ARE ELECTRIC LAWN MOWERS WORTH THE MONEY?

I am the kind of guy that feels everything that comes with a motor should have a big block v8 in it. It doesn't matter if it's a car, motorcycle, boat or even a lawnmower, I want more power than I know what to do with. My philosophy is bigger is better, so I was very skeptical when a friend of mine suggested that I try one of the new electric/battery push mowers.

Electric tools, including mowers are leaps and bounds ahead of where they used to be. Mowers today have larger batteries that last around an hour a piece in run time, and many newer mowers take two batteries that let you switch between one another. That means once one goes dead, the other is ready to go while the other is in the charger. Not only that, the new lithium ion batteries on the market charge extremely fast, so you always have one ready to go. The other cool thing about some of these mowers (such as Echo) conserve energy while cutting to save on battery run time. While cutting, the mower will actually adjusts the power needed to cut lower/higher grass on it's own. When getting into higher grass, you can actually her the mower sending more power to the blades to get the job done.

One of the biggest advantages of an electric mower is storage. Because these mowers are constructed of hard plastic instead of solid steel, most are able to be folded up and put in a corner. Some are so light that they can actually be hung on a wall and put out of the way all together. As for the build of these mowers they are much tougher than you would think. The hard plastic body are extremely solid and will hold up to some minor abuse. Though not steal, I've still taken mine through some rough areas while cutting some tall grass, and it held up great.

Now it sounds as if am being one sided when it comes to the pros of an electric mower, but conventional gas mowers also have their advantages. Combustible gas engines can really take a beating. I have hit stumps, roots, large rocks and many other things in my yard, and they keep on going with only maybe a blade change needed. They also have a lot of power to take down heavier grass and/or weeds. What really stands out on the gas mowers is all the options you have while cutting grass, and how you want to handle the clippings. Having a side discharge is a major plus when dealing with tall grass, or even weeds. These mowers also give you the option to mulch or bag your clippings. Most electric mowers do not give you all three options.

Another great thing about the gas mowers is their somewhat easy to fix yourself. Small motors usually only experience two issues (no spark, or no gas to the engine). Anyone with a computer can search how to fix these problems just by watching a short how to video. Even if you don't want to get down and dirty, its relatively cheap to take them to a repair shop to get them fixed. I'm not saying that an electric mower can't be fixed, but anything more than a blade change will take a bit more knowledge of how the internal functions of these mowers work. The parts are also a lot harder to come buy unlike a gas mower where taking a trip to the nearest hardware store can get you what you need.

Though I'm always excited when I have the chance to put another motorized machine in the garage, there are some downsides to owning so many pieces of equipment that burn fossil fuel.

Downsides of owning a gas mower:

1. Driving to the gas station: The first downside for me has always been going to the gas station for more gas. You literally have to drive a few miles just for $5 worth of fuel, so it's just inconvenient for me.

2. First time starting them: I hate, hate, hate trying to start a combustible engine after a long winter of just sitting in the garage. Even when you add fuel stabilizer, they just take forever to get running. When you finally do get them started, your to tired to cut the grass anyway, and your arm is stiff for three day from all the cord pulling.

2. Changing the oil/maintenance: It's not hard to change the oil, but what do you do with the old stuff once you take it out. Sure, you could probably take it to the nearest oil lube express, but that's just another thing to do. You also need to make sure the can lines are in good shape, and the filters are clean.

3. Takes up room: Gas mowers usually only let you fold the handle down for more storage, but these are solid heavy machines that take up space at the end of the day. They are much less versatile than the electric mowers in this department.

4. Noise Gas mowers are definitely louder than there counterparts in the noise department. Electric mowers are only as loud as the blades spinning while cutting grass, so they range somewhere in the 70dB area. Gas mowers usually come in at around 80dB to 90dB, meaning that hearing protection should definitely be used when in operation.

5. Fumes Because these are combustible gas engines, you need to make sure you work on them outside or in well ventilated areas while running. CO poisoning is a very real danger, so ensure your area is well ventilated when planning to start them up.

Electric mowers did not walk away from this section unscathed as they had a few shortcomings of their own.

Downside of owning an electric

Cost: Although the cost of these mowers have been coming down over the years, the technology is still somewhat expensive. A half decent gas mower can run you between $150.00 to $300:00, while a (good) electric mower can run you anywhere between $300.00 to $600.00. Even the batteries can run you around $100 a piece.

Battery length: Though batteries are lasting longer and longer, it may be hard to recharge your mower unless you take the battery charger with you. It's easier to throw a can of gas in the back of the truck, but if there is no 120v outlet where your cutting, your out of luck.

No side discharge chute: When cutting through high grass or weeds, its nice to have a side chute for the heavy stuff to blow out the side. The problem with electric mowers are they really only mulch or bag the grass. This will make it much harder to take down the thick stuff.

Not self propelled: Though very light, I have not seen any self propelled electric mowers as of today. This means that even up hill, you will need some elbow grease to get the job done.

Hard to fix yourself: Gas mowers are relatively easy to fix yourself, but electric motors are a different story. Unless you really know what you are doing, I would suggest taking it to a pro for all your repair needs.

Conclusion:

So at the end of the day, I was extremely impressed with how well the electric mower worked around my house. The mowers today are built well, and it's almost laughable how easy they are to start. They have almost the same amount of power as the gas mowers do, but with less maintenance needed. Even though they are ideal for smaller yards, you should no problem cutting acre, after acre, after acre with an electric as long as you keep the batteries charged. I absolutely recommend you check these mowers out if you are in the markets as I guarantee you will be amazed how nice they actually are. And yes....they are worth the money! 

Recommendation: Take a look at the ECHO 21' 58v mower as I really think it is one of the best on the market. http://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-21-in-58-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-Mower-CLM-58V4AH/205566037