Toro Co. has created one hybrid machine for all seasons that promises to let customers mow grass in the summer, blow leaves in the fall and plow away snow in the winter.
One year after its $227 million acquisition of the Boss line of snowplow equipment, Toro unleashed the GrandStand Multi Force machine with a quickly interchangeable snowplow, mowing deck and other parts.
"The GrandStand Multi Force gives our customers a way to do more with one machine, instead of needing dedicated equipment for each season," said Toro senior marketing manager Ross Hawley. "The result is added equipment utilization and higher productivity. This is rather exciting."
Toro introduced the hybrid, which it says is different from anything else on the market, to favorable reviews at last month's Green Industry & Equipment Expo in Kentucky, the largest U.S. trade show for outdoor equipment and landscaping products.
Toro showcased several lines of products at the show, but the reaction proved strongest for the GrandStand Multi Force. One contractor ordered a machine right at the trade show so he could fulfill a new contract to clear snow off 30 sidewalks next winter. Other contractors said they liked what they saw and expect it to save them money and time down the road.
Toro in the spring will begin selling two models of the new beast. The basic machine comes with a mowing deck available in either 52- or 60-inch widths. Each attachment will cost extra. Options include a 60-inch snowplow, power boom, large debris blower and leaf baggers.
The basic Multi Force machine has a suggested retail price of $11,000 to $13,000. Prices for attachments are yet to be determined, officials said.
Toro plans to market the new product to professional landscapers and groundskeepers who often use one fleet of lawn mowers for summer and then separate vehicles or machines with snowplow attachments in the winter.
