BY RYAN O’CONNOR
T he landscaping industry, like many others, has seen significant advancements in recent years, with one of the most notable changes being the shift away from gasoline-powered equipment. Battery and electric alternatives are becoming increasingly attractive to consumers, driven by the demand for more efficient, sustainable options and growing regulatory pressures around environmental and noise concerns. As a result, many Canadians are beginning to move away from gas-powered tools. Still, some landscapers remain reliant on gas equipment, either due to hesitancy or the limitations of current alternatives. But with rapid technological progress and a growing dedication to sustainability, the noise and fumes of gas-powered tools may soon become a thing of the past in an industry committed to a greener future. CHARGING UP TO TAKE ON THE JOB Since their introduction in the mid-20th century, battery-powered equipment has evolved to become the dominant force in the sales of lawn care and landscaping equipment worldwide. Initial reception was shaky and slow to adopt, with the first battery- powered tools by Black & Decker failing to win over the industry immediately. Over time, technological advancements such as the integration of lithium-ion batteries have led to their current wider adoption among consumers. In Canada, there has been an increase in nearly every type of battery-powered landscaping equipment from 2011 to 2021, with tools such as trimmers and chainsaws seeing a 10 per cent increase in ownership over that time. Over the same period, gas-powered equipment has experienced decreased sales in all equipment categories. During this crucial span, battery-powered equipment quickly established itself as the dominant force in tools alongside electric. Many landscapers, including Gabrielle McCullough-Murray, a landscaper based out of Toronto, believe they are simply the faster and more convenient choice. “About two years ago, our company started getting some battery equipment in for certain clients, and last
year we started to make a significant shift for battery equipment,” says McCullough-Murray. “For certain equipment we’re fully switched to battery, but we’re not fully there yet.” McCullough-Murray notes that the superior convenience of battery-powered equipment has made it the preferred choice for her company, allowing tasks to be completed more quickly compared to gas-powered tools. “The gas ones can be so finicky, and way less ‘all conditions’ on the work site in my experience,” says McCullough-Murray. “With batteries you're not messing around trying to get it to start or having issues with the parts. You also don't have to leave it on idle. It's just always ready, good to go.” Landscaping companies that have made the switch to battery-powered equipment appreciate the savings on fuel and the reduced need for stocking replacement parts. Since batteries are a one-time purchase, the ongoing expense of fuel is eliminated, which is critical for large-scale operations that prioritize speed and efficiency. According to Consumer Reports , after the initial purchase, the annual maintenance costs of battery- powered or electric equipment are consistently lower than those of gas-powered tools, factoring in refuelling and repair expenses. In addition to convenience and cost savings, customers will enjoy the reduced noise and emission levels from a battery. A webinar hosted by landscaping equipment supplier Toro detailed the benefits of transitioning to a battery-powered fleet and key factors landscapers should consider. Paul McCallum, Toro's regional sales manager for Canada, discussed how the company is actively prioritizing the production of battery equipment to match consumer trends. “Now, less than five per cent of commercial landscape businesses are still fully gas while the battery keeps growing in popularity,” says McCallum. “A lot of it comes down to personal preference, also. Some people will go electric because they have a Tesla at home, for instance.” “But there’s certainly people on the cusp of innovation in the [battery] industry, and it’s only becoming a more popular choice.” continued >
MARCH 2025 | 17
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