Okay guys and gals, things here at Landscape Contractor Magazine (LCM) are about to get a bit interesting. I've been given the "reigns" to this column and feel it's time we talk about the things you really want to know. I'm talking about power; the biggest and baddest machines we can find on the market.

Sure it's great to know proper care and maintenance of these machines, but let's face it; if you wanted to read that sort of information, you'd pick up the owner's manual. And yes, each machine comes with an owner's manual. You probably threw it in the trash the day you bought the system.

Well, enough of this wasting time, let's open up the LCM Barn and see what we have parked in the Horse Power stable this month.

The Product

With this issue's theme being erosion control, we thought it might be fun to take a look at mid-sized hydro seeders. Why not? We all wanted to be firefighters when we were young. This is basically the same idea, only instead of water (which coincidentally can be sprayed from these machines) you're spraying a slurry.

Now let me introduce you to our stallion. Parked in our stall we have the HS-1600-ZX brought to you by Turbo Technologies, Inc.

"Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth"

If horsepower is your thing, then your jaw will drop when you see the HS-1600-ZX (I think we need a bigger stall for this one). This impressive machine comes equipped with a 44.5 H.P. John Deere diesel engine. Coupled with a four-inch by four-inch, 740 gallons-per-minute (G.P.M.) high-volume, high-pressure centrifugal pump, you get a system that will seed up to 10 acres a day. Oh, and in case the 44.5 H.P. engine isn't big enough, you can special order a larger one for a "slight" upcharge. How does a 65 H.P. John Deere diesel engine sound? According to Ray Badger, President of Turbo Technologies, Inc., nobody has ever ordered this engine, but I feel secure knowing I can get it.

Performance

Our friend, the 44.5 H.P. hydro seeder, has some impressive talents to go with the engine. Equipped with a two-inch turret gun (or canon if you prefer) this system can launch your mixture up to 130 feet using an area/volume kit. If you want to get a little closer to the action, the unit comes with 100 feet of hose and can handle an extra 200 feet. This however, will cut your spray distance down to 70 feet.

The tank holds up to 1,600 gallons of mix, which can create a problem. Do you have a truck that can carry 15,150 pounds? I hope so because this is the weight of the system and mixture combined. I wouldn't suggest loading this on just any pick-up truck.

I have one question though. Where is the drink holder?

Value

The thought of a 65 H.P. engine in a hydroseeder might sound good, but don't forget the sticker price. The standard 44.5 H.P. hydro seeder itself comes listed just under $24,000. Pocket change if you were Donald Trump, but I'm guessing he has no use for a hydro seeder. Remember the upgrade in engines will downgrade your checking account.

So there you have it. This is just one of the mid-sized hydro seeding products on the market. It really isn't practical for your 500 square-foot residential project, but think of all the other things you could use them for: a 1,600 gallon tank would make for a large punch bowl at the block party. Not to mention the fun you could have serving up that drink.

If you think you have the biggest and baddest product, no matter what the category is, we want to hear about it. Send in your submissions to Landscape Contractor Magazine, Attn: Horse Power, 14771 Plaza Drive, Suite M, Tustin, CA 92780.