Mowing Your Lawn In a Different Way
Mowing is a chore for many homeowners but a cordless electric mower lets you tackle the work differently and makes it easier. A cordless mower starts with the push of a button. It’s lighter, quieter and you don’t have to worry about emissions while you mow. So, is a cordless electric mower right for your lawn? Here are some ideas of what a cordless mower can do so you can decide.
What Can a Cordless Mower Do?
In general, a cordless mower handles typical lawn care tasks. Side discharge, mulching and bagging are common capabilities. Beyond those, here are the factors that determine what a cordless mower can do.
Disconnect the battery or batteries from a cordless mower before making any adjustments.
Battery Specifications
You can do a lot with a cordless mower, depending on the battery:
- Voltage tells you how much power the battery delivers. A high-voltage battery lets you cut thick or overgrown grass better than a low-voltage battery.
- Amp-hours dictate how much power the battery delivers over time. A battery with a higher amp-hour rating delivers power over a longer period than a comparable battery with a lower rating.
Think about voltage and amp-hours together:
- A high-voltage battery with low amp-hours can take on tall grass but won’t let you mow as long as a lower-voltage, higher-amp-hour battery.
- A battery with a high amp-hour rating and low voltage gives you more mowing time but it’s best if your grass isn’t thick or high.
Cordless Mower Runtime
Consider how long it takes to mow your lawn:
- Batteries from 40 to 80 maximum volts with 4 to 10 amp-hour ratings give you 40 to 75 minutes of mowing in optimal conditions.
- Models with two batteries offer runtimes up to 100 minutes.
Now think about the terrain in your yard. Maximum runtime often applies to a relatively flat, open yard. Slopes and obstacles require more power so expect runtime to be less. Runtime measurements assume the grass is well-maintained. Tall, thick grass requires more power and you have to mow it more slowly, consuming runtime.
Propulsion Type
- Standard cordless push mowers devote their battery power to mowing. They might give you a bit more mowing time, but they require more effort from you.
- Cordless self-propelled mowers make mowing easier but use some of their battery power to turn the drive wheels, manage hills and work around obstacles.
- Cordless riding mowers make mowing almost effortless but require several batteries to drive the mower and blades.
Cordless Mower Battery Charge Time
Pay attention to specifications for charge time, particularly if you have a large lawn and you’re considering a mower with a low-amp-hour battery.
- If you only have one battery that doesn’t give you the runtime you need, charge time tells you how long you’ll need to wait to finish mowing.
- A mower with a rapid charger might offer charge times as low as 60 minutes, even for a 56-volt, 10-amp-hour battery.
- If your mower uses two batteries but you can only charge one at a time, you’ll have to wait for both to charge. Pay attention to whether the estimated charging time is the time required to charge both batteries or one.
Storage Capabilities
Options for storing a gas-powered mower are limited by the need to avoid spilling fuel. This isn’t a concern with cordless electric mowers, so many allow vertical storage that takes up less floorspace in a garage or shed.
Store the mower in an area that’s not accessible to children and is protected from moisture. Brush the mower off and charge the battery after use. Once the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger and remove the battery.
Matching a Cordless Mower to Your Lawn
Can you enjoy the benefits of a cordless mower and keep your lawn under control? Here are some factors to think about:
- You can mow dry lawns only. Moisture is a safety concern with an electric mower and can damage the battery, so cordless mowers aren’t for wet grass or for use in rain.
- Weekly mowing a relatively level 1/2-acre or smaller yard gives the best performance and longest runtimes. You can mow larger, hilly lawns, but you might need to factor in time for a recharge, buy a second battery or invest in a higher power, higher amp-hour battery.
- You can mow overgrown grass but it requires a lot of torque and can use a battery charge quickly. Even if a lower-power mower can manage thick grass, you get a better cut from a high-power battery that can spin the blade at a consistent speed.
- You can mow overgrown grass but it requires a lot of torque and can use a battery charge quickly. Even if a lower-power mower can manage thick grass, you get a better cut from a high-power battery that can spin the blade at a consistent speed.
- You can mow grass only. Brush, scrub and vines can stall and damage the motor. Heavy brush and debris damage the blade as well.
Cordless Mower Safety
As with any mower, make sure you’ve got the right safety gear:
- Safety glasses protect your eyes from debris the mower kicks up.
- Work gloves make the work more comfortable and protect you if you need to move obstacles.
- Even though an electric mower is quieter than a gas mower, manufacturers specify wearing hearing protection when using some mowers.
- A respirator is helpful in dusty areas or when the pollen count is high.
- Long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe work shoes or work boots protect your body from debris and insects.
Make sure the lawn is ready:
- Pick up stones, sticks, hoses, toys, etc.
- Keep children and pets away.