What's Cutting in 2021?

As part of the Green Industry Pros 2021 mower trends coverage, we asked the manufacturer respondents to share insight into their latest mowers and/or any new products and upgrades coming up for the 2021 season.

The largest of the Bobcat Company's mower line-up, the ZT7000 comes with either standard or EFI engine options.BobcatBobcat

With the launch of its new line-up of mowers last fall, Bobcat unleashed it’s “Bring Tough to Turf” tagline. This will be the first full season of cutting for Bobcat’s mower line and they’ve got a wide range of products from a pure residential mower all the way to the commercial grade equipment.

“Our biggest, baddest mower is our ZT 7000, which has some EFI engine choices as well as some standard engine choices,” says Ron Scheffler, senior product manager, Bobcat.

All Bobcat’s commercial products this year will have the AirFX deck cutting system on them. Available on the new ZS4000 through ZT7000 zero-turn, the AirFX system is designed with a deep profile and bullnose design to lift the grass to the blade and deliver a uniform cut. “It has proven to provide a very clean deck at the end of the day,” Scheffler says. It is intended to help landscape contractors be more efficient by letting them cut more grass and get more properties done, minimizing the need to clean-up their machines.

“Our AirFX cutting system is really cleaning out underneath that deck giving a great dispersion,” he says. “And now it’s on our ZS 4000 stand-on mowers, which came from a result of a lot of landscapers giving feedback from our standard zero-turn machines and saying, ‘hey, you got to throw this on your stand-on.’”

In addition, Scheffler teased the release of some additional accessories for the Bobcat mower line-up in 2021.

Cub Cadet

In 2021, Cub Cadet will offer a 36-inch stand-on. Joshua Sooy, segment director, professional equipment, Cub Cadet says the new mower will provide outstanding maneuverability in small spaces without sacrificing the feel and performance our customers have come to expect from our larger stand-ons.

“Additionally, we are launching new EFI offerings along with a power-assist bagger for our Pro Z commercial zero-turn mowers,” Sooy says. “We are dedicated to exceeding the expectations of our customers by partnering with them through every step of the development process.”

The largest Lazer Z model, the 96-inch Lazer Z Diesel, has been updated with a new engine shroud that significantly reduces engine operating temperatures.ExmarkExmark

Lenny Mangnall, Exmark product manager explains that for more than 25-years, the Lazer Z has set the standard in the zero-turn category for Exmark.

Launched as a single series in 1995, today the Lazer Z family has grown to include four series and numerous models. Exmark offers gasoline- and diesel-powered Lazer Z models with decks capable of cutting up to 96-inches per pass.

Mangnall says for 2021, Exmark has updated the largest, most powerful Lazer Z model – the 96-inch Lazer Z Diesel – with a new engine shroud that significantly reduces engine operating temperatures. The revised positioning and increased surface area of the new screen enables the fan to draw cleaner, cooler intake air across the radiator.

Also, he says Exmark has expanded availability of the Tractus airless drive tires to come standard on select Lazer Z models and be available as an aftermarket accessory for 60- or 72-inch gasoline-powered Lazer Z models.

Grasshopper's MidMount 337G5 EFI model has a larger 993 cc Vanguard engine, as well as larger Hydro-Gear ZT-5400 hydrostatic transmission, with deck sizes of 61- or 72-inches.GrasshopperGrasshopper

Grasshopper introduced three new EFI-equipped mowers in the last 12 months, two 300G Series MidMount mowers, and a 900 Series FrontMount model.
Marketing specialist Brian Schoenthaler says the 328G4 EFI MidMount mower features an 810 cc Vanguard engine and a Hydro-Gear ZT 4400 hydrostatic transmissions. This model is available in deck sizes of 52 or 61 inches. The MidMount 337G5 EFI model has a larger 993 cc Vanguard engine, as well as larger Hydro-Gear ZT-5400 hydrostatic transmissions, with deck sizes of 61- or 72-inches.

Continuing, he says the 900 Series Model 937 FrontMount mower also features the 993 cc Vanguard EFI engine, and has G3, 21cc pump-and-wheel motor systems that are design-matched for the mower. This 900 Series mower offers 61- or72-inch deck sizes with either side or rear-discharge configuration. “As with all Grasshopper FrontMount models, the deck on the 937 can be removed and easily replaced with a number of turf renovation, debris management or snow removal implements that let you use your mower investment year-round,” Schoenthaler says.

Hustler's 2021 X-ONE saw three major updates starting with more horsepower with a Kawasaki FX850 EFI and a brand-new deck design.Hustler Turf EquipmentHustler Turf Equipment

Hustler Turf announced an all-new lineup of enhanced zero-turn mowers at the beginning of 2021, including a redesign of the residential Raptor series and FasTrak, Super S, and X-ONE commercial units.

“The industry is seeing a larger push for productivity on the commercial front and we know spending less time mowing is also critical for homeowners,” said Adam Mullet, vice president, sales and new products for Hustler Turf. “The 2021 lineup addresses the needs of both residential and commercial users who want to get more done in the day.”

Re-engineered from the ground up, the Raptor series of mowers packs more performance, reliability and Hustler features into the overall design. A longtime favorite by Hustler enthusiasts, Raptors deliver a smooth and fluid mowing experience.

Now designed for commercial use, the FasTrak makes quick work of expansive areas with its 23-inch BigBite rear tires. Mullet says the upgraded zero-turn also comes equipped with Kawasaki FT Commercial V-twin Engines, which includes a vortical air filtration system and the FasTrak zero-turn now has Hydro-Gear ZT-3200 transmissions. This mower’s horsepower ranges from 22 hp to 27-hp across 48-, 54- and 60-inch model options. Also available on the 54- and 60-inch is the Kohler 7500 EFI engine with 27 hp.

All new for 2021, larger drive tires, more power, and an enhanced deck are all featured on the Super S. The completely refreshed Super S now boasts a Kawasaki FX850 EFI option, VX Deck, and ergonomic tower and controls. The commercial zero-turn also comes with 24-inch drive tires (20-inch on the 36-inch deck), a new push button deck lift handle, and a new foot pan suspension system.

“The new controls add to operator comfort for all-day mowing,” said Mullet. “And, with larger drive tires, more horsepower and a brand new deck design, this stand-on can compete with any in the industry.”

Lastly, Mullet says the 2021 X-ONE saw three major updates starting with more horsepower with a Kawasaki FX850 EFI and a brand-new deck design. He says the X-ONE is built for the full-time commercial landscaper to provide all day, every day performance.

Among the new attachments for the John Deere Z900 ZTrak line include a string trimmer rack, cargo tray and tool carrier.John DeereJohn Deere

John Deere Go-To-Market Manager Nick Minas highlighted some of the new attachments to the Z900 ZTrack line-up that have been released for 2021.

He says the three newer attachments for the Z900 ZTrak line include a string trimmer rack, cargo tray, and tool carrier. “The string trimmer mount enables the operator to keep hand-held string trimmers on the machine for easy access,” Minas notes. “With the cargo tray, operators can store up to 20 pounds of small, hand-held items, providing more storage on machines. Lastly, the tool carrier allows for standard yard tools, like a rake or a shovel to be carried on the mower, improving efficiency while completing jobs.”

Additionally, he says the Fastback PRO Rear-Discharge Mower Deck, available in 60- or 72-inch cutting widths, provides a rear-discharge solution for the Z900 ZTrak gas and diesel zero-turn mower line.  “The deck option features heavy-duty, commercial-grade design that is built to enhance productivity while providing a high quality of cut,” Minas notes. “With the rear-discharge design, the chance of damage from objects being thrown from the mower deck is decreased.” Also, he says the design helps minimize the number of debris blown onto the operator, resulting in a cleaner mowing experience, and saving time by allowing operators to mow closely around fixed objects with either side of the deck.

“With our full range of solutions, we’re providing customers with the machines they need to power through tough jobs regardless of the challenges they face,” Minas says.

KIOTI Tractor

KIOTI’s zero-turn-radius mower line featuring 12 models optimized for a variety of commercial and residential uses launched just two years ago this spring.

“We’re thrilled to see landscaping professionals and homeowners alike across North America turn to the tractor manufacturer they’ve trusted for decades to now meet their turf care needs as well,” says Steve Cathey, territory manager, KIOTI Tractor. “We’re encouraged by our ZTRs’ first two years in the market and are continuing to research and develop upgrades and new products to meet the needs of landscaping contractors, including the expansion of our commercial offerings.”

Scag's SFC30, a 30-inch walk-behind mower was unveiled during the Scag Live event held in October as a replacement of GIE+EXPO showcase.ScagScag

In October 2020, Scag showed a prototype of the recently released SFC30, a 30-inch walk-behind mower, during its GIE+EXPO replacement event, “Scag Live.”

“Since Scag Live, not a day went by where our team and dealer/distributor network didn’t talk about the excitement and offer feedback on the product,” says marketing manager Jake Segrin. “We’re really excited with where the product is at as we’ve now started rolling these down our West Bend assembly line.”

Toro has unveiled the new Z Master 4000 Series for the 2021 cutting season.ToroToro

Mitchel Hoffman, marketing manager at Toro says first and foremost, battery-power is here to stay in the green industry.

“For the professionals, we’ve had several key launches in 2021,” he says “We’ve seen many contractors gearing up to make the change to battery-powered lawn care equipment as performance expectations begin to meet and exceed what was previously possible. Toro is ready to answer the call with a fleet of low noise, zero exhaust engine emissions and powerful professional battery equipment.”

Hoffman says with the new Toro 60V 21-inch Commercial Heavy-Duty Mower, professionals can be ready to transition to an engine emission-free lawncare fleet of mowers and tools in the years ahead. “The launch of the revolutionary 60V commercial mower is just the start to a complete game-changing commercial product line-up,” he says.

Additionally, in today’s competitive landscape and lawncare profession, Hoffman explains that Toro knows that contractors need to be flexible and nimble. To meet those needs, Toro’s GrandStand MULTI FORCE stand-on mower delivers with a growing attachment system to offer year-round versatility from a single machine.

“With more than 100 years of experience, Toro engineers have continuously been developing and designing new tools to help landscape professionals be more productive and profitable,” Hoffman says. “The Toro MULTI FORCE system is the perfect example of their ingenuity and innovation. MULTI FORCE tools allow landscape and lawncare professionals to customize their attachments to meet their local, on-the-ground needs.”

Also, for the 2021 mowing season, Toro has unveiled its brand-new Z Master 4000 Series of zero-turn mowers.

“For contractors looking to take their landscape contracting business to a new level, the all-new Toro Z Master 4000 answers the call, and it all starts with the TURBO FORCE cutting deck,” Hoffman says. “The TURBO FORCE system is forged with an offset 50 KSI 7-gauge high strength steel deck. This deck design has proven itself through over 100 million combined hours of real-world experience cutting through the harshest conditions and all types of grasses. The TURBO FORCE deck is complemented with an extra-strength tubular chassis and durably rugged I-beam front-end.”