13
July/August 2019
|
THE DAVEY BULLETIN
trailers with charging stations, so the batteries are recharged
over night while the equipment is stored.
Maintenance of the electric mowers is also easier than
their gas counterparts. Oil changes are a thing of the
past. Air filters, carburetors and other moving parts were
eliminated. The cutter housing that contains the blades is
a self-contained universal unit that easily bolts on and off
if it needs replaced.
Chris Moushey, branch manager, Alexandria/Washington,
D.C., territory, said Davey crews use the large, commercial
electric mowers on a variety of properties in the Capitol,
including parks and government buildings.
"One crew has all Mean Green Mowers and all Oregon
battery-powered handheld tools, so they are running with
no gas equipment whatsoever," Moushey said. "Then
we have another crew with traditional mowers but all
battery-powered hand tools."
Moushey said they are starting to see a requirement for
electric landscaping tools in bid requests for some
government properties.
"Everybody who has seen the electric tools has liked them,"
he said. "We're working to get the crew that runs on all
electric equipment to more properties, including around
the National Mall, so they are more visible to the public and
potential clients. As we move them around a little bit, to
where more people can see them, I think we'll hear even
more feedback."
Aside from the obvious environmental benefits, the electric
mowers provide another advantage – differentiating Davey.
"This battery powered equipment is definitely an advantage
and a selling point we can pitch from Davey as salesmen
to potential clients," Bassler said. "It's not only going green
for emissions, but clients should have a better customer
experience due to the equipment that we can bring in and
use at their properties."
Above: Ronnie Earle operates a battery-powered commercial backpack
blower in Babcock Ranch, Florida.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Mean Green Mowers' SK48 "Stalker" (stand on/walk
behind) runs on Lithium Energy Modules (LEMs).
It is charged with a standard 25-amp (110 volt) or
35-amp (220 volt) eight-hour charger. The LEMs
provide a peak 24 horsepower. The battery hour life
is approximately 9,000 hours, according
to the manufacturer.
The CXR-60 zero-turn mower also runs on LEMs
that provide a peak 36 horsepower with a top
speed of 10 mph.
