Cordless Lawn Mowers: Should You Get One?
We’re the cordless generation. We have cordless vacuum cleaners and entertainment systems, and now we’ve got the mighty cordless lawnmower. But how do you know whether a cordless electric lawn mower is for you?
Well, in the same way that we love our cordless vacuum cleaners, there are plenty of convenient features a cordless mower can offer, as well. Read on to learn what you can expect from this mower style, why use a cordless lawn mower, how easy it is to transition from petrol to electric, and more.
What is a Cordless Lawn Mower?
Before we launch into the nitty-gritty of the cordless electric lawn mower world, let’s first take a moment to describe what they are. Some people call them cordless, but other people just refer to them as electric lawn mowers or battery-powered lawnmowers.
In essence, they run on electricity and/or batteries, rather than petrol like their gas-powered counterparts.
Depending on the brand, they can either be on par price-wise with gas mowers, a little bit more expensive, or more affordable. Their batteries can often dictate how much they cost, so there’s no set rule for the pricing structure.
What Are the Benefits of a Cordless Electric Lawn Mower?
Whenever you buy anything new, you often tend to look at the benefits. What is going to be your reason for hitting the buy-now button on such a product? Well, there are several. Everyone is different, though, so a benefit for you might be a nuisance to someone else.
The most significant benefit to the environment is, of course, that an electric lawn mower produces zero emissions. You can mow your lawns with the peace of mind that you’re not harming the environment.
You also save money at the petrol station. Our petrol is not the most expensive in the world, but a dollar saved here and there can certainly add up. All you need to do with a cordless lawn mower is charge the battery using your home’s electricity supply.
As a result of not having a petrol-powered lawnmower, you also get to enjoy no maintenance and no mess. If that’s not enough to convince you that an electric mower is for you, then nothing will!
Switching from Petrol to Electric
You might think that switching from a petrol mower to a cordless lawn mower is easy enough. Sell off your gas guzzler and buy an electric model that you like, right? Well, not quite.
Remember, you would have purchased your current petrol mower based on its power to navigate your lawn. The larger the lawn size, the larger the motor had to be. And a similar rule applies to an electric lawnmower.
Their battery size can determine the lawn size they are suitable for. And, unfortunately, if you’ve got a large, rugby field-sized lawn, then you may find that a cordless electric lawn mower may not be up to the task.
Fortunately, that is changing. It won’t be long until there are few differences in power between electric and gas-powered mowers.
Most electric and cordless lawn mowers for sale run on 18-volt and 36-volt batteries. They can also have more than one battery, partnered with brushless motors.
So, How Do I Choose, Maintain, and Understand Lawn Mower Batteries?
It would have taken you some time to understand how your petrol mower worked, so a cordless electric lawn mower is no different. It will take time to learn what you need, what works for you, why use a cordless lawn mower in the first place, and how to maintain one.
The good news is, no matter which brand you buy, you will receive a charger and a set of instructions for how to use them. It pays to read these instructions thoroughly and maintain your battery as per these, rather than what you believe you know from other battery-powered appliances.
For example, you might think that leaving your battery on a charger while you’re not using it is best practice. However, overcharging and running a lithium-ion battery completely flat can decrease its lifespan – and can even be dangerous.
Never let your battery run lower than around 20 per cent, and disconnect it from the charger once it reaches 100.
Some other excellent rules to live by with cordless lawn mower batteries are:
Use mower manufacturer-approved batteries
Store batteries away from liquids and metal objects
Remove the battery when storing the mower
Keep it dry and clean
Protect the battery terminals from dirt, water, and dust
Is a Cordless Lawn Mower for You?
Buying a new lawnmower is a significant investment. That’s why it’s essential to take your time. Set a budget, take into consideration your lawn size, and decide if the benefits of a cordless electric lawn mower are persuasive enough. Don’t forget; you can also ask lawn mowing experts what their preferences are.