Hey everyone! I'm considering launching my own small lawn mowing and landscaping business and I'm curious about the potential of going fully electric with battery-powered equipment. I haven't worked in the commercial landscaping field before, so I'm reaching out for some insights from those who have! My main questions are:
1. Is an all-electric mowing business a good idea? I plan to use a non-electric vehicle to tow the trailer.
2. I've noticed some companies are offering commercial-grade battery equipment, like the Exmark battery zero turn that costs about $45k. Do you think this could set me apart in the crowded lawn care market and help me tap into what might be the future of landscaping? I have a budget of around $100-150k for the necessary equipment. Is pursuing this a bad idea?
4 Answers
Going electric isn't a dumb idea, but it might not be the best choice if you're starting with zero clients. You could start with products from EGO or Greenworks for about $6k for a decent zero-turn mower with batteries, and additional tools could bring it under $10k. Keeping your batteries charged will be a challenge, though. One idea is to use an enclosed trailer fitted with solar panels and a large battery bank for on-the-go charging. Personally, I use a gas mower but rely on Greenworks’ 80v tools, and with effective battery management, I can maintain my yard efficiently.
Investing $100k in electric lawn equipment may not yield a return before the equipment's service life runs out. Landscape pros often work long hours in summer, and keeping the batteries charged could become tricky. While some customers might pay a premium to avoid noise and support eco-friendly practices, overall, it might not be a profitable choice.
In some high-end markets, electric mowers do stand out. We've won contracts in upscale communities where owners prefer quieter options. However, it's essential to note that self-driving mowers are leading the innovation in commercial markets and will soon be available for residential use as well, which could significantly change the game.
That's interesting! I've seen quite a few folks using self-driving mowers now. Most people I know use Husqvarna's models, which tend to pay for themselves within a couple of years.
I personally think it isn't the best route, mainly because gas engines are cheaper and easier to maintain. The costs for batteries can get really expensive too. You'd have to consider how many batteries you'd need for a full day's work, which could be quite a bit. And if you were to charge them with a generator, that somewhat negates the whole 'going green' goal, right?
Thanks for your input! The price difference between battery and gas equipment definitely makes it a tough decision, especially if you can't recover costs easily.