[flashsmith]

i bought my last mower in April of 2021 for $12,000 got it for $10,000 with the rebate I was told by the dealer prices were going to go crazy over the next few years because of the democrats and Biden pushing the electric equipment. I didn't know how to take that but i see it everywhere now.

Battery technology has nothing to do with Politics. Companies are going all in because the demand is growing. Dealers can either embrace the new revenue stream or be left behind. Politics has nothing to do with me increasing my profit margin. I switched over to a mix of gw commercial and echo x battery stuff and I'm already seeing a savings average of $60 a month just in mixed gas use and I'm solo.For large operations it would be hundreds or even thousands a month. Cost me 3k and my Sheffield payment is 80 a month on the package.Add to that literally zero maintenance. Doing the math a gasser costs about $4.00 an acre to mow with current gas prices.With the Optimus I'm looking at .30 cents an acre charging based on my rates. If saving money becomes woke then call me woke.. 😂 5 year 2,000 hour warranty on the machine and full 5 year on the battery no limit on hours add in 0% financing and the tax credit. Yea I'll give it a go. Dealers are hating on it because they know they won't be able to charge someone $150 dollars to spray carb cleaner in a trimmer and wipe it down with a rag. It's the same reasoning auto dealers tried to use by not wanting to sell EVs. Are they for everybody ? No they are not. I'm 90% residential so they will work for me. If I had a different business model mowing huge complexes or something like that it would be different. Its coming and many business insiders are claiming by 2030 80% of all commercial equipment sold will be battery powered. Potential Customers are already asking about it for the obvious noise benefits etc.. Lawn care guys will have to either adapt or go do something else.

 

[GroundWorx]

Bought a single set of blades for my 21” Honda, a single air filter for it, air filter for my 34Z and a single oil filter. Out the door $268! That’s absolutely rediculous. Dropped my stander off for a relatively major issue with the left hand hydro good lord only knows what that’s going to run me. It was beyond my ability to fix.

I hate to be so pessimistic but besides the motor, I'm not sure if there is a more expensive part to get repaired or replaced on a ztr than the hydros.

 

[milo]

Raise your prices and this won’t be an issue. Labor rates should be $70.00/man hour.

$70 a man??? How do you make that work? In FL my business is at $85 a man and in PA $95 a man.

 

[milo]

my point to the mower prices is how is bradley mowers and world lawn mowers building a product with the exact engines and hydros as the big guys and use about the same amount of steel, same amount of tires, same clutch, pto switch and many other same items and charge 115% more for a mower?????? Sure exmark, scag, hustler have a nicer seat but besides small detailed items they are not worth 115% more. $2000. more sure i get it but $8400 for world lawn king cobra 60 or $17000. for a lazer z.. Either it's lots of people making tons of money at Exmark or (and what I believe) is to pay for research to make more battery powered mowers which is a ture joke.

 

[Derwood]

Are you running WL mowers?

 

[GroundWorx]

Battery technology has nothing to do with Politics. Companies are going all in because the demand is growing. Dealers can either embrace the new revenue stream or be left behind. Politics has nothing to do with me increasing my profit margin. I switched over to a mix of gw commercial and echo x battery stuff and I'm already seeing a savings average of $60 a month just in mixed gas use and I'm solo.For large operations it would be hundreds or even thousands a month. Cost me 3k and my Sheffield payment is 80 a month on the package.Add to that literally zero maintenance. Doing the math a gasser costs about $4.00 an acre to mow with current gas prices.With the Optimus I'm looking at .30 cents an acre charging based on my rates. If saving money becomes woke then call me woke.. 😂 5 year 2,000 hour warranty on the machine and full 5 year on the battery no limit on hours add in 0% financing and the tax credit. Yea I'll give it a go. Dealers are hating on it because they know they won't be able to charge someone $150 dollars to spray carb cleaner in a trimmer and wipe it down with a rag. It's the same reasoning auto dealers tried to use by not wanting to sell EVs. Are they for everybody ? No they are not. I'm 90% residential so they will work for me. If I had a different business model mowing huge complexes or something like that it would be different. Its coming and many business insiders are claiming by 2030 80% of all commercial equipment sold will be battery powered. Potential Customers are already asking about it for the obvious noise benefits etc.. Lawn care guys will have to either adapt or go do something else.

I'd like to see that battery warranty, because I haven't found one yet that will go over 3 years for commercial use. I've done that math too, and when you add the cost of battery replacement - and you WILL replace those batteries - frequently - that "awesome" savings you see on paper now will become a pipe dream pretty quick.

That said, I did work with another crew that was heavily dependent on battery powered outdoor power equipment... constant issues with batteries crapping out due to the heat and constant recharge cycles, maybe there was even more to it as a few times some of the guys left batteries exposed to the elements - can't let those batteries get wet - they die - quickly - forever! Anyway, I'll stick with my gas powered Stihl equipment because they're reliable, don't care if they get wet, heat doesn't seem to bother them, and they run circles around the battery powered stuff hands down when it comes to productivity.

I also don't know why folks are constantly bringing up the "carb repair" issue... We don't have that problem - with anything! Of course we do run Sta-bil - fuel storage, fogging oil, small engine pro, and blade guard year round without exception. I'm quite satisfied with the performance that Stihl equipment and Sta-bil products provide to our operation, and I won't be changing that unless I see a REAL ROI of substantial improvement with something else.

 

[Ridin' Green]

Battery technology has nothing to do with Politics. Companies are going all in because the demand is growing. Dealers can either embrace the new revenue stream or be left behind. Politics has nothing to do with me increasing my profit margin. I switched over to a mix of gw commercial and echo x battery stuff and I'm already seeing a savings average of $60 a month just in mixed gas use and I'm solo.For large operations it would be hundreds or even thousands a month. Cost me 3k and my Sheffield payment is 80 a month on the package.Add to that literally zero maintenance. Doing the math a gasser costs about $4.00 an acre to mow with current gas prices.With the Optimus I'm looking at .30 cents an acre charging based on my rates. If saving money becomes woke then call me woke.. 😂 5 year 2,000 hour warranty on the machine and full 5 year on the battery no limit on hours add in 0% financing and the tax credit. Yea I'll give it a go. Dealers are hating on it because they know they won't be able to charge someone $150 dollars to spray carb cleaner in a trimmer and wipe it down with a rag. It's the same reasoning auto dealers tried to use by not wanting to sell EVs. Are they for everybody ? No they are not. I'm 90% residential so they will work for me. If I had a different business model mowing huge complexes or something like that it would be different. Its coming and many business insiders are claiming by 2030 80% of all commercial equipment sold will be battery powered. Potential Customers are already asking about it for the obvious noise benefits etc.. Lawn care guys will have to either adapt or go do something else.

I'm afraid you are flat wrong about electric and politics. Politics is the ONLY reason elec is catching on because it is being forced on everyone due to gas machine prices skyrocketing in order to drive folks to green crap. Manu's are investing in what will still be allowed down the road. This crazy administration is openly boasting about ending fossil fuels leaving manu's no choice (or us, and I do not have any interest in elec equipment). No one ever talks about how and where all the elec comes from either. The gov't will own and run it, and once they have the complete monopoly, the cost for that will skyrocket as well. It is already going up fast in many areas. The grid is nowhere near ready and won't be for many, many years to come, not to mention being all elec will make us a much easier target for our enemies.

This has everything to do with politics.

 

[jackal]

I agree 100%.

 

[flashsmith]

I'm afraid you are flat wrong about electric and politics. Politics is the ONLY reason elec is catching on because it is being forced on everyone due to gas machine prices skyrocketing in order to drive folks to green crap. Manu's are investing in what will still be allowed down the road. This crazy administration is openly boasting about ending fossil fuels leaving manu's no choice (or us, and I do not have any interest in elec equipment). No one ever talks about how and where all the elec comes from either. The gov't will own and run it, and once they have the complete monopoly, the cost for that will skyrocket as well. It is already going up fast in many areas. The grid is nowhere near ready and won't be for many, many years to come, not to mention beiong all elec will make us a much easier target for our enemies.

This has everything to do with politics.

It does now because you just made it Political. I think you need a bigger tin foil hat.

 

[flashsmith]

I'd like to see that battery warranty, because I haven't found one yet that will go over 3 years for commercial use. I've done that math too, and when you add the cost of battery replacement - and you WILL replace those batteries - frequently - that "awesome" savings you see on paper now will become a pipe dream pretty quick.

That said, I did work with another crew that was heavily dependent on battery powered outdoor power equipment... constant issues with batteries crapping out due to the heat and constant recharge cycles, maybe there was even more to it as a few times some of the guys left batteries exposed to the elements - can't let those batteries get wet - they die - quickly - forever! Anyway, I'll stick with my gas powered Stihl equipment because they're reliable, don't care if they get wet, heat doesn't seem to bother them, and they run circles around the battery powered stuff hands down when it comes to productivity.

I also don't know why folks are constantly bringing up the "carb repair" issue... We don't have that problem - with anything! Of course we do run Sta-bil - fuel storage, fogging oil, small engine pro, and blade guard year round without exception. I'm quite satisfied with the performance that Stihl equipment and Sta-bil products provide to our operation, and I won't be changing that unless I see a REAL ROI of substantial improvement with something else.

Ok... I've been in this business for 35 years. My business my rules. You run yours I'll run mine. I'm just offering my real world experience. I'm not bashing gas. Where did I bash gas? I'm a former Golf Course Superintendent and electric greens mowers have been in use for nearly 2 decades on courses all over the world. No gas burns or hydro leaks is a good thing on a green. They easily mow a full track on one charge including transporting around the entire course. Why couldn't you mow a lawn with it? People tend to be one sided and judgemental toward things they don't want to learn about. It's easier for them. If it's not for you don't embrace it. Have a good day..

 

[Ridin' Green]

It does now because you just made it Political. I think you need a bigger tin foil hat.

No bub, you made it political by trying to deny it is in the first place with your post. You need to wake up.

 

[flashsmith]

No bub, you made it political by trying to deny it is in the first place with your post. You need to wake up.

Go ahead and call me woke because I want to innovate my business.. 😂 You need to let that hate go. 😂 Getting something going in my area that nobody else is offering. How is that bad? I've still got my exmark vertex and my Wright standers for now. I noticed you mentioned Stihl. They're pushing that battery "crap" pretty hard aren't they? I was looking at Stihl battery stuff and the dealer told me save your money and get the greenworks commercial because they build the Stihl stuff too. He also carries greenworks.

 

[michael kaplan]

Hello, Yes everything is going up due to biden. Think about purchasing 2-3 mowers , ask your friends if they need a mower and get 20-25% off on a fleet discount. I have Ferris ISX 3300 40 HP big block with oil guard , 60 inch deck with mulch kits. They do great job. 72 inch are good if your properties are like a golf course. I also heve Hustler Supper Z Hyperdrive same as above. The ferris has the best surpension. Try one and you will see. Best to you all, Mike

 

[flashsmith]

I've learned so much today. How could any Politician tell a private business what to sell their products for? 😂 And what to sell.

 

[Ridin' Green]

Go ahead and call me woke because I want to innovate my business.. 😂 You need to let that hate go. 😂 Getting something going in my area that nobody else is offering. How is that bad? I've still got my exmark vertex and my Wright standers for now. I noticed you mentioned Stihl. They're pushing that battery "crap" pretty hard aren't they? I was looking at Stihl battery stuff and the dealer told me save your money and get the greenworks commercial because they build the Stihl stuff too. He also carries greenworks.

You either need to learn how to read, or post.....one or the other. I didn't mention Stihl. Someone else did. I don't mind or care that you want to go elec. Just don't try and tell the rest of us this isn't political, because it clearly is.

 

[flashsmith]

Please explain to me why buying an electric mower is Political? I don't want an uninformed rant. I want some legit facts that can be backed up by someone other than newsmax or fox or MTG. I want facts not some 🐂 crap rant.. Can you give me facts? Is it some left wing conspiracy or what? I want to know.. 😂 We've come this far so dazzle me with 🐂 crap or tell me some facts.. Like I said you do you. No reason to go on a Political diatribe about how someone chooses to run THEIR business. If it's not for you then move on. There are lawn guys then there's business owners.

 

[Derwood]

Question retracted

 

[Ridin' Green]

Please explain to me why buying an electric mower is Political? I don't want an uninformed rant. I want some legit facts that can be backed up by someone other than newsmax or fox or MTG. I want facts not some 🐂 crap rant.. Can you give me facts? Is it some left wing conspiracy or what? I want to know.. 😂 We've come this far so dazzle me with 🐂 crap or tell me some facts.. Like I said you do you. No reason to go on a Political diatribe about how someone chooses to run THEIR business. If it's not for you then move on. There are lawn guys then there's business owners.

You're clearly just here to argue to try to save face now.

The very first line in your post earlier- " Battery technology has nothing to do with Politics."

To which I replied- It clearly does. I never said you buying one was political. You are trying to re-write what was already written by you and hoping no one will notice. Many of us did. I simply replied to you that that statement was wrong based on the reality of what is going on in the country. You are obviously a left winger seeing as how you took shots at conservative outlets only. Maybe that was also because all the left wing outlets, of which there are far more, all spout the propaganda you agree with. Agreeing with them does NOT make it true or fact.

biden is in serious mental decline. Anyone with two good eyes and ears can see and hear that. He has repeatedly stated he wants to, and will shut down all fossil fuel production. He is the most powerful man in the world. He is controlling most of the economy and what it does. He will be there for two more years unless his declining health cuts that shorter. The industry is simply following his lead and going where they have to to make money. It doesn't get more clear than that, that it is political.

 

[Johnny Outside]

It's obviously political, just look at California banning gas stuff and now Minnesota (with a new Democratic majority) is trying to pass a bill to ban gas equipment.

I may actually sell my gas pushmowers and get an electric since I hardly use them anymore. But until they have a blower that can rival the BR800 in weight and power, I'll stick to my gas.

 

[JLH52]

Hello, Yes everything is going up due to biden. Think about purchasing 2-3 mowers , ask your friends if they need a mower and get 20-25% off on a fleet discount. I have Ferris ISX 3300 40 HP big block with oil guard , 60 inch deck with mulch kits. They do great job. 72 inch are good if your properties are like a golf course. I also heve Hustler Supper Z Hyperdrive same as above. The ferris has the best surpension. Try one and you will see. Best to you all, Mike

Do you have flex forks and the Grammer MSG 65 seat with fore/aft on your Hustler Super Z Hyperdrive?

My property is the exact opposite of a golf course and my 72” Hustler Super Z Hyperdrive leaves a perfect cut.