While this is not a new topic, landscapers today are perhaps emphasizing more than ever that productivity is essential to their success. With no end in sight to the labor shortage and the ever-increasing cost of doing business, landscapers are looking for ways to increase their workload by working more efficiently on job sites. For many, the answer lies in manufacturer support and equipment they can rely on.
“Productivity continues to be a very hot topic,” says John Powers, head of product management at ECHO. “The job market isn't getting any easier and landscapers need to find ways to be more productive. This is a common theme we hear all the time.”
ECHO understood the power that connecting landscape contractors to each other can have User Advisory Group (UAG) in 2017. This volunteer group of green industry professionals dedicates their time to mentoring, training and inspiring others in the industry. We asked some of these UAG members what helps them be more productive these days.
Ron Coleman, owner of Greenscapes Ohioheadquartered in Kent, Ohio, says productivity is undeniably linked to profitability. He can't afford for his equipment to break down or slow him down, which is why he relies on ECHO to keep him going.
“The equipment’s long runtime and reliability help keep our teams productive,” shares Coleman. “ECHO has been an all-round strong partner that we can count on. If we have any questions or need support, they are fantastic.”
Marc McGuire, owner of Marc McGuire Landscaping in Patterson, Calif., agrees and says ECHO's Pro Attachment Series system has helped reduce his downtime.
“There are several different heads working with the attachments, which really helps us stay efficient,” says McGuire. “Everything that keeps us moving is incredibly valuable. And the performance and quality of the tools is amazing.”
While attending Equip Expo in October, McGuire also noted that many manufacturers had significantly increased their battery performance. The same goes for ECHO with the release of the X series.
“The X-Series has many components identical to the gas units, making the transition really easy for companies looking to add battery units to their fleet,” says Powers. “It’s very easy to judge how well a device performs compared to what it’s already using.”
Mike Arch, owner of Arch landscaping in Illinois says the overall feel of the equipment and its ergonomic friendliness help him stay productive throughout the day.
“It’s well balanced and comfortable,” he says. “This is really important when it comes to being productive during a long day. I have found the ECHO backpack blowers to be some of the most maneuverable.”
Powers says that feedback from UAG members has allowed ECHO to continue to ensure its products support the end user. As a result, they can help landscapers maximize their productivity.