TOOLS & EQUIPMENT vided with the ability to reuse and redeploy energy across multiple pieces of equipment through the introduction of battery technology to the jobsite ,” said Buxton . “ Energy needs and demands are unique to operators , meaning the same professional may deploy energy differently from day to day .”

The breadth of a product line can make a big difference when it includes other power tools . When you might also need a drill or circular saw on a job site , those batteries can go even further .

Buying different batteries for each tool can add up quickly . Stihl recommends sticking with one interchangeable battery to keep the costs down , as well as to avoid any problems such as bringing the wrong battery for a tool on the jobsite .

“ Managing batteries and charging for multiple platforms leads to difficulties ; and when the lion ’ s share of the cost is in battery purchase , buying different tools on the same platform is an inexpensive part of the process ,” said Beblowski .

What is the story with recycling ? I hear some manufacturers say that batteries can be recycled , and I talk to dealers who say the opposite . Most manufacturers of battery powered OPE partner with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation ( RBRC ) in the Call2Recycle national battery recycling program . Users and equipment dealers call the 800 number on the battery label and follow the prompts to guide them to their local recycling center .

Dealers can join Call2Recycle and become a destination drop off location for batteries in their area .

The new Bobcat ZT6000e battery-powered zero-turn mower is available now and retails for triple the price of a comparable gas-powered mower . But with the battery version , you ' re buying , essentially , years worth of fuel .

We spoke with Jason Troy , owner of Troy Turf Company , asked the same questions about battery purchase decisions .

OPE +: Should you pay the higher price for high amp-hour batteries , or buy more affordable low amp hour batteries ? How do you decide ? Jason Troy : Me personally , I go for the bigger battery . Like with cars or trucks today , they ’ re mostly made today with smaller fuel-efficient engines that can easily get overworked . That ’ s my approach with batteries . If the larger battery is available , even for and extra $ 100 or more , I ’ m going that way . Even if they ’ re heavier , the weight might help balance the equipment better .

OPE +: Some users love a certain company ’ s chain saws , and they buy a different company ’ s blowers . Does it make sense to buy different battery platforms ? How do you decide , or is it all about battery cost containment ? Jason Troy : I ’ m going through this transition right now . I have my Milwaukee power tools and I will keep those . I can use the batteries in a drill and a blower , for example . But now I have both Echo and Stihl power equipment , and I ’ m thinking about this new battery backpack from Stihl , but it ’ s big . In the end , I have to look at what ’ s easiest for me , because I ’ m just a solo worker .

I ’ m fairly new to this , and still experimenting . I am adding to my fleet equipment . I go to Equip Expo to test and ride the equipment . For most handheld power equipment , I think we ’ re almost there with battery power . A lot of people will say they are going to stick with gas . But they just need to get out and try this equipment . For a battery-powered mower ? At this point , I just can ’ t justify the extra cost of an electric mower .

www . OPE-Plus . com May 2024 OPE + 25