Shank's Lawn Blog

If you’re looking for a new leaf blower, there are a lot of options to choose from. Do you need a remote throttle? How does speed and air volume affect performance? Is it worth buying a walk-behind blower? Here’s what you should know, so you can make the right decision for your next equipment purchase.

Power

There are two measurements of power for leaf blowers: speed and volume. Faster air is better at moving heavy material, like wet leaves. Volume increases the amount of leaves the blower will move at one time.

Speed and volume are controlled by engine power and nozzle size. Most commercial backpack blowers come with a pair of nozzles. The standard nozzle has a wide opening to move large quantities of leaves. The turbo nozzle has a small opening, increasing air speed to move heavy leaves.

Noise

Leaf blowers are loud, which can be a major annoyance for neighbors, and may violate local noise ordinances. With that in mind, most blowers are rated for sound from 50 feet away, not from the operator’s position. Users should always use hearing protection, regardless of their blower’s noise rating. Keep in mind that decibels are logarithmic. Every 10 dB is a doubling of loudness.

Do I Need a Backpack, Walk-Behind or Stander Blower?

Air speed on walk-behind and stander blowers is only a little higher than a backpack blower. However, air volume is much higher. Step up to a stander, and you also get faster movement speed. Depending on performance, walk-behinds and standers can clear leaves 4-10 times faster in open areas than a backpack blower. However, they don’t do nearly as well around obstacles or in confined spaces. Walk-behind and stander blowers use four stroke motors, which last far longer than the two strokes used in backpack blowers. While the upfront cost is high, savings in maintenance and labor give these machines an advantage. Most professionals use large blowers for yards and fields, then switch to backpack blowers for cleaning out areas around buildings and other obstacles.

What Design Features Should I Look For?

A loop handle makes it easier to hold a backpack blower when you start the engine, and makes it easier to lift it onto your shoulders. A swiveling tube makes the hose and nozzle easier to maneuver, while a hip-mounted throttle lets you change the blower speed without accidentally moving the nozzle. Some models have a “cruise control” that holds the throttle position, keeping your hands free.

If you want to use a walk-behind or stander blower near buildings, you need to have a way to direct air forward. While some models use an elbow that attaches to the nozzle, a door system lets you change air direction on the fly.

Looking for Better Lawn Care Equipment?

Do you need a better leaf blower for your business? We sell and service leaf blowers from several major brands, including Shindaiwa, Echo and Cub Cadet. If you’re looking for new equipment, visit our shop at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA. Do you need parts or accessories for your leaf blower? We can ship what you need to any address in the United States or Canada. To order, visit our website, www.shankslawn.com.

MultiOne Mini-Loaders are the Swiss army knives of outdoor equipment. They have attachments to cover almost every job you could think of, from moving bee hives to doing heavy construction. The company recently announced an update to one of their most useful tools: the light materials bucket. This bucket is perfect for picking up large amounts of lightweight materials, including everything from grain to insulation. Numerous improvements give these buckets more space and better visibility.

What’s New for This Bucket?

The inside of the bucket now has completely flat sides, maximizing space. The sides extend forward at a slight angle and the back panel has small slots at the top. This gives you a clear view of what you’re picking up, and it helps keep materials in the bucket when you go over bumps. The new shape also has a flat side where it connects to the boom of your mini loader. This allows up to 6 buckets to be stacked inside each other for storage.

Models

MultiOne offers their light material bucket in 5 sizes. All buckets are 36.2 inches long and have a height of 30 ½ inches. The only difference between the models is their width and total capacity.

100: 13.8 cubic feet, 39.7 inches wide
115: 16 cubic feet, 45.6 inches wide
130: 18.4 cubic feet, 51.5 inches wide
150: 21.4 cubic feet, 59.4 inches wide
180: 25.9 cubic feet, 71.2 inches wide

MultiOne recommends using the 100 or 115 with the 2.3 mini loader. Larger loader models are compatible with all buckets. To use light material buckets with the 12.4 mini loader, you’ll need the C890025 adapter.

How Does it Compare to Other Buckets?

A longer bottom and taller sides offer more space than the general bucket. While they use similar construction, the smallest light material bucket is larger than the biggest general bucket. The light material bucket can be used for grading, but it doesn’t have reinforcements or teeth of the general and leveling buckets.

Compared to the previous light materials bucket design, capacity has increased dramatically. The old 150 bucket, which was the largest offered by MultiOne, only holds 19.4 cubic feet of material. The new 100 bucket holds slightly less than the outgoing model, but it’s also four inches narrower.

Do You Want More Flexibility from Your Equipment?

Whether you’re a professional landscaper or you just want to keep your lawn looking nice, Shank’s Lawn Equipment has everything you need. We’re an authorized dealer for MultiOne, which means we sell and install the full line of accessories and attachments for these mini loaders. Visit our website, www.shankslawn.com, to order parts and see the equipment we have in stock. If you want to buy a MultiOne mini loader, or need repairs for your current loader, visit our shop at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA.

Winter brings more than just snow and cold. It also brings power outages. With a backup generator, you can keep the power running in your home, so you can have a few creature comforts and keep in contact with friends and family. Is your generator ready? Here are some things you should check, so you can be sure you can rely on your generator this season.

Fuel

Gasoline should only be stored for a month, or up to three months if it’s treated with a stabilizer. Stale fuel is hard to ignite, and it can clog your generator’s fuel system. If you have old gasoline, you can use it in your vehicles. Fuel injectors are less sensitive to stale fuel, and the gas already in your car’s tank dilutes the old fuel.
Propane doesn’t combust easily in extreme cold weather. If you think you’ll see temperatures below -30°F, you may want to keep some gas on hand for your dual fuel generator.

Oil

Using oil that’s too thick can lead to hard starting and poor lubrication while the engine is still cold. You may need to switch to a lighter weight oil to combat these problems.
Honda recommends using 10W-30 or 10W-40 oil in most of their engines, if temperatures dip below 14°F. Briggs & Stratton recommends synthetic 5W30 for 100°F and lower, and conventional 5W-30 for 40°F and lower. Vanguard Synthetic 15W-50 can be used in their engines at temperatures as low as 20°F. They also make a 5W-30 oil for temperatures as low as -20°F.

Starting Your Generator

Before you start the engine, remove any ice and snow buildup. This makes it harder for the engine to warm up. It also causes problems when you shut off your generator. Melted water can freeze on linkages and other parts, which can keep your generator from operating correctly.
Engines take more force to turn over in cold weather, while the power from lead acid batteries goes down. Don’t be surprised if you need to use your generator’s recoil starter to get the engine running. Keeping your battery charged can give the starter the power it needs in cold weather.
Wait until the engine runs smoothly with the choke off before you put a load on the generator. This can take several minutes in extreme cold.

We Do More than Just Lawn Care Equipment

Shank’s Lawn Equipment sells and supports all kinds of outdoor equipment, including portable generators. We carry Honda and Briggs & Stratton generators, and we offer the parts and accessories you need to get the most out of them. If you’re looking for a new generator, or you need help with your current one, visit our shop at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA. You can also check our current inventory and order parts at www.shankslawn.com. We ship across the United States and Canada.

Are you worried your garden may not make it through the winter? Even if you didn’t do much in the way of preparation in the fall, there are still steps you can take to protect your garden.

Water Until the First Freeze

Cold air doesn’t just freeze plants. It’s dry enough to strip away moisture from exposed leaves and branches, leaving them desiccated. Keeping your plants watered until the first freeze helps them retain moisture, so they’ll last longer in open air.

Use Your Leaves as Insulation

Mulch is a great insulator, protecting your plants from extreme temperatures and desiccation. Black Walnut leaves contain a poison called “juglone” that is lethal to many plants. However, composting destroys this chemical. Other leaves are safe to apply directly to your garden, although your plants will get more nutrients if you mulch or compost the leaves first.
Only use a thin layer of material to protect your plants. While freezing is hard on them, you still want the first inch of top soil to freeze. This kills insects and weeds, leaving you with less to deal with next season.

Clean Out Dead Plants

Removing dead leaves, vines and other plant material halts the growth and spread of diseases.

Test Your Soil

Skip the spring rush and get a soil test now. This will tell you which nutrients you need to add for your plants to thrive.

Plant Bulbs

The bulbs that tulips, onion, garlic, crocus and daffodils come from need to be cold before they’ll come out of dormancy. You’ll have the highest success rate if you plant them when temperatures are in the 40s.

Shield Young Trees

When temperatures are hovering around freezing, repeated melting and freezing of water inside trees can split the bark. Apply a paper wrap around the trunk down to one inch below the soil surface to insulate the plant. This helps level out temperature swings.

Protect Your Roses with Cones

Start using cones after the first hard freeze, which is when temperatures dip below 20°F. Adding leaf mold or straw to the inside of the cone helps insulate the plant. This is a good idea, if you live in a place with harsh winter weather, or you’re growing a temperature-sensitive variety. Be sure to trim back the plant, so the cone gives it complete coverage. It’s safe to remove the cone when temperatures stay above 30°F.

Are You Ready for Spring?

If you need your lawn care equipment repaired, do it now before the spring rush. Shank’s Lawn Equipment is an authorized dealer for most major brands, including Cub Cadet, Honda and Troy Bilt. That means we don’t just sell their equipment, we offer the service, parts and accessories you need to get the most from your lawn care tools. Visit our shop at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA, or online at www.shankslawn.com. We ship parts and accessories across the United States and Canada.

“Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.”
That label on your generator is nothing to laugh at. The CDC estimates 430 people die and 50,000 people visit the emergency room each year because of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Most of these deaths are caused by improper use of generators in winter. How can you protect yourself, while getting the power you need?

What is Carbon Monoxide?

This odorless gas forms during combustion. It creates a strong bond with red blood cells, blocking the connections used to carry oxygen in your blood stream. Absorb too much CO, and you will suffocate.

A New Standard for CO Protection

In 2018, the Portable Generator Manufacturer’s Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) agreed upon a new safety standard, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018. This standard requires a carbon monoxide safety system on all portable generators 15 kW and smaller made by PGMA members. Compliant devices will shut off if the sensor detects CO levels over 800 parts per million (PPM.) In tests covering a variety of use cases, including indoors and outside, this system was 99% effective at preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. This regulation went into effect on generators built after March 31, 2020.
Most devices work like Honda’s CO-MINDER. When the sensor picks up high levels of CO, it interrupts the ignition system, shutting off the generator. Since the oil level sensor does the same thing to protect the engine, there are separate warning lights for oil and CO.

Preventing CO Buildup

Even if you have a generator with CO detection, it won’t do much good if it shuts down constantly. The solution is simple: use quality extension cords. This lets you place your generator outside, away from buildings, and still get power where you need it.
Product labeling for extension cords can be confusing. Fortunately, there’s a standard labeling system printed directly on cables sold in the U.S. Look for these letters when you buy cords to use with your generator.
– “S,” “E” and either “W” or “W-A”
Certified for Outdoor Use
– “O” or “OO”
Oil resistant
– “AWG” followed by 10, 12 or 14
This is the size of the copper wire inside the cord, measured using the American Wire Gauge standard. Cables with lower numbers use thicker wire. 14 and 12 gauge wire can handle 10-15 amps, while 10 gauge can handle over 15 amps.

Are You Ready for Winter?

When you need help with your generator, talk to the experts at Shank’s Lawn Equipment. We’re an authorized dealer for Honda and Briggs & Stratton, so we can help you get your generator in ready for winter blackouts. If you’re looking for a new generator, or need repairs, visit our shop at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA. If you need parts and accessories, visit us online at www.shankslawn.com. We can ship your order to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

What do you need to look for when you buy a string trimmer? With so many options for heads, engines, and handles, it can get pretty confusing. Here’s how these differences affect performance. 

Handles and Harnesses: Wide Sweeps or Small Areas 

A harness spreads the weight of the trimmer over your shoulders. It connects to the trimmer at its balance point, making it easy to move around. This leaves your hands free to move the trimmer head without the fatigue of carrying it. Harness mounts are a great choice for heavier commercial trimmers, but they can interfere with maneuverability.  

A loop handle lets you hold the trimmer near the center of the shaft with one hand, while the other hand operates the trigger near the engine. This is common on lightweight trimmers that are hand-carried. This setup lets the operator reach into tight spaces, trimming around fences, planters, and other landscape obstacles. 

A bicycle handle has two vertical grips spaced far apart. This gives you more leverage and control, making it ideal for cutting large swaths through thick vegetation. This type of handle is only found on trimmers with harnesses. The harness supports the trimmer, while the handles are only used to control direction. 

Engines: Two-Stroke, Four-Stroke and Somewhere In Between 

Two-stroke engines use a sealed crankshaft to push fuel and air into the engine at the bottom of the piston stroke, while simultaneously pushing exhaust out. This lets the engine fire on every rotation and eliminates the need for a valvetrain. The result is more power and less weight than equivalent four-stroke engines. To keep everything lubricated, oil is mixed with the fuel and burned during the combustion cycle. This lets the engine work at any angle. Two strokes seem ideal for string trimmers, but there are some disadvantages. 

Power delivery is concentrated at the top of the RPM range. If the trimmer bogs down, it can move out of the power band and stall. These engines are also sensitive to stale fuel. Manufacturers recommend using fuel treatment and disposing of fuel that’s over one month old. Some unburnt gas leaves the cylinder during the intake/exhaust stroke, which increases fuel consumption and emissions. Two strokes also don’t last as long as four-stroke engines, so it’s not unusual to wear out a trimmer after a couple seasons. 

There are two alternatives on the market today. Honda’s small-displacement four-stroke has baffles to control oil flow, keeping the engine lubricated, no matter its position. The “2/4 stroke” or “Hybrid 4” engine (used in some Shindaiwa and Echo products) is a four-stroke engine with a two-stroke oiling system. You still need to mix oil with the fuel, but the engine is far less sensitive to stale fuel. With both engines, you get more torque, better fuel efficiency, and a longer engine life at the expense of weight. 

Trimmer Heads 

There are seemingly endless varieties of shapes and sizes of lines. However, you will generally get the best performance by matching the line with the size and density of the grass. Thin lines have no trouble with trimming around lawns, while thick lines and blades work best on overgrown areas. 

Head designs can be divided into three main categories: 

• Bump heads have a button on the bottom of the head that releases a little bit of line every time it’s hit. This mechanism is cheap and reliable. 

• Automatic heads have a motor that spins the spool, releasing the line. While not as reliable as a bump head, you never have to stop to release line while trimming. 

Fixed-line heads use pre-cut lengths of line. Once the line wears down, the trimmer has to be shut off, and a new line threaded through the holes. This is used almost exclusively with heavy gauge lines, which can’t be wrapped around a spool. Nylon and metal blades slice through thick vegetation with ease, offering similar performance. 

Some trimmers can be fitted with brushcutter blades. These blades have sharp tips that slice through woody vegetation and saplings. This might be great for ripping through unkempt land and wilderness, but they’re hopeless at cutting regular grass. 

From Home Lawn Care to Professional Landscaping, Shank’s Has the Equipment You Need 

If you need a new string trimmer, talk to the experts at Shank’s Lawn Equipment. We have helped local residential and commercial customers with their outdoor equipment for 35 years. We’re also an authorized dealer for several major trimmer brands, including Honda and Echo. Our shop is at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA. To get here, take Exit 10 from I-81. 

Need parts to fix your trimmer? We can ship what you need to any address in the USA or Canada. To order, visit us online at www.shankslawn.com. 

It’s simple: if you want the best generator, you buy a Honda. This continues to be true despite emerging new competitors in the generator market. Why? Because they’re constantly innovating. This applies to the new EU2200i just as it did to its predecessors, which created the inverter generator market. It raises the bar for the segment by improving power, reducing noise, and delivering an overall better ownership experience. 

Power 

This generator makes 2,200 watts of peak power and 1,800 watts of sustained power. That’s a 20% increase over the old model. This is an inverter generator, so the power coming out of the sockets is identical to what you get at home. That means it’s safe to power anything, including sensitive electronics. 

The EU2200i has a 20-amp 20R duplex outlet. This outlet has two household sockets, and the full 20 amps can be drawn from a single outlet with the right plug and cable. This is handy for getting power from the generator to the places you need it. Like all generators, you should keep the EU2200i out of enclosed areas and away from buildings to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. To make power generation safer, the new CO-MINDER carbon monoxide detector shuts the engine off automatically if CO levels get too high. 

Honda makes two versions of this generator: the EU2200ITAN is legal in 49 states, while the EU2200iTAG is CARB-approved, and can be sold in California. All models are EPA compliant and come with a USDA-approved spark arrester, making it legal to use in most areas. 

EU2200i Companion: An Unusual Solution for Parallel Connections 

Connecting two small generators with a parallel cable provides the power of a larger generator without the noise. While other manufacturers use a cable with a box that houses high output sockets, Honda opted for a cleaner solution: the Companion. This version of the EU2200i replaces the duplex household outlets with an L5-30R 30-amp RV outlet and a single 15-20R outlet. The RV outlet is only active when two generators are connected together. However, like the standard model, you can draw the Companion’s full output from the single 15-20R socket. 

Like the standard model, it’s offered in two versions: EU2200ITAG1 in California, and EU2200ITAN1 for the rest of the U.S. Aside from the outlets, the standard and Companion generators are identical. 

Quieter and Easier to Live With 

This is the quietest generator you can buy in this size class. It makes only 48 dB of noise at 25% load, and even at 100% load, it just emits 57 dB of noise. That’s about as loud as a refrigerator. 

Power comes from a GXR120 engine, a small commercial model that has proven to be reliable over its years on the market. Oil changes on this engine are easier than most outgoing generators, thanks to a bigger fill opening, longer spout, and larger oil drain gutter. Revisions and updates on the generator improve reliability, including better airflow, a stamped steel insert inside the recoil rope, and improved magnets used for the stator. The result is a cooler engine with better ignition and a more durable starter. 

The build-in fuel tank holds just under a gallon of fuel. This is enough to keep the engine running for three hours and 12 minutes at 50% load, and up to 8.1 hours at 25% load.  A new fuel shutoff mode cuts the fuel supply to the engine instead of cutting the ignition to shut off the generator. This lets the engine burn off the remaining fuel in the carburetor, which reduces issues with stale fuel clogging jets and sticking float bowls. 

Without fuel, this generator weighs only 47 lbs. 

Warranty 

Honda guarantees three years of commercial and residential use for the entire generator, including the engine. 

When You Think “Honda,” Think “Shank’s” 

Shank’s Lawn Equipment is a full-service dealer for Honda Engines and Power Equipment. For over 35 years, we’ve helped residential and professional customers with their outdoor equipment. If you’re looking for a new generator, or you need to get your Honda equipment serviced, visit us at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA. To get here, take Exit 10 from I-81. 

Need parts, cables or other accessories for your Honda generator? We can ship what you need to any address in the United States or Canada. To order, visit our website, www.shankslawn.com. 

Do you need to clear a lot of land with a better finish than what you can get with a brush mower? Woods’ new Turfkeeper Pro finish mower decks give your tractor the ability to cut fields of grass in no time. Thanks to their deep shells and high lift blades, they can trim and mulch like a standard tractor, so you can get a great finish with one pass. 

Cutting Performance 

The Turfkeeper Pro has features normally reserved for residential mowers. These decks come with high lift blades, plus low lift and mulching blades as well, giving you the choice between fast cuts or fast absorption of clippings back into the soil. The deck is almost 5 ½ inches deep, so there’s plenty of space in the mowing chamber to trim down clippings after the initial cut. The deck is only one inch wider than the total cutting width, maximizing coverage, even around fences and other obstacles. 

The Turfkeeper Pro uses a rear discharge design, spreading out trimmings across the width of the deck. This helps break down mulch and doesn’t leave unsightly clumps behind. Cutting height ranges between 1.5 and 5 inches. 

Built for Durability and Easy Maintenance 

To strengthen the constructed deck shell, Woods added parallel side frames. These add rigidity without increasing the deck’s overall width. A built-in driveline holder keeps the deck’s driveshaft from resting on the ground. It also makes positioning easier when you attach the deck to your tractor. 

The top deck shield is held on by large knobs that can be removed by hand, removing the need for need tools to inspect the belts or spindles. The drive pulleys use cast iron sheaves that reduce belt slip. This increases the life of the already tough Aramid-reinforced belts used on the Turfkeeper. The spring-actuated belt tensioner uses a replaceable ball-bearing pivot, further increasing its service life. 

 Essentials Needed to Use a Turfkeeper Pro Deck 

Depending on the model, you will need a tractor with a CAT 1 or Limited CAT 1 three-point hitch. These decks are also CAT 1 quick hitch ready, requiring no additional hardware. The Turfkeeper uses a floating lower hitch, so there’s no downward pressure placed on the tractor. Cutting height is set by swapping out spacers on the caster arms. 

All three models are designed for PTO’s with up to 50 HP. The smallest deck only needs 15 HP at the PTO. All versions of the Turfkeeper Pro use a CAT 3 driveline. 

Accessories 

Woods offers two ways to upgrade your finish mowing deck: 

Adding chain shielding to the rear of the deck slows exiting debris. This prevents rocks and other hidden obstacles from turning into high-speed projectiles. 

The caster wheels do well on their own navigating terrain. However, if you’re cutting in an unusually hilly area, you can add a front roller to the deck. This pushes the nose up as it approaches inclines, which keeps the deck from scalping the soil. 

Models 

Warranty 

Woods offers a 6-year warranty on the gearbox and a three-year warranty on the spindles. The rest of the mower is guaranteed for one year. 

We’re Serious About Outdoor Equipment 

When you depend on your equipment for your landscaping business, you need to visit Shank’s Lawn Equipment. We have over 35 years of experience selling and repairing commercial-grade equipment, including Woods attachments and Yanmar tractors. If you’re looking for a finish mower, or you need parts and service for your equipment, visit us at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA. To get here, take Exit 10 from I-81. 

Need parts or accessories for your Woods equipment? We ship across the United States and Canada. To order, visit us online at www.shankslawn.com. 

The new Cub Cadet XT2 Enduro has everything you want from a lawn tractor. Thanks to a complete redesign, this model line has a shorter turning circle, a more comfortable seating position, and a better selection of decks. The new XT2 series also add several small improvements that make these mowers one of the easiest to maintain. 

Standout Features 

Power is supplied by Kawasaki FR Series engines. Though aimed at the residential market, the FR series is based on the company’s commercial engines. Each model in the series has a full pressure lubrication system and cast-iron cylinder liners for durability, as well as a rotating grass screen to help keep the engine clean and cool. The torque curve for these engines is almost flat, making it hard to bog down. 

All models in the XT2 series come with an absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery. These batteries use cells made of lead plates coiled between fiberglass mats. This increases the plate density, adds shock absorption, and prevents battery acid spills. The result is a battery with a longer life, faster charging period, withstands vibrations better, and is safer to transport than a regular plate battery. 

Cub Cadet only offers fabricated AeroForce decks on these models. They’re made by welding together thick steel sheets, making them better at shrugging off impacts. Internal baffles increase vacuum, delivering a cut quality on par with weaker stamped decks. A spring-assisted lever lets the operator change the cutting height from the seat. The deck can be set from a height of one to four inches, with a total of 12 settings within that range. Some models come with FastAttach, a blade mounting system that allows blades to be removed and installed without tools. 

This new lawn tractor line has improved ergonomics, including a new steering wheel and an adjustable spring-mounted seat with bolsters to help the operator stay in place while mowing on steep hills. Better wheel bearings help the XT2 roll smoothly, while a redesigned front axle increases maximum wheel angle, resulting in a 16-inch turning radius. 

All models use Tuff Torque hydrostatic transmissions. Speed is controlled with a foot lever, and it can be set using built-in cruise control. Top speed for all models is 5.5 MPH. LED headlights come standard, offering excellent visibility in low light conditions. 

Models 

Cub Cadet makes 6 versions of the XT2 Enduro. 

• LX42: 18 HP, 42-inch deck 
• LX 46: 21.5 HP, 46-inch deck 
• SLX54: 21.5 HP, 52-inch deck with FastAttach 
• SLX50: 21.5 HP, 50-inch deck with FastAttach 
• GX54 D: 24 HP, 52-inch deck with FastAttach 
• GX50: 23 HP, 50-inch deck with FastAttach 

Accessories 

While these are great mowers on their own, the XT2 series can be outfitted with accessories that let them tackle common landscaping tasks – ranging from leaf collection to snow removal. 

Want more cutting options? There’s a double bagger collection system for leaf and clipping pickup, as well as a mulching kit that includes baffles and high lift blades. Add a rear sprayer, and you can apply herbicides, pesticides, and liquid fertilizer. 

Want a machine you can use in winter? Cub Cadet makes a 42-inch snowblower for these models. It uses the company’s three-stage system, which adds an impeller to break up chunks of snow before it’s pushed through the chute. You can also install a snow cab for weather protection while you’re clearing snow. Suitcase weights and tire chains are available for more stability and traction. 

Want weather protection in the summer? Cub Cadet offers two designs of sun shades. 

Do you mow around trees and bushes? You can protect your mower’s front end by installing a brush guard. 

Want to move materials with your XT2? Cub Cadet’s hauler trailer has foldable sides, converting it as a bucket for loose materials, or as a flatbed for maximum space. There’s also a rear cargo bed that attaches to the rear hitch, so you can haul supplies without maneuvering a trailer. 

Warranty 

Kawasaki guarantees their FR Series engines for three years. 

Cub Cadet offers a 5-year limited warranty on the frame and front axle, a lifetime warranty on deck shell, and a three-year warranty with unlimited hours for the rest of the mower. These guarantees are for residential use only. 

When You Need Help with Your Equipment, Visit Shank’s 

Shank’s Lawn Equipment is more than just a Cub Cadet dealer. We have over 35 years of experience helping local residential and commercial customers with their mowers and outdoor equipment. If you need a new mower, or you need help fixing your current lawn tractor, come visit us at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA. To get here, take Exit 10 from I-81. 

Need parts or accessories for your Cub Cadet? We ship across the United States and Canada. To order, visit us online at www.shankslawn.com. 

What do you want most from a ZTR mower? More power? Wider decks? Less maintenance? A bigger fuel tank? The new Wright ZXT has all that, and more. Built for the demands of the toughest commercial customers, this new line of mid-mount ZTRs offers some of the best performance you can get from a mower today.

Power

This mower has a 40 HP Vanguard Big Block V-Twin with EFI and electric start. Vanguard Oil Guard comes standard, which adds an oil cooler and extends oil change intervals to 500 hours. The ZXT has a built-in oil drain for mess-free changes. Refueling is also infrequent, thanks to a 15.5 gallon gas tank. Wright replaces the stock air filter box with one from Enginaire. This triples the life of the filter.
The drive system uses Hydro-Gear 16 cc pumps and 18 cubic inch planetary drive motors. The hydrostatic drive holds a total of 8 quarts of oil and has built-in filters. The fluid and filter only needs to be changed every 1,000 hours. The ZXT has a top speed of 13 MPH. The engine is forward mounted, shortening the area behind the rear wheels for better maneuverability.

Deck

The ZXT uses Wright’s Aero Core Decks. Available in 52, 61 and 72 widths, these constructed decks have a cutting height ranging from 1.5 to 6 inches. This height is selected using pin rows. Just put the pin in the slot you want the height to be, and use the foot pedal to lift the deck into place. The lift also allows the operator to raise the deck to its highest position momentarily to get over curbs. A rubber side discharge chute won’t scrape up fencing, and it allows the deck to squeeze into tight places. The caster arms are 2.5 times larger than the industry standard, which helps support the deck.

Comfort and Control

The seat on this mower is fully adjustable, and it rides on a long travel suspension with its own spring and shock.
Large pneumatic turf tires come standard, as do anti-scalping wheels for the deck. Optional tweels and dual wheel options offer more traction on slopes and wet grass.
The ZXT has a hands-free parking brake that engages when the steering levers are opened. This ZTR also has an integrated tow hitch, letting you pull seeders, sprayers and other utility trailers.

When You’re Serious About Mowing, You Need Shank’s

Shank’s Lawn Equipment has helped commercial customers with their equipment for over 35 years. We’re an authorized dealer for Wright and Vanguard, so we’re able to fully support your mower. Visit our shop at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway in Chambersburg, PA, or online at www.shankslawn.com. Need parts for your Wright mower? We can ship whatever you need to any address in the U.S. or Canada.