In southern Utah, just outside Bryce Canyon National Park, thousands of visitors each year look up at one of the darkest skies in the continental United States, guided by Kevin Poe and his team at Dark Ranger Telescope Tours.
But behind the quiet wonder of stargazing is a business that depends on more than just telescopes. It requires snow removal, road maintenance and heavy equipment. For Poe, that's where the Volvo L25 electric compact wheel loader comes in.
"Reliable stuff is what you want, and you want the very best you can get," Poe said. "And that's why I'm here with this Volvo loader."
An Astronomy Business Rooted in Nature
Poe grew up as the son of a national park ranger, moving through forests, deserts and mountains. This upbringing shaped both his values and his career.
"It's a spectacular way to grow up," he said. "So I wanted that for myself and for my children as well."
By day, Poe works as a ranger at Bryce Canyon, but his true love is astronomy. He created Dark Ranger Telescope Tours to bring that passion to life: combining science, education and entertainment under some of the clearest skies in the country.
"It's nice to be able to work with your family," he said. "They run telescopes, they give presentations … it's kind of like putting everything you love in one place."
The skies of southern Utah offer a powerful contrast to what most people experience at home.
"People come and look up, and they're just like, ‘Why is this not back home?'" Poe said. "Well, it's because of light pollution. It's because of air pollution."
That disconnect inspired Poe to walk the walk and find better ways to operate his business without contributing to the problems he teaches about.
Zero-Emission Solution for Serious Winters
Operating year-round in a remote area means keeping a 1,200-ft. road to the observatory clear, even when snow drifts reach 10 ft. deep. Poe needed a reliable, capable machine that wouldn't expose him to diesel fumes or struggle with cold starts.
"I really wanted something to be able to move snow with in the wintertime and not have to breathe the diesel fumes on my old tractor," said Poe. "These diesel machines just don't love winter."
With the Volvo L25 electric CWL, Poe gets up to five hours of continuous snow clearing and instant torque at the controls, no warm-up required.
"I jump on this rig, the battery is ready to go and I can push snow," he said. "I don't have to light a fire underneath my vehicle — literally — to get it warm enough to start."
But the loader isn't just for snow. Poe also uses it to empty shipping containers and haul equipment without needing to run a generator or deal with indoor diesel emissions.
Partnership Makes It Possible
When Poe decided to replace his old equipment, Arnold Machinery Company stepped in to help.
"Volvo had just introduced the L25 electric into the marketplace," said Jared Johnson of Arnold Machinery, who facilitated the purchase. "We were able to bring one out and let Kevin try it. At that point, he decided that this was the machine for him and his business."
The L25 electric compact wheel loader requires 30 percent less maintenance, no fuel consumption and fewer moving parts, which means lower operating costs over time. For Poe, it also means reliability — a must for a business where timing matters.
"It probably seems like an interesting combination: telescopes and heavy equipment," Poe said. "But the overlap would amaze most people. It's all about downtime."
Demonstrating a Better Way
Poe has spent years with the National Park Service, educating people about climate change. But for him, action speaks louder than words.
"I don't think that's nearly as effective as demonstrating it," he said.
That's why Dark Ranger Telescope Tours runs on solar, electric vehicles and now, Volvo electric equipment.
"Be the change you want to see in the world," Poe said. "Building a better tomorrow with machines that build my business at the same time."
