Electric lawn mowers are becoming increasingly popular. They are eco-friendly, the technology has improved and there are some great options on the market. Is an electric lawn mower for you? Let’s have a look at their features.
Introduction
Keeping your lawn in good shape can be quite a task and if you are not using the right tools, it can be even harder. Electric lawn mowers are becoming increasingly popular – let’s look at their features.
In recent times, there has been a lot of talk about the environment and how we can reduce our environmental impact. Electric lawn mowers are becoming more and more popular because they do not release any emissions into the atmosphere.
A lot of people are using electric lawn mowers instead of gas-powered ones because they are eco-friendly and work effectively.
What is an Electric Lawn Mower?
An electric lawn mower is a mower that uses electricity as its source of power, for a spinning blade that cuts grass, as opposed to gasoline or diesel. They have been around for quite some years but recently became a popular choice due to advances in technology and the availability of several affordable models.
How long does the battery last on an electric lawn mower?
The battery is a lithium-ion type that will last for 10 – 12 years if you take care of it and gives you approximately an hour of cutting time on a single charge which is more than enough for most people.
However, this depends on the brand and model, the size of your lawn, as well as how thick and high the grass is. Considering a large lawn, it is recommended that you get a backup battery so that you can finish mowing your lawn without any issues.
Do electric lawn mowers last longer?
Yes, they definitely do! It’s a common misconception that electric lawn mowers are not as durable as gas-powered ones, however, this is not the case. Electric lawn mowers are built to last longer than gas-powered mowers if properly maintained.
With no engine to tune-up, oil changes required and no spark plugs to replace, electric mowers are much simpler to keep in good working order. As long as you keep the blades sharp and clean, your electric mower will provide years of trouble-free service.
Do electric mowers need to be self-propelled?
No, electric mowers do not need to be self-propelled. While some people may prefer a self-propelled mower for ease of use, they are not necessary. Electric mowers can be just as effective without this feature. It all depends on personal preference; some people find that self-propelled electric mowers make lawn care easier, while others prefer to be more in control. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether a self-propelled electric mower is appropriate for you or not.
Although self-propelled lawn mowers aren’t necessarily the best option for everyone, they do have some benefits;
More Powerful: self-propelled lawn mowers tend to be larger than basic ones and include motors that are more powerful than those found on regular electric ones (think 4kW or higher).
This means they can cut through thicker grasses or taller weeds without difficulty when compared with regular electric ones which perform better on shorter grasses and other low growth plants like flowers and shrubs rather than tougher weeds like dandelions or thistles found in yards.
Easier to use: All you have is one lever instead of two – one controls forward/reverse while the other controls forward speed control – less effort is needed.
How powerful are electric lawn mowers?
An electric mower will have a powerful engine that can reach up to 3 horsepower. The cutting power is also impressive with some models able to cut up to 40 – 60 minutes on a single charge. This gives you plenty of time to finish the job without having to worry about running out of power.
The voltage is measured in volts and you’ll typically see electric mowers with a voltage between 18 – 120. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the mower will be.
The amperage is important too and is usually between 3 and 5 for most electric mowers. The newer models with brushless motors are even more powerful and can reach up to 7 – 10 amps. This number tells you how much current the motor can draw, and is a good indicator of how powerful the mower is.
Here is a quick overview of motor voltage and coverage – for the most trending electric mowers in the market today:
Push mowers with 18V to 80V cover ¼ acre to 2 acres, self-propelled and riding mowers with 40V to 120V cover ¼ acre to 3 acres, and robot mowers with 18V to 40V cover ¼ acre to 1 acre.
When it comes to choosing an electric lawn mower, one might be easily misled by the advertising. Usually, companies advertise things such as how high or low the voltage is of both the battery and motor. However, what they don’t make clear enough is that the voltage itself isn’t really the most important factor in determining performance. It’s the motor power (determined in wattage) that you should be most concerned with.
A large battery might have a high voltage, but if the wattage of the motor is low, then it’s not going to be able to provide enough power to actually mow your lawn effectively. For example, a 5-amp mower with a 60V battery (300W) is less powerful than a 7-amp mower with a 50V battery (350W).
Some models also come with a self-propulsion feature which makes it easier to push around, even if the terrain is hilly or uneven. This can be a big help if you have a lot of ground to cover.
How much electricity does an electric lawn mower use?
Depending on the make, model, and type, an electric lawn mower on average takes between 640 – 1800 watts/hour.
Corded models (which need to be plugged into an outlet while you’re using them) weigh less and are cheaper but you have to deal with a power cable that can be difficult to maneuver for mid-sized or large yards. On the other hand, cordless models (run on battery power) are more expensive but offer the freedom of movement that corded models lack.
A cordless model would work fine for most people based on the average size of a yard in the USA which is about 1/4 an acre. However, considering the small lawns that exist in some cities and other parts of the world – a corded model would probably work better.
“An electric mower typically costs between 20 cents and 60 cents per hour to run, depending on the wattage of the mower and how much you pay for electricity.”
CAnstarblue.com.au
Are electric lawn mowers quiet?
Generally speaking, electric lawn mowers are not as noisy as gas-powered ones and often come with noise-reducing features such as mufflers and sound-dampening materials but they are not completely quiet. It is expected you will hear a low humming noise when using an electric lawn mower. However, it won’t disturb your neighbors or disrupt your quiet afternoon in the yard.
What should I look for when buying an electric lawn mower?
Electric lawn mowers are available in different models, sizes, and prices. So, it can be a little difficult to decide which one is best suited for your needs. To help narrow down your choices, consider the following factors:
The size of your lawn – it is essential to take this into account at first. Typically, electric lawn mowers are designed for small to medium-sized yards.
Multiple speed settings – multiple speed settings are ideal because it allows you to adjust the speed according to the length of the grass.
Detachable grass catcher – A detachable grass catcher is a useful feature because it makes it easy to empty the grass clippings without having to stop and turn off the mower.
Durable design – A durable design is important because it ensures that your mower will last for many years.
Ease of use – It should be easy to operate; must have intuitive controls and a comfortable grip.
Battery life – this is probably the top criterion for any consumer but can be difficult to gauge before you purchase a product; make sure that the battery lasts long enough to use on your entire property.
Size & Weight – Electric mowers tend to be smaller than gas-powered ones which means they’ll fit better into tight corners as well as under decks or stairs where regular sized gasoline powered units may not fit. They also weigh less which makes them easier on our backs while pushing around.
Are electric mowers worth the money?
The short answer is yes, electric lawn mowers are definitely worth the money. Not only will you save money on gas and oil costs, but you’ll also be doing your part to help the environment by using it. Specialized batteries or other power sources instead of traditional fuel make these types of mowers much more efficient and friendlier for the environment. And, with new technology, they are becoming more advanced each year.
Pros of electric lawn mowers
● No fuel to buy
● No air pollution
● Quieter
● Easy to use, easy to maintain, easy to store, transport, and clean too.
Cons of electric lawn mowers
● Replacement parts are sometimes expensive.
● May be less powerful
● Battery life is limited – may need to have 2 mower batteries on hand
“One of the obvious benefits of switching to an electric mower is that these models don’t need gas and oil. By cutting down on fossil fuels, you can reduce pollution and the number of toxins released into the air.”
chicagocleancities.org
Where can I buy an electric lawn mower?
You can check out your local hardware store, such as Bunnings or Mitre 10, or some can even be found on Amazon.
Conclusion
Of course, a battery powered lawn mower, or electric mower is a great choice for those who want to reduce their contribution to air pollution. On top of that, they are easy to use, low-maintenance and can save you money in the long run. As long as you don’t mind the higher initial price tag and the need to occasionally recharge the batteries, an electric lawn mower is definitely worth considering for your next purchase. It will also help to contribute to a more sustainable future.
