Industry Forecast: Steady Growth Over Next Four Years

Americans are expected to buy new and improved mowers and outdoor power equipment over the next several years, signaling healthy growth for manufacturers and for the landscape industry in general, a new report says.

US demand for power lawn and garden equipment is projected to rise over 3 percent per year through 2009, reaching $10.7 billion, according to a new study by the Cleveland, Ohio-based marketing research firm The Freedonia Group.

An expansion of the key 55-64 year-old age group will contribute to gains, the report says, as this group typically trades up from older, less expensive equipment to higher-end products, or increasingly engages professional lawn care services. Growth will also result from product innovations and upgrades, driven by consumer demand for equipment with increased horsepower, additional features and lighter weight. The continued popularity of golf will also present opportunities, as a growing number of golf courses compete to have the best playing surfaces.

The residential market dominates power lawn and garden equipment sales, representing approximately two-thirds of the total in 2004. However, advances in the commercial market have outpaced the residential market in recent years, bolstered by the tremendous growth in the sales of zero-turn radius turf mowers. In addition, the continuing rise in the number of professional landscapers (in part a byproduct of an aging population) has boosted commercial demand.

Although gas-powered equipment will remain dominant, electric-powered products are expected to post significantly stronger gains through 2009. Battery-powered equipment will fare particularly well, as improved battery technology is introduced. Cordless products are easy to use and have a better environmental image than competitive products. In addition, they appeal to women, who account for a growing portion of equipment sales and use.

Lawnmowers will continue to be the largest product segment , benefiting from their wide use in both residential and commercial applications. Turf and grounds equipment is expected to post the best gains, because of continuing growth in the professional landscaping services industry and the rising number of golf courses. De spite the improving durability of original equipment, parts and accessories will outpace the industry average due to the rising amount of stock in use.

These and other trends are presented in Power Lawn & Garden Equipment, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc. Information may also be obtained through www.freedoniagroup.com.