Some growth predicted for turf care equipment market

Demand for power lawn and garden equipment in the U.S. is expected to grow 4 percent a year through 2017, says a recent market study from the Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry market research firm.

A rebound in housing sales and completions will result in higher revenues for landscape equipment manufacturers and help drive the increase in commercial sales of power equipment, the Freedonia study reports. Sales to golf courses and government purchasers will also bounce back from declines posted over the 2007-2012 period, but at a slower rate than the overall landscaping market.
 
Growing consumer confidence and technological advancements in equipment are also expected to drive an increase in power equipment sales. Both consumers and lawn care professionals will desire the latest robotic lawn mowers and battery-powered equipment options, predict Freedonia analysts.

The government and other market for power lawn and garden equipment is mainly comprised of federal, state and local agencies responsible for maintaining public green spaces, which include parks, athletic facilities, school grounds, roadside property, and other public areas. Also included are operators of private sports facilities such as football and soccer stadiums (excluding golf courses).

Power lawn and garden equipment demand in the government and other market is projected to rise 2.2 percent per year to $518 million in 2017. The value of equipment demand in 2012 in the government and other market was an estimated $465 million. While this turnaround is significant following past sluggishness, it is not as strong as expected sales gains for the commercial market as a whole.

“Since government agencies delayed purchases of large, higher value equipment like wide-area mowers and boom mowers during the last recession, state and local governments are expected to invest in replacement units going forward as the economy continues to improve and tax receipts climb,” predict Freedonia analysts.

The 330-page Freedonia power lawn and garden equipment study, number 3008, can be purchased as a complete report or in sections. Go here for more information.  

Attention, manufacturers of grounds equipment and supplies and related products, as well as their public relations and advertising agencies: GPN’s November issue will have a complete product section on grounds maintenance equipment and turf care. Please send product news releases for possible use in the GPN November grounds maintenance section to [email protected].