Which Lawn Mower is the Best: Gas or Cordless Electric?

As a lawn care enthusiast, I understand the importance of finding the perfect equipment to maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn. With so many options available in the market, choosing the right lawn mower can be a daunting task. In this article, I will provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision on whether to choose a gas or electric cordless lawn mower.

We will discuss the pros and cons of each option and help you determine which one is best suited for your specific needs. Additionally, we will provide a summary of key takeaways to help you make your final decision. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of lawn mowers!

Summary

When it comes to choosing between a gas mower and a cordless battery mower, it ultimately depends on your specific circumstances and requirements. In the past, gas mowers were the clear winner, but with advancements in battery technology, cordless mowers have become a viable option.

Here are the pros and cons of each type of mower:

Gas Mower

Pros:

• More powerful than cordless mowers
• Can handle larger lawns
• No need to recharge

Cons:

• Requires gas and oil
• Heavier and bulkier than cordless mowers
• Louder and emits fumes

Cordless Battery Mower

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly
• Quieter than gas mowers
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• No need for gas or oil

Cons:

• Less powerful than gas mowers
• Limited battery life, may require multiple charges for larger lawns
• More expensive than gas mowers

Consider your lawn size, budget, and personal preferences when deciding between a gas mower and a cordless battery mower.

Gas vs Electric Cordless Lawn Mower – How Do I Choose?

When it comes to choosing between a gas and electric cordless lawn mower, there are a few factors that you need to consider. In this section, I will discuss the differences between both types of mowers, their suitability for varying lawn sizes, and other important factors that will help you make the right choice.

Size of Lawn / Size of Deck

The size of your lawn is an important factor to consider when choosing between a gas and electric cordless lawn mower. Generally, with gas-powered mowers, you only need to consider the size of the deck and the power of the mower. However, with electric cordless mowers, you need to consider the amp hours (Ah) and the number of spare batteries you have, as they can have limited run-times.

For small to medium-sized lawns, a cordless lawn mower can be considered a viable alternative to gas. However, for larger lawns, a gas-powered mower is recommended, as cordless mowers may require battery changes or recharges during the mowing process.

Power

Gas lawn mowers are more powerful than electric cordless mowers. However, the question you need to ask yourself is whether you need that extra power. If you have no regular lawn maintenance schedule and only cut the grass when it is knee high, then a gas mower is the way to go. Gas mowers are also better suited for commercial purposes due to their steel decks, build quality, and superior power.

Another advantage of having more power is the mower’s ability to mulch the grass cuttings more effectively. Mulching cuts the grass clippings into tiny pieces that are deposited back into the lawn, providing a natural fertilizer that is essential for keeping your lawn healthy, green, and disease-free. Gas mowers do a better job at cutting the grass clippings into smaller pieces due to their superior power compared to cordless electric mulching mowers.

Cost

Cordless lawn mowers are generally more expensive than their gas counterparts. However, over a 5-year period, studies suggest that you will save approximately 40% of the total cost when owning an electric cordless mower over a gas mower. This is mainly due to the cost of gasoline, maintenance, and servicing associated with a gas-powered mower.

Charging your cordless mower’s battery is cost-effective and compares favorably to purchasing gasoline for your gas mower. However, bear in mind that lawn mower batteries have a limited lifespan and will need to be replaced between 3 and 5 years, depending on usage.

Environment

Cordless lawn mowers are more environmentally friendly than gas mowers. They produce no fumes, pollution, or noise, making them a green choice for homeowners who are environmentally conscious.

Practicalities

Both gas and electric cordless mowers have the freedom to maneuver around the lawn without being restricted by a power cord. However, there are some practical differences between the two types of mowers. A gas mower is always ready to go as long as you have the fuel available, whereas a cordless mower could take anything up to 2 hours to charge, depending on your battery supply and its amp hours.

A practical advantage of an electric cordless mower is the ability to share the batteries across multiple tools from the same brand. So if you already have batteries with other cordless tools, then you have the option to purchase a mower as a bare tool only (no battery or charger supplied).

When it comes to starting your mower, an electric cordless mower wins hands down. It is also easier to maintain as it needs little or no maintenance when compared to its gas cousin.

Maintenance

Maintaining a gas lawn mower can be done by anybody with some basic tools found around the yard. However, a cordless electric lawn mower needs little or no maintenance when compared to its gas cousin. The only maintenance required on a cordless lawn mower is ensuring that the blade is sharp, the deck is cleaned on a regular basis, and the battery is stored safely during the Winter months.

In conclusion, both gas and electric cordless lawn mowers have their advantages and disadvantages. When choosing between the two, consider the size of your lawn, power needs, cost, environmental impact, practicalities, and maintenance requirements. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that will meet your needs and help keep your lawn looking healthy and well-manicured.

Still Unsure – Gas or Electric Cordless Mower?

If you are still undecided what type of mower is best suited to you and your yard, I have highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of each mower below. Hopefully this will help in your decision making process.

Gas vs Electric Cordless Lawn Mower – Pros & Cons 

Advantages of Gas Lawn Mower

Gas-powered lawn mowers have a few advantages over their electric counterparts. Firstly, the steel decks and build quality of gas mowers means they can last for many years. Additionally, gas mowers have more power to cut longer and challenging grass, better mulching, and improved air circulation for grass clippings collection. They also come with many feature-rich options, including hose wash ports (not available on cordless) and many self-propelled models. Furthermore, gas mowers have a lower initial investment and are designed for medium and larger lawns. Electric start is also available in addition to recoil, and there is a wide range of engines, power, and deck sizes to suit your lawn requirements.

Disadvantages of Gas Lawn Mower

Despite the advantages, gas lawn mowers have several disadvantages. Firstly, they are not environmentally friendly due to fumes, noise, and smell. Regular maintenance is also required for reliable and efficient operation, and they are prone to wrong gasoline mix being added, which can damage the engine. Recoil starting can also be tricky, and they are larger and heavier machines, requiring more physical strength.

 

Advantages of Cordless Lawn Mower

Cordless lawn mowers have several advantages over gas mowers. Firstly, they are environmentally friendly, producing less pollution. Batteries can also be shared across the same range of power tools, making them a cost-effective option. They are also clean and safe to use, with less vibration and noise. Little or no maintenance is required, and there is no gasoline, oil, or spare parts to store and replace. Additionally, they have an easy and reliable start with the push of a button and easy and compact vertical storage available.

Disadvantages of Cordless Lawn Mower

Despite the advantages, cordless lawn mowers have some disadvantages. Firstly, they have a higher initial investment, but savings can be made over the longer term. Battery life is limited to 3 to 5 years and can be expensive to replace. Shorter run-times mean multiple batteries may be required, and batteries need charging before you can mow. Limited self-propelled models are also available on the US market.

In summary, both gas and cordless lawn mowers have their pros and cons. Gas mowers are powerful and feature-rich, but they are not environmentally friendly and require regular maintenance. Cordless mowers, on the other hand, are environmentally friendly and require little maintenance, but they have a higher initial investment and limited run-times. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the advancements in lithium-ion battery technology have made electric cordless mowers a genuine alternative to gas-powered mowers. The decision to choose between the two types of mowers depends on personal preferences and needs. Electric cordless mowers are eco-friendly, low maintenance, and easy to use, while gas-powered mowers are powerful and suitable for larger lawns. It is important to consider the size of your lawn, your budget, and your environmental impact when making a decision. Share your thoughts and comments below.

Do You Still Need Extra Help With Choosing Your Perfect Mower?

To help you with your decision I have created a very handy lawn mower selection tool that allows you to tick all of the features you require on your new mower and the best mower/s will be shortlisted for you in seconds. Why not head over to this selection tool now using the image link below.