Green Industry Pros January/February 2024 by GreenIndustryPros.com

P.28 COMPACT EQUIPMENT MUST-HAVES JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Labor and recruitment tips p. 20

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY REPORT Landscape professionals and manufacturers offer up 24 items to note about the current state of the green industry.

2024

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S VOLUME 36, NO.1 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

THE MANAGEMENT RESOURCE FOR LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS AND EQUIPMENT DEALERS

COVER STORY

08. 2 024 State of The Industry Based on survey results and conversations with readers, Green Industry Pros reveals what the current landscape climate holds for 2024 and reflects on how 2023 went for the industry.

08 DEPARTMENTS

16. E QUIPMENT | PUZZLING OUT POWER

IN EVERY ISSUE

04. E DITOR’S NOTE 06. D IGITAL HITS 30. P ROJECT PROFILE 32. N EW PRODUCTS 34. CONTRACTOR PROFILE

Power experts discuss where different fuel sources are most useful and how landscape professionals can take advantage of each.

20. B USINESS MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY | RECRUIT THE NEXT GEN A look at how the landscape industry can rebrand itself as a viable career option for young people.

22. L AWN CARE & ORNAMENTALS | HOW TO ADD SPREADER-SPRAYERS Insight into the benefits of spreader-sprayers for lawn care businesses.

26. MOWING & MAINTENANCE | MAKE THE MOST OF MULCHING HEADS How to perform spring cleanups most efficiently using a mulching head.

28. DESIGN-BUILD + INSTALLATION | COMPACT EQUIPMENT MUST-HAVES Manufacturers weigh in on the features design-build pros should look out for when it comes to compact equipment.

16 Green Industry Pros [USPS 003-763 and ISSN 2168-121X (print), ISSN 21681228 (online)] is published six times a year: January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December by IRONMARKETS, 201 N. Main Street, Ste 350., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Green Industry Pros, P.O. Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Individual subscriptions are available without charge in the U.S. to qualified subscribers. Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscriptions. Subscription prices: U.S., $35 per year; Canada/Mexico, $60 per year; and all other countries, $85 per year. All subscriptions payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank. Back issues, if available, cost $10 prepaid. Printed in the USA. Copyright 2024 IRONMARKETS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recordings or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission from the publisher.

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EDITOR’S NOTE BY SARAH WEBB

A CLEAN SLATE A

clean slate. A fresh start. A new beginning. Whichever phrase you use to describe your journey into 2024, the sentiment is the same: The new year offers an opportunity to start again. However, unless you’re new to the industry and just starting out, I would argue that you’re not starting from scratch. You can lean on prior years of experience. You can learn from past mistakes. You can rely on industry colleagues. In the spirit of the new year, many manufacturers, industry experts and green industry professionals shed light on how last year went for them and gave insight into what they expect for 2024. Despite some industry headwinds— such as inflation, labor challenges and increased pricing—the majority of respondents remain largely optimistic about 2024. What’s more, they gave us their best business advice heading into the new year. So, what are you waiting for? Why not

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make 2024 your best year yet? You can find that full story on p. 8. As we roll into the new year, Green Industry Pros has a few new initiatives up our sleeve. First, be on the lookout for the monthly podcast segment on Turf ’s Up Radio News (The TURN). In the podcast, Darren Gruner, CEO and founder of Turf ’s Up Radio, and I will discuss industry trends, business tips, the latest green industry news and much more. You can find all of that using the QR code on p. 4. In another effort to connect with you, our readers, we also created a new installment called Monthly Musings, where Green Industry Pros will ask a question inspired by readers, and other readers will respond with their solutions. You can find the most recent questions on our social media platforms and by visiting GreenIndustryPros.com. Finally, for the rest of the magazine, in addition to our coverage on this year’s State of the Industry, you can find stories comparing and contrasting traditional and alternative fuel options (p. 16); advice on how to make your company an attractive place to work for the younger generation (p. 20); top mulching tips and best practices (p. 26); compact equipment must-haves (p. 28); and more. What about you? What are your expectations for the new year? What are your goals? What are you most looking forward to? I’d love to hear your thoughts—and I’m sure your fellow readers would, too. Email your ideas to swebb@iron.markets or connect with me on LinkedIn by following the QR code. Until next time! Find me on LinkedIn at https://gpros.co/SarahWebb

4 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 ❙ www.greenindustrypros.com

EDITORIAL Editor.................................................................. Sarah Webb swebb@Iron.Markets Managing Editor....................................................Gigi Wood gwood@Iron.Markets Senior Editor,Construction Technology, IRONPROS................................................ Charles Rathmann crathmann@Iron.Markets

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DIGITAL HITS

THE LATEST ONLINE MONTHLY MUSINGS

We love hearing from you, our readers. What challenges do you face? What questions do you have? What lessons have you learned? That’s why we created Monthly Musings, a monthly installment where Green Industry Pros will ask a question inspired by readers, and other readers will respond with their solutions. In order for this to work, Green Industry Pros needs your help. Email Green Industry Pros Editor Sarah Webb at swebb@iron.markets if you have a question you’d like to have answered. And, be sure to keep up with our social media channels to help other landscape pros answer the questions they have.

TALK ABOUT IT

You may have already heard that Green Industry Pros and Turf ’s Up Radio have partnered up on a monthly installment of Turf ’s Up Radio News (The TURN). Do you have an interesting story that you’d like to talk about on The TURN? Or, maybe you’re an industry expert, and you’d like to share some of the best practices that can @ OneClic.adobe.stock.com help fellow landscape companies grow their business. Email your ideas to Green Industry Pros Editor Sarah Webb at swebb@iron.markets, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode of The TURN podcast or even Green Industry Pros’ Grass Roots podcast. And, while you’re at it, be sure to check out our vibrant archive of past conversations with industry experts using the QR Code.

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S TAT E O F T H E I N D US T R Y BY SARAH WEBB

Industry Updates For 2024

Landscape companies reflect on how 2023 went and look ahead to 2024. Here are 24 items to note about the current state of the green industry.

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Topping the challenges list again: labor. An issue before COVID-19, the labor crisis has only intensified postpandemic. “Like most other industries, the need for skilled workers remains high as project demands remain high,” says Brant Kukuk, compact equipment manager for Ditch Witch. Potential workers gravitating toward less labor-intensive industries may be one contributing cause of the shortage, according to Edward Arens, owner at E&M Outdoor Services in Monticello, Minn. “I’ve noticed some of our younger employees looking for positions that don’t require as much physical labor,” Arens says. “We dialed in our hiring process to try and find more skilled labor, someone with experience, instead of just hiring anyone to do the work.” Another contributing factor could be Ka ng

Overall, many landscape companies throughout the industry experienced strong growth in 2023—though not as strong as in the pandemic years. “A large amount of work carried over from 2022 provided a nice start for the company with continued strong sales throughout the year. This combined with our steadily growing maintenance division provided opportunity for all of our employees,” says Keith Bowman, president of horticultural service and business development for McHale Landscape Design headquartered in Upper Marlboro, Md. “We believe the current state of the landscape industry is very strong. People appreciate green space more than ever.” Darren Gruner, founder and CEO of Turf’s Up Radio News, agrees that the industry experienced a stronger

1. Labor

stricter immigration laws. For example, Florida recently enacted laws that may have intimidated some of the potential workforce, says Peter Lucadano, co-owner and CEO of RedTree Landscape Systems, headquartered in Holiday, Fla. “The Hispanic workforce is a backbone in our state for the green industry, and even though many of those folks were properly credentialed, they became very concerned about the severe standards put in place by

an g

2023 in review

than expected year in 2023. “The economic outlook for the green industry in 2024 seems nothing but promising,” Gruner says. Of course, despite the growth experienced by many companies, the industry had its challenges.

everal landscape professionals say that despite labor challenges, inflation, pricing increases and a natural slowdown after COVID19, their companies still experienced double-digit growth in 2023. Over the course of several months, Green Industry Pros spoke to manufacturers, landscape professionals and association representatives about the current state of the green industry. From those interviews and surveys, here are 24 items to note about the current state of the landscape industry.

8 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 ❙ www.greenindustrypros.com

Florida, and many families wound up relocating to states that were less restrictive toward immigration,” Lucadano says. To combat those issues, RedTree Landscape Systems held workshops and sitdown meetings with its employees to help everyone better understand the laws. “We tried to reassure our staff and their families that a lot of their concern was unfounded,” Lucadano says. “It turned out well because we were able to retain most of our workforce, whereas many of our large competitors lost workers.” Bowman of McHale Landscape Design says that to fill the labor gap, companies need to promote the wide variety of fulfilling careers available in the industry. “Colleges, universities and trade schools aren’t producing enough new talent,” Bowman says. “There is something for everyone in this line of work.”

2. High interest rates

Another big challenge in 2023 came with the

unforeseen increase in interest rates. “I think most of us planned for interest rate increases between 4 and 6 percent, but realizing 9.5 percent interest rates is a very significant hit to everybody’s bottom line,” says Christin Wam, senior director of marketing, Ferris Mowers, Briggs & Stratton.“Not only are we paying more, but end user customers are either putting off purchases or opting for lower-priced models to offset the steep increase in financing.” Wam notes that these interest rates slammed many companies just as manufacturers were recovering from supply chain issues. “Production was getting back to normal and inventory in our warehouses and on dealer floors was increasing, (but) interest rates slowed down the demand,” Wam says. “So, within the industry, we saw significant promotions and discounting to move inventory out of dealerships. That said, dealers are still sitting on a lot of inventory, which we’ve had to factor into our 2024 forecasts.”

3. Inflation and increased pricing

Interest rates aren’t the only item that’s risen. Many landscape companies have had to deal with inflation and increases in pricing for equipment and materials. “Every industry was hit with price hikes,” Lucadano says. “So far us, fertilizers, herbicides, equipment, trucks—everything just shot up.” Lucadano notes that instead of passing on that level of increase to customers, RedTree has begun to reevaluate its maintenance clientele. “Simply put, those clients that are not improving their properties with landscape enhancements will no longer be a maintenance client fit for our company,” Lucadano says. “Maintenance is a very expensive apparatus to keep in

Joshua Tree Experts

place with the trucks, the personnel, the equipment and the insurance, and you have to be really selective about where you put those crews.” E&M Outdoor Services approaches this issue in another way: The company preordered products for the next season in order to have a better idea of what its pricing will need to be. “For example, if our suppliers are charging $2 more per bag of fertilizer, we know that for 2024, we will have to adjust prices to offset that,” Arens says. Arens notes that items such as fuel prices leveled out over the past year or so, but general items were still up compared to the last three to five years.

4. Weather patterns

In some parts of the country, weather played a significant role in how 2023 panned out. For example, Minnesota has experienced drought for the past two seasons, according to Arens, and Lucadano says Florida suffered the worst drought conditions than it had in more than 10 years. “That places a significant amount of water restrictions on our tropical climate, and many of the landscapes maintained by commercial contractors suffered during that time period,” Lucadano says. “We’re trying to educate clients that irrigation is a supplement, but it can’t be a 100 percent replacement for precipitation. We tried to grow our irrigation portion of our company by adding on additional staff and vehicles to better accommodate demand, while also offering supplemental water via water trucks where possible.”

www.greenindustrypros.com ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 ❙ GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 9

S TAT E O F T H E I N D US T R Y

Joshua Tree Experts

For more on industry challenges, scan the QR code. https://bitly.ws/3bho4

Trends 5. Economic situation

While many experts were holding their breath in anticipation for a possible recession in 2023 and into 2024, a lot of landscape companies are breathing a sigh of relief that they’ve escaped 2023 without the huge economic downturn that was originally predicted. “Together with environmental awareness, technological progress and supportive governmental policies, the green industry is set to propel toward unprecedented economic success,” Gruner says. “As businesses and consumers prioritize sustainability, the green industry will emerge as a leader of economic growth and innovation for years to come.”

6. Increase in private equity Many parts of the industry have also undergone consolidation, with private equity companies acquiring more smaller companies. “Private equity is coming in and gobbling up a lot of these medium-sized companies. I think that’s a trend that will continue for a couple of years,” says Joshua Malik, president of Joshua Tree Experts, which has locations in Pennsylvania and New York. Malik adds that while he thinks the industry will continue to grow and be healthy, there are some small companies that aren’t going to be able to survive. “When COVID happened, there was so much work that a lot of companies have popped up, but equipment sales are down,” Malik says. “The very experienced companies are able to pivot because they know how to spend their money differently, how to market differently to get clients. I do think a lot of companies are going to lose their advantage against these more mature companies.” Thomas Armstrong, vice president of franchise operations for Joshua Tree Experts, says that running day-to-day operations will become difficult for those smaller companies as they struggle to meet payments on their brand-new equipment. “During COVID, you didn’t have to market—all you had to do was show up,” Armstrong says. “Because they don’t have anything budgeted for marketing, it’s going to be very difficult for them because private equity is coming in, and they’re coming in hard. They’re already here, and they’re making some big waves.”

7. Software and data-driven tech

To become more efficient, many companies are looking to new technology. Malik adds that technology such as customer relations management software and GPS technology have been game-changers as far as efficiency goes. As technology continues to evolve within the industry, Eric Gilbey, product marketing manager for Vectorworks, anticipates a major shift toward data-driven decisionmaking, particularly with landscape architects and other designers relying more heavily on data to inform their work. “This will include incorporating maintenance plans into the entire project planning process, as well as approving water budgets and leveraging technologies like thermal infrared and drone technology,” Gilbey says.

8. Autonomous equipment

Autonomous equipment is another way that landscapers will start to embrace new technologies.

10 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 ❙ www.greenindustrypros.com

S TAT E O F T H E I N D US T R Y “We need more creative engineering to reduce manual labor and increase autonomation,” Lucadano says. Autonomous mowers aren’t the only item on some landscapers’ wish list, however. “For example, there is existing laser technology for weed control in the agriculture industry,” Lucadano says. “I think there’s a real opportunity for that to fade into the green industry—it’s environmentally friendly, it reduces labor and weeds are a huge issue, especially in Florida.”

benefits of adding stand-on mowers to their fleets.” Kukuk agrees that efficiency-enhancing equipment has made a splash in the industry. “A reliance on compact utility equipment that is strong and versatile, like a skid-steer with attachments, is important for rounding out the needs of a slim team,” Kukuk says. “In today’s landscape industry, the need to do more with fewer workers has become increasingly apparent. The ability to interchange skid-steer attachments offers leaner crews the benefit of multiple machines in one.”

9. Efficiency-enhancing equipment

10. Artificial intelligence

Other equipment that encourages bumps in productivity have also become popular among landscape pros. “A bright spot that we see from a product perspective is stand-on mowers,” Wam says. “That segment is performing well for us as more and more contractors are realizing the productivity and ease-of-use

Artificial intelligence (AI) will also impact the industry. Not only can AI tools help landscape pros generate mass emails, review resumes and communicate with customers, they can also be utilized in the design industry. “As Vectorworks is actively researching how to implement delivering AI rendering and image generation features at the point of use, AI-powered tools will enable designers to create more accurate and efficient designs while also enhancing the overall user experience,” Gilbey says. “With these and other changes on the horizon, it’s clear that the design and planning industry is poised for rapid transformation in the years to come.”

11. Sustainability

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Another noteworthy trend is the increased focus on sustainability, embodied in practices such as carbon sequestration, neutrality and geographic information systems. “Designers will be more conscious of where their supplies and products are coming from, and suppliers will need to make data and numbers more available upfront to accommodate this,” Gilbey says. One large component of that sustainability trend centers around electrification. “The use of battery-powered equipment represents a fundamental shift toward embracing environmentally friendly solutions,” Gruner says. “Companies are now able to power a wide range of equipment without having to rely on traditional fuel. This not only reduces harmful emissions but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-conscious approach. Embracing the use of battery-powered equipment can also be a way for companies to get an edge on their competitors.” Other manufacturers see the trend taking off slower than expected. “While we believe that electrification is the future for outdoor power equipment, we did see a slowdown in the adoption rate of electrification that we didn’t forecast,”

12 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 ❙ www.greenindustrypros.com

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Wam says. “While every manufacturer was trying to race to the finish line to have electric solutions available, the demand we expected to see just wasn’t there.” Wam says Briggs & Stratton will continue to monitor adoption rates of electrification and track government and HOA behavior when it comes to emissions and sound. Ray Gallant, Ph.D., vice president, sustainability and productivity services, Volvo Construction Equipment North America, says various factors need to be taken into consideration as the industry transitions more toward green technologies. “The concern I most often hear from customers is around refueling or recharging infrastructure. This is especially true in applications where the run time needed exceeds what is possible with the current technology and necessitates opportunity charging,” Gallant says.

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As prices increase, some companies may be holding on to their equipment longer, prompting the need for better service and more consistent maintenance intervals. “One area that we see as an opportunity in 2024 is helping our dealer partners optimize their service and parts business,” Wam says. “If their customers are going to be holding on to equipment longer, they’re going to want to service that equipment and keep it running. We’ll be working with our dealers to make sure that they’ve got the right parts on hand and the right advertising in place to remind customers to service their units at regular recommended intervals.”

13. Emphasis on the outdoors

The craze of outdoor living has continued beyond the pandemic. “2022 was the year of the pool. The demand for pools has cooled a bit, but it’s still there, and overall, there is still a trend toward outdoor living space,” Bowman says. “Clients want to extend their homes to the outdoors. We’ve received more requests for kitchen gardens lately. Some are quite elaborate and include structures: greenhouses, she-sheds, and we’ve even constructed a hen house.” For more on industry trends, scan the QR code. https://bitly.ws/3bhoz

Looking Ahead To 2024 While several landscape companies say they anticipate a bumpy year due to the 2024 presidential election, many have chosen to remain optimistic for 2024. “There could be a slight downturn heading into the spring, but we feel like consumer confidence is still relatively high in our market, and we will rebound nicely as we head into

12. Holding on to equipment longer

midspring,” Bowman says. “We believe we will return to more of a ‘normal’ growth pattern over the next three to five years. We believe the future is bright, but opportunity won’t be coming as easy as it has.” Andrew Bray, senior vice president of government relations and membership for the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), echoes the sentiment that 2024 may be a bumpy—and busy—year. “I think everyone understood that the House was a mess with some bitter divides within our own political processes and parties, and I expect 2024 to be even bumpier,” Bray says. Here are several other political and policy items that may affect the green industry landscape for 2024.

14. Presidential election

Bray advises landscape pros to buckle in for what should be an interesting year due to the presidential cycle. Wam notes that Briggs & Stratton is planning for uncertainty in 2024 due to the election year. “Going into 2024, we have taken into account the interest rates remaining high and the election year always causing some economic uncertainty and resulting declines in consumer confidence,” Wam says.

15. H-2B

For the fiscal year of 2024, the landscape industry was granted an additional 64,176 visas. “Many folks that filed for the first half cap in January should be happy to know that they’re going to have access to an additional 35,000-plus visas, and that hopefully makes it a lot more likely that they’re able to obtain their workers,” Bray says. The annual cap is 66,000 visas—33,000 for the first half, which is Oct. 1 through March 30, and 33,000 for the second half, which is April 1 through Sept. 30. “Without supplemental visas, based on historical data, a

www.greenindustrypros.com ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 ❙ GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 13

S TAT E O F T H E I N D US T R Y

tdo or S er es v ic

One regulation coming down the pipeline is that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is planning to put forward a national heat standard.

program, there are some funds available to industries to try to get rebates and recoup some costs of purchasing non-gas-powered equipment. That money has predominantly been drained, but NALP is going back to the California Legislature to get those coffers refilled for 2024. “The other thing is that CARB and California technically don’t have the ability to regulate emissions. That is

16. Regulations

“We fully support standards that make sense and that are not too prescriptive, because most of the members in our industry are doing everything right already,” Bray says. “We actually had some of our members participate in the small business roundtables about the rule, where we were allowed to get some feedback on what works for the industry and what doesn’t work for the industry, all keeping in mind that we want to make sure all of our workers are remaining safe.” Bray says the association is expecting something on that front in late spring to early summer. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) put out a law prohibiting the sale of gas-powered landscape equipment. “We work with CARB, and we were M E&

landscape contractor would probably have somewhere between a 30 and 40 percent chance of getting H-2B visas, which is a terrible percentage,” Bray says. “With the supplemental visas, which gives you access to an additional essentially 35,000 additional visas, we believe that will increase your chances to getting visas by somewhere between 75 and 85 percent.” Bray adds that if a company were to file for visas in January and get into the lottery, if they’re in groups A and B, C and D, they are in good shape, but if they are in groups E or later, they should start thinking of other options like the northern triangle route. “For those folks, that’s when you need to think about applying for supplemental visas as soon as possible and consider using workers from the northern triangle countries, which is El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. You have a greater chance of getting visas if you’re willing to go there,” Bray says. “The Biden administration has specifically carved out visas from those countries as part of their attempts to try to curtail chain migration by investing in those countries and having more money flow back into those countries when they legally come here, and then legally return to their country.” Finally, Bray notes that the industry should be aware of a piece of legislation called The Seasonal Employment Protection Act, which would give certainty for existing users of the H-2B program and would double the cap.

desperately asking for a reprieve in the commercial industry, but we were rebuffed,” Bray says. However, he notes that if landscapers operate in California, this law only prohibits the sale, so landscapers can still use and maintain that gas-powered equipment as long as they’d like. Second, through the CARB CORE

something that is the exclusive purview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” Bray says. “Those states and localities technically don’t have the legal authority to regulate emissions. We are not against transitioning the industry to cleaner and more efficient ways of doing things, but we would call that a responsible transition.”

17. Farm Bill

The Farm Bill is a massive omnibus

14 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 ❙ www.greenindustrypros.com

M E&

package related to the agricultural industry, but it’s also a vehicle to try to add items related to the green industry and responsible pesticide use, Bray says. “We have been pushing for the last year to have some inclusive some language that protects the ability to use pesticides and restricts localities from preventing or banning wholesale the ability to use pesticides on lawns,” Bray says. “In places like Maryland and Maine, we’ve seen onerous bans put in place where you can’t use a pesticide on a lawn. That’s something that’s just terrible for our industry, and very short sighted understanding that our members are trained and certified applicators.” Bray notes that the Farm Bill was supposed to pass in 2023, but like many other pieces of legislation, it got pushed into 2024. “The timeline is murky on how this is all going to come together, but we anticipate by the summer or into early fall of next year, this massive bill will be passing,” Bray says. “We got close in 2018, but I think we’re closer this year.”

BEST ADVICE FOR 2024: 19. Review your processes.

22. Register to vote. — Andrew Bray

20. Invest in your employees.

23. P ick an operating system and stick with it. Develop a leadership team.

— Keith Bowman

21. Know your numbers.

— Edward Arens

— Joshua Malik

24. D on’t forget to learn.

— Peter Lucadano

tdo

For more on advice for 2024, scan the QR code.

S er

es v ic

https://bitly.ws/3bhnT

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18. Overtime regulations

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Additionally, NALP continues to monitor forthcoming overtime increases, specifically the white collar exemption. “It could impact folks making between $35,000 and $50,000 and work more than 40 hours a week,” Bray says. “It means that certain types of workers with certain job requirements and in certain job capabilities are exempt from being paid overtime. The Biden administration is proposing raising that threshold to around $50,000. So, if you have somebody in your organization that you think might be working more than 40 hours, they’re not a manual laborer and they’re making somewhere between $35,000 and $50,000, you want to be able to start thinking about what it’s going to look like.” Bray says this type of regulation may go into litigation. “I don’t think anything is going to be finalized this year, but smart landscape contractors should be thinking about this,” Bray says. For more on items affecting the green industry in 2024, scan the QR code. https://bitly.ws/3bhoQ

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EQUIPMENT BY SARAH WEBB

PUZZLING OUT POWER

A look at the best applications for gas, battery and propane power.

as, battery, propane—which is the best to power equipment? Here’s a rundown of the best applications for each.

Gas In certain situations, gas power still makes sense for landscape contractors, especially when considering run time and charging infrastructure. Construction, commercial and industrial applications still rely heavily on gas-powered equipment, says David Bush, assistant manager, shows, events and sponsorships, Honda Power Sports and Products. “Anything that requires a fairly long run time and where there’s a heavy load application, the battery product may not last as long,” Bush says. “Unless there’s a need for quietness or emissions restrictions, the gasolinepowered engine is an advantage here.” Additionally, electronic fuel injection (EFI) has improved starting ability and fuel efficiency, according to Bush. “EFI lends itself to (addressing) performance issues but also fuel efficiency,” Bush says. “So, our core engine product hasn’t had huge changes, but with the introduction of EFI, it’s changing and evolving.”

Honda

Battery As more suppliers enter the market and lead-acid batteries are replaced with lithium-ion batteries, battery power has experienced improvements in cell technology, says Nick Moore, director of product management, electrification, Briggs & Stratton. “It appears that most equipment OEMs realize they have to have a lithium offering now,” Moore says. “The hard part with converting an engine to battery is determining the battery size, which will equate to run time. Too little, and customers can

Vanguard

be disappointed; too much, and the machine can be prohibitively expensive.” Moore notes that performance, battery life and run times will improve. Some of the best applications are not only ones that require reduced exhaust and noise emissions, but also ones that allow historically outdoor only machines to be used indoors or in confined spaces. “As emission regulations and municipality requirements evolve, that will drive the transition from gas power to battery power,” Moore says. “Within the U.S., we see the regions on the front line of emissions reductions driving demand. Corporations, municipalities and universities driving ESG initiatives also are pulling product through.”

Propane

PERC

Propane can be used in two ways: as a standalone product or paired with a battery-powered product, says Mike Newland, director of agriculture business development at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Newland says contractors have been using propane as a standalone option for some time, but for sites where the charging infrastructure is not in place, vendors have created EV chargers that are powered by propane. Applications for propane include those where battery run time is an obstacle or where gasoline or diesel small engines may be banned due to their emissions profile. “Propane also allows contractors to be productive on summer days when they really need to pay attention to their emissions,” Newland says. Finally, Newland notes that renewable propane has come to the scene in recent years. Made from nonpetroleum feedstocks, it’s chemically identical to conventional propane and can be used as a drop-in replacement fuel. “It has roughly half the carbon intensity of conventional propane,” Newland says. “In the industry, we think it’s going to be a big deal.”

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Attracting the

NEXT GENERATION to the Green Industry

The top ways to attract and recruit the younger generations to the landscaping industry.

iring remains one of the most pressing challenges for home service companies, and it remains one of the top concerns for landscapers, with a majority being kept up at night because they’re unable to attract enough applicants to fill open positions. The need to attract young talent to the green industry has never been more critical to ensure businesses can keep up with growing demand. This starts by encouraging the next generation to embrace the opportunity that exists within the industry and getting parents on board, a key influencer group for career decision-making and one that often steers children toward white collar jobs. According to research conducted by Jobber, 80 percent of Gen Z say their parents are pushing them to pursue a college education after high school, creating pressure for Gen Z to pursue a traditional white collar career path while incurring large amounts of debt. However, what high school graduates want from their career isn’t necessarily what their parents want for their children. According to the same research, 75 percent of recent high school graduates are actually interested in exploring vocational schools that offer paid, on-the-job training, demonstrating that there is real interest in the trades. To get parents and emerging professionals to see the benefits of pursuing a career in the green industry, more needs to be done to highlight some of the benefits of pursuing this type of career path, such as industry job security, entrepreneurial opportunities and high earning potential.

Highlighting job security in trades As artificial intelligence (AI) has taken the center stage over the past year, one common question has emerged: How likely is this rapidly evolving technology to take certain jobs? While this concern has remained top of mind for many, the green industry has largely remained an exception. It’s true that the technology might help to optimize some areas of the business,

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but let’s face it, AI isn’t going to landscape a property. Industries like tree care and landscaping are not very susceptible to the digital disruptions that threaten to impact jobs, and we need to make sure Gen Z knows this, too. In fact, the research showed that job security was the second most important factor recent high school graduates consider when selecting a career path. And, we need to make sure that parental pressure isn’t causing them to abandon their hopes for job security due to stigma—especially since more than half of recent high school graduates (56 percent) believe that blue collar jobs have more job security than white collar desk jobs.

Showcasing entrepreneurial opportunities and earning potential One of the most powerful ways to inspire those who are considering career paths is simply to show the success of those that have come before them. We know that Gen Z is a generation of entrepreneurs, with more than two-thirds

wanting to start a business at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, they’re often unaware that the green industry checks many of the boxes they’re chasing. For instance, Gen Z is most interested in starting a business that either doesn’t require formal training or has low upfront costs (41 percent). This is especially true among women, with nearly half (45 percent) being more likely to pursue a business that requires no formal training and/ or little upfront costs compared to men (36 percent). Additionally, Gen Z is unaware of the earning potential of certain trade and home service work, including the green industry. Many green industry businesses that fit Gen Z’s preferences are perceived to generate less revenue annually than they actually do. The majority of recent high school graduates don’t believe that tree maintenance and landscaping businesses can earn more than $1 million in revenue each year, although two-thirds actually do. The green industry provides rich opportunities for entrepreneurship that allows individuals to start their own businesses with low startup costs and overhead and little to no formal education.

Spreading the word While this problem won’t be solved overnight, there are several immediate steps industry leaders can take to attract a new generation of talent into their field: • Get on social media: Don’t be afraid to show the great work your company and your employees are doing on social media. Doing so won’t just grab the attention of a younger audience, but also catch the eye of potential leads—a win-win. • Go to networking events and job fairs: There’s no shortage of high school and colleges willing to connect you with their students. Use these opportunities to meet with potential employees and share the great work you’re doing and what’s possible for them. • Become a mentor: No one wants to figure things out on their own. Share your knowledge about what it takes to run a successful landscape or lawn care business and how employees can level up. • Incentivize referrals: Existing employees are often one of the best ways to advertise job openings. Consider starting an employee referral program that rewards your employees for recommending candidates and encourage your team to make introductions even if there isn’t a position immediately available. By taking these steps to get in front of younger generations while they’re considering career paths and understanding how stigma is applied at an institutional and parental level, we can better demonstrate just how valid and valuable the trades can be for the earning potential and entrepreneurial opportunities that many Gen Zers are seeking.

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Head of Community Jobber

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L AW N C A R E & O R N A M E N TA L S

ADDING SPREADER-SPRAYERS to your Business

A look at what lawn care operators should consider before adding a spreader-sprayer unit to their business. @ Nick Beer .tock.adobe.com

or years, lawn care operators (LCOs) depended on simple, reliable spreaders and sprayers to help them serve customers. These spreaders and sprayers—including handheld or backpack-sized units up to more complex, selfpropelled machines—spread seed and granular products or sprayed liquid products depending on what the customer needed. As good as these single-purpose machines were, LCOs knew that they could be improved. One day, somebody decided to make a good thing better. They combined a spreader with a sprayer, and the spreader-sprayer as we know it today was born. Spreader-sprayers are becoming more common and come in a variety of sizes with different capabilities. Because they are so versatile, LCOs owe it to themselves to examine how spreader-sprayers can benefit their businesses. If you aren’t yet using spreaders-sprayers, you can assume that your competition probably is. Even with the obvious advantages, there are a few considerations contractors should take into account before choosing to add these units to their businesses.

Versatility Contractors can instantly offer multiple services to customers

with just one machine: seed and fertilize lawns, spray pesticides and herbicides and apply almost any granular or liquid product on customers’ lawns and landscapes. Some of the larger spreader-sprayers allow the operator to easily adjust the width of the spray area and the broadcast range of the spreader, as well as the amount and rate of the product used. Some can accept separate auxiliary tanks to increase both the amount and types of products carried onboard. Spreader-sprayers with large tanks allow operators to mix products for simultaneous application, but operators should always research products to make sure it’s both effective and safe to mix specific products together.

Efficiency Spreader-sprayers are more efficient because one machine performs two operations—both spreading solids and spraying liquids. Some models can both spread and spray at the same time, giving one-pass ability depending on the products used. Not only do spreader-sprayers combine two functions into one machine, but they also allow one worker to perform what used to be two separate jobs and help reduce labor

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costs. Plus, stand-on or ride-on units make one worker able to cover a lot of ground quickly, allowing for more jobs to be done in a single day. Bigger spreader-sprayers can hold large amounts of both solid and liquid product, reducing the time spent refilling the machine. Some models give the operator very precise control over the exact amount of product used— helping business owners to effectively serve customers without using more product than needed, which helps reduce costs and increase profits.

Initial costs and rewards Most spreader-sprayers are selfpropelled and are either stand-on or ride-on designs. Because they are self-propelled and more complex than just an individual unit, they are often more expensive. Spreader-sprayers typically fall into one of two drivetrain categories: steerable or zero-turn. Steerable models have wheels that turn and can often fit through 36-inch gates. Zero-turn models operate very similar to zero-turn mowers and can often be larger machines that allow fast operation over large areas. No matter which drivetrain you prefer, spreader-sprayers are more complex than standalone units, so they typically cost more. Some of the large zero-turn sprayer-spreaders can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. Business owners need to factor in what kinds of jobs their business typically handles, the size of their current customer base and the needs of those customers when deciding which model best fits their needs. While a spreader-sprayer can be a large purchase, business owners should consider the potential growth a spreader-sprayer makes possible. A spreader-sprayer can be a big investment, especially for a smaller business or a new business just starting

out. Before buying a new unit, or even a fleet of them, contractors need to do the math to get an idea of how long it might take for it to pay for itself and then start bringing in more profits. For many businesses who are growing and beginning to take on larger commercial and residential properties, adding a spreader-sprayer to your equipment lineup can dramatically improve productivity out on the jobsite.

Test drive and buy As good as spreader-sprayers are, it’s wise to visit your local dealer and test drive a few models before buying one. Think of spreader-sprayer shopping like buying a car or truck. Smart vehicle shoppers do their research before arriving at the car lot, but they still test drive cars, sometimes several, before signing the purchase agreement. Taking the same approach once you’ve decided on a spreader-sprayer can help improve your business and earn more customers. What’s your price range? Which drivetrain works the best for your area? Do you service a lot of ground with hilly terrain, or do you work on large,

flat, wide-open spaces? Who will be driving the spreader-sprayer the most? How much will that operator need to be trained on using the new machine? If your customers often have gates on their property, what size machine will be able to navigate through those gates? These are all questions to consider as you look at different models and test drive them. Spreader-sprayers are becoming more common in the lawn and landscape business because they allow one operator to perform several different jobs, including both spreading and spraying different products at the same time for true one-pass capability. These units can help a business get more work done per day and increase the number of customers a business can service. While they are relatively complex machines and can be costly, the versatility and efficiency provided pays off in the long run.

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Landscape Supply Category Manager SiteOne Landscape Supply

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MOWING & MAINTENANCE

Make the Most of

MULCHING HEADS The top tips to maximize mulching head performance and help landscape pros get the most out of their mulcher.

ulching heads, or forestry mulchers, are popular attachments for skid-steers and compact track loaders and can quickly take out unwanted vegetation and size it for fast decomposition. Below are some tips to maximize performance and help you get the most out of your mulcher.

not match the performance of a more powerful skid-steer. Power unit weight Before purchasing a mulching head, ensure that the skidsteer or track loader has the weight capacity to carry it. Also, consider the working conditions. Flotation can be an issue with some power units when a heavy mulching head is used on soft ground. The weight and balance of the unit makes stability another consideration when operating in rough terrain, steep hills and valleys.

Get the right fit The first step to success with a mulching head is to make sure it’s compatible with the power unit. Three of the biggest factors when selecting a mulching head are hydraulic horsepower, weight of the power unit and width of the mulching head. Hydraulic horsepower When it comes to finding the right mulching head, hydraulic horsepower is more important than engine power. To determine hydraulic horsepower, simply multiply the GPM and PSI of the power unit’s hydraulic system and then divide that number by 1,714. Mulching heads are available for a wide range of skidsteers and compact track loaders, even lower-flow models. Keep in mind, however, that a low-flow skid-steer won’t be able to keep up with a high-flow skid-steer. Likewise, a skidsteer that is on the low side of the hydraulic horsepower may

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Cutting width One factor that’s often overlooked is the cutting width. While it’s true that a wider head can cover area more quickly than a narrower head, it may not accommodate the ground contour as well on some jobsites. For instance, in narrow ditches, a 5-foot-wide head will likely be able to cut lower to the ground than a 6-foot-wide head can. Cutting width also ties back in with hydraulic horsepower. If a person is concerned that his skidsteer or compact track loader is on the low end of the hydraulic requirements for a mulching head, it may be wise to select a narrower model over a wider one. Other important considerations when selecting a mulching head are the cutting teeth and rotor options. Many mulching heads can be used with either carbide teeth or sharpened knives. Carbide teeth are a durable, low-maintenance option for inexperienced operators, and they are usually recommended for rocky conditions. Lately, however, more operators have been gravitating toward sharpened knives. Although knives are not as durable and require regular sharpening, they are much more aggressive, making them capable of cutting finer and working faster than carbide teeth. The cutting teeth decision leads into a discussion about the rotor. As sharpened knives have become more popular, so have limiting rotors. Because knives have a natural tendency to bite into material more aggressively than what is ideal, a limiting rotor helps control the material infeed for

26 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 ❙ www.greenindustrypros.com

Matching the attachment to the machine is key when it comes to efficiently using mulching heads. Loftness

more efficient performance. The two main types of limiting rotors available today are ring style and depth gauges. Ring-style rotors are generally known as having the most restriction. Depth gauges aren’t quite as restrictive, which allows operators to pick up material from the ground more easily, especially when using less aggressive carbide teeth.

Working under pressure When operating this equipment for the first time, be sure to understand the power unit’s hydraulic capabilities and stay within that range. Generally, it’s recommended to operate 500 PSI underneath the maximum hydraulic relief pressure. For instance, if the skid-steer or track loader has a maximum hydraulic relief pressure of 3,500 PSI, then the operator should try not to exceed around 3,000 PSI. Most mulching heads have a pressure gauge on the top of the unit for easy reference. The pressure goes up as the load increases, and the rotor will slow or even stall when the maximum relief pressure is reached. When this happens, performance is decreased, and heat is generated, which could potentially cause damage to the hydraulic system. To reduce the amount of pressure, operators can decrease driving speed and/or engage material more slowly.

More than one way to mulch There are several ways a mulching head can be used. First, the head can be tilted back to expose the knives for felling standing trees. Next, operators can shave off large material from a felled tree by lowering the rear of the unit to contact the trunk, which prevents logs from being ejected to the rear. Another application is forward mulching. When doing this, the rear of the cutter can be lowered close to the

ground to help trap material in the cutting chamber for more thorough processing, if desired. Some mulching heads have adjustable skid shoes for height control, which can even be set for mulching below grade. Operators can also reverse mulch or backdrag. Here, the head is tilted forward while the skid-steer or track loader backs up. This is very effective for sizing material since this action pulls the downed material against the cutter bar and into the chamber. Some units have an adjustable cutter bar to help control particle size and production rate. Some units also have a second cutter bar, or twostage cutting chamber, behind the front bumper, allowing material to be cut twice for more thorough processing. When running a mulching head, many operators take a two-step approach. First, they drive forward on an initial pass to reduce material to ground level. The objective here is to quickly knock material down without processing it thoroughly in the head’s cutting chamber. Then, they backdrag to size the material down for faster decomposition and/or create a nicer looking end product. Only the first step needs to be taken if operators aren’t concerned about sizing the material down. This approach can dramatically improve your production rate if the customer is content leaving larger pieces to rot on the ground over longer periods of time. Experience is the other component to maximizing performance. After several hours behind the wheel or joysticks, you’ll work your way toward becoming a master mulcher, but this advice, combined with support from your equipment dealer, will help give you a good Tryg Waterhouse head start.

Director of Sales Loftness

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D E S I G N - B U I L D + I N S TA L L AT I O N BY SARAH WEBB

Compact Equipment

hen purchasing compact equipment, landscape pros should first consider their requirements and then match those requirements to the product that they plan to buy, says Mike Fitzgerald, marketing manager at Bobcat Co. “Matching machines to jobsite requirements will help them become the most efficient in their operation,” Fitzgerald says.

Size and power First off, Fitzgerald says, companies need to look at the machine power and rated operating capacity—in other words, the size of the machine to match the tasks they’d like to complete. “If you have a hardscape professional working in a backyard, they may need a smaller machine that fits in a

MUST-HAVES A look at the latest features in compact equipment that design-build pros should keep in mind. tight area, but someone working at a mall or university may have a larger jobsite,” Fitzgerald says. “If someone is moving pallets of materials or pavers, they’re also going to need a machine with a greater rated capacity.” Emily Pagura, solutions marketing manager at John Deere, adds that lifting power is the name of the game in hardscaping. “Additional features don’t make a difference if the machine won’t move the materials you’re working with every day,” Pagura says. “It’s key to start by choosing a machine that will easily handle the weights you move most frequently.”

Type of machine Next, hardscape contractors need to know what type of machine they’d like to purchase. For example, Fitzgerald discusses the strengths of skid-steers, compact track loaders and mini excavators: • Skid-steers: These machines work well on hard surfaces such as desert climates, municipalities and industrial areas. • Compact track loaders:

Bobcat Co.

Compact equipment can easily fit through narrow entryways, such as residential gates.

These machines can navigate soft, sandy or muddy or even sloped conditions. • Mini excavators: These machines work well with hardscape installations that include water or drainage features to reach in and put drainage in place.

Attachments Hardscape pros should also determine what type of attachments they’ll need and what’s compatible with the machine. “Attachments are important to making sure you have all the tools you need to get the job done and get the most out of your equipment,” Pagura says. Hardscape pros should therefore think about the jobs they plan to execute and how attachments fit into that plan. “Looking at attachments, it really comes down to the scope of the job and how much one contractor is willing to take on,” says Travis Kidder, product manager with attachments and the light compaction line, Bobcat Co. “It can save you time and money when you’ve got many different attachments that can cover a wide range of tasks.” Fitzgerald adds that contractors should also consider whether the attachments require high-flow hydraulics. “If they’re moving materials from point A to point B, that’s going to make them more efficient to get the job done a little faster,” Fitzgerald says. A few attachments and their functionalities include: • Breakers clear ground and get it ready. • Graders level the ground. • S oil conditioners rip up the ground. • Buckets and pallets move and carry materials. Grapple buckets pick up stones

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Buckets help operators move and carry material around a jobsite.

45 degrees of side-to-side tilt.

Efficiency features

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without breaking into the sod; operators can use them as a dozer to backdrag over a jobsite. Combination buckets do a variety of these tasks at once. • Hammers make quick work of breaking up existing concrete. • Grading beams spread and level material. • Plate compactors transform materials into a solid base. • A tiltrotator can be paired with a bucket to place materials more precisely by providing 360 degrees of rotation and

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Dealership support Last, it’s important to make sure the equipment purchased has backup and support from the dealership and manufacturer. “If operators are comfortable, they will work harder and longer to get the job done right,” Fitzgerald says.

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Other features on compact equipment help enhance operator efficiency, such as integrated grade control, ride control and bucket positioning. “Pools, walls, walkways and driveways rely on getting dirt and other materials to grade for a strong foundation and proper runoff and drainage,” Pagura says. “Grade control solutions help even newer and less experienced operators get there quickly.” Ride control enables operators to have less spillage as they’re moving materials across a jobsite, and bucket positioning keeps the bucket level when it’s going up.

air-conditioning, suspension seats, various control patterns, radio and Bluetooth comprise a few operator comfort features. Fitzgerald notes that on compact equipment, these features are somewhat newer but are nonetheless a game-changer. “In today’s world, reducing employee turnover is a very big challenge for many companies, so if you have good equipment, it makes for more satisfied operators that stay with you longer,” Fitzgerald says.

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PROJECT PROFILE BY SARAH WEBB

Ahead of the

CURVE

Mokhlessin, COO and managing partner of Everthrive. “We vetted several manufacturers and talked to the clients about the benefits it would bring them since its a homeowners’ association (HOA). A lot of the noise and fumes that go along with traditional gas-powered equipment can be seen as noxious, so this was an added benefit to the residents.” A look at how one California company tackles Caceres also notes that maintaining sites an ongoing maintenance project using batteryusing electric equipment can be used as a tool to promote a better quality of service. powered equipment. “Once they see and hear how quiet hen it came down to adopting batteryit is compared to gas-powered equipment, it’s a great powered equipment for its maintenance approach to getting certain types of work,” Caceres says. projects, Everthrive Landscape Co. in To maintain the sprawling community, five to Riverside, Calif., ensured it was ahead of the curve. six Everthrive employees visit the site daily—since One of those maintenance projects comprises a gated February 2023—and use Milwaukee Tool’s lineup of community with scenic lakes and a lot of foot traffic, battery-powered equipment, including hedge trimmers, pedestrians and landscapes right up against homes, mowers, string trimmers and backpack sprayers. according to Jonathan Caceres, CEO and One major benefit of the tools, Mokhlessin managing partner of Everthrive. says, comes with the equipment’s total “We started out in advance weight—or lack thereof. looking at this because we “We had our crews test them, and this figured it was coming down equipment seemed to be the lightest. the pipeline and wanted It reduced fatigue for crew members to be ahead of the game who are utilizing it for eight hours when legislation did get a day,” says Mokhlessin. us to mandate electric Run time concerns are eliminated, equipment,” says Nick Caceres says, by the fact that the HOA has the facilities to charge equipment there. Crews at the location clock in and out daily from the site. “Depending on the infrastructure, Everthrive decided to make use of charging could be a challenge, but battery-powered equipment before it we constantly have access to charge was possibly mandated. equipment, so the crew never has to Milwaukee Tool leave the site to get fuel, whereas if we were using gas-powered equipment, they would have to go off-site to fill up gas cans, and there’s a big time and expense (factor) to that,” Caceres says. Overall, Mokhlessin says the company is enthusiastic about using electric equipment to maintain various sites. “Like everyone else in the industry, we had apprehensions when we were considering electric, but having put it into practice, it’s keeping up,” Mokhlessin says. “And, it’s not just the way forward, but it’s the right thing to do for our crew members and our clients.”

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Everthrive sends crews each day to the maintenance site.

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Yanmar Compact Equipment’s TL65RS, TL75VS, TL80VS and TL100VS compact track loaders range from 67 to 103.5 hp. Features include:

Toro’s TurfMaster Revolution is made for heavy use in rough conditions, just like its predecessor, but without the need to refuel. This machine is built to be tough and reliable while maximizing efficiency on the job. Additional features include:

• Reliable Tier 4 Final Yanmar diesel engines are included. • Premium 360-degree visibility and a standard suspended seat offer enhanced comfort. A removable roof hatch escape offers an optimized safety feature for operators. • The models include a work tool positioner, return-to-position technology, self-leveling, ride control and auto two-speed capabilities. • The loaders incorporate Yanmar’s optional SmartAssist telematics from the company’s mini excavator line. • A touchscreen 7-inch color display also comes standard. • Each machine will have a two-year/2,000-hour warranty and a suspended undercarriage with a pivot link system at the rear axle. https://gpros.co/dwvamfk3

Diamond Mowers Drum Mulcher DC Pro Delivering mulching performance for loaders up to 75 hp, the Drum Mulcher DC Pro from Diamond Mowers is a land clearing and vegetation management attachment. Features include: • It’s designed for use with skid-steers and compact track loaders. • It weighs only 1,350 pounds and has a 63-cc, two-speed, bent-axis piston motor. This high-torque hydraulic motor allows the DC Pro to deliver force to power through large material. • It’s engineered with a 50-inch cutting width to slice through trees and brush and mulch material up to 8 inches in diameter. • The depth control drum features forward exposure that allows for tree engagement and cut width relative to weight. • A rugged chassis guards the motor from ground impact and allows the operator to manipulate downed material and position vegetation for mulching. • A multiposition push bar features extended serrations for material control while the infeed system achieves a complete mulch on the first pass. https://gpros.co/finil3fa

• The TurfMaster Revolution has a 30-inch deck to help tackle more ground in fewer passes. • Its three-in-one design allows operators to quickly switch between mulching, bagging or side discharge. • Three 60V Flex-Force batteries keep this walk-behind working for up to 80 minutes of continuous run time, and it can cut up to an acre per charge. Each Flex-Force battery is designed to run cooler, enabling all-day use without overheating. Recharging the largest capacity batteries takes just 40 minutes. • The TurfMaster Revolution boasts significant noise reduction and zero engine exhaust emissions. • There is no need for oil and filter changes. https://gpros.co/k1r9q16d

Milwaukee Tool M18 Fuel String Trimmer Milwaukee Tool introduced the new M18 Fuel 17-Inch Dual Battery String Trimmer. Additional details about the product include: • Leveraging a PowerState Brushless Motor, operators are provided with up to 2.5 Nm of torque and 2.4 hp. • It includes a 17-inch cutting swath to the durable fixed shaft design. • RedLink Plus Intelligence allows the Milwaukee String Trimmer to reach full throttle in under one second, increasing control and productivity in the application. • The product eliminates the common frustrations associated with gas string trimmers, such as pull starts, engine maintenance and the mixing of gas and oil. • This string trimmer requires the simultaneous use of two M18 RedLithium batteries. The M18 Fuel 17-Inch Dual Battery String Trimmer is fully compatible with the entire M18 line, now offering more than 250 solutions. https://gpros.co/7xmerku6

32 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 ❙ www.greenindustrypros.com

OTR Engineered Solutions Big Bite Turf Tire OTR Engineered Solutions added its Big Bite turf tire, designed for zero-turn, ride-on and stand-on mowers. Features include: • A large footprint that maximizes traction and stability • Aggressive styling with low rolling resistance to provide an attractive appearance while protecting delicate turf and grass against damage • A specialized tread angle to assist in damp conditions and a unique side corner lug design that provides extra grip on slopes for improved stability. • Open shoulder to promote self-cleaning for consistent traction while helping prevent casing damage • Made from a premium ATV rubber compound and features extra-deep lugs for enhanced wear life, making it an ideal solution for commercial mowers that are susceptible to wear when driven on asphalt driveways or concrete parking lots. The Big Bite tire is sold as an assembly, including both the tire and wheel, for easy bolt-on installation. It is available in a wide variety of sizes to accommodate many different mower models. https://gpros.co/pmkcn13y

Vanguard MVG Series Motors and MC Series Motor Controllers The MVG Series Motors and MC Series Motor Controllers from Vanguard include different power options to meet voltage needs. The Vanguard MVG1500 is built to an automotive grade that offers high durability. With high speed and high torque performance for vertical shaft applications, this motor is a single component of what can be a fully integrated system. The MVG1500 has an internal motor controller that provides OEMs with lower costs and easier battery-to-equipment integration. No maintenance is required. The Vanguard MC2000 Motor Controller is designed to integrate smoothly with Vanguard Batteries and Motors and is built to an automotive grade offering maximum durability. This controller comes with a high power density, auto-tuning and configurable regenerative braking. OEMs can bring fully integrated power equipment to the market with this family of controllers. No maintenance is required. The design of the motors and motor controllers maximizes ease of integration and serviceability. https://gpros.co/plf057zu

Greenworks 82V 22-Inch Self-Propelled Mower Greenworks Commercial’s new 82V 22-Inch Self-Propelled Commercial Mower features a corrosionresistant cast aluminum deck, designed for heavy-duty applications. Additional features include: • This 22-inch mower eliminates the gearbox and introduces DuraDrive hub wheel motors, which enhance traction while providing minimal maintenance and ensuring quick, precise handling with reduced noise levels. • The dual battery system allows for consistent power output and increased torque. With two 8-Ah batteries and a dual port rapid charger, users can enjoy up to 90 minutes of cutting time. • The updated control panel on this self-propelled mower features power on/off buttons, blade speed control and a variable-speed bail handle with six-speed ranges for maximum control, reaching up to 4 mph. • The adjustable positions provide exceptional control when navigating uneven terrain or corners. Additionally, the mower features a 4.3-inch screen for enhanced user interface, matching the standard set by Greenworks’ 30-inch models. • It also includes IPX5 weather resistance and an integrated bull bar to protect vital components. • It’s designed for optimal mulching and bagging capabilities and offers an optional rear-side discharge accessory. For added durability, the deck wear plate ensures protection and easy replacement when necessary. https://gpros.co/5lqz9du1

Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II Chainsaw Husqvarna’s 562 XP Mark II Chainsaw has been fine-tuned to increase durability, improve cutting capacity, reduce weight and enhance cooling, according to Husqvarna. Features of the chainsaw include: • A new and improved engine design plus AutoTune 3.0 technology for easier starting • An enhanced power-to-weight ratio and an ergonomic body design for handling and maneuverability • Extended run time, with up to 8 percent less fuel consumption when compared to the previous generation https://gpros.co/6230si0w

www.greenindustrypros.com ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 ❙ GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 33

CONTR ACTOR PROFILE BY SARAH WEBB

JENNIFER LEMCKE CEO of Weed Man Green Industry Pros: How did you first get into the green industry? Jennifer Lemcke: My dad (Roger Mongeon) got his

first Weed Man franchise in 1986. He was one of the first Weed Man franchisees in Quebec. He expanded into Montreal. I dabbled a bit in high school and then went to university where I met my husband. While Roger expanded into Montreal, he approached me about getting involved. After completing one year of training, my husband and I were brought in to run the Ottawa franchise. We started to buy multiple franchises across Canada. In 1999, I embarked on a very big project of getting everyone set up on the same computer system, and that’s when I moved to Toronto. It was in that timeframe that my dad approached me and asked if I would consider getting involved in our U.S. franchising side of the business. At that time, my goal was to support our subfranchisers to develop the brand across the U.S. Eventually in 2018, the founder’s wife, Brenda Rice, sold us the worldwide rights. We now have more than 350 franchisees across North America.

GIP: What challenges have you encountered throughout your career? Lemcke: I have three children, and that was difficult as

they were growing up—I made sure I was around for the big stuff, but it was hard. COVID was also one of the biggest challenges. We’ve got thousands of employees and hundreds of franchisees, and there’s no playbook for how to handle it. We did everything we possibly could, but we learned that you don’t have to have all the answers. We chose to be incredibly transparent with our franchisees through daily conference calls. I also learned I could lead on national stuff with all our top competitors once a month to discuss industry trends. The people who helped me weren’t just our partners, shareholders, directors and certainly my dad, but it was also some of our largest competitors in the industry.

GIP: What’s your favorite part of the industry? Lemcke: Hands down, the people. The people in our

industry are incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to serve on different boards and different committees and with different

people who have shaped my career. I also love to see the vast diversity in our industry, seeing ownership at different levels, because everyone brings a different perspective to the table, and I think that’s helping our industry evolve.

GIP: Building on that, what does it mean to be a woman in the green industry?

Jennifer Lemcke

Lemcke: I’ve been very lucky in my career that I had confidants in the industry like my dad and husband, but I also had to be confident in my experiences as a person trying to tell people what to do. It’s helped me develop a sense of trust with my team.

GIP: Is there anything you think the industry could use more of? Lemcke: A few years ago, there was probably a lack of

sophistication in IT, but that’s evolved. (The industry) is also seeing more private equity come into play, and that’s great, but it scares me a little bit because that sense of family is probably going to change as there are rollups and acquisitions. AI and technology are also moving so fast, so you have to pay attention and understand.

GIP: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Lemcke: I love to golf. I have two granddaughters

that I absolutely love spending time with and our third grandchild on the way. I’m looking forward to spending time enjoying life. I worked a lot when the kids were young, and I am looking forward to slowing down and being a part of my grandchildren’s and older children’s lives.

34 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS ❙ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 ❙ www.greenindustrypros.com

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With its roots dating back to 1922, Tubbs Hardware is one of Louisiana's largest OPE dealers with two locations and a proud history of outstanding service and customer satisfaction. A Rotary dealer for 40 years, Tubbs offers a complete line of Copperhead mower blades and Vortex trimmer line plus many other items from our vast selection of over 9,500 parts, tools and accessories.

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NO M AT T E R HOW BIG T HE CH A L L E NGE . NO M AT T E R HOW DEM A NDING T HE CU S T OME RS. BOBCAT’S HE RE F OR A L L T HE IMP O S SIBILIT IE S M A DE P O S SIBL E . L E T’S CH A NGE T HE G A ME TOGE T HE R . Bobcat Company is a member of the Doosan Group. Doosan is a global leader in construction, grounds maintenance and material handling equipment, power and water solutions, and engineering that has proudly served customers and communities for more than a century. Bobcat ®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2024 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. | 1624