Gas power still dominates the commercial side of OPE while lithium-ion power takes over more of the homeowner side of the industry. What’s particularly interesting in 2018 is seeing the battery side start to creep into legitimate commercial products. Here are your Winners for the PTIA 2018 Outdoor Power Equipment Awards!
Winner – Gas Backpack Blowers
ECHO PB-8010 Backpack Blower
What they said:
The ECHO PB-8010 Backpack Blower has industry-leading blower performance at 44.4N, 1071 CFM, and 211 MPH. The blower includes a lightweight carbon fiber frame and fan case.
This professional grade blower utilizes a 79.9 cc two-stroke engine. It includes professional features like a wear ring on the tube end as well as heavy-duty backpack straps for all-day comfort. A vented backpack frame draws intake air across the user’s back for increased comfort in hot weather and a large top-mounted pleated paper main filter and foam prefilter aid in dusty conditions. Both hip and tube throttle versions are available.
What we say:
CFM or MPH—what’s the more important number in comparing blowers? Newtons, actually. Newtons (N) describe the amount of force a blower applies at the end of its nozzle. It’s the number you really want to pay attention to. Echo got our attention with their new PB-8010 that boasts a monstrous 44.4 Newtons—more than you’ll find anywhere else.
Price: $599.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Battery-Powered Backpack Blowers
Greenworks GBB 700 Dual Battery Backpack Blower
What they said:
690 CFM and 165 mph are now available on-demand at the push of a button. Operators can customize their performance and power usage with the variable speed trigger, cruise control lever, and turbo button. This unit is equipped with two battery ports that come standard with Automatic Battery Switch-Over. This patented feature automatically switches from one battery to the next once the first battery is depleted, offering extended uninterrupted runtime.
This cordless blower lets you disconnect the blower tube and motor housing from the side of the unit to transform it into a mobile power source. The battery backpack can then power any of the other Greenworks 82V handheld equipment.
The Greenworks GBB 700 also yields 50% less noise and 5X less vibration than gas equivalent products. This protects crews from long-term hearing damage and chronic conditions such as white fingers and arthritis, and the hassle-free operation of this product means new crew members will require less training and equipment will spend less time in the shop. There are no pull cords. No gas. No fumes. And no hassle.
What we say:
Greenworks pushes the boundaries for battery-powered OPE products with their GBB 700 Backpack Blower. Pushing 690 CFM and 165 MPH gets closer to the point where Pros can begin thinking about batteries as a primary power source instead of supplementary. Using a two-battery backpack, you can pack up to 10 amp-hours of 82V capacity to get the job done.
Price: $299
For more information, click here.
Winner – Gas Handheld Blowers
ECHO PB-2620
What they said:
ECHO’s best in class handheld blower is loaded with professional features like a pleated main filter and foam prefilter and a chrome-plated cylinder for extended engine life. This blower puts out a category-leading 15.8 N blowing force with 456 CFM and 172 MPH. It includes both round and flared end pipes for a variety of usage conditions, and a rubber main grip increases comfort while reducing vibration. A secondary handle allows two-handed use for reduced fatigue and improved maneuverability. Finally, the double grid design reduces intake clogging and delivers more consistent performance.
What we say:
When the job calls for less force than a backpack blower, Echo’s new PB-2620 offers 15.8 Newtons of blowing force in a lighter package to cover hard surface and leaf blowing. Its combination of power, speed, build quality, and features set it apart as a great option for Pros or property owners right at the $200 price point.
Price: $199.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Battery-Powered Handheld Blowers
EGO LB5804 Power+ 580 CFM Blower
What they said:
The EGO Power+ 580 CFM Blower is the most powerful cordless handheld blower in the industry. Turbine fan engineering, inspired by advanced aeronautics technology, performs better than premium gas-powered models. The high-efficiency brushless motor delivers longer runtime, low vibrations, and an extended motor life. The included flat and tapered nozzle attachments make clearing debris even easier. This quiet, light-weight and compact blower gets the job done better and faster. You get ample power without the noise, fuss, and fumes. The LB5804 is compatible with all EGO Power+ ARC lithium-ion batteries.
What we say:
EGO continues to push forward in blower power with their new 580 CFM handheld model. In Pro Tool Review’s cordless blower shootout, EGO topped the charts with 17.3 Newtons of force. With this model, EGO claims a full 18 Newtons of blowing force. That’s all wrapped in a low-maintenance, zero-emission, sub-5-pound package.
Price: $299
For more information, click here.
Winner – Battery-Powered Chainsaws
Greenworks GS181 Greenworks Commercial 82v 18″ Brushless Chainsaw
What they said:
Like all of the tools included in the Greenworks Commercial family, the new GS181 Brushless Chainsaw is powered by Greenworks Commercial’s proprietary 82-volt lithium-ion battery platform and brushless motor technology. This innovative power plant provides the equivalent power and run-time of a 50cc gas-powered chainsaw, without the mess, maintenance, and hassle typically associated with gas products.
Engineered with landscapers, turf management crews and golf maintenance professionals in mind, the 82v 18-inch chainsaw includes an extra 18″ bar and chain, and also features a manual chain brake, automatic oiler, full metal wraparound handle, and steel bucking spikes. Additionally, the product is ergonomically designed, and like all Greenworks Commercial tools, the Chainsaw eliminates pull cords with push-button start technology.
What we say:
When cordless chainsaws first came on the scene, the best comparisons were against electric models. Now we’re talking about gas equivalents, and the new Greenworks Commercial 82V Chainsaw is boasting the power of a 50cc gas engine. With a professional build and 18″ bar, it’s one of the most powerful cordless chainsaws available.
Price: $299
For more information, click here.
Winner – Battery-Powered Hedge Trimmers
Milwaukee 2726-21HD M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer
What they said:
The M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer has the power to cut ¾” branches. It also provides up to 2 hours of run-time per charge. The handle placement and weight distribution provide the best combination of balance and control. The 24” blade trims more material in a single pass, increasing reach and productivity, while the blade tip guard prevents damage to property and the blades.
Similar to what Milwaukee uses in its legendary Sawzall, a robust slider crank mechanism provides increased durability while an all-metal gear case protects the critical drive system from job site abuse.
What we say:
Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Hedge Trimmer has been a pleasant surprise as a first generation tool. But then again, that should be no surprise from the inventors of the Sawzall on a tool that shares a foundational concept. With true Pro-level blade length and capacity, it powers through even thick hedges. When you finally get tired of the maintenance and emissions of gas, give this yard-taming beast a call.
Price: $299
For more information, click here.
Winner – Electric Hedge Trimmers
Black & Decker BEHTS300
What they said:
The BLACK+DECKER BEHTS300 is a 20″ hedge trimmer with a NEW innovative saw blade feature which can cut up to 1-1/2″ thick branches. The saw blade solves a user frustration in that the typical blade gap of hedges trimmers is 5/8″ to 3/4″. However, branches, particularly at the base of a hedge, can be larger in diameter. Often, users would have to return to their garage or shed to get a separate tool, such as a manual lopper, to cut these thicker branches. Now with the Black+Decker saw blade innovation, the user can simply use the saw blade on the end of the trimmer to cut these larger branches.
What we say:
Black & Decker makes a really interesting move with their BEHTS300 electric hedge trimmer. If you look at the front edge, you’ll see a saw blade on the end. When you reach the point where the cutting knives can’t handle the diameter of the branches, you can use that saw blade to cut through and keep going without having to stop and grab another tool. That’s a truly innovative (and handy) addition for a sub-$50 hedge trimmer.
Price: $49.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers
EGO Power+ LM2142SP 21″ Self-propelled Lawn Mower W/ (2) 5.0AH BATTERIES & RAPID CHARGER
What they said:
The new EGO 21” Self-Propelled Mower with (2) 5.0Ah batteries provides longer run time. Its PeakPower technology combines the power of two EGO batteries for longer run time and efficient power draw. The push start button provides a quick and easy start, while the self-propel speed control lets you power through tough terrain at your personal pace. The advanced EGO Power+ 56V battery uses industry-leading Arc-Lithium technology to deliver superior power and is compatible with all EGO Power+ products.
What we say:
Power hasn’t been the chief issue with cordless lawn mowers—runtime presents most of the limitations. It limits who can benefits from battery-powered products to those who have 1/4-acre or less lot sizes. EGO is working on expanding your runtime to cover larger lots with their new dual battery self-propelled lawn mower. Using two 5.0 Ah batteries, you can get well over an hour of cutting time for larger lawns.
Price: $749
For more information, click here.
Winner – Riding/Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
Greenworks Lithium Z 60R Ride-On Mower
What they said:
The Greenworks Commercial Lithium Z 60R Ride-On Mower is the first and only lithium-ion battery-powered commercial grade zero turn ride-on mower to be independently UL-certified for safety. It is powered by an 82-volt 13.8kW lithium-ion battery and features three 1.5KW Brushless Blade Motors and two 1.7KW Brushless Drive Motors. It delivers pro-level cutting speed and power, offering a true gas replacement.
Greenworks Commercial 82V GZ 60R Ride-On Mower features include 2800-3200 RPM blade speed, a 60″ professional steel deck with electronic height adjustment. It can mow up to 10 MPH and has 13″ front and 23″ rear tires. You get 4.5-5 hours of cutting time per charge and the charge time is 10 hours.
What we say:
Greenworks is taking battery-powered commercial lawn equipment seriously and their new Lithium Z zero turn mower is the result of their efforts. With a 10 MPH top speed and 60″ cutting deck, you’ll get the job done without the noise and emissions of a gas model. If you’re looking to build a lawn business in an area with noise and/or emissions restrictions, having the Lithium Z on your trailer will set you apart from the competition.
Price: $24,999
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Stand-on Lawn Mowers
Greenworks Lithium Z 48S Stand-On Mower
What they said:
The Greenworks Commercial Lithium Z 48S Stand-On Mower is the first and only lithium-ion battery powered commercial grade zero turn stand-on mower to be independently UL-certified for safety. It is powered by an 82-volt 13.8kW lithium-ion battery and features three 1.5KW Brushless Blade Motors and two 1.7KW Brushless Drive Motors, delivering pro-level cutting speed and power, offering a true gas replacement.
Greenworks Commercial 82V GZ 48S Stand-On Mower features include a 48″ steel deck with manual height adjustment from 1.5 to 6 inches. It travels at up to 6 MPH with 12″ front and 18″ rear tires. You get 6 hours of cutting time per charge and it takes 10 hours to recharge the batteries. The mower has 18 different cutting deck positions and weighs 1,120 lbs.
What we say:
When the job calls for a stand-on mower instead of a ZTR, Greenworks has your solution for noise- and emissions-restricted areas. The Lithium Z 48S has a 6 MPH top speed and 48″ cutting deck. You’ll be able to get up to 6 hours of cutting time on a charge—enough to cover a full day’s worth of cutting. The 10-hour charge time means it will be fully charged when you get back to work the next morning.
Price: $22,999
For more information, click here.
Winner – Robotic Lawn Mowers
Husqvarna Automower 450X
What they said:
The Husqvarna 450X is the top-of-the-line robotic mower on the market and can service larger lawns up to 1.25 acres and with slopes up to 45%/24 degrees. With its unique cutting system of three pivoting razor-sharp blades, the Automower cuts very fine clippings instead of tearing them off with a fixed blade. The Automower 450X also comes with a patented electric height adjustment and GPS-assisted navigation so the automower can handle large and complex yards with ease.
An onboard GPS system prevents theft and also registers which parts of the lawn it has mowed so it can adjust its travel pattern accordingly. The Automower 450X has remote object detection, a Connect app for adjusting mower settings, and a 10-year mobile data contract so you’re always connected.
What we say:
Robotic mowers are getting more polished as we move forward, and Husqvarna’s Automower 450X is one of the most robust. It covers lawns up to 1.25 acres and optimizes its routes as it learns the intricacies of your particular lawn. Wire guides and GPS help it create a mowing pattern that’s the most efficient while battery power means you can let it safely run at night without keeping everyone awake. Worried about theft? These mowers come with a 10-year mobile data contract that will help you track the mower if it ever leaves your property.
Price: $3,499.95
For more information, click here.
Winner – Gas String Trimmers
ECHO SRM-3020 String Trimmer
What they said:
Unique combination of engine size, HP and gear ratio provides superior cutting performance to the ECHO SRM-3020 string trimmer. This tool features a 30.5 cc professional-grade engine which produces 1.8HP and a 1.62:1 gear ratio. The bellows-type fuel intake reliably enables hot restarts and a flex cable drive provides the best combination of performance and low vibration. Finally, a magnesium fan housing and over-molded front and rear handgrips improve operator comfort.
What we say:
Echo makes a jump up in size from a 25.4cc engine to a 30.5cc model that gives you more power without moving to a high torque gear ratio. Even with the move up, they still keep the weight reasonable at 13.7 pounds dry with the head and guard installed. It gets wrapped up in a package that’s suitable for Pro use and backed by a 2-year commercial warranty (5-year consumer).
Price: $399.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Battery-Powered String Trimmers
EGO Power+ ST1521S Power+ 15″ 56V Powerload String Trimmer w/Carbon Fiber Split Shaft
What they said:
Introducing the world’s first string trimmer with POWERLOAD Technology. This patent-pending technology solves for one of the biggest pain points of string trimmers. Now, replacing your line is as easy as feeding it into the head and pressing a button! The NEW EGO Power+ 15” POWERLOAD String Trimmer has a carbon fiber shaft that is stronger than any other string trimmer shaft on the market today. The shaft is equipped with a lifetime warranty so the strength and durability are guaranteed to last forever! This revolutionary trimmer is also built with a high-efficiency brushless motor, bump feed line advance, .095” professional cutting line, and is compatible with all EGO ARC Lithium batteries.
What we say:
The EGO Powerload mechanism is the feature every other string trimmer manufacturer wishes they had. Loading line is a pain in the neck. While heads like Speedfeed make it easier, Powerload is clearly superior. Just start by threading your trimmer line through the head until the two ends are even. Then just push the Powerload button to load it. It doesn’t get any simpler than that!
Price: $376.02
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Electric Pressure Washers
Greenworks GPW2300 2300 PSI Pressure Washer
What they said:
Greenworks Tools is excited to continue its track record of innovation in the electric pressure washer category with the introduction of the Greenworks Pro 2300 PSI Pressure Washer. This pressure washer can generate 2.3 GPM (gallons per minute) and is certified by the Pressure Washer Manufacturers Association.
The GWP2300 uses a brushless motor and a patented smart digital pressure sensing technology comprised of digitally controlled sensors that constantly communicate with the motor. The system automatically adjusts RPMs based on which nozzle is in-use, ensuring maximum water flow for every job. It also ensures the GPW2300 will never trip your circuit breaker. An easy-to-read onboard LED panel indicates the ideal application based on the nozzle currently in-use.
The tool comes standard with a 25-foot high-pressure, tangle-free hose, along with 10” wheels, and a 35-foot power cord with inline GFCI for use on all exterior outlets. The metal wand has four nozzle options: 25-degree, 40-degree, soap, and turbo.
What we say:
Greenworks pushes their electric pressure washer lineup further with their GPW2300. They use a brushless motor to reduce the amount of maintenance you’ll need to perform and increase the efficiency of the unit. They take advantage of the brushless motors requirement for electronic controls and dial in additional communication so that it’s always performing at the top of its game.
Price: $249
For more information, click here.