What Are The Pros and Cons of An Electric Lawn Mower?
Electric models are quieter, cleaner and greener than gas-powered lawn mowers, but some drawbacks exist.
For a long time, lawnmowers were emitting emissions and gas-guzzling machines, which were challenging to start and sufficient to wake the neighbors. But a new generation of electric models is transforming the landscape care game.
While gas-powered models remain the dominant choice in big-box stores’ aisles, many low-cost electric mowers are now an appealing alternative, regardless of whether you’re seeking efficiency, ease of use or environmental sustainability.
If you’re looking for a new mower, there are more options than ever before – and the Best electronic mowers can now compete with gas-powered counterparts. We’ll review the advantages and disadvantages of gas and electric mowers to guide your purchase decision.
The Pros of Electric Lawn Mowers
Electric Lawn mowers are quieter
Lawnmowers can be loud. The standard mowers powered by gas typically run with 95 decibels, similar to the sound made by a motorbike’s engine; electric mowers can reach about 75 decibels on average,
which is closer to the noise of the sound of a washing machine. If your home is in a community electric mower is a less disruptive alternative.
Easier to maneuver and less maintenance
A gas-powered mower needs regular maintenance, including eventually replacing the spark plug, oil filter, and air filter.
Electric mowers have less regular maintenance, which can improve your savings in the long haul. So, an electric mower is more affordable than its gas-powered counterparts.
Most electric mowers are quite light, making them much easier to maneuver over your lawn and around narrow corners.
Better for the environment
The engines that run on gasoline produce a shocking quantity of carbon dioxide and an array of harmful pollutants.
As per the California Air Resources Board, mowing a lawn produces the same amount of pollution as taking a vehicle over three hundred miles.
Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency says that gas lawnmowers are responsible for the bulk of non-road-related pollution to the air produced across the country.
Electric lawnmowers are a more efficient, cleaner, and energy-efficient option. They are also more energy efficient.
Electric Power Research Institute notes that if we replace 50% of gas-powered lawn mower models, we will cut the exact amount of carbon dioxide by taking 2 million vehicles off the roads.
This is a crucial aspect to think about when buying an all-new mower.
They can be less expensive
If you’re shopping for a new mower, a basic electric mower will be cheaper than a standard gas mower.
Electric models start at as little as $100, which is the cost for that Sun Joe hover model tested with CNET experts. However, it’s not one of the lowest-priced models.
The majority of push-from-behind electric models range from $250 to $550. Gas-powered mowers’ prices can be as low as $200 to $250.
However, the most well-known lawn mower brands offer basic models powered by gas which fall within the $400-$1,00 price range. Certain riding lawnmowers powered by gas may even cost up to $2,000.
The Cons of Electric Lawn Mowers
Shorter run times
When you begin mowing, you’ll want to complete the task in one go -however, that may not be feasible using an electric lawnmower, particularly in the case of a large piece of land.
Electric mowers run between 45 and 60 hours per hour, and that could be sufficient to take care of about half a one-acre lawn.
Certain electric mowers, such as the corded Sun Joe “hover” model, can provide unlimited mowing time as long you have a reliable power supply or an extension cord. Most electric mowers use batteries but allow run times between 20 and 45 minutes.
If you take longer to trim your lawn, it’s likely to be an issue, at least when you recharge. You could keep a second battery in your garage. However, it will require the purchase of a second battery.
Electric lawn mowers aren’t as powerful
The power of the lawnmowers is determined by the torque rating, which measures the force that drives the blade’s movement.
The greater the torque rating, the stronger the chopping action — and the lower the chance that the mower will get stuck or caught in grass clumps or any other obstruction.
The typical electric lawn mower is two to 2.5 pounds of torque. The average for a gasoline-powered lawn mower ranges between 4.5 and 8.75 pounds, around three times the power.
That means that a mower powered by gas will be able to deal with rugged terrain, such as steep slopes, dips, and slopes in your backyard.
Also, homeowners with more extensive lawns or yards with steep slopes might require more powerful equipment, such as lawnmowers.
Final thoughts
Overall the lawn mower market continues to grow, offering various options. For those with bigger yards, gas-powered mowers might be the ideal choice as they provide the endurance and strength to take on more extensive lawns easily if you’re happy with the environmental impact that gas mowers create.
If you want to keep an average-sized yard, decrease your home’s carbon footprint (and even save some cash) by doing so and saving money, an electric mower may be the ideal choice. Whatever option you choose, it will aid in maintaining a beautiful lawn that improves the aesthetics and value of your property.
FAQs
What are the environmental benefits of using an electric lawn mower?
Electric lawn mowers don’t produce emissions, so they are a more environmentally friendly choice than gas.
What are the safety precautions I should take when using an electric lawn mower?
When using an electric lawn mower, it is necessary to take the following safety precautions:
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid mowing over obstacles.
- Never use the mower if the cord is damaged.
- Always wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
- Keep children and pets away from the mower.
- Turn off the mower and disconnect the cord before making any adjustments.
How long does an electric lawn mower last?
The lifespan of an electric lawn mower depends on several factors, such as the quality of the mower, the frequency of use, and the care it receives. However, most electric lawnmowers can last several years with proper care.
How do I maintain an electric lawn mower?
Maintenance requirements for the electric mower are straightforward. It is recommended to check your blade’s condition for wear and adjust it as required. Also, it would help if you washed the mower following each use to eliminate any debris or dirt.
Where can I buy an electric lawn mower?
There are electric lawnmowers from most retail stores for home improvements, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware. They can also be purchased through online retailers like Amazon or Walmart.
How much does an electric lawn mower cost?
The price of an electric lawn mower ranges from around $100 to $1,000.
What size electric lawn mower do I need?
The size of the lawn mower you will need is based on the dimensions of your lawn. One of the 14-inch or 16-inch mowers is sufficient if you have a small yard. An 18-inch or 17-inch mower is an ideal choice for a medium-sized yard. If you have a large yard it is recommended to use a 20-inch or 21-inch mower is required.
What is the difference between a corded and battery-powered electric lawn mower?
The power source is the major distinction between a corded and batteries-powered lawn mower. Electric lawn mowers that are corded are powered by an electric cord. However, battery-powered electric lawn mowers run on rechargeable batteries.
Electric lawnmowers with cords are generally less expensive than battery-powered ones; however, they are less flexible in their reach. Battery-powered lawnmowers cost more, but they allow for greater freedom of movement.