Gas VS. Electric Lawn Mowers

Electric lawn mowers have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially due to the growing desire to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce our pollution output. Not only are electric lawn mowers more eco-friendly, over time they can make mowing your lawn a much more cost effective task. These mowers are in fact nothing new, and have been on the market for quite some time. By understanding the difference between these two tools, you can better understand which type of lawn mower is the best fit for your lawn’s needs.

History of the electric lawn mower

The electric lawn mower has just recently seen a resurgence, but this device has been around since the 1930’s. C. C. Stacy invented the electric lawn mower, but his failure to seek a patent for his invention delayed the product from entering the market. Gas mowers create just as much pollution as some of the earliest models of cars. While we’ve made great strides in reducing the carbon footprint of our automobiles, mowers have not seen the same improvements.

The biggest disadvantage of the electric lawn mower is its reliance on a traditional power cord. Not only does this require a lengthy extension cable, if you have a large lawn you could be forced to string several of these chords together. Many homeowners worry about the danger of running over this cord while mowing, but with a little bit of extra attention this problem does not have to be a concern.

Today there are multiple types of electric mowers on the market, including some which feature a rechargeable battery. This eliminates the hassle of extension cords and the dangers of shock, but creating a battery that’s strong enough to hold a charge that can mow your entire lawn has been a challenge.

Mowers aren’t the only lawn tool with an electric alternative

The electric lawn mower is the most common gas-alternative, but just about every lawn tool can be replaced with an electric variant. Here is a quick overview of some of the other types of electric lawn tools that are on the market:

• Hedge clippers – Both manual and gas-powered hedge clippers are common, but the electric variety are easy to use and extremely powerful. If you’ve been using manual hedge clippers, you will be astonished by how much easier it will be to trim your ornamentals with an electric-powered device.
• Weed eaters – Like most lawn tools, string-based weed eaters are traditionally gas powered. This tool is essential in keeping your lawn from becoming overrun by pesky weeds. Electric versions are rising in popularity, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find any difference in performance between these two devices.
• Leaf blowers – Many homeowners are weary of electric lawn tools because they worry about accidentally damaging the power cord, but with leaf blowers this is not a concern. Not only are electric leaf blowers more eco-friendly, they can be used at a moment’s notice even when gas is not available.

These tools pack just as much (if not more) power than the gas-fueled alternatives, and they lead to considerable savings. With gas prices continuously on the rise, eliminating the cost of this fuel for your lawn care can make a big difference in your budget.

If you still aren’t sure about the type of mower that is best for your lawn, head down to your local lawn and gardening center and do some comparative shopping. Most stores carry multiple models of both gas and electric powered mowers, and the sales reps will be able to offer you information about the pros and cons of each. Mowing your lawn is so much more than an aesthetic chore, so make sure to choose wisely when investing in a mower for your yard.