Environment-Friendly Electric Mowers – Pros and Cons

Electric mowers performances are known for improving dramatically over the decade from consumers reports who have been tested. Besides, there is no difference this year. In almost every category of consumers reports’ on lawn mower test, these electric models are occupying the top slots in every class ranging from cheap Ego LM2101 that is a push mower to expensive Cub cadet RZTS zero zero-turn-radius model.

According to Frank Spinelli, head of CR’s lawn mower tests, these electric mowers are now running for 20 to 40 minutes after a single charge. The time is enough for cutting either a quarter or a third of an acre although it will depend on the speed of the mower, height of grass and terrain.

Typically, these mowers receive power from lithium-ion cells, where they start effortless, eliminate engine maintenance and run quietly. Even though they might be appealing to everyone, the biggest winner should be the environment.

Pros and Cons of Using Electric Mowers

a) Emissions

Using electric mowers is vastly preferred to gas models. These electric mowers don’t generate tailpipe emissions. For gas models, they emit unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. It is, therefore, an advantage to use electric mowers because they are better for the environment and offer health benefits.

b) Power source

What will matter is the source of power, and it results to the cleanness of the electric mower. You can use electricity to charge the battery from non-renewable sources. However, it’s only about 13 percent of the national electricity that is produced from renewable sources and therefore the rest is generated from fossil fuels.

c) Landfill wastes

Despite having benefits, electric mowers have other environmental considerations due to the battery. These batteries are not cost effective to strip for parts because after they die, they crush, freeze and toss in landfills. Even though, the liquids that are in lithium-ion batteries are not hazardous but also contribute to the landfill waste.

d) Limitations

Li-ion batteries are currently lasting for an extended period than a few years ago, but the technology is not yet available for pros to rely on them. It is a disadvantage for both gas mowers and electric mowers, according to Cub Cadet’s product marketing vice president, Dave Mullen.

For a homeowner, she can use the mower for 30 minutes in a week or less, but for commercial landscapers, they use the mower for 8 to 10 hours daily and even six days per week. When you refill the mower with gas, it’s more practical instead of continuing to recharge the batteries.

e) Cost

When you compare, top-scoring riding mowers to similar performing gasoline mowers, they are more expensive. Even though, you will have to recoup with the high upfront cost.

Besides, it is good to note that brand new gas mower engine is more efficient compared to a similar five-year-old gas model. It doesn’t matter whether you can give gas entirely, cutting less frequently and clippings are an excellent way of becoming greener.

Electric or gas mowers are the options you can find in the market to clip your grass. The difference goes beyond their features and price tag. They both have advantages and disadvantages that can affect the decision you make when purchasing. To select an efficient mower, understand your lawn care easiness and how the mower works.