Turf Wars: Todd Zimmerman on the Rise of Robotics and the Fall of Gas

This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White sits down with Todd Zimmerman, Head of Sales and Product Development at Kress Outdoor Power Equipment, to talk about how one company is reshaping the future of landscaping through battery innovation, robotics, and a relentless focus on contractor feedback. Todd brings nearly 30 years of experience in power tools, robotics, and commercial landscaping solutions. At Kress, he has led a product development journey that started more than a decade ago and has resulted in some of the most advanced battery and robotic equipment in the industry. In this episode, Todd shares: • How Kress’s CyberPack batteries charge in under 12 minutes and last over 3,000 cycles • Why durability testing to gas equipment standards sets Kress apart from other cordless brands • How Kress is launching the first fully autonomous commercial robotic mower in the United States • What contractors are doing to cut costs, reduce labor, and increase efficiency with Kress equipment • Why early adopters will have a major edge as electric equipment becomes the new standard Todd also explains how Kress involves crews in the change process, supports contractors with charging infrastructure, and helps owners track performance data to drive smarter decisions. Whether you are exploring battery powered tools or preparing for the rise of robotic mowing, this episode gives you a front row seat to the next generation of landscape innovation.