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Electric/Battery professionally?

#1

exotion

exotion

Here is spokane there is a guy who runs a eco friendly mow business dont know much about him except he uses a battery opperated equipment which is charged by his truck and the solar panels mounted on his cab roof.

I have watched him work and its very inefficent how ever the concept is cool and its working for him. I was wondering if anyone knows of or does it them selves a little about how it works and how profitable it is.


#2

lawn mower fanatic

lawn mower fanatic

I was wondering the same thing. It does not seem that efficient, but it might be a way to get customers: WE WILL MOW YOUR LAWN AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT, TOO!


#3

lawn mower fanatic

lawn mower fanatic

And it really wouldn't be possible on big lawns because there are not many electric ZTR mowers (none other than the Hustler ZEON), so unless the yards are small enough that you can use tiny 18 in. electric mowers and still make a profit, it is really not possible!


#4

exotion

exotion

Ive watched him mow and on one lawn he had to switch batterys twice on his mower i dont know what size it is but it looks 20 or 21. And the hustler would be a good way to go but you would need some serious charging system. an enclosed trailer with lots of solar panels?


#5

lawn mower fanatic

lawn mower fanatic

he had to switch batterys twice on his mower

That is very inefficient!! And just curious, how did you watch him...did you have binoculars?? :laughing:


#6

exotion

exotion

I have a large property across the street and he mows at the same time as me


#7

lawn mower fanatic

lawn mower fanatic

I have a large property across the street and he mows at the same time as me

Oh, OK. I like watching other companies, also! I see a company come into the neighborhood and sometimes I go and see where they go! I like seeing if they do a good job. This one guy I thought he was really good, until this last time. He uses a Honda walk-behind for the people's front yard, and a ZTR or lawn tractor in the back. I looked at the front yard and there were lots of grass clumps. I would understand if it was a homeowner, but a professional??? It would take 3 mins to go over it again!


#8

Ric

Ric

Ive watched him mow and on one lawn he had to switch batterys twice on his mower i dont know what size it is but it looks 20 or 21. And the hustler would be a good way to go but you would need some serious charging system. an enclosed trailer with lots of solar panels?

The Problem with charging the Zeon is it's a four battery pack and takes like 16 hours to get a full charge and then it's only good for like 80 minutes.


#9

MowerMike

MowerMike

I think that until they figure out how to make large mowers that employ lithium-ion batteries rather than lead acid batteries that don't cost a fortune, then electric cordless mowers will not be practical for professional use. Lithium-ion batteries are smaller, lighter and recharge much quicker than lead acid batteries, and have a longer charge cycle life. I have a Greenworks 40V 16" lithium-ion battery powered push mower that will run about 45 minutes on a full charge, which is sufficient time for me to mow my 6500 sq ft property. Something like this might be useful for a pro as a detailing and trimming mower, as it can get into much tighter spaces that a full size gas mower. Since it weighs only 38 pounds and has a top carry handle, I can easily lift it over ledges and use it in tight areas, rather than hacking away with a trimmer. The battery weighs only 3 pounds and can be charged off the mower in about 2 hours when fully discharged. It also interchanges with other Greenworks tools, such as a trimmer, blower and 12" chain saw.


#10

Ric

Ric

I think that until they figure out how to make large mowers that employ lithium-ion batteries rather than lead acid batteries that don't cost a fortune, then electric cordless mowers will not be practical for professional use. Lithium-ion batteries are smaller, lighter and recharge much quicker than lead acid batteries, and have a longer charge cycle life. I have a Greenworks 40V 16" lithium-ion battery powered push mower that will run about 45 minutes on a full charge, which is sufficient time for me to mow my 6500 sq ft property. Something like this might be useful for a pro as a detailing and trimming mower, as it can get into much tighter spaces that a full size gas mower. Since it weighs only 38 pounds and has a top carry handle, I can easily lift it over ledges and use it in tight areas, rather than hacking away with a trimmer. The battery weighs only 3 pounds and can be charged off the mower in about 2 hours when fully discharged. It also interchanges with other Greenworks tools, such as a trimmer, blower and 12" chain saw.

I agree that something like the Greenworks mite be useful for a professional as a detailing and trimming mower but I don't believe that even the large mowers with Lithium-ion batteries would do or last the time needed when you're talking about moving something that weighs 800 lbs. I think the problem is in the fact that the batteries are providing power for not only the drives but also the motors for the blades.


#11

MowerMike

MowerMike

I don't believe that even the large mowers with Lithium-ion batteries would do or last the time needed when you're talking about moving something that weighs 800 lbs.

It is technologically possible, but it would make the cost prohibitive. They would cost about the same amount as small electric cars with lithium-ion batteries, probably a minimum of $25,000, which makes them something that is not ever going to see a commercial reality. When I was a kid I used to read Popular Mechanics and they said that someday we'd all be flying around in aerocars, but of course we all just drive the same old terrestrial-bound conveyances. The old fashioned gasoline internal combustion engine is simply getting cleaner, quieter and more fuel efficient, so it's going to be the main type of engine in use for many years to come.

Nonetheless, small electric machinery has it's place. I have eight chainsaws, and they are all either battery powered or corded electric types. I also have two battery powered string trimmers, a corded electric edger/trencher and corded electric dethatcher.

Still, when it comes down to it sometimes you just need to use basic manual tools. Last week I dug out and removed a large mostly rotted tree stump using mainly a sledge hammer and crowbar, with a little help from my corded electric 14" chainsaw. The rake is one of the most useful and versatile garden tools ever devised. And of course, my other great friend in the garden is the wheelbarrow.


#12

djdicetn

djdicetn

I agree that something like the Greenworks mite be useful for a professional as a detailing and trimming mower but I don't believe that even the large mowers with Lithium-ion batteries would do or last the time needed when you're talking about moving something that weighs 800 lbs. I think the problem is in the fact that the batteries are providing power for not only the drives but also the motors for the blades.

I tend to agree with user mowermike when he says it is technically possible with today's currently available technology. I say that based upon my experience using a Segway personal human transporter since 2004. I have Post-polio Syndrome(can only walk, unassisted, for about two city blocks before muscle-fatigue sets in) and this machine has "changed my life"!!!!!! Now I can go to the mall with my wife and her "puppies are crying" and I'm still ready to shop some more:0) It's the early light, compact P-Series(no longer available) and has a metal hydride battery pack(contains two separate packs with rebuildable cells). The newer Segways(since about 2008) use the Lithium-Ion, which as stated are lighter, go farther and take less time to charge. And of course my Segway is desined to carry approx. 200lbs at speeds up to 12mph(the newer Segways w/Lions can carry a little more weight and go up to around 15-18mph). The metal hydrides have served me well in that they run approx. 8 hours on a single charge and take about the same to re-charge with the original cells lasting 6+ years(I had mine re-built in 2011 for approx. $650). I don't know anything about the Hydrogear motors in the Zeon, but the Segways are designed more for their specific purpose(and BTW are indeed Zero Turn as well as gyroscope/motherboard balancing and forward/reverse drive). So the technology would work, but as pointed out by user Ric it would need separate battery packs to move the mower and to power the spindles. And of course, as mentioned, the cost will be the determinig factor in the viability of this type of mower(I got a "deal" on my Segway 8 years ago, but a new one today will cost about the same as a really good late-model used sub-compact car. Hey, they could even incorporate the Segway technology and get rid of the handles for forward/reverse:0)


#13

S

Sunyimin43

Corded electric tools offer a good balance of price, power, weight and convenience. Most are either 7 amp or 12 amp (at 110/120 volts) models. The 7 amp models are suitable for dry weeds on smooth surfaces, while 12 amp models have the power for clearing wet leaves on grass.
Battery-powered blowers are convenient, suitable for quick daily clean-ups. Power, weight and run-time vary greatly from model to model. And safe - No high voltage electricity. Good for use around swimming pools. Light - less than 5 pounds for small models.
Find to more articles about electric vs battery outdoor equipment comparison.


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