Find a Dealer
Newsletter Signup
Model Chooser
Request Quote
Financing
VideosAug 15, 2023
A turf maintenance job well done relies on durability from Shocker Composites
After a job well-done, groomed turf can have a carpet-like appearance that leads to a relaxing experience. But, some mowing situations can pose a challenge to operators with rough obstacles or debris. For operators to achieve hours of operation where they can rely on their machine to be at the ready, manufacturers must build their equipment with durable components. Grasshopper Mowers, a world leader in turf maintenance equipment, turns to Shocker Composites for components where durability, high performance, and low warranty costs are a must.
Production of components similar to Shocker Composites’ offerings has historically had a significant environmental impact and disposal of waste materials poses various challenges. The solution from Shocker lies in designing and developing materials specific to Grasshopper’s part requirements using 100% sustainable and recycled resins and carbon fiber. Through their patented and proprietary processes, Shocker is providing key parts reinforced with carbon fiber.
The material development process starts by identifying and analyzing the performance requirements of parts that are prone to stress and wear in the field. Shocker Composites’ carbon fiber recycling process is performed at room temperatures and pressures, thus allowing the recycled carbon fibers to maintain 100% of the expected performance characteristics. With the materials used and the recycle process, the expectation is these parts will last up to two to three times longer, reducing warranty costs and increasing customer satisfaction. Consider the longer useful life as well and the cost of those parts are less than traditional materials.
“Our customers stake their reputations on their Grasshopper equipment being ready every day,” said Grasshopper Mowers President Stan Guyer. “Shocker Composites helps provide peace of mind that we select top-quality materials in all parts of our machines, whether it’s to create signature mowing patterns or cut down thick grass in municipal applications.”
Shocker Composites’ products have outperformed parts manufactured using traditional glass-filled materials. This has a direct impact on reducing plastic waste and preventing landfilling. Moreover, by using 100% sustainable materials, Grasshopper is an industry leader with manufacturing materials.
“This process is the most efficient and cost-effective in the world that we have found,” Guyer said. “Incorporating Shocker Composites’ parts has proven to improve Grasshopper Mower’s performance and sustainability.”
Grasshopper Company personnel accept Industry Sustainability Award from Shocker Composites at Equip Exposition 2022.
Pictured from left: Trent Guyer, Ryan Hefley, Don Dickson (Shocker Composites), Justin Dalke
About Grasshopper
The Grasshopper Company is a privately held corporation dedicated solely to the design and production of commercial and large-acreage mowing and grounds maintenance equipment. Grasshopper introduced the first zero-turn radius mower with dual swing-out levers in 1969, and other industry firsts include the first liquid-cooled diesel-powered zero-turn radius mower in 1983 and the first electric-actuated fold-up mower deck in 2004. Based in Moundridge, Kan., the company distributes its products worldwide and is committed to lean and clean manufacturing practices reducing impact to the environment.
# # #