News Releases:

For Immediate Release

Exmark's New Metro 26 Redefines Small Walk-Behind Performance

Beatrice, Neb. (March 4, 2005) - With the introduction of the Metro 26, Exmark ® has raised the bar for productivity, durability and commercial-grade performance in small commercial walk-behind mowers.   The Metro 26 combines the easy maneuverability and balance of a 21-inch commercial mower with productivity of a production mower, to offer lawn care professionals a powerful tool that's ideal for maintaining residential and small commercial properties.

The increased deck width of the Metro 26 increases productivity by up to 25-percent compared to a 21-inch commercial mower.   The new model creates a new category of small walk-behind, and employs advanced aluminum casting techniques to produce a durable, lightweight cutting deck that offers a full 26-inch width of cut.   The deck gives operators the flexibility to efficiently mulch or bag grass clippings, and offers the signature quality of cut Exmark owners have come to expect.   Exmark engineers also designed a steel deck guard to protect the deck height adjustment system from impact damage.

"Our customers asked us to develop a walk-behind that would help them increase production on smaller properties," said John Cloutier, national marketing communications manager for Exmark.   "The Metro 26 offers contractors the a versatile commercial mower that is powerful enough for production, yet flexible enough to handle trim mowing duties."

A robust 6-horsepower Kawasaki engine gives the Metro 26 plenty of power for tough jobs.   Standard blade brake controls enable the operator to disengage the blade without shutting down the engine, and a remote one-gallon fuel tank allows longer runtimes between fill-ups.   The engine also features a remote spin-on oil filter for maximum performance and extended service intervals.  

Harnessing that power is a heavy-duty three-speed drive system offers speeds from 2.0 to 4.1 miles per hour.   The belt-driven blade spindle design isolates the engine crankshaft from the blade, preventing the potential for engine damage resulting from a hard blade impact.   The design also allows Exmark engineers to specify an exceptional blade tip speed of 18,500 feet-per-minute for an unmatched quality of cut.   The spindle assembly is the same sealed bearing, non-greaseable unit that Exmark employs in its popular Metro line of gear-drive mid-mount walk-behinds, where it has earned a solid record of durability in the field.

The lightweight, balanced design of the Metro 26 provides exceptional operator maneuverability and control.   The standard height-adjustable control handle features ergonomic positioning of throttle, speed and blade brake controls for maximum operator comfort and productivity.   Die-cast aluminum rims feature large-diameter semi-pneumatic "No-Flat" tires, which offer excellent traction and mower stability, while eliminating productivity-wasting flat tires.

For more information about the new Metro 26 walk-behind, or any model in Exmark's 2005 line-up, visit www.exmark.com , or call (402) 223-6300.

Exmark Manufacturing was incorporated in 1982 and has been engaged, since its inception, in the design and manufacture of mid-size commercial walk-behind and riding lawn mowers for the landscape professional.   In addition to designing, building and marketing quality turf care equipment, Exmark's goal is total customer satisfaction.   Products are sold to distributors, who in turn, market to dealers throughout the continental United States and Canada.

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Note to Editors :   For more information, please direct all inquiries to Exmark Mfg. Co., Inc. Industrial Park N.W., P.O. Box 808, Beatrice, NE 68310-0808; (402) 223-6300; Fax (402) 223-6384; Web site address: http://www.exmark.com.

Go to high-resolution images of the Metro 26