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The battery that knows what it’s doing

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The battery that knows what it’s doing: Intelligent Lithium-Ion batteries are the heart of the new Mountfield cordless range. Batteries that recognise the mower or tool that they are fitted to and tune the power appropriately to maximise battery life and deliver the right amount of power to get the job done.

These new intelligent batteries – believed to be a world first – will help British gardeners roll out the Quiet Revolution of Mountfield battery powered equipment that focusses on ease of use.

The battery that knows what it's doing

The battery that knows what it’s doing

Battery power is rapidly replacing petrol and electric cables as a lifestyle trend in gardening. In the UK in 2020, 12.5% of lawn mower sales were battery and this trend is projected to increase to 23% by 2025. At Mountfield the focus is on delivering cleaner, safer and more reliable energy supply.

All the battery lawnmowers and hand-held tools in the Mountfield range, new for 2021, are built from lightweight, robust materials. Whether mowing, cutting, trimming or clearing, they are as powerful and long-lasting as their petrol equivalents but with none of the noise, fumes and hassle of engine maintenance.

This cut away of the STIGA 48V battery clearly shows how cooling air can freely circulate around the battery cells to help prolong operating and shorten recharge times.

E-Power works ‘smart’ in both the 20V and 48V battery systems. In the freedom100 Series of lawnmowers and hand-held tools, the 20V battery has a microchip. The Smart Tool Recognition System recognises the type of tool and tunes the power appropriately to maximise battery life and performance of the machine being used. This cost-effective, adaptive battery performance is unique to Mountfield and none of the main competitors in this price segment offer this. The 48V battery has an internal memory that registers all working parameters and communicates any issues between the battery, the tool and even the charger. The self-propelled mowers in this range are powered by two 48V batteries that work as a synchro pair – the powertrain balancing the energy load and synchronising the discharge for maximum efficiency and cutting performance.

Mountfield batteries are tested at a full, “real-life” usage current that goes far beyond the test widely used in the industry, that is less demanding. Industry Standard tests only 300 charges at 20% of the “real-life” usage current. The Mountfield E-Power batteries, developed, tested and produced at STIGA’s Italian plant, were still gong strong after 600 charges. That is the equivalent of an owner running down and recharging the battery twice a week for six years.

From the family-friendly simplicity of the Freedom100 series to the longer-lasting power of the Freedom500 series, E-Power can drive the smallest tool or the biggest lawnmower including Mountfield’s first ever battery-powered garden tractor range.

“Our new battery is a real game changer,” says Gary Tully, sales and marketing director of STIGA UK. “For the first time there is a battery powered lawnmower suited to small gardens with pocket handkerchief sizes lawns and significantly areas of grass in country houses. This is a first for British gardeners.”

Mountfield is owned by STIGA UK Limited and the lawnmowers and hand-held gardening tools being launched this year are all produced at the company’s Italian plant.

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EGO battery powers gardeners through the day

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EGO battery powers gardeners through the day: Representing a big step forward in gardening technology, EGO’s new 10Ah (560wh) battery (BA5600T) means gardeners can power their equipment for longer, without the need for extra batteries or urgent recharging. It even includes a power level gauge to help with planning the day’s activities. 

Featuring EGO’s pioneering 56V Arc lithium-ion technology, the new 10Ah battery is the latest and most powerful addition to a range that already includes 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5AH batteries. Offering superior run time, the new battery means that gardeners can go about their work knowing they’ll be able to power through the entire day. 

EGO battery powers gardeners through the day

EGO battery powers gardeners through the day

Weighing in at 3.4kg it can be used with EGO’s backpack harness for extra comfort – ideal for larger gardens or extra chores. And with no power cables to trip on or petrol to handle, it’s a safe and clean option for environmentally conscious gardeners. 

With a standard charge time of just over three hours, or 70 minutes on rapid charge, the new 10Ah battery puts optimum power and performance into the hands of gardeners and professional users. 

The EGO 10Ah battery removes the frustrations caused by running out of power before finishing the job. To help people plan more efficiently, EGO is also introducing a new power indicator gauge into all new EGO batteries. 

This new battery is compatible with all EGO power tools including the new 42cm mower as well as trimmers, blowers and chainsaws, so gardeners can tackle multiple jobs on one single charge. 

Representing the industry’s most reliable and advanced technology, the new 10Ah battery retails at £399.00. 

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New battery kit contributes to eco aspirations

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New battery kit contributes to eco aspirations: Step by step, Inverallan Landscapes in Stirling is changing the way it does business. By integrating battery-operated equipment and reducing its carbon footprint, it hopes to offer customers a completely ‘clean’ service.

Having recently purchased a series of new zero emission grass mowers and leaf blowers, Managing Director John Maxwell is striving to make the business fossil fuel free.

New battery kit contributes to eco aspirations

New battery kit contributes to eco aspirations

“We want to be the first landscape contractors that operate battery-only, so during the past three years have been upgrading our tools and equipment to the equivalent battery models, as well as installing solar panels at our business unit.

“This year will also be investing in an electric vehicle, which will reduce our carbon footprint even further,” he said.

“Our industry is conscious of its consumption of fossil fuels, so is moving towards greener energy. But not only is the battery kit more environmentally friendly, it’s also better for operator safety, as noise is reduced and there’s no emissions.”

Among Inverallan Landscapes’ customers is a local housing association with 1000 properties, which from April, will all be serviced using the new battery tools.

Other customers include private housing estates, business parks and green spaces, all benefitting from reduced noise and air pollution, and improved service efficiency due to the reduced downtime of the equipment.

John added: “Most recently, we purchased two Pellenc Raison Easy Mowers, which we were able to trial to ensure the team was happy with performance before we committed.

“Everyone gave really positive feedback, they cut long grass with no problem and are lightweight and easy to use, which is important when you are visiting multiple sites in a day. All our new Pellenc battery tools were purchased through Agrovista Amenity in Stirling.”

The Pellenc product range includes chainsaws, pole saws, hedge cutters, grass strimmers and mowers, all powered without the need for petrol.

Amenity Specialist for Agrovista, Allan Wright, said: “It’s great to see that Inverallan Landscapes is revolutionising its approach to service provision through the introduction of battery-operated equipment.

“With Pellenc tools, there’s no compromise on performance, and users benefit from long-term cost savings, reduced noise and operator vibration.

“All Pellenc tools come with a three-year commercial warranty and batteries benefit from the new improved four-year commercial warranty. I believe the future is in the use of battery equipment and the new technological developments from Pellenc are certainly leading the way.”

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New fertiliser recycles battery waste

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New fertiliser recycles battery waste: Battery waste is helping greenkeepers in the UK to improve the health of their turf, thanks to the launch of a new liquid fertiliser product.

ZM-Grow™ extracts zinc, manganese and sulphur from used alkaline batteries to create a unique fertiliser for a range of crops, including amenity turf.

New fertiliser recycles battery waste

With limited recycling options for alkaline batteries, the process is not only helping greenkeepers to be more sustainable, but also reduces the risk of toxic substances contaminating groundwater and the environment.

Johnny Beck, Agronomist at Agrovista Amenity, said: “In excess of 10 billion alkaline batteries are manufactured in the world each year, and just one battery can contaminate more than 160,000 litres of drinking water, should it not be disposed of correctly.

“ZM-Grow is making a real difference in overcoming this problem. It applies unique ‘clean’ technology developed by Tracegrow in Finland and is thought to be the only process that can extract micronutrients from batteries to the necessary purity for fertilisers.

“Following trials at STRI over the summer, we’ve been able to launch the product at golf courses across the country, providing our customers with a highly ecological, organic fertiliser. Turf nutrition is so important, so this product really is a double win!”

Maintaining optimum levels of micronutrients is vital in promoting the growth of strong, healthy, disease-free turf. Manganese contributes to improving nitrogen uptake and photosynthesis, whereas zinc boosts cell elongation and sugar consumption.

Combining these micronutrients with protein-building sulphur gives greenkeepers a ground-breaking product that promotes a resilient and healthy sward.

Leigh Powell, Course Manager of Windlesham Golf Club in Surrey, said: “After conducting soil tests, we found that our root zones were consistently deficient in micronutrients, with manganese being particularly low.

“We chose ZM-Grow as a regular foliar top-up to correct the deficiencies, as it ticks a lot of boxes in terms of sustainable practices and inputs.

“Windlesham Golf Club is committed to challenging and reducing the use of non-sustainable products, so we are delighted that a fertiliser is available that addresses this agenda, whilst also supporting our operational needs.”

ZM Grow is distributed in the UK exclusively by Badger Crop Nutrition and is retailed by selected partners including Agrovista Amenity.

For more information, visit https://www.badgercropnutrition.co.uk/about-zm-grow

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Greenworks new battery range

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Greenworks new battery range: Greenworks, the world’s leading cordless garden products brand, launches a new twin-battery range for 2020 that will revolutionise the way we maintain our gardens in Britain.

The package includes a 48v cordless lawnmower – with the power provided by two separate 24v batteries.  One of the two light-weight batteries can also be swapped into a line-trimmer or hedge cutter, where weight and manoeuvrability are paramount.

Greenworks new battery range

“Consumers tell us that they want a high-performance from cordless lawnmowers but find the size and weight of a larger voltage batteries a handicap when using them in hand-held line trimmers and hedge cutters.  We have solved by problem by powering the lawnmower with two 24v batteries that run in parallel thus delivering 48v of power.  This way, both batteries are light in weight and can then be used individually in any of the 24v range including the line trimmers and hedge cutters,” says Greenworks’ Mark Moseley.

“Gardeners can have a top of the range cordless lawnmower, a line trimmer and hedge cutter plus twin-charger and two batteries, from the world’s leading producer of cordless equipment, for £318.99.    This will be among the most compelling offers on the market for the start of the 2020 gardening season and moves battery powered gardening to a new level of competitive high performance,” adds Mark.

The line-trimmer and hedge cutter can be bought separately, including charger and single 24v battery for £79.99.   The charging time for a 24v 2ah battery is one hour and a single charge will be perfect to cope with tennis court sized lawns.

Greenworks has a large range of cordless garden products available with a variety of different battery voltages.   The new 2020 lawnmower, line-trimmer and hedge cutter offer is available nationally from garden centres such as Dobbies, sheds and specialist dealers.   All Greenworks products offer the power and performance of petrol with no emissions, simple starting, minimal servicing and ease of use.   As their names says, cordless products operate without the need for trailing power cables.

Greenworks products are manufactured and owned by Globe Tools in China, front-runners in a world that leaves fossil fuels and electric cords behind.  Globe Tools is the world’s largest manufacturer of cordless garden products.  Greenworks garden products are marketed exclusively in the UK by Swindon based Handy Distribution. In 2019 Greenworks achieved more sales in the US and Germany than any other cordless brand.

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Pellenc’s latest battery technology

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Pellenc’s latest battery technology: Extra thin, compact and lightweight, the Pellenc ULiB 750 battery revises all ergonomic standards with an unequalled power to weight ratio.

Developed to work with all Pellenc battery tools in the range, the ULiB 750 has a sleek and compact design, weighing less than 4.5kg, making this backpack battery the ideal power source for tree surgeons as well as grounds maintenance professionals.

Pellenc's latest battery technology

It has a full LCD display on the front of the battery which allows the operator to see power consumed, cost of fuel saved in terms of petrol, the tools that have been used and a battery life indicator.

The new battery is also IP54 water-proof rated, meaning that the worry some users have of working in the rain with a battery-powered product is no longer an issue.

It also comes complete with the new battery harness designed around user comfort which allows the battery to be stood upright when taken off of the operator. Another new feature is that it can be fitted in either direction on to the operator allowing the cable to come out of the top or bottom depending on the type of machine being used.

Technical Specifications of the Pellenc ULiB 750 battery:

  • Capacity is 745 Wh for 16.5 Ah
  • Outstanding power / weight ratio of 166.67 Wh per kg
  • Compatible with all Pellenc battery tools
  • Autonomy from 2h30 to 1.5 working days depending on tool used
  • Can be used in all weathers thanks to an IP54 sealing level
  • Visible at night or in difficult weather conditions thanks to its 4 reflectors and its flashing screen

All Pellenc batteries and tools come complete with a three-year commercial warranty as standard – the first manufacturer to offer this on battery-powered tools.

Pellenc is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Etesia UK.

To view the all-new dedicated Pellenc website please visit www.pellencuk.com

You can also follow Pellenc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PellencUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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New level of battery performance from Husqvarna

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New level of battery performance from Husqvarna: Husqvarna today announced the launch of two new powerful battery-powered brushcutters which will raise the bar for performance.

Increased levels of productivity are available for professionals when using the Husqvarna 535iRX or 535iRXT, thanks to the Husqvarna-developed high torque motor, large cutting diameter and effective anti-vibration system. A host of new key features make the products a great addition to the collection of any industry professional.

New level of battery performance from Husqvarna

After significant demand from municipalities and professional landscapers for more robust battery solutions with less environmental impact Husqvarna — one of the world’s leading producers of forest, park and garden products — has inspired the launch of Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT- two new brushcutters with increased levels of professional performance. Designed and developed with commercial tasks in mind, these two innovative brushcutters are built to be robust, powerful and equivalent to petrol products in the 35cc range.

The new Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT brushcutters are part of the 500-series product range and offer Husqvarna’s first anti-vibration system on a battery brushcutter. This feature further reduces strain on the user allowing for smoother operation during extended hours of use. These products are also equipped with a new user interface, allowing the user a constant view of the battery status to more easily plan their work.

Johan Svennung, product specialist, commented: “We’re excited to launch these new products as there’s a strong demand from our commercial customers for high-quality, innovative battery solutions. The performance of the Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT is comparable to petrol machines, but with key benefits such as no direct emissions, lower vibrations and lower noise. Our high torque motor, extended cutting diameter and robust design mean that we will be able to meet the needs of our professional customers who rely on these products day-to-day.”

Key features of the 535iRX and 535iRXT include:

True cordless – Full flexibility to choose between internal or backpack battery and these products are also compatible with all Husqvarna BLi batteries. The BLi300 is the recommended choice of battery for best balance and productivity.

Anti-vibration system – Superior anti-vibration. First on a Husqvarna  battery brushcutter.

Built-in Connectivity (535iRXT) –  The integrated Bluetooth® module makes 535iRXT compatible with Husqvarna Connect and Husqvarna Fleet Services, where Husqvarna Fleet Services is specifically designed for commercial users to keep track of the entire machine fleet.

New user interface – Offers an improved, tactile feel with battery status always visible on the product handle.

ErgoFeed trimmer head (535iRXT) – Saving time and money, the ErgoFeed trimmer head feeds line with a button and is both easy and robust. Eliminating unintentional line feed when hitting stones and debris.

Weatherproof design – IPX4 rain resistance classified.

Availability and price

The Husqvarna 535iRX/535iRXT bruschcutters are available from February 2020 at Husqvarna dealers and are priced: 535iRX (£519.00) and 535iRXT (£599.00).

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John Deere Launch New Battery Mower

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John Deere Launch New Battery Mower: John Deere is launching its first commercial electric battery powered walk-behind rotary mower at Saltex 2019 at the NEC in October.

The new PRO 43B not only produces zero emissions, but also offers intuitive handling, fast charging and a high level of operator comfort. It is designed to enable professional users to easily cut smaller grass areas and clean up edges in public spaces, without the disturbance and nuisance caused by noise and fumes.

John Deere Launch New Battery Mower

Built around an aluminium mower deck with steel reinforcement and alloy wheels for extra durability and reliability, the PRO 43B has shown impressive cutting and bagging performance in pre-production field tests, says John Deere, with no compromise in performance compared with petrol engine driven mowers.

The 36V mower’s new Powerhead carries two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and switches automatically to the second battery when the first one is empty. Charging capacity is 6Ah as standard, with a full electric charge taking 2 hours 20 minutes and providing up to 500m2 mowing capacity. A spring-loaded battery release system adds to the ease of operation.

Cutting width of the PRO 43B is 43cm and there is a choice of seven cutting heights from 22 to 80mm, easily set by a central lever. The mower comes with a 45-litre capacity grass bagger that features a simple TurboStar ‘bag full’ indicator flag, and a height adjustable handlebar that can be folded for storage. Overall weight with an empty bagger is 32kg.

The new John Deere PRO 43B commercial battery mower will be sold with a two-year warranty (one year on the batteries), and will be available from UK and Irish dealers in 2020.

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Demon’s Battery Pressure Washers At SALTEX

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Demon’s Battery Pressure Washers At SALTEX: Demon International are one of the leading manufacturers in the UK of industrial pressure washers and the leading company for innovation.

Over the last 5 years Demon have introduced a range of new pressure washers to meet the needs of the market.

Demon's Battery Pressure Washers At SALTEX

Over the last few years as emission regulations on engines have changed Demon has looked at alternative fuels and has produced a range of Honda powered LPG engines for its mini-bowsers and Hurricane combi machines. LPG offers a reduction of 60% for CO and greatly reduced hydrocarbon emissions. There are many benefits for the hire industry using LPG as they sell the fuel and reduced maintenance for the engines.

Recently Demon have re-introduced the Tornado Electron battery powered pressure washer using Lithium Ion battery technology. Demon are the only manufacturer making an industrial battery pressure washer at this time and can now offer the future of pressure washing today. We now have a machine based on the successful range of Tornado Mini-Bowsers offering 2 hours of constant cleaning with re-charging times of 2-4 hours depending on the charger fitted.

As demands on emissions grow we at Demon look to how we can evolve pressure washers to keep up with not only better, more efficient ways of cleaning, but also complying with new regulations.
Currently we are using petrol and diesel engines, and electric motors to power our pressure washers which is the present. The future is in the developing battery world and DC motors. One option to bridge this gap is alternative fuels such as LPG.

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Battery Power Vs Petrol Power

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Battery Power Vs Petrol Power: There was a time when it seemed petrol powered outdoor tools would always reign supreme. Battery powered tools were regarded by professionals and serious gardeners as no competition. They couldn’t match the power and uninterrupted operation of their two-stroke counterparts.

That time has passed. Today’s Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionised the way we work with battery powered tools. Now they can produce the power to equal petrol equipment while producing zero emissions at the point of work. Noise levels are also greatly reduced and the benefits don’t stop there. Vibration is minimised. The lower maintenance costs of battery powered motors lead to substantial long-term savings. Safety is improved by removing the need for fuel filling and on-site storage. There’s no tugging away with recoil starts, with batteries you just charge and go. Instant full power at the push of a button. In many cases one battery will fit a range of tools, interchangeable between a hedgetrimmer, brushcutter, power blower, chainsaw and even a lawn mower.

Battery Power Vs Petrol Power

The traditional argument in favour of petrol and two-stroke, apart from the question of power, was the uninterrupted operation. Batteries quickly ran down and took many hours to recharge. With petrol you just fill up and go. Batteries had a limited life and needed regular, costly replacement. To some extent, operators using outdoor power tools all day long may argue the need to remain with petrol two-stroke for the time being. Professionals arborists need to know their chainsaws are going to work for them all day. Groundcare maintenance contractors and landscapers rely on their petrol brushcutters, power blowers and hedgetrimmers to take the punishment the job demands and maintain productivity. But time is running out for fossil fuels, with legislation and Health and Safety putting the squeeze on the use of petrol power. So it’s good to know there’s an alternative.

Lithium-ion is highly efficient and brings longer battery life, quicker charging times and low self-discharge to the table. The power you need is there instantly, consistently and almost silently. Batteries do need charging but charge times have become greatly reduced using rapid chargers and most people will have a spare battery on charge in readiness. On the subject of replacement, that is easily weighed up against petrol and two-stroke engines needing regular servicing, with associated costs. Today’s brushless electric motor is maintenance-free, producing greener, cleaner energy. Emissions are managed by energy efficient motor controls for speed, power delivery and battery temperature, with the added benefits of improved performance and longer battery life. Using a rapid charger, quick charging also reduces downtime so more jobs can be completed in a day; and there is of course the option of using 4Ah batteries for longer run time.

Battery Power Vs Petrol Power

As professionals know, regular use of handheld petrol-powered tools carries the risk of Hand-arm Vibration (HAV), also known as vibration white finger. This painful condition can be avoided using low vibration tools, which is another benefit of battery powered tools, many of them operating well below the daily 2.5m/s² A(8) Exposure Action Value (EAV) limit.* Other considerations that make battery power a safer option are the fact the operator is not working with and storing flammable liquid. Much reduced noise levels are not only good for the environment in which the work is taking place, the operator is not exposed to high noise levels associated with two-stroke petrol powered machinery.

Taking the arguments in favour of battery power, with the benefits to the environment, the operator, and those in the vicinity, it’s easy to see why many professionals are turning to ‘charge and go’. All the power you need with low emissions, low noise, low vibrations, greater safety and reduced costs. Battery vs petrol? The ultimate choice remains in the hands of the operator and what best suits their needs and working environment.

To find out about ECHO’s range of petrol and battery powered outdoor power tools, speak to your local authorised ECHO dealer, visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 0800 597 7777 for more information.

*Daily exposure to vibration is measured by the formula known as an A(8) value. For hand-arm vibration (HAV), the daily ELV is 5 m/s2 A(8) and the daily EAV is 2.5 m/s2 A(8).

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