Electric Lawn Mowers - Corded vs. Battery Powered Lawn Mowers -
Electric lawn mowers are steadily winning over more converts. It's not just because they are easy to start, trouble-free and require little maintenance. It's because they are also a pleasure to use. They are quiet, clean, reliable and don't pollute. So why hasn't everyone made the switch to an electric lawnmower? We suspect it's because the first generation of electric mowers were under-powered and basically ineffective duds. That's no longer the case.
The latest electric lawnmowers are hard to fault. It's rare to find anyone who would contemplate switching back to gas after using an electric mower. Most are so delighted to have left their lawn mower problems behind, that they can't wait to tell everyone about their new electric mower.
When buying an electric lawn mower the starting point is to decide between a corded and battery powered lawn mower. The best cordless mowers can roam far and wide. They can comfortably take on a large suburban lawn and still have plenty in reserve. On the other hand a corded mower must operate within 100 feet of a power outlet.
Cordless Lawn Mowers - Pros and Cons
The latest generation of battery powered lawn mowers e.g. the Black and Decker CM1936 can comfortably tackle up to one third of an acre of grass on a single charge. The batteries on these units are easily swapped so they can be realistically used on even larger lawns.
A lawn mower battery should last 2-3 years at least. Otherwise there is next to nothing to spend money on. No gas, air filters, spark plugs or servicing.
It's arguable that electric lawnmowers don't have as much power as gas propelled mowers. On other hand it doesn't seem to have any impact on how effective they are. They deliver the same or better results without the frustrations, fumes, noise and maintenance costs.
The main reasons why consumers choose to make the switch to cordless electric lawn mowers include:
To eliminate exposure to gas and exhaust fumes.
To eliminate the noise made by traditional lawn mowers.
To eliminate the necessity to store gas and oil.
To eliminate the cost and hassles of lawn mower maintenance.
To have the convenience of an electric start lawn mower.
To have a mower that is easily stored and transported.
Black and Decker cordless devices and appliances are ubiquitous. The company has succeeded in dominating the rechargeable lawn mower market. Other well regarded brands include Earthwise, Worx and the Neuton lawn mower.
Corded Electric Mowers - Pros and Cons
The main objections to using a corded mower relate to the inconvenience of being tethered and the possibility of running over it's power cord. They are not insurmountable issues if a few simple rules are observed:
Start mowing near the power outlet and work out.
Put one or more pegs in the ground to hook the cord around.
Use a Coleman high-visibility outdoor extension cord.
The main advantages to be secured from using a corded electric mower are:
No need to re-charge batteries.
No need to replace batteries.
No running costs other than power consumed.
Cheaper than cordless lawn mowers.
Best Corded Electric Mowers
Black and Decker lawn mowers such as the MM875 Lawn Hog are the benchmark. They consistently outsell the rest. Other brands that rate highly include Earthwise and Sun Joe.
Summary
The swing to electric lawn mowers is picking up momentum and the tipping point is approaching. Anyone who has ever used a gas powered mower would be well aware of their problems. We don't know anyone who enjoys walking behind these rowdy machines that belch out fumes and demand more care and attention than a vintage motor vehicle.
The catalyst will be increasingly strict environmental standards that limit the extent to which individuals can inflict noise and air pollution on their neighbors. As a consequence push lawn mowers are enjoying a resurgence of popularity, but they are not for everyone. The next best thing is an electric mower and within a few years we would like to see them become standard equipment in every back yard.
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