The Pros and Cons of Battery Power
Battery powered lawn equipment has grown in popularity in recent years due to advancements in technology and increasing environmental concerns. For homeowners and professionals alike, these tools offer a range of benefits, but they also come some limitations. In this blog entry, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using battery powered lawn equipment to help you decide if its the right choice for your landscaping needs.
Is it quieter? Most of the time. Yes, battery powered lawn equipment is generally quieter than gas powered, but the noise level can vary depending on the model and the task. While most battery powered equipment produces significantly less noise during operation, some high power models, especially those used for tougher jobs like cutting thick grass or trimming dense hedges, can still generate noticeable noise. Blowers are still blowers, even if powered by batteries, and they still tend to be pretty noisy machines.
Will we need lots of batteries? Yes, lots and lots. Battery capability is well suited for homeowners who typically have smaller yards and shorter tasks. However, for landscaping professionals, the limitations of battery life and the need for frequent recharging can be a major drawback. While batteries are improving, they often don’t last long enough for extended use on larger properties or all-day jobs, requiring multiple batteries or downtime for charging. For professionals this can impact productivity compared to the long runtimes of gas powered equipment.
Is it clean? Depends on your angle. While battery powered lawn equipment produces zero emissions at the point of use, it’s important to note that no technology is truly emissions free. The production, transportation, and eventual disposal of batteries, as well as the electricity to charge them, can generate emissions depending on the energy source. However, compared to gas powered tools, battery powered equipment significantly reduces local air pollution contributing to cleaner air in the immediate environment.
Will it cost me more? Yes, generally. In addition to higher upfront costs, battery powered lawn service requires an increase in manual labor to compensate for equipment limitations. Battery runtimes can be short, leading to more frequent stops for recharging or swapping batteries. In some cases, battery powered tools may have slightly less power than gas, meaning certain tasks could take longer to complete. This additional labor can contribute to higher costs for both the service provider and the customer, especially on larger properties. Riding mowers are by far the most expensive battery powered piece of equipment, sometimes costing as much as a truck, with battery life generally tapping out at about 1 acre of mowing.
Are they durable tools? Sort of. Many battery powered lawn tools are constructed primarily of plastic, which helps reduce their weight and make them easier to handle. However this reliance on plastic can also affect durability, especially for professionals who use their equipment extensively. Plastic tools also contribute to the non-renewable waste stream, as most of these components, including the batteries, cannot be recycled when they have completed their useful lives.
Is it ready for prime time? Only for the small homeowner. Despite current limitations, the future of battery powered lawn equipment looks promising as technology continues to improve. Advances in battery life, charging speed and overall power are on the horizon, which could address many of the challenges professionals face today. As these innovations come to market, battery powered tools are expected to become more competitive with gas, offering increased efficiency, longer runtimes, and even more eco-friendly solutions.
At Gardenworks Land and Lawn, we make efforts in all our activities to reduce emissions, use earth friendly tools, products and amendments and we offer a full range of options for clients looking for a partner in their sustainability efforts. Battery power is not yet the solution, but one of many tools in our toolbox of responsible practices.
