Battery powered garden equipment, in both the professional and domestic sectors, currently accounts for less than 10 per cent of total UK sales with petrol and electric dominating.
Until comparatively recently the reputation of battery powered equipment was less than favourable with the need to frequently recharge and the times to power up far too long. All that is changing and battery sizes are getting more powerful.
Traditionally, the most popular battery size has been the 36 volts but recent developments have led to the launch of EGO, a 56 volt range for both domestic and professional equipment. Vast sums have been invested in new battery technology making the Li-ion systems environmentally friendly, reliable, easy to operate and cheaper to run than petrol.
Recharging has moved on rapidly. The new 56 volt system from EGO will provide an average running time of 45 minutes with a recharge from flat of just half an hour. So operating with two batteries, one in operation and the second on charge, gives limitless performance power.
The operating cost of equipment, using these larger batteries, is estimated to be just 10 per cent of that for petrol.
The 4.0Ah 56V lithium-ion battery powered cordless lawnmower has a cutting width of 49cm (19”) and a cutting depth from 25mm to 80mm. The height adjustable handle allows the user to find the most comfortable mowing position, whilst the 60 litre grass bag capacity means you can mow for longer between emptying cuttings. The lawn mower’s three-in-one function of mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge almost provides myriad options when it 
comes to mowing your lawn. It also folds flat for easy storage.
The powerful battery, which can also be used in all products from the EGO Power+ range, provides 45 minutes of mowing from a re-charge time of just 30 minutes using the EGO Infinity charger. On just one charge the lawnmower has sufficient power to cut up to 800m2 of lawn, making it as powerful as petrol but without the fuss, fumes and noise.
“We describe EGO as having ‘Power Beyond Belief’ and it really does have to be experienced to fully appreciate what we are saying,” says EGO Europe’s marketing director, Steve Roskell. “Our lithium-ion lawn mower is a direct challenge to petrol, electric and existing cordless garden products and we’re confident consumers will see and feel the difference.”
By using the industry’s first 56V lithium-ion battery, the EGO blower offers 40 percent more power than the leading 40V battery, making it ideal for both domestic and professional gardeners and landscapers.
Just one thirty minute charge of the 2.0Ah battery can power the blower for up to an hour.
The blower has three speeds; 250 CFM (45mph), 385 CFM (74mph) and 480 CFM (92mph) in turbo boost mode when it transforms to propel the most cubic feet of air per minute possible by cordless products.
Weighing 2.34kg the lightweight blower features a brushless motor with a compact design to provide a longer runtime, with low vibrations and an extended motor life. Add to this the large diameter blower tube for maximum air flow and it is easy to see why this product is set to tackle petrol alternatives head on.
Fitted with a 350mm (14”) Oregon bar, the EGO Power+ chainsaw will make up to 100 cuts of four inch by four inch softwood per charge of a 2.0Ah 56V EGO battery (supplied separately).
The efficient brushless motor system gives a smooth cut and its weight balance means the chainsaw is light and easy to manoeuvre.
Operating at 6300 rpm, the EGO Power+ chainsaw has a kickback brake, tool free chain tensioning and a chain scabbard as standard. There is an easy to see oil level indicator on the tank and the D-Shaped handle ensures easy manoeuvrability and maximum operator comfort and safety.
Alongside its quiet operating, the chainsaws low vibration reduces stress on limbs, cutting down on irritating muscle ache.
The new 24” hedgetrimmer from EGO Power+ has a double sided blade that is laser-cut and diamond ground to provide extra precision.
Utilising the industry’s first 56V lithium-ion battery, the EGO hedgetrimmer offers 40 percent more power than the leading alternatives. This makes it one of the most powerful cordless options on the market and a serious challenger to its petrol counterparts.
The EGO hedgetrimmer can tackle branches up to three quarters of an inch thick, and has a pruning blade segment for tougher branches and thicker stems. It also has an end blade protector to assist with perpendicular cuts.
The 56V lithium-ion cordless string trimmer has a bump, dual feed and spiral twist 2.4mm diameter line which provides a 38cm (15”) cutting width. The aluminium shaft is 96cm (2.8ft) long and lightweight making it comfortable to use. The strimmer features a variable speed throttle so you can be extra careful when strimming close toprized plants.
The powerful 56v 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery (sold separately), which can be used in any of the EGO Power+ products, will give up to 30 minutes of operation time on a single charge, and provides a quiet, comfortable and low vibration experience.
