Carrollton Creates the City’s First All-Electric Mowing Crew

The City of Carrollton has added a new all-electric Plug & Play Parks Crew dedicated to mowing around the City's parks and facilities.

The crew will consist of two equipment operators plus seasonal help traveling in a dedicated design-wrapped electric truck with an enclosed trailer that has a custom-enhanced interior to accommodate two electric mowers and handheld electric equipment. The mowers can be charged at the City's maintenance facility overnight, and the trailer has a built-in system to ensure the equipment can be recharged in the field if needed.

Carrollton Parks Manager Kim Bybee explained, the beauty of an all-electric-equipped mowing crew is the ability for the staff to conduct their operations without the noise, fumes, or the maintenance of gas mowers.

"This is a huge initiative for the City," Bybee said. "The Parks & Recreation Department incorporated autonomous mowers into the athletic field maintenance program in 2023 with increased efficiency and decided to expand on the success with an all-electric mowing crew."

Some of the facilities the crew will maintain throughout the week include:

• City Hall, Municipal Court, and Police Headquarters
• Downtown Carrollton and Pioneer Park
• Oak Creek Tennis Center
• Carrollton Senior Center and the Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake
• Crosby Recreation Center
• Smaller parks, and other City facilities

"By creating Parks' first all-electric Plug & Play Mowing Crew for the City's professional buildings, combined with the six low-noise, emissions-free autonomous mowers the City previously purchased for its expansive athletic field maintenance program, the City can continue to deliver highly professional results with more sustainable equipment, and ensure employees have the resources necessary to do their job smarter and more efficiently," Bybee said.

Carrollton is able to launch these initiatives by replacing old equipment that has been retired based on the City's fleet replacement policy on age, maintenance, and wear and tear. The purchases were approved by City Council and bought with budgeted money from both the Fleet Replacement Fund and the Parks General Operating Budget.

These efforts are yet another step forward in Carrollton's work toward building a more sustainable community focusing on long-term solutions and taking advantage of opportunities for environmental success. Greenspaces improve a sense of community for both residential and business areas as an aesthetic appeal as well as having important ecological functions.

More information can be found in Carrollton's 2025 Sustainability Plan including strategies and actions for maintaining and protecting public open areas, promoting native vegetation, as well as community grants and conservation initiatives.