For Immediate Release

Exmark Redefines Smooth, Precise Control with 2013 Navigator

Louisville, KY (October 24, 2012) — Today at the GIE+EXPO trade show, Exmark unveiled significant revisions to its renowned Navigator dedicated bagging rider. The updates focused on giving Navigator enhanced control feel with reduced control effort, allowing for increased mowing precision and overall productivity, and a reduction in operator fatigue.

“Our customers drive us to help them raise the bar in a number of areas,” said Daryn Walters, Exmark Director of Marketing. “The distinctive properties the Navigator is designed to care for require a machine that not only delivers a more refined quality of cut, but one also capable of maneuvering more quickly and productively around the often highly-landscaped properties.”

“The significant updates to the 2013 Navigator demonstrate Exmark’s commitment to helping high-end landscape professionals exceed client expectations with industry-leading commercial-grade equipment that is more productive and easier to operate.”

To give the 2013 Navigator smoother, more precise control and increased mowing speeds, Exmark engineers incorporated the latest hydro-drive technology, including new, high-performance hydro motors and new reduced-friction hydro pumps, which are manufactured to Exmark’s specification to provide smooth, consistent control and long life in commercial use.

The updated FeatherTouch drive control system features a redesigned control interface that offers both reduced control force and a more consistent feel throughout the control travel. A new torsion spring design on the fingertip controls provides an optimal balance of spring tension and responsiveness, giving operators smoother, more precise control of the Navigator, with less required pressure input on the controls. The new handle design also offers additional adjustment area for increased comfort and ergonomics for a wider variety of operators.

Navigator’s exclusive fill-reduction system was developed by Exmark to enhance the versatility of its dedicated-bagging system. A standard feature on every Navigator, the system allows the operator to quickly and easily switch from dedicated bagging (100-percent bagging) to fill-reduction mode (75-percent bagging/25-percent mulching), which dramatically reduces the number of required stops to dump clippings. An optional mulching kit is also available.

Navigator’s 4 5/8-inch deep rear-discharge deck features a larger blower to pull through more air, which provides superior deck flow-through and cut quality. It incorporates a heavy-duty gear-driven spindle assembly, which delivers the durability landscape professionals demand. Available in 42- and 48-inch widths, the floating deck precisely follows ground contours to virtually eliminate scalping, and the deck lifts from the front to simplify cleaning and blade service.

Other features of the 2013 Navigator include:

• Large 9.5-bushel (76-gallon) collection hopper features an Exmark-exclusive baffle design to more evenly distribute clippings from rear-to-front, increasing utilization.
• Powerful Kohler Command CH640 or Command EFI ECH730 V-Twin engine options.
• Superior Gear gearbox assemblies are independently sealed at each box to prevent cross-contamination or loss of lubricant.
• Gearboxes use spiral-bevel cut gears for quiet operation; premium Timken tapered roller bearings for commercial-duty durability.
• Standard high-back “EVC” Elastomeric Vibration Control seat, which has no springs to break.
• Heavy-duty 3/8-inch hardware connects all gearboxes and shaft tubes (vs. ¼-inch hardware for competitors).
• Lazer Z style hour meter module and harness for improved on-board diagnostics.

• 48-inch snow blade
• 44-inch snow blower
• Mulch kit
• Light kit
• Auto door-open kit
• Dump tubs

-- 30 --

Note to Editors: All media inquiries, image or interview requests should be directed to Matt Gersib at (402) 314-2150 or mattgersib@gmail.com. For other inquiries, please contact Exmark Mfg. Co., Inc., P.O. Box 808, Beatrice, NE 68310-0808; (402) 223-6300.