Toro 2013 Annual Report Download - page 11

and landscape applications. In addition to these core products, we Walk Power Mower Products. We manufacture and market
offer a full complement of control devices and connection options numerous walk power mower models under our Toro and
to complete the system. These products are sold mainly through Lawn-Boy brand names, as well as the Pope brand in Australia
dealers and distributors who then sell to end-users for use prima- and the Hayter brand in the United Kingdom. Models differ as to
rily in vegetable fields, fruit and nut orchards, vineyards, land- cutting width, type of starter mechanism, method of grass clipping
scapes, and mines. In fiscal 2013, we expanded our product offer- discharge, deck type, operational controls, and power sources, and
ing of the Neptune thinwall dripline into the North America are either self-propelled or push mowers. We also offer a line of
market, featuring a medium-durability dripline that enables growers rear-roller walk power mowers, a design that provides a striped
to install a subsurface drip irrigation system designed to last for up finish, for the United Kingdom market.
to ten years and to allow growers of medium-length crops to adopt Riding Products. We manufacture and market riding products
drip irrigation at a more economical cost than other traditional irri- under the Toro brand name. Riding products primarily consist of
gation methods. In addition, in fiscal 2013, we introduced zero-turn radius mowers that are designed to save homeowners
AquaFlow 3.2 Drip Irrigation Design Software, a new software time by using superior maneuverability to cut around obstacles
package used to help design drip irrigation systems. Also, in late more quickly and easily than tractor technology. Our TimeCutter
fiscal 2013, we began operations at our new micro-irrigation facility SS zero-turn radius mowers are equipped with our innovative
in China in order to support the anticipated global growth of our Smart Speed control system, which is designed to allow the oper-
micro-irrigation business and enable expansion into new markets. ator to choose different ground speed ranges with the flip of a
Rental and Construction Market. Our compact utility loaders lever and without changing the blade or engine speed. We also
are the cornerstone products for our Toro Sitework Systems busi- sell lawn and garden tractor riding products, as well as direct-col-
ness, which are designed to improve the efficiency in creation and lect riding mowers that are manufactured and sold in the European
renovation of landscapes. We offer over 35 attachments for our market. Many models of our riding products are available with a
compact utility loaders, including trenchers, augers, vibratory variety of engines, decks, transmissions, and accessories.
plows, and backhoes. In late fiscal 2013, we launched the STX-38 Home Solutions Products. We design and market home solu-
Stump Grinder featuring high maneuverability and hydraulic sweep tions products under the Toro and Pope brand names, including
control. electric, gas, and cordless grass trimmers, electric and cordless
Products for the rental market include compact utility loaders, hedge trimmers, electric and gas blower-vacuums, and electric
walk-behind trenchers, stump grinders, and turf renovation prod- snow throwers. In Australia, we also design and market under-
ucts, many of which are also sold to landscape contractors. We ground and hose-end retail irrigation products under the Pope
also have a new line of rental products that feature concrete and brand name. In fiscal 2013, we enhanced and broadened our prod-
mortar mixers, material handlers, compaction equipment, and other uct offering of lithium-ion battery powered trimmers and blowers,
concrete power tools, which were released as Toro-branded prod- including products that feature variable speed control for multiple
ucts after being acquired in fiscal 2012. applications and performance without the hassle or maintenance of
Our presence in the construction market is driven by an equip- gas-powered engines.
ment line of vibratory plows, trenchers, and horizontal directional
Gas Snow Removal Products. We manufacture and market a
drills, all of which are used in the installation, repair, and replace-
range of gas-powered single-stage and two-stage snow thrower
ment of underground utilities with minimal impact on surrounding
models. Single-stage snow throwers are walk behind units with
landscapes or structures. In late fiscal 2013, we introduced the
lightweight four-cycle gasoline engines. Most single-stage snow
Toro Pro Sneak Vibratory Plow that delivers consistent and pow-
thrower models include Power Curve snow thrower technology
erful plowing in a compact, maneuverable package.
and some feature our Quick Shoot control system that enables
Residential – We market our residential products to homeowners operators to quickly change snow-throwing direction. Our innova-
through a variety of distribution channels, including outdoor power tive pivoting scraper is designed to keep the rotor in constant con-
equipment dealers, hardware retailers, home centers, mass retail- tact with the pavement. Our two-stage snow throwers are generally
ers, and over the Internet. These products are sold mainly in North designed for relatively large areas of deep, heavy snow and use
America, Europe, and Australia, with the exception of snow four-cycle engines. Our two-stage snow throwers include a line of
removal products that are sold primarily in North America and innovative models featuring our patented Anti-Clogging System
Europe. We also license our trademark on certain home solutions and Quick Stick chute control technology. In late fiscal 2012, we
products as a means of expanding our brand presence. enhanced our portfolio of compact two-stage snow throwers by
introducing a new line of Power Max snow throwers featuring a
one-piece frame designed to provide maximum strength and dura-
bility and reliable performance in cold-weather conditions.
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