From Lawnandlandscape.com.
The Vanguard Power Code brings information to the engine operator’s smartphone.
Continuing its commitment to minimizing equipment downtime, Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power introduces Power Code quick response code to its Vanguard single-cylinder and V-twin engines.
The first of its kind in the industry, a Vanguard Power Code is a square barcode located on the engine that, after being scanned with a smart phone’s barcode reader, directs the user to an array of important information for that specific engine model. Most notably, the Vanguard Power Code will provide the equipment operator with troubleshooting information especially suited for in-field support.
“For turf and construction professionals, equipment downtime on the jobsite causes frustration and costs money,” said Dan Roche, marketing manager for Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power. “The Vanguard Power Code gets immediate information directly to the operator regardless of where they are located so they can get back to work quickly. That means fewer trips back to the shop and more projects done on-time.”
In addition to jobsite troubleshooting guidelines, other highlights of the Vanguard Power Code include:
• Dealer locator – via GPS or zip code search
• FAQs – includes answers to operation and maintenance questions
• Parts lists – common replacement parts for the specific engine
• Recommended maintenance instructions and schedules – includes oil recommendations
• Advanced troubleshooting information – for more technical engine repairs at the shop
• Owner’s manuals – by request or PDF download to the user’s phone
• Language preference – All Vanguard Power Codes will have information available in English or Spanish
Vanguard Power Codes will be available on engines manufactured beginning in January 2012.
Hello Paul,
We live on about a 1/2 acre walk-out lot, so there are significant hills on both sides of the house (approximately 25-30 degree slope), plus another hill in the back yard which leads to a wetland (also approximately 30 degree slope). Because of the wetland, I have to mow the backyard hill running the length of it (rather than straight up and down). I’ve been doing a fair amount of research online trying to gain some knowledge on what might be the most cost effective investment for a riding mower for this type of yard. From what I’ve found so far, it seems that hills are generally evil and very hard on the transmissions. Yet, in my humble opinion, walk-out lots are not unique so I’d hope that tractor manufacturers would take this into account during their design phase. As you might expect, I’d rather not have to buy a new tractor every 3-5 years or have expensive repairs required due to the terrain.
I’ve had trouble finding any definitive answers so I’m hoping your experience can provide me some insight and a good direction for my continued research.
Regards,
Steve
@Steve, there are mowers out there designed to mows slopes but unfortunately they are expensive. For example the
http://www.ihi-shibaura.com/english/catalog/pdf/sg280.pdfShibaura will mow to about 35 degrees.60 inch and larger commercial zero-turns (Exmark, Toro, Skag) and stand-on units like the Toto Grandstand and Wright Stander are also capable of mowing where lawn tractors and garden tractors fear to tread.
I had a 36 inch and a 48 inch Toro T-Bar walk-behind mowers to mow properties like yours when I had the lawn service. These mowers do a great job of mowing and will hang on slopes well over 40 degrees.
You can pick up a used one for around 1500 to 2500 dollars. and it will last you years.
Thanks Paul. I was afraid you might say that the investment would increase significantly in order to mitigate the hills. Not sure what I’ll do exactly, but I have the winter to figure that out (we’re in MN).
I was considering the Craftsman PYT9000 thinking that since it is their “Professional” line that it may have a better transmission, frame, and component parts, therefore handling the conditions. Am I flawed or dilusional with that way of thinking?
Steve
@Steve, At this time the “Professional” line is discontinued. There was not enough difference between it and the YT and GT series and customers did not buy enough of them for Sears to have a separate line. In my opinion the PYT9000 (MTD built) is no better than the YT4500 (Husqvarna built) and the PGT9000 (MTD built) is no different than the GT6000 (Husqvarna built) in strength and durability. In fact, other than the motor, the Husqvarna built tractors have features not found on the professional series (turn tight) steering.
The PYT’s are essentially a 1000 series Cub Cadet so the quality is good, and parts will be available to many years.
Being discontinued, they are getting hard to find. If you can get one for less than $1900, I suggest you get it now.