July 4, 2022
South Burnett Regional Council will continue using conventional mowers after a recent study found that swapping to electric mowers would cost almost three times as much.
The Council asked parks and gardens staff to prepare a report on swapping to electric mowers as part of its cost-reduction efforts.
The report found that while conventional ride-on mowers currently being bought by Council cost around $28,000 each, equivalent electric mowers would cost about $80,000.
It also found hourly operating costs were also significantly higher but noted this was largely due to the difference in the purchase price.
At present, the hourly rate for running an electric mower is about $52, compared with $35 an hour for a standard front-deck mower.
The report said parks and gardens staff who test drove electric mowers praised their performance.
It also noted that electric mowers more environmentally friendly and because they have fewer working parts, had higher reliability.
But it concluded the benefits of electric mowers were currently outweighed by the high purchase price – a figure that is expected to reduce over time as the world moves to lower carbon emissions.
The report was presented at the SBRC’s June Community Stranding Committee meeting.
Councillors resolved that officers continue to monitor the price of electric mowers and carry out another analysis when prices come down, but praised staff for researching the issue.
