The American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) named the Kress Commercial platform of battery-powered landscape maintenance equipment as AGZA Field Tested Certified (AFTC). This includes the full suite of Kress 60-volt handheld equipment and the Kress Commercial CyberSystem, which rapidly charges commercial-grade batteries in eight minutes.
The Kress platform underwent a consistent process of testing with AGZA’s network of commercial operators nationally, including daily use of tools and battery storage/charging in high heat and cold temperatures. Additionally, drop tests on batteries and tools as well as workload use in challenging springtime and fall clean-ups were documented.
After two years of testing Kress 60-volt prosumer and commercial tools, Kress held an industry gathering at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. in October 2022. Industry OPE dealers, distributors and influencers were invited to meet Kress Global CEO Don Gao and his North American team. Todd Zimmerman, Kress vice president of product development, was on hand with Gao to give a presentation about the technology.
“The launch of the Kress brand is a turning point for the commercial OPE industry,” said Zimmerman. “The Kress 8-minute CyberSystem is the first battery platform to match the power of gas without the drawbacks long associated with battery power such as short runtimes and long charge times. Kress has made the move to battery possible for commercial landscapers with this proprietary technology.”
AGZA Founder and President Dan Mabe sat down with Don Gao and his team to reflect on AFTC testing and understand how AGZA and Kress can help the industry through the transition from gas to battery with safe and responsible battery equipment.
“AGZA appreciates the patience and cooperation of the entire Kress team to allow us the time and resources needed to vet the Kress platform with the same process and standard as other AFTC companies have gone through,” said Mabe. “Even though the relationship with Kress began years ago, we feel we are just getting started working together to help the industry explore and implement battery electric operations.”
