TURFCO is proud to formally introduce the T3000 lawn applicator

[Michael J. Donovan]

TURFCO is proud to formally introduce the T3000 lawn applicator. The first official show that it can be seen at is the GIE/EXPO show in Louisville Kentucky Oct 23-25th. Booth number 7010 inside and 6256D outside

We look forward to showing all that are interested in lawn applicators the solution that TURFCO believes will help them maximize their profit and take control of their business. We believe there are numerous features on our unit that would make it a must see for anyone interested in adding ride on applicators to their fleets. Whether you business is commercial or residential, we offer a product that is versatile enough to do both types of applications while maximizing your route planning. We have spent 4 years working with both large and small operators to come up with our T3000.

Please come by and let us show you our solution to the ride on lawn applicator.

If you cannot visit the show please go to Turfco.com and click on the picture of the T3000

Regards
George Kinkead
President
TURFCO MFG

[Real Green]

Thank you George! This is a product that Turfco can stand by and be proud of!:usflag:

[DUSTYCEDAR]

It needs flames and some racing stripes

[americanlawn]

18 acres in less than seven hours, plus using it on 2000 sq ft lawns = pretty versatile. TURFCO has come up with a real "workhorse". Pretty handy for most of us. Also .... you don't need to pull a trailer. We safely haul ours on a carrier rack....fast fill + fast unload on every stop. Initially I figured this unit was designed to compete with Permagreen, but we soon found out this unit competes nicely with Z-Sprays too.

Check 'em all out. I know that L.T. Rich, TURFCO, and Permagreen are all "top nothch" outfits. Plus they are all made in the USA. :usflag::canadaflag:

[turfcobob]

I have a question left over from the GIE show? If you do not want to buy a
T3000 Applicator directly from Turfco Where would you like to buy it. Who would you like to sell T3000 applicators in your market? Let us know.

Turfcobob

[turf hokie]

Does not matter as long as they can service and warranty any issues in house.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

Home depot lol

[americanlawn]

I know Permagreens can be purchased at local LESCO (JDL) stores, but the quality & performance of PG units have been outmatched by the T3000 & Z-Sprays (IMO). As far as I know, both TURFCO & L.T. Rich sell direct to the customer. Both offer a list of folks in a given area who have these units so people can check them out.

I'm guessing LESCO is tied in with Permagreen (as well as John Deere equipment), so this presents a problem. (too bad)

My two cents worth







QUOTE=turfcobob;2587640]I have a question left over from the GIE show? If you do not want to buy a
T3000 Applicator directly from Turfco Where would you like to buy it. Who would you like to sell T3000 applicators in your market? Let us know.

Turfcobob[/QUOTE]

[syzer]

Tires look kind of narrow. Would that rut a yard?

[nighthawk117]

Home depot lol I filled out the form to get a secret look at this, its powered by a B&S 10.5 intek, are you serious?? Maybe it will be sold there :laugh:

[americanlawn]

The tires are narrower than the front tires of a PG, but they are wider than the front tires of Z-Spray units. What concerned us (just over a year ago) was the tread pattern.....we were used to knobby tires. So we were concerned about traction going up slopes.

Turned out that we could apply on steep hills (even on wet grass) without tearing up turf. Regarding soft soil + creating ruts: The first two days we had our T3000, it had rained for two days. We ran it all day long (with no ruts) even when all the rest of my guys came back early from push spreading.

We have received ZERO call backs regarding ruts from the T3000. (one customer had to pull the unit out of a muddy ditch once, but that was operator mistake).

Optimized weight distribution plus low center of gravity allows this unit to be the most versiltle/productive/safe ride-on we have ever tried.

I have seen many lawns ripped up by PG units, and we have seen Z-Sprays get stuck more than once (tow straps needed).

Hope this helps, cuz I'm not trying to sell....just telling what we know, cuz ruts have never been a prob.

Tires look kind of narrow. Would that rut a yard?

[americanlawn]

Not sure what you mean, but I will share what I know.

Here's the deal (and I will ignore snide remarks*trucewhiteflag*). TURFCO tested several engine manufacturers, engine sizes, etc. Honda, Kohler, Kawasaki, etc. Heck -- they tried everything before making sound business decisions. Only engine that held up was the Intec. They tested engines for corrosion resistance, ability to withstand power washing, horsepower, longevity, etc, etc.

We bought the FIRST T3000 production unit. We changed the engine oil only one time this whole year! After the first 40 hours, we changed the oil....used 10W-30 Castrol Syntec motor oil. Currently, our T3000 has not used any oil whatsoever, and it still looks clear after 250 hours on the last oil change. Has plenty of horsepower to climb 45 degree hills -- which we have done (not recommended).

I will answer any questions I can regrarding our ride-on experiences. I know lots of you are interested in what can make you money (so are we). I ain't no expert -- but have tested five different ride-on manufacturers.



I filled out the form to get a secret look at this, its powered by a B&S 10.5 intek, are you serious?? Maybe it will be sold there :laugh:

[nighthawk117]

I am not interested in any pissing matches with anyone about what machine is the best, It just shocks me that the cost for some of these machines are a bit over the top considering what they are, and what they have for power. If these work for you, then great, spread on !! I wont dirty this thread anymore. :waving:

[Steve B]

How much is this thing? I went to the website and found very little information on it - just a couple of photos.

[americanlawn]

Steve B -- Last I heard is $8495. 2 year warranty (I think). Zero down financing.

I'd call TURFCO to get details/specifications of the unit. (800) 679-8201.

Nighthawk -- No prob buddy. It's always good to compare & see what works best for each individual. :waving:

How much is this thing? I went to the website and found very little information on it - just a couple of photos.

[Steve B]

Wow - that's about 4 times what I thought it might be!

[americanlawn]

I know they're not cheap, but we're running about 50% more production with the T3000 compared to our previous ride-ons (Permagreens). Plus...little or no down time, no need to alter the unit, and it can treat 20 acre properties as well as small lawns. Gas efficient too (we've never had to use more than 2 1/2 gallons of fuel in a day = never having to carry extra gasoline)

IMO....if you have alot of accounts, I'd look at the T3000 as well as the Z-Sprays. If you are a small operator, I'd look at the T3000 or the unit from Ground Logic.

If you're looking to spend $2000, you might be able to get a used Permagreen Ultra (no carrier rack included).

Bottom line, a good ride-on can eliminate one employee, also saving salary taxes, etc. my 2 cents worth (BTW, my 2 favorites are TURFCO & L.T. Rich).

Wow - that's about 4 times what I thought it might be!

[americanlawn]

Got my latest issue of Landscape Magazine yesterday (11/11/08). The T3000 was awarded the "Pick of the Show" by Landscape Magazine's editor & chief. Folks asked what was it compared to. Answer: "Everything at the show". Surprised? We're not.

After using the T3000 this year, we have been nothing but thrilled. BTW we now have another one cuz......hey - I could go on, but I won't. TURFCO A-Team members know what I'm talking about.

Happy Holidays to all.

[meomypete]

Three years ago I started using a GPS light bar to help with spraying using my 10' sprayer behind my MTD tractor mower. The area was at my church and the 2 acres of Bermuda was taken care of in a matter of 20 minutes.

Do any commercial applicators use GPS?

[tremor]

Hey Metro New York & Connecticut Applicators!

Valley Green is pleased to welcome Bob Brophy of TURFCO to our upcoming open houses.

Bob will be joining all of our valued supply partners for a REAL Green Industry open house lunch. He will also be demonstrating the T3000 so this is your chance to see/feel/operate/purchase this fine unit & pick Bob's brain over a quality lunch.

Turf: NY Strip or Rib-eye Steak (depending on local selection)
or
Surf: Sword Fish or Tuna (depends again on local selection)

This is not a run of the mill pizza & burger affair so we ask all attendees to RSVP before 3/1/09.

Weds, 3/11/09 at White Plains, NY (914) 390-8700
Thurs, 3/12/09 at Norwalk, CT (203) 831-9748

Other fine supporting industry leaders will be joining us from Dow, Miller, PHC, PlanTTech, & Lebanon so this will be a MUST ATTEND event! Valley Green places a lot of value on our supply partners as you'll see by this event.

For directions & additional details please visit our website at
http://www.valleygreenusa.com

[tremor]

Something went wrong there.

http://www.valleygreenusa.com/

I'm guessing this is OK since we're already a Moose River Media advertiser?

[turfcobob]

Something went wrong there.

http://www.valleygreenusa.com/

I'm guessing this is OK since we're already a Moose River Media advertiser?

What went wrong. I was at three of their open houses last week and they seemed fine. Lots of folks and food. Turfcobob

[JWTurfguy]

Bob,

He meant that something went wrong with his previous post so he had to repost the URL, not that something went wrong at the open house.

[tremor]

What went wrong. I was at three of their open houses last week and they seemed fine. Lots of folks and food. Turfcobob

Something went wrong with the link I posted. The T3000 was/is awesome!

I've used &/or sold nearly every spreader/sprayer. I've also built a few Cushmans with Vicons with both dry & wet booms. The T3000 looks & handles like a very capable machine. Every area of concern looks well built.

[Young Bros]

What are the pros and cons of the T3000 vs the Z's?

[Young Bros]

Tried the T3000, I'm sold! Thanks Larry!

[tremor]

What are the pros and cons of the T3000 vs the Z's?

Was it the ability to climb hills that won you over?

[hughmcjr]

Wow - that's about 4 times what I thought it might be!


Same here I was thinking around 2.5 to 3k which is probably what the cost is to make it so at 8k....they are making some money.

[hughmcjr]

Not sure what you mean, but I will share what I know.

Here's the deal (and I will ignore snide remarks*trucewhiteflag*). TURFCO tested several engine manufacturers, engine sizes, etc. Honda, Kohler, Kawasaki, etc. Heck -- they tried everything before making sound business decisions. Only engine that held up was the Intec. They tested engines for corrosion resistance, ability to withstand power washing, horsepower, longevity, etc, etc.

We bought the FIRST T3000 production unit. We changed the engine oil only one time this whole year! After the first 40 hours, we changed the oil....used 10W-30 Castrol Syntec motor oil. Currently, our T3000 has not used any oil whatsoever, and it still looks clear after 250 hours on the last oil change. Has plenty of horsepower to climb 45 degree hills -- which we have done (not recommended).

I will answer any questions I can regrarding our ride-on experiences. I know lots of you are interested in what can make you money (so are we). I ain't no expert -- but have tested five different ride-on manufacturers.

I wouldn't recommend B&S and would actually tell anyone to steer clear. It isn't just hype or some marketing nonsense, but I would put ANY Honda, Suzuki or Kawi above any B&S including the Intek's which I have owned. They haven't field tested them for years like many of us have.

[americanlawn]

hugh -- I understand where you are coming from. We had the same concerns.

As far as Briggs engines, we have about 400 hours on our first T3000 (April 2008). Oil consumption = zero. Performance = still the same as a new engine. More than enough power too.

I agree that Honda is good. In fact, I still use an 8 hp Honda in my truck everyday, and I bought it in 1991.

I'm 55 years old, but I still try to keep an open mind. We shelled out a 15 hp Kawasaki engine recently, and it had less than 2000 hours on it on an Exmark mower. So go figure.

Hugh - I'm thinking you may have had a bad experience with Briggs engines in the past. So be it, but Briggs has made quality changes over recent years.

So until the newer Briggs (commercial grade) engines start leaking oil, loosing compression, or have a short lifespan , we'll continue to rely on them.

I'm not the only guy in town who realizes that Briggs commercial engines are good. Just look at other ride-on manufacturers who have "made the switch".

Bottom line -- we are extremely pleased with our newer Briggs engines. They start on the first pull, and they have never failed. Made in the USA.

NOTE: Briggs (Milwaukee, WI) hired techs from Harley Davidson ( Milwaukee, WI) to improve engine quality & spec tolerance. (bet nobody knew this)

Our 2 cents. :usflag:canadaflag:

[FdLLawnMan]

I have had fewer issues with my B & S & Kohler engines than I have had with my Honda's & Kawi's. In fact, I just bought a new Intek for my tank sprayer. The Intek in my T3000 runs flawlessly. Starts on the first pull, uses no oil, and has great power.

[spray_man]

What are the specs for this machine? How much water can it carry, how many pounds of fertilizer?

[turfcobob]

What are the specs for this machine? How much water can it carry, how many pounds of fertilizer?

You can find all the specs at Turfco.com or call Turfco 800-679-8201 and have them send a catalog and video. It can carry 16 gallon in the saddle tanks (8 gallon each) the unit can also be rigged with another 16 gallon tank for a total of 32 with the fert hopper on. Take the fert spreader off and it can be set up with another 30 gallon tank for 46 gallon onboard. Spray output can be one quart to one gallon per K depending on the spray nozzle you use

The Fert spreader is a Spyker and will hold 120 lbs and the carrier tray will hold 3 bags of fert for a total of 270 lbs on board. Unless you use the carrier tray for the extra 16 gallon tank. Then your capacity for fert is just the spreader hopper.

[spray_man]

I wrote them and got the information. I find it odd that the information is not readily available on the web site. Take a look for yourself. It is not there. Unless they added recently.

[turfcobob]

I wrote them and got the information. I find it odd that the information is not readily available on the web site. Take a look for yourself. It is not there. Unless they added recently.

I will look. I thought it was there.

[turfcobob]

You are right. There is just the promo video. I guess they want a name and address before they give out the specs. Got questions call me. turfcobob 402-783-2028

[spray_man]

I'm interested in a unit that carries a lot of water. Does anyone operate a t3000 with 32 or 46 gallons?

[americanlawn]

Good question bud - We easily converted one of our T3000's this spring to accommodate 32 gallons. It's a sweet set-up, and the extra tank can be taken off in two minutes if need be.

This weekend, I'll re-plumb both out T's with "quick-disconnect fittings" to make it even faster to convert as well as faster fill time. (Working with TURFCO on that).

I cannot say enough about our T3000's cuz we run 'em everyday with no breakdowns. I figure we have had "2 days of total downtime" all year long. That ain't bad, and the T's make us huge profits.

I'll post pics soon once TURFCO sees them first and gives me the go ahead.

Both our T's have just under & just over 500 hours on 'em. But I know guys who have over 900 hours on 'em. Not bad for a product that has less than two years production.

The 2010 model will have modifications/improvements that will make most folks very happy for sure. Plus specific options that customers ask for.

Very proud A-Team member of TURFCO's T3000. :usflag::canadaflag:

I'm interested in a unit that carries a lot of water. Does anyone operate a t3000 with 32 or 46 gallons?

[turfcobob]

Spray Man The answer is yes. Some guys are putting down liquid fert at half gallon per 1000 sq ft. They got a 30 gallong tank kit from a company called Contree Mfg. in Wisc. It is a kit with all the hardware and plumbing to fit it to the T3000 and costs like $150.00 You have to take the fertilizer off and this takes about 15 minutes. 4 1/4 inch bolts, two pull pins and two cotter pins. Actually I put my Fert hopper back on friday when I took the Aux Tank off and it took me 15 minutes to put the Spyker hopper back on and operational. The pump produces 4.5 gallon per minute and hypro has 5 different nozzles available. Next Year we will also have a 12 boom available for different applications. The boom goes on and off in like one minute. Call if you have questions 402-783-2028

[americanlawn]

turfcobob was here this evening, and he showed us his T3000....SWEET!

Then I showed him our T's with quick-connect fill setup. It fills both saddle tanks in less than two minutes while we fill the hopper with dry fert. That's a two minute pit stop to fill an empty unit with everything.

Then he checked out our 16-gallon axillary tank that's plumbed into the saddle tanks. It can be removed in less than 30 seconds cuz it's mounted in the carrier tray.

Turfcobob's T had some 2010 model features that even ours did not have. More advances are also on the way for the 2010 unit. I should note that '08 & '09 models can easily be upgraded to the latest technology. Thanks TURFCO. :waving: :usflag::canadaflag:

[americanlawn]

One T3000 broke our previous production record today (nearly $3000 in one day). I realize that it may not be a big thing in certain markets, but here....that's alot of money for one guy, and I've never seen this before until now.

One pickup truck w/carrier rack, one ride-on, one person (spread & spray).

Thanks TURFCO. :usflag::canadaflag:

[phasthound]

One T3000 broke our previous production record today (nearly $3000 in one day). I realize that it may not be a big thing in certain markets, but here....that's alot of money for one guy, and I've never seen this before until now.

One pickup truck w/carrier rack, one ride-on, one person (spread & spray).

Thanks TURFCO. :usflag::canadaflag:

Hell Larry, that's a lot of dough in any market!

[Young Bros]

Way to kick some tail Larry! CPS is awesome, thanks for the referral.

[americanlawn]

Thanks guys -- 2 properties treated: 1) 880,000 SQUARE FEET + 2 ) 800,000 SQUARE FEET. (Total square footage = about 1700 K).

Just got these details from the applicator today. It took over 8 1/2 hours instead of the 6 1/2 I posted previously....(sorry, at least I try to be up front).

One guy, one pickup truck ---PERIOD. Didn't have to pull a trailer either......just a guy & his pickup truck. (with a little help from his ride-on sprayer/spreader).

Since this site seems to be a Z-Spray site, I won't disclose which machine accomplished this. Sad deal.........(in many respects) :dizzy:

[BeautifulBlooms]

Good question bud - We easily converted one of our T3000's this spring to accommodate 32 gallons. It's a sweet set-up, and the extra tank can be taken off in two minutes if need be.

This weekend, I'll re-plumb both out T's with "quick-disconnect fittings" to make it even faster to convert as well as faster fill time. (Working with TURFCO on that).

I cannot say enough about our T3000's cuz we run 'em everyday with no breakdowns. I figure we have had "2 days of total downtime" all year long. That ain't bad, and the T's make us huge profits.

I'll post pics soon once TURFCO sees them first and gives me the go ahead.

Both our T's have just under & just over 500 hours on 'em. But I know guys who have over 900 hours on 'em. Not bad for a product that has less than two years production.

The 2010 model will have modifications/improvements that will make most folks very happy for sure. Plus specific options that customers ask for.

Very proud A-Team member of TURFCO's T3000. :usflag::canadaflag:


I am extremely interested in finding out the true working efficiency of these machines compared to the other options. I am a relatively small company with only about 35 fert accounts all residential and most between 5000-15000 with only a couple greater than 20,000 (one that is 40,000). Is spending $9000 worth it for a lot of smaller properties?

My current setup is push spreader and backpack spot spray. I am thinking the fert/spray capabilities will increase my efficiency greatly, but how many accounts will I need to justify the $9000. I am already on the higher end of the fert pricing compared to most people out there.

Been thinking this all through thoroughly for the last 18 months probably. I would like to be able to get some of the larger properties but because of my current setup people who hire us for landscape services usually end up saying I am too high for the fert, so I am thinking this would get me way more of the larger properties, but I need to know how to price it beforehand.

[americanlawn]

IMO if you have properties with landscaping, hills, slopes, etc, the best bet would be either a PG or a T3000, but the T3000 handles slopes & curves much better than any other (we have climbed slopes as high as 45 degrees without tearing up turf), yet it will not need constant maintenance like the PG's do. The T3000 also has the same capability of spreading/spraying as Z-Sprays, yet the T is much more maneuverable, does not tear up turf like ZTR's, and does not "burn turf while turning" (compared to ZTR units). Plus - the T3000 can easily be transported on a carrier rack (which we like, cuz NONE of my guys want to have to "pull a trailer").

We've racked up several hundreds of hours during the past two years on our two T3000's. Total down time this year = about two days..... mainly for installing '09/'10 upgrades that TURFCO provided us (for free) on our '08 models for us to try out. Both our T's still run like new everyday.

I know it's alot of money, but the T3000 will quickly pay for itself, and it will last for years. Z-Guys sometimes say the T's 'rust out' cuz they are not totally stainless steel. But guess what -- NEITHER of our T's have any corrosion -- "on any part whatsoever". (I figure them boys think the T is a "threat"). I agree, cuz them boys have not used T's like as long as we have, and their word is meaningless, cuz they certainly do not know what they're talking about.

We also like the fact that we can spot spray with one hand while riding in cruise control, as it "does NOT take 'two hands' to steer" (compared to "ZTR" units). "Deflector shield on the fly" (thanks TURFCO) also reduces "blowing off granules". Sorry Z-Spray guys, cuz your deflector shield sucks. We're also talking ease of use & reducing operator fatigue. Plus running record profit this year.

We tried them all --- listened to my employees's concerns. so...... we just bought another T3000 today.

Thanks TURFCO and turfcobob for your relentless support. :usflag::canadaflag:

[FdLLawnMan]

I am 1 hour north of you. Unless you are serious about growing the fert business I don't think a ride on is for you. I think you need at least a 100 accounts to make one worthwhile. I started with a spreader on the back of a lawn tractor and pulled a boom sprayer around. I can do 1 acre of property now with a few obstacles in about 15 to 20 minutes. That is liquid weed control and granular fertilizer. I charge about $150.00 per acre and my minimum charge is $40.00. I hope this helps.

[growingdeeprootsorganicly]

HI:usflag:

[americanlawn]

Here's a pic of our latest (2010) T3000. We added the boom & aux tank that we used this past season. I't's the setup that folks said we were full of BS. :laugh:


TE=growingdeeprootsorganicly;3278049]HI:usflag:[/QUOTE]

[DUSTYCEDAR]

Now i like that