Anyone run a landscaping lawn maintenance/grooming business that is all electric? I like the idea. Ego has everything I need but a wheeled hard edger. Charging the batteries is my only concern. I'm guessing I would need some type of battery set up (that gets charged up overnight). Then tie in all my chargers. I know I would be swaping batteries through out the day. But I would just want to make sure I have enough charge to get me through a full day. It would also need to be secured for theft in the truck as well. I also don't want to utilize the truck's battery either. Anyone have any good idea's on this? Type of set up required? Thanks! Stew (Allen, Texas)
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100 Points
- interested in pursuing
Posted 5 years ago
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64,368 Points
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100 Points
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64,368 Points
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,570 Points
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100 Points
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1,072 Points
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4,098 Points
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1,072 Points
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1,018 Points
If you have the fast charger it should charge the batteries while your driving from job to job. You could always ask to plug in your charger to an outside outlet while your working. Maybe connect a couple chargers to a power strip and charge several batteries at once. The only problem I saw was the time it took to mow, trim and blow. I mowed my parents lawn, they have a 75' lot. It took over a hour to do everything on my own with the 21" mower, 15" trimmer. That really limits the number of customers unless you have help and maybe more than 1 mower, one person cutting the front and one in the back. The trimmer works great, but as an edger the line dissapers quickly. I wish they would have made it attachment compatible like Greenworks, Kobalt and Ryobi. Best of luck in your business!!
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,234 Points
Michael, Ego has announced a new attachment capable multi-tool system for release this spring. Pole hedge trimmer, pole chainsaw, brush cutter, string trimmer, and blade edger.
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1,018 Points
Yes!! I saw that! I just bought the 15" trimmer off Amazon. I'll probably buy the multi tool when it comes out. I've had everything for a few days now mowed mine and my parents lawn, works great. Just wondering how to get a free t-shirt??? Lol
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63,928 Points
Blue. You have 60,000 points man. Wtf (frenchtoast)
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,234 Points
One more badge to go, then I get to collect my pension.
That is how it works, right? :-)
That is how it works, right? :-)
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63,928 Points
That's what I heard
Jennifer VandeWater, Community Manager
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80,868 Points
Michael, we can get you a t-shirt! :) We'll send you an email. Look for an email from support@egopowerplus.com to get your details.
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1,018 Points
EGO should look into buying Green Machine Mowers. They make commercial mowers that are electric. They're kind of pricey for the mower, probably due to the battery cost. EGO could manufacturer the batteries themselves and probably drop the price by a few hundred to a thousand dollars. In the long run, it'll be dramatically cheaper to operate, no gas, oil, maintenance. It even has a solar panel/ sunshade option to charge the batteries while your working. I'm interested in perhaps getting one and building up a business just in my neighborhood. They're building over 700 in the next few years.
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63,928 Points
Thass Mean green, not green machine
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1,018 Points
Sorry Mean Green Mowers.
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63,928 Points
And I want one!!!!!!!! Are they like 20,000 or what?
(Edited)
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1,018 Points
That one as is with the solar panel sunshade is about 10k. They have a walk behind for 9k, and a riding walk behind type for about 14k. They have hand tools, but I think EGO are better and a lot cheaper. The commercial mowers last 7-8+ hrs on a battery.
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19,576 Points
I seriously doubt that Ego mowers are durable enough for commercial use. I mean, c'mon people, these things aren't built very sturdily, and the blades need FREQUENT sharpening. And how are you going to find a practical and AFFORDABLE method for replacing depleted batteries with fresh ones? The large Ego batteries cost a fortune. If you really want to be doing commercial work, get commercial-quality equipment.
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64,368 Points
Negative nancy. Lol.
I would say an ego mower would last 2 years in a commercial environment.
I would say an ego mower would last 2 years in a commercial environment.
I used all summer. Have to have couple batteries. I'm looking on putting solar on my truck box to charge extra
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64,368 Points
EGO needs to just make a 12v car charger for their batteries. It's not that hard to make.. I don't think. Also make it so it can charge slow. Or fast. Like a 4 hr charge, 2, 1. Because that would enable the use of solar. Otherwise I don't know how solar would work as you would need 600 watts to charge one battety. Don't know what the standard charger consumes. But still. Your solar would have to charge 12v batteries, then you need an inverter to go off of those batteries. If ego made a slow charger this would be a great way to charge batteries with a small solar panel.
(Edited)
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,548 Points
The standard charger is 210W I think.
A rack on a pickup would easily hold 3-4 full size roof solar panels, and each would be good for 200-300W. More than enough to keep a couple Ego chargers going on a sunny day. Overcast or cloudy conditions would be less.
A rack on a pickup would easily hold 3-4 full size roof solar panels, and each would be good for 200-300W. More than enough to keep a couple Ego chargers going on a sunny day. Overcast or cloudy conditions would be less.
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892 Points
Solar panels will not hold up on a work vehicle.
On a house roof, sailboat or even a motor home with wind and weather yes.
Not engineered for shock and vibration from a truck.
On a house roof, sailboat or even a motor home with wind and weather yes.
Not engineered for shock and vibration from a truck.
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,548 Points
Agreed 100%. A residential rooftop solar panel would need some ruggedizing to survive in that application!
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1,018 Points
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19,576 Points
You are wrong about Ego blade sharpening intervals. If you were to run an Ego mower for 2 hours per day, you'd be sharpening the blade in less than 2 weeks. Far sooner if you hit anything harder than a noodle. I'm talking about "commercial" as if it is a livelihood for you and a small crew, at a bare minimum A mower would be used for HOURS each day, no less than 5 days a week. I'm NOT referring to a hobby lawn service. I'm talking about a legit lawn service company. The Ego mowers aren't built for that type of service.
Also, it's likely that blade-sharpening might be necessary every couple of days, given commercial use.
Also, it's likely that blade-sharpening might be necessary every couple of days, given commercial use.
(Edited)
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64,368 Points
Your also wrong buddy, this time your being generous. You would be sharpening that blade every day. I touch up my blade every hour to be honest. Only because it increases runtime. But it takes a minute to do. All I do is touch up the point. Basically if your going to use it more than I do.. you should have a Japanese sword maker forge you a blade.
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64,368 Points
I know this because I have sharpened through 9 blades so far in the last 3 seasons. 2 damaged from hitting stuff.
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1,018 Points
Can you put a different brand blade? A 21" blade from a Troy Bilt mower or some other stronger blade. If I were to start a lawn service it would be more hobby since I'm a disabled Veteran and it would be extra income to help pay for the mower, trimmer and blower I just bought. If I were looking for full time I'd pick up one of the Mean Green Mowers that a commercial electric mowers, they also are almost $10-15k. You'd make it back pretty fast with no gas, oil, or maintenance. I bought my mower because I have a small yard, my gas power trimmer was a 10-15 min workout everytime I tried to start it. It was only 2 years old.
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64,368 Points
Yeah. I don't miss gas powered equipment.
Thank you for your service by the way.
Thank you for your service by the way.
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19,576 Points
Yes, I was being generous!
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,570 Points
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19,576 Points
My Honda Harmony, after more than 10 years of usage (just on my small property) was in such good shape that I got $200 for it and it looked nearly brand-new. Just one set of rear tires, and a few blade sharpening was all it needed. And of course some oil changes. Hondas are just about the only mowers you see in the SJ area, for residential gardening services use. It had a Xenoy deck which is FAR more rigid than the flimsy plastic used in the Ego mower. That thing flexes--the Xenoy deck felt more like a metal deck, but no rusting, no denting, and less weight. Tis a shame the Honda mowers have metal decks now.
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,548 Points
With steel prices so low, it's probably an issue of cost savings... who'd have thought a steel deck mower would actually be cheaper than a plastic one?
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5,722 Points
Honda still makes a plastic deck mower. Not commercial quality but close. Look up Honda Hrx.
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5,722 Points
I am a solo operator and have been testing out ego handhelds on a few of my accounts lately and so far pretty much so good. The string trimmer, with a few mods, is light and has plenty of power and really is holding up well. The blower is excellent in smaller settings and also seems durable. The hedge trimmer is nothing special. It is just adequate with slow cut speed and a blade that seems a little soft. Ego has a much more promising UK version that i hope they bring over soon.
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,394 Points
Thanks for the feedback!
Can you expand on what mods you did to the string trimmer?
Can you expand on what mods you did to the string trimmer?
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5,722 Points
Just a warning...at least one of the mods will most likely void you warranty....the other may or may not. On standard commercial grade trimmers the trimmer head spins counterclockwise. ...and for the last five years I have been using this style exclusively so I am pretty use to it. So as you know Egos trimmer head spins clockwise and after using it a few times I decided to change the way the trimmer head spins to match my commercial trimmers. Also because of the way the guard is designed to cut the line on a clockwise spinning head I removed it. For what it worth Husqvarna has a string trimmer that has a switch that allows the operator to change the way the head spins......not a plug for Husqvarna......just for that feature.
Now again these mods will most likely void your warranty and some may consider removing the guard as dangerous so proceed at your own risk.
For an established edge this trimmer works excellent as an edger due to its very smooth trigger response and controllable power. I run the trimmer with the 2.5 battery and it is very light and a real pleasure to use just from a sensory perspective with very low vibration and very low noise. I run .095 Vortex line and it matches the trimmer well.
The future of professional lawn care is green and part of being green is also low noise. Ego is doing very well so far and I look forward to future products from them.
Now again these mods will most likely void your warranty and some may consider removing the guard as dangerous so proceed at your own risk.
For an established edge this trimmer works excellent as an edger due to its very smooth trigger response and controllable power. I run the trimmer with the 2.5 battery and it is very light and a real pleasure to use just from a sensory perspective with very low vibration and very low noise. I run .095 Vortex line and it matches the trimmer well.
The future of professional lawn care is green and part of being green is also low noise. Ego is doing very well so far and I look forward to future products from them.
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19,216 Points
I too, love the Ego 15" string trimmer for it's quietness, low vibration, weight and string-advancement reliability.
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,394 Points
Gotta ask... how did you reverse the rotation?
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64,298 Points
You take the head off and switch any of the 2 wires that go to the motor. It's 3 phase brushless so switching the 2 outside wires is the preferred method. So.. what colors you ask..I'm not quite sure. Taking the head off is easy. 1 screw I think. Then 3 bullet connectors if my memory serves me right.
I think
I think
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1,018 Points
Interesting, but then how do you cut the line to keep it from getting to long?
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5,722 Points
Egos trimmer guard doesn't allow you to switch cutter sides....bummer. Line length is controlled without a guard cutter fairly simply. Start with the line stick out that looks about right to you...and go for it. Your line tag ends will generally wear down at about the same rate so just pay attention to your cutting swath and bump as needed. If you start looking at some of your local lawn care companies you'll notice that quite a number don't run guards. Guards are removed for a few reasons....visibility, line length, weight, maneuverability, etc.
I usually run guard on since I pull the trimmer towards my body......but guard off can be liberating. Visibility, maneuverability and with a strong enough trimmer increased cutting swath all can be had going guard off.
I usually run guard on since I pull the trimmer towards my body......but guard off can be liberating. Visibility, maneuverability and with a strong enough trimmer increased cutting swath all can be had going guard off.
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5,722 Points
One more thing...if you go guard off....and you get your line stick out to long you will notice a degradation in the performance of your trimmer. Manually trim back line to the point where you trimmer performs strongly again and try to maintain that length.
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1,018 Points
Cool, thanks I appreciate your help!
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5,722 Points
I took the end the battery attached to apart. It was cleaner and I figured to have more room and wire length. 3 wires correct....switch the black to white...white to black. Leave the green wire alone. Ego makes it easy....waterproof covers slide off and wire are plug in style connectors. Took about five to ten minutes to switch.
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,394 Points
Very cool!
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604 Points
I run a business here in Winnipeg, MB Canada that is all Electric and use all EGO products. Also looking at doing snow next year.
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,374 Points
Is that a push cart full of lawn gear in your avatar? If so I’d like to see more pics!!!
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604 Points
Yes it is a trailer to pull behind the equipment behind a bicycle. They were customer manufactured.
You can email me firectly at aaron@moweco.ca if you have any questions.
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/lance/Trimming-the-cost-of-lawn-care--377045691.html
You can email me firectly at aaron@moweco.ca if you have any questions.
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/lance/Trimming-the-cost-of-lawn-care--377045691.html
(Edited)
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,374 Points
I checked out your website, looks like quite an interesting business model you have there!
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604 Points
Thank you! I'm not sure how far into the website you went. But it has some bugs that we are working through to prep for this season. We didn't have them last year but we're doing a lot of front and back end work. I appreciate the compliment there.
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5,722 Points
I'm now into my second year running Ego handhelds and still zero equipment failures and now three battery issues..or maybe four. Flashing green lights on 5ah batteries only. All 5ah batteries still work fine and I use them first daily.
16 or so inches of rain here last month and off to a good start this month and the ipx4 waterproof rating continues to be tested and vastly exceeded. I use the tools daily rain or shine sometimes a little...sometimes a lot. Water will literally be dripping out of both tool and battery and they still keep working. Not recommended but I am kinda curious what will kill one.
I have had to take the brushless hedge trimmers apart and clean the trigger area....trigger was sticking...and now they work fine.
Short update....so far so good.
16 or so inches of rain here last month and off to a good start this month and the ipx4 waterproof rating continues to be tested and vastly exceeded. I use the tools daily rain or shine sometimes a little...sometimes a lot. Water will literally be dripping out of both tool and battery and they still keep working. Not recommended but I am kinda curious what will kill one.
I have had to take the brushless hedge trimmers apart and clean the trigger area....trigger was sticking...and now they work fine.
Short update....so far so good.
szwoopp, Champion
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90,700 Points
Thanks for giving us the update. Always good to hear the experience of someone giving the tools 10 times the work load of an average homeowner
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604 Points
I moved on to my second mower in my 3rd year in business. I estimate that I had 1,500+ mows on the mower. Mower still works at 100%. However, the safety clip on the side broke off and I'm not in a situation to be dealing with it all day long. So I laid Betsy to pasture (And felt bad about it. LOL). I'm sure I can still sell it w a battery for a nice price. Perfect for home lawn care.
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,394 Points
If you’re talking about the clips on the extending handle, you can call Ego Customer Service and they can send you a new set. There may be a charge for this but I think it’s small, and it’s an easy fix that takes no more than 10 minutes and a number two Phillips screwdriver.
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604 Points
Yes those are the clips I am referring to. I am going to message them to see if I can purchase them. Thank you!
szwoopp, Champion
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90,700 Points
Message them ?
It may require a phone call.
It may require a phone call.
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8,844 Points
Bigfoot and others, do you see your self eventually investing into EGO's commercial line? https://commercial.egopowerplus.com/
(Edited)
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604 Points
I don't see moving to commercial. We have a model different from other companies that have crews and drive out and do the work. We use individuals who are mowing properties within their local community. So I think the residential has been fantastic. We also have inventory of unopened equipment that should last for some time. But having to attach to the pack seems a little 'clunky'. I definitely see the utility for a business that is using bigger crews.
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5,722 Points
I would definitely be interested in Ego commercial products if they followed closely to their consumer line.....but they dont. The tether to the backpack battery is pretty much a non starter with me.
The upcoming commercial line really needed the ability to run on their best in class batteries already available.
I'm not sure what they where thinking.
The upcoming commercial line really needed the ability to run on their best in class batteries already available.
I'm not sure what they where thinking.
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,394 Points
As far as I know the Backpack Link has the same connector as the Pro Series tools, so you could still use your existing batteries. But the battery backpack form factor still exists that way.
szwoopp, Champion
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90,702 Points
The UK sight states that the battery link works with the commercial line. Hopefully the same is true for the NA models. It makes sense, but not specifically stated on the NA website. Then again the commercial line has not been released in NA, so that makes sense as well.
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5,722 Points
Most likely will work with the backpack link but that doesn't mitigate the significant inconvenience of having to have a cord attached to your piece of handheld equipment.
I can think of a few advantages of having large battery capacity on your back....but I can think of more advantages to having an all in one unit in your hand.
But really the powerhead unit plus other handheld units are working well for me daily and I will happily continue to use them until Ego, or another company, comes out with something better.
I can think of a few advantages of having large battery capacity on your back....but I can think of more advantages to having an all in one unit in your hand.
But really the powerhead unit plus other handheld units are working well for me daily and I will happily continue to use them until Ego, or another company, comes out with something better.
szwoopp, Champion
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90,702 Points
Agree - you have to have big jobs with long run time to offset the hassle of a cord.
Especially with a tool like the hedge trimmer !
Especially with a tool like the hedge trimmer !
Blue Angel, Champion
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178,394 Points
The hedge trimmer runs a long time, even on the 2Ah battery.
szwoopp, Champion
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90,702 Points
True true
