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04/06/2017 12:00 AMSome aspects of yard work may never change—mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and battling leaves in the fall—but each year new technology can help make those same tasks easier. This year, there's one big innovation coming out that will change the way in which many homeowners tackle their yard work: new, battery-powered equipment that finally (and quietly) keep up with gas-powered tools.
Battery-powered yard equipment isn't entirely new. However, according to Thomas Cost, Jr., owner of Killingworth True Value, previous models all had their drawbacks.
"It was either inexpensive and of poor quality, creating unimpressive results, or very high quality, but very expensive for the average homeowner," Cost said.
While all the major equipment manufacturers are offering lighter, more powerful, and longer-lasting battery-powered gear than ever before, locally, one name rises to the top among the pros.
"STIHL manufactures really high-quality outdoor lawn and garden tools," said Pat Boehringer, general manager of G&H Equipment & Sales LLC in North Haven. "They're the number one selling brand in America for outdoor equipment, and this is the first time that they are dipping into the residential market with a high-end machine."
STIHL's new line of rechargeable lithium-ion products includes chainsaws, blowers, hedge trimmers, lawn mowers, and more.
"They have a consumer price tag on them," Boehringer noted of STIHL's new line. "We're talking sub-$200 for most models."
Beyond the factor of price, the new models weigh less, charge faster than previous models (within 3
½ to 5 hours), and run for longer on a charge.
"The AI trimmer, which we expect to be our most popular selling tool, will trim a 10-inch swath of your typical lawn grass approximately 1,312 linear feet. That's the length of over four football fields!" Cost said. "With better technology, cost and weight have been driven down, while the quality of the user experience has gone up.
"One nice feature not found on other products in this category is the addition of a battery life indicator, giving the user a visual of battery life available," Cost added.
Compared to traditional gas-powered equipment, electric equipment in general is quieter, more reliable, and provides a more environmentally friendly alternative—plus you don't need to keep buying fuel.
"These products are pretty much maintenance-free; no filters or spark plugs to change, no gas to mix, and tested for maintaining over 80 percent of battery life even after 500 charge cycles," Cost said. "Benefits also include lower decibels over the gas equivalent and no odor."
He added, "It has not been an issue in our area yet, but these products will also be in high demand in areas of the country that have outlawed the use of gas equipment due to air quality, or limited the times they can be used due to noise restrictions."
Other Reasons to Upgrade
Not sold on battery power? While Cost and Boehringer agreed that STIHL's equipment is the biggest change to the market this year, it's not the only item of note. Zero-turn mowers—lawn mowers that turn on a dime—are also gaining popularity.
"Unlike a car when you cut the wheel all the way to the right, these things spin around in their own track," said Boehringer of John Deere's residential zero-turn mower. "It offers tighter turning, neater lines, and it's way more productive to mow your lawn with. They're getting a lot more traction in the marketplace because people who use them realize how much time it saves mowing their lawn."
The eco-friendly mentality that helped make electric yard equipment popular has influenced other areas of the industry, as well.
"There has certainly been a continued move toward more earth-friendly products: less fertilizer or organic replacements, reformulated herbicides and insecticides to protect ground water and beneficial species like bees," Cost said.
While spending time in the yard for any purpose, it's important to consider mosquito protection, especially with last year's scare of Zika virus. DEET remains one of the best mosquito repellents, but the move toward natural and organic products includes solutions for mosquitoes as well.
"With what has been a fairly mild winter, we expect a very strong mosquito season," said Cost. "Consumers will be looking for products that will kill, control, or repel mosquitoes. A popular product is Mosquito Barrier, which is a garlic concentrate that is sprayed in the yard and will kill mosquitoes on contact and provide a barrier for up to 30 days."
Finally, lawn equipment—like almost every aspect of our lives—is also getting more high tech.
"Technology has crept into the lawn and garden arena as well," said Cost. "Many manufacturers now make hearing protection that is integrated with Bluetooth headphones so you can listen to your favorite songs or audio book while doing your yard work."
Whether it's more enjoyable due to ease of use, the knowledge that it's better for the environment, or because you can listen to your favorite audio book while getting your yard work done, there's no doubt that today's equipment is making our chores at least a bit less chore-like. What's most novel about today's yard equipment? Perhaps the relationship that you have with it.
"Most of our customers think of yard work as therapy, and any tools or accessories that can make that time more enjoyable are sought after," Cost noted.