What does the future of outdoor power equipment actually look like?
In this episode of Power Moves, Ryan and Stirling sit down with Dan Mabe, Founder of the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA), to discuss the growing shift from gas-powered landscaping equipment to battery-powered technology.
Dan shares how AGZA helps municipalities, contractors, golf courses, and businesses transition toward lower-impact operations through real-world testing, certifications, ROI analysis, and sustainability planning.
The conversation dives into:
- The evolution of battery technology over the last 20 years
- The real-world ROI of switching from gas to battery
- Worker health and safety considerations
- Noise reduction and environmental impact
- Why change management is still one of the biggest barriers
- How AGZA field tests equipment in extreme environments
- Why STIHL became one of AGZA's first certified platforms
Whether you're a contractor, municipality, business owner, or outdoor power equipment enthusiast, this episode offers a practical look at where the industry is heading and what it takes to make the transition successfully.
Show notes:
00:00 - Introduction
01:15 - Dan Mabe's journey into electric landscaping
03:15 - Helping municipalities transition to battery power
05:21 - Why noise regulations are driving change
06:04 - How lithium battery technology changed everything
08:00 - The ROI of switching from gas to battery
11:29 - Why operations training matters
12:00 - Pushback from workers and change management
14:17 - Health and safety benefits of battery equipment
17:31 - Tinnitus, vibration, and long-term health effects
20:31 - What AGZA field-tested certification means
23:06 - Stress testing tools in real-world conditions
28:23 - Golf courses and Green Zone certifications
29:32 - Advice for companies considering the switch
31:07 - Why STIHL consistently meets AGZA standards
33:09 - Final thoughts and where to learn more
Visit: https://www.stihl.ca/en/search?text=battery
Produced by BNV Media: https://www.bnvmedia.ca/