No Noise Is Good Noise In Landscaping

No noise is good noise. Scythe robotics on how noise abatement regulations and customer demands are pushing the Industry toward electric options.

With noise abatement regulations in place in many municipalities and gaining traction across the country, landscape contractors are under pressure to ratchet down the decibels. Additionally, many contractors and communities are looking to create less disruption to the natural environments they live and work in, and sound is an important consideration in that equation.

Research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shows sustained exposure to noises above 85 dB can increase the risk of noise induced hearing loss. The typical gas-powered mower operates at around 95 decibels (dB): the equivalent of a motorcycle roaring down the street.

As a result, switching to electric-powered equipment is not just about meeting regulations, but can provide better protections to landscape crews and create a safer, healthier working environment for them, points out Scythe Robotics, manufacturers of the M.52 autonomous electric mower.

At Scythe Robotics, patent-pending blades not only achieve higher efficiency, but reduce the mower’s noise profile when the blades are running. The lack of an internal combustion engine also makes the mower much quieter overall, even without blades spinning.

“For M.52, we have measured the sound intensity to be around 75 decibels – which is roughly equivalent to a passing car – at the operator,” said Rob McCutcheon, senior staff mechanical engineer for Scythe Robotics. “The lower intensity means that the operator can use the machine more comfortably and more effectively as it allows them to be more aware of their surroundings.”

In addition to decreased exposure to potentially harmful noise and vibration levels associated with traditional gas-powered mowers and equipment, electric equipment can provide additional benefits to landscape companies:

  • An earlier start to the day. The lower sound intensity with electric  equipment enables landscapers to schedule earlier starts and later stops when needed since you will not be disturbing people.
  • With minimal noise disruption during the day, there is less impact for remote or home-based business clients. Some office parks and school campuses currently prefer to be serviced during off-hours or on weekends, but less sound invasive electric equipment may allow contractors to mow these properties during regular business hours.
  • Contractors can also tout the increased safety of operation around pedestrians with electric equipment.
  • Landscapers can submit job bids with the added benefit of saying they operate more quietly and sustainably than competing bids. Corporate procurement departments are placing more emphasis in the RFP process on sustainability and deploying emission-free electric equipment can be an advantage.

Read more from Scythe about Sound, Safety and Sustainability.

For more Turf coverage of battery-powered equipment, see:

Opening Photo Credit: Adobe Stock by auremar.

Sponsored Content
Featured Video

Webinars, Podcasts & Videos

Listen Now: Segway Navimow Glides Into Robotic Mower Market

PODCAST: Turf talks with Wayne Kreifels of Segway Navimow, to discuss their entrance into the robotic mower market.

Yanmar TL65RS

Yanmar Launches TL65RS Compact Track Loader

Yanmar Compact Equipment has launched the midsize TL65RS as part of its new line of compact track loaders.

Water Conservation Through Irrigation Techniques

Turf Magazine's June 2024 "Water Issue" and an upcoming Vectorworks webinar both explore water conservation tips.

Share to...