Robert Foster, owner of the Intimidator Group in Batesville, AR, has always loved lawnmowers. He spent roughly eight months working on a new machine, The Spartan, out in his garage in the lead-up to GIE+EXPO 2015. By showtime on October 20, he had a dozen prototypes ready to make the trek to Louisville, KY, for the industry to see.
Foster says the inspiration for the mower design came from the muscle car era of the 1960s and 70s. "We wanted this to be the Harley-Davidson of mowers," Foster adds. "When dealers and contractors look at this mower, they say, 'It's a beast, but it's still sexy.'"
Watch the video interview with Robert Foster
Key features
- Smart Ride Technology (SRT), with middle and rear elastomer TecsPak and front neoprene cushioning, help absorb shock
- Soft-ride steel belted radial tires
- Ergonomic cockpit puts operator in center of circle
- Brake system frees up arm space
- LCD control panel and warning indicators
- Shock-assisted deck lift; certain models also have electric actuator
- Low center of gravity and angled front forks allow for closer cut through straights and turns
- Same heavy frame as company's Intimidator UTVs
- Plug-and-play system allows user to add accessories
There are five models available starting at $4,995 and all under $10,000: RT PRO, RT HD, SRT PRO, SRT HD, and SRT XD. A variety of engines and deck sizes are available, allowing for a total of 24 variations to accommodate a variety of residential and commercial uses.
