Hosted by FNGLA, the Jacksonville Landscape Show featured some of the best pro power tools, including a John Deere stand-on mower and an American-made Scag spreader.
The show’s Florida and Georgia suppliers displayed the latest and greatest landscaping tech. To select the show’s best power tools, we carefully compared each one based on performance, productivity, and comfort. Now, we give you the scoop.
7 Best Pro Power Tools:
- Stand-On Mower: John Deere Q865R EFI
- Ride-On Spreader: Scag Turf Storm XL
- Backpack Sprayer: Birchmeier Flox 10
- Track Loader (24.7 hp): Toro Dingo TX-700
- Wheel Loader (25 hp): Avant 528
- Track Loader (61 hp) : John Deere 317G
- Digital Measuring Wheel: Plott Carta
1. John Deere Q865R EFI QuikTrak – Stand-On Zero-Turn Mower
John Deere’s new Q865R EFI was the star of the Jacksonville Landscape Show. The mighty zero-turn mower makes commercial cutting a breeze. With a 34.6-horsepower EFI engine, spacious spring-loaded platform, and accessible controls, it provides unparalleled performance and comfort.
Ben Siegel of Ag-Pro Jacksonville showed us the 60-inch mower, but the QuikTrak series also includes 54-inch and 48-inch models. To maximize performance, we recommend the Michelin rear tire option.
Specifications
| Blade speed | 18,000 fpm |
| Deck width | 60 inches |
| Deck material | 7-gauge steel |
| Engine Power (Gross) | 34.5 hp |
| Fuel tank capacity | 12 gal. |
| Max Forward Speed | 12 MPH |
| Max Reverse Speed | 6 MPH |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
| Warranty | 3 years / 1,500 hours |
Admittedly, I’m a John Deere fan. After years of testing and reviewing residential lawn mowers, I fell in love with John Deere’s quality and comfort.
2. Scag Turf Storm XL – Ride-On Spreader
Also at AgoPro, is the Scag Turf Storm XL. It turns treatments into child’s play. Welded from U.S. steel, the American-made spreader is delightfully durable. It can hold up to 220 pounds of granules or 60 gallons of liquid.
It has a 25-foot max spread width, and an electric sprayer that adjusts between 2 and 10 feet wide. It’s also well-balanced, with terrific traction and intuitive controls. As a result, the Scag spreader is smooth and swift.
Specifications
| Drive system | Dual pump / motor |
| Engine Power | 23 hp |
| Hose length | 15 ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 5 gal. |
| Max Forward Speed | 8.5 MPH |
| Max Reverse Speed | 5 MPH |
| Sprayer Capacity | 60 gal. |
| Sprayer Width Options | 2, 6, 8, & 10 ft. |
| Spreader Capacity | 220 lb. |
| Spread Width | ≤ 25 ft |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Width (sprayer in) | 54 in. |
| Width (sprayer out) | 84 in. |
3. Birchmeier Flox 10 – Backpack Sprayer
Our favorite backpack sprayer at the Jacksonville Landscape Show was the Birchmeier Flox 10. Its tank holds up to 2.5 gallons of liquid and has pressure reaching up to 87 psi.
Both right-handed and left-handed pros can comfortably apply treatments with its ergonomic design, adjustable handle, and adjustable nozzle. The Flox 10‘s cunning craftsmanship includes a stainless steel frame, brass trigger, and brass spray lance.
Specifications
| Capacity | 2.5 gal. |
| Max Pressure | 87 psi |
| Punp | Piston |
| Spray Pattern | Adjustable |
| Weight | 10.1 lb. |
4. Toro Dingo TX-700 – Mini Track Loader
At the Jacksonville Landscape Show, we also visited the ALTA Equipment Company. There, John Burgett showed us the Toro Dingo TX-700. It’s a workhorse. With a 37 horsepower engine and a 31-inch reach, it can carry up to 700 pounds.
The dynamic Dingo works with 35 attachments and a variety of track options. Since Toro’s Camso track system minimizes damage, landscapers can tread on turf without making it look terrible.
Specifications
| Engine Power (Gross) | 24.7 hp |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5.5 gal. |
| Max Speed | 4 mph |
| Operating Capacity | 708 lbs |
| Reach | 31 in. |
| Track Width | 126.6 in. |
| Width | 40.2 in. |
5. Avant 528 – Mini Wheel Loader
While at ALTA, we also examined the Avant 528. It’s a mighty mini-loader with an efficient hydraulic system, intuitive controls, and a 2,100-pound lift capacity. Additionally, its telescopic boom provides long reach, and its attachments enhance the loader’s capability.
Specifications
| Engine Power (Gross) | 25 hp |
| Lift Capacity | 2,100 lb |
| Max Lifting Height | 109.8 in |
| Max Speed | 7.5 mph |
| Pulling force | 2100 lbf |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
| Width | 44.9 in. |
6. John Deere 317G – Compact Track Loader
The John Deere 317G is joystick-controlled, compact, and comfortable. Move earth in the lap of luxury with a large pressurized cab, heated seats, and differential steering.
The track loader is also diverse, with over 100 available attachments, including an auger and pallet forks. Landscapers maneuver like magic with the track loader’s compact design, electro-hydraulic (EH) controls, and all-terrain options.
Specifications
| Engine Power (Gross) | 65 hp |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 gal. |
| Max speed | 7 mph |
| Operating Capacity | 2,125 lb. |
| Reach | 31 in. |
| Track Shoe Width | 12.6 in. |
| Warranty | 2 years / 2,000 hours |
| Width | 65 in. |
7. Plott Carta – Digital Measuring Wheel
The Plott Carta saves pros time and mitigates mistakes. With superb accuracy, it digitally delivers real-time mappings and measurements. We were introduced to the digital measuring wheel at SiteOne Landscape Supply with the assistance of Christopher Chase.
Controlled by a smartphone, the Plott Carta places unparalleled power at pros’ fingertips. As a result, landscapers complete projects quickly, easily make changes, and minimize waste.
Specifications
| App OS | IOS, Android |
| Max Battery Life | 18 hours |
| Units of Measurement | Feet, meters, cubic yards |
| Weight | 3.63 lb. |
| Wheel Size | 12.5 in. |
Finding the Best Pro Power Tools
Jeff Yochum and I had a blast at the Jacksonville Landscape Show. Hosted by FNGLA, the show featured innovative tools that improve pros’ productivity.
After years of researching and testing tools, I started Lawn Lobby to help people purchase the best lawn care tools. If there’s a product you want me to review or a topic you want covered, please reach out via Facebook or IG. To help keep my content ad-free, buy me a coffee.