Electric vs. Gas Lawn Mowers
Buying a new lawn mower is no longer a simple endeavor. Your first question may be, “Should I buy a battery-powered, corded, or gas mower?” Before you make the big cut, you’ll want to consider things like reliability, storage, maintenance, and noise level.
We’ll help you navigate this wide-open field to decide which type of mower is best for your lawn.
Three different type of mowers
If you like choices, today’s mower market is for you. Choose from a battery-powered, corded electric, or gas lawn mower to find one that is a match for your lawn, mowing style, and budget.
Battery-powered lawn mower
Battery-powered lawn mowers are the first of two types of electric lawn mowers. (Caveat: We won’t address battery-powered robotic mowers in this article, since they are a category unto themselves.)
If you don’t like gas, fumes, or oil changes, battery-powered mowers are a viable option for smaller lawns. If electric lawn tools are appealing to you, find a brand you like and stick with it. You’ll be able to power their entire line of lawn equipment with one brand of battery.
Corded electric lawn mower
Corded electric lawn mowers are the other kid on the electric lawn mower block. These mowers use an electric cord instead of a battery and are great for small, flat lawns. If you don’t like dealing with a vacuum cleaner’s electrical cord, these may not be for you. If toting a cord doesn’t phase you, these are an inexpensive option that can fit almost any budget.
Gas lawn mower
Gas lawn mowers need no introduction. They’ve been around for decades, and until recently, “lawn mower” didn’t need an adjective in front to describe its power source. Power comes at a cost, though. Be prepared to tote a gas can instead of a cord and know that you’ll need to do a little winterization once the season is over.
Pros and cons of battery-powered lawn mowers
Battery-powered lawn mowers (AKA cordless electric mowers) were once weaklings in the face of the mighty gas mower, but now they are new, improved, and ready to go head-to-head (or wheel-to-wheel) with the competition.
Over the years, battery life and power have improved, and these cordless electric lawn mowers are now a viable option for small to average-sized lawns. Homeowners appreciate their quieter, emission-free operation and low maintenance. (Look, Dad, no oil!)
But compared to gas-powered mowers, battery-powered mowers don’t always measure up. Homeowners complain that many battery-powered models slow down or stop in thicker grass. With gas mowers, this isn’t a problem.
Mowing time is also an issue. Some battery-powered machines can’t mow an average-sized, somewhat dense or weedy lawn on one battery charge. This can be frustrating for people who don’t want to do more than one mowing session on an average-sized lawn.
If you’re interested in a battery-powered mower, all is not lost. Here are a few ways to work around these common problems.
Problems and solutions for battery-powered mowers
| Problem | Solution |
| Mowing time | Buy more than one battery |
| Thick grass, dense vegetation | Mow slower, tilt the mower back, or raise the mowing height |
| Maintenance | Find a local service dealer before you buy |
If you have a larger yard to mow, or you have thick grass or lots of fall leaves, look for more battery power. Most battery-powered mowers use lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, and you’ll see the battery power listed in volts (18V, 20V, 80V). The higher the voltage, the longer run time you’ll have.
Another concern is maintenance. In most areas of the country, it will be more difficult to find a service center that will repair a battery-powered or corded lawn mower. (California may be an exception.) In addition, centers that repair battery-powered (or corded) mowers often work only on specific brands.
Before you buy a particular brand, go on their website to see if there is a service center near you. If so, call and ask about typical repair costs, longevity, and warranty coverage. If there’s not a service center near you, you may want to consider a different brand, or call around to see if any independent shops work with that brand.
If your lawn is one-quarter to one-third of an acre and your grass isn’t too dense, many battery-powered machines will mow the lawn on a single charge. If you plan to mulch leaves in the fall, or if your lawn starts to grow denser from all of that fall fertilizer, you may want to invest in at least one backup battery.
Pro Tip: Check the specs sheet before you buy. Battery run time, lawn size, cutting height and all of the other specs for that mower are listed in the product description or online owner’s manual.
| Pros of battery-powered lawn mowers | Cons of battery-powered lawn mowers |
| ✓ Quieter✓ No gas, oil changes, or fuel filters✓ Best for small, ¼ to ½ acre lots✓ Brushless motor option✓ Many offer foldable storage✓ Most offer a push-button start✓ High marks for ease of use✓ Some offer the same features as gas models: adjustable cutting height, variable speed, mulching option, self-propelled, and steel deck | ✗ Not ideal for larger lawns (½ acre or more)✗ Dense, weedy lawns may run down the battery faster, giving you less run time✗ Less power than a gas machine✗ Battery and/or charger may not be included✗ Some models aren’t recommended for uneven terrain (check the specs)✗ Harder to repair |
Popular brands of battery-powered lawn mowers
Pros and cons of corded electric lawn mowers
If you have a very small yard, a corded electric mower may be just what you need. You’ll get the eco-friendliness and low noise of a battery-powered mower without ever running out of juice. Many homeowners with simply-shaped lawns find that corded models provide an easy, affordable mowing experience that suits their lawn and budget.
Most manufacturers recommend corded mowers for lawns up to one quarter of an acre. Some models say they’ll work on up to half an acre. But would you want to tote an extension cord across even a quarter of an acre? For some homeowners, a corded mower is ideal even for a larger lawn. It depends on personal preference and the layout of your lawn (hills, flat, outlet location).
To run a corded mower, you’ll need a conveniently placed garage or outdoor outlet and pay close attention to where your cord is at all times. (Standard grounded outlets work fine.)
Corded electric mowers don’t currently (no pun intended) have a self-propelled option, but they are very lightweight. The smallest models with plastic (poly) decks are especially lightweight, even compared with battery-powered machines. The more moderate and larger sizes weigh about the same as a midsize battery-powered model.
Corded models are tethered to an outlet, so their power is measured in amps (amperes). Most models range from 9 to 13 amps for 14- to 21-inch cutting widths. The higher the amps, the more power you have to mow tough areas and long grass.
Some homeowners have a difficult time powering through thick or tall grass with a corded mower. Follow the tips we suggested in the “Battery-Powered Workaround” section above to help your mower get through the tough sections.
The main takeaway? Corded electric mowers are an affordable, powerful-enough option for homeowners with smaller lawns. If you don’t mind learning how to manage the cord, these machines are effective for small suburban lawns.
| Pros of corded electric lawn mowers | Cons of corded electric lawn mowers |
| ✓ Lightweight✓ Most affordable of the three mower types✓ Never run out of power — no fading battery or empty gas tank✓ Push-button or lever start — no pull cords✓ Mow forward or backward (watch the cord!)✓ Easy to use✓ Quiet operation✓ Ideal for small yards✓ Steel or poly deck material✓ Low environmental impact — no gas or emissions✓ Most come with the option to mulch and bag; some come with a side discharge option | ✗ No option for self-propelled✗ Not ideal for lawns over ¼ of an acre✗ Extension cord not included✗ Cord can be a hassle✗ Mower may bog down in tall or thick grass✗ May be difficult to find a repair dealer for your brand. Some machines are seen as disposable. |
Pros and cons of gas lawn mowers
(Note: Since lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers are a category unto themselves, we’ll FOCUS only on gas-powered push mowers and gas-powered self-propelled mowers in this section.)
If old gas and high decibels get your goat, a gas lawn mower is not for you. If you appreciate power and performance, you’ve met your perfect mower match.
Gas lawn mowers are the defending champions of American mowing. They have a multi-decade history of helping homeowners keep their lawns manicured and neat without the aid of a family cow or scythe. These workhorses are a key component in a DIYer’s toolkit and have many advantages:
FAQ on electric vs. gas lawn mowers
How long do electric lawn mowers last?
Mower companies, like cars, put out long-lasting models and lemons. It’s hard to generalize because some people say they’ve had theirs for a decade, while other mowers go belly up in a few years.
The best way to figure out a mower’s lifespan? Call your local small engine repair shop. Ask which models are reliable and which are duds. Ask what they can fix or are willing to fix. By asking experts who have experience repairing all types of mowers, you will get great advice.
Here are a few other questions to consider:
— Do you have an engine shop that is willing or able to repair your model? (Call them and ask.) — How long will you be able to get parts for the machine? Are there generic parts available, or does your mower only accept parts from that company? — How expensive are basic repairs? If repairs cost more than buying a new machine (or almost as much), will you repair your mower, or would you rather upgrade and buy a new machine? — Can you do the repairs yourself, or would you send the mower to the shop?
Is it safe to cut wet grass with an electric lawn mower?
Remember the adage, “Electricity and water don’t mix?” Your corded electric mower manual agrees.
Can electric mowers cut long grass?
The short answer is they prefer not to. Electric mowers are like the electric hair trimmer the barber uses as he’s putting the finishing touches on your summer haircut. The scissors do the heavy cutting first. The electric clippers come in at the end and finish out the shorter hair.
Electric mowers are more of a supplemental maintenance tool. They like to cut regularly mowed lawns and take off the extra one-third of the blade that has grown since your last mow. There are ways to help your electric mower along if the grass has grown a little high: Raise the mower height, tilt the mower on the back wheels, or take those sections at a slower speed.
Betting on a new Champion or sticking with an old reliable
Whether you’re ready to get inventive and eco-friendly with electric mowers or stick with the tried-and-true gas mower, your local small engine repair shop and home improvement store are great spots to get the dirt on top-notch mower models.
If you’re not ready to take the plunge and buy your own electric or gas lawn mower just yet, don’t sweat it. Let one of our local lawn care professionals mow and edge the lawn with their time-tested, professional-grade (gas-powered) lawn care equipment.
Main Photo Credit: Rudy and Peter Skitterians | Pixabay
Gas push mower with electric start
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Gas push mower with electric start
Made in the USA Briggs Stratton 675EXi engine produces 163cc and 6.75 ft-lbs gross torque ‑ commercial-grade features for durability and high performance.
Easy maintenance – this engine never needs an oil change with Briggs Stratton’s
Just Check Add technology. Simply add oil if it’s low.
The electric start is powered by the Yard Force 20v XTRA Lithium-Ion compact battery. It slides into the holster in the water-tight compartment for easy access. You’ll get up to 75 starts from a single charge. And when it’s time to charge the battery simply connect it to the charger inside your garage, shed, workshop or anywhere that you prefer.
Step up to self-propelled power drive with a simple control lever on the handle to reduce effort and achieve a perfect cut every time! Adjust the speed with the touch of a lever at your fingertips. Self-propelled drive is essential for yards with hills and slopes of all degrees to maintain a consistent cut and is safer by providing more control during operation.
The 22” steel deck converts from rear-bagging to mulching to side discharge quickly and easily. Vortex tunnel design transfers clippings into the bag to achieve 95% capacity to extend time between emptying the bag. The hybrid bag design is easier to remove and empty.
Self-propelled Variable Speed RWD drive system
Large collection bag with wide mouth opening for maximum collection and quick emptying.
7-Position single lever height adjustment: 1.25” – 3.75”
12″ Rear / 8″ Front PVC Wrapped Rear Wheels roll easily over all terrain and grass types
Powerful Briggs Stratton 675EXi 163cc Professional Series engine
Gas push mower with electric start
You Will be Brought to Our Official Honda Dealer Website
HRX217HZA LAWN MOWER
ENGINE POWER: 5.6 HP
MAJOR FEATURES BENEFITS
➁ Roto-Stop Stop the blades without stopping the engine
➂ Honda’s hydrostatic Cruise Control Simple, precision speed control
➃ 4-in-1 Versamow System ith Clip Director Mulch, bag, discharge and leaf shred with no tools or attachments required
➄ 21″ Rust-free, no-dent NeXite owing deck with lifetime warranty
TURN KEY ELECTRIC START
No having to pull the recoil starter, the HRX217HZA features a Self-charging onboard battery makes every start as simple as turning a key.
POWERFUL Honda GCV200 ENGINE
Easy-starting, fuel efficient, and powerful, Honda’s premium residential GCV200 engine delivers even more power and torque than its predecssor.
HYDROSTATIC CRUISE CONTROL
The Hydrostatic cruise control feature allows you to precisely manage the mower’s pace. The speed control is right on the handlebar and is adjustable from 0 to 4 mph.
ROTO-STOP /h3>
Honda’s Roto-Stop lade stop system allows you to step away from the mower, without having to stop and restart the engine. Move items out of the way, empty the bag, or take a break, without having to restart your mower.
4-in-1 VERSAMOW SYSTEM /h3>
Honda’s revolutionary Versamow System llows you to mulch, bag, discharge, and shred leaves. or even a combination of mulching and bagging! Just slide the convenient Clip Director nob to choose!
MICROCUT TWIN BLADES
Honda’s exclusive twin blade MicroCut System ses four cutting surfaces that result in ultra fine clippings for superior mulching and more clippings per bag. The end result? A perfect cut, less time emptying the bag, and less work for you.
EASY REAR DISCHARGE
In order to increase maneuverability, the HRX has a convenient back discharge door that does not require a separate discharge chute attachment. At the mower’s back, the underside is where the clippings exit.
7 POSITION CUTTING HEIGHT
Easily set the height of the Honda HZA’s cut with the height adjustment (.75″ to 4″) Convenient height adjustment levers to set mowing height for lawn conditions
LARGE GRASS CATCHER
Large 2.5 bushel capacity grass bag Our large capacity grass bags are balanced so they are easy to empty, saving you time and effort. Spend more time mowing and less time emptying
MORE FEATURES OF THE Honda HRX217HZA LAWN MOWER
QUICK RELEASE ADJUSTABLE HANDLE
The quick release handle is easy to adjust to one of 3 positions for comfortable mowing. Or fold it over for more compact storage.
MANUAL FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE
The fuel valve can be shut off for transport, storage, or to perform maintenance.
AUTO CHOKE SYSTEM
No engine choke required! Just turn the key and go! The adjustable throttle control allows engine speed to be adjusted to idle when emptying the grass bag or transporting the mower.
WARRANTY
5 year residential/ 90 commercial warranty
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Honda HRX217VKA Lawn Mower.21″. Self Propelled Get your lawn in shape with the Honda HRX217VKA Lawn Mower. With its powerful engine, superior cutting performance, and innovative features, this lawn mower is the perfect choice for homeowners who want to achieve a pristine, manicured lawn. Buy now and experience the ultimate grass-cutting solution!
Benefits Description Specification Self-propelled Push lever Hydrostatic Cruise Control Turn-Key Electric Start with onboard battery for easy starting (recoil backup) Roto-Stop blade stop system 4-in-1 Versamow System with Clip Director mulch, bag, discharge, and leaf shred Powerful Honda GCV200 engine The top-of-the-line lawnmower in the Honda HRX series the Honda HRX217HZA Lawn Mower is loaded with all the innovative features you’d expect from Honda’s best series of homeowner mowers Electric Start with Self Charging the onboard battery for effortless turn-key starting. The Hydrostatic cruise control allows for simple adjustable precise speed control. The Roto stop conveniently stops the blades without stopping the engine so you can quickly empty the grass bag or move toys and lawn debris all HZA models are now equipped with Honda’s all-new easy starting and POWERFUL GCV200V Engine that packs 10% more power and torque for superior mowing and improved performance even through thick grass. The rugged rust-proof NeXite 21″ deck is backed by a Lifetime limited warranty. The micro-cut twin blades with four cutting surfaces for outstanding cut quality, mulching, and bagging. 4-in-1 Versamow System with Clip Director for quick and easy switches between bagging, mulching discharge, leaf shredding, and much more! If you are looking for a top-of-the-line, lawnmower that truly shines, The Honda HRX217HZA is the best choice! Visit Gilford Hardware Outdoor Power Equipment to check out the Honda HRX217HZA Lawn Mower and many other models today! Specifications Full model name: HRX217K6HZA Engine: Honda GCV200 Deck Material: NeXite Cutting Width: 21″ Mowing height range: 3/4″. 4″ Mowing height adjustments: 7 Drive Control: Cruise Control Transmission: Hydrostatic Variable Speed Ground speed: 0 to 4.0 mph Starter: Electric/Recoil Choke System: Automatic Throttle Control: Manual Drive: Belt Handle: 1″ Steel Tube Handle Height Positions: 3 Wheels: 9″ Plastic Ball Bearing Wheels: All Standard Functions:4 in 1 Mulch/Bag/Leaf shred/Discharge Bag: Standard Bag capacity (bushels): 2.5 Blade(s): Twin blades (MicroCut System Blade Control: Blade stop system (Roto-Stop Side/Rear Discharge: Rear standard Dry weight: 106 lb Operating Weight: 108 lb Residential warranty: 5 years Deck warranty (non-commercial): Lifetime Commercial warranty: 90 days.
Honda Lawn Mower Hydrostatic Self Propel 21″ HRX217HYA Benefits Description Specification Self Propelled Hydrostatic Transmission Cruise Control lets you set the pace at 0-4 mph. 21″ NeXite Cutting Deck. So durable it comes with a Lifetime Warranty Easy Starting and Powerful GCV200 Honda Engine Roto-Stop Stop the blades without stopping the engine 4-in-1 Versamow System with Clip Director mulch, bag, discharge, and leaf shred The Honda Lawn Mower Hydrostatic Self Propel 21″ HRX217HYA is a feature packed machine for an easy mowing experience, great for homeowners with medium sized lawns, or even landscapers! It’s built from the ground up with quality, thoughtful, components which make it durable and very useful. Unlike it’s competitors the Honda Lawn Mower Hydrostatic Self Propel 21″ HRX217HYA will stay in working order for years and years of mowing! Specifications Engine: Honda GCV200 Deck Material: NeXite Cutting Width: 21″ Mowing height range: 3/4″. 4″ Mowing height adjustments: 7 Drive Control: Cruise Control Transmission: Hydrostatic Variable Speed Ground speed: 0 to 4.0 mph Starter: Recoil Choke System: Automatic Throttle Control: Manual Drive: Belt Handle: 1″ Steel Tube Handle Height Positions: 3 Wheels: 9″ Plastic Ball Bearing Wheels: All Standard Functions: 4 in 1 Mulch/Bag/Leaf shred/Discharge Bag: Standard Bag capacity (bushels): 2.5 Blade(s): Twin blades (MicroCut System Blade Control: Blade stop system (Roto-Stop Side/Rear Discharge: Rear standard Dry weight: 97 lb Operating Weight: 100 lb Residential warranty: 5 years Deck warranty (non-commercial): Lifetime Commercial Warranty: 90 days ⬇️ Scroll below for a more in-depth look at the Honda HRX217HYA Lawn Mower ⬇️
A good version of a standard mower
This dependable, popular Toro performs as well as other decent self-propelled mowers and stands out for its ability to be stored upright (like the Egos), saving valuable garage space.
Buying Options
At the time of publishing, the price was 449.
If you want to pay the lowest price possible and still get a quality self-propelled mower, we recommend the Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340. At around 450, the Toro costs less than the Egos and the Honda, and, like other good options at this price level, it offers intuitive self-propulsion and excellent mulching performance. The Toro’s unusual feature—and the reason we recommend it over a lot of similar machines—is its space-saving ability to be stowed upright in a crowded garage or shed (the Egos can be stored this way as well). However, with the Toro, you don’t get the Ego’s gas-free convenience or the Honda’s cut quality.
The best lawn mower
The self-propelled Ego LM2135SP’s battery runs for an hour and easily mows down overgrown grass—and it spares you the noise, emissions, and maintenance of a typical gas mower.
Buying Options
With Ace Rewards membership (free to join)
For the lawn perfectionist
This reliable Honda gas mower’s dual blades manicure a lawn with precision, and its unique system can dial in the ratio of grass you’re bagging and mulching.
Buying Options
At the time of publishing, the price was 699.
The research
Over the past nine mowing seasons, we’ve spent more than 120 hours researching nearly 250 mowers, interviewing experts, and extensively testing some of our top picks.
An invaluable source has been Roy Berendsohn, a Popular Mechanics lawn mower guru who has more than 20 years of experience testing and writing about mowers. If Berendsohn isn’t writing about mowers, he’s often being interviewed about them (see here and here).
We’ve interviewed landscapers, including Chad Crosby of West Michigan Lawn Services and Paul Koehler of Koehler Landscape Construction Services. We’ve called people at lawn mower retail/service outlets, like Nick Ortiz at Kellam Lawn Mower in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, and Boston Lawnmower Company’s David (who asked that his last name be withheld). We’ve talked to product managers at Honda, Toro, Troy-Bilt, Ego, Cub Cadet, and other manufacturers.
Personally, I maintain a rural property in New Hampshire that is far too large for a push mower to cover but that does provide ample room to test our recommendations. This guide’s editor, Harry Sawyers, assists with testing mowers on his LA property and draws from his previous experience as a professional landscaper.
Wheel Size
The standard wheel diameter is eight inches, but some non-propelled walk-behind mowers offer nine- to 12-inch rear wheels. These make the mower easier to push over rough terrain and up a slope. Larger wheels also keep the carriage higher off the ground and prevent scalping the grass.
You can find a basic push mower in the 160 range, or spend 450,300 for a premium model with an extra-large deck and all the bells and whistles. Models costing between 400 and 600 likely have all the features you need for comfortable, efficient mowing.
Chris Deziel has been active in the building trades for more than 30 years. He helped build a small city in the Oregon desert from the ground up and helped establish two landscaping companies. He has worked as a carpenter, plumber and furniture refinisher. Deziel has been writing DIY articles since 2010 and has worked as an online consultant, most recently with Home Depot’s Pro Referral service. His work has been published on Landlordology, Apartments.com and Hunker. Deziel has also published science content and is an avid musician.
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