Arizona State University, based in Tempe but with operations around the world, has for years been a leading innovator in educational and community-service programs.

This week its newsletter announces another advance on this front: its use of “eLeafBlowers,” which as its release says are “easy on the ears, eyes, and environment.” The story, by Kendon Jung, quoted Michael Meyer, facilities manager at ASU, as follows:

“Until recently, there has not been good, commercial grade cordless electric equipment available. Battery life has been an issue,” Meyer said. “While 20-30 minutes of operation time may suffice for a homeowner working in their yard, our requirements are much higher. We typically have 15-17 people using blowers each morning for up to two to three hours. We also have crew members using blowers for hours at a time on the night shift.”
In March 2020, ASU Grounds Services launched an innovative partnership. A company called Husqvarna was looking to produce commercially viable electric-powered equipment for use in the greens industry — landscaping, arbor care, golf-course maintenance, etc. ASU Tempe Grounds Services was loaned multiple items of equipment to try out indefinitely, and the eLeaf Blowers stood out for several reasons.
Noise
The noise reductions have benefits for the public. In the past, the noise of the gas blowers was the cause of frequent complaints, according to Meyer.
“We find, with the reduction in noise, that we have fewer complaints from people on campus and are able to work longer in areas that were problematic before, such as residence halls,” Meyer said. “Several groundskeepers reported being approached by passersby and complimented on the use of the electric equipment. They are mostly pleased with the quietness and the display of innovation on campus.”

Congratulations to Michael Meyer and the team at ASU on another innovative advance.