Stearns Electric Association, in partnership with Great River Energy, recently leased an electric lawnmower to replace a diesel-powered machine at Lynx National Golf Course in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.
The new machine from Mean Green Electric Mowers — which is the first commercial-grade electric, zero-turn mower that can last all day on a single charge — will spend the summer in central Minnesota, mowing the grounds daily while real-time data is collected as part of a pilot project.
“As electric-powered vehicles and equipment become more popular, we are committed to learning more about the different options available to our member-consumers,” said John Pantzke, business development representative at Stearns Electric Association. “This local, real-time data and end-user feedback will benefit us as we help other commercial and residential members with their electrification needs into the future. Additionally, we anticipate the data will benefit Mean Green Electric Mowers, too.”
According to its manufacturer, the EVO mower offers up to eight hours of continuous mowing time; a 74-inch mowing deck; speeds up to 13 miles per hour; and a horsepower level comparable to a 40-horsepower diesel motor.
“Mean Green is very excited about this opportunity to partner with Stearns Electric Association and Lynx National Golf Course,” said Mike Magolan, regional business development manager of Mean Green Electric Mowers. “As an organization, we are always looking to work together on projects like this. Testing is how we continue to grow, educate and better our products.”
Pantzke said he anticipated it being difficult to find a golf course that would participate in the pilot project but was pleased to discover when that was not the case.
“When [Pantzke] called us up about this project, I said ‘Why not?’” recalled Tim Hinnenkamp, owner of Lynx National Golf Course. “We are excited to see if this machine truly can cut the grass on our different slopes and terrains while maintaining a charge all day. I am excited to try this all-electric mower for the summer and see how it impacts business.”
Hinnenkamp estimates that using the EVO mower for eight hours per day will save the golf course about five to six gallons of diesel fuel daily.
“Additionally, the electric lawn mower will allow us to use even less oil on the golf course,” he said. “The less oil on the course, the better.”
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