The all-new Altoz Switch provides the benefits of tracks along with the versatility of multiple attachments for multi-season use.
GREENBUSH, Minn. —Altoz is announcing the release of the Altoz Switch stand-on tracked compact tool carrier. The all-new Altoz Switch provides the benefits of tracks along with the versatility of multiple attachments for multi-season use. Multiple tasks can be performed using the currently available attachment options: three mower decks (all-terrain, brush and finish), angle broom, v-blade, straight blade, snow blower and brine de-icing system. The Switch’s ability to change attachments quickly and easily without tools makes it a cost-effective solution.
The operator station of an Altoz Switch features an adjustable coil spring-over gas shock suspension rider platform. The perforated platform and low center of gravity provide secure footing and increased control for the operator.
The Switch torsion axle width adjusts from 41.5” to 51.5” for added stability. The 9-inch wide all-terrain track is the key to traction and bridging the gaps found in rough terrain for improved ride quality.
Operator efficiency will add value to the bottom line with the agility and responsiveness to move across slopes, low lands, technical terrain, and snow and ice-covered surfaces.
The 29.5 horsepower Kawasaki FX 852cc engine has an integrated electronic throttle and governor control helping power through those tough conditions. Kawasaki’s EFI fuel management system continually adjusts power to load to keep ground speed steady, getting more done in less time with maximum fuel economy.
A commercial hydrostatic drive system delivers quick response to the Altoz track system. Standard features on the Switch include electric dial throttle control, a large 9-gallon fuel tank, solid-state PTO switch, keyless push-to-start ignition and SmarTrac Pro control. The patented SoftStart clutch control decreases mechanical wear and significantly increases belt life.
Altoz is continuing to develop and will release more accessories to add to the versatility and capabilities of the Switch.
The event will be held Jan. 8-11, 2023, in Orlando.
WorkWave® , a provider of SaaS software solutions, has opened registration for its 2023 Beyond Service User Conference being held Jan. 8-11, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. The event will bring together WorkWave experts and customers from its family of brands: PestPac, ServMan, Real Green, WorkWave Service, Coalmarch, Slingshot, Servicebot (formerly known as Lawnbot) and — for the first time — TEAM Software.
Acquired by WorkWave in fall 2021, TEAM Software is a provider of software and solutions for the cleaning, janitorial, security and facilities management industries.
“The success of last year's inaugural Beyond Service User Conference far exceeded what we could have imagined, as we combined the WorkWave family of brands into one exciting and inspiring event for the first time,” says WorkWave CEO David F. Giannetto. “WorkWave has created a unique experience that brings together the most diverse group of service leaders from more industries than found anywhere in the world, all with one thing in common — all are focused on succeeding and growing every area of their service business. We are looking forward to bringing this even more diverse group together again this year as we aim to make the 2023 Beyond Service User Conference our best experience yet.”
The Beyond Service User Conference will feature more than 200 training and thought leadership sessions and customer success stories to empower users to gain expertise across WorkWave’s portfolio of solutions, so they can grow and run their businesses more efficiently. This year’s conference will offer workshops, networking opportunities with 1,000-plus service professionals, and entertainment and social events.
Click here to register for the event. The company’s website will continue to be updated with this year’s keynote speaker, session information and other details.
Landscape for Life was developed in 2011 to provide education on sustainable landscaping practices.
Colorado State University has been named the new institutional partner for Landscape For Life, a program that provides education on sustainable landscaping practices.
Developed in 2011 by the United States Botanic Garden and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin, Landscape For Life is based on the principles of the Sustainable Sites Initiatives.
The program will continue to be in partnership with the USBG and will be offered by CSU Extension, a division of CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension.
“USBG is thrilled to collaborate with CSU to continue Landscape for Life and the important work of teaching people about sustainable gardening at home,” said Susan Pell, USBG acting executive director. “CSU’s commitment to sustainability through action and education make for a great fit for this program. We look forward to working together to expand knowledge, access and resources for sustainable gardening practices across the country.”
“We are proud to be part of the program’s history and are pleased that CSU will foster its future,” said Lee Clippard, executive director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. “What began as an initiative to deliver education on sustainable gardening practices has grown into an opportunity to inspire lasting impact and change.”
For over 10 years, Landscape For Life has provided resources and training opportunities for people interested in climate-resilient landscaping techniques for any size garden, farm or common area. While conventional gardens can work against nature, sustainable gardens are supportive of natural ecosystems and conserve resources. They enhance the environment’s ability to clean air and water, reduce flooding, combat climate change and provide other natural benefits that support life on earth.
Landscape For Life uses these benefits as core themes and areas of focus for the course curriculum. The program also teaches foundational principles of Sustainable Sites Initiatives, the nation’s first comprehensive rating system designed to distinguish sustainable landscapes and measure their performance.
CSU Extension assumed responsibility for management, stewardship, growth and ownership of the program in May 2022. The first charge of the new CSU-USBG partnership will be updating content to ensure the latest, science-based research remains core to the curriculum, followed by improving in-depth learning opportunities through accessible online programming and in-person training in Colorado.
Through leveraging the institution’s experience and expertise in creating scalable learning platforms, mixed with strong, national Cooperative Extension network connections, CSU plans to address audiences nationwide. Longer-term, high-priority goals for the program place an emphasis on language justice with an initiative to translate course content into Spanish, in both written and live translation.
“We are excited to build on the work started by the USBG and the Wildflower Center, and bring CSU’s resources into this next stage of the program,” said Blake Naughton, vice president for CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension. “Partnerships like this are fundamental to engagement where together, we increase the value we bring to individuals, industries and communities.”
To be responsive to different learning styles, personalized education tracks are in development. Course modality will include options like free online content, modular online courses and customized, fee-based training delivered either online or in-person.
Based on the learner’s desired outcomes and intended goals for registration, course content will be directed at two audience segments of the landscaping industry: those who install and maintain green spaces (landscaping companies, municipal staff, homeowners/gardeners), and those who experience landscapes (clients of landscaping companies, HOA boards, municipalities, homeowners/gardeners).
“We recognize that sustainable landscape training, to be most effective, should include different experiences based on how the individual interacts with landscapes,” Naughton said. “With CSU‘s access to some of the nation’s top researchers and academics in science and sustainability, we’ll build upon existing curriculum and develop new modules that tailor the learning experience for either consumers or providers.”
To learn more about Landscape For Life, explore the course curriculum, or see how to get involved, visit landscapeforlife.colostate.edu.
The company’s headquarters will move to Irving, Texas.
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Caterpillar Inc. announced it will move its global headquarters to the company's existing office in Irving, Texas, from its current location in Deerfield, Illinois.
"We believe it's in the best strategic interest of the company to make this move, which supports Caterpillar's strategy for profitable growth as we help our customers build a better, more sustainable world," said Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby.
Caterpillar has had a presence in Texas since the 1960s across several areas of the company. Illinois remains the largest concentration of Caterpillar employees anywhere in the world.
The company will begin transitioning its headquarters to Irving in 2022.
The workers’ comp and payroll platform is looking to expand beyond California and scale its business nationwide.
PALO ALTO, Calif. — Hourly.io, a workers’ comp and payroll startup, announced it has raised $27 million in Series A financing led by Glilot Capital Partners through its early growth fund, Glilot+. Additional backers include previous investors S Capital, MS&AD Ventures, J-Ventures and new to this round, Vintage Investment Partners and Upshot Ventures.
The Series A funding will help Hourly expand beyond the state of California, where it was founded. The company aims to scale its insurance platform nationwide.
Hourly’s user-friendly platform fuses three complicated products — time and attendance, payroll and workers’ comp insurance — into one.
Traditionally, businesses use annual payroll estimates to calculate workers’ comp premiums. But changes in staffing, workload, hours or pay often cause those estimates to vary significantly from reality. As a result, businesses overpay or underpay their workers’ comp premiums, often by tens of thousands of dollars.
Co-founder and CEO Tom Sagi experienced those problems firsthand when he ran a small business himself. He partnered with Shay Litvak, a technologist with over 20 years of experience, to solve these problems and revolutionize the $50 billion workers’ comp industry.
“Hourly completely eliminates uncertainty because payroll and workers’ comp are connected. Now companies know exactly how much their coverage costs,” said Sagi. “We’re thrilled to expand Hourly out of California and give business owners across America a better way to pay their team, get a handle on their true labor costs, and better manage their workers’ comp insurance.”