It is a question as old as time. The electric mower or the gas-powered mower? There are pros and cons to both, however, the answer to which one is better lies with you!
Electric Mower
Pros
- Quiet
- Low maintenance
- Great for small lawns
- Lightweight so anyone can use it
- Easy to start
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Expensive
- Corded Models have limited reach and can cause a tripping hazard
- Electrical problems can occur in wet areas
- Cordless models have a shorter runtime
- Cannot handle tall or thick areas of grass efficiently
Gas Powered Mowers
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive
- No charging means you can take the mower anywhere
- Longer runtime
- Great for any sized lawn
- Great for areas with tall and thick grass types
- Relatively safe
Cons
- Can be very loud
- Requires significant maintenance
- Not as environmentally friendly because of carbon emissions
- Heavier weight
- Can be difficult to start
- Requires a pre-start routine (check oil and gas levels)
Understand your options
These basic pros and cons in conjunction with your lawnmower needs should help you make an educated decision that you will be happy with. However, there are a few more things to consider. Owning an electric mower doesn’t mean that you can simply use it and put it away. You will still need to clean it after each use and pay close attention to the battery.Batteries left unattended will fade quickly. You will want to remember to keep it clean, keep it charged (even during the winter months), and don’t allow it to sit in extreme temperatures for long periods of time. Failure to do these things will leave you with an inoperable mower come the spring. While gas mowers require more overall attention when in use, they are much easier to put away for the winter and forget about.
Next Steps
Considering that a well-maintained mower should last anywhere from 8 to 10 years, it’s important to make sure you are completely comfortable with your decision.
Start by making a list of what your needs are and the kind of yard you have. Is it a small yard that is easy to mow? In that case, an electric mower might just be what you need.
Do you have a large backyard with thick clumps of crabgrass? Maybe you should seriously consider a gas powered mower. What are your physical requirements? Do you need something lightweight and easy to start? Would you prefer something with more power?
All of these questions will help point you in the right direction. Once you’ve gained a solid understanding of your lawn needs you can take a look at the different models in each category and find the mower for you.
The good news is that both gas powered and electric mowers are improving year after year so you are certain to find just the right mower