As the green industry – and the world – becomes more concerned with sustainability and renewable energy, basic assumptions about how to power devices and tools are being reexamined. We are seeing more frequent use of electricity and batteries on every day devices, from lawnmowers to cars. Here are some of the many benefits of using battery power:
Rechargeable
The biggest advantage of battery-powered devices is that they’re rechargeable. All it takes is an outlet to get your device back up to full power, or better yet, swapping out for a fresh battery. This ensures there’s as little interruption in your work as possible. Many batteries can hold enough energy for a full day of work.
Cleaner
Gas-powered devices phasing out in favor of batteries result in a cleaner work environment and planet. Without gasoline, there’s no carbon exhaust (or smell!), and no carbon pollution entering the atmosphere. This also eliminates the need to carry around gasoline cannisters for refueling, which saves storage space and removes the risk of ground contamination with spilled fuel.
Quieter
You’ve probably noticed this if you’ve ever been in an electric or hybrid car, but battery-powered devices and equipment are very quiet. This makes work more satisfying for both those using the tools and for clients. Many cities have also implemented noise restrictions, which bans the use of loud devices like gas-powered leaf blowers and lawnmowers early in the morning. With quiet battery power, those restrictions are no longer a concern.
Saves Money
Switching to battery-powered devices is also a money-saving move. With battery, there’s no need to spend money on gas for refueling, and fluctuating gas prices won’t impact your work. Those savings will just accumulate over time, too. Without a gas motor or accompanying belts, filters, and oil changes, there’s no need for constant maintenance or repair fees.
Other Factors to Consider
Making the switch to battery power requires some forethought and planning. The initial cost of investment in new equipment can be high, and those costs may roll over onto prices for customer services. Consider how to keep devices charged, either with backup batteries (and extra batteries are an additional cost), or solar panels on the roofs of trucks. With some municipalities and Home Owner Associations implementing bans on gas-powered devices, these considerations become necessary.
Devices That Use Battery or Electric Power
Battery-powered devices have become more common in the green industry. A look at the equipment being promoted and sold in stores and at trade shows quickly reveals this growing trend. These are some common PHC devices that have begun using batteries.
Lawnmowers
Lawnmowers of all sizes, from push varieties for home lawns to riding mowers for large areas, come in electric options now. Lawnmowers are often a central and iconic tool for small lawncare companies, so the option to switch to battery power can have a big impact on a small business.
Chainsaws
Classically a very loud tool, chainsaws running on batteries are quiet and require less maintenance than their gas counterparts. The best ones have speed and torque comparable to gas power.
Backpack Units
Tank-mixed formulations can be carried around in backpacks to be sprayed or soil injected as needed. These units frequently come with batteries now, making the units lighter, easier to power, and quiet for work during early or late hours. One example is the AccuFlo ISD Soil Injector, which provides up to 100 psi of injection pressure into the soil or with a spray function.
Tree Injection
Injecting trees with pesticides, fungicides, or nutrients ensures the product goes where it’s needed and won’t leech into the water or atmosphere. The INTELI-jet is the latest in tree injection technology, using an electric motor to push formulation into the tree. The device can automatically detect the correct pressure for each injection and tracks the number of doses using an on-screen counter.
Our company has been moving towards battery powered devices, based on industry trends and on customer demands. Today’s batteries can be easily charged, and many companies offer interchangeable batteries that can be used on different devices to improve flexibility and customer experience.
Batteries offer many advantages in the field of plant health care. They are a reliable power source, and electric devices are quieter, cleaner, and create zero carbon emissions. Batteries have become more and more common, and don’t seem to be going away. Consider their advantages and challengers if you’re thinking about switching over to battery power.