Mower’s Increased Productivity Could Help Ease Labor Challenges

Exmark has unveiled what it describes as its largest, most powerful commercial zero-turn mower.

The 144-inch Lazer Z Diesel can cut up to 11.5 acres per hour, and the company said the machine sets a new standard for zero-turn productivity.

Exmark product manager Lenny Mangnall said government agencies are often responsible for maintaining vast expanses of turf, and he noted the 11.5-acres-per-hour cutting rate means the mower makes quick work of even the largest mowing jobs.

Mangnall said productivity is needed as companies and organizations are competing to hire landscape maintenance professionals.

“We’re always looking to increase the productivity potential of each worker,” Mangnall said.

The mower’s 144-inch UltraCut rear discharge flex wing cutting deck pairs a 48-inch center deck with two 48-inch wing decks. It can articulate 20 degrees up and 15 degrees down, and the floating wing decks minimize scalping. The deck uses six matching blades and a rear discharge design for increased productivity and a strong finished cut quality.

For easier transport, both wing decks fold hydraulically to ease loading and unloading. That helps reduce required trailering space, which allows the 144-inch Lazer Z Diesel to fit on industry-standard trailers that are designed for 72-inch machines.

Yanmar Engine

The 144-inch Lazer Z Diesel features a 43.5-hp Yanmar three-cylinder diesel engine. The engine’s common rail fuel injection and a turbo charger can help bring the necessary torque to get through tough cutting conditions without reducing speed or cut quality.

The Yanmar engine meets EPA Final Tier 4 emissions standards.

Exmark also worked toward greater operator comfort in building the product — which includes isolation mounts under the seat base and footrest — and within the motion control system, providing isolation from vibration transmitted through the mower frame.