Making a Greener Green Industry

The lawn and landscape industry is no stranger to environmental green initiatives. States such as Texas have locally regulated “Ozone Days” where, dependent on the Air Quality Index (AQI) level that day, gasoline powered equipment is not allowed to be used. Two popular power system solutions that reduce emissions of lawn equipment are electric- and propane-power.

It’s electric!

As power storage systems develop and are able to hold more power for longer periods of time, electric drive vehicles will become a more viable option for environmentally friendly lawn care. Components and fuels such as oil, gas, engines, transmissions, radiators, belts and pulleys are eliminated, making it virtually maintenance-, noise-, and emissions-free.

Supporting the electric movement are companies like Global Industrial Products’ latest business division launch, EVergreen Drive Systems, Morton Grove, IL. The division was launched in direct response to the increased need for clean energy integrated drive systems and demand of on-site engineering support, says the company. EVergreen’s staff has worked with applications from markets including fork lift trucks, material handling equipment, utility vehicles, light on-road vehicles, ground support equipment and other applications requiring motors and control solutions for electric mobility equipment.

“We are working on developing projects with heavy machinery, un-manned guidance vehicles, and have the ability to offer complete package solutions,” says Stephania Holland, general manager and vice president of sales for EVergreen. “Advanced motor and controller technology continues to transform our capabilities. EVergreen is here to service OEMs and product developers who need the assistance.”

Electric Tractor Corp. (ETC), incorporated in Wyoming as a private company, operates in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. ETC manufactures electric-powered, off-road, work vehicles that answer the call for an eco- and user-friendly line suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. The company has gone through a major re-organization in the past two years and is looking forward to supplying the market with a non-polluting, powerful utility tractor once again.

The company’s tractors are designed entirely around its electric drive system. This bottom up approach led to software-controlled, individual drive wheel motors that produce a high torque, high traction tractor with high performance outputs in pulling, towing, mowing and throwing applications, particularly at low speeds. The tractors presently use standard lead acid batteries to supply the electrical energy.

The motors are controlled by an on-board computer with programmable software that allows the modular tractor and its components to be upgraded as new technology and software developments become available.

The present OX Series of tractors features three versions: the OX – SP (single-purpose) for indoor towing applications; the OX – MP (multi-purpose) featuring a patented Quick-Attach system to allow fast—less than one minute—attachment changes for pushing, mowing, towing and snow throwing; and the OX – DP (dual purpose) for moving disabled vehicles such as heavy pickup trucks around service center lots.

Depending on the moisture content of the grass and the slope of the land, the Electric OX - MP can operate for 3 to 6 hours before requiring a charge. Wet grass and hilly terrain put added loads on the electric motors and the batteries, reducing the run time. Operation times in a towing application have been reported to be as high as 9 hours, according to the company. Since the motors are not operating when the vehicle is stopped (no draw on the batteries), the operating time is usually much higher than anticipated.

According to the company, the second generation tractors will be upgraded with a new look and additional features and options as suggested by its global base of users with applications in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia.