Few things in the landscape industry offer the instant gratification of a freshly mowed lawn. Paving and irrigation projects take time; new plants and trees don't bloom and grow overnight; but the moment a lawnmower touches the grass, a change is noticed and the landscape looks better.

A well-groomed playing field with the patterned lines of a mower is worthy of attention. Also noteworthy is the dark green lawn recently manicured in front of a home. A lawn neglected for two weeks can make a landscape look shabby and uncared for - until it is cut. Once that happens, an amazing metamorphosis is realized.

I enjoy looking at a lawn that has been maintained with care and consideration, and the pungent smell of cut grass. And, since a well-kept lawn is worthy of admiration, this month we will be looking at two different walk-behind mowers to help get the job done on a commercial level.

Turf Tracer

There are three engine options for the Turf Tracer, that include a 23 hp Kawasaki V-twin, and 20 or 23 hp Kohler V-twins.

The Turf Tracer(r) is a heavy-duty commercial mower for landscape professionals. This walk-behind machine is manufactured by Exmark. There are three engine options for the Turf Tracer, that include a 23 hp Kawasaki V-twin, and 20 or 23 hp Kohler V-twins. All three engines feature heavy-duty canister air filters that increase engine life and simplify maintenance.

The Turf Tracer features Exmark's Enhanced Control System (ECS), which positions the hands, arm and back to increase control, comfort and productivity. ECS allows instant forward-to-reverse control and variable speed adjustments to provide pinpoint control, even with a large 60" cutting deck. The topside and inward positioning of the controls also keeps the operator's hands further from obstacles, creating a safety zone that helps to protect hands from injury.

Additional features include: 52-inch and 60-inch decks; a heavy-duty electromagnetic clutch that provides extended durability; the patented Insta-Track system that allows quick tracking adjustments; large (18 x 8.5-8) rear drive tires for optimum traction and minimum compaction; and ground speeds up to 6.2 mph forward with zero-turn capabilities

To learn more about the Turf Tracer, or any of the other commercial walk-behind and riding mowers Exmark manufactures, visit www.exmark.com.

HoverMower 19H4

The HM 19H4 is a 20-inch hovering lawn mower built to handle heavy commercial applications

Eastman Industries has recently introduced a new 20-inch hovering lawn mower. The HoverMower(tm) floats on a cushion of air; without any wheels it mows in any direction following the contour of the land. Eastman Industries notes that the mowers provide a fast professional cut on steep slopes, wet grounds, lake banks, sand traps, retaining walls and awkward hard to reach angles.

Here's the basic rundown: The 19H4 is a 20-inch mower weighing 75 pounds. The unit has a alloy aluminum deck with heavy-duty steel wheels and tires. Engine options for the 19H4 are either a five horsepower Kawasaki FC 150 or a five horsepower Honda GXV140. Eastman comments that the mower is constructed to be light with powerful cutting performance and the discharge capabilities required for heavy commercial applications.

Other specifications include: continuous operation on slopes up to a 45-degree incline; reversible stainless steel blades, metal edged nylon blades, nylon strings and a steel bar blade; a cut height that ranges from a half inch to three inches, with the width reaching 19 inches; and a high density polyethylene deck that is UV and chemical resistant.

For more information visit: www.hovermower.com.