Pros and Cons of Electric and Gas Lawn Mowers

• Tweet

• Tweet

As we inch toward spring, I’m looking forward to my absolute favorite summer time activity – mowing the lawn (denote sarcasm).

Towards the end of the summer last year, our gas lawn mower had been running rather sluggishly. It’s pretty old, and my boyfriend and I think that a new lawn mower might be in our future.

Much like snow blowers, I discovered that there are two ways you can go when purchasing a lawn mower. You can go the old school method with the gas-powered mower, or you can go the more modern route and purchase an electric lawn mower.

Before you run out and buy which ever you think sounds best this moment, take a second to consider the pros and cons of each type. Are you curious to see which mower will fit your needs? Read on to learn more.

Electric Lawn Mowers

Electric mowers come in two varieties: corded and cordless. I’m glad to hear that there’s a model out there that doesn’t plug directly into an outlet. Say what you will, but I would be paranoid of running the cord over and electrocuting myself.

Looking past my fear of electrocution, I discovered that electric lawn mowers offer some pretty great benefits:

• No sparkplugs to change.
• No fuel filters to change.
• No oil to change.
• No gasoline to fiddle with.
• They may save money over time (check out this graph for more info).
• They’re better for the environment.
• Quieter than traditional mowers.

These are all some pretty great benefits, right? Well, before you run to the hardware store to one up, think about a few of the drawbacks:

• Corded models limit your mobility.
• Cordless models may not offer a lot of mowing time – some only an hour.
• They may not handle thicker grasses well.
• Watch for water when you mow.
• They tend to be more expensive than gas mowers.

Gas Lawn Mowers

I really like my trusty, old gas mower mostly because my dad can help me fix and maintain it. Because of this, it’s lasted a long time. Aside from that, gas-powered lawn mowers have a few other benefits:

• They can cut through tougher grass with ease.
• No cord to limit mobility.
• They have the ability to mow larger areas without waiting for a battery to charge.
• A little bit of gas goes a long way when mowing a lawn.
• They’re more durable than most electric mowers.
• No possibility of electrocution.

What might make you think twice about buying a gas-powered mower? Consider a few of these points below:

• Most mowers are heavier than electric mowers.
• They’re nosier than electric mowers.
• They require regular engine maintenance.
• They have difficult pull-start cords.
• They emit carbon monoxide and dioxide into the atmosphere.

A gas lawn mower works well if you don’t mind a little maintenance. The extra power and mobility make it a great option particularly if you have a big yard. However, if you have a small lawn and aren’t comfortable working on engines, opting for an electric mower might be the best option for you. Also, remember to consider what works best with your budget and speak to an expert to answer specific questions you have.

Which type of mower do you own? Why do you like it? Share your thoughts with other Zing readers!