I don't think it's particularly controversial to assert that one of the major topics of discussion over recent years is the impact which battery powered machinery is having on the industry - and indeed how the proliferation of the equipment will change the face of the sector in the coming years.

Advancements in technology and personal choice amongst consumers have arguably led the way, thus far, in the success which the equipment has been finding in sales, but perhaps in the future it might well be legislation which increasingly dictates how traditional petrol machines fare against cordless.

There are obviously ever more stringent regulations regarding the engine emission levels which petrol machines must adhere to, but what caught my eye in the news coming out of North America this week, was that it could well be noise levels which begin to really hit petrol machines. I've seen several reports online coming out of news sources in both the United States and Canada, that say authorities at local levels are taking steps to ban the sale and use of petrol powered leaf blowers - specifically due to the concerns over noise.

One example is Washington D.C where according to a report from local ABC News channel WJLA, a council meeting was held this week, attended by members of the public, where a bill was debated which would "prohibit the sale and use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in the District beginning in 2022." This ban would effectively force residents and businesses to change to using battery-powered leaf blowers. If this law came into effect, it would see those who break it fined up to $500.

And it's quite simple to search online and find more stories like this coming out of other cities in both the US and Canada. It's clearly a genuine concern to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute in the states. So much so that they have unveiled a new leaf blower 'toolkit' to help landscapers and dealers contend with leaf blower restrictions. The toolkit offers advice as to how concerned stakeholders can "learn more about how they can promote and follow safe and courteous use of this vital equipment".

Part of the toolkit is a series of videos. See below as an example:

At the moment it does appear that it's specifically leaf blowers which are being singled out - but it must be a fair assumption that other groundscare tools, powered by petrol, which make a loud noise, are also potential legislation targets? And whilst of course these specific examples mentioned here are coming out of North America, it's undeniably a worldwide trend that outdoor powered machinery is expected to become more environmentally conscious.

Does this mean petrol machines are fighting a losing battle? Will there come a time when the vast majority of floorspace in dealerships in the UK is taken up with battery powered machinery? Will petrol-engined machines become demonised and regulated out of existence?

I suppose the answer you get to those questions, depends on which manufacturer you ask. Companies who produce both petrol and battery tools will tell you there will always be a place for both. Specialist cordless manufacturers will I suspect will have a very different opinion.

What do dealers think though? What are your customers telling you they want? Let us know in the comments below.