Battery Lawn Mower Vs. Gas Lawn Mower: Which One Should I Buy?
In the last few years, like many other tools, lawnmowers have also evolved and you’ll now observe a battle between battery-powered lawnmowers vs. gas-powered (combustion engine) lawnmowers. Even the corded versions have turned into cordless, which is a step-up in terms of safety and ease of use, but gas lawnmowers still stand strong.
Instead of giving you a verdict on one of the two, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each so you can make a decision for yourself.
Pros and Cons of Gas Lawnmowers
If you’re an environmentalist, the very process a gas mower runs on should be enough for you to reject them, however, there are notable benefits of using them in terms of ease.
Pros:
- They’re generally much more powerful than their electric or battery-powered counterparts
- While a riding mower is usually the best when mowing huge lawns, gas mowers are certainly the second-best option to do the job due to their greater power
- They do a much better job at cutting tall or tough grass as compared to their electric counterparts
- If you’re not too conscious about the specs of the mower, you’ll be able to get the cheapest ones at a price lower than most battery-powered models
- Their replacement parts are often less expensive than battery-powered mowers
- They’re the better option if you prefer sheer power over a budget-friendly choice
Cons:
- They’re loud so they’re bound to annoy anybody sleeping in late
- The carbon emissions are not good for the environment
- Gas mowers are dirty — you’ll have to change engine oil and gasoline that can easily be spilled on the ground
- They’re difficult to start and you’ll have to tug a pull-cord
Pros and Cons of Battery Lawn Mowers
Battery lawnmowers are notable for being the very thing that a gas lawn mower lacks — they’re quiet and the ease of use they provide is matchless. These days, if you hear somebody talking about their electric lawn mower, they’ll probably be talking about a battery-powered, cordless mower.
Pros:
- They’re simpler to use and maintain than their gas counterparts
- You don’t have to worry about fueling, oil replacements, air filter replacements, belt changes and whatnot
- They’re smaller than most gas lawn mowers so that makes them easy to maneuver and store
- They’re more environmentally friendly (although the best choice for an environmentalist is still a reel mower)
- Battery lawn mowers are much quieter than the gas mowers
- Battery-powered mowers will cost you around $14 to $20 per year to charge their batteries (which is less than what gas mowers cost)
Cons:
- Remembering to recharge the batteries is a genuine concern — if you forget to do it, it’ll affect your plans for the whole day
- The batteries have a low run time and that limits one’s productivity
- The grass catcher is small and fills up quickly
- It goes without saying now but they aren’t good for big lawns and tough grass
- The replacement batteries are expensive
Take It Away With Some Tips for Battery Selection
Battery selection is a vital consideration for folks who choose to go with a battery operated lawnmower. While the batteries usually have a life span of 3-5 years, it’s important to know that Li-Ion batteries have a very high power density and output, making them the best choice for heavy-duty tasks. 40V mowers will do well for a small yard but if you’re looking to get the same power as a gas mower, consider finding an electric lawnmower (battery-powered or corded) with 80V of power. The point is, don’t forget to do your due diligence before buying your battery-powered lawnmower.