The first AS 920 ESherpa 2WD mowers in practical use

The first AS 920 ESherpa 2WD mowers in practical use

The first AS 920 ESherpa 2WD mowers in practical use

The AS 920 ESherpa 2WD electric ride-on mower for tall grass is going into series production. The first machines are currently rolling off the production line and are already being delivered to customers. AS-Motor is thus the first manufacturer to bring a production-ready, battery-powered ride-on mower for tall grass with a swappable battery system to the market.

The first AS 920 ESherpa 2WD mowers in practical use

The first AS 920 ESherpa 2WD mowers in practical use

The AS 920 ESherpa 2WD operates with a powerful 56-volt swappable battery system and a total capacity of 16 kWh. The electric drive and blade system delivers a mowing performance that even exceeds that of a combustion engine. 13 kW peak power at the mower deck ensures enormous cutting force and an excellent cut. The AS 920 ESherpa 2WD also impresses with its powerful and efficient two-stage wheel drive, delivering a torque of 600 Nm.

A key advantage of Ariens’ powerful FusionCore battery system is the ability to use it across multiple machines. The interchangeable batteries of the AS 920 ESherpa 2WD are compatible with the professional zero-turn mowers Zenith E and Arrow E from sister brand Ariens. This allows for optimal seasonal use and utilisation, thereby significantly reducing the investment costs.

Innovative energy and charging management

When it comes to charging options, the engineers have taken their cue from the classic electric car standard. With the integrated 3.3 kW fast charger, the charging time for a full 16 kWh charge is just under five hours. The Type 2 charging socket allows charging at a wallbox, at public charging points or, with an adapter, at a standard 230-volt socket. This means the E-Sherpa integrates seamlessly into existing charging infrastructures. The optionally available mobile charging station allows additional batteries to be charged separately from the machine.

Sustainable for the long term

The E-Sherpa operates with zero emissions and significantly reduces its carbon footprint, depending on the energy mix. The reusability of the batteries and the extensive avoidance of plastic parts also contribute to sustainability. The electric drive reduces the noise level by 69 per cent to just 72.9 dB. Combined with reduced vibrations, this significantly improves user comfort during daily use.

Compared to combustion engine models, maintenance costs for a battery-powered mower are considerably lower. The wheel and blade drive systems of the AS 920 ESherpa are maintenance-free. The mower is also ideally suited for using self-generated solar power, thereby saving further operating costs. Funding opportunities for electrically powered machinery should be explored.

Tried-and-tested high-quality components

The combustion engine model AS 920 Sherpa 2WD serves as the basis for the E-Sherpa. Many components have proven themselves there and are also found in the battery-powered E-Sherpa: the mechanical differential lock, the double blade bearing and the overload protection of the cross-blade system. The high-quality wraparound steel tube frame, the tyres in combination with a pendulum front axle ensure very agile handling and a turning circle of just 0.65 m. The floating mower deck compensates for uneven ground and the rear axle track widening ensures improved stability. In terms of comfort too, the E-Sherpa fits perfectly into the successful Sherpa family with its comfortable seating position, adjustable seat suspension and the comfortable drive lever with parking brake and cruise control function.

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Tubex ® Collection Hubs Open For 2026 Season

Tubex ® Collection Hubs Open For 2026 Season

Tubex ® Collection Hubs Open For 2026 Season

Tubex® has announced the 2026 opening times for the nationwide network of hubs participating in its Tree Shelter Collection and Recycling Programme – with the scheme approaching the milestone of two million used shelters collected and recycled, following strong growth in returns during 2025.

Tubex ® Collection Hubs Open For 2026 Season

Tubex ® Collection Hubs Open For 2026 Season

The scheme – the UK’s largest dedicated tree shelter collection and recycling network –recorded a 39% increase in the number of shelters returned last year compared with 2024. The figures underline growing engagement from across the forestry sector as attention continues to focus on the end-of-life management of tree shelters and the need for practical, scalable recovery routes.

For the 2026 season, the Programme continues with a UK-wide network of more than 20 collection hubs, developed in partnership with distributors and forestry organisations to provide accessible free drop-off points for used shelters. Hub partners include Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust, Forest Working Plastics Group, Tilhill, Maydencroft, British Hardwood Tree Nursery, Ashlea Landscaping and Green-tech, among others.

The latest partner to open a hub is Cambridge-based environmental services contractor, Chaffin Works. The company’s Contract Manager, Dan Palmer said: “We’ve seen the success of the scheme and are delighted to join, to help our community dispose of used shelters sustainably. To see so few hubs in our area could potentially be a limiting factor for contractors and small holding proprietors looking to recycle small or even large numbers of tree shelters. When I saw the hub location map, I thought that we need to contribute to the success of the recycling project.”

The scheme accepts used polypropylene and polyethylene shelters, as well as mesh tubes, from all manufacturers. In addition to hub drop-off, doorstep collection is also available for a small fee, offering an additional route for estates, contractors and land managers handling larger volumes of end-of-life material.

Pete Stevens, Business Development Manager at Tubex®, said: “Our protective, scalable and responsible shelters are an essential part of ensuring saplings survive to maturity.  As part of our commitment for the trees, our Collection & Recycling Programme is one way we do our bit in the shared responsibility we all have to the environment — ensuring shelters are recovered and recycled at the end of their life.

He added: “The level of uptake we saw in 2025 shows what can be achieved when manufacturers, distributors, forestry organisations and land managers work together. As we move into the 2026 season, we remain committed to making the system as accessible and effective as possible for the industry.”

Tubex® says the Programme supports a more circular model for tree shelter use. Independent life cycle assessment research has also found that collection and recycling represents the lowest environmental impact end-of-life option when tree shelters are used*, adding further weight to calls for greater recovery across the sector.

As planting targets continue to rise, and scrutiny increases around establishment success and whole-life environmental impact, Tubex® argues that protecting saplings effectively must go hand in hand with ensuring shelters are properly recovered at end of use.

To find the nearest collection hub, book a shelter pick-up, or learn more about the Programme, visit: https://tubex.com/sustainability/tree-shelter-collection-recycling-programme/

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