SCL1000 is now available with compact buckets, trenchers, pallet forks, skid auger, compact mount for breakers and a power rake.

GRAPEVINE, Texas – Kubota Tractor Corporation announced a new line of attachments now available for its SCL1000 Stand-On Track Loader, which hit the market this year. The SCL1000 became available earlier this year and comes equipped with wide tracks, a narrow body and a Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) of 1,000 pounds. And now, with the new attachment package, contractors will be able to add compact buckets, trenchers, pallet forks, a compact mount for breakers and even a skid auger or power rake to the SCL1000.  “The SCL1000 was introduced into the marketplace earlier this year with overwhelming excitement and market demand,” said Tim Boulds, Kubota construction equipment product operations manager. “We are thrilled to enter the stand-on loader segment with the SCL1000, and these attachments will further its capabilities to meet a multitude of contractor demands and applications.” Kubota is announcing five new attachments for the SCL1000, including:

The SCL1000, and attachments, are available at Kubota authorized dealers now.

These will include new Spanish SiteOne Universities, increased recruitment efforts and more.

ROSWELL, Ga. –SiteOne Landscape Supply has announced a series of new bilingual initiatives to support the green industry. The newest offering includes four Spanish taught courses during the upcoming July 20, 2021, virtual SiteOne University. Courses that will be taught in Spanish include introduction al aguaaen paisjae (Basics of irrigation installation and proper water management), introduction to low voltage lighting in the landscape, certified drainage contractor and labeling and safety during application.

Register here for the upcoming virtual SiteOne University event.

“More than 1,500 contractors have participated in one of 10 virtual SiteOne University events this year,” said Christina Moore, senior events manager at SiteOne Landscape Supply. “Latino customers have been in many of our online classrooms and have provided great feedback about the coursework. We recognize that our customers have various needs, and we pledge to support them through various initiatives.”

Launched nearly one year ago, SiteOne’s Spanish website, SiteOne.com/es, has received 13,948 visits. New Latino focused initiatives consist of emphasized recruitment of bilingual branch associates and bilingual campaign advertisements that are promoted on social media, websites and radio platforms.

“The work that is being done today is only the beginning,” Moore said. “Expect additional materials to support our Spanish/English language customers because SiteOne is here to serve all of the green industry.”

Registration is open for the July 20 virtual event. The University training opportunities are open to everyone. Partners points may be applied to cover the registration fee.

The company produces an all-electric, commercial grade autonomous mower, which is scheduled for distribution in Fall of next year.

Scythe Robotics (Scythe), the creator of commercial-grade autonomous robotic solutions for the landscaping industry, announced its first offering: an all-electric, fully autonomous mower, designed completely in-house.

 Scythe also announced its $13.8M in Series A funding led by Inspired Capital with participation from existing investors True Ventures, Zigg Capital and Lemnos, bringing the company’s total funding to $18.6M. The new investment will be used to grow the company’s existing operations in Texas, Florida and Colorado, expand with new customers, and accelerate development of further products for use by commercial landscape contractors.

Founded in 2018 by Jack Morrison, Isaac Roberts and Davis Foster, distribution of the mowers is scheduled for Fall of 2022

“To date, commercial landscape contractors haven’t had a technology partner who enables them to keep up with demand and to operate emissions-free. We are that partner,” said Jack Morrison, co-founder and CEO of Scythe. “Our autonomous mower gives them the ability to grow their business, while staying green. It’s designed from the ground up to be an order of magnitude more reliable, more productive and safer than any existing machine by incorporating state of the art autonomy with a rugged, all-electric design.”

 The machine features eight HDR cameras and a suite of other sensors that enable it to operate safely in dynamic environments by identifying and responding to the presence of humans, animals and other potential obstacles. Simultaneously, the machine captures valuable property and mower performance data, which helps landscape contractors improve workflow, identify upsell opportunities, schedule more efficiently and manage labor costs.

 Scythe’s Robot as a Service (RaaS) model aligns Scythe with its customers: instead of buying machines outright, customers are billed by acres mowed. This reduces contractors’ expenses and eliminates the cost of equipment maintenance and downtime.

"By billing per acre mowed, our customers are able to more accurately predict their maintenance costs for properties and acquire machines at low or zero upfront cost, while Scythe has the benefit of a steady recurring revenue stream and the ability to upgrade machines in the field without being forced to support legacy machines,” Morrison said.

Ivan Giraldo, co-founder and president of Austin-based Clean Scapes, one of  the  largest landscape companies in North America, said, “I have been actively looking for solutions that will support our frontline employees and increase the efficiency of our operations, and Scythe’s product will do just that. I’ve been open with employees about the opportunity autonomous mowers will bring: to get them off the mowers and onto higher value landscaping work, enabling us to take on many new contracts.”

NALP’s annual event will be held Oct. 19-22 in conjunction with GIE+EXPO.

FAIRFAX, Va., — The National Association of Landscape Professionals has opened registration for LANDSCAPES 2021. The event takes place Oct. 19-22, 2021, at the Omni Louisville Hotel and Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, Kentucky, and is held in conjunction with GIE+EXPO. 

The education lineup includes nearly 30 sessions. Sessions delivered by industry experts and company owners share real-world examples and strategies around the latest sales and marketing tactics, maximizing company growth, recruiting, team development, measuring ROI, management and leadership strategies and more. 

“LANDSCAPES 2021 provides the essential education that landscape and lawn care CEOs, decision-makers, and key team members need to improve their sales, operations, and ultimately the bottom line,” said Britt Wood, NALP CEO. 

The education sessions are approved for Landscape Industry Certified CEU’s at 1 per hour of instruction attended.

LANDSCAPES 2021 lead partners include JOHN DEERE (Platinum Partner), Caterpillar (Gold Partner) and Bayer (Silver Partner).

Registration for LANDSCAPES includes approximately 30 education sessions plus specialty roundtables, networking receptions and admission to GIE+EXPO. Attendees will receive information to book hotel rooms at the Omni Louisville Hotel or Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel after registering for the conference.

For more information, click here.

The three new excavators will replace the company’s 302.7D, 303 E and the 303.5 E2 machines.

The new Cat 302.7 CR, 303 CR and 303.5 CR hydraulic mini excavators introduce features for the 2.7- to 3.5-tonne class machines. Built on the Next Generation platform, each new model features exclusive stick steer, cruise control, operator adjustable settings and tilt-up canopy or cab as standard.

Expanded use of common parts throughout the line plus their exterior construction help to reduce parts inventory investment and lower repair costs. Daily maintenance checks are made from ground level through side doors, while the tilt-up cab design offers access to components for servicing. Increased service intervals mean these excavators spend more time on the job and less time in the workshop. Combined, these features lower total ownership costs up to 5% compared to previous models.

At the same time, design enhancements for the new 302.7 CR, 303 CR and 303.5 CR deliver up to 10% more performance in travel and trenching. Hydraulic system upgrades improve lifting performance and cycle times, while customizable operator settings improve efficiency.The turbocharged Cat C1.1 Turbo engine powers the 302.7 CR and 303 CR models, while the Cat C1.7 anchors the powertrain for the 303.5 CR. Both engines meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards and offer 23.6 hp (17.6 kW) net power. Standard auto idle and auto engine shutdown help to conserve fuel usage at the site for more affordable operation.

These Next Generation mini hydraulic excavators feature a compact radius swing that reduces overhang when working to the side, allowing the machines to optimize performance in confined spaces. Fixed undercarriage widths for the 302.7 CR, 303 CR and 303.5 CR of 59.1, 61.0 and 70.1 in (1,500, 1550 and 1780 mm) respectively, deliver the right balance of job site accessibility and stability for lifting performance. An expandable undercarriage option for the 302.7 CR allows the operator to hydraulically retract track width to 53.3 in (1355 mm) for fitting into confined spaces and then expand width to 70.1 in (1780 mm).

Interchangeable counterweight packages enable customers to tailor machine weight to job requirements, offering the balance between low ground pressure and lifting performance. The “light” counterweight option adds 221 lbs. (100 kg) to machine weight, while the “extra” adds 551 lbs. (250 kg).

All three Next Gen models offer both standard- and long-stick configurations to increase machine versatility. Standard digging depths range from 96.5 to 110.6 in (2450 to 2810 mm), while the long stick configuration allows the machines to reach from 104.3- to 122.4-in (2650- to 3110-mm) depths. The standard dozer blade further increases machine flexibility to handle backfilling and grading tasks. It features ample above- and below-grade travel and has a standard float function for easy clean-up. An angle blade option on the 303.5 CR gives further flexibility in backfilling applications for increased productivity.

Efficient load-sensing hydraulics with variable displacement pump provides oil flow reaching 26 gal/min (100 L/min) while saving fuel. High main-relief pressures, coupled with flow rates, generates the hydraulic capacity for high digging and lifting forces and more efficient use of a range of attachments. Complete with quick-disconnect lines, the standard auxiliary system provides the choice of one-way, two-way or continuous flow. The new 302.7 CR, 303 CR and 303.5 CR offer enhanced machine security options, with both a passcode and Bluetooth key start available. Offering an advanced touchscreen option, the large Next Generation display provides intuitive machine function control and monitoring of critical operating parameters, such as fuel level, coolant temperature and maintenance records.

A Cat Stick Steer System simplifies machine control, so the operator switches from conventional lever/foot-pedal steering controls to low-effort joystick operation. Two travel ranges with speeds reaching 2.8 mph (4.5 km/h) help to facilitate moving around the jobsite, and standard cruise control minimizes operator interaction when traveling longer distances between work locations.

Unique to their respective classes, these new Next Generation excavators offer the choice between canopy or cab enclosure. The sealed and pressurized cab offers a clean and quiet environment for the operator and can be equipped with heating and/or air conditioning for all-weather climate control. Offering a front window that slides upward to conveniently store overhead, the cab’s large glass areas plus skylight afford all-around visibility.

More information on the new 302.7 CR, 303 CR and 303.5 CR mini hydraulic excavators can be found by clicking here.