Cool Tools

Reading through the latest issue of Popular Mechanics, I was pleased to see a couple landscape equipment items among the winners highlighted in the magazine's feature on the 10 Most Brilliant Products of 2009. Popular Mechanics describes their list of 2009 Breakthrough Products as: "Brilliant innovations -- most of them, at least, make their greatest contributions once they become products people can buy. This year's winners trim energy use, enhance communication, and just make life more fun."

So what were the "breakthrough" products for landscapers?:

The Hustler Zeon: the world's first all-electric zero-turn radius mower.

The LEHR Eco Trimmer: a four-stroke string trimmer powered by propane.

For me, seeing these products listed is not only cool because tools of the trade for landscapers are getting a shout out, but also the fact that Ornamental Outlook featured both in our New Products section earlier this year.

With advancements in technology continuing at a frantic pace, so does the ingenuity in the tools we use on a daily basis. I'm looking forward to what suppliers have in store for 2010. I'm sure landscape professionals are, too. Keep the good ideas coming.