Electric vs. Gas Lawn Mowers — What’s the Difference? 

You may have had to decide between gas and electric before. In fact, if you have purchased a washing machine or a range for your kitchen in the past few years, you may be familiar with the differences between the two. But what about when it comes to lawn mowers? How do you know which will be right for your needs and your lawn? There are significant pros and cons for each, and this short guide can help you with deciding between an electric vs. gas lawn mower.

 

Electric Lawn Mowers

While electric lawn mowers have just recently become more popular, the first one was developed way back in the 1930s. Many homeowners have never used one. Find out what is good and what’s not so good about electric lawn mowers.

 

Pros of an Electric Mower

• Ease of use and maintenance. An electric mower eliminates trips to the gas station to fill up a gas can. Just plug it in, and you are ready to go. With an electric lawn mower, don’t have spark plugs to replace and always start with the push of a button.
• A breeze to push. Gas lawn mowers are heavy. Pushing them on a flat yard is no picnic, but if you need to go mow uphill, you can be in for quite a struggle. An electric lawn mower is lightweight enough for anyone to handle (even your teenager).
• You won’t need earplugs or a gas mask. Electric mowers are much quieter than their gas-guzzling cousins, and you won’t have to breathe in fumes every time you cut the grass.

 

Cons of an Electric Mower

• Needs access to electricity. Corded electric lawn mowers need an outdoor outlet and a long extension cord. There are cordless models, but these models are limited in their power and range.
• Cuts thinner strips. The rotary blades are smaller than a gas-powered lawn mower requiring more passes to cut a the same area.  Also, due to the type of blades, electric mowers tend to rip grass out instead of cutting cleanly.

 

Gas Lawn Mowers

Like electric mowers, gas powered mowers also have unique advantages and disadvantages you should consider before making a purchase.

 

Pros of a Gas Mower

• Lower costs and higher durability. Homeowners with a budget can save a lot of money by choosing gas mowers over electric ones. Correctly maintained gas mowers will also last a lot longer and won’t need replacing as often.
• Mow more types of grass with running out of power. Gas mowers are much more powerful and can handle taller, thicker grass, as well as larger yards or areas which do not have convenient power outlets.

 

Cons of a Gas Mower

• A more demanding maintenance schedule. When you own a gas powered mower, you need to worry about buying and storing gas, replacing spark plugs, and maintaining the engine.
• Harder to maneuver. Gas lawn mowers are heavy. It takes a lot of upper body strength to handle especially if you are mowing on an uneven yard.
• A gas powered motor means a lot of noise and exhaust. Between the eardrum-splitting noise and the winding up smelling like fumes standing behind a gas lawn mower is not a pleasant way to spend a weekend afternoon.

 

There is a lot to consider when picking out a mower. Ultimately, it is up to you to identify your needs and pick the piece of equipment that is right for you. Rather not do it alone? Homeowners in Salem, Oregon can depend on Green Acres Landscape Inc. for quality yard care. Contact us at 503-399-8066 to set up an appointment.