Outdoor power equipment manufacturers honored

Altoz TSX 561 i stand-on mower (Photo: Altoz)

The Pro Tool Innovation Awards (PTIA) for outdoor equipment recently recognized several commercial landscaping manufacturers including:

• ATVs/UTVs: Kubota RTV520 — “Upgrading the RTV500, Kubota’s RTV520 has more horsepower and more towing available, making it an even more capable UTV on your property or jobsite. (Electronic fuel injection) EFI and four-wheel drive are standard along with a variable hydrostatic transmission.”
• Backpack blower: Echo BP-9010 — “Echo targets raw power with their PB-9010 backpack blower. Compared to their preview model, it has more airspeed, more airflow, and jumps from 44 Newtons to 48 Newtons of blowing force. In our testing, it was actually a bit higher, topping out at 52 Newtons.”
• Zero-turn lawn mowers: Kubota Z422 — “Built on the foundation of the Z400 series, Kubota’s Z422 zero turn lawn mower focuses on a comfortable ride, quality cut, and affordable price. 24-inch rear and wider 13-inch front tires work with the suspension and premium seat. Available in either a 54-inch or 60-inch fabricated steel deck, its 24 hp engine drives three blades to tip speeds over 18,000 FPM.”
• Stand-on lawn mowers: Altoz TSX 561 i — “Altoz took the concept of their tracked zero turn mower and applied it to the TSX 561 i to make a commercial-grade stand-on mower. In combination with the rear axle torsion suspension, the track system offers two major benefits — increased traction and decreased ground effect.”

PTIA winners were chosen on a combination of factors: innovative features, advanced power delivery, groundbreaking ergonomics, technological advancements, advancements in job-site safety and value.