The Ranch adds robotic mowers, e-bikes and electric shuttle in climate plan update

The Ranch is expanding its shift to electric equipment and on-campus transportation, with three robotic mowers already in use, a fourth on the way, six e-bikes and two trikes for staff, electric golf carts, and a new 24-passenger electric shuttle for fair operations. The update came Monday during Larimer County’s ICARE plan work session, where Ranch staff described some of the most visible changes underway on the campus.

Chris, speaking for The Ranch, said the three robotic mowers are already handling the new event lawn and operate at night so they do not interrupt events. The machines cut a little each day and mulch clippings back into the turf, eliminating the need to haul grass away. Another robotic mower is coming for the event lawn and amphitheater, he said.

Chris said grants cut the cost of the robotic mowers to about $7,000 each, compared with roughly $30,000 for a mower at normal cost. He added that The Ranch is also moving its other grounds equipment toward battery power over time, including mowers, blowers and weed whackers. Chair Jody Shadduck-McNally said she had recently seen one of the robotic mowers in action.

On transportation, Chris said The Ranch determined that many trips across the campus do not require full-sized vehicles. Staff now use six e-bikes and two trikes to move around the grounds, including during large events, and the campus has replaced gas-powered golf carts with electric ones as new vehicles are added.

The newest additions are a 24-passenger electric shuttle, which Chris said will be used during the fair, and a five-passenger ADA cart that can load a wheelchair. He said the larger shuttle will stay within the horseshoe of the event lawn rather than going into parking lots, while smaller carts will serve other routes.

Commissioners pressed staff on safety and operations as the fleet grows. Shadduck-McNally asked about helmet use, designated routes and crowding during major events. Chris said helmets are provided for e-bike riders, though many staff are not using them now. He also said shuttle and cart drivers must go through training before the fair, with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office teaching the safety class and route procedures.