Lawn-Boy^® mowers are known for outstanding value and durability. Each machine in the 2012 lineup provides a great cut at an affordable price, with features that are customized to fit your mowing needs. New for this year is model (10607), featuring the innovative Sens-A-Speed^® self-propel system. With Sens-A-Speed. you simply place your hands on the handle and go. Sens-A-Speed automatically adjusts to your walking speed for a more customized and comfortable mowing experience.

Each Lawn-Boy features a 149cc Kohler^® overhead valve (OHV) engine. With 6.5 ft-lb gross torque* that can power through the thickest of lawns, this state-of-the-art engine is designed with commercial-grade durability, yet incorporates these easy-to-use features:

• The engine’s Easy-Pull™ recoil starter greatly reduces friction and the pulling effort required, making Lawn-Boy mowers even easier to start.

• The Smart Choke™ feature means there’s no need to prime or choke the engine.

• An Easy-Fill™ opening on the gas tank makes refueling effortless. It’s angled instead of vertical and 45 percent larger than a standard opening to greatly reduce fuel spills.

The 20-inch, steel cutting deck on these mowers features a deep-dome design that makes it a highly efficient mulching mower. Combining this deck design with Lawn-Boy’s tri-cut blade ensures grass clippings virtually disappear, eliminating the need to bag clippings. The deck is narrow enough to mow in tight spaces and is lightweight, as well. In fact, the push model (10603) weighs only 68 lbs. The self-propelled model (10604) weighs just 72 pounds and has rear-wheel drive for improved traction, even with a full bag. Plus, the variable speed self-propel transmission is maintenance free. The deck on each machine is also 3-in-1 ready for mulching, bagging and side-discharge.

Want even more convenience? Lawn-Boy’s TimeOut blade stop system on model 10605 allows the operator to stop the blade without having to restart the engine. These mowers are ideal for anyone who has numerous obstacles in their yard or needs to stop frequently to empty grass clippings. Starting is even easier with model 10606, which adds an electric start feature. Simply turn the key, and you’re off and mowing.

Lawn-Boy backs its products with a two-year ‘No Worry Warranty’ that covers the entire mower, a three-year power train warranty on the transmission and engine, as well as a three-year Tru-Start Commitment. If the mower doesn’t start on one or two pulls within its first three years, Lawn-Boy will fix it for free. See your retailer for warranty details.

Lawn-Boy mowers are available this spring, starting around $259 (USD), exclusively at The Home Depot™. Choose the model that is best for you at www.lawnboy.com. Share your stories at Facebook.com/Lawn.Boy.Mowers.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

In early spring, wasps and hornets begin to emerge from hibernation.  Their painful stings strike fear in many, but there is now an easy and effective way to kill these dreaded pests. TERRO, a leader in DIY pest control products, introduces TERRO Wasp & Hornet Killer, an entrapping foam spray that coats nests for a complete kill.  For outdoor and indoor use, the aerosol can has a powerful jet spray that can reach nests up to 20 feet away. The entrapping foam kills wasps and hornets inside the nest as well as any returning.

“The cool thing about this product is that it can literally go the distance,” says Stew Clark, Director of Research at TERRO. “Nests are often located in hard to reach places. Our new Wasp & Hornet Killer jet spray shoots up to 20 feet, keeping the user a safe distance away from the nest and reducing the fear of being stung.”

Wasp and hornet nests are often found outdoors under eaves, near windows, doors, patios, carports and outdoor play areas.   Indoors, nests are commonly found in attics.  TERRO Wasp & Hornet Killer can be used anywhere nests are built and where food is not exposed.

“Wherever insects are noticed, stand a safe distance from the nest and spray until the surface is moist. The insects will fall to the ground and die,” says Clark.  To prevent wasps from entering your home, Clark recommends spraying around areas where they can enter, including gaps around outdoor plumbing and vents, cracks or crevices in foundations and along sills and ledges.

“The best time to spray is at sunrise or dusk when insects are least active, “advises Clark. “Spray the opening of the nest until soaked and then spray the rest of the nest.  The entrapping foam will remain on the nest to kill insects that return. Wait at least 24 hours before removing the nest.”

TERRO Wasp & Hornet Killer is sold at leading retailers nationwide and on the company’s website at http://www.terro.com. For more information, visit the company’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TerroDeadAnts or email expert@terro.com.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) has released findings from an organic seed survey conducted in the Southeast region of the U.S. Findings point to enormous interest among farmers and other agricultural professionals in strengthening seed systems in the Southeast to address the needs of the organic community. 

Working with regional partners, OSA developed an online survey to assess organic seed systems in the Southeast and identify collaborative opportunities to expand and improve these systems. The survey, which closed last month, collected responses from more than 2,200 individuals, including nearly 500 farmers. The following findings are drawn from these farmer responses: 

• Southeast farmers rely on saving seed. Nearly half of respondents report saving seed for on-farm use.
• Southeast farmers seek seed advice from neighbors. More than 75% of farmers report turning to other farmers for seed-related questions.
• Southeast farmers see challenges for the organic seed sector. Half of respondents view the lack of organic seed, as well as the lack of variety information, as urgent or very important. Seventy-five percent of respondents see contamination by genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as an urgent or very important challenge to organic seed in the Southeast.
• Southeast farmers want to strengthen the organic seed system in their region. The majority of respondents believe that public education on organic seed is urgent or very important (80%) and view research on which varieties perform best for organic farms in the Southeast as urgent or very important (80%). Most respondents also believe that teaching farmers to save seed is urgent or very important (70%). Lastly, the majority of respondents believe it is urgent or very important to safeguard organic seed systems in the Southeast from GMOs (90%).

"Strengthening organic seed systems at the regional level demands a deep understanding of the opportunities within the community involved, and a comprehensive approach to addressing their needs," says Jared Zystro of Organic Seed Alliance. "We know through past experience that such an approach involves building public-private partnerships, fostering participatory plant breeding projects, and bolstering seed skills at the farm level."

Based on the overwhelming response to the survey and the amount of interest in organic seed systems in the Southeast, a project committee made up of farm organizations, universities, and farmers is planning upcoming work in this region. Contact Jared Zystro at jared@seedalliance.org if you live in the Southeast and want to get involved.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

Forget about just cutting the lawn. Master your lawn-mowing tasks -- and your time -- with new Toro^® TimeMaster^™ 30-inch wide area walk-behind mowers.

Designed with the look and feel of a typical walk-behind mower, the TimeMaster is packed with features that make it simple to use and store. It makes lawn mowing easier on your busy schedule too. With this first-of-its-kind mower, you can cut your lawn up to 40% faster than if you’re using a typical 21-inch walk behind mower*, leaving you more time for the important things in life. The TimeMaster’s extra-wide, yet lightweight, 30-inch cutting deck features a twin-blade cutting system and two-point height-of-cut adjustment to give you professional-looking results. The 12-gauge steel deck, cast aluminum frame and Briggs & Stratton^® 190cc OHV engine provide durability you can count on.

When it’s time to mow, the TimeMaster’s innovative Personal Pace^® automatic drive system does the work for you. Simply place your hands on the handle, press down, and Personal Pace adapts to your mowing speed. A traction-assist handle helps tame uneven terrain, and a larger capacity bag allows you to capture more clippings without sacrificing maneuverability. With the TimeMaster’s Spin-Stop™ System, you’re able to stop the cutting blades without shutting off the engine. This feature makes it quicker and easier to remove obstacles from your mowing path without having to restart the engine. A handle height adjustment option keeps the mowing experience comfortable for any user. When you’re done mowing, simply press down on the quick-stow lever for easy storage.

“If you have a big lawn and a busy schedule, this mower is for you,” explains Matthew Medden, senior marketing manager for Toro. “Originally, we designed the TimeMaster for homeowners who were looking to buy a small riding mower, but didn’t have the room to store it. What we found is that bigger really is better when it comes to any lawn-mowing task. If you can get the job done faster, that’s pretty appealing for any homeowner.”

The TimeMaster model 20199 starts at $1049 USD (MSRP) and is covered by a three-year full warranty and Toro’s three-year Guaranteed-To-Start (GTS) promise. The TimeMaster 20200 model, with Key-Lectric® electric start, has an MSRP of $1,149 USD (MSRP) and features a three-year full warranty and a three-year GTS promise. See your local retailer for complete warranty information.

Look for the new TimeMaster models this spring at your local authorized Toro dealer. Select models will be available at select The Home Depot^® stores. For more information, contact Toro toll free at 1-866-336-5205 or visit www.toro.com/timemaster30.

*Time savings achieved via wider cutting path and enhanced travel speed capabilities of TimeMaster™ mower compared to a 21” Toro^® mower.  Savings will vary due to mowing conditions. 

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

    
Wrangler® Western Wear – the iconic American denim brand and leading manufacturer of western apparel – announced today the launch of a mobile game, Wrangler Rope Your Rewards. An entertaining roping test that doesn’t require, but does reward, real-life ranch experience, the Wrangler Rope Your Rewards game offers winning players prizes including digital wallpaper featuring Wrangler endorsees Jason Aldean, Laura Bell Bundy or Trevor Brazile, and discount offers from www.wrangler.com including free shipping and $10 off a purchase.

To play, users must saddle up and rope their way through three one-minute rounds in three environments: on the ranch, in the arena and in the city. To unlock Wrangler rewards, users must gain points by roping critters – objects ranging from steer to ATVs – in order to complete each level, being careful not to rope friendly objects including the rancher’s wife and a rodeo clown.

“Wrangler Rope Your Rewards offers a fun opportunity for our consumers to interact with the Wrangler brand and the western lifestyle in a new – virtual – way,” said Robin Rich, senior marketing manager, Wrangler Western Wear. “We are constantly working to come up with new, creative ways to show our appreciation to loyal fans. Not only is this game designed to provide entertainment for our consumers, it allows us to reward them with discounts on Wrangler products and exclusive content from popular artists and athletes our brand endorses.”

Wrangler Rope Your Rewards is available as a free download from iTunes and can be played on iPhones, iPads and Androids. The game also offers a retail locator to help users find their local retailer carrying Wrangler product.

For more news from the Wrangler brand, please visit www.wrangler.com and find Wrangler Western on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wranglerwestern.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.  

Alliance Nutrition, Inc., a subsidiary of Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM), now offers a new line of MoorMan’s® all-purpose beef minerals. The beef minerals are available in three seasonal formulas and can be found at local, independent feed dealers.

“The new MoorMan’s all-purpose beef minerals supplement helps farmers meet the everyday needs of their cattle: it’s easy, inexpensive and it works – plus, it’s readily available at a dealer nearby,” said Jeff Carter, beef range products manager, ADM Alliance Nutrition. “By offering a Spring, Summer and Fall/Winter formula, MoorMan’s line of all-purpose beef minerals is carefully balanced to meet the nutrient requirements of cattle, no matter the season.”

Beef mineral supplements are concentrated, so it doesn’t take a significant amount for cattle to benefit from them. Some of the key benefits of mineral supplementation include:

• Strong bones and teeth
• Optimal milk production
• Healthy skin and hair coat
• Efficient utilization of forage
• Proper nerve and muscle function
• Consistent reproductive performance

ADM Alliance Nutrition’s combination of quality ingredients, formulation, manufacturing, research and experience yields products with a proven track record of production performance.

To learn more about ADM Alliance Nutrition’s new MoorMan’s all-purpose beef minerals or to find a dealer near you, visit www.pickupmoormans.com or call 866-666-7626.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

A recent consumer study by Tractor Supply Company validates the many headlines across the country about the growing interest in chicken ownership. The study, conducted as a result of a partnership with American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC), confirmed that while only three percent of U.S. households currently own chickens, the level of interest in chicken ownership indicated among non-owners could potentially double ownership levels in the next 12 months.

"The survey simply confirms the national trends we are already seeing in the marketplace. We receive more and more feedback from stores about the influx of customers interested in starting their own flocks," said John Wendler, SVP of Marketing for Tractor Supply Co. "The business from these new chicken owners has led us to identify and fill an increasing need for greater education.  Tractor Supply wants chicken owners to be successful. We focus a lot of our resources on providing information and education to help them get started correctly and maintain their health and productivity."

Tractor Supply partnered with ALBC to help raise awareness not only to the benefits of raising chickens but also to bring attention to the different poultry breeds for every interest. The Heritage breeds, for example, are excellent foragers and egg layers, and they make a great choice for hobbyists and small farmers.

"There are a variety of Heritage chicken breeds that have declined in popularity and are in need of conservation," said Alison Martin, Research and Technical Program Director at ALBC. "We hope that the growing interest in chicken ownership will bring new attention to these breeds and help return them to small farms and backyards everywhere."

For those taking the plunge into chicken ownership for the first time or for the seasoned flock owner, Tractor Supply is the resource for seasoned advice and every possible poultry need for providing the best care for chickens in urban, suburban and rural settings alike. Beginning in March and running through April 22, Chick Days returns to Tractor Supply and customers can purchase a wide variety of baby chicks and the supplies and equipment needed to properly care for them.

With multiple breeds offered in-store, different breeds rotating in throughout the Chick Days event, and more than 40 additional breeds available via special order, making the initial leap into the backyard chicken movement can appear a little confusing on the surface. The seasoned professionals at Tractor Supply help customers select chicks and provide the best care for them. Information regarding food/water, bedding, heat, and floor space is all available from the helpful team members at Tractor Supply as well as online.

In a clean, well constructed coop that keeps them productive and safe from predators, a flock of 15 hens will produce about a dozen eggs per day during their peak. But the benefits don't stop there. Not only will your chickens provide fresh eggs, but they will also provide fresh fertilizer, fresh material for composting, and insect control. Also, pastured eggs are more nutritious and many claim taste better than ones you buy in a supermarket.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.

Vergennes, VT – DR® Power Equipment, manufacturers and sellers of equipment and tools for property care, announced today that it will partner with Bazaarvoice, the online review service, to manage consumer ratings and reviews for all of its products.

Bazaarvoice is a leading provider of social networking software that allows customers to actively engage with e-commerce sites. In addition to being able to rate products (with the five-star system) and write reviews, DR customers will be able to share their product experiences through their social networks. Customers will also have access to an “Ask and Answer” forum, where they can post product questions on the DR website and even provide answers to questions posted by other customers.

“Listening to our customers has always been a top priority,” commented Joe Perrotto, CEO of DR® Power Equipment. “Over the years we have collected thousands of letters and emails and while we share them internally, we did not have a great way to publish the comments. Bazaarvoice offers a technological solution that makes reviewing products easy for the customer and easy for us.”

DR Power is known for designing and manufacturing high-quality power equipment for property care. With the Bazaarvoice tool, sharing consumer stories will become even easier. Asked if he was concerned about the possibility of driving business away through the occasional bad review, CEO Joe Perrotto had this to say:

“No, we’re not concerned, because we have enormous faith in our products themselves. Our word of mouth is very strong and has always been a primary source of new business for us. And, aside from that, the reality is that customers are out there looking for product reviews, and they’re going to find them, if not on your site, then somewhere else. So, why not invite them in the front door?”

Aside from the potential sales benefit, the company expects the online reviews to streamline the harvesting of other valuable product information, like product improvement suggestions. “Knowing what customers are talking about, and reacting to it in real time, is essential to being a great company, and that’s our goal here,” says Perrotto.

The company has a long history of using testimonials for marketing purposes, both in print and broadcast media. “We started out in the 80’s as a small company working out of a log cabin,” says Perrotto, “so we understood early on the value of the customer’s voice, well before internet mania. This is a very natural evolution for us.”

Perrotto also encouraged consumers to join DR Power on Facebook.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.  

Stop relying on April showers to bring May flowers. The Toro^® XTRA SMART^™ Precision^™ Soil Moisture Sensor can help keep your grass healthy all summer long, while saving you up to 35% in annual irrigation water use.

Toro’s innovative wireless soil sensing technology communicates moisture levels and transmits that data to the sprinkler timer. If a yard is low on water, the sensor tells the system to apply water. Conversely, if water levels are too high, the sensor prevents the sprinkler system from running.

This new technology makes monitoring your soil moisture levels effortless. By automatically calculating your field capacity - or the amount of moisture your soil can hold - homeowners can deliver water to their lawns only when the soil moisture level dips below a desired level.

“Many homeowners overwater their yards and don’t even know it. The XTRA SMART Soil Sensor will keep that from happening,” said Laura Lopez, senior channel manager for Toro Irrigation. “This soil sensing technology really is like the ‘brains for your backyard’.”

The XTRA SMART Soil Sensor features a two-part system - a battery-powered wireless moisture sensor that installs right in your turf, and a receiver that connects to your sprinkler timer, up to 500-feet away, line of sight. When installed properly, the XTRA SMART Soil Sensor can save homeowners up to 35% on their annual irrigation water use. (35% irrigation water savings based on Southwest Florida study comparing an irrigation timer plus soil moisture sensor to a timer alone. Your savings will depend largely on watering schedule and weather variability, especially rainfall: less rain, lower savings; and more rain, higher savings.) 

Toro has adapted this sensor from the same soil sensing technology found at world-class sports venues such as the Rose Bowl Stadium, professional sports fields and championship golf courses. “We’ve taken the same technology found at some of the world’s most inspiring venues and created a sensor intended to give homeowners a yard they can really be proud of,” Lopez added.

The new Toro XTRA SMART Soil Sensor is the only long-range wireless soil moisture sensor available on the retail market today. The XTRA SMART Soil Sensor has a suggested retail price of $149.99 USD and can be found at The Home Depot^™, Ace^® Hardware, Orchard Supply^™, or online at www.toro.com/soilsensor. For additional savings, check with your local water agency for any qualifying rebates.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

Like many shelters and animal rescues, Changing Leads Equine Rescue in Kansas City, Missouri knows a sluggish economy has a huge impact on animals.

"Unfortunately there are many more horses that need homes than we can take in," said Tina Weidmaier, President of Changing Leads, a 501(c)(3) corporation. "We operate a nine stall barn that relies entirely on volunteers, donations, grants and fundraising to power our operation, so we have to work smart and get creative in order to make a difference."

The rescue currently has seven horses in their care, ranging from a towering draft horse to a tiny foal, born April 2, 2012. All rescues receive ongoing vet and farrier care, and volunteers work with each horse under the supervision of an experienced trainer. Changing Leads' goal is for each horse to be healthy and accustomed to positive human contact before being placed into a qualified adoptive home.

To help raise funds to continue this mission, Changing Leads holds an annual winter horse show series which runs from January through April. The shows are held at Scott Pavilion within the American Royal Complex and are made possible by a number of individuals and organizations: equine companies graciously donate items to be handed out as prizes; judges kindly donate their time and the rescue's network of volunteers staff the events, from the announcer to the concession stand.

"We've had our biggest turnout to date this year," said Weidmaier. "Part of it is word of mouth. We're in our third year so the show community knows it's a great show series for competitors to gain experience during the winter and early spring months, which are considered the 'off-season' for shows."

The rescue also strives to keep the show affordable, in an effort to encourage participation and promote constructive equine activities. All riders pay a ten dollar fee to enter the show and each class costs five dollars to enter. There are opportunities for riders of all ages, who can sign up to compete in any combination of 50 classes, ranging from jumping to egg and spoon.

Changing Leads is currently preparing for their final show of the season on April 14, 2012 at Scott Pavilion. In addition to randomly drawn prizes, riders will be awarded belt buckles and bridle bags based on points accumulated throughout the series and the event is free to spectators. More information can be found at www.changingleadsequinerescue.org.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

Justin Original Workboots^®  (JOW), a leading workboot manufacturer, is hosting the Third Annual All-American Dove Hunt sweepstakes to raise awareness for Camp Patriot, a non-profit organization hosting outdoor adventures for disabled American veterans.

One lucky winner and a friend will win a pair of J-Max^™ workboots, plus a hunting experience in the breathtaking scenery of the Texas countryside during a dove hunt with All-American military heroes and All-American celebrities including Texas country music artist, Casey Donahew; football great Bubby Brister; and Camp Patriot president and veteran Micah Clark. Starting today through Thursday, May 31, anyone age 21 and older can enter the sweepstakes by visiting www.JMaxWork.com, www.facebook.com/justinworkboots, or local participating western and work specialty stores.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to do in just the past two years to support American veterans, a cause that’s very close to me and the brand,” says Brandon Barker, brand manager, Justin Original Workboots. “Now in our third year of the All-American Dove Hunt, I’m honored to be able to continue the tradition and show our appreciation for the troops.”

Patriot’s Day, Tuesday, Sept. 11, the sweepstakes winner and a guest will enjoy the All-American Dove Hunt hosted by Buckin’ B Ranch. During the two-night trip, JOW will present a check to Camp Patriot representing the total dollars raised from the sale of boots within the J-Max line – a portion of each workboot sold benefits the organization. Proceeds from J-Max boot sales have raised $27,500 for the cause to-date.

The J-Max collection incorporates industry-leading technology with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship to offer the working man the Maximum in performance, function, comfort and stability. J-Max workboots are proudly handcrafted in the U.S.A.

For more information about Justin Original Workboots and the J-Max product line, visit www.justinworkboots.com, www.facebook.com/justinworkboots and www.twitter.com/justinworkboots.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

Kohler® Power Systems, a premium manufacturer and marketer of world-class generators and automatic transfer switches, received today the Outstanding Achievement Award in Public Awareness from the 2012 National Hurricane Conference in recognition of Kohler’s continued commitment to building public awareness about hurricane preparedness. The conference is currently being held at the Hilton Orlando in Florida, March 27-29.

“Kohler Generators is honored to accept this award for supporting the cause of hurricane preparedness,” said Melanie Tydrich, senior channel manager of residential generator products. “Whether we are working with retired Lt. General Russel Honoré, Commander of Joint Task Force Katrina and a global preparedness expert, or our alliance with FLASH, Kohler Generators is devoted to preparing the country for hurricanes, storms and power outages.”

One of the initiatives Kohler Generators undertook to increase public awareness about hurricane awareness is continued support of the Federal Alliance of Safe Homes (FLASH). Kohler is a three-year sponsor of The Great Hurricane Blowout, organized by FLASH, that serves as an awareness and educational campaign to prepare families and communities for hurricane season. “Our alliance with Kohler Generators is a natural fit for the hurricane preparedness message,” said Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO of FLASH. “The Generator Sweepstakes and the Dine in the Dark promotions greatly helped spread the word about preparedness during the campaign.”

Kohler Generators hosted retired Lt. General Russel Honoré at the 2011 Hurricane Conference to discuss the lessons learned as the Commander of Joint Task Force Katrina and the importance of backup power to preparedness. His story has been shared with visitors to the conference and the Kohler Generators website.

In 2011, Kohler Generators hosted a national satellite media tour with spokesperson Ed De Grande, home improvement expert, to share tips with regional audiences the three essentials for hurricane preparedness; an emergency supply kit, a family plan and standby power.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.

Today’s string trimmers have become vital tools for outdoor residential and industrial landscape maintenance. They do, however, have some drawbacks. All conventional trimmers have a weak monofilament string that results in frustrations and hassles. Gas-powered trimmers are loud and heavy, and they can be hard to start. Single string battery-powered (cordless) trimmers lack the needed energy for efficient edging and trimming and cannot compete with gas trimmers for cutting performance. Corded (AC-powered) trimmers require cumbersome extension cords that limit access to far-removed yard areas.

But now there’s new, patent-pending technology that solves all of these problems.

This revolutionary technology, powered by a highly efficient lithium ion battery, is now available on a powerful, flexible line blade cordless trimmer that can also efficiently edge. For added versatility, the motor in the upper power head cable drives down to a gear box that amplifies torque to the 4 strong cutters. It also has a central register that allows the user to operate selective power attachments (including a blower, a hedge clipper and a pole saw).

This patented Aero-Flex^® cutting system is the first battery-powered cordless trimmer with a 14" cut featuring 4 strong, flexible line blade cutters that hit vegetation more frequently and with greater cutting energy and force, compared to conventional monofilament string trimmers.

The aerodynamically engineered teardrop profile enables the blade-like cutters to glide through the air and grass, dramatically reducing wasteful drag. They are also structurally designed to cut at much lower speeds than conventional string. The result is greater battery efficiency for longer run times and a faster cutting rate.

The 4 unique, labor-saving, Aero-Flex^® line blades are engineered with high-strength copolymers and a strong but flexible (living) impact hinge. These blades are powerful, tough, and durable enough to slice through grass, heavy weeds and vines that common string line trimmers can’t even begin to cut. When the line blades need to be replaced, reloading is very simple. Just remove the cap, snap the line blades securely into the head and replace the cap. This Aero-Flex^® trimming system truly reduces frustrating interruptions experienced with common monofilament string. 

Based on comparative testing, this revolutionary trimmer will cut grass at almost double the rate, achieve a more pronounced edge, and can last more than 50 times farther under highly abrasive conditions than single monofilament string trimmers. More efficient edging is accomplished at a more comfortable walking pace with a self-propelling thrust compared to conventional cordless trimmers. This new trimmer technology also reduces noise pollution, running about 75% quieter than most other cordless trimmers.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

DR® Power Equipment today introduced two new chipper/shredder models designed for home and property owners looking for a single-machine solution to tough yard debris and waste.

The company’s new 11.50 PREMIER and 14.50 PRO model Chipper/Shredders will not only shred prunings, leaves, and garden leftovers into rich, organic mulch, but also chip larger branches into valuable landscaping woodchips for paths and ornamental flower beds.

“DR Power’s new affordable chipper/shredders are designed for serious yard clean-up and mulching,” said Tom Parent, DR® Power Equipment spokesperson. “If your number one task is disposing of yard and garden waste, but you also want the ability to chip heavy branches, these new DR chipper/shredders are just what you’re looking for.”

The DR® 11.50 PREMIER Chipper/Shredder is the smallest and lowest-cost chipper/shredder model available from DR Power Equipment. This machine is the right choice for consumers with occasional chipping and shredding tasks. Chipping and shredding organic materials with this machine before composting will dramatically speed up the natural composting process; nutrient-rich compost can be created in just 14 days. The PREMIER rolls from garden to compost bin on a set of wheels like a hand cart and is equipped with a 250cc Briggs and Stratton 1150 Series OHV engine. The chipper will handle tree branches up to 2” thick.

The mid-size 14.50 PRO Chipper/Shredder is designed for serious gardeners and homeowners with large properties. By chipping and shredding yard debris, homeowners can turn “waste” into rich garden mulch and long-lasting landscaping woodchips, keeping organic matter out of landfills and in their garden where it can benefit the soil. The 14.50 PRO can be towed behind an ATV, UTV, or lawn tractor. Featuring a 305cc Briggs and Stratton 1450 Series OHV engine, the 14.50 PRO Chipper/Shredder handles chipping and shredding easily and chips branches up to 3” thick.

Parent said that while there are smaller and less expensive shredders available from other companies, DR® Power Equipment’s research shows that most of these machines are at least 2-3 times slower than the DR® Chipper/Shredders. “Buyers need to ask themselves what their time is really worth,” Parent said. “Each DR Chipper/Shredder will keep you working when other bargain brands get bogged down and clogged up.”

DR® 11.50 PREMIER Chipper/Shredder starts at a $1,899 list price while the DR® 14.50 PRO Chipper/Shredder starts at $2,099. But beginning special introductory offers make these musthave mulching machines even more affordable. Both models can be purchased at DRPower.com 

DR® Power Equipment also announced that it will no longer offer the 8.0 FTP Model Chipper/ Shredder.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

KIOTI Tractor a division of Daedong-USA, Inc., is pleased to announce their entry into the subcompact tractor market with the launch of their highly anticipated CS2410 model tractor.  This new tractor model exponentially increases sales opportunities for KIOTI Tractor dealers throughout North America. Prior to the launch of the KIOTI CS2410, KIOTI primarily targeted homeowners with 5+ acres of land.  The CS2410 subcompact tractor is appropriate for those homeowners with property sizes ranging from just under an acre up to 5 acres, possibly more.

While subcompact tractors are a relatively new tractor category, they are designed for and perfect for residential use.  “Subdivision lots have grown in popularity over the past 10 years. The KIOTI subcompact will target homeowners who do their own yard work, anything from mowing or snow-plowing, to mulching or digging with its optional backhoe. This product opens so many doors for our dealers and provides our brand with a significant opportunity for growth,” states Peter Dong Kyun Kim, Chief Executive Officer of Daedong-USA, Inc. KIOTI Tractor Division.

The CS2410 subcompact tractor offers a 24.5 horsepower diesel engine. This optimized engine combines large power output with low fuel consumption for cost-conscious operation. The 20.7 HP PTO is among the highest in this size class, giving owners the ability to power a multitude of implements including KIOTI’s optional front end loader, mid-mount mower and backhoe. “Although this machine is our smallest tractor, it has a tremendous amount of power and strength for its size,” says Michael Boucher, Senior Director of Sales and Operations for KIOTI Tractor.

In addition to power, the KIOTI CS2410 has a ground-clearance of 6.4 inches, giving owners the flexibility to operate this subcompact tractor on a variety of surfaces and topography without the risk of damaging the componentry of the tractor. Similar to KIOTI’s popular line of 22-90hp tractors, the CS2410 is among the heaviest in its class. At 1,452 pounds, the CS2410 offers users brute strength and traction across a variety of tasks.

Standard features on the CS2410 include a range of equipment for both productivity and comfort including: rear- and mid-PTO’s, power steering, parking brake, PTO cover, headlights, signal lamps, an SMV sign, horn, cupholder and a joystick valve when purchased with a loader.

Optional equipment includes front and rear hydraulic valves, rear working lights, cruise control, rearview mirror, canopy kit, block heater, grill guard, front towing hook, hydraulic filter guard and a swivel seat to work conveniently in either direction with a loader and backhoe.

Important to homeowners today are maintenance and repair costs.  With the CS2410, owners will have little to worry about.  KIOTI’s new subcompact tractor is covered by the same industry-leading warranty that backs all KIOTI tractors.  The CS2410 is also designed for easy maintenance for those who like to service their own tractors. A vertical opening hood allows quick access to the air filter cartridge, engine oil tank, fuse box and electrical components. For safety, the muffler is enclosed to prevent burns while working on the tractor.

KIOTI Tractor dealers are extremely pleased with the company’s entry into the subcompact tractor market.  “The CS2410 fills out KIOTI’s product line and opens up our ability to pursue a significantly larger number of tractor sales.  The company’s commitment to excellence continues to thrive and fuels the success of KIOTI Tractor dealers throughout North America,” states Alan Rivera of Rivera’s Machinery in Donna, Texas.

The CS2410 will be available to consumers through authorized KIOTI Tractor dealers as early as April 2012.  The initial units available for sale will be eligible for up to $1,000 cash back or $1,500 cash back when purchased with a loader as part of KIOTI’s spring finance promotion through June 30^th. 

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

In a unique collaboration, Bison Pumps and Konbit Sante have worked together to design a pump specifically for high use and extra durability in one of the world’s poorest areas. Konbit Sante, a non-profit organization whose name in Creole means working together for health, has spent the past decade to improve the delivery and quality of healthcare at the Justinian Hospital. The hospital is located in Cap Haitien, a northern town in Haiti.

“We’ve really enjoyed being a part of Konbit Sante’s work in Cap Haitien,” said David Harbison, president of Bison Pumps. “The new design is a more rugged look and has the same type of heft that old-fashioned pumps did, but with the easy action and high-quality stainless steel that Bison Pumps is known for.”

As an engineering volunteer for Konbit Sante, Robert MacKinnon, discovered that the lack of basic infrastructure was affecting the group’s ability to improve public health. One of the most challenging obstacles to health in Cap Haitien, Haiti, is not only the lack of doctors or medicine, but the absence of even the most rudimentary plumbing for water, MacKinnon explained. Without an abundant and accessible supply of water, improvements to medical facilities and the surrounding communities in Cap Haitien are limited. “One of the important aspects of Konbit Sante’s work in Haiti, is that we work with Haitians, but the Haitians decide which solution works best for them,” he said.

MacKinnon, who is superintendant of the Yarmouth, Maine, Water District, needed to provide increased access to the well water in the neighborhoods of Cap Haitien. “The challenge in Haiti is the complete lack of access to any type of spare parts,” MacKinnon said. When we started researching hand pumps for installation, he explained, the UN-endorsed pump that is used by many NGOs was made in India, with parts not readily available should something fail.

“We found Bison Pumps online, and the pumps seemed to be well-thought-out in design and built to last,” MacKinnon explained. Konbit Sante followed his recommendation, ordered the first Bison Deep Well Pump and installed it last fall. “Our local people were nervous about the installation,” MacKinnon said, because no one had ever done it before. “It was so easy to install, we all came away with big smiles,” MacKinnon said. Additionally the pump assembly was shipped with all the parts necessary for installation and operation of the Bison Pump.

When it came time to order a second pump for their Haitian partners, MacKinnon said his Haitian partners wanted to make some changes in the pump design to make it even more rugged. “Bison really was easy to work with and implemented the tweaks we suggested,” he said.

The result is a new pump in Bison’s product line-up: The Guzzler. The most obvious change in the original Bison Deep Well Pump is the use of a three-inch stainless steel riser, in place of the 1-1/4-inch riser. The riser is the primary cylinder of the pump, to which the handle and spout are welded. “The standard riser is darn near indestructible with normal use, but Konbit Sante really needed an extra rugged design to withstand the heavy use in Haiti,” said David Harbison, president of Bison Pumps.

The new Guzzler was just completed and shipped for installation in a neighborhood near Justinian Hospital.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

Putting the finishing touches on your yard is easier and more eco-friendly with Toro’s new cordless 12-inch trimmers. Thanks to new lightweight lithium-ion battery technology, there is plenty of power to take on thick grass and weeds, without the hassles of gas and oil. Available in 20-volt* or 24-volt** Max options, these batteries provide up to twice the power per weight as compared to a traditional nickel-cadmium battery. They also allow for longer run time with low self-discharge, so the trimmer is always ready when you are. Both trimmers come with a rapid charger and on-board charge meter to display the battery status.

These cordless trimmers also feature Toro’s innovative, one-step walk-behind edging option. Just push a button and rotate the head to start edging. A wheel guides the trimmer along the ground for easier edging. Both models feature an auto-feed trim line system that automatically adjusts the line to the perfect cutting length, plus a telescoping 14-inch shaft and adjustable assist handle. The assist handle helps reduce fatigue and promotes precision trimming and edging. It can be easily adjusted for added comfort and balance

Weighing 6 pounds and 9 ounces, model 51484 (20V Max*) features a 12-inch cutting head. It has a suggested retail price of $149.99. Model 51486 (24V Max**) adds the power-saver adjustable cut feature that changes the cutting line length from 12 inches to 10 inches for better power efficiency. In addition, this model features an extended battery pack for longer run time.  Weighing in at 7 pounds and 4 ounces, this new string trimmer has a suggested retail price of $169.99.

Look for these new models and the complete Toro string trimmer line-up at hardware stores and select The Home Depot^® stores this spring. For more information, contact Toro toll free at 1-888-384-9939 or visit us on the web at toro.com.

*Battery manufacturer rating = 20V maximum & 18V nominal. Actual voltage varies with load.

**Battery manufacturer rating = 24V maximum & 22.2V nominal. Actual voltage varies with load.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

In the March issue of Consumers Digest, editors proclaimed the Cub Cadet RZTTM S 42 4-Wheel Steer Zero-Turn Rider as a Best Buy in the zero-turn-radius (ZTR) riding lawn mower product category.  According to the publication, the Best Buy designation is only applied to those products that deliver exceptional value – a rating reserved for fewer than three percent of the competing models in any given product category.

Cub Cadet is known for providing break-through innovations, a reputation supported by the Best Buy rating.  The award is more highly-coveted than ever, given the sharp increase in zero-turns on the market from just two years ago.  According to Consumers Digest, 70 ZTRs are on the market for 2012 versus 26 two years ago.  After rigorous assessment of categories such as: performance, ease of use, features, quality of construction and warranty, the RZT S 42 was among two ZTRs that were recommended out of a pool of 70 models.

“Being recognized by Consumers Digest as a Best Buy is very meaningful,” said Jeff Salamon, director of marketing, Cub Cadet.  “This award is meaningful because it recognizes that Cub Cadet is fulfilling its promise of delivering better products, a better experience and better results with innovations no one else can match.”

In a growing market of riding lawn mowers, Cub Cadet revolutionized the industry with the introduction of a zero-turn riding mower equipped with both four-wheel steering and steering wheel control.  With one test drive, homeowners will experience for themselves how the RZT S 42 stands up against the competition.  Consumers Digest editors said it best: “We found that this drivetrain, when combined with this model’s steering wheel (instead of lap bars), makes this model easier to maneuver than any other model that we evaluated.”

With a price tag starting at only $2,699, the RZT S 42 features leading-edge technology and innovation previously only available on professional or higher-end residential products – making it a smart, affordable choice for homeowners with 1/3 up to 3.5 acres of lawn to mow.

The all-new RZT S 42 offers users these important benefits:

Precision: An advanced cutting deck designed with optimum airflow and blade overlap for the perfect Cub Cadet Signature CutTM every time.
Maneuverability: Four-wheel steering delivers ultimate maneuverability, especially when getting around obstacles. Letting you ride with confidence and ease.
Stability: The only zero-turn with four-wheel steering and steering wheel control in its class – offering exceptional traction and stability on hills, so you can tackle tough terrain without damaging your yard.
Reliability: Heavy-duty professional-grade engine and 12-gauge steel frame for enduring performance, plus a dual hydrostatic transmission, cutting deck and chassis all protected under a 3-year limited warranty.
Comfort: Features like an adjustable steering column, cruise control, high-back adjustable seat and SmartJet Deck Wash add to the exceptional experience of owning and operating a Cub Cadet RZT S 42.

The RZT S is available in three deck sizes – the 42 (recipient of the Best Buy designation), 46 and 50 inches and suggested retail prices range from $2,699 to $3,199. For homeowners that prefer lap bar controls, Cub Cadet also offers the RZT residential zero-turn rider in 42, 50 and 54 inch deck sizes ranging from $2,499 to $3,599.

As part of the Cub Cadet Test Drive Challenge, 2012 models are now available to the public to test drive at select Tractor Supply Company and The Home Depot locations, and at Cub Cadet’s 1,500 Authorized Dealers nationwide.  Committed to giving consumers a choice, Cub Cadet will offer test drives at any time via a virtual test drive, and at more than 1,500 dealer locations nationwide.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

We all have experiences in life that leave a lasting impression. Most people will never forget the pomp and circumstance of their high school graduation, how they felt on their wedding day, or the sheer joy that comes from watching their child take his or her first step.

For Gordon Fredrickson of Lakeville, Minnesota, the experience worth remembering is his entire upbringing. He was born in 1945 and raised on a family farm.

“I have fond memories of what rural life used to be like in Minnesota,” says Fredrickson, who along with his wife, Nancy, is now on a mission to preserve the way things used to be for future generations through literature.

After he retired from a career as a high school English teacher and theater director at St. Michael-Albertville High School, and while he was working as an information technician at Factory Motor Parts in Eagan, Fredrickson started writing stories about how life used to be.

“I guess I was inspired by ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,’” he says. “The book is phenomenal in that people still read it and pick it up even though it has nothing to do with what they celebrate. I marvel at that.”

Now Fredrickson is hoping his own children’s tales about farm life in rural Minnesota in the 1950s will become collector’s keepsakes in their own right. Six of the ten books he has written about a fictional farm family scraping a living off the land in rural Minnesota have been published so far. A seventh title will be available this summer.

In his first tale, A Farm Country Christmas Eve published by Beaver’s Pond Press in 2008, the Carlson children tend to their chores as they wait for Santa to arrive. Jimmy, Joey and Mags know the jolly old elf visits farm families when the children are out doing chores, not when they are sleeping. On Christmas Eve, they can’t wait to get their work done so they can see what he brought for them. In the story, 5-year-old Joey learns how to get a calf to drink out of a bucket and why kitties tend to hang around barns.

Fredrickson’s other titles also offer teaching moments about farm life. In A Farm Country Halloween, kids learn how close knit farm communities are. A Farm Country Thanksgiving focuses on what kids did for fun during simpler times. If I Were a Farmer: Nancy’s Adventure offers a glimpse of farm life from a child’s perspective. If I Were a farmer: Field Work shows kids how things used to be done on farms by hand before machines were available and If I Were a Farmer: Tommy’s Adventure focuses on all the labor-intensive jobs that needed to be done on a day-to-day basis.

A seventh title will be published this summer. A Farm Country Picnic is a story about summertime – the haying season on the farm. One day the kids want to go fishing and have a picnic, but their parents didn’t have time to take a break because the hay needs to get cut and then picked up from the field after it dries. Their father tells them they can go fishing the next time it rains.  But when that much anticipated day comes, an unexpected problem postpones their afternoon of fun.

All of Fredrickson’s tales are fictional, but like most good authors, he has interjected a lot of his own personal experiences into his books. As a young boy he milked cows, carried water to the hogs and chickens and gathered dandelions to feed to the goslings. His older sisters had important chores to do too.

Fredrickson’s parents kept that family farm going for close to 40 years until 1980 when it became too much to handle and they needed to call it quits; and they were not alone. According to the USDA’s 2007 Census of Agriculture, the number of farms nationwide has been on a declining trend since World War II. In 1950, 5.3 million farms dotted the nation. The 2007 Census of Agriculture counted less than half that number: 2,204,792 farms in the United States.

The majority of Minnesota’s family farms may be gone, but if Fredrickson has anything to do with it, they will never be forgotten. He spends a great deal of time traveling the state, putting on what he calls “little performances” at schools, libraries, community centers, State Fairs, “Pretty much anywhere anyone wants me,” says Fredrickson. 

No matter who he is presenting to, toddlers , elementary school students, audiences at museums, or senior citizens, his shows all begin with a similar introduction: “Hello everyone. My name is Gordon Fredrickson. For the past ten years I have been writing and performing stories about a fictional farm country in 1950. Now I don’t write these stories to try to glorify the past nor to lament the loss of the many family farms. Instead I write to try to preserve our farm heritage by telling entertaining, accurate stories about farm families with humor and love because I truly believe a story not told is lost forever.”

Fredrickson shows up for each of his performances dressed in the same bib overalls real farmers wear, which adds a level of authenticity to the show people are about to see. During his performances he reads from one or more of his books, and puts great inflection into the voices of each character as he project pictures from the past and illustrations from his books onto a large screen.

“Teachers at several of the preschools I have read at have told me the kids were mesmerized form the moment I came into the room. Adults have told me the presentations made them feel all nostalgic. I am so glad people have liked the show,” says Fredrickson.

So what’s next for this retired farmer from Lakeville? He is hoping to see a play he is in the process of writing come to life on the stage. “Farm Country Tales” lays out the story of farming in 1950 from a child’s point of view and an adult’s point of view.

“I want to create a kit that rural schools can send for, and it will be a play of their heritage. It will be a play about them,” says Fredrickson.

Gordon Fredrickson’s books are available at bookstores everywhere, and can also be ordered online at Amazon.com or through the author’s website: www.gordonfredrickson.com. The site also has information on how to request a free Farm Country performance for your school or organization.

About the Author  

Gordon Fredrickson was born in New Prague, Minnesota, and grew up on his family’s 120-acre dairy farm in hilly, rocky eastern Scott County. Like all local farm children, he began work on the farm as a young child. His chores included such activities as milking the cows, carrying water to the chickens and hogs and picking dandelions to feed the goslings.

Fredrickson and his wife of 40 years, Nancy, now live on a small piece of the property his parents farmed in the middle and latter part of the 20th century.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.