12
THE DAVEY BULLETIN
|
July/August 2019
ELECTRIC MOWERS OFFER SOUND OF SILENCE
If you listen closely, the sound of zero emissions has an
almost imperceptible hum. The only noise you'll hear from
the lithium-ion battery powered commercial mowers Davey
operates in Babcock Ranch, Florida, and Washington, D.C.,
is a faint whir when the blades are engaged.
Jason Bassler, Southern regional manager, Commercial
Landscape Services (CLS), said the new electric mowers
eliminate emissions, oil, fuel and, most importantly, the
sounds of a large four-stroke engine.
"The lack of noise from these is something that's a trend
that's catching on," Bassler said. "More and more, people
don't want to hear landscapers when they're laying out at
the pool or sleeping at a hotel or suite."
Two CLS operations put the new electric mowers on the
properties of select clients this year. Previously, both
operations had been using electric handheld tools such as
trimmers, edgers and backpack blowers. Now, each location
is fielding two electric mower units. Each operates a 48-inch
stand-on and a 60-inch ride-on unit.
"Babcock Ranch is one of the first fully
solar-powered communities in the U.S.,"
Bassler said. "There will be about 21,000
homes once it's fully built out an
estimated 25 years from now. Right
now, Davey maintains all the roadways,
business landscapes and Babcock Ranch Community School.
Our vision right now is we're just kind of going to grow with
the community as it expands and maintain their roadways,
parks and other community development district areas."
Representatives of the Babcock Ranch community did not
request the zero-emission tools. Rather, Davey chose to
use the electric equipment as a show of solidarity with its
client's solar-power focus, Bassler said.
The electric mowers are comparable to their gas-powered
counterparts in terms of speed and power. All the electric
equipment is stored in specially outfitted Davey landscape
Above: Electric mowers offer the advantages of zero emissions and
minimal noise pollution compared with a gas-powered mower.
VISION
"
This battery powered equipment is definitely an
advantage and a selling point we can pitch from Davey
as salesmen to potential clients.
"
Jason Bassler
Southern regional manager
Commercial Landscape Services
