The Zenith E, a zero-turn riding mower with all-electric drive

Since 1958, Helthuis Garden and Park Machinery BV has been your source for the most advanced range of garden and park maintenance machinery in the Netherlands. It is the exclusive importer of quality brands. These include the American manufacturer of zero-turn riding mowers Ariens. Ariens recently introduced the Zenith E, the first professional electric zero-turn riding mower with battery quick-change system. A powerful, robust, environmentally friendly, quiet and economical machine.  

Mowing 24/7

The Zenith E zero-turn riding mower is powered by an interchangeable lithium-ion battery, called the FusionCore. The special feature of this quick-change system is that it is perfectly possible to take one, two or even four interchangeable battery packs on board. "The reason why I bought a hybrid car a few years ago was that I often travel abroad and wanted to get to my destination as quickly as possible. With a hybrid, I just fill up the tank, order a coffee - and possibly a sandwich - and drive on. If I could remove the battery and put in a new one, I would buy an electric car. Well, that's exactly what you can do with the Zenith E. And it's a huge time saver," says Peter Helthuis. For the professional garden contractor, it has the huge advantage of allowing him to mow for a whole day without interruption, and also to continue working from one job site to another without waiting, simply by replacing the dead batteries with fully operational ones, thanks to the Quick Swap system.

This allows for 24/7 mowing. Load, change, click and go!

A professional and comfortable mower

The Zenith E's patented electric drive system gives the same feel as its professional gasoline or diesel counterpart. This zero-turn riding mower is designed to deliver power equivalent to fuel-powered models in the most demanding applications. The brushless electric drive motor is coupled to a double reduction planetary gearbox. In addition, the failsafe system ensures that the machine automatically brakes if the operator is not present or a system fault occurs. 

Safe and strong

The revolutionary spindles are designed to absorb heavy shocks. The "blade slip" feature prevents damage to the drive motor by limiting the force transmitted to the motor (e.g., if the blade strikes an object). And at 56V, the heavy-duty mower motors are unique in their class. 

Suitable for the toughest jobs  

The extra-deep, welded hard steel cutting deck, with a cutting width of 152 centimeters, ensures fast cutting and discharge of grass even in difficult conditions. The depth of 14 centimeters, unique in this class, offers more than enough capacity, unlike competitors' lowered models. The cutting height can be adjusted in 15 positions, while the maximum travel speed is 18 km/h (forward) and 9 km/h (reverse). Add to this the advantage of the zero-tur, and it is easy to see why the garden contractor's work with the Zenith E goes twice as fast as with a more conventional version. And no emissions.

Ecological and economic

It's clear. The demand for sustainable products and services is increasing. Economy of use and environmental labels are increasingly considered decisive criteria when hiring equipment or using subcontractors. In city centers, near hospitals or in places where noise pollution must be kept to a minimum, it goes without saying that the use of significantly quieter electrical machinery is a major advantage. The absence of toxic emissions is appreciated and, in addition, the significant reduction in the number of "consumable parts" (air filter, oil filter, etc.) considerably simplifies maintenance and leads to additional cost savings, on top of the price advantage of recharging via the electrical grid in the face of the constant increase in fuel prices.

Future development

With its long experience in riding mowers, Ariens, which is even more committed to reducing its impact on the climate, does not intend to stop there and from next year will expand the range so that not two, but six models of zero-turn electric riding mowers can then be offered. The company is still committed to the quality and robustness that has typified the manufacturer's DNA since its inception. "All things considered, we can ask ourselves today, with the rise in energy prices, whether gasoline or diesel versions will still be relevant in the future. A simple comparison of operating costs speaks for itself," concludes Peter Helthuis.