Gas-powered blowers being banned...

[Tvflguy]

From USA Today:

Gas-powered leaf blowers have been around since the early 1970s, but over time, the lawn care device has received criticism from angry neighbors and eco-conscious lawmakers, some of whom have issued bans citing pollution, noise and health risk concerns.

From the state of California to the District of Columbia, bans against the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers continue to pile up. In Washington, D.C., under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018, companies or individuals who use gasoline-powered leaf blowers are subject to fines of up to $500 for each offense.

In California, lawmakers passed AB1346, which banned the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and weed whackers by July 1, 2024.

---------------------

I'm not necessarily a "Green" person, but. Known fact that 2-cycle gas engines are sources of CO2 and pollutants.

I am a bit biased here, as we have an EV and a lithium batt golf cart. Love them both.

Irritating when following gas golf carts and especially thru tunnels. When we play golf with folks we try to lead the GC pack on the course paths. A few of our friends have newer gas carts and the fumes are... not good.

I'm TOTALLY certain that these comments will fall on deaf ears and eyes. Of course, and no one will then sell their gas cart. Freedom in the USA is great.

EVs and Lithium batt golf carts have come such a long way the last few years. And for many reasons we chose to go with both. (BTW 90miles range on our Cart, 341 on our EV). NO maintenance and they leave our garage with a tank full of electrons. Oh, forgot we have a lithium batt powered lawn mower and accessories.

[MarkD1981]

From USA Today:

Gas-powered leaf blowers have been around since the early 1970s, but over time, the lawn care device has received criticism from angry neighbors and eco-conscious lawmakers, some of whom have issued bans citing pollution, noise and health risk concerns.

From the state of California to the District of Columbia, bans against the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers continue to pile up. In Washington, D.C., under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018, companies or individuals who use gasoline-powered leaf blowers are subject to fines of up to $500 for each offense.

In California, lawmakers passed AB1346, which banned the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and weed whackers by July 1, 2024.

---------------------

I'm not necessarily a "Green" person, but. Known fact that 2-cycle gas engines are sources of CO2 and pollutants.

I am a bit biased here, as we have an EV and a lithium batt golf cart. Love them both.

Irritating when following gas golf carts and especially thru tunnels. When we play golf with folks we try to lead the GC pack on the course paths. A few of our friends have newer gas carts and the fumes are... not good.

I'm TOTALLY certain that these comments will fall on deaf ears and eyes. Of course, and no one will then sell their gas cart. Freedom in the USA is great.

EVs and Lithium batt golf carts have come such a long way the last few years. And for many reasons we chose to go with both. (BTW 90miles range on our Cart, 341 on our EV). NO maintenance and they leave our garage with a tank full of electrons. Oh, forgot we have a lithium batt powered lawn mower and accessories.
It might be quieter if landscape companies here used lithium powered blowers and trimmers. There are times where they noise is pretty non-stop given people use different companies and get service on different days.

[Topspinmo]

Most lawn equipment made nowadays are 4 stroke or electric. Which electric taking over. The problem IMO most lawn equipment used by landscapers have remove baffles in mufflers of leaf blowers making them twice as loud. The fine mash screens get carbon up and won’t let exhaust air out not letting blower to rev up, so they just remove baffles rather than scrape carbon off. It will take another 10 years or more when they ban gas lawn engine equipment cause take that long to wear them out. Electric blowers are not much quieter cause moving lots of air under pressure makes noise.

[Topspinmo]

It might be quieter if landscape companies here used lithium powered blowers and trimmers. There are times where they noise is pretty non-stop given people use different companies and get service on different days.

Electric blowers are not much quieter. Moving large amount air makes noise.

[thelegges]

If your concerns are residents mowing and blowing with gas powered anything. My bet it’s few and far between north of 44. They pay for that service. South of 44 rarely see landscaping trucks, seems about 70% mow themselves with electric

[tophcfa]

Hmmm , California and Washington DC. Add that to the long list of reasons I’d never live there.

[village dreamer]

Hmmm , California and Washington DC. Add that to the long list of reasons I’d never live there. and at $6 per gal. in cal.

[Papa_lecki]

Known fact that 2-cycle gas engines are sources of CO2 and pollutants.


CO2 is 0.04% (that’s .0004) of the earth’s atmosphere. Up slightly from 0.03%. If it gets to 0.02%, plant life is not sustainable.

If you think a weedwacker or a blower in the Villages is going to impact the atmosphere one way or the other, especially vis a vis the amount of co2 being added tot he atmosphere by China and India, I have a bridge to sell you.

[frayedends]

I have a Dewalt battery blower down there in the Villages and it seems okay for the little bit I need for the driveway. But up here in Massachusetts I would be screwed if I couldn't use my Echo Gas unit. I have way too much property and patio, leaves, acorns, etc. The battery powered would essentially be useless.

I have a lithium golf cart now. I actually sold my 2024 Yamaha Quiet Tech to buy the lithium. But only because I found the gas to be too loud and smelly, as the OP noted. I'm not particularly concerned about CO2.

[BrianL99]

From USA Today:

Gas-powered leaf blowers have been around since the early 1970s, but over time, the lawn care device has received criticism from angry neighbors and eco-conscious lawmakers, some of whom have issued bans citing pollution, noise and health risk concerns.

From the state of California to the District of Columbia, bans against the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers continue to pile up. In Washington, D.C., under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018, companies or individuals who use gasoline-powered leaf blowers are subject to fines of up to $500 for each offense.

In California, lawmakers passed AB1346, which banned the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and weed whackers by July 1, 2024.

---------------------

I'm not necessarily a "Green" person, but. Known fact that 2-cycle gas engines are sources of CO2 and pollutants.

I am a bit biased here, as we have an EV and a lithium batt golf cart. Love them both.

Irritating when following gas golf carts and especially thru tunnels. When we play golf with folks we try to lead the GC pack on the course paths. A few of our friends have newer gas carts and the fumes are... not good.

I'm TOTALLY certain that these comments will fall on deaf ears and eyes. Of course, and no one will then sell their gas cart. Freedom in the USA is great.

EVs and Lithium batt golf carts have come such a long way the last few years. And for many reasons we chose to go with both. (BTW 90miles range on our Cart, 341 on our EV). NO maintenance and they leave our garage with a tank full of electrons. Oh, forgot we have a lithium batt powered lawn mower and accessories.

It won't be long, before TV doesn't allow any new gas carts ... then we just have to wait for the legacy carts to die off.

Based on sales figures, there aren't many new gas carts getting sold, these days.

On the other hand, the automobile world is changing fast ... away from EV's.

[dewilson58]

It won't be long, before TV doesn't allow any new gas carts ... then we just have to wait for the legacy carts to die off.



:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

We have electric cart just we could hear each other when driving.

[vintageogauge]

And what is producing the electricity to charge all of the electric golf cars here in TV land.

[BrianL99]

And what is producing the electricity to charge all of the electric golf cars here in TV land.

Burning of TV trash?

The contention that electric power is "cleaner" power, is simply marketing nonsense, as long as the USA is forced to produce electricity from fossil fuels. If folks finally get their heads out of their nether regions and we start producing electricity from nuclear power plants, the equation probably changes.

[Topspinmo]

Burning of TV trash?

The contention that electric power is "cleaner" power, is simply marketing nonsense, as long as the USA is forced to produce electricity from fossil fuels. If folks finally get their heads out of their nether regions and we start producing electricity from nuclear power plants, the equation probably changes.

I thought villages trash was hauled to Georgia?

[Mleeja]

It won't be long, before TV doesn't allow any new gas carts ... then we just have to wait for the legacy carts to die off.

Based on sales figures, there aren't many new gas carts getting sold, these days.

On the other hand, the automobile world is changing fast ... away from EV's.

Where are you getting your information about golf cart sales? It seems Yamaha Quite Tech is still the top selling model.

[mtdjed]

From USA Today:

Gas-powered leaf blowers have been around since the early 1970s, but over time, the lawn care device has received criticism from angry neighbors and eco-conscious lawmakers, some of whom have issued bans citing pollution, noise and health risk concerns.

From the state of California to the District of Columbia, bans against the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers continue to pile up. In Washington, D.C., under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018, companies or individuals who use gasoline-powered leaf blowers are subject to fines of up to $500 for each offense.

In California, lawmakers passed AB1346, which banned the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and weed whackers by July 1, 2024.

---------------------

I'm not necessarily a "Green" person, but. Known fact that 2-cycle gas engines are sources of CO2 and pollutants.

I am a bit biased here, as we have an EV and a lithium batt golf cart. Love them both.

Irritating when following gas golf carts and especially thru tunnels. When we play golf with folks we try to lead the GC pack on the course paths. A few of our friends have newer gas carts and the fumes are... not good.

I'm TOTALLY certain that these comments will fall on deaf ears and eyes. Of course, and no one will then sell their gas cart. Freedom in the USA is great.

EVs and Lithium batt golf carts have come such a long way the last few years. And for many reasons we chose to go with both. (BTW 90miles range on our Cart, 341 on our EV). NO maintenance and they leave our garage with a tank full of electrons. Oh, forgot we have a lithium batt powered lawn mower and accessories.


Obviously, you have "bought" into the electricity can solve all of our problems and I have to admit that your efforts are admirable. You start with electric blowers. I have also gone the route of electric blowers. No big deal for you or I with our dainty lawns. If an EV works for you, great. Same with the Golf Cart.

But that doesn't work for everything. Jet engines have fans. Electricity is not ready for that. Even a simple snow blower is not ready. Are emergency vehicles ready for electric only? Ambulances, Firetrucks, police cars? Are apartment occupants able to have EVs?

But back to gas blowers. We have landscape folks making a living mowing lawns all day long. They mow, edge, and blow all day long. Is there equipment available that can do that without carrying huge amounts of batteries? Perhaps they could recharge batteries from a gas powered generator on the truck.

Do what you can, but EV's are not yet ready for everyone, Cost, infrastructure, and usefulness.

Your discussion regarding driving behind Gas Carts and arranging your order so you are in front is cute. That must be a discussion item amongst your golfing group


.

[BrianL99]

Where are you getting your information about golf cart sales? It seems Yamaha Quite Tech is still the top selling model.

The Toyota RAV$ is the top selling automobile model in the USA. They represent 3% of the USA vehicle market.

1 out of every 10 golf carts sold in the USA, is powered by gasoline. Being the "best selling gas model", gets you to about 3%-4% of the market.

[Cuervo]

All my lawn equipment is electric; I don't do it to save the earth or because of the noise or that it is less expensive than gas.
I do it because it more convenient, no trips to the gas station, no smell of fuels in my garage.
Though it is less expensive for home use I not sure it would be for professional services that are out in the field all day using their equipment.

[metalic]

CO2 is 0.04% (that’s .0004) of the earth’s atmosphere. Up slightly from 0.03%. If it gets to 0.02%, plant life is not sustainable.

If you think a weedwacker or a blower in the Villages is going to impact the atmosphere one way or the other, especially vis a vis the amount of co2 being added tot he atmosphere by China and India, I have a bridge to sell you.

1) an increase of one third from 0.03% to 0.04% is not "up slightly";

2) the level was below 0.02% 20,000 years ago and there were plenty of plants around then;

3) of course eliminating one weedwacker of blower won't make much difference, any more than my dropping one piece of trash will make TV look messy, but if we all did it...

4) always blaming the Far East for something that the West started decades ago is disingenuous

[Mrmean58]

Most lawn equipment made nowadays are 4 stroke or electric. Which electric taking over. The problem IMO most lawn equipment used by landscapers have remove baffles in mufflers of leaf blowers making them twice as loud. The fine mash screens get carbon up and won’t let exhaust air out not letting blower to rev up, so they just remove baffles rather than scrape carbon off. It will take another 10 years or more when they ban gas lawn engine equipment cause take that long to wear them out. Electric blowers are not much quieter cause moving lots of air under pressure makes noise.

It is the spark arrestors that are being removed to increase the performance of gas carts and lawn equipment. Spark arrestors are only required for equipment sold in CA to help reduce wildfires. (That's working out well). Lithium powers is not the long term solution for electric powered cars and equipment. Dry cell batteries will be the long term solution as they have numerous advantages over lithium namely longer range, faster recharge, lighter weight, reduced precious metals, AND no fire danger.

[elle123]

From USA Today:

Gas-powered leaf blowers have been around since the early 1970s, but over time, the lawn care device has received criticism from angry neighbors and eco-conscious lawmakers, some of whom have issued bans citing pollution, noise and health risk concerns.

From the state of California to the District of Columbia, bans against the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers continue to pile up. In Washington, D.C., under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018, companies or individuals who use gasoline-powered leaf blowers are subject to fines of up to $500 for each offense.

In California, lawmakers passed AB1346, which banned the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and weed whackers by July 1, 2024.

---------------------

I'm not necessarily a "Green" person, but. Known fact that 2-cycle gas engines are sources of CO2 and pollutants.

I am a bit biased here, as we have an EV and a lithium batt golf cart. Love them both.

Irritating when following gas golf carts and especially thru tunnels. When we play golf with folks we try to lead the GC pack on the course paths. A few of our friends have newer gas carts and the fumes are... not good.

I'm TOTALLY certain that these comments will fall on deaf ears and eyes. Of course, and no one will then sell their gas cart. Freedom in the USA is great.

EVs and Lithium batt golf carts have come such a long way the last few years. And for many reasons we chose to go with both. (BTW 90miles range on our Cart, 341 on our EV). NO maintenance and they leave our garage with a tank full of electrons. Oh, forgot we have a lithium batt powered lawn mower and accessories.
I have a battery operated leafblower that's very light and works well. However, I'm not blowing leaves for a living.

[Bay Kid]

My battery leaf blowers don't last too long. I always keep 2 charged so they will last long enough to clean the driveway. I get 2 to 3 years before they are useless. Still use my old gas blower for anything more than a leaf on a slick surface.

[MX rider]

I have a battery operated leafblower that's very light and works well. However, I'm not blowing leaves for a living.

I had Dewalt e leaf blower for a while. It was ok for light work and small yards here with very few leaves.

But it didn't have near the power my Echo gas blower that I had in Indiana. It wouldn't be practical there to blow a lot of leaves.
Needless to say when we moved here full time, I sold the Dewalt and brought my Echo here.

I also had a Stihl e mower I bought new at Ace hardware, thinking it was the way to go. Stihl is top quality and the mower had great ratings. But it just didn't cut and bag as well as I expected it to.
So I sold it and bought a new Honda gas mower and haven't looked back.

[merrymini]

Fact is, there is no perfect solution and either alternative can work, depending on the situation. I would not want to be on an electric airplane but have no problem with electric lawn stuff, mower and I own an electric car. So, instead of reducing everything to one option, let’s leave the door open to all options and eventually a break through in technology will give us better options in the future and the capitalism model will choose the best alternatives. Laisser faire!

[BrianL99]

I have a Dewalt battery blower down there in the Villages and it seems okay for the little bit I need for the driveway. But up here in Massachusetts I would be screwed if I couldn't use my Echo Gas unit. I have way too much property and patio, leaves, acorns, etc. The battery powered would essentially be useless.
.

Even a simple snow blower is not ready. Are emergency vehicles ready for electric only? Ambulances, Firetrucks, police cars? Are apartment occupants able to have EVs?

We have landscape folks making a living mowing lawns all day long. They mow, edge, and blow all day long. Is there equipment available that can do that without carrying huge amounts of batteries? Perhaps they could recharge batteries from a gas powered generator on the truck.

Do what you can, but EV's are not yet ready for everyone, Cost, infrastructure, and usefulness.


.

I not sure it would be for professional services that are out in the field all day using their equipment.

I have a battery operated leafblower that's very light and works well. However, I'm not blowing leaves for a living.

My battery leaf blowers don't last too long. I always keep 2 charged so they will last long enough to clean the driveway. I get 2 to 3 years before they are useless. Still use my old gas blower for anything more than a leaf on a slick surface.

I had Dewalt e leaf blower for a while. It was ok for light work and small yards here with very few leaves.

But it didn't have near the power my Echo gas blower that I had in Indiana. It wouldn't be practical there to blow a lot of leaves.
Needless to say when we moved here full time, I sold the Dewalt and brought my Echo here.

I also had a Stihl e mower I bought new at Ace hardware, thinking it was the way to go. Stihl is top quality and the mower had great ratings. But it just didn't cut and bag as well as I expected it to.
So I sold it and bought a new Honda gas mower and haven't looked back.


Yet John Deere is selling electric triplex mowers to mow greens on golf courses, but electric power equipment can't handle a 3000 sq. ft. lawn in TV or blow your little driveway clean?

[kayak]

It's not just the gas blowers that are loud. I have an electric blower, no battery, I have to drag out the extension cord, and it is loud. I use hearing protectors when I use the blower. What will be banned next?

[Normal]

My battery leaf blowers don't last too long. I always keep 2 charged so they will last long enough to clean the driveway. I get 2 to 3 years before they are useless. Still use my old gas blower for anything more than a leaf on a slick surface.

A professional service would never be able to maintain enough charged batteries to do a days work. Even if they could, the amount of lithium waste they generated would be tremendously high.

[Tvflguy]

Obviously, you have "bought" into the electricity can solve all of our problems and I have to admit that your efforts are admirable. You start with electric blowers. I have also gone the route of electric blowers. No big deal for you or I with our dainty lawns. If an EV works for you, great. Same with the Golf Cart.

But that doesn't work for everything. Jet engines have fans. Electricity is not ready for that. Even a simple snow blower is not ready. Are emergency vehicles ready for electric only? Ambulances, Firetrucks, police cars? Are apartment occupants able to have EVs?

But back to gas blowers. We have landscape folks making a living mowing lawns all day long. They mow, edge, and blow all day long. Is there equipment available that can do that without carrying huge amounts of batteries? Perhaps they could recharge batteries from a gas powered generator on the truck.

Do what you can, but EV's are not yet ready for everyone, Cost, infrastructure, and usefulness.

Your discussion regarding driving behind Gas Carts and arranging your order so you are in front is cute. That must be a discussion item amongst your golfing group


.

I'm the OP. I said in my post that I am not really "GREEN". so why the personal diatribe??? I went with battery powered due to the efficiency, quiet, no fumes, and ease of use. period. My choice. And yes, we dislike driving behind many gas carts. The fumes, esp in tunnels is not good. I didn't BUY INTO anything. (OBVIOUSLY) yikes.
So yes, it's MY CHOICE including being first on the course cart path if I can.

My choice - free country as they say...

[Topspinmo]

I'm the OP. I said in my post that I am not really "GREEN". so why the personal diatribe??? I went with battery powered due to the efficiency, quiet, no fumes, and ease of use. period. My choice. And yes, we dislike driving behind many gas carts. The fumes, esp in tunnels is not good. I didn't BUY INTO anything. (OBVIOUSLY) yikes.
So yes, it's MY CHOICE including being first on the course cart path if I can.

My choice - free country as they say...


So why are pushing your dribble on rest of us. It’s also free country for us too.

[Tvflguy]

So why are pushing your dribble on rest of us. It’s also free country for us too.

OMG - "pushing dribble"??? the hate here. I posted, what I thought, would be an interesting article. But apparently this pushed buttons for some.

As some say here, you don't have to read it. I don't agree with some stuff on TOTV, but move on.

BTW - for the THIRD time - I AM NOT A GREENIE!!! And totally support our current admin. Just decided over time to go electric. No dribble. Just my CHOICE. geeeez.

[Topspinmo]

OMG - "pushing dribble"??? the hate here. I posted, what I thought, would be an interesting article. But apparently this pushed buttons for some.

As some say here, you don't have to read it. I don't agree with some stuff on TOTV, but move on.

BTW - for the THIRD time - I AM NOT A GREENIE!!! And totally support our current admin. Just decided over time to go electric. No dribble. Just my CHOICE. geeeez.

Talk about banding gas lawn equipment been going on for years few state has banded it or are trying to band. Been hash over here couple times. And results are always same electric do good ers on one side and fossil fuel ancients on the other. One thing for sure. Every thing green or anything else made from fossil fuels, by fossil fueled equipment and minded by fossil fueled equipment. Ever big electric earth movers, diggers, and trains with Hugh generators are driven by Hugh diesel engines.

[Sgt Ed]

From USA Today:

Gas-powered leaf blowers have been around since the early 1970s, but over time, the lawn care device has received criticism from angry neighbors and eco-conscious lawmakers, some of whom have issued bans citing pollution, noise and health risk concerns.

From the state of California to the District of Columbia, bans against the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers continue to pile up. In Washington, D.C., under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018, companies or individuals who use gasoline-powered leaf blowers are subject to fines of up to $500 for each offense.

In California, lawmakers passed AB1346, which banned the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and weed whackers by July 1, 2024.

---------------------

I'm not necessarily a "Green" person, but. Known fact that 2-cycle gas engines are sources of CO2 and pollutants.

I am a bit biased here, as we have an EV and a lithium batt golf cart. Love them both.

Irritating when following gas golf carts and especially thru tunnels. When we play golf with folks we try to lead the GC pack on the course paths. A few of our friends have newer gas carts and the fumes are... not good.

I'm TOTALLY certain that these comments will fall on deaf ears and eyes. Of course, and no one will then sell their gas cart. Freedom in the USA is great.

EVs and Lithium batt golf carts have come such a long way the last few years. And for many reasons we chose to go with both. (BTW 90miles range on our Cart, 341 on our EV). NO maintenance and they leave our garage with a tank full of electrons. Oh, forgot we have a lithium batt powered lawn mower and accessories. Drank all of the kool Aid, none left for me, and so thankfull.

[tophcfa]

Where are you getting your information about golf cart sales? It seems Yamaha Quite Tech is still the top selling model.

Using national sales numbers, where sales are dominated by golf course usage, many carts are leased, and range is not a dominant factor. Not a comparable statistic for the personal transportation use in the Villages, where range is a very important factor and people don’t lease, they buy to own long term.

[tophcfa]

All my lawn equipment is electric; I don't do it to save the earth or because of the noise or that it is less expensive than gas.
I do it because it more convenient, no trips to the gas station, no smell of fuels in my garage.
Though it is less expensive for home use I not sure it would be for professional services that are out in the field all day using their equipment.

It’s kind of an urban versus rural thing, in terms of lot size. All of our lawn equipment in the Villages, where we own a postage stamp lot, is electric. All of our lawn equipment up north, where we own multiple acres, is either gas or diesel. Electric would simply not be adequate to meet our needs up north. The same holds true for landscape companies, electric simply would not efficiently meet their needs, even if they are servicing postage stamp lots one at a time all day long.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We have a gas mower, and an electric hedge trimmer, weedwhacker, and leafblower. We find this combination to be the most efficient for our household, plus the electric tools make less noise, which is a good thing.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

From USA Today:

Gas-powered leaf blowers have been around since the early 1970s, but over time, the lawn care device has received criticism from angry neighbors and eco-conscious lawmakers, some of whom have issued bans citing pollution, noise and health risk concerns.

From the state of California to the District of Columbia, bans against the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers continue to pile up. In Washington, D.C., under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018, companies or individuals who use gasoline-powered leaf blowers are subject to fines of up to $500 for each offense.

In California, lawmakers passed AB1346, which banned the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and weed whackers by July 1, 2024.

---------------------

I'm not necessarily a "Green" person, but. Known fact that 2-cycle gas engines are sources of CO2 and pollutants.

I am a bit biased here, as we have an EV and a lithium batt golf cart. Love them both.

Irritating when following gas golf carts and especially thru tunnels. When we play golf with folks we try to lead the GC pack on the course paths. A few of our friends have newer gas carts and the fumes are... not good.

I'm TOTALLY certain that these comments will fall on deaf ears and eyes. Of course, and no one will then sell their gas cart. Freedom in the USA is great.

EVs and Lithium batt golf carts have come such a long way the last few years. And for many reasons we chose to go with both. (BTW 90miles range on our Cart, 341 on our EV). NO maintenance and they leave our garage with a tank full of electrons. Oh, forgot we have a lithium batt powered lawn mower and accessories.

Just a knee jerk reaction, but perhaps live in an area with like-minded folks?

[jarodrig]

We have electric cart just we could hear each other when driving.

I have a gas cart for exactly the opposite reason ! 😂

[Normal]

Lawn services could have a gas powered generator on a trailer running all day to keep the arsenal of battery packs charged for the lawns they do.

[Bwanajim]

Sure better hope your EV does not catch on fire in your garage

[jimjamuser]

That sounds pretty "Green" to me. Let those electrons run free. Way to be good to the environment and keeping it quiet in your neighborhood also. I bet that you can smell the (CO2) emitting gas carts when you go through that tunnel - I am choking just THINKING about it. Also that (CO2) rises and reflects heat back to the earth. That is why the last 10 years have gotten warmer and the Hurricanes larger - and MORE are predicted for this year. But, I feel good that SOMEDAY more people will realize that E-vehicles are less costly to operate and there is the convenience of NEVER having to go-to a gasoline station for that smelly inflammable stuff. And as a bonus they are more reliable and less noisy - especially those disgusting, noisy, anti-social for your neighbors leaf blowers. Personally, I like to rake the leaves in my yard manually - it strengths your back muscles.

[jimjamuser]

I have a Dewalt battery blower down there in the Villages and it seems okay for the little bit I need for the driveway. But up here in Massachusetts I would be screwed if I couldn't use my Echo Gas unit. I have way too much property and patio, leaves, acorns, etc. The battery powered would essentially be useless.

I have a lithium golf cart now. I actually sold my 2024 Yamaha Quiet Tech to buy the lithium. But only because I found the gas to be too loud and smelly, as the OP noted. I'm not particularly concerned about CO2.
The way I understand it, MULCHING lawnmowers (riding or push) basically turn leaves into MULCH, which fertilizes the grass.

[jimjamuser]

Burning of TV trash?

The contention that electric power is "cleaner" power, is simply marketing nonsense, as long as the USA is forced to produce electricity from fossil fuels. If folks finally get their heads out of their nether regions and we start producing electricity from nuclear power plants, the equation probably changes.
I understand that the technology to produce electricity from nuclear energy has improved greatly. The nuclear plants can be smaller and safer. We need to revisit that capability. We could have unlimited and safe electrical power. We could put the fossil fuel era behind us.

[jimjamuser]

1) an increase of one third from 0.03% to 0.04% is not "up slightly";

2) the level was below 0.02% 20,000 years ago and there were plenty of plants around then;

3) of course eliminating one weedwacker of blower won't make much difference, any more than my dropping one piece of trash will make TV look messy, but if we all did it...

4) always blaming the Far East for something that the West started decades ago is disingenuous
Gasoline 2- stroke weed-eaters and grass blowers are EXTREMELY noisy. They bother me when I am inside my house if they are as close as 4 houses away. And I will delay my working outside in my yard until the noise makers are gone. Noise is basically detrimental to a person's health. It is also bad for the operator of noisy equipment. And I wonder how many wear ear protection?

[JMintzer]

The Toyota RAV$ is the top selling automobile model in the USA. They represent 3% of the USA vehicle market.

1 out of every 10 golf carts sold in the USA, is powered by gasoline. Being the "best selling gas model", gets you to about 3%-4% of the market.

"Sold in the USA" is a lot different than "Sold in The Villages"...

[Woodbear]

Sounds like a great opportunity for sales if you live in a border State. We just dumped our electric mower for gas.

[Ruger2506]

I'm not necessarily a "Green" person, but. Known fact that 2-cycle gas engines are sources of CO2 and pollutants.

And more power. Love 2-storke engines.

[tophcfa]

And more power. Love 2-storke engines.

Gotta love the two stroke outboards. Many fishing lakes up north have a 10 H.P. Limit, and they haven’t made 2 stroke outboards for many many years. My 2 stroke 9.9 HP 1986 Mercury outboard rocks. The weight to power ratio is the equivalent of almost double the HP of a four stroke and gets my boat up on plane no problem. There is now way my boat would get up on plane with a 10 HP 4 banger. That little smoking engine is worth its weight in gold.

[mtdjed]

Gasoline 2- stroke weed-eaters and grass blowers are EXTREMELY noisy. They bother me when I am inside my house if they are as close as 4 houses away. And I will delay my working outside in my yard until the noise makers are gone. Noise is basically detrimental to a person's health. It is also bad for the operator of noisy equipment. And I wonder how many wear ear protection?

Ear protection would help you from the noisy machines 4 houses away. By the way, electric grass blowers also make noise.

Perhaps we should ban all blowers and edge clippers and go back to hand clippers and rakes. No noise and no CO2.

For that matter electricity is created by 60% Fossil Fuels, 20 % Nuclear, and 20% renewable energy.

So that says that even those using current EVs, etc are participating in the global heating issue. Perhaps sell the EV and go Solar Power (SP). Not ready yet? Too expensive? Can't afford? Don't let that stop you. Remember, the oceans are rising?

[josephchiro]

From USA Today:

Gas-powered leaf blowers have been around since the early 1970s, but over time, the lawn care device has received criticism from angry neighbors and eco-conscious lawmakers, some of whom have issued bans citing pollution, noise and health risk concerns.

From the state of California to the District of Columbia, bans against the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers continue to pile up. In Washington, D.C., under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018, companies or individuals who use gasoline-powered leaf blowers are subject to fines of up to $500 for each offense.

In California, lawmakers passed AB1346, which banned the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and weed whackers by July 1, 2024.

---------------------

I'm not necessarily a "Green" person, but. Known fact that 2-cycle gas engines are sources of CO2 and pollutants.

I am a bit biased here, as we have an EV and a lithium batt golf cart. Love them both.

Irritating when following gas golf carts and especially thru tunnels. When we play golf with folks we try to lead the GC pack on the course paths. A few of our friends have newer gas carts and the fumes are... not good.

I'm TOTALLY certain that these comments will fall on deaf ears and eyes. Of course, and no one will then sell their gas cart. Freedom in the USA is great.

EVs and Lithium batt golf carts have come such a long way the last few years. And for many reasons we chose to go with both. (BTW 90miles range on our Cart, 341 on our EV). NO maintenance and they leave our garage with a tank full of electrons. Oh, forgot we have a lithium batt powered lawn mower and accessories.

I'm not against any battery power, but question what will happen when these lithium batteries run their lifespan? Large Golf cart batteries and car lithium batteries are expensive to dispose of and replace. Will a Lithium battery powered golf cart essentially be completely disposable due to the cost of a replacement battery vs an entire new cart?

[Angelhug52]

Developer missed a cash opportunity. Should have included lawn care in amenity fees . Had total control over lawn cutting. Better yet let's all plant dandelions and wildflowers. Or maybe a few veggies. Perfect lawns serve no purpose. Stop spraying poison and wasting water.Plant only what is native or grows in this region.Imagin the savings and natural beauty? Aww and the quiet.

[Bill14564]

I'm not against any battery power, but question what will happen when these lithium batteries run their lifespan? Large Golf cart batteries and car lithium batteries are expensive to dispose of and replace. Will a Lithium battery powered golf cart essentially be completely disposable due to the cost of a replacement battery vs an entire new cart?

What does it cost to dispose of a lithium battery from a golf cart? What does it cost to replace a lithium battery from a golf cart?

With the price of carts going up and the price of batteries going down, it is unlikely the the cart will essentially be completely disposable due to the cost of a replacement battery.

I believe the warranty on my battery is eight years. Given that the manufacturer does not want to cover warranty claims, I expect the battery to last at least ten years. Seeing the advance in technology over the past three years, I won't be replacing the battery in ten years, I'll be ready for an upgrade with an entirely new cart.

[huge-pigeons]

I’ll never to these id$&! In California, or in DC, or NY and other states.
EV’s won’t be ready for prime time for another 1 to 2 decades. Range is low (it’s only 80% of what an EV states is their range), still takes 10 times longer to charge up compared to filling up with gas, not enough chargers, and battery technology is still hazardous waste when time for replacement. I know companies in the west that had to buy 2 EV semis to replace 1 diesel semi because the EV wouldn’t last the full day, so they have an EV semi charging ready to tackle the last 1/2 the day deliveries.
Battery powered leaf blowers are not there yet. There is no battery powered backpack leaf blower that can compete with the gas backpack blowers.
As for gas golf carts, they are quiet, you can’t smell them, long range, and gas is available. My gas cart will outlast an EV golf cart’s battery and it will cost $3000-$4000 to replace the lithium battery in a golf cart plus it’s hazardous waste, dirtying up our water supply.

[Bill14564]

I’ll never to these id$&! In California, or in DC, or NY and other states.
EV’s won’t be ready for prime time for another 1 to 2 decades. Range is low (it’s only 80% of what an EV states is their range), still takes 10 times longer to charge up compared to filling up with gas, not enough chargers, and battery technology is still hazardous waste when time for replacement. I know companies in the west that had to buy 2 EV semis to replace 1 diesel semi because the EV wouldn’t last the full day, so they have an EV semi charging ready to tackle the last 1/2 the day deliveries.
Battery powered leaf blowers are not there yet. There is no battery powered backpack leaf blower that can compete with the gas backpack blowers.
As for gas golf carts, they are quiet, you can’t smell them, long range, and gas is available. My gas cart will outlast an EV golf cart’s battery and it will cost $3000-$4000 to replace the lithium battery in a golf cart plus it’s hazardous waste, dirtying up our water supply.

With the exception of leaf blowers, all these points have been discussed, disputed, or debunked in the numerous gas vs electric threads of the past.

[BrianL99]

I’ll never to these id$&! In California, or in DC, or NY and other states.
EV’s won’t be ready for prime time for another 1 to 2 decades..

Europe will disagree with you, as will most anyone in the industry.


still takes 10 times longer to charge up compared to filling up with gas, .

20 minutes to 80%? Within 5 years, that will be down to less than 10 minutes.

My gas cart will outlast an EV golf cart’s battery and it will cost $3000-$4000 to replace the lithium battery in a golf cart plus it’s hazardous waste, dirtying up our water supply.

Not that long ago, everyone's phone was made from Bakelite and they would last for 50 years. Where are they now?

[dougawhite]

What's the reason Villagers can't install fake lawns. The new types are nearly indistinguishable from a well-kept real lawn. I would probably switch out to fake if it was allowed. No irrigation, no chemicals, no weeds. Heaven!

[mrf6969]

Where are you getting your information about golf cart sales? It seems Yamaha Quite Tech is still the top selling model.

They are and anyone that says they are noisy is just presenting their personal agenda.

[Topspinmo]

That sounds pretty "Green" to me. Let those electrons run free. Way to be good to the environment and keeping it quiet in your neighborhood also. I bet that you can smell the (CO2) emitting gas carts when you go through that tunnel - I am choking just THINKING about it. Also that (CO2) rises and reflects heat back to the earth. That is why the last 10 years have gotten warmer and the Hurricanes larger - and MORE are predicted for this year. But, I feel good that SOMEDAY more people will realize that E-vehicles are less costly to operate and there is the convenience of NEVER having to go-to a gasoline station for that smelly inflammable stuff. And as a bonus they are more reliable and less noisy - especially those disgusting, noisy, anti-social for your neighbors leaf blowers. Personally, I like to rake the leaves in my yard manually - it strengths your back muscles.

I see you home from vacation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGa_4vp3rNE

[Topspinmo]

What's the reason Villagers can't install fake lawns. The new types are nearly indistinguishable from a well-kept real lawn. I would probably switch out to fake if it was allowed. No irrigation, no chemicals, no weeds. Heaven!


Not good for landscaping business especially relative’s. Same with metal roofs. Sure some districts may allow the high price metal singles style but not type that’s on all developers buildings.

[gorillarick]

The blower portion of the gas or electric blower makes a lot of noise by itself. Yes, the gas engines are also noisy, some worse than others.
But, moving to electric will not get rid of ALL the obnoxious noise.

Another but, I'm all for banning gas-powered blowers.

And yet another irritation; watching the crews blowing grass and dirt down the drains, and into the middle of the streets.
I can understand the unregulated and uneducated crews running around our neighborhoods doing this; but TV contractors (or employees) do it also.
Not good.

[Ruger2506]

Gotta love the two stroke outboards. Many fishing lakes up north have a 10 H.P. Limit, and they haven’t made 2 stroke outboards for many many years. My 2 stroke 9.9 HP 1986 Mercury outboard rocks. The weight to power ratio is the equivalent of almost double the HP of a four stroke and gets my boat up on plane no problem. There is now way my boat would get up on plane with a 10 HP 4 banger. That little smoking engine is worth its weight in gold.

Same with 1990's 2 stroke snowmobiles. There is a cult following for them as they are kicking but power and speed wise over 4 stroke (unless they are turboed or super charged). And a used sled is 2K vs a new 12K sled.

Same with prices on outboards.

[annecobb]

While we are on the topic of noise pollution....for the life of me I can not understand why the following car accessories are allowed to be installed. They only serve to significantly contribute to noise pollution that only hurts us and the wildlife. Whoever allowed the following; Exhaust Speakers, Exhaust Pipe Oversized Roar makers, Exhaust Enhancers, Exhaust Resonators, Exhaust Noisemakers, Exhaust Sound system boosters all of which are cited in Mechanic base.com and Kufatee products list should be banned. What is the purpose other than to serve an ego.

I am exhausted listening to them all - all night long. And I am sure the birds don't appreciate them either.

Respectfully
Anne

[tophcfa]

Same with 1990's 2 stroke snowmobiles. There is a cult following for them as they are kicking but power and speed wise over 4 stroke (unless they are turboed or super charged). And a used sled is 2K vs a new 12K sled.

Same with prices on outboards.

Used to own a Polaris Indy Sport 2 banger. Great sled, but sold it since we now spend the winter shoveling sunshine in the Villages.

[JRcorvette]

Not sure about the intent of the post. I do not believe in global warming or that people can control it at all. If you want everything electric go for it. Please do not tell others what to do. Electricity is not Free and the cost and products use to generate electricity are not as friendly as producing gasoline! I do agree on the noise factor on gas blowers… they are very annoying. For commercial use I am not sure battery devices would work well.

Ok carry on…

[Topspinmo]

While we are on the topic of noise pollution....for the life of me I can not understand why the following car accessories are allowed to be installed. They only serve to significantly contribute to noise pollution that only hurts us and the wildlife. Whoever allowed the following; Exhaust Speakers, Exhaust Pipe Oversized Roar makers, Exhaust Enhancers, Exhaust Resonators, Exhaust Noisemakers, Exhaust Sound system boosters all of which are cited in Mechanic base.com and Kufatee products list should be banned. What is the purpose other than to serve an ego.

I am exhausted listening to them all - all night long. And I am sure the birds don't appreciate them either.

Respectfully



Anne


I’m exhausted reading you’re exhaust rant…..:highfive:

[jimjamuser]

Using national sales numbers, where sales are dominated by golf course usage, many carts are leased, and range is not a dominant factor. Not a comparable statistic for the personal transportation use in the Villages, where range is a very important factor and people don’t lease, they buy to own long term.
I tend to question if range is IMPORTANT for most people. I would guess that 70% of cart owners don't go over 5 miles per day. Sure newbees want to see every part of TV Land and the golfers want to play every golf course, but when the newness wears off, I think that most Villagers put around 5 miles per day on their golf carts. Just my opinion.

[jimjamuser]

Ear protection would help you from the noisy machines 4 houses away. By the way, electric grass blowers also make noise.

Perhaps we should ban all blowers and edge clippers and go back to hand clippers and rakes. No noise and no CO2.

For that matter electricity is created by 60% Fossil Fuels, 20 % Nuclear, and 20% renewable energy.

So that says that even those using current EVs, etc are participating in the global heating issue. Perhaps sell the EV and go Solar Power (SP). Not ready yet? Too expensive? Can't afford? Don't let that stop you. Remember, the oceans are rising?
Personally, I would NOT even own a leaf blower. The lots are so small that it is easy to rake when needed. But, the lawn mower (Electric) mulches up most leaves anyway. And the battery powered garden tools work fine and I always liked to shovel and rake even when I was a child. Yes, "no noise and no CO2". And yes the oceans are rising thanks to CO2 producing factories and internal combustion engines. And our friend the Hurricane is predicted to be STRONGER this year and every year in the near future. That is the price paid for NOT using electric tools and vehicles. Mother nature must be paid.

[jimjamuser]

I'm not against any battery power, but question what will happen when these lithium batteries run their lifespan? Large Golf cart batteries and car lithium batteries are expensive to dispose of and replace. Will a Lithium battery powered golf cart essentially be completely disposable due to the cost of a replacement battery vs an entire new cart?
Battery research is NOT standing still. In another year a more perfect battery will likely be developed. We are at the end of the gas powered small vehicle and small outdoor tool era.

[jimjamuser]

I’ll never to these id$&! In California, or in DC, or NY and other states.
EV’s won’t be ready for prime time for another 1 to 2 decades. Range is low (it’s only 80% of what an EV states is their range), still takes 10 times longer to charge up compared to filling up with gas, not enough chargers, and battery technology is still hazardous waste when time for replacement. I know companies in the west that had to buy 2 EV semis to replace 1 diesel semi because the EV wouldn’t last the full day, so they have an EV semi charging ready to tackle the last 1/2 the day deliveries.
Battery powered leaf blowers are not there yet. There is no battery powered backpack leaf blower that can compete with the gas backpack blowers.
As for gas golf carts, they are quiet, you can’t smell them, long range, and gas is available. My gas cart will outlast an EV golf cart’s battery and it will cost $3000-$4000 to replace the lithium battery in a golf cart plus it’s hazardous waste, dirtying up our water supply.
I imagine that some people will enjoy the bigger hurricanes each year. And others will enjoy the dead corral reefs in Florida and the world. Some will enjoy the future disappearance of the polar bear. Some will NEVER make (or care) about the connection between internal combustion gasoline engines and extinct animal species. Personally, I DO. I prefer to help nature whenever possible, so I avoid things like gas powered blowers. It is hard to appreciate nature or even your backyard when you are surrounded by the LOUD noise of riding mowers with their mufflers removed and gasoline golf carts with engines over-revving to exceed 20 MPH. Everyone is in such a hurry to go relax somewhere. Many mornings in TV land the noise reminds me of a steel mill where I once had the misfortune to work. So, yes, all these things relate to my decision to NOT buy a gasoline powered blower. Call me backward, but my leaf rake has NEVER cause pain in my eardrum and it has never SMELLED of unnecessary chemicals.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The way I understand it, MULCHING lawnmowers (riding or push) basically turn leaves into MULCH, which fertilizes the grass.

That's great, if you have grass that needs fertilizing. Up north it's a good thing. Down here, it'd suffocate the grass and kill it. Mulching zoysa, bermuda, or St. Augustine = bad.

[Topspinmo]

Battery research is NOT standing still. In another year a more perfect battery will likely be developed. We are at the end of the gas powered small vehicle and small outdoor tool era.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRUg2NXmLd0

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

What does it cost to dispose of a lithium battery from a golf cart? What does it cost to replace a lithium battery from a golf cart?

With the price of carts going up and the price of batteries going down, it is unlikely the the cart will essentially be completely disposable due to the cost of a replacement battery.

I believe the warranty on my battery is eight years. Given that the manufacturer does not want to cover warranty claims, I expect the battery to last at least ten years. Seeing the advance in technology over the past three years, I won't be replacing the battery in ten years, I'll be ready for an upgrade with an entirely new cart.

If you use your cart only for playing golf, keep it in a garage and out of the sun when it's not in use, charge it properly, around 10 years. If you use it as a daily form of transportation, somewhat less than 10 years. Currently it costs between $1000 and $3000 to replace one 48v battery.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I tend to question if range is IMPORTANT for most people. I would guess that 70% of cart owners don't go over 5 miles per day. Sure newbees want to see every part of TV Land and the golfers want to play every golf course, but when the newness wears off, I think that most Villagers put around 5 miles per day on their golf carts. Just my opinion.

I don't drive every day. When it's raining I take my gas-powered car. If I'm going far from the house, but still within The Villages, I decide how much time I want to dedicate to the trip. If I'm in the mood to enjoy the ride, I'll take the gas-powered golf cart. Brownwood Town Square is 11.4 miles from my house, so that'd be 22.8 miles round trip, in my gas-powered golf cart. I do that several times a year.

Sumter Landing is 4.5 miles from my house, so that's 9 miles round trip. I drive that with my golf cart usually once a week, sometimes more.

I sometimes go to Colony by golf cart, once in awhile to Odell Rec Center, once in awhile to Sawgrass - by golf cart.

I get a kick out of the drive, the fact that this is a golf cart community was one of the main reasons why I am here, rather than back north missing my husband (he's another reason but, that should be a given).

[Kelevision]

Hmmm , California and Washington DC. Add that to the long list of reasons I’d never live there.

Yes, I really hate states that try to keep the pollution down. What a horrible place. Shame on you 4th economy in the world. Hahaha, You really care that much about your yard guy using gas or electric leaf blowers? Your hate for the planet is weird.

[JMintzer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRUg2NXmLd0

Brilliant!

[kcrazorbackfan]

I’m going back to a gas leaf blower and a trimmer from electric ones. Starting to get concerned with lithium battery fires.

[Bill14564]

I’m going back to a gas leaf blower and a trimmer from electric ones. Starting to get concerned with lithium battery fires.

Thanks! This just reminded me of the lithium battery I’ve had on the charger since yesterday.

[tophcfa]

Hahaha, You really care that much about your yard guy using gas or electric leaf blowers? Your hate for the planet is weird.

You seem to be confusing hating the planet with not wanting to be shoehorned into using inferior technology that doesn’t meet my needs (I don’t use a yard guy, I do my own yard work). I would gladly use a good technology , that’s better for the planet I care a great deal about, if it’s both practical for my needs and cost effective.