WELCOME TO THE JULY 08 FOCUS ON LANDSCAPERS
Here is your July 2008 Edition of FocusOn Landscapers, your on-line connection to the latest in products and services for the landscape and arborist industries. This issue includes reviews, videos, brochures and web links on several new items and hundreds of past reviews found in the product category listings.---------------------------------
With each new phase of the EPA rules governing small engines, manufacturers are using catalytic converters and other design changes to meet the mandatory emission reductions. Companies are spending millions on the new technologies so it’s understandable that they are frustrated and angry with the staggering volumes of non-compliant products that are reaching the North American market. In a recent article on redorbit.com (Click Here to read Article), U.S. power equipment manufacturers are pushing the EPA to insert liability provisions, registration requirements and other wording in the new rule as a means to stem the flow of the offshore non-compliant equipment.
Granted, some of this equipment "looks" good, even appears to be identical to the known compliant products but you can be assured that it is inferior and will not come close to meeting current or even previous EPA standards. The EPA and U.S. customs agents already have stepped up enforcement efforts, seizing or turning away thousands of motorcycles, generators, water pumps and other Asian-made outdoor power equipment illegally imported under existing rules.