POWERED BY FACTS: BUSTING SOME COMMON OUTDOOR BATTERY TOOL MISCONCEPTIONS

Timothy Isabirye | Marketing Manager -- Husqvarna South Africa

If you are a tradesman, landscaper, arborist, tree feller, or farmer, chances are you rely on outdoor power tools every day.

You also probably have your favourites, and rightly so. When a tool works well for you, you stick with it.

But it also means that you may be less likely to consider a different option when buying a new power tool, especially when they have heard the same opinions repeated for years on job sites, from older generations, or online. Over time, these opinions become accepted as facts, even though technology has advanced significantly in recent years.

According to Armand Locherenberg, Technical Support Specialist at Husqvarna South Africa, this is exactly what has happened with battery-powered outdoor tools. “Many perceptions in the market come from early-generation products or information that no longer reflects how far the technology has come,” he says. “Battery systems, in particular, have followed a strong innovation trajectory in recent years, with massive improvements in performance, efficiency and integration. Yet many buying decisions are still influenced by old assumptions. The result is that people may overlook a tool that could actually suit their needs better.”

Locherenberg notes that petrol remains a trusted and essential power source, especially for heavy-duty work and extended runtime. But battery tools have earned their place for the simplicity of their design and are a practical, high-performing option for a wide range of applications. “With advances in engineering across both petrol and battery platforms, users can select the most appropriate power source for the task at hand,” he adds.

He goes on to unpack five common myths about battery-powered outdoor tools.

Myth 1: Battery tools lack the power needed for day-to-day operations

Today’s battery-powered equipment is engineered to deliver consistent power for routine maintenance work, from trimming to pruning to general clean-ups. Beyond household use, they can also support an expanding range of professional applications, offering the required strength and reliability, making it an excellent fit for various day-to-day tasks.

Myth 2: Battery tools are more expensive

This perception usually comes from focusing on the upfront purchase price. While the initial outlay may be higher in some cases, a more accurate comparison considers total cost of ownership, including energy use, routine servicing, and general maintenance. As battery technology advances, these costs are also evolving, shifting the focus from shelf price to long-term value. This evolution is reflected in reduced servicing and predictable running costs, which help balance the initial outlay over time.

Myth 3: Battery tools don’t last as long

With the correct care and appropriate use, a 36V battery can deliver reliable performance between two and 10 years. Lifespan depends on battery type, usage patterns and how well it is maintained. Durability therefore should be assessed on real-world application rather than outdated perceptions.

Myth 4: Battery tools take too long to charge

Charging time is often raised as a concern, but this depends on the battery system, charger and workflow. People often assume charging automatically means downtime, but many users plan around charging cycles and use spare batteries or shared battery platforms. For many households and professionals, charging is manageable and does not create the disruption they expect.

Myth 5: You need a separate battery for every tool

This is another misconception that can make battery systems seem more complicated and expensive than they really are. Some battery systems, such as the Husqvarna Aspire™ 18V range, are designed so that one battery can power multiple compatible tools across multiple brands, improving convenience and reducing overall cost.

Locherenberg says the key when choosing a new power tool is to make an informed decision that balances task demands, performance requirements, and long-term value. “Both petrol and battery serve distinct needs, and continued innovation across power solutions ensures users have options,” he concludes.

For more information on Husqvarna outdoor power tools, visit www.husqvarna.com/za or speak to your local Husqvarna dealer.