International landscape, outdoor living, and outdoor power equipment professionals gathered in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 15-18 for Equip Expo, where there was no shortage of news on new product innovations and information to support industry growth.

One of Louisville’s top-grossing events of the year, Equip Expo had set a record this year. An Oct. 22 update from event planners announced this year was a record-breaking event, with over 28,000 registered professionals, marking its third consecutive year of a sold-out exhibit hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The event drew retailers, distributors, and wholesalers from all 50 states and 46 countries, according to Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) President and CEO Kris Kiser, on behalf of the host organization.

“There’s no other place where landscapers, equipment manufacturers, and dealers can come together to talk to each other, peer to peer, in such a supportive environment,” Kiser said of the annual event, dedicated to growing businesses for landscapers, hardscapers, manufacturers, and dealers.

Prior to its start, planners reported that this year’s event would have fundamental shifts and improvements to elevate the show. Those features included new exhibitor space, totaling a million square feet for nearly 900 exhibitors, expanded networking opportunities, and improved logistics. A 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard allowed attendees to dig, cut, mow, mulch, and test equipment.

Noteworthy News from Manufacturers

In the area of news announcements and hot issues generating attention, a few stood out for the Rural Lifestyle Dealer team on hand.

John Deere drew attention with an electric zero-turn prototype on display, although details and future availability were not readily available. Additionally, Briggs made news by announcing a deal to bring the Snapper line back in a partnership with Daye. As reported earlier in the week, Briggs & Stratton entered into a licensing agreement with Daye North America for the Snapper brand. Daye, which manufactures several lines of outdoor power equipment, will bring Snapper to mass retail, e-commerce, and dealer direct as early as spring 2025.

According to an Oct. 16 announcement released by Briggs & Stratton during Equip Expo, Daye’s existing outdoor power equipment brands give the company economies of scale to manufacture and market a robust line of Snapper products. Initial plans call for chore tools, riding lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, walk mowers, and battery products, including a 60V chore lineup with a brushless blower, string trimmer, and 22-inch self-propelled mower.

The equipment electrification issue was a predominant theme during the event. Our team noted that most booths had some form of battery-powered equipment, especially as schools, hospitals, and municipalities increasingly need to charge and power their equipment. With legislation mandating battery versus gas-powered tools due to emissions and noise, this is likely a challenge to overcome. Additionally, comparatively little was seen in the subcompact tractor area, a niche that had taken up a good amount of show floor space in the past.

Product Introductions

As always during the global outdoor power equipment show, there was no shortage of new products, with some companies announcing innovations well ahead of availability.

Honda Power Sports & Products introduced an all-new line of battery-powered lawn mowers. The battery-powered Honda HRX comes with a five-year residential warranty and a 90-day commercial warranty. Honda HRN lawn mowers will carry a three-year residential warranty and a 90-day commercial warranty. Honda HRC models will have a two-year residential warranty and a one-year commercial warranty. The Honda ZTR model comes with a three-year commercial limited warranty. These battery-powered lawn mower models will be sold at select Honda Power Equipment dealers nationwide starting in spring 2025, according to a statement released at the Expo.

The Honda ZTR, which will be the first electrified power product produced at Honda North Carolina Manufacturing (NCM) in Swepsonville, will be available in 2025.

Segway’s robotic lawn mower arm, Segway Navimow, debuted its new premium model mowers at Equip Expo. The new Navimow X3 Series mowers eliminate the need for boundary wires and are designed for large lawns, with models for both professionals and homeowners managing up to 0.5 to 2.5 acres.

According to Vanguard, the 1.5kWh Commercial Battery Pack (Sii1.5) was the battery product generating the most excitement. With a standard charge time of 75 minutes and swappable batteries, landscape professionals can avoid the range anxiety often associated with battery-powered equipment. Vanguard also showcased its 3.5kWh Battery (Fi3.5) available in 24V and 48V configurations, designed to withstand harsh conditions.

Titan International Inc., alongside the recently acquired Carlstar Group, launched its Variable Pressure Operation (VPO) Technology. Initially developed for military applications and tested with Polaris, the flat-proof technology now serves consumer use.

Sunseeker unveiled its X Series and S Series Wire-free Robotic Mowers and 60V Commercial & Prosumer handheld outdoor power equipment (OPE), introducing wire-free operation and intelligent navigation. The lineup includes five models tailored to diverse market needs.

Economic Impact

Louisville officials reported that the annual event brings about $25 million into the local economy, making Equip Expo the city’s fourth-largest event of the year. “We’re 41 years young here in Louisville,” Kiser told the media. “For the past three years, we have owned and managed the show here from Louisville.”

More Product Updates from Equip Expo: