In an increasingly environmentally conscious world, we’re seeing more landscaping teams transitioning from petrol to battery-powered tools.
Thanks to the continuous advancements in battery technology, professionals can be assured that switching to battery-operated machines does not mean less power and reduced productivity.
Here, STIHL discusses why now is the right time to make the transition and how best to make the switch.
What to look for in a battery?
For years, petrol tools have been the go-to for landscaping maintenance tasks, given their high-power performance. However, advancements in battery technology mean that battery-operated tools can now offer a comparable output, with features that offer better efficiency to boot.
It is important to note here that not all batteries are made equally. Landscapers are advised to look at enlisting professional grade, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, such as those in STIHL’s AP System, in order to get the most out of their tools.
For example, STIHL’s smart AP technology offers batteries with bi-directional communication, allowing tools to draw the optimum level of power for the device to achieve the best performance and working times. In addition, STIHL batteries experience no loss of power as the battery discharges, thanks to the constant power output feature compensating for changing voltages.
For extended ease of use, STIHL tools are also designed so the battery fits inside the machine for elite balance, handling and protection.
It is also essential that batteries are reliable in all weather conditions. Therefore, IPX4 certified batteries are recommended, as are batteries that can operate in cold temperatures. This minimises downtime opposed to batteries that need to warm up to operate.
Additionally, batteries with connectivity integration, like the STIHL Connected system, offer further advantages, allowing the user to monitor charge cycles, energy consumption and overall battery health from their desktop.
Where to start?
For professional landscapers, hedge trimmers like the HSA 100 and HSA 130 are a great place to start when transitioning to battery-powered tools, given that they often offer the longest working times of all the landscaping tools available.
Battery hedge trimmers can now rival the power output of petrol machines and are often lighter too, meaning they are easy to handle over long periods. In addition, the use of battery-operated hedge trimmers means that no exhaust fumes can accumulate in the hedge close to the operator, which can be the case with petrol models.
While a transition to battery-powered tools has many advantages, for team members accustomed to using petrol-powered tools, it is a good idea to allow them to trial new equipment initially before committing to a full new fleet of machinery.
With technology advancements helping to boost battery-powered tools to the same level as petrol, now is a great time to be making the switch and enjoying the advantages that battery systems can offer. However, while this switch can promise increased productivity, it is essential to ensure that the batteries and machinery enlisted are of the highest quality in order to do so.
