TOOLS & EQUIPMENT like the way a heavier battery changes the balance point of a string trimmer , so you ’ ll need to weigh that against price , runtime and charging time .
Charging times are another talking point when it comes to battery-powered equipment . Every manufacturer knows that safe , quick and convenient charging solutions are the key to efficiency for users .
According to Zimmerman , one of the main selling points for battery-powered equipment is ease of use compared to gas . But there can be cost savings too , and the end user can save even more by sticking to one battery platform .
“ Efficiencies are found through a consistent means to charge batteries through a single set of chargers ,” he said . “ As many professionals transition away from gas equipment , they are provided 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 .”
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 to 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 .
Some users love a certain company ’ s chain saws , but a different company ’ s blowers . Does it make sense to buy different battery platforms ? How do users decide , or is it all about battery cost containment ?
As professionals in the green industry move away from gas , battery-powered-equipment choices go beyond the V and Ah question . Users need to decide if they want to stick with one brand for battery ease , or use equipment from multiple companies . The consensus among manufacturers is that it ’ s best to stick with one brand — and they ’ re not just saying that to get you to buy all of their products .
“ It is common for users to invest in a battery platform and stay with that platform as their needs expand to different applications ,” said Feld . “ But not all manufacturers offer the same breadth of line , and not all manufacturers compete at the same voltage platform . Therefore , power and performance can vary significantly when it comes to certain product categories .”
According to Mesick , the job application will determine the kind of battery power needed .
“ We ’ re starting to equate amp hours to what you would get from a gas tank ,” he said . “ On-the-go charging , overnight charging and battery storage will factor into the purchase .”
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 . SFM sportsfieldmanagementonline . com May 2024 | SportsField Management
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