Can an electric zero-turn mower handle a full working day for a landscaping crew?

ARTICLE

GARDEN AND PARK TECHNOLOGY

Heleen Kommers, Tuesday 20 October 2026

248 sec

Ariens opts for a swappable battery system for the Zenith E, while Donker Groep puts the machine to the test in practice

Battery-powered handheld equipment has become commonplace in the green sector. With larger machines, however, the situation is different. A professional ride-on mower needs to operate for hours at a time, deliver sufficient power and, above all, avoid stopping halfway through the day to recharge. Ariens believes its swappable battery system can overcome this problem with the Zenith E. But can an electric zero-turn mower really handle a full working day for a landscaping crew?

The Ariens Zenith E zero-turn mower, model E 60 (Image via: Helthuis Tuin- en Parkmachines)

This question is becoming increasingly relevant for municipalities and green contractors looking to make their equipment fleets more sustainable. Electric mowing offers advantages such as lower noise levels, zero emissions during operation and less maintenance of the drive system. At the same time, professional equipment must above all be reliable and fit into the daily schedule of a landscaping crew.

'You don't want a mowing crew's schedule to be dictated by a charging station'

Swap batteries instead of waiting

The Ariens Zenith E is based on the professional Zenith series but features a fully electric drive system. The machine uses a system of swappable lithium-ion batteries. Depleted batteries can be replaced with fully charged ones, eliminating the need for lengthy charging stops.
The Zenith E is available in several cutting widths. Ariens is therefore targeting professional users and larger mowing jobs. For public space maintenance, the lower noise level can also be an advantage, particularly when working near homes, schools or healthcare facilities.

Ewout Schoonhoven

Donker Groep tests three models

Donker Groep is now using three models of the Ariens Zenith E. The company purchased the E 60, E 52 and E 48 through Helthuis Tuin- en Parkmachines. These machines have cutting widths of 152, 132 and 122 centimetres respectively.
According to Ewout Schoonhoven, Head of Purchasing at Donker Groep, the company chose different models because requirements vary between locations. 'A branch often chooses a particular cutting width. The smaller machines, for example, are practical when they are regularly transported on a trailer. For public green space maintenance, you generally want to use the largest possible cutting deck.'
Several models are also being used in Amsterdam, where Donker Groen operates the E 60 and E 48. Site supervisor Carlo Carstens sees particular advantages in combining capacity with manoeuvrability. 'The smaller machine is useful in places where transport and accessibility are important. We use the larger machine where we want to mow large areas efficiently.'

Carlo Carstens

Donker Groen and the Ariens Zenith E: developing together through practical experience

Peter Helthuis, owner of Helthuis Tuin- en Parkmachines, explains: 'Donker Groen has been using the Ariens Zenith E since 2021, making it one of the first professional users of this electric zero-turn mower. Over the years, the company has become an important practical development partner for Ariens and Helthuis Tuin- en Parkmachines. Donker Groen knows exactly what it expects from its machines. Not an easy customer, but certainly an honest and realistic one. It is precisely their critical approach and practical feedback that have contributed to the continued development of the Zenith E. Experiences from daily use, including battery capacity, performance, maintenance and operational flexibility, have helped improve the machine further. Donker Groep now uses several Zenith E models as part of its sustainable business operations. The partnership demonstrates the value of practical experience: critical, constructive and always focused on achieving a better end result.'

Peter Helthuis

A full working day on batteries

The main question surrounding electric mowing remains operating time. Donker Groep has found that a single battery pack is not always sufficient for a full working day. 'We always purchase the machines with an additional battery pack,' says Schoonhoven. 'We can't quite get through the day with one pack. With a second pack, we can, and we can recharge the batteries overnight.'
Carstens points out that the required capacity depends on the conditions. 'During peak periods, when the grass is growing quickly and we're working long days, an additional battery swap may be necessary. You particularly notice the impact on energy consumption after a period when the grass has grown taller.'
According to Carstens, Donker Groen's organisation helps manage this. 'Because we have several machines, we can organise the logistics efficiently. That means the machines don't have to stand idle unnecessarily for charging or battery changes.'

Battery capacity is not the only factor determining operating time; the organisation around it matters too

Performance in practice

Carstens is positive about the performance of the electric *zero-turn* mowers. 'I'm extremely pleased with these machines. Downtime is low, and they can also handle heavier work very well.'
According to him, the difference compared with petrol or diesel machines is limited. 'Those used to be slightly more powerful, but with these Ariens machines, you hardly notice any difference.'
Carstens also highlights the importance of noise levels in urban areas. 'We start mowing at seven in the morning, and sometimes as early as six in rural areas during the height of summer. That's when you notice how much less noise we make compared with the past.'

A full working day on batteries: Ariens Zenith E energy costs

Practical experience shows that electric mowing offers advantages not only in terms of noise and emissions, but also in energy costs. Depending on operating conditions, the Ariens Zenith E consumes an average of between 2.3 and 3.2 kWh per hour.

At an electricity price of �0.25 per kWh, the energy costs are:
2.3 kWh/hour � �0.25 = �0.58 per hour
3.2 kWh/hour � �0.25 = �0.80 per hour

In practice, the energy costs of an Ariens Zenith E therefore amount to just �0.58 to �0.80 per operating hour. This is considerably lower than the fuel costs of a comparable petrol or diesel mower.

Maintenance and service

In addition to lower noise levels, Carstens also mentions maintenance as an advantage. 'There are fewer maintenance points. For example, you don't have oil and similar fluids that need replacing.' Donker Groen carries out some of the necessary maintenance itself. 'Take blade sharpening, for example. We've now purchased a belt grinder for that.'
According to Carstens, the partnership with Helthuis works well. 'The contact is very pleasant. If anything comes up, they're immediately available. The service is exceptionally good.'
Schoonhoven also identifies Helthuis as the company's main point of contact. 'Some branches are further away and could use a local dealer for maintenance if necessary. But Helthuis remains our main point of contact.'

Hugo Later

Electric equipment as part of the strategy

For Donker Groep, the transition to electric equipment is part of a broader sustainability strategy. Hugo Later, Area Manager at Donker Groep, explains: 'We mainly use this machine for our customers with maintenance contracts. This solution is an essential part of our strategy. We want to be a fully circular and carbon-neutral green sector company by 2035. That means we need equipment like this.' According to Later, technological developments have progressed rapidly. 'Our first electric mowers were not yet suitable for practical use. The technology has now developed so far that combustion engines are no longer necessary for many smaller-scale applications.'

The landscaping crew provides the answer

Ultimately, an electric zero-turn mower must not only be sustainable but, above all, perform well in everyday operations. Donker Groep's experience shows that a full professional working day with electric mowing is possible, provided the battery system, scheduling and organisation are properly coordinated.
For green contractors, the key question is therefore not just how long a battery lasts, but how the entire workflow around electric equipment is organised.

This article was previously published on 20 October 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.

AriensCo

Donker Groep

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