This year’s Pro Tool Innovation Outdoor Power Equipment Awards are dominated by just a handful of brands truly innovating in the outdoor power equipment category. Makita has rolled out their MM4 4-Stroke Engine with tremendous success, EGO is producing power with a battery that didn’t seem possible just a couple of years ago, and Greenworks is targeting commercial users with battery-powered equipment. If 2016 is just the tip of the iceberg, 2017 and on is going to be rocking!
Winner – Battery Powered Blowers
EGO LB6002 Power+ 600 CFM Backpack Blower
What they said: The new EGO POWER+ 600 CFM Backpack Blower performs better than many gas-powered models; it’s also 8 times quieter and weighs half as much as comparable gas blowers. Turbine-fan engineering moves air at a staggering 600 CFM. Variable-speed control allows you to dial the power up or down for superior control, from 320 cubic feet per minute to 600 cubic feet per minute, and the turbo button gives you max power for heavy-debris-clearing power. The Backpack Blower’s high-efficiency brushless motor delivers longer run time, low vibrations and an extended motor life. Durable, weather-resistant construction (ipx4) rounds out the package.
What we say: It seems like EGO never sits still long enough to let someone else take over as an industry leader when it comes to battery powered OPE. While others are trying to earn legitimacy with commercial crews, EGO owns the homeowner market. Their new backpack blower is a great example of why. Pushing 600 CFM up to 145 MPH with an ergonomically sound backpack system, EGO brings the large acreage homeowner into the system with the power they need, but without breaking the bank.
Price: $299.00
For more information, click here.
Finalist
- Greenworks GBB600 82V Cordless Brushless Backpack Blower
Winner – Gas Blowers
Makita EB7650TH 75.6 cc MM4 4-Stroke Backpack Blower
What they said: Makita’s 75.6 cc MM4 Backpack Blower combines a cleaner-burning 4-stroke engine with quieter operation and the convenience of no fuel mixing. The cleaner-burning, fuel-efficient EB7650TH is a true step-up from older 2-stroke motors. It’s engineered for commercial lawn and garden work, and is ideal for any professional seeking a best-in-class backpack blower.
The EB7650TH is powered by a 75.6 cc commercial-duty 4-stroke engine that requires no fuel mix and will deliver commercial duty performance with a maximum air speed of 200 mph and a maximum air volume of 670 cubic feet per minute. The mechanical automatic engine decompression is engineered for quick and easy starts, with heavy duty anti-vibration mounts between the frame and engine for improved operator comfort.
The EB7650TH is compact with less weight (only 24.1 lbs.) with wide padded straps and padded back panel for operator comfort. In addition, the large capacity muffler ensures quiet operation at 76dB(A).
What we say: One of the reason 4-stroke engine technology has had a hard time gaining traction in the OPE world is that it often requires a power sacrifice to gain the advantages of lower emissions, lower noise, and no fuel to mix. Makita’s MM4 4-stroke engines have been bucking that trend. Makita’s EB7650TH produces 670 CFM at 200 MPH with all the benefits of 4-stroke technology, yet it manages to keep the weight down. All the advantages of 4-stroke without the traditional downsides? It looks like Makita is there!
Price: $499.00
For more information, click here.
Winner – Battery Powered Chainsaws
Greenworks Commercial GS180 18″ 82V Cordless Brushless Chainsaw
What they said: The proprietary 82-volt battery powers the Chainsaw’s brushless electric motor, which is equivalent to a 45cc gas engine. The brushless motor technology provides more torque and longer product life than gas with zero maintenance functionality.
The GS180 Chainsaw features an 18” Oregon bar and chain with side adjust chain tensioning and an auto oiling system to keep the chain lubricated. Safety features include an electronic chain brake, as well as steel bucking spikes and a durable metal wrap-around handle for increased leverage and stability.
As a result of its innovative power plant, the Greenworks Commercial Chainsaw is able to deliver gas-equivalent power and run-time, and will cut through over 150 4x4s of pressure treated lumber on a single charge. The Chainsaw also creates 3x less vibration than gas and up to 50% less noise than gas, all while producing zero emissions.
What we say: When lithium-ion OPE started hitting the scene, manful turrets introduced 12” and 14” chainsaws, Then, the first 16″ models showed up. Now, Greenworks Commercial is pushing the envelope to an 18” cordless chainsaw. They’re claiming gas run time and power thanks to their 82V brushless motor and are squarely targeting the commercial user with this new line. That’s an ambitious target that Greenworks seems all-in to capture.
Price: $325.00
For more information, click here.
Winner – Gas Chainsaws
Makita EA6100PR MM2 20″ 61cc Professional Chain Saw
What they said: The Makita MM2 20” 61cc Professional Chain Saw (EA6100PR) has a high power-to-weight ratio and gives users easier starts, less vibration, and additional performance and comfort features for a full range of forestry and landscaping applications. The powerful 4.6 HP engine features Stratified Air Scavenging, which captures and burns remnant fuel in the carburetor for lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency. An added engine feature is the die cast cylinder with closed transfer ports, which improved fuel exchange for more power.
What we say: While battery powered OPE is the talk of the neighborhood, landscaping crews and professional foresters need the power and runtime only gas can currently offer. With the entire industry looking to be as environmentally friendly as possible, Makita has developed Stratified Air Scavenging for their MM2 61CC Professional Chain Saw. This model is fresh off the Makita-Dolmar merger, and we’re excited about what we’re seeing. By capturing any traces of fuel that are typically expelled with other emissions, the EA6100PR reduces its footprint without reducing its power.
Price: TBD
For more information, click here.
Winner – Battery Powered Hedge Trimmers
Greenworks Commercial GT260 26″ 82V Cordless Brushless Hedge Trimmer
What they said: The proprietary 82-volt battery powers the Hedge Trimmer’s brushless electric motor, which is equivalent to a 25cc gas engine. The brushless motor technology provides more torque and longer product life than gas with zero maintenance functionality.
The GT260 Hedge Trimmer features a 26” laser cut steel blade capable of 3,600 strokes per minute (SPM). The cutting system is driven by a die cast Magnesium gearbox designed to withstand heavy use and features a jam release functionality that reverses blade travel to free a jam with the push of a button. The rear handle of the Hedge Trimmer can rotate 180-degrees allowing for easy trimming and increased control at multiple angles.
As a result of its innovative power plant, the Greenworks Commercial Hedge Trimmer is able to deliver gas-equivalent power and run-time, while also creating 3x less vibration than gas and up to 50% less noise than gas, all while producing zero emissions.
What we say: 25cc power from a battery is pretty impressive, and that’s what Greenworks Commercial is claiming with their new 82V Brushless Hedge Trimmer. Like we saw with their 18” chainsaw, the hedge trimmer is pushing out to new lengths. 26” blades are sure to get the attention of commercial crews. The question remains if they are ready to set down their gas models to make the change. Time will tell, but features like a 180-degree rotating handle and the idea of no carburetor to clog up makes it even more attractive.
Price: $275.00
For more information, click here.
Winner – Gas Hedge Trimmers
Makita EN7350SH 25.4cc MM4 4-Stroke 30″ Single-Sided Hedge Trimmer
What they said: The Makita 25.4 cc MM4 4-Stroke 30″ Single-Sided Hedge Trimmer delivers power and ease-of-use for commercial duty applications. The Makita 4-stroke commercial duty engine requires no fuel mixing, and delivers a high blade speed (4,200 SPM) for efficient cutting. For added convenience, the trimmer is engineered with Mechanical Automatic Engine Decompression for quicker, easier starts. In addition, the commercial duty dual stage air filter with large sealing areas is replaceable and easily accessible. The oil filling port and drain plug are easily accessible with oil level view window for easy checking and replacing of oil.
The EN7350SH has a steel drive shaft for less vibration and longer equipment life. Additional features include a molded throttle assembly with wide grip throttle trigger for reduced fatigue, and an easily adjustable handle configuration for improved balance. The EN7350SH includes a 30″ single-sided blade for a range of trimming applications.
What we say: Every time we see another Makita MM4 4-stroke tool come out, we pay attention. Thanks to the technology built in to their motor design, most of the downsides of owning 4-stroke equipment has been laid down without losing the benefits. When it comes to commercial hedge trimming, speed is essential to keeping your crew efficient. That often means gas power. Being able to tackle those applications while reducing noise levels and emissions is icing on the cake as communities become more environmentally and noise conscious.
Price: $499.95
For more information, click here.
Winner – Battery Powered Lawn Mowers
EGO LM2102SP POWER + 21″ Self-Propelled Mower
What they said: The new 21” EGO POWER+ Self-Propelled Lawnmower is the first and only battery-powered, self-propelled mower. It delivers all of the power and torque of gas mowers, but without the noise, fuss and fumes. Powered by EGO’s high-capacity 56-volt 7.5 Ah ARC LITHIUM battery, the EGO POWER+ Self-Propelled Lawnmower delivers up to 60 minutes of run time. The self-propel variable-speed control means you pick your pace. Durability in all weather conditions (ipx4) and bright LED headlights mean you choose when to mow. Building on the success of its predecessor, the EGO POWER+ self-propelled Lawnmower features the same compact storage configuration, push-button start and one-handed 4-wheel height adjustment. The advanced 7.5 Ah ARC LITHIUM battery charges rapidly and is compatible will all EGO POWER+ products.
What we say: When Pro Tool Reviews did their Lithium-ion lawn mower shootout last year, they were impressed that so many mowers had reached real legitimacy when it comes to run time and power. Like they tend to do, EGO stepped it up from there and delivered the first self-propelled model on their 56V platform. They built it on the foundation of their successful first generation mower, leaving features we love—like the fold up storage and one-handed height adjustment.
Price: $599.00
For more information, click here.
Winner – Riding/Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
Altoz TRX Tracked Zero Turn Mower
What they said: Altoz Introduces the TRX, the power equipment industry’s first tracked zero-turn mower. TRX provides first-of-its-kind technology for commercial use on sloped, marshy and rough terrain. Equipped with a rear-mounted grip-tread, the TRX allows lawn care professionals and municipalities to maintain places they simply can’t effectively or safely cut with a traditional zero-turn mower.
The exceptional stability and traction of the TRX enables operators to easily maneuver inclines, side hills, ditches, varying terrain and wet conditions with the agility and comfort found in all Altoz zero-turn mowers. And thanks to its low ground pressure and high traction, the TRX has minimal compaction, eliminating ruts and unsightly tire marks while maintaining superior traction.
“We think the TRX is truly a groundbreaking product for the power equipment industry,” commented Dennis Brazier Altoz CEO/Founder. “The TRX’s unique combination of durability, power and handling will make it a valuable asset for municipalities, lawn professionals, golf courses and general contractors concerned about safety while tackling a wide range of conditions and terrain.”
What we say: Due out in May of 2017 (which is also why we had to borrow a photo), the Altoz TRX is solving the age old problem of traction by including the first tracks on a zero turn mower. Hey, it’s a good enough design for the Army, so why not?
Tracks spread the weight of the mower out over a larger surface area and give it more points of contact for traction, letting you mow previously unreachable areas. After several tropical systems moved through our area, dumping inches of rain for days on end, this speaks to me. When operated correctly, tracks are less likely to damage turf in areas like golf courses where presentation is crucial when things get soggy.
Price: $17,999
For more information, click here.
Winner – Battery Powered String Trimmers
EGO ST1502-SF POWER + 15″ String Trimmer
What they said: The new EGO Power+ 15” String Trimmer features a new, Rapid-Reload head to make reloading professional-grade cutting line even easier. The high-efficiency brushless motor and EGO’s advanced ARC LITHIUM 56-volt battery, deliver unrivaled power. The 15-in. cutting swath, extended aluminum shaft and professional-grade .095” dual-twist line, make for efficient trimming around the yard. The trimmer also boasts durable, weather-resistant construction (ipx4). The EGO POWER + 15” String Trimmer delivers the performance of gas without the noise, fuss and fumes.
What we say: Sometimes you just get it right, and that’s what happened for EGO when they developed their 15” String Trimmer. Need proof? This model came out on top of a very competitive group in Pro Tool Reviews’ Lithium-ion String Trimmer Shootout, beating a couple of well-known commercial brands in the process. What makes this EGO brushless trimmer so great isn’t that they’re doing things no one else is doing. They are, however, combining most of the best available features and packaging it at a price that’s almost too good to be true. They’ve also reduced vibration to really low levels.
Price: $199.00
For more information, click here.
Winner – Gas String Trimmers
Makita EM2650LH 24.5cc MM4 4-Stroke String Trimmer
What they said: The Makita 25.4 cc MM4 String Trimmer delivers power and ease-of-use for commercial duty applications. The Makita 4-stroke commercial duty engine requires no fuel mixing, and the multi-position lubrication system enables engine to be inclined to any angle for continuous operation. For added convenience, the trimmer is engineered with Mechanical Automatic Engine Decompression for quicker, easier starts. In addition, the commercial duty dual stage air filter with large sealing areas is replaceable and easily accessible, and the oil filling port and drain plug are easily accessible with oil level view window for easy checking and replacing of oil.
The EM2650LH has a high capacity, rapid loading bump-and-feed trimmer head. It has a compact design with less weight (only 10.9 lbs.), and is engineered for less vibration with a durable steel drive shaft. The EM2650LH meets or exceeds EPA and CARB exhaust and evaporative emissions regulations.
What we say: If you’re following along, we’ve been praising the performance of Makita’s MM4 4-stroke engine in this year’s Pro Tool Innovation Awards. The EM2650LH is another fine example of a great application. Perhaps Tom Gaige from Pro Tool Reviews said it best when he wrapped up his thoughts on the trimmer. “I love tool innovation, and the new Makita EM2650LH 4-stroke string trimmer shows off quite a bit. It was not at all what I had tentatively expected from a 4-stroke engine. I felt like I was using a 2-stroke trimmer because of how light and agile it felt. Even the engine is fast revving, and it never lacked in power for the tasks I put it through.” Well said.
Price: $349.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Battery Powered Snow Blowers
EGO SNT2102 POWER+ Snow Blower
What they said: The new EGO POWER+ Snow Blower is the only cordless snow blower that’s as powerful as gas. Featuring Peak Power technology, it combines any two ARC LITHIUM batteries for the power to clear heavy, wet snow. Built with a high-efficiency brushless motor and a 21-inch wide intake, this snow blower can handle what the city snow plow leaves behind. Easily adjust the variable-speed auger to control how far the snow is thrown. With a 35-foot throwing distance, remote chute adjustment, heavy-duty steel and weather-resistant construction (ipx4), it’s the industry’s first cordless snow blower with the power and performance of gas but without the noise, fuss and fumes. The EGO snow blower kit includes two (2) 5.0Ah batteries and the Rapid Charger. Experience Power Beyond Belief with the EGO POWER+ Snow Blower and the entire EGO POWER+ lineup.
What we say: When Pro Tool Reviews got a sneak peek at the EGO 56V Snow Blower in China, they got to use it against other battery-powered and entry level gas options. This wasn’t a bottom of the barrel comparison though—these were well-respected models within both ends of the industry. Using the EGO even against gas power almost seemed unfair. The fact that EGO is getting this much power and packing this many features into a lithium-ion powered snow blower instantly pushed them to the front of the pack.
Price: $599.00
For more information, click here.