LAWN CARE AND LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT CONSUMER TRENDS IN CANADA (2012-2021)
CHUGGING ALONG OR PETERING OUT? Despite a significant decline in the sales of gas-powered equipment in Canada in recent years, gasoline products continue to dominate the market, particularly with power-intensive equipment like chainsaws and snow blowers. While there are drawbacks, such as fumes and other inconveniences, batteries have yet to match the energy efficiency of gas-powered options. Gas offers a far more energy-dense option compared to alternatives, achieving 34.6 MJ per litre compared to just 0.4 MJ per litre for a lithium-ion battery pack. In practical terms, gas-powered equipment can run much longer than batteries on the same amount of juice, offering more energy efficiency and endurance for high- intensity tasks. Although McCullough-Murray is a proponent of the shift away from gasoline, she admits the technology is not yet there for switching specific equipment, such as industrial leaf blowers. That extra power from gas allows her to sweep through jobs that battery- powered equipment just can’t keep up with. “For fall and spring cleanups, we absolutely need the gas backpack blowers, which I know is the biggest complaint from neighbours and residents,” says McCullough-Murray. “They're loud and they're obnoxious. But when you have so many properties to get through and they need to be meticulously cleaned, you're going to run through your batteries way too fast and have to keep switching them out.” A key component of the shift toward battery and electric equipment is advertising. As companies track consumer preferences for gas alternatives, they have slowed their promotion of gas- powered products accordingly. The growing demand for battery and electric-powered tools increases their publicity, further accelerating the transition away from gas. Despite this, gas has a sustained grasp on the landscaping vehicle market, with numerous manufacturers of bulldozers and forklifts exclusively offering gas machines at a cheaper price. Companies like CAT have introduced electric alternatives to their fleets, including the D6 XE, which is marketed as the world's first high-drive electric dozer. Despite this milestone, it will likely take longer for manufacturers to develop and stabilize the pricing of these vehicles, as they require significantly more power. Until then, gas can enjoy its hold over the vehicular industry. ELECTRIC: A SURGING COMPETITOR Electric-powered landscaping equipment is emerging as the biggest competitor to gas-powered manufacturers, seeing an even more dramatic spike in popularity than battery equipment. As advancements in electric equipment close the power gap between gas and electric tools, consumers are finding even fewer reasons to purchase gas-powered options. Ryan Johnson is the owner of Mountview Landscaping, based out of Paris, Ont. He views electric equipment as an appealing option for future purchases for his company, which offers services such as property maintenance and snow and ice removal. While Johnson says that gas equipment is an essential product in daily operations, he sees a future where his fleet goes gas-free.
Lawn Mowers
Electric/Battery
Gasoline
80
60
40
20
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
Grass Trimmers
Electric/Battery
Gasoline
80
70
60
50
40
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
Leaf Blowers
Electric/Battery
Gasoline
35
30
25
20
15
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
Chainsaws
Electric/Battery
Gasoline
50
40
30
20
10
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
Consumer trends in Canada show that despite gas equipment’s previous industry dominance, alternatives have already surged ahead in popularity in the last decade. (StatsCan)
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18 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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