Troy-Bilt® Introduces FLEX™, A New Category Of Outdoor Power Equipment

CLEVELAND, March 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Troy-Bilt^® today introduced FLEX™ - a first-of-its-kind, customizable yard care system that will change the way homeowners buy and use outdoor power equipment. Available at Lowe's stores across the country, the FLEX system is a power base that accepts multiple attachments, so you have one piece of equipment to tackle all your outdoor chores year-round.

A whole new approach to yard care, FLEX powers four different attachments including the FLEX Wide-Area Mower, the FLEX Leaf Blower, the FLEX Snow Thrower and the FLEX Pressure Washer. Future attachments planned include an air compressor, log splitter and chipper shredder in 2016, plus a power broom, generator, aerator and dethatcher in subsequent years. The attachments are sold separately so consumers can customize their system by selecting only those they need, when they need them.

The unique multi-use functionality of FLEX allows the consumer to save money and up to 60 percent of garage storage space when compared to the purchase of individual, one-use products. Plus, there's only one engine to maintain for all outdoor power equipment needs.

"With the FLEX system, we were able to relieve several consumer pain points when it comes to outdoor power equipment," said Heidi Ketvertis, senior marketing director at Troy-Bilt. "It helps homeowners who have a lot of chores to take care of, but not a lot of storage space. It provides the flexibility and versatility people need to take on a variety of projects across all seasons, and is practical and easy to use."

Developed in partnership with business innovation firm Nottingham Spirk, the FLEX self-propelled power base can be rolled up to the attachment you want to use and then easily clicks into place. To switch attachments, use the kickstand to disengage the attachment and you're ready to click on a new one. A storage rack is sold separately for simple and neat organization.

"Troy-Bilt FLEX falls into the unique category of disruptive innovation that will revolutionize how consumers think about products," said Vikki Nowak, vice president at Nottingham Spirk. "When a completely new experience is discovered, it requires great tenacity and leadership to get it to market. The positive feedback we've received from hundreds of consumers, combined with Troy-Bilt's passion for improving the consumer's power equipment experience, made FLEX a reality."

The power base retails for $399 and attachments range from $279 to $499 to meet the needs – and budget – of any consumer. A 4-year limited warranty is standard on the power base and a 2-year limited warranty is standard on the attachments.

ABOUT TROY-BILT

In 1937, Troy-Bilt introduced the first American-made rototiller and since then has expanded its legendary expertise and durable product line to create a complete selection of the industry's finest lawn and garden tools. The company's award-winning product line includes top-quality tractors, mowers, tillers, cultivators, trimmers, snow throwers and a variety of outdoor power tools. Troy-Bilt machines are built to last and engineered to take on the toughest challenges to make jobs simpler and safer. Headquartered in Valley City, Ohio, and with multiple manufacturing locations across the country, including Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi, Troy-Bilt is committed to the communities it's a part of and keeping America working as hard as it can. For more information, visit troybilt.com or Troy-Bilt's Facebook Page.

ABOUT LOWE'S

Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 100 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customers a week in the United States, Canada and Mexico through its stores and online at lowes.com, lowes.ca and lowes.com.mx. With fiscal year 2014 sales of $56.2 billion, Lowe's has 1,840 home improvement and hardware stores and more than 265,000 employees. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

ABOUT NOTTINGHAM SPIRK

Nottingham Spirk is the business innovation firm responsible for wildly successful new businesses including: Crest Spinbrush, Swiffer SweeperVac, Sherwin-Williams Twist & Pour Paint Can, and HealthSpot – the world's first full-service telemedicine kiosk. Launched over 40 years ago, Nottingham Spirk has partnered with industry leaders such as P&G, Unilever and Scott's to develop nearly 1,000 commercialized patents that have generated $45 billion in revenue. Vertically integrated to seamlessly deliver solutions to real end-user problems, Nottingham Spirk's repurposed historic landmark building inspires associates and clients with its 60,000 square feet of extensive research, design, engineering, prototyping and testing facilities. For inspiring stories about products people love to buy, visit nottinghamspirk.com.

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SOURCE Troy-Bilt