The warm weather is approaching, and your attention is naturally drawn to your garden, all of the flower and plant maintenance required, and all of those home projects you have been thinking about and planning to commence. But what about your lawn, and what’s the best way to keep it maintained when it starts to grow as the weather becomes warmer? Do you purchase a gas-powered mower, or consider the latest cordless battery-operated mowers that are eco-friendly and much more sustainable to our environment?
Before you spend your hard-earned cash on a new mower, you need to know factual and relevant information about cordless battery-driven lawn mowers so you can make the best-informed decision for your budget and circumstances.
What To Look For In A Cordless Battery Lawn Mower
The following key features are essential to know and understand before making any cordless battery lawn mower purchase:
- How Long For Can I Mow Before The Battery Runs Out?
Cordless batteries have a typical runtime that can range from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the battery’s power. Your lawn’s size that needs mowing will significantly influence your decision on the battery strength you need. The battery’s runtime is measured in Amp-hour (Ah) – the higher the Ah, the longer it can run and cut your lawn’s grass.
- Battery Power
The higher the voltage, the more power the battery will have, and the more energy your cordless mower has, the easier it can manage those tough mowing jobs. Cordless battery mowers typically come in ranges from 20V right through to the heavy-duty 120V, however, mowers with batteries in the 35V to 55V range will have enough power to cater to your everyday average-sized lawn.
- Mower Storage
Cordless mowers come in different storage modes, from handle-folding only, to fold-and-stand on end so as to take up even less space. Considering the storage space you have for your mower will influence the type of mower storage capabilities you will need.
- Can I Interchange Batteries If I Have A Spare?
Some manufacturer batteries can interchange with other outdoor battery-operated equipment and have the same voltage requirements, so check the manufacturer information first carefully. You might already have a battery for an existing tool that can be used for those times when your cordless lawn mower battery is not charged or runs out on you earlier than expected!
If you currently own equipment from a particular brand, you might want to remain with that brand when purchasing a cordless lawn mower. It makes good practical sense as you will not have to buy a new charger and/ or batteries.
Do They Cut Grass As Efficiently As Gas Powered Lawn Mowers?
A standard rule-of-thumb when it comes to cutting your lawn’s grass is – ‘better the cut, the healthier the grass will be’. To maximize battery life, specific battery-powered models will slightly alter the cutting blades’ length and lift to increase their efficiency – this does impact the quality of the cut, so it is best to check with the manufacturer first which brands and models encourage this efficiency practice.
Mowing efficiency is also affected by the length of the grass and how thick it is too. Cutting healthier turf with a battery-powered lawn mower will require increased performance which will more readily drain your batteries power.
What Price Ranges Are There For The Different Models Available?
Based on the current market offerings, on average cordless battery mowers cost approximately $50 to $100 more than their gas-powered counterparts. This statement is an average only, and a more accurate cost comparison will require research into machine features, expected fuel costs for gas mowers, lawn size and frequency of mowing, and replacement battery prices for battery-powered mowers.
The monetary calculation should not stop there, though, as you need to factor in the expected life expectancy for your mower. Quite simply, gas-powered mowers will last longer and are more durable than their battery-operated counterparts. The engines for gas-powered mowers, assuming it is appropriately maintained, will last for approximately ten years. On average, battery-powered mowers will need replacing after about five years. Also, during those five years, and as the battery ages over time, the mowing runtime will be affected, and batteries on average can degrade up to 5% per annum – sometimes more depending on the quality of the purchased battery, eventual usage, and mowing wear and tear.
Is There Anything Else That I Need To Know?
Despite their advantages, there is a downside to owning and operating battery-powered cordless mowers. The technology is still advancing for the Lithium-Ion batteries that they use. Your mowing runtime will require more time to cut your lawn, and if you have more than one battery, you can easily interchange them over if your mowing job consumes the power of your battery in one sitting. Battery recharging times can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the battery type, quality, and state.
Cordless battery operated technology is still relatively new, and it does cost more to buy one than gas lawn mowers. This is changing as they become more abundant in the marketplace, but presently expect to pay a bit more for the convenience of using new lawn mowing technology.
Lithium-Ion batteries certainly have a finite lifespan, as they slowly drain over time. This is more pronounced if the battery is left connected to the mower during idle time. It is always advised to physically extract the battery from the mower unit when not in use.
Conclusion
Cordless battery lawn mowers are far more environmentally friendly, much quieter during use, considerably easier to start, and generally lighter in weight than their gas powered equivalents. The key is to know and understand precisely what your own personal lawn mowing requirements are, and then research and choose a model that will satisfy those needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. We trust that this article has been able to assist with all of your cordless battery lawn mower questions
