Don’t be alarmed if you hear that the Ashburton Domain has gators.

They’re electric gators, which are motorised two-seater all-terrain vehicles that will be used instead of hand carts and wheelbarrows for some jobs around the domain.

Council Community Services Group Manager Steve Fabish said the gators were ordered nine months ago but only recently arrived at the Open Spaces yard in the domain, where staff were shown how they work and how to charge them overnight.

“They will help our domain staff work more efficiently by carrying all sorts of loads quickly to their destination, whether it is bedding plants to flower beds or weeds to the compost pile.

“These are great little workhorses that we expect to last 10 years or more. They are also part of a growing range of electric tools and equipment that we believe are more environmentally friendly.”

The two new John Deere electric gators have a tipping deck, seats for two people, seat belts and blinkers. They are registered for use on the road and will eventually be seen in the CBD when Council staff are working on gardens in the retail centre.

“People will also see them on Baring Square East or Baring Square West reserve areas and in the West Street carparks. There is plenty of scope for their use.”