We recently talked a bit about Exmark’s new 2018 Lazer Z Diesel line of Zero Turn Mowers. As you might recall, we highlighted how Exmark went to great lengths to ensure the operator’s comfort and productivity. One of the features included to achieve that end is patented Exmark RED technology. Admittedly, our coverage of RED tech in the last article was brief. However, Exmark has announced the next generation of their RED tech. Their updated engine management system probably calls for a bit closer examination this time around, as Exmark includes it in many of their upcoming gas and diesel mowers.
What Is The Exmark RED Technology?
Exmark designed the next-gen RED tech to increase power and performance, as well as efficiency and versatility with their Lazer Z gas and diesel zero turn mowers. Through the patented software and an onboard LCD control panel, the operator can control mower power and fuel efficiency through a few defined operation modes. The simple user interface allows the user to monitor vital mower functions, troubleshooting concerns, property statistics, and maintenance reminders. How does it accomplish all this?
“RED Technology works with the Electronic Fuel Injection and E-Governor technologies to increase engine responsiveness and reduce governor droop, so it can more quickly adapt to changing mowing conditions. This ability to deliver the right amount of power at the right time keeps engine RPM more consistent on a RED-equipped machine.”
-Jamie Briggs, Exmark Product Manager
Customizable Operation Modes
Exmark RED technology begins with engine responsiveness to external conditions. Rather than simply turning the key and tearing through the job at full throttle no matter the circumstances, these Exmark mowers allow the user to select from six operation modes. For those of you familiar with previous generations of RED tech, this idea will not come as a surprise. However, Exmark has done away with the three-position rocker switch for mode selection and instead, they have moved into incorporating a digital LCD display screen with three multi-function push buttons.
The Exmark mower equipped with RED tech only uses the power it needs when it needs it. Take the Low Mode, for example. This setting reduces the blade tip speed and should be selected for wet lawns. The reduced RPM helps avoid deck packing with wet clippings.
Efficient Mode increases the RPM for optimized performance in most conditions. This mode maximizes fuel efficiency and reduces emissions and noise. The Efficient Mode also reduces wear and tear on engine parts.
The Max Mode increases power for more demanding circumstances, like overgrown areas and tall grass that has gotten out of hand. Obviously, this mode increases the fuel consumption, but the mower produces enough RPM to get through the really tough stuff.
The user can select any of these three modes with the PTO engaged or not.
Clutch Saver & Safe Transport
Next-gen Exmark RED tech utilizes a clutch saving feature, which momentarily drops engine RPM when the clutch engages. This amounts to a reduction in component wear and tear. It also has the added benefit of allowing the operator to engage the cutting deck on the fly.
The system also monitors the mower’s performance. Should it detect a critical engine or system issue, RED tech will drop the mower into a safe transport mode. This will disengage the clutch and reduce the engine RPM. This allows the operator to drive the mower back to the truck without further damaging key components. From there, the operator can bring the mower in for servicing.
System Monitoring
The Exmark RED technology also allows the control module to link to the particular mower model and serial number. The system then tracks service and usage data. The benefit here is that the RED control module will alert the user to when maintenance, such as engine or transmission oil changes, comes due. It will also display and log error codes when the system detects an issue. The RED system even logs the mower’s service history for later reference.
“By ensuring vital maintenance items are completed on schedule, mower uptime, profitability, and productivity are maximized,” Briggs said.
Exmark RED technology is available on both the gasoline and diesel engine options. The new 2018 Lazer Z line can come equipped with Kawasaki EFI or Kohler gasoline engines, or with Yanmar diesel engines.
Exmark RED Technology Additional Features
- The mower auto-idles when the operator gets out of the seat.
- Throttle-down feature: allows the operator to quickly reduce engine RPM for mowing around windows, cars or sensitive landscaping, then return to normal operating RPM at the touch of a button.
- Operating statistics: including total gallons of fuel used; average gallons of fuel used per hour; and both resettable and non-resettable engine and PTO hour meters.
- Property statistics/trip meter: for up to five properties, users can log and track engine hours, PTO hours and gallons of fuel used.
Visit Exmark.com to find your local dealer and to learn more about Exmark’s new RED Technology and the 2018 RED-equipped Lazer Z models.