So you’re in the market for a lawn mower. You might be a first-time homeowner, facing the new challenges of maintaining a beautiful lawn. Or your tried-and-true mower finally kicked the bucket, and it’s time for an upgrade.
Your two main choices: electric vs. gas lawnmowers. But what kind of mower is going to be right for your needs?
With all the models and options available today, there are a number of factors to consider. Let’s break it down.
Electric vs. Gas Lawn Mower
When comparing electric and gas mowers, you have three types of mowers to choose from:
- Corded electric mowers
- Battery-powered electric mowers
- Gas-powered mowers
Each has its pros and cons, and what will be right for you will depend on your specific budget and lawn-care needs. Let’s look at what factors you’ll want to keep in mind.
Power
The quality of electric lawn care tools has undeniably improved in recent decades. But electric mowers have not quite caught up to gas lawn mowers in terms of power.
Horsepower varies between gas lawn mowers, averaging about 18HP with some ride-on models up in the 30HP range. This kind of power will get through thick, overgrown grass, or areas loaded with sticks and light debris with relative ease.
Compare that with electric mowers, which on average have less than half the power of the weakest gas alternatives.
If you’re regularly cutting a well-maintained lawn over easy terrain, you won’t notice much of a difference. Either type of electric model may be plenty for your needs.
But what if you have an area that’s very overgrown with heavy debris? That may take more than a regular gas mower can handle. Or maybe you just don’t have the time to maintain your lawn to look the way you want. Consider looking into lawn care services and let the professionals take care of the work for you.
Run Time and Cost
How big is your lawn? Anything more than 1/4 of an acre, and you’re not going to be able to mow it on a single charge with a battery-powered mower. Having a second battery will double that time, but will also cost anywhere from $200-$400 depending on the model. And remember you’ll need to replace those batteries in 2-3 years.
Gas mowers will have the longest runtime, so long as you keep them full of gas. They’re also the most expensive to run, especially when gas prices surge.
A corded electric model will run indefinitely so long as it’s plugged into power. This is your cheapest and longest-running option. But you will need to be mindful of the cord. It may not be practical to drag it along a larger lawn and can be dangerous if you run it over and expose live wires.
Environmental Impact
Gas mowers are arguably the least environmentally friendly as they burn fossil fuels.
But in recent years, the negative impacts of lithium batteries have become more apparent. So that battery-powered model may not be as friendly to the environment as you think.
Corded electric mowers are the most eco-friendly option. But make sure to invest in a higher-end model. Many corded models are seen as “disposable” and tossed after a couple of years when they wear down. Not a win for the planet.
What Mower Is Right for You?
So we’ve covered the basics when considering an electric vs gas lawn mower. If you’ve got a type in mind, now it’s time to do some research on which model is right for you. If you want to buy a lawn mover you can visit this no credit check lawn mower financing in Abunda.
Ready to go electric? Check out this electric lawn mower guide to find the best electric lawn mower for your needs.
Thinking gas is more your speed? There are hundreds of options to choose from, which may seem more like a curse than a blessing. There are dozens of reviews for the best gas lawn mower to help you narrow down your options.
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