Yes, electric lawn mowers have been around for some time, but with the advancements in battery technology, you now have another option.
Use the following to help you decide which type of mower will suit your needs best.
Pros of gas lawn mowers
- ⬥ Great for large lawns due to their horsepower output
- ⬥ Cut through tall and/or hard to cut grass (e.g. fescue)
- ⬥ Offer a wider range of prices than battery-powered mowers
Cons of gas lawn mowers
- ⬥ Uses oil and gas
- ⬥ Heavy
- ⬥ Exhausts carbon monoxide
- ⬥ Make a lot of noise
- ⬥ Require frequent maintenance (oil changes, tune-ups, etc.)
- ⬥ Can be hard to start (it can be hard for some people to use the pull-cord)
Battery-powered mowers
One of the main issues people have had with electric mowers is the need to drag the cord along as they mowed their lawns.
The onset of battery-powered mowers has resolved this issue. Now consumers have another environmentally-friendly choice.
If you’re wondering whether or not a battery mower can stand up to your leaf-covered lawn you might be surprised. Mowers that run on batteries do have the ability to mulch those leaves while cutting the grass.
However, a gas mower would still be the better choice if you need to mow leaves that are ankle-deep or higher. The same is true if you have a lot of rainfall, that has left you with wet leaves and thick grass.
Tip: If you opt for electric it’s smart to invest in a second (or third battery) with another charger to eliminate any down-time when mowing your lawn.
Pros of battery-powered mowers
- ⬥ Lightweight
- ⬥ No cord
- ⬥ Smaller, so easy to store
- ⬥ Environmentally friendly
- ⬥ Little maintenance
Cons of battery-powered mowers
- ⬥ Potential for electric shock if you mow a wet lawn
- ⬥ Cost of additional battery(ies) and/or charger(s)
- ⬥ Can run out of charge before you’re finished
- ⬥ Cutting path is narrow
- ⬥ Grass catcher fills up fast
As a general guideline, if you need to mow over ⅓ of an acre or your grass is tall a gas mower is the better option.
Bottom line, battery-powered mowers are a good choice if you have a smaller lawn that you routinely mow, and can pay a bit more.
What to look for in a battery-powered mower
If you’ve decided to buy a battery-powered mower choose the following guidelines:
- ⬥ Cutting width
- ⬥ Run time of the battery
- ⬥ Recharge time of the battery
- ⬥ Ease in finding accessories
