Are electric lawn mowers any good?
I have a lawn big enough and I heard electric mowers are easier to use and maintain. Is this true? What are the disadvantages? How many times did they break?
I have a lawn big enough and I heard electric mowers are easier to use and maintain. Is this true? What are the disadvantages? How many times did they break?
March 11th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Electric lawn mowers are OK but I wouldn’t start a lawn care business with one.
March 11th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Sure they’re fine. But they have limited ranges. Not sure if you’re referring to battery-powered or corded, but in either case you really can’t have a very big lawn, not an American-sized lawn anyway.
March 11th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
I have a Qualcast hover mower. It’s brilliant and has never broken down. Hope it doesn’t now I’ve said that.
March 12th, 2010 at 12:03 am
They are fairly reliable. They are easy to maintain if properly designed. They are also a very low power device with limited range. Either the cord is too short or the battery gives out too quickly. Those are the main drawbacks. Internal combustion engine design has really improved….sorta’. There are fewer adjustments. Too many people didn’t know how to properly adjust them. Now they are set very close to correct at the factory. They’ll run even if it’s not perfect. It’s good enough for government requirements. They start pretty easily these days. All you have to do is change the oil, change the air filter, and check the spark plug. Even that can be done by a mechanic.
It’s a matter of preference unless you need the power or range. You could keep extra batteries.
March 12th, 2010 at 12:05 am
They will cut the same as a gas one, as the cutting part is the same. If you have a really big yard, the cord is going to be a pain! You have to make sure not to run over it, need enough length to reach the whole yard. There are rechargeable mowers now, so you plug them in to charge, but no cord. Either electric or battery, they are quieter than gas, and you don’t have to get and store gasoline so a bit safer in that manner.
Electric ones won’t break down as easily as gas, since there is a different type of engine. Just make sure to clean underneath when done so there are no hard grass clumps (unplug it first!) There is no mixing of oil and gas, no spark -plugs that sort of maintenance that can be harder with gas.
If you want a good workout every time, with no motor to worry about, try a push mower… is very quiet, no cords or gas, and cuts really well as there are several blades. Just takes a bit more effort, but I like the sound, peaceful….
March 12th, 2010 at 12:41 am
Which would you rather have… A Dodge Neon or a Porsche Carrera? I rest my case!…
…$Billy Ray$
March 12th, 2010 at 1:04 am
I love them, but be sure to learn how to splice an extension cord because you are sure to accidentally run over it sooner or later. My battery powered owner’s literature says it will cut 1/3 acre per charge but it depends on a number of factors (Type of grass, moisture conditions, etc.). I haven’t gotten more than the front yard yet. Check 24 hrs before you want to cut to make sure it is charged
March 12th, 2010 at 2:01 am
I have a cordless one and like it a lot. It cuts about 100′ x 100′ of lawn on a charge unless it’s too long. If you have a bigger lawn, gas would be the only way to go unless you want the exercise of pushing a reel mower.