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First Look: Hydro-Gear Smartec Hybrid ZT — EV Quiet, Gas Power!

📅 October 29, 2025 ⏱️ 23:08 🎤 Mike McCoy, Scott Wilmouth

Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Introducing Smartec Hybrid
    Mike and Scott from Hydro-Gear introduce their new Smartec Hybrid ZT mower at Equip Expo.
  • 0:00
    Hybrid System History
    Hydro-Gear details their journey into electric products since 2008 and the re-emergence of their hybrid concept after an initial rejection in 2018.
  • 0:01
    Three Operating Modes
    The Smartec Hybrid offers EV, hybrid, and power modes, allowing operators to choose between electric, combined, or maximum power operation.
  • 0:03
    Hybrid Power Explained
    The system features an electric drive with a single battery and a 22 horsepower engine, capable of delivering up to 76 peak horsepower for superior cutting.
  • 0:04
    Fuel Efficiency & Emissions
    Hydro-Gear explains how the hybrid system cuts fuel use and emissions by 53% by cycling between EV and engine power, extending maintenance intervals.
  • 0:07
    All-Day Runtime
    The Smartec Hybrid boasts over 8 hours of deck-on runtime, with field tests showing a day and a half on a single tank, eliminating range anxiety.
  • 0:10
    Automatic Mode Switching
    The system automatically switches between EV and engine modes with no operator input, seamlessly charging the battery while the engine runs.
  • 0:13
    Advanced Smart Display
    A high-visibility color touchscreen allows for mode changes, health monitoring, performance tracking, and troubleshooting, including engine run time versus cutting time.
  • 0:15
    Targeting Commercial Cutters
    The hybrid system is aimed at commercial landscapers who prioritize power, reduced fuel costs, and the option for quiet electric operation without the full cost of EV.
  • 0:20
    Cost & Availability
    The Smartec Hybrid ZT is estimated to cost around $23,000, making it more affordable than full EV machines, with production planned for fall next year through select OEMs.

Speakers

M
Mike McCoy
Vice President at Hydrogear
S
Scott Wilmouth
Marketing Manager at Hydrogeear

Key Takeaways

✦

Consider the Hydro-Gear Smartec Hybrid ZT for its ability to cut fuel use and emissions by 53%, significantly reducing operational costs.

✦

Leverage the hybrid's three operating modes (EV, hybrid, power) to optimize for job requirements, offering quiet operation near noise-sensitive areas and maximum power for challenging conditions.

✦

Benefit from extended engine life and maintenance intervals due to the engine running approximately half the time compared to traditional gas mowers.

✦

Utilize the advanced Smart Tech display and mobile apps for self-diagnosis and troubleshooting, reducing reliance on dealer visits and improving uptime.

✦

Recognize the potential for all-day mowing without needing to plug in for charging, as the system charges its own battery during gas operation, offering flexibility for varied job sites.

✦

Factor in the lower initial purchase price compared to full electric machines, making it a financially viable option for transitioning to more sustainable equipment.

✦

Take advantage of the system's electric drive for autonomous and remote-control operations, potentially increasing productivity and reducing labor costs.

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