Great Plains Manufacturing announced Monday it is cutting 40 positions, or about 2.5 percent of its workforce.

A new lineup of handheld lawn & garden products is being introduced under the Snapper brand for the spring 2014 season. A curved shaft gas trimmer, a straight shaft gas trimmer, a backpack leaf blower and gas hedge trimmer will be available to help homeowners with their outdoor chores.

Exmark has introduced the option of its latest UltraCut rear discharge cutting deck to its popular Lazer Z S-Series zero-turn mower. Available in 60- and 72-inch cutting widths, the UltraCut rear discharge deck offers significant benefits including increased clipping discharge control, reduced noise and the ability to trim on both sides of the cutting deck.

This deck is ideal for cutting fields and ditches as well as clearing trails. It's perfect for dense undergrowth, terrain with saplings and it eats up tall grass and brush.