ExEcutivE REPORt TIME TO GO CORDLESS?
Mark Earles, business development manager for outdoor power equipment at Makita UK, looks at why cordless power is becoming more widely used and what to consider when purchasing new equipment.
O
ne of the key reasons why petrol and corded tools have been the go-to for
grounds maintenance and landscaping work was the concern around the performance and run-times of cordless options. However, advances in battery and motor technology mean that cordless machines can now reliably achieve the level of performance that professionals require.
In fact, there is now a wide array of cordless options that match their petrol-powered counterparts, including mowers, chainsaws, brush cutters and blowers. In addition, the latest generation of lithium-ion batteries and energy efficient brushless motors mean that modern cordless options have excellent run times. This can be extended with back- mounted portable power packs that boost run-times further for applications where extended use is essential.
The benefits of cordless Cordless machines offer important benefits over corded and petrol machines. Firstly, they provide greater safety for operators as well as those working in the area and even members of the public. Cordless tools eliminate the fire risk associated with the transportation, storage and use of petrol. They also remove the hazards that cables in the work area present, and the need to manage these risks. Furthermore, cordless tools typically have lower levels of vibration, making them safer for the user by reducing the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and other related conditions.
Cordless tools are also quieter than petrol versions. Not only does this reduce a health and safety risk, but it also allows grounds maintenance professionals to work closer to
buildings without disturbing the occupants. Minimised noise levels may be a requirement on some sites, including around hospitals and care homes.
Another advantage is flexibility. By removing the need to be connected to a power source, it allows users to move more freely and work in remote areas without the cost and complexity of operating generators. This also allows a faster response to site requirements, as there is no need to plan the deployment of power to the area in question.
A further benefit of battery power is its potential to reduce the environmental impact of the work. Petrol engines produce a range of emissions, including particulate pollution, nitrogen oxides and benzene, all of which contribute to poor air quality. In addition, the use of petrol machines releases high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air, contributing to the problem of climate change.
Choosing the right cordless products There are many cordless products on the market, but not all offer the same features or performance, meaning it is important to consider the choice carefully before investing.
The first is to consider the battery platform and how many different products can utilise the same batteries. For example, Makita’s LXT range features over 300 cordless products, and its high-performance XGT 40VMax and 80VMax range now includes over 100 products. Having a battery system that is common to a wide variety of machines not only makes the hire management simpler, but it also allows end users to switch between tools more easily.
Minimising the time required for charging means further productivity improvements for users. As an example, Makita’s 3.0Ah 18V LXT batteries charge in as little as 22 minutes, with the 6.0Ah version taking less than an hour. When using the XGT 40VMax platform, a 2.5Ah battery will charge in 28 minutes, and the largest 8.0Ah battery can be charged within 72 minutes.
Makita’s XGT 40VMax 2.5Ah battery platform.
Additionally, it may be valuable to choose a manufacturer that can offer technical support and training for your staff. This may be general product training sessions to familiarise them with the range and allow better customer service, or specific service and maintenance training to enable effective management of the machines as part of your portfolio.
When customers require reliable, high- performance grounds maintenance equipment, it is no longer necessary to rely on petrol and corded power, which each have drawbacks. Cordless technology can help make customers’ work simpler, safer and more sustainable and choosing products from a leading manufacturer will help make management of these assets easier. n
FULLY CHARGED To find out more about Makita and its range of products, visit
www.makitauk.com. 22 Executive Hire News - September 2023
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