ranges in both forward and reverse. Forward from 0-9.7km/k (0- 6mph) and 0-16.6km/h (0-10mph). Reverse from 0-6.8km/h (0-4.2mph) and 0-11.6km/h (0-7.2mph). There are two control pedals (one forward & one reverse). Hydraulic mower lift, easy flip-up deck, power steering and standard ROPS all make the Shibaura CM364 ideal for commercial operators with large open areas to mow. Inlon has more information at: 17 Catamaran Road, Ourimbah 2258 (PO Box 387 Swansea 2281); (02) 4389 1477 F: (02) 4389 1478 E: mail@inlon.com.au W: www.inlon.com.au

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