The Pros & Cons of Battery-Powered Lawnmowers


People only had to choose between corded electric and gas-powered lawnmowers in previous years. Fortunately, nowadays we have an extra option in the form of battery-powered lawnmowers. These cordless machines are portable and will make mowing easier in certain environments. However, they have their own advantages and disadvantages.  

Battery-powered lawnmowers are environmentally friendly since they produce no toxic fumes and are quieter. Additionally, they are lightweight and can be carried to mow areas that are far from home. However, they do not have enough power to cut for long hours and are less powerful than their gas-powered counterparts. 

Before making a buying decision, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons that a cordless lawnmower offers. In this post, I’ll highlight some of the most important factors. 

Are Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers Worth it? The Pros 

If you are planning to buy a battery-powered lawnmower, you might be wondering if it is worth the investment. The answer depends on what you want the lawnmower to accomplish.

If you need a quiet and portable lawnmower, then cordless mowers are the best option.

However, if you need a commercial lawnmower that runs for several hours non-stop, you might consider investing in a gas-powered lawnmower. Here are some of the main reasons why a battery-powered lawnmower might be a good investment: 

Lightweight

Battery-powered lawnmowers are some of the lightest mowers out there. The main reason they are light is the lack of additional parts, large engines, or extra attachments. Most battery-powered lawnmowers weigh about 50-60 pounds, while gas-powered ones weigh over 90 pounds, depending on the model. 

They are not as light as a cordless mower (the battery adds some extra weight after all), but they are generally lighter than their gas-powered siblings. 

Due to their lightweight, cordless lawnmowers offer excellent maneuverability in hilly or sloppy areas. Therefore, mowing using a battery-powered lawnmower will not be as tiresome as using a gas-powered model. 

Less noise

The lack of a large combustion engine makes these mowers produce less noise. While gas-powered models operate at noise levels of approximately 90 decibels, battery-powered lawnmowers only produce about 65-80 decibels. Therefore, they are generally considered to be more “neighbor-friendly”.

Environmentally Friendly 

One of the main advantages of a battery-powered lawnmower is its eco-friendliness. 

Batteries power cordless lawnmowers. Therefore, they do not produce toxic fumes as gas-operated models do. While operating a battery-powered mower, you won’t be bothered by hazardous fumes from the engine. 

Just keep in mind that when the battery reaches the end of its lifecycle, you will have to dispose of it responsibly instead of throwing it in the trash. 

Requires Low Maintenance  

If you want a relatively cheap and easy-to-maintain lawnmower, go for the battery-powered models. Since they lack a gas engine, they require less maintenance.

Gas-powered models require regular maintenance like changing oil, air filters, and oil filters. On the other hand, a cordless lawn mower won’t require much maintenance. You are only required to clean and recharge the lawnmower after use. 

Usability 

When purchasing a lawnmower, it is important to consider its usability. Battery-powered models are easy to operate without much fatigue. First, it is easy to start and stop the engine with just a push of a button, unlike gas-powered models that require pulling the starter rope (pull cord) – which some people can find really hard.  

The lack of a power cord also enhances usability as you can carry the mower to places far from your house without worrying about the restriction of the cables. Furthermore, you will mow peacefully without worrying about cutting wires or stepping on the cord. 

Pocket-Friendly 

If you are on a tight budget, looking for a battery-operated lawnmower is your second-best option.

Corded electric mowers are usually the cheapest, followed by battery-powered mowers, while gas-powered mowers are usually the most expensive. Of course, it also depends on the specific model as there are cheaper and more expensive options in all 3 categories. 

Since cordless lawnmowers do not have much power or additional parts, they are cheaper than gas-powered models. Generally, a reliable cordless lawnmower will cost between $150 and $450. 

Also, these mowers are cheaper to operate since they do not require fuel.

Cons of Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers 

Though the battery-operated lawnmower has numerous advantages, it also has its shortcomings. These include: 

Less Powerful 

If you are looking for a mower that will run for several hours and cut even the tallest grass, a cordless lawn mower may not be your best choice. The power of a cordless lawn mower is restricted by the size of the battery. Therefore, they cannot mow acres of land with a single charge. 

Time-Consuming

A battery-powered lawnmower only lasts for about 40-60 minutes before the battery depletes. Therefore, you will have to stop mowing and recharge the battery for about one to three hours, depending on the model and battery size. 

If you want to work non-stop, you will have to buy replacement batteries which can be quite expensive. Also, replacing the battery will also take some time, slowing your momentum. 

Battery-Powered Lawnmower Maintenance

Once you decide to invest in a cordless lawnmower, it is important to understand how to care for and maintain it for optimum performance and extended durability.

Here are some tips for maintaining your cordless lawnmower: 

Take Care of the Battery

For the most part, taking care of a battery-powered lawnmower is the same as with any other type of lawnmower. However, there are some extras such as taking care of the battery. 

Most recent cordless lawnmowers use lithium-ion batteries, which have their own quirks. First and foremost, avoid storing/charging the batteries at extremely high or low temperatures as it may damage the cells and reduce performance. Store them at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. 

Also, never store them outside during winter. I usually remove the battery from my mower after finishing mowing the yard and store it inside the house in a drawer until I need it again. 

Cleaning the Lawnmower 

Ensure you clean the underside of your mower after every use to prevent grass clippings from clogging up its various parts. Use a soft-bristled hand brush to dislodge the clipping, then use dry clothing to wipe moisture that may cause corrosion. You should also empty the grass bag and clean the grass chute.

Lubricate Moving Parts

You should always make sure that you oil the mower’s moving parts to prevent corrosion. Before operating the lawnmower, make sure that all nuts and bolts are tightened. When storing your lawnmower for a few weeks or months, you can prevent the blade from rusting by spraying it with WD40

Sharpening 

You can use a hand file, rotary blade sharpener, or bench & angle grinder to sharpen your lawnmower blades. Always disconnect the battery before sharpening the blades to prevent injuries.  

Conclusion

Having understood the pros and cons of battery-powered lawnmowers, you can make an informed decision on which model to purchase. Once you’ve invested, ensure you take good care of the lawnmower using the maintenance tips I mentioned above. Following these tips will ensure your lawnmower lasts longer and performs excellently for years to come. 

Peter Toth

Hi! I'm Peter, the owner of BackyardGadget. Working around the house has always been a big part of my life. I've created this site to share my experience, and to help people choose the right tools for the job. Thank you for stopping by!

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