Dixie Chopper Unveils New Product at GIE+EXPO

Dixie Chopper unveiled a new zero-turn series, the BlackHawk, at the GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Kentucky.

The BlackHawk series includes 11 models of the BlackHawk and BlackHawk HP. Both models come standard with a foot-operated OCDC (operator controlled discharge chute) which allows the operator to keep both hands on the steering levers while blocking the chute on the fly.

“We are very excited to launch the BlackHawk series to the industry,” said Chris Vernon, Vice President and General Manager of Dixie Chopper. “The BlackHawk series is unlike anything Dixie Chopper has created before with a complete cosmetic design update and industry-leading features like the foot-operated OCDC and electronic control panel.”

The BlackHawk comes equipped with up to 24 horsepower Kawasaki^® and 25 horsepower Briggs and Stratton^® engines for a ground speed of up to 9 mph. The BlackHawk features 48-, 54-, and 60-inch deck options with a Parker^® HTE transmission, providing an extended life with smooth steering.

Full control is at your fingertips with the BlackHawk HP’s InCommand™ console featuring a blade timer, tachometer, job timer, voltage, fuel level, and “Soft Start” keyless ignition for easier clutch engagement. The BlackHawk HP is available with up to 23.5 horsepower Kawasaki and 25 horsepower Kohler^® EFI engine options and 48-, 54-, and 60-inch decks.

The BlackHawk HP also comes standard with a full-suspension seat, providing added lateral stability, improved durability, and a 4-inch seat slide to keep the operator comfortable during extended mowing periods.

At the GIE+EXPO, Dixie Chopper also introduced its 2017 product lineup, including updates to existing models like the Zee 2, Classic, and XCaliber zero-turns.

Dixie Chopper continued its military theme with several Chopper Army elements carried over in its indoor and outdoor booths. Included in the booths were a mower parachuting in from the ceiling and a live golden eagle.

Dixie Chopper also sponsored GIE+EXPO’s annual concert featuring The Crashers on Wednesday evening. Dixie Chopper brand ambassadors were on hand during the concert to blast out T-shirts and interact with attendees. Dixie Chopper also hosted a dealer and customer-exclusive party, in conjunction to the concert, at the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Cowboy Bar on 4^th Street Live!

On Wednesday, Vernon held a press conference in the Dixie Chopper indoor booth. Topics of the press conference included Dixie Chopper’s new product unveil and the company’s continuous improvement on all sides of the business, including increased sales, dealer growth, and internal hiring.

“In the past year, Dixie Chopper has grown tremendously by investing in our products, people and dealers,” said Vernon. “For the second year in a row, we received the Most Improved Manufacturer award from the North American Equipment Dealers Association, and we are still committed to improving in every way.”

About Dixie Chopper
Founded in 1980, Dixie Chopper revolutionized the entire lawn and garden industry by providing the first zero-turn lawn mowers built specifically for commercial mowing contractors. Today Dixie Chopper continues to lead the industry in innovation and quality. Known as “the World’s Fastest Lawn Mower,” Dixie Chopper mowers are about much more than being fast. The company prides itself on providing quality and reliability in addition to speed. To learn more about Dixie Chopper and view the complete line-up of zero-turn lawn mowers, visit the company’s website at www.dixiechopper.com. Dixie Chopper is owned by Jacobsen, a Textron (NYSE: TXT) Company.

About Textron Inc

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Bad Boy Off Road, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.