Page 11 - OPE March 2021

The latest from LawnMaster
THE LATEST LB030001
Lithium-ion chainsaw from LawnMaster features a brushless motor with 58V of power and a cut time of up to 40 minutes. A 16-inch Oregon chain/bar benefits from tool- less chain tension and a built-in brake system. Total weight is 6.5kg with the 4Ah battery fitted.
www.steelfort.co.nz
categories, however: “Having an existing battery platform,” he says, “plays a limited role in whether a consumer opts for a cordless chainsaw.
“Serious users will likely gravitate towards the traditional petrol-powered machines as there is still belief the battery platform won’t deliver the power of petrol.”
And this, Simon qualifies, despite the fact that “over the last few years, Lithium-ion battery and brushless motor technology has evolved to rival petrol-operated equipment.”
In fact, with the constant improvement of battery technology, Simon Gaunt for one predicts professional-level battery machines will be the norm in the future: “We have every confidence battery technology is rapidly evolving and are excited to see battery technology in both professional and consumer hands.”
In terms of path to purchase patterns, Simon says consumers are researching more online, and he suggests social media (YouTube) is often the first destination for this.
“Word of mouth (friends, family, store owners and staff) is also a very powerful tool in converting to battery sales as hearing a success story from a trusted source increases confidence in a product.”
As you would expect, Andrew Way, GM of Accent Tools, extols the “battery is best” mantra when describing the new HiKOKI chainsaws.
Although HiKOKI’s global focus is
to develop more products aimed at construction and carpentry and most product development is heavy-duty by nature, the brand is introducing new Lithium-ion chainsaws that are due to land shortly.
“They’re aimed at professionals who need cordless convenience, such as maintenance workers and landscaping professionals,” he explains.
“There are two primary purchasing
factors, one being the chainsaw that
gets used occasionally in a worksite environment. Then there’s the lifestyle element: those tradespeople all live somewhere and have gardens and trees and perhaps a lifestyle block to maintain.
“So there’s a flow-on effect of having a battery platform with practical applications in a non-working environment as well as within a trade.”
Users who might have moved to a particular battery platform for say a nail gun can now branch out, in other words.
“Going cordless with HiKOKI might also see them migrating from a petrol-powered chainsaw to cordless,” says Andrew Way.
“Price is not a purchasing factor; they have already made the investment in the platform, so it makes sense to expand to a cordless chainsaw.”
Outdoor power – or just power tools?
As Andrew Way suggests, battery platforms that power a broadening variety of tools mean that the power tools category – not
Chainsaws & accessories
to mention the retailers and merchants that service that market – is more tightly aligned with outdoor power than ever before.
Is this a threat to the outdoor power channel? I pick up the phone and seek input from a major national DIY retailer – also known as “the enemy” in outdoor power circles...
From an end user perspective, this alignment between power tools and outdoor power highlights more flexibility in terms of what customers can achieve whilst staying with a particular battery platform, explains Mathew Lawton, Category Manager at Mitre 10 NZ.
In terms of not just power tools but
also power garden, he says: “We’re seeing customers moving away from petrol- powered products into corded and battery- powered products. The trend we’re seeing is for customers to buy power tools that run the same system as power garden equipment.
“Not having to go and buy a whole new kit, just a skin, makes it easier and more economical for customers.”
With this firmly in mind, Mitre 10 NZ has been actively expanding its mid price point offering further into power garden with certain brands, to the point where now “it’s not just a power tool solution” customers are seeking, but “a power tool and power garden solution.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
MARKETPLACE
NEW
HUSQVARNA
MODELS FOR PROFESSIONAL USERS
THE COMMERCIAL HUSQVARNA
540i XP (photo right) is a powerful and efficient battery-powered chainsaw. Equivalent to a professional 40cc petrol saw. It’s designed for professionally- orientated users who want a lightweight, high-performance rear-handle chainsaw, while arborists needing a top-handle
model can opt for the T540i XP (top photo). Both are ideal for removal of small and mid-sized trees where you need smooth and efficient cuts.
In each case, the advanced brushless motor is 25% more efficient than a standard brush motor and provides high and consistent torque. The 36V Li-ion battery
pack ensures high power, reliable operation and longevity to match petrol-driven machines – without any direct emissions. Plus, integrated connectivity makes it easy to keep track of usage stats, service history and last known location in the Husqvarna Fleet Services app.
www.husqvarna.co.nz
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MARCH-JUNE 2021 NZ OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT 011