There’s nothing as challenging as being torn between making two very close decisions, and this also goes for the electric lawn mower versus gas powered lawn mower argument. We always want to get the best option to resolve the issues we have. Well, they both perform the same task of trimming your lawn and making it beautiful, but how they do it might matter to you. So in this exciting new post, we will be drawing a fine line between gas powered lawn mowers and the electric type. The idea is to help you make an informed decision.
The main difference between an electric lawn mower and its gas counterpart is that while the electric lawn mowers are lightweight, easy to start and have very low cost of maintenance, the average gas powered lawn mower is powerful, durable and has longer run time. I know with this little information you are already making up your mind on the one to purchase, maybe depending on the size of your lawn or just a matter of convenience. But whichever it is, that comparison was quick. There are still more factors to consider. So stay tuned and we will get you all served up.
Before we proceed, we want to make a quick clarification. We all know that gas powered mowers need gas as its primary working fluid, but electric lawn mowers in this context can still be categorized into two, mainly:
- Battery powered electric lawn mowers that can work when there is charge in the battery, or;
- A corded electric lawn mower that needs to be connected to a power source for it to work.
Next up are the factors to consider which will also help you choose what’s best for your yard.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
Both gas powered and electric (corded and battery powered) lawn mowers have their advantages and disadvantages one to another. But before we delve into that, let us quickly look at the factors to consider before buying one.
Lawnmower runtime
If the first thing you have to factor in is how long the mower can run uninterrupted because of your yard size, then you have no business with a battery powered lawn mower.
Upon full battery charge, the highest run time you are likely to get is 2 hours. This might not do you much good. The best option will be a corded electric mower because once it is plugged to a power source, your mower just keeps working. Between this, you can now get a gas powered mower.
Power factor
This point is very important especially if you might be encountering uneven surfaces, tough grasses and the likes very often. To measure the power of a gas mower, torque is used (though cubic centimeter and horsepower are occasionally used).
Torque generally refers to the force that is required to set a body in motion. However, electric lawn mowers have their own standards for power measurement. But experts who have done the conversions state that electric lawn mowers have just one third power of gas mowers. Most gas powered mowers have an average torque measurement of 4.5ft-lbs to 9ft-lbs.
Environmental impact
It is true that gas powered mowers produce lots of emission that degrade the environment, but it will surprise you to note that the lithium-ion batteries being used for battery powered lawn mowers needs to be recycled properly to avoid environmental degradation due to lithium mining. So you just have to choose out of the lesser evils – well your guess is as good as mine!
Pricing
We have to be very careful at this point because quality comes at a price, so we will be making comparisons on an average basis. A top rated battery powered lawn mower should cost as much as a mid-rated gas powered lawn mower.
The cheapest to get is a corded mower, because it does not need battery or fuel to work – just a source of electricity, cheap body parts and we are good to go.
Maintenance
As we all know, gas powered mowers will cost more to maintain after initial purchase. This is because working fluids are exhaustible and there are many mechanical parts that will need servicing. Electrical mowers have the edge here.
Mode of operation
All types of lawn mowers have their technicalities, and this goes for electric and gas powered lawn mowers too. The factors that govern the operation of a lawn mower on your lawn are the weight, maneuverability of the mower and how easy it is to use.
If you have children in the house, they might not be strong enough to push a heavy mower around. Patience will also be required if you have to use a battery powered mower.
You will also have to be careful enough to not trip on the cord of an electric mower. All of these factors will determine what you should look out for from your lawn mower, and how fast you can adapt to it.
PROS AND CONS OF ELECTRIC AND GAS POWERED LAWN MOWER
The next thing we want to do is take an in-depth analysis of the advantages and disadvantages you are likely to encounter if you get any of the above mentioned lawnmowers.
Corded electric lawn mowers – pros
Runtime
So far as there is a constant supply of electricity in the area the mower has to cover, there is no limit to how much you can mow. We cannot say the same thing about battery powered and gas powered.
Maintenance
There is actually very little you can do here as regards maintenance. However, you must make sure it is always clean and tidy. Also, endeavor to sharpen the blades from time to time.
Weight
By now we must have established the fact that corded electric mowers are one of the lightest weight to push around, especially if you have to compare to gas powered mowers.
Corded electric lawn mowers – cons
The cord itself
Well, to be honest, the cord of the lawn mower can be the problem you can start having. In that it needs to be connected to electricity every single time you have to mow your lawn. If you have trees and the likes, they could serve as obstacle mowing around them.
Also, if the cord gets snapped, there is this danger of having frayed and exposed wires lying around. That’s a hazard!
Weather conditions
It is never advisable to mow your lawn when it is wet, or when the weather is rainy, with a corded lawn mower. This is because electricity and water are not friends. So let’s be guided!
Battery powered electric lawn mowers – pros
Maintenance
As compared to the gas type of lawn mowers, battery powered are still easier and cheaper to maintain. All you need do is keep the battery charged and the blades very sharp. Click Here To Learn How To Maintain Your Lawn.
No working fluid
There’s no need to buy or change gas or engine oil. Once the battery is charged you are good to go. So gone are the days when you need to make frequent stops at the gas station.
Maneuverability
We know that corded mowers are the lightest, closely followed by the battery powered type. This makes it easy to push them in and around tight corners and spaces.
Battery powered electric lawn mowers – cons
Runtime
The highest run time for a battery powered mower is 2 hours. This is good for a small lawn. But if your lawn is enormous, this might not be the type for you.
Replacing battery
After very long use, batteries become weak to the point that they cannot be recharged again. So you will need to replace at some point.
Charging time
It’s so annoying that for just 1 to 2-hour work, you might sometimes need to charge the battery overnight. That’s how long some need to be fully charged up.
Battery incompatibility
It is true that some batteries might not work well in another model. This can leave you stranded especially if your battery runs down in the middle of a job.
Gas powered electric lawn mowers – pros
Power
This type of lawn mowers is so powerful that the low end types even have more power than some high end electrical lawn mowers.
Runtime
This is one of the best for big yards. So long as there’s gas, you can mow your lawn. And if you have a bigger thank then the better.
Weather conditions
The gas powered mower is good for wet grass, although blades do not like this. But it will sure do better than the electric type you cannot use at all.
Durability
Gas lawn mowers are made from stronger materials like steel. This makes them last very long.
Gas powered electric lawn mowers – cons
Maintenance
This is one of the biggest down sides. Lots of parts need maintenance from time to time.
Weight
Pushing them is not for the weak as they have really heavy motor and body make-up.
Mode of operation
A cord is usually used to start a gas mower. This can be very exhausting, and even more exhausting when the mower gets older.
Conclusion
No one is the best! Remember it’s about getting the one that really suits your lawn. So go ahead and make that choice.