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22 January/February 2017 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT The Future of Outdoor Power Equipment is Battery Powered Battery-powered equipment also eliminates the need for pull cords, which is a huge benefit for professionals. We speak with landscapers who say they pull the cord on their equipment over a hundred times per day. And for equipment that is used less often, such as hedge trimmers and chain saws that sit for weeks, this number is likely higher due to cold start and carburetor issues. Another big advantage to battery-powered equipment is that with no gas-related parts, less maintenance is required. By eliminating pull cords, air filters, carburetors, and spark plugs, there is simply less that can go wrong — not to mention, there is no longer a need to winterize the equipment. Carburetors in particular cause significant problems and frustration for users of gas-powered equipment with the ethanol that is now included in fuel. One benefit that outdoor power equipment users appreciate most is the reduction of noise. But also consider that with low noise and no emissions when in use, battery-powered outdoor power equipment can be a significant benefit to your customers, and a competitive advantage to your business. A recent survey¹ reported that 65 percent of consumers would choose a landscaper who uses eco-friendly outdoor power equipment over one who doesn't. Fifty-seven percent of those surveyed would pay more for a landscaper who uses quieter outdoor power equipment, and 78 percent believe public parks should use eco-friendly outdoor power equipment for maintenance. These numbers show that ■ BY TYLER DELIN Reflecting on where we currently are in the outdoor power equipment industry, I can't help but think of where the power tool industry stood a few decades ago. Many tools were corded, and there were quite a few skeptics of cordless power tools. But cordless tools like the battery-powered drill are now a staple on any workbench and construction jobsite. We're now facing a similar crossroads in the outdoor power equipment industry. With advancements in lithium ion battery technology, batteries can now deliver the performance of comparable gas-powered equipment. Yet customers are still hesitant to make the change. At this year's GIE+EXPO trade show in Louisville, it was clear that the professional landscaping industry is headed toward battery use. However, from speaking with many of the customers attending the show, it's also apparent that there are doubts. At DeWalt, we are working to educate the professional landscaping community and prove that battery-powered equipment is finally a viable solution in the professional market. Battery vs. gas powered equipment When you take gas out of the equation by using battery- powered outdoor power equipment, life gets much easier for professional landscapers. Gone are the constant trips to the gas station, gas spills, fuel mixes, and high-vibration gas engines.