Product focus: Outdoor Power Equipment

At Home Depot (left) and elsewhere, it's not just about the product, it's about the platform.

A charging category

BATTERIES SURGE IN THE OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT AISLE

The years-in-the-making trend toward battery-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers and other species of outdoor power equipment is gaining a push from legislatures that are either moving to ban gas-powered OPE, or considering to do so.

California is moving toward such a ban that would include gas-powered lawnmowers, and it could take effect as early as 2024. Some cities — including Washington, D.C. — have already banned certain gas-powered OPE products.

The retail responses vary, but battery-powered product is gaining prominence on shelves everywhere, according to Memphis, Tenn.-based Orgill’s Alan Shore, director of seasonal merchandise, and Matt Ray, senior category manager, outdoor living. “Nearly all retailers seem to be transitioning some of their power equipment assortment to battery-powered alternatives,” said Shore.

“Many of the traditional gas equipment manufacturers are adjusting their assortment to incorporate more battery-powered options,” added Ray.

Demand and competition are charging forward.

“There is far more promotional and buying activity surrounding battery-powered categories as vendors compete to get their platform/batteries into the marketplace,” said Brad Schieber, merchandise manager for outdoor power equipment at Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Do it Best Corp. “This is especially true for handheld OPE.”

Gas powered product “will never go away completely, barring nationwide

legislation,” Schieber said. “But down the road, we might be hard pressed to find it in residential areas.” On the merchandising side of the business, the move to battery powered product raises the stakes for that initial sale into a specific battery platform. “Once they buy our platform, they’re in our platform,” said Todd Zimmerman of Worx, a popular brand of Positech. Meanwhile, the battery powered movement has its own challenges — the availability of lithium ion is limited by the general supply chain issues. And as electric cars become more popular, that could add to the scarcity. And battery-powered products reduce air pollution and noise pollution, the environmentally friendly story of batteries is clouded by less visible factors — the energy required to harvest precious metals to produce batteries, for instance. Gas-powered product is particularly strong among the pro segment, who rely on the run time and power of the gas products. Tom Cost, owner of Killingworth (Conn.) True Value told HBSDealer: “I am on the side of advocating for cleaner burning gas engines along with cleaner burning fuels.” In California, Augie Venezia of Fairfax Lumber and Hardware told HBSDealer: “We face the fact that the state does not have the infrastructure to distribute the increase in “Many of the traditional gas needed electricity to take the place of gasoline, diesel and propane.” equipment Meanwhile, the market manufacturers are adjusting their assortment to continues to see gas-engine innovations tthat boost fuel efficiency and reduce noise. The battery powincorporate more ered movement is still battery-powered options.” looking for its holy-grail moment, Zimmerman said. “Whoever’s the first —Matt Ray, senior category manager, manufacturer out there outdoor living, Orgill's Alan Store that can provide a battery technology that can give them the run time of a gas blower at the power of a gas blower will change the game forever. But that’s going to take a little while.”

Worx Nitro 80V 21” Self-Propelled Lawnmower

With the Worx Power Share platform, the Worx Nitro leverages the expanded power of four 20V high-capacity batteries for “gas-like performance.” A high-efficiency brushless motor parts and an Auto-IntelliCut Technology adjusts for various lawn conditions. A charge-level indicator provides a quick reference to the remaining run time. Worx.com

Makita ConnectX

The Makita ConnectX Portable Power Supply is Makita’s highest capacity battery with a full 1,200 watt hours. The innovative backpack-style energy-delivery system can connect to compatible ConnectX, XGT and LXT products via a cord and adapter. And it can also be removed and mounted directly onto a compatible mower for up to 3 hours of cutting. Makitatools.com

Cub Cadet SurePath semi-autonomous commercial mower

What does semi-autonomous mean? The Valley City, Ohio-based company explains that the operator simply sets the preliminary cut line, and the PRO Z SurePath units will perform straight cutting paths with an auto-zero-turn at the end of each pass with the touch of a button.

The SurePath units are equipped with Global Positioning Satellite technology and a sophisticated four-wheel steering system that’s designed to make cutting more efficient and more precise than traditional lap bar steering systems. CubCadet.com

STIHL MS 881 R Magnum Chain saw

In addition to its recently launched STIHL Professional Battery 135 Platform, STIHL continues to improve its gas-powered engines. Case in point: the rugged MS 881 R Magnum, gives pros the largest, most powerful saw in the STIHL lineup. Pros can tackle the toughest and most demanding jobs thanks to the updated engine design and up to 41” guide bar length. Time-saving design and features include greater fuel efficiency and the stop switch, which automatically returns to run position after the engine is stopped, reducing the chance of flooding the engine when starting. Stihlusa.com

Stanley’s outdoor power play

Stanley Black & Decker completed the acquisition of two companies in the outdoor power equipment industry: MTD Holdings Inc., and Excel Industries.

“The combination of these two high-quality, complementary businesses with our existing outdoor business creates a powerful growth engine with approximately $4 billion in annual revenue across the $25 billion-plus outdoor power equipment industry,” said Stanley Black & Decker CEO, James M. Loree.

The purchase price for the two transactions, New Britain, Conn.-based Stanley Black & Decker said, totaled $1.9 billion inclusive of standard purchase price adjustments.

The world’s largest tool maker purchased the remaining 80% ownership stake in MTD Holdings Inc. The company provides cordless electric outdoor power equipment with brands such as DeWalt, Craftsman and Black+Decker.

Going forward to next year, Stanley Black & Decker said it will continue to expect these acquisitions to contribute approximately $0.50 of EPS accretion. The firm said it is incorporating $0.20 to $0.30 of deal related charges into its full-year 2021 GAAP earnings per share guidance.

“These transactions will be accretive to our 2022 earnings and have the potential of further margin expansion as we integrate these great businesses,” said Loree.

“Combined, this is a platform well positioned for growth and to lead the electrification of outdoor products with a strong portfolio of iconic brands, industry-leading innovation and extensive engineering and manufacturing capabilities,” said the CEO. The company said MTD inspires people to care for and enjoy the outdoors. It is known for innovative and award-winning lawn mowers, snow blowers, trimmers, and outdoor power equipment for both residential and commercial markets. Founded in 1932, MTD is headquartered in Valley City, Ohio. The MTD family of brands includes Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Robomow, Rover, and WOLF-Garten.

Founded and based in Hesston, Kansas, Excel is a leading designer and manufacturer of premium commercial and residential turf equipment under the distinct brands of Hustler Turf Equipment (Hustler) and BigDog Mower Co. (BigDog).

“The acquisitions add deep customer relationships in retail and more than 2,500 independent equipment dealer outlets serving the professional category,” said Loree. “We welcome the 8,100 associates from MTD and Excel to Stanley Black & Decker and look forward to a seamless integration process.”

Toro tees up with the R&A

The R&A, the U.K.based governing body of golf, has named the Toro Company as a founding partner and official golf course maintenance partner for its planned community golf facility at Lethamhill in Glasgow, Scotland.

The development aims to make golf more accessible, appealing and inclusive for people of all ages and backgrounds by creating an open and affordable pathway into golf that helps drive the future of the sport. At the heart of facility, the R&A said it is committed to showcasing the gold standard in golf course maintenance, turf care, equipment innovation and development. To that end, they have selected Toro to join them in the development and fulfillment of their mission.

“It is both humbling and exciting to see Toro’s equipment and irrigation solutions advance the R&A’s sustainability efforts, and we look forward to helping its team bring plans for the new facility to reality,” said Peter Moeller, vice president of international at The Toro Company.

As part of this role, Toro will be the exclusive supplier of all course maintenance equipment to the new facility.