A Guide to Choosing a Cordless Lawn Mower
If you have a backyard, whether it is big or small, a lawn mower is a good investment. Grass can be wild and out of control, especially when it is not maintained.
Most lawn mowers run on gas, which can be bad for the environment and difficult to use and maintain. A cordless lawn mower can be a good option for you if you are trying to have a beautifully groomed garden and lawn.
When choosing an electric lawn mower, consider the size of your yard, the available storage space, the preferred style of lawn mower, the deck size, and the battery time required to mow your lawn.
With many options to choose from when it comes to lawn mowers and other garden supplies, it can be difficult to know which option is the best for you. Here is a guide to choosing the best cordless lawn mower for your backyard.
You can be certain that if you maintain your lawn correctly and with the right tools, you will have the best backyard in the neighborhood!
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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual prior to diagnosing, repairing, or operating.Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Electric Lawn Mower
There are several things to look for when choosing a cordless lawn mower for you. Depending on your lawn size, strength, and storage space.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the right cordless lawn mower:
- Size of your yard
- Storage space
- Comfort and ease of use
- Cutting height & width
Each lawn mower is different, and each backyard is different. Make sure that you know what you are looking for when buying a lawn mower before committing to one. A good lawn mower is definitely an investment, but if you believe it will be worth it, then go for it!
Size of Your Yard
The size of your backyard can play a huge role in choosing the right lawn mower for you. Most people will say that a gas lawn mower is best for you if you have a large backyard, but if you are conscious of your carbon footprint or simply do not want to use up more gas, there are several options for you.
If you have a large backyard, make sure to look into how many acres of land the battery of an electric lawn mower can last with one charge. This will be able to tell you which lawn mower brand is right for you.
Electric lawn mowers are best for a smaller to medium-sized backyard, so any mower will be a sufficient choice for your backyard. If your yard has intense edges or odd curves, look for a lawn mower that is easy to maneuver around edges or curves.
Storage Space
If you have enough storage space, then the size of the electric lawn mower should not matter. However, if you have a smaller storage space, you are going to want to look for a lawn mower that is small or one that can be easily stored away.
The good thing about electric lawn mowers is that they tend to be smaller and lighter than their gas counterparts. So, even if you do not have an excessive amount of room, you will be able to fit your mower somewhere.
If you do not have a lot of space, try to look for a lawn mower that has a retractable handle, which will make the mower more compact and easier to store away.
Comfort
It is important to feel comfortable while mowing your lawn. It is a tedious job, and oftentimes you are stuck holding the handle for extended periods of time. If that handle is not comfortable, you will not enjoy mowing your lawn and your hands will suffer because of it. Make sure to look for padded handles.
You also want to make sure that your lawn mower is easy to use and understand. Some lawn mowers are more difficult to use than others, so make sure you choose the right one. Do not forget to read the user’s manual before using any electric lawn mower.
Cutting Height & Width
Cutting height is determined by the length of the blades of grass on your lawn and how short they will be cut. Most electric lawn mowers have a feature that adjusts the cutting height to what height you desire for your grass.
Having an adjustable cutting length gives you so many options for the length of your grass.
For grass, it is important to maintain a proper length. If you do not cut it short enough, you will need to continue trimming it every couple of days, whereas if you cut it too much it will get burnt to a crisp by the sun.
If you are looking to cut more grass in one go, then you will have to look into the cutting width. This determines how much grass is cut at one time.
Different Cordless Lawn Mower Styles
There are many styles of electric lawn mowers. Depending on the size of your garden and what you find comfortable or not, some lawn mower types might be better to use than others.
Here are different battery-powered cordless lawn mower styles:
- Ride-on
- Push
- Self-propelled
- Robotic
Look into the size of your garden, and also what you can physically manage. Mowing the lawn can be hard, physical work. It is important to know what you want from your lawn mower. Not all lawn mowers are the typical push style.
Ride-on Electric Electric Mower
The ride-on style of the electric lawn mower is very interesting, but useful if you have weak legs or need to sit down. This type of lawn mower has a seat attached to it where you sit and mow your lawn instead of it being the typical handheld one.
This style of lawn mower is best for larger lawns just because of its size and power. If you have weaker legs or are older and wish to sit down while doing strenuous activity, then this will be the type of lawn mower for you.
Push-Style Cordless Electric Mower
The push style of electric mower is the most basic type of lawn mower out there. It is quite traditional, with a large, tall handle sticking out for you to hold onto as you move it around your backyard to trim the grass.
The electric style will have the battery bring power to the motor which activates the blades to begin cutting as you walk.
This style is good if you are capable of walking for a longer period of time and if you are okay with maneuvering the machine with your hands. Due to the electronic version of the lawn mower being lightweight, you should be able to push it around the yard pretty easily.
Self-Propelled Cordless Electric Mower
The self-propelling mower in appearance looks just like the push mower. However, they bring a different skill set that might be more convenient for you.
These mowers handle most of the pushing themselves, but they still require a manual user. These types of mowers are really good if you have just a straight, wide lawn.
The self-propelling style is not very good when it comes to harsh angles and curves. It is great when mowing straight across a wide, flat lawn. If that is the type of lawn you have, then the self-propelling style is the way to go.
It is also good if you do not feel like you have the endurance to physically push the lawn mower for an extended period of time, because you will exert less energy with this mower. It does most of the work for you!
Robotic-Style Cordless Electric Mower
Similar to the Roomba, a type of robotic vacuum, the robotic style of electric lawn mower will take care of almost all of the mowing work entirely! It operates on its own, running about your yard and mowing what needs to be mowed to what height.
For this style, you might want to take a look to see if your robotic lawn mower has not run into any obstacles or yard debris. If it runs into any obstacles, simply remove the obstacle and the lawn mower will continue running and cutting the grass evenly.
This style of mower is more efficient if you do not have a lot of storage space. Like the Roomba, it is small and compact, due to the lack of operator handles. You can store it away almost anywhere due to its light and compact style.
The Best Electric Lawn Mowers on the Market
Now that you have learned about the different types of lawn mowers and what you need from your electric lawn mower to fit your lifestyle and yard, it is time to look at some of the available electric lawn mowers to buy on the market today.
Electric lawn mowers can be purchased:
- On Amazon
- Through your local Home Depot or Lowes
- Any other gardening or home improvement store
Make sure to read reviews and recognize the style of each lawn mower so you know exactly what you are getting into.
Greenworks Pro 80V 21” Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
This lawn mower comes in a bright green coat, ready to do all the work for you. This self-propelled electric lawn mower will make sure to get the job done without having you do all the pushing.
There are multiple speed levels that the lawn mower can use, depending on how fast you want to mow your lawn. If you are just looking for a nice, slow walk while mowing your lawn, then the Greenworks Pro can make that happen.
LawnMaster 40V Max Lithium-Ion 16″ Mower
This lawn mower has about 40 minutes of run time with one full charge with its 40V battery. This electric lawn mower is best for small to medium yards.
This lawn mower is particularly lightweight and easy to maneuver. If you are someone who needs a less dense, easier-to-use lawn mower, then this might be the one for you. Its design is the classic push lawn mower style, so you will not have to worry about learning a whole new way of technology.
Worx WR140 Landriod M 20V Power Share Robotic Mower
This lawn mower is one of the best and most efficient mowers on the market. The great thing about this robotic mower is that it can be connected using an app on your smartphone.
Through an app on your smartphone, the robotic mower can figure out a schedule of how much grass to cut, at what length, and for how long. You can also tell the mower to cut grass on specific days of the week.
Once finished, the robotic mower will find its charging station and go back to it so that it can recharge for another use. Purchase of this comes with a charging station as well as set up instructions.
And do not worry about your robotic mower bumping into obstacles in the lawn, it has technology that allows it to see what is in front of it, so it will avoid it entirely.
Why Choose an Electric Lawn Mower?
There are several reasons why you should purchase a cordless, electric lawn mower. Electronic devices have started to become more popular over the years as a replacement for gas.
Here are a few reasons why you should get an electric lawn mower:
- Good for the environment
- New additions and appliances
- Cordless
- Rechargeable batteries
With more and more items switching from gas to electric, now is the perfect time to try an electric lawn mower. It might even have better results than a regular gas lawn mower.
Good for the Environment
Machines that run on gas tend to be dangerous for the environment. Electric cars are starting to become popular if you are conscious of lowering your carbon footprint.
When it comes to lawn mowers, most non-electric ones run on gas. The gas used emits toxic pollutants into the air, which can be very bad for the environment.
According to the California Air Resources Board, mowing your lawn for one hour is equivalent to the pollution that driving your car for 300 miles brings to the environment.
Storage also becomes easier and safer. Storing large gallons of gasoline can be extremely dangerous as gas is highly flammable. If this spills anywhere, you can have a scary situation on your hands. With an electric lawn mower, you will not have to worry about that.
New Additions and Appliances
Electric lawn mowers come with more features than gas-run lawn mowers. One of the most notable features is the loudness of the motor. Gas lawn mowers can be extremely loud, as well as pollute the air with the smell of gas.
If you need to mow your lawn early in the morning, it can be hard to do with a gas lawn mower due to how loud it is.
With an electric lawn mower, you will not have to worry about that loud motor sound. The motors tend to make sounds that are around 75 decibels as opposed to the typical 95 decibels of a regular gas lawn mower.
This is great if you live in a particularly quiet area or do not enjoy the sound of the loud motor.
Electric lawn mowers are also much lighter than gas-powered lawn mowers on the market. This makes them easier to maneuver and move around your lawn. This is great if you have very tight, straight-edged corners on your lawn. Getting a clean cut on your grass can really elevate the look of your yard.
Cordless
Many electric lawn mowers are cordless, making them easier to maneuver around the yard without having to trip or run over annoying cords that lay by your feet.
The cordless mowers have strong batteries that can last up to 5 years. You are still able to work with your machine without gas power, while also avoiding the cords that tend to come with electric machines.
Rechargeable Batteries
If you purchase a cordless lawn mower, it runs on batteries. While that may sound tedious, it is not entirely bad. You do not have to switch out the batteries daily or even weekly. These batteries are rechargeable, with a full charge lasting up to an hour.
This means that if you feel like your machine is not working or coming to an end, you can also choose one with rechargeable batteries that will last a long time.
How Do You Fix an Electric Lawn Mower That Won’t Start?
If you already have a cordless lawn mower in your tool collection, it is important to know how it works and how to fix it when it begins to act up. First, you must be able to diagnose the reason why your lawn mower will not turn on.
Here are several reasons:
- Uncharged battery
- Dead battery that needs to be replaced
- Clogged vents
- A faulty motor
- Start button issues
Each of these reasons has different solutions. It takes patience and time to learn what is wrong with your yard equipment and you must remember to be careful so as to not further the issue with the lawn mower.
Uncharged Battery
It is important to make sure that your battery is charged. There are two types of electric lawn mowers: one plugged into an electronic source and a cordless, battery-operated one.
Having a cordless lawn mower is great if you hate all those pesky cords getting in the way of you and your yard work. Cords can break easily, so with the cords out of the picture, a battery is needed.
Batteries for electric lawn mowers tend to last about an hour before needing to be recharged again. Keep this in mind before thinking that your electric lawn mower is broken or not working correctly.
The great thing about battery-operated electric lawn mowers is that the battery used to run the motor can be recharged multiple times. You have to make sure that your battery is being recharged before starting your lawn mowing.
This is a simple and easy fix. With a recharged battery, you will be able to mow your lawn as soon as it is finished charging.
Different lawn mowers require different batteries and charging techniques. Make sure to read the user’s manual before starting to mow your lawn.
That way you will know how to charge the battery right away and fix the problem. If your lawn mower has two separate batteries, make sure both are charged before you begin using the lawn mower.
Dead Battery
If you know that you have recharged your batteries and your lawn mower still is not working, then it might be time to get a new battery. While these batteries are rechargeable, they definitely will not last forever. Electric lawn mower batteries generally have a life span of about five years if it is well taken care of.
Upon buying your electric, cordless lawn mower, you will be given instructions on how to elongate the life of your battery. Each battery is different, so the tips are not the same for everyone.
However, a general tip is that if you have a battery that is lithium-ion based, then overcharging your battery may be a problem and cause the battery to die quicker than usual.
Do not overcharge, meaning to keep it on its charger constantly, and do not undercharge it. Running a battery that is very low will wear it out quickly.
If you need to purchase a new battery, make sure to buy it from the manufacturers of your particular lawn mower. Those batteries will work best and you will not risk spending money on an off-brand battery that is not compatible with your machine.
Read more about other possibilities your mower isn’t starting. “8 Reasons Why Your Electric Mower Is Not Starting”.
Clogged Vents
Every lawn mower, whether it be electric or gas run, has vents. These vents can oftentimes fill up with grass chunks, debris, dirt, and other types of grime. The vents are what make the blades that cut the grass run smoothly.
If your machine is not starting, try cleaning out the vents of any filth. These vents are usually located near the motor. Make sure to check your vents periodically to ensure this does not happen. If this is the reason why your lawn mower is not starting, then it is a relatively easy fix.
Faulty Motor
Sometimes the problem can come from within. If you have checked the batteries and vents on your lawn mower, then it is time to go deeper. Check the motor in your machine to see if the issue lies there.
The motor is the core of the lawn mower. It is what runs the blades that cut the grass in your yard. If this is broken, then you might have to replace it entirely.
When checking your motor, please make sure that you do not check it while it is plugged in or turned on. This can put you and others around you in serious danger.
Motors can be damaged by straining too much when cutting tall grass or shrubbery. If your vent is cleaned out and clear, then your motor has been damaged and will need to be replaced.
Try to find a motor that is compatible with the brand of lawn mower you have. The motor can be replaced by a professional or yourself if you know how.
Start Button Issues
One of the more inconspicuous issues that your lawn mower can have is with the start button. For electric lawn mowers, the start button is one of the most important parts of the machine.
If this is damaged, then your lawn mower will not be able to do anything, no matter if the battery is fully charged and the motor is working just fine.
If your start button is what is causing the problem, you do not have to worry about having to replace your entire lawn mower. All you have to do is simply look for a replacement start button. If you are unsure what model of start switch you need, do not be afraid to seek out help at your local repair store.
The way for you to tell if an issue is beginning to develop with your start button is to listen to the amount of power given after hitting the start button. If power starts, then obviously nothing is wrong.
If there is partial power given or power that cuts in and out, this is a clear indicator of a budding issue with your start button. Of course, if no power is behind the push of the start button, then there is clearly an issue.
Conclusion
There are plenty of reasons to switch to an electric lawn mower. When you are searching for the best fit for your needs, consider how much grass you have to cut, where you will be storing your lawn mower, and what will offer you the most comfort while you are outside taking care of yard work.
Don’t forget to read our electric mower dangers and safety guidelines to ensure your safety when operating the new mower you choose.
