Battery powered lawn movers: pros and cons

[NJFL1]

Thinking of switching to a battery powered lawn mower. Does anyone have first handed experience and willing to give a review for the best in field (sorry for the pun)? Thanks

[John Mayes]

Thinking of switching to a battery powered lawn mower. Does anyone have first handed experience and willing to give a review for the best in field (sorry for the pun)? Thanks

I have a Kobalt 80v self propelled and have been pretty happy with it. Mine is two years old so and haven’t had any problems so far.

[GrumpyOldMan]

I had a DeWalt and loved it. No-fuss no mess, just plug in the battery and mow the yard. I stopped mowing, so I sold it, but if I ever started mowing my own lawn again it is the one I would get. It is DeWalt, so more expensive, but DeWalt stuff is pretty good, and I have a lot of their tools, so they all share the same battery system.

[Malsua]

Thinking of switching to a battery powered lawn mower. Does anyone have first handed experience and willing to give a review for the best in field (sorry for the pun)? Thanks

I think the question is more about the size of your lawn although with batteries these days, it's not as much of an issue. Both of my villas have really small mow areas so I bought one of those 13" 40v Ryobi mowers. The mower weighs 30lb and I can throw it in our CRV to take the mower to the other CYV. I have a ton of Ryobi tools anyway so I'm swimming in batteries.

It mows just fine and hangs on a hook when I'm not using it. If I was on a fully grassed corner lot, I'd have a gas mower for sure.

It reminds me of one of those plastic toy mowers we got as kids 50+ years ago. The little plastic one with the dice popper thing at the top.

[Papa_lecki]

My father in law has one. He loves it. He has almost an acre. He has 3 batteries. I think he uses all of them when he mows.

[rjm1cc]

Had one and only problem was I had to do my lawn on two separate days due to its size. You should not have that problem here. I would get one, no noise, no gas storage.

[BoSox49]

I have used a Kobalt battery powered mower for 2 years now to mow 5000 sq ft. I only use one of the 2 batteries that came with it. I haven't had any need to use the 2nd battery; 1 battery does the whole yard. Highly recommend this mower.

[Blueblaze]

Another vote for Kobalt. Mine is a 48v self-propelled mower that folds up for storage. It uses two 24v batteries that also work in other Kobalt tools.

Which brings up another issue if you're going to do it yourself. You'll also need a battery-powered string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and leaf blower. I had already bought a 40v Black-and-Decker string trimmer and blower before I bought the mower, so I can't comment on the Kobalt equivalents, but I don't think 24V is enough to do the job. The 40v B&D stuff works fine, but there are better brands.

I sure wish the industry would settle on a standard battery pack so we could mix and match instead of being forced into brand loyalty just because of the batteries.

I don't think these plastic battery-powered tools would have lasted a season of mowing my 2 acre Texas place, but they seem to work fine for my current postage stamp lawn.

[Toymeister]

There are two main factors that you need to consider.

- Do you currently have any battery powered tools? If so use that brand of mower as you already have extra batteries on hand.

-Do you want better quality of cut/better battery life/longer usable life of tool/bigger budget? If so you want a brushless mover.

Most comments on this thread will probably be useless as they will be something along the lines of buy the one I did, at a local store, as it works for me.

All references to voltage of batteries are meaningless. If it was true that more volts equals superior equipment then every European -220 volt- product would be superior to every US 120 volt product. Not to mention that every 20, 40, 60, and 80 volt cordless tool are stated at peak voltage and are in fact 18, 36, 54, and 72 nominal volt tools/mowers.

I bought a Makita. I chose the Makita system because Makita has the most cordless tools in the world and everyone uses the same battery (sometimes doubled up). Makita chargers fan cool the batteries during charging, extending battery life. Makita does not lie though marketing exaggerated claims. The 21" mower has a 21" blade not a 21" deck and 20" mower (I am looking at you Kobalt). Makita has three mowers to choose from and several weed trimmers, four blowers etc. The steel deck Makita models are made of a thicker gauge steel (25% more). The tires are rubber and not a black tinted slick plastic, and so forth.

All of this comes at a price. At this point I my life I simply want something that does what it claims to do and does not break, that is why Makita is the best choice for ME.

[logdog]

I'm happy with my Worx 40V mower. The batteries are compatible with my drill and other yard tools. I like that it folds up and stands on end for storage saving lots of garage space.

[Wendy Bradley]

I have a Sun Joe that is one year old I love it runs great never had a problem. I don't do my yard work here. So, I am thinking of selling it.

[Looking for next wife]

ONE DANGER. My son has Ryobi and loves it. However, there is one thing to beware of. If you have been used to a heavier gas mower for years and are now switching over; please remember that the electric mowers are much lighter than the gas engine ones and there are many instances where, when turning at the end of a row, new electric users pull the lighter mower up over their feet or foot while turning because they use too much effort out of habit and end up causing injury. Just remember at the end of a strip, be careful and nurse it around until you get your new muscle memory.

[Petersweeney]

Funny - no one likes electric golf carts……

[DebRags]

I have one you can have. EZ GO self propelled, battery operated lawn mower. Pictures attached

[JMintzer]

Funny - no one likes electric golf carts……

Never heard of anyone getting stranded on an electric mower...

Aaaaand, once every two weeks is not "every day" use...

[Songbird]

I recently replaced my failing zoysia 5000 sq. ft. corner lot lawn with St. Augustine and was not confident my lawn service would mow it properly. I purchased a Toro 21" Recycler Smart Stow Brushless Motor (model 21356) mower for less than $400 with my vets 10% discount at Home Depot. It takes me about 25 minutes to mow the lawn using only half the battery charge. Really like this mower. One caution, for all your battery driven lawn tools, charge your batteries when cool in an A/C space, not in your hot garage. Heat is the big destroyer of rechargeable lithium batteries. BTW, I also love my electric street legal Par Car golf cart.

[yourjoy]

I have a greenworks pro. It takes me close to 40 minutes to mow my lawn. I can usually do that on one charge. I’ve had it for 2 years and it’s running fine. I enjoy mowing.

[jdulej]

I currently mow my lawn with my trusty old Honda gas mower. It works fine now, but is getting on a bit. My fear with electric mowers is their ability (or lack of) to plow through a lawn that should have been mowed 3 or 4 day earlier. I get lazy sometimes and it takes a "gentle" nudge from my wife to get me up off the couch.

Can electric mowers deal with cutting 2 or 3 inches of grass?

Thanks for any feedback.

[Jawskid6044]

I have a Kobalt 80v. Yard about 3500 sq feet. Cut twice on one charge. Very good mower.

[DIver0258]

We have an EGO self propelled. Mower will mulch, bag, or side discharge. Is does a great job I am very pleased with its performance. It’s a 56v, ours came with a 7.5 AH battery. We our yard isn’t terribly large due to the pool. Battery lasts for 2 mowings easily. The EGO comes in several battery sizes 5 AH, 7.5 AH, or 10 AH. Never an issue, I strongly recommend it!

[IamTJS]

How much do you want for it?

[easydog]

I own a Ryobi... 40V lithium.... highly recommend it.

[DAVES]

I have used a Kobalt battery powered mower for 2 years now to mow 5000 sq ft. I only use one of the 2 batteries that came with it. I haven't had any need to use the 2nd battery; 1 battery does the whole yard. Highly recommend this mower.

The batteries are expensive. They do have a time life, likely around seven years. Also, there is stand by losses. Simple solution is to number the batteries and rotate them.
Assuming they are lithium ion it will say expected recharge cycles. No one counts them but, you get far more charge cycles if you do not drain the battery far down. You should recharge them after each use not wait till the next time you want to use the tool.
Heat, as in your garage is also bad for batteries.

[MrGolf]

I’ll take it.

[NoMoSno]

The batteries are expensive. They do have a time life, likely around seven years. Also, there is stand by losses. Simple solution is to number the batteries and rotate them.
Assuming they are lithium ion it will say expected recharge cycles. No one counts them but, you get far more charge cycles if you do not drain the battery far down. You should recharge them after each use not wait till the next time you want to use the tool.
Heat, as in your garage is also bad for batteries.
Charging to less than a full charge (4.1v) will also prolong Li-ion life. (more charge cycles)
BU-808: How to Prolong Lithium-based Batteries - Battery University (https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-808-how-to-prolong-lithium-based-batteries)

[OhioBuckeye]

There are two main factors that you need to consider.

- Do you currently have any battery powered tools? If so use that brand of mower as you already have extra batteries on hand.

-Do you want better quality of cut/better battery life/longer usable life of tool/bigger budget? If so you want a brushless mover.

Most comments on this thread will probably be useless as they will be something along the lines of buy the one I did, at a local store, as it works for me.

All references to voltage of batteries are meaningless. If it was true that more volts equals superior equipment then every European -220 volt- product would be superior to every US 120 volt product. Not to mention that every 20, 40, 60, and 80 volt cordless tool are stated at peak voltage and are in fact 18, 36, 54, and 72 nominal volt tools/mowers.

I bought a Makita. I chose the Makita system because Makita has the most cordless tools in the world and everyone uses the same battery (sometimes doubled up). Makita chargers fan cool the batteries during charging, extending battery life. Makita does not lie though marketing exaggerated claims. The 21" mower has a 21" blade not a 21" deck and 20" mower (I am looking at you Kobalt). Makita has three mowers to choose from and several weed trimmers, four blowers etc. The steel deck Makita models are made of a thicker gauge steel (25% more). The tires are rubber and not a black tinted slick plastic, and so forth.

All of this comes at a price. At this point I my life I simply want something that does what it claims to do and does not break, that is why Makita is the best choice for ME.

Toymeister, I may be wrong but my first battery operated tool was a Makita but not many stores sell Makita anymore. Besides I never saw a Makita mower before. Correct me if I’m wrong but tell me who sells Makita mowers? The biggest Hardware chains don’t, Lowe’s, Home Depot& Ace don’t. But you’re right Makita is the best. I have Milwaukee now but they use to be totally junk.

[DAVES]

I currently mow my lawn with my trusty old Honda gas mower. It works fine now, but is getting on a bit. My fear with electric mowers is their ability (or lack of) to plow through a lawn that should have been mowed 3 or 4 day earlier. I get lazy sometimes and it takes a "gentle" nudge from my wife to get me up off the couch.

Can electric mowers deal with cutting 2 or 3 inches of grass?

Thanks for any feedback.

A lawn it is a merciless slave driver. Insturctions supposed to cut off not more than 1/3 of its length at a time. The pros will not do it but there are times when it should be mowed twice a week. With all this rain you can probably watch your grass grow and still have time for meals and a nap.

Far as an old mower. If, you take care of it, change the oil. They last close to forever.
Gone are the points, new ones are electronic, it either works or it does not. If, it does not work it is a replacement part. It is an easy job to remove the shroud and clean all the dirt and dead grass out of the cooling fins.

[Topspinmo]

Funny - no one likes electric golf carts……

I think about 35% to 40% disagree with you. Depend on what you want it to do.

[Topspinmo]

The batteries are expensive. They do have a time life, likely around seven years. Also, there is stand by losses. Simple solution is to number the batteries and rotate them.
Assuming they are lithium ion it will say expected recharge cycles. No one counts them but, you get far more charge cycles if you do not drain the battery far down. You should recharge them after each use not wait till the next time you want to use the tool.
Heat, as in your garage is also bad for batteries.


Lithium batteries are computer controlled they stop long before the are close to dead. I have. 56V batteries and they stop at 41Vs. IMO problem with ion don’t over heat them. Rotate them so they have time to cool down before charging. Charging crates heat also.

[Topspinmo]

The batteries are expensive. They do have a time life, likely around seven years. Also, there is stand by losses. Simple solution is to number the batteries and rotate them.
Assuming they are lithium ion it will say expected recharge cycles. No one counts them but, you get far more charge cycles if you do not drain the battery far down. You should recharge them after each use not wait till the next time you want to use the tool.
Heat, as in your garage is also bad for batteries.

Mostly agree, except you can’t drain them dead. When one stops check volts, they have at least 30% left. At least the ones I use do.

Good luck getting 7 years out of big battery. Imo they have charging cycle limit. The more you overheat them The shorter the life will be.

[Bob Nicoll]

I’m interested in the mower if it isn’t already taken. You can text or call me . 978-360-4055. Thank you, Bob Nicoll , Village of St. Catherine.

[Topspinmo]

Thinking of switching to a battery powered lawn mower. Does anyone have first handed experience and willing to give a review for the best in field (sorry for the pun)? Thanks

Mower will require lot amps from battery, this usually makes batteries cost more due to more battery cells (150 to 350 bucks each) With small yard work fine as long as you don’t let grass get to tall. IF you’re ok with buying replacement batteries every few years ( few IMO 3 to 4, and maybe 5) cause The more you them the less they will last until they eventually become useless. Should be good. Less maintenance, but not no maintenance. You still have to sharpen blade, clean the deck, and charge batteries.

[Toymeister]

Toymeister, I may be wrong but my first battery operated tool was a Makita but not many stores sell Makita anymore. Besides I never saw a Makita mower before. Correct me if I’m wrong but tell me who sells Makita mowers? The biggest Hardware chains don’t, Lowe’s, Home Depot& Ace don’t. But you’re right Makita is the best. I have Milwaukee now but they use to be totally junk.

Makita is sold by Home Depot. Vendors can buy store floor space to move more product. In addition the big box stores promote their own store brands. The larger, less common, Makita items are in the store in the back. The Makita hand held tools are on the floor. When you order online at HD, deliver to store option, the mower will be ready for pick-up in a hour or so.

Makita can not compete with Kobalt/ Ryobi on price. The average consumer simply does not value quality. Bushings vs. bearings? Plastic deck vice steel? Quality lithium cells vice generic Chinese? It is simply impossible to under estimate people's lack of understanding of quality and what it costs.

[Gig1414]

I have used a Kobalt 80v for about a year on 10K sf yard. Have the self propelled mower, string trimmer, edger and blower. They all work fine, and battery life has never been an issue. Batteries are interchangeable, however the mower has a larger and heavier battery. The only caution is that it looks like Lowes will stop carrying this brand.

[New Englander]

Makita is sold by Home Depot. Vendors can buy store floor space to move more product. In addition the big box stores promote their own store brands. The larger, less common, Makita items are in the store in the back. The Makita hand held tools are on the floor. When you order online at HD, deliver to store option, the mower will be ready for pick-up in a hour or so.

Makita can not compete with Kobalt/ Ryobi on price. The average consumer simply does not value quality. Bushings vs. bearings? Plastic deck vice steel? Quality lithium cells vice generic Chinese? It is simply impossible to under estimate people's lack of understanding of quality and what it costs.

Everything Makita makes is high quality.

[scottiesrgreat@gmail.com]

I have a Kobalt 80v self propelled and have been pretty happy with it. Mine is two years old so and haven’t had any problems so far.

I have the same! No issues - plenty of battery life (I have a larger yard) - and I like that it folds up and takes little space in the garage.

[jimjamuser]

I have a Kobalt 80v self propelled and have been pretty happy with it. Mine is two years old so and haven’t had any problems so far.
I have had a Kobalt push-type mower for 4 years that is excellent in all respects. No repair problems. It is so quiet that I did not have to wear ear defenders like for a gas mower. I do not have to worry about hard starting due to stale gas. It is very light to push and maneuverable. It could handle pretty high grass if the blade is kept sharp. No spark plug to clean constantly. I have nothing but good things to say about it!

[jimjamuser]

Funny - no one likes electric golf carts……
That's because the dealers say (incorrectly) that the electric golf cars always need to be towed back more than the gas golf cars. And the dealers may be locked into traditional gasoline brands?

[jimjamuser]

I currently mow my lawn with my trusty old Honda gas mower. It works fine now, but is getting on a bit. My fear with electric mowers is their ability (or lack of) to plow through a lawn that should have been mowed 3 or 4 day earlier. I get lazy sometimes and it takes a "gentle" nudge from my wife to get me up off the couch.

Can electric mowers deal with cutting 2 or 3 inches of grass?

Thanks for any feedback.
Yes!

[bimmertl]

I own a Ryobi... 40V lithium.... highly recommend it.

July Consumer Reports top rated battery mower is the Ryobi RY401200 for $480 with a 5 year warranty.

[tuccillo]

What strange comments. I don't believe I have ever cleaned a spark plug in a lawn mower, let alone "clean it continuously", and can never remember having to replace one either. The air filter does need to be cleaned and the oil changed periodically. I have never had a problem with stale gas.

I have had a Kobalt push-type mower for 4 years that is excellent in all respects. No repair problems. It is so quiet that I did not have to wear ear defenders like for a gas mower. I do not have to worry about hard starting due to stale gas. It is very light to push and maneuverable. It could handle pretty high grass if the blade is kept sharp. No spark plug to clean constantly. I have nothing but good things to say about it!

[TCNY61]

Mower will require lot amps from battery, this usually makes batteries cost more due to more battery cells (150 to 350 bucks each) With small yard work fine as long as you don’t let grass get to tall. IF you’re ok with buying replacement batteries every few years ( few IMO 3 to 4, and maybe 5) cause The more you them the less they will last until they eventually become useless. Should be good. Less maintenance, but not no maintenance. You still have to sharpen blade, clean the deck, and charge batteries.

I don't have a cordless mower (mow 4 acres each week) but have a Ego cordless trimmer. Wanted a second battery and Home Depot has a 2.5 Ah batter for around $120. They also had a cordless blower and quick charger and 2.0Ah battery on clearance for $90 so I bought that instead. It was an older discontinued model. The battery only lasted for six months when I discovered it sat uncharged in home depot for about a year and a half. Called up Ego and they have a three year battery warranty. They just wanted the serial number and send a 2.5 Ah battery with no questions asked! So you are covered for three years at least with Ego.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Just don’t let your grass get too high!

[Spinfit5]

I have a battery operated ryobi which has been very successful on the lawn here in Caroline. It folds up, taking less real estate in the garage, whole lawn on one charge. Would highly recommend..

[Blueblaze]

Just don’t let your grass get too high!

That's the surprising part. I thought I'd be mowing twice a week when I bought the Kobalt, but no, even with all the rain we've had and the grass growing taller that the mower deck every week, it cuts right through it, no problem. And that's even while also driving the wheels.

I've got a big yard for the villages (.25ac). I could probably mow it three times on a charge if I wanted to. The only thing I don't like about it is the price -- it cost more than the heavy-duty, four-wheel-drive, Honda-powered mower I used in Texas. But even if this plastic mower only makes it through one season, I'm still money ahead over paying someone to do it.