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turn that run-time question ,” said Sloan from Kress , “ into a productivity question . What do you need to get done ?”
Productivity , not pure performance , is a key development factor . “ The challenge is to give pro users the same productivity ,” said Powers from ECHO . “ The work they do is established . They look at the equipment on their truck , and they want battery versions of those tools , because those tools get the jobs done .”
The productivity comparison reveals other differences between gas and battery-powered equipment . When discussing the Bobcat T7x electric compact track loader , Joel Honeyman , VP of Global Innovation for Doosan Bobcat , says , “ Remember that there is no idle . Much of a loader ’ s use is at idle . So battery power works well for productive work time .”
Plus , with far less noise and zero emissions , battery-powered tools allow landscapers and others to work near hospitals , schools , and residences where noise and emissions are unwelcome . “ Noise reduction is a major buying factor ,” said Kress ’ s Sloan . “ A lot of municipalities are demanding this .”
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70.0 %
60.0 %
50.0 %
40.0 %
30.0 %
20.0 %
10.0 %
0.0 %
|
0.0 %
Noise reduction
OF CUSTOMERS INTERESTED IN ELECTRIC PRODUCTS , WHAT IS THEIR MAIN INTEREST ?
66.7 %
Ease of use ( no gas or oil required )
2.1 %
Environmental concern
10.4 %
Lower maintenance cost
0.0 %
2.1 %
4.2 %
ARE YOU CONCERNED THAT ELECTRIFICATION WILL REDUCE YOUR OVERALL PROFITABILITY DUE TO SERVICE-SHOP CHANGES ?
Higher durability
Easier storage
Unsure
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14.6 %
Other
|
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Less Noise , More Ease , Improved Image “ In the past , say until about two years ago , most of our electric tools were bought by customers who wanted to reduce the noise , like a horse farm ,” said Dave Little , whose Little ’ s Equipment |
60.0 %
50.0 %
40.0 %
30.0 %
|
56.3 % |
29.2 % |
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