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New 2011 GATOR XUV 4x4
They're not just a work vehicle anymore. Though John Deere Gators were originally built to help customers get work done, the newest John Deere XUV Gators are also for customers who just want to have fun. To prove it, John Deere took their XUV 4X4's out to the Best-In-the-Desert Racing Series to let drivers and fans alike put the new Gators to the test. To see and hear how these machines performed, click on the video link below. And for more detailed information about these amazing machines, read on.
CLICK HERE to see it in action!
Advanced Engine
Power VS. Pretenders:
The XUV 825i's 50-hp, 812cc, 3-cylinder vibration-isolated engine generates intense performance and low-end working torque plus 1000 watts of juice for accessories. Dual overhead cams, 4-valves per cylinder and EFI ensure responsiveness. A vari-throttle can even tell the difference between when you lightly tap the pedal or floor it. and components are automotive-grade. So it not only outperforms, but outlasts lighter-weight sport engines.
Proven To Perform
Tough VS. Weak:
Talk about a background check. These new XUVs survived over 20,000 hours of blistering real-world testing in one of the harshest environments in the United States. And were lab tested to ensure cold/hot and high-altitude performance under load.
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The 7-Iron II Deck
Strength: you're either stamped with it or you're not.
The strongest welds in the world are no match for a deck that is stamped out of thick steel. It takes 4,000,000 pounds of pressure to turn a sheet of 7-gauge steel into the backbone of the best mower deck in the industry: the 7-Iron PRO. 5.5 inches deep, the 7-Iron PRO deck houses blades that run at a speed of 18,000 feet per minute for more blades strikes per inch mowed and more acres per day. Stamped with strength and refined with a precision cut, no other deck in the industry has matched the 7-Iron deck since it was introduced in 1997.
This is how you build the best deck in the commercial mowing business: watch this video and see how the best deck in the industry is fabricated.
Best of all it is backed by AA Equipment - Your Source for all of your Commercial Mowing Needs... Ask for a Demonstration Today!
Tierra Del Sol 49th Annual Desert Safari
John Deere Gator continues to improve.
Although this was not an official Best in the Desert Series race, it gave Scott Martinez and his John Deere race team another opportunity to improve on the performance of the vehicle. Scott looked forward to the Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari to get some valuable test runs. "Anytime you can get out in an environment like this, it gives the team the chance to tweak certain things. That allows us to improve our performance and be more competitive."
Base Camp for this event was located 23 miles east from Christmas Circle (Borrego Springs) on S-22 or 3 miles west of state highway 86. All was not work as Scott had time to ride some exceptional trails and spend time with friends and family. Scott will be on the trail again at the Bilek Racing Silver State "300" in Mesquite, NV on April 29, 30, May 1, 2011. Click here to see the latest video of the race Gator in action.
America's 10 Most Durable Brands --
and Their Logos
By DOUGLAS MCINTYRE - DailyFinance
They're the brands you can't help but know, with logos that nearly everyone will recognize. They're companies founded back in the 1800s that became the major players in providing the products and services of the next century -- and the one after that. Names like AT&T and JP Morgan, Coca-Cola and John Deere. And while their logos have changed over time, the changes have been evolutionary, not revolutionary. Companies with this kind of brand recognition don't tamper with it lightly.
So which firms' brands earned a place on 24/7 Wall St.'s list of America's 10 classic corporate icons, and how did they make the grade? We started by searching for brands that weren't just old, but part of America's consciousness -- and that have kept essentially the same logos since they were established. We also looked at the valuations performed by brand-management firms such as BrandZ and Interbrand.
Then, 24/7 reviewed the histories of famous logos, looking at them at several points during the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries -- and only businesses whose histories go that far back were considered. Today, the logos on this list are all owned by large multinationals that usually use the same brand images for these products worldwide.
To make the list, a logo had to be clearly recognizable to a large part of the American population, both now and over the last hundred years -- an admittedly subjective measurement. A number of logos have stood the test of time but would be recognized only in certain regions, in individual industries, or by a small fraction of the public.
Here they are: The top 10 brand logos in American commerce. Odds are, you'll recognize them all -- and with good reason. CLICK HERE to view photos of the now and then most popular logos.
Staying Sharp –
Maintaining a sharp edge on your rotary blade
Why it is important
When you cut grass with a dull blade you are actually tearing the grass. Grass that is torn rather than cut clean will require more energy for the plant to recover and not allow healthy plant growth between mowing. This also leaves the plant more susceptible to turf diseases and even death.
Checking blades for sharpness
The easiest way to check for a dull blade is to examine the blades themselves. Does the blade have a lot of nicks and dimples in it? If you press your finger against the blade, does it leave a crease in your skin? If not, it is time to sharpen it. Another method is to examine your turf clippings and see if they are frayed and dry. If they are, then it is time to sharpen your blade. Remember that a blade of grass that is mowed with a sharp mower blade will hold its chlorophyll so your turf will keep a healthy green color.
Removing the blade
A good way to start is to squirt some penetrating oil on the blade bolt and nut and let it stand for a few minutes. While you are waiting, pull the spark plug wire to make sure the mower does not accidentally start. I have talked to some people who had stitches in their hands or even a few missing fingers because the engine fired unexpectedly.
Block the blade so that it does not turn while you are removing the blade nut. A blade holder will make this easy. However, if you do not have one, a block of wood under the deck and a C-clamp will do the job.
Once the blade is removed, use a scraper to remove excess grass build up around the center hole of the blade. This will ensure a good, tight fit and assists in keeping the mounting bolt from working loose.
Sharpen the blade
Now that you have removed the blade, it's time for sharpening. The primary goal is to consistently maintain the correct angle on the blade. Manufacturers perform hours of testing to determine the angle that will give the user the best cut with the longest span of time between sharpening. It's important to keep the angle as it was intended. Around 40 degrees is typical, but this can vary, so check with the blade manufacturer to obtain the exact figure.
A narrower angle, such as that of a pocketknife, will cut well initially, but will dull quickly and nick easily. On the other hand, a blade with a less severe (more blunt) angle will not provide the same quality of cut, even though it might wear more slowly.
Blades come from the manufacturer with a milled edge. Milled edges are the best, but machines that provide a milled edge are expensive. You still can do a good job with a professional blade grinder. A sharpener with a grinding wheel is not preferred, because it will give you a hollow grind.
As you sharpen, move the blade back and forth across the grinder, maintaining the proper angle until you get the edge you need. Do not force the blade into the grinder. Forcing the blade to grind faster heats the blade and will begin to cause the metal to lose its temper (hardness of the blade). Some mechanics will keep a bucket of water handy and will dip the blade in it to cool. If the blade turns a straw color while grinding, it's too hot and the temper is likely gone.
Check for balance and straightness
It is not necessary to grind a blade until all nicks are out. Grind until you have a sharp edge on the blade in the area where there are no nicks. A blade with numerous nicks should be replaced, but a few can be tolerated.
Try to grind both edges of the blade evenly, removing the same amount of metal from both ends. This is important when you check the balance. An inexpensive cone-shaped blade balancer can do an excellent job. Wall-mounted blade balances are also available. These help you see if the blade is straight.
An out-of-balance or bent blade can cause severe vibration and damage to your equipment. You can balance a blade by grinding just a little more metal off the heavy end of the blade. However, never try to straighten a severely bent blade. Straightening it could cause a weakened or cracked blade. A cracked blade could break apart when turning at the high RPMs under the deck. The potential liability or injury is not worth the cost of a replacement blade.
Remount the blade
Once you have finished balancing the blade and checking it for straightness, clean any burrs or jagged edges with a metal file. Now it's time to put the blade back on the mower deck. Remember you now have a very sharp blade. Use extreme caution when installing.
Spring's Starting... isn't it time your equipment did too?
AA Equipment is moving all discontinued models of Echo Products to make room for the new models. Take advantage of these once in a lifetime savings. All products are new and have full manufacturer's warranty. We will beat the price* from any other store for the same model number - while supplies last. CLICK on the coupon below to download the list of models available. HURRY QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED - AT THESE GREAT PRICES SUPPLIES WON'T LAST!
*must be new equipment, not refurbished units, must show proof of lower price.
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