A recent survey showed that a staggering 81% of the US populace has a big lawn. And when it comes to taking care of your lawn, it is essential for your to get a lawn mower, which helps you make sure your lawn is in top-notch shape all the time. Deciding the type of mower to own can feel very overwhelming, considering the variety of options you have available. So here we’re going to discuss what type of mower should you choose, a gas or electric one?
Why are lawnmowers important?
One of the most important reasons why mowing is essential when maintaining your lawn is that it helps keep the grass level.
No one likes patchy and uneven grass on their lawn, and lawn mowers make sure that doesn’t happen. They ensure a consistent overall growth rate of grass, which is essential for a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing lawn.
What regular lawn mowing does is that it eventually weeds out the weak grass shoots so that only the strong ones remain. This ensures that your lawn remains healthy and lush.
Lawn mowers come in different types. You have the traditional walk mowers, the more modern Ride-on mowers, and power mowers. However, before that, there is one crucial decision you have to make: gas or electric lawn mower.
Both of these types come with their differences and unique features. Along with some major differences, you should also look for smaller intricacies when choosing the right option.
Why go Electric?
As the name suggests, electric lawn mowers are powered by power chords or batteries compared to the more traditional gas-guzzling grass cutters. Due to the fact that electric mowers have a battery or just a chord, in some cases, they tend to weigh much less than gas mowers.
The reduced weight makes them easier to maneuver through tough corners. This weight advantage comes in handy, especially when you own a lawn on an inclined surface. Electric mowers tend to weigh around sixty pounds, while their gas-powered counterpart weighs around ninety.
Another advantage of owning an electric mower is that they tend to make less noise. Mowers who own a gas mower normally wear ear protection, since gas mowers emit noise up to 95 decibels. Meanwhile, electric mowers clock in at a maximum of 75 decibels, making it less noisier.
Gas mowers are more expensive than electric mowers. Gas mowers require an oil change every month, and the mower’s belt can break off, which means you have to change that as well. Finally, you also need gas to run the mower. Comparatively, electric mowers require much less maintenance and are much lighter on your pockets as well.
Global warming is a serious concern worldwide, and owning an electric mower means you are doing your part to save the environment. These mowers have zero carbon emissions and produce little to no smoke pollution, resulting in a much smaller carbon footprint.
With electric mowers, you have to make one pricey investment, and you will make up for it in the long run. This is because they do not require any sort of fuel, just a quick charge, and you’re back to mowing.
However, with gas-powered mowers, fuel costs are also a limiting factor that you need to be wary of at all times, and would probably amount to more than the actual mower eventually.
The other side: Gas-powered mowers
Just as there are two sides to a coin, there are areas where gas lawn mowers excel and are a much more favorable option.
Electric mowers may require less maintenance, but gas lawn mowers are much more robust and durable. The powerful motors will do short work of the grass without the need to circle back.
On a full tank of gas, a gas-powered mower would last much longer than an electric one. If you own a large lawn, then a gas-powered lawn can often be a better option. Electric mowers do not excel in run time, giving you an hour on average. While the gas-powered mowers, with a full tank of gas, can keep running for two hours without stopping, making them an optimal option for bigger lawns.
It’s easy to lose track of growth if you do not mow your lawn regularly. This could result in lush, thick, unattended grass on your lawn before you know it, and this is where gas-powered mowers excel.
Due to their high-powered motors, you will not have much trouble mowing your lawn, no matter how thick the grass is. Additionally, due to this high torque compared to electric mowers, gas mowers are much better on sloped terrains compared to electric lawn mowers.
As mentioned earlier, Gas mowers do indeed require more maintenance than electric mowers, but there is a flip side to this as well. Replacement parts for gas mowers are much less expensive than that for electric mowers. If your electric mower battery breaks down, it will most likely set you back a couple of hundred bucks. However, a gas mower filter or spark plug costs $10 at most.
Top picks
The Greenworks 25022 Corded Lawn mower
This electric mower is the perfect budget option if you aren’t looking to spend too much on a decent mower. It has a surprisingly powerful motor for a corded mower, and plenty of options for your grass clippings.
Honda HRX217VKA: the best self propelled gas mower
This self propelled gas mower offers an incredibly powerful 200cc engine, paired with its twin blades, to ensure an easy, clean cut. With its 4-in-1 grass cutting features and its self propelling capabilities, it’s a must have for those thick lawns.
Craftsman M105: Great value for money
If you are looking for something lightweight, but still packs a punch then the Craftsman M105 is the mower for you. This mid-range mower weighs much less than their competitors which is optimal for a push mower.
Wrap-up
There are pros and cons for both of these types of mowers. The best way to make a decision on which one to pick is to consider your situation.
Do you want to lessen your carbon footprint and are not interested in regular maintenance hassles? Then the electric mower is the one for you.
Do you own a large patch of lawn with lush, thick greenery located on the hillside? Then the gas mower would be optimal for your situation.
We have discussed what you gain and lose from each decision, but the final decision would be dependent on your current needs.
