I always look in envy at my neighbors with their electric weedwacker while I am fruitlessly trying to get my gas version to start. You are right, the electrification of these produces is a leading indicator of the EV market. There is still a large portion of people out there who are convinced that electric simply doesn't have the power or stamina of gas. The main barrier is now psychological, not technological. But the gradual proliferation of electric tools of this kind may break down those pre-ordained beliefs.
Yes, that perception is psychological, but it is based on recent history rather than current products. I tried an electric lawn mower about ten years ago and it was... underwhelming. But as Beth Bach says below, they have dramatically improved. I think EVs have gone through the same arc, just not as far yet.
The desire for the electric tools spreads via envy as you’ve experienced. You see your neighbor with a tool that starts right up with no fumes or mess and then you want one.
My Ryobi battery mower is tech from six years ago so it has older model battery but it can still mow multiple yards on one charge as long as the grass isn’t super tall. When very tall you mow half strips at a time so it doesn’t get bogged down. I’ve never felt the need for a second battery for mine but for anyone with a huge yard I would get a second one as backup and rotate them.
I’ve got a Ryobi whisper quiet blower with a turbo button for extra umph when needed. I bought low and middle of the power scale on my items so there’s higher tiers of power for anyone with bigger needs if you want to spend the extra money.
100% agree on this one. It’s a way better product. I switched over six years ago. I hated having to keep up with having gasoline around and not have it go stale. Maintenance on gas mower etc is a huge deal. I have a neighbor whose equipment never worked because they didn’t maintain it or the gas that powered. They were constantly asking to borrow my 100% reliable mower. I’ve only recently had an issue with my mower which turned out to be a battery at the end of its life. Six years of life with one 40V battery for a mower that got used on way more than just my lawn. Replacement battery was $80.
I also have battery a powered blower and trimmer. Added bonus, they’re all WAY quieter so it reduces noise pollution as well. Additional added bonus, mower handle folds so mower can be stored sitting upright to save a lot of space in the shed. Try doing that with a gas powered one.
Good to hear your experience squares with this! I'm just shifting over to these things now. I had tried them ten years ago and found them wanting--but all the reports are tat they have improved so much they are the product of choice.
Aren't you in TX? I've been wondering how you've been doing in the heat wave...?
I early adopted some battery powered lawn tools and the weren’t great but they got a LOT better. My preferred brand is Ryobi.
You remembered correctly that I’m in Texas. This is basically “winter” for us as in we’re staying inside as much as possible. Bad air quality and heat index hit 117. We had two weeks of even at night the HI was at 100. Now it’s cooler and just 99 air temp. Still very high humidity.
My worry has been the grid surviving it because the heat has been spawning violent thunderstorms and even some tornadoes. The grid has stayed up thanks to wind and solar! Wind has been providing more power than fossil fuels at some points. Without the assist of the green energy we would have been having a grid incapable of running all these air conditioners.
I always look in envy at my neighbors with their electric weedwacker while I am fruitlessly trying to get my gas version to start. You are right, the electrification of these produces is a leading indicator of the EV market. There is still a large portion of people out there who are convinced that electric simply doesn't have the power or stamina of gas. The main barrier is now psychological, not technological. But the gradual proliferation of electric tools of this kind may break down those pre-ordained beliefs.
Yes, that perception is psychological, but it is based on recent history rather than current products. I tried an electric lawn mower about ten years ago and it was... underwhelming. But as Beth Bach says below, they have dramatically improved. I think EVs have gone through the same arc, just not as far yet.
The desire for the electric tools spreads via envy as you’ve experienced. You see your neighbor with a tool that starts right up with no fumes or mess and then you want one.
My Ryobi battery mower is tech from six years ago so it has older model battery but it can still mow multiple yards on one charge as long as the grass isn’t super tall. When very tall you mow half strips at a time so it doesn’t get bogged down. I’ve never felt the need for a second battery for mine but for anyone with a huge yard I would get a second one as backup and rotate them.
I’ve got a Ryobi whisper quiet blower with a turbo button for extra umph when needed. I bought low and middle of the power scale on my items so there’s higher tiers of power for anyone with bigger needs if you want to spend the extra money.
100% agree on this one. It’s a way better product. I switched over six years ago. I hated having to keep up with having gasoline around and not have it go stale. Maintenance on gas mower etc is a huge deal. I have a neighbor whose equipment never worked because they didn’t maintain it or the gas that powered. They were constantly asking to borrow my 100% reliable mower. I’ve only recently had an issue with my mower which turned out to be a battery at the end of its life. Six years of life with one 40V battery for a mower that got used on way more than just my lawn. Replacement battery was $80.
I also have battery a powered blower and trimmer. Added bonus, they’re all WAY quieter so it reduces noise pollution as well. Additional added bonus, mower handle folds so mower can be stored sitting upright to save a lot of space in the shed. Try doing that with a gas powered one.
Good to hear your experience squares with this! I'm just shifting over to these things now. I had tried them ten years ago and found them wanting--but all the reports are tat they have improved so much they are the product of choice.
Aren't you in TX? I've been wondering how you've been doing in the heat wave...?
I early adopted some battery powered lawn tools and the weren’t great but they got a LOT better. My preferred brand is Ryobi.
You remembered correctly that I’m in Texas. This is basically “winter” for us as in we’re staying inside as much as possible. Bad air quality and heat index hit 117. We had two weeks of even at night the HI was at 100. Now it’s cooler and just 99 air temp. Still very high humidity.
My worry has been the grid surviving it because the heat has been spawning violent thunderstorms and even some tornadoes. The grid has stayed up thanks to wind and solar! Wind has been providing more power than fossil fuels at some points. Without the assist of the green energy we would have been having a grid incapable of running all these air conditioners.
Ironically, Texas has about 44% of its electricity from wind--the highest percentage in the country. And wow... that heat sounds incredible.
I should clarify that I still fear the grid failing due to physical damage from storms but at least we’ve had adequate power generation.