Types of Lawn Mowers
Electric Vs. Gas Lawnmower
Have you been in the market lately shopping for a lawn mower, but you are not sure of the type to buy? Maybe or maybe not. Whatever the case may be, there are many lawn mower models on the market. These machines come in so many styles, sizes, and features for consideration.
It is not as simple to choose as it was before, where limited models existed. Of course, the available models are gas and electric-powered mowers. Can you really tell the difference between these two lawn mowers? If you can, how and what do you look for in one mower over the other?
This piece looks at some of the outstanding features and elements of a lawn mower you need to look out for. The factors play a significant role in getting it right when buying. It is by looking at these features that you may find a clear difference between an electric and gas lawn mower.
Difference by Definition
A gas lawn mower is a grass trimmer that requires gasoline to operate. Electric lawn mowers are machines that work by using electric power. They use an electrical cable or cord to supply power or run off an electrically charged battery. The battery is charged every time after use.
Working Terrain
Your terrain plays a significant role in choosing a lawn mower model. You may be living in a large compound with stones, tough grass, and bumpy ground. If that is the case, go for the gas-powered lawn mower. It has a high-power output machine that cuts through the grass effortlessly without any issues.
Conversely, electrical lawn mowers may find difficulties handling such a lawn. The stones are likely to damage its blades and insert a lot of pressure on the electric motor. Your electric lawn mower may break down in no time due to burnout.
Are you dealing with an expansive land? If yes, go for a gas lawn mower to do the job in a single shot, provided there is enough fuel. Of course, you won’t run out of power with a corded electric lawn mower. The challenge is that the cord is not long enough to cover an expansive land. You are likely to get an electric cable of 50 to 100 feet long.
Even battery-powered electric lawn mowers have their limits. The length and thickness of the grass play a vital role in how long you may use the mower. You may have to keep recharging your battery at intervals to complete the work. Alternatively, buying an extra battery may double your trimming time
Motor Power
Gas lawn mowers emit motor output power measured in cubic centimeters and horsepower. However, the outstanding rating of the engine’s motor power is the torque. The machine generates an average power yield of 4.50 and 8.75 ft-lbs. This yield is a high power emission by any standard.
An electric lawn mower requires some calculations to understand its motor output. This computation is because the lawn mower has no torque rating.
Ideally, if the machine has a power rating of 1,000-watts and RPM of 2,800, the assumption is that it has a torque rating of 2.5 ft-lb. The torque rating is an approximate figure. Clearly, it is less than the power generated by a gas-powered mower.
Operation and Usability
It is easier to move about a gas and electric battery-charged lawn mower than a corded mower. These two lawn mowers are not as heavy as an electric mower with a cable. Moreover, moving the mower with a cord around may be limited by the electrical cable itself. You may constantly run over the cable, meaning replacing the line now and then is necessary.
In terms of usability, it is tricky using an electric-powered mower which is relying on a cord. Apart from the cable getting on your way, do you have the strength to push it around? Yet again, how much patience do you have to wait for an electric battery to charge? Your work may have to wait until the battery is full.
Lawn Mower Runtime
A corded lawn mower is the best when it comes to mower run time. Without trouble, the mower just needs plugging into a power source, and it can run for as long as you want. The only problem is if you have unstable power or constant power outages.
If a cord is irritating, go for a gas mower. It runs on a gallon of oil that may go for an hour or two. A battery-charged mower is the least reliable mower on runtime due to the battery usage span of 30 to 60 minutes. The constant breaks from work to recharge the battery may take a toll on you.
Maintenance and Operating Costs
It is far easier and cheaper to operate and maintain an electrical mower model. In any case, you are likely to incur costs on regular checkups other than anything else. Battery changes take place once in a while.
The challenge lies with a gas-powered lawn mower. Should any wrong oil be used, thorough cleaning is required. Yet, the oil has to be budgeted for every time you intend to trim your lawn. Your ongoing operation and maintenance costs are definitely going to be high.
Eco-Friendly and Economy Factors
What can beat an electrical lawn mower in terms of economy and eco-friendly features? No lawn mower model at all. Both mower models are inexpensive to run. They also reduce your carbon emission on the environment.
The only downside of using electric battery mowers is that the battery is a product of Lithium. Mining this mineral may adversely affect the environment. There is a need to recycle old batteries to reduce or end Lithium mining.
Gas-powered lawn mowers emit a lot of exhaust fumes, making you nauseated. They are a danger to the environment. The constant fuel price increase at the pumps makes mowing expensive.
Electric lawn mowers are silent workers, while gas lawn mowers are very noisy. The mower may cause problems with some municipalities that regulate noise in some yards. Yet, the same mower vibrates a lot to the liking of some users.
Mower Cost
Any day, a corded electric lawn mower is cheaper than battery and gas model lawn mowers. Perhaps the reason is that the machines are products of cost-effective materials. Moreover, the trimmer does not need batteries to run. The machine’s source of power is also direct as compared to the rest.
Battery electric lawn mowers are slightly expensive as the battery contains lithium-ion. The mineral presence increases the unit cost of the mower. Its price ranges at mid-level pricing with a gas-powered mower model.
Gas-powered lawn mowers are more expensive than the rest. Why so? Because they not only use gas, but they are costly to maintain. Yet, this mower covers a lot of work in an expansive land that others don’t. This mower is a preference of many users who find it much more reliable.
General Overview
Every lawn mower user or a prospective user has their preferences in a mower. Your case may differ from the rest. The question is, does the mower you bought or intend to buy meet your goals? Have you checked out all your boxes to buy the right mower? Have you considered the convenience of using the mower in your garden or piece of land?
Answers to all these questions hinge on carrying out proper market research. You are sure to stumble on many impressive mowers, but that does not make them valid for your needs. Don’t go buying with a fixed mind on cost, ignoring other crucial factors. All the best as you go shopping.
Common Lawn Mower Issues You Can Troubleshoot
A lawn mower is a vital and valuable tool to have in your home. Ideally, if you have large portions of grass that need some trimming, this machine is a must-have. Just like any other machine, lawn mowers experience several breakdowns and mechanical problems. You may encounter some issues when using the item.
Don’t freak out when some issues emerge while using the mower. Don’t rush to a shop to buy a new one before knowing precisely what the problem is. It may be something simple that you can fix on your own.
The Modalities of Lawn Mower Oil Change
Maintaining your engine is a critical remedy to improve the functionality of the machine. The oil change is among the many practices that highly impact the engine. A lawn mower requires frequent oil changes to prevent the failure of its parts. The change enhances the mower’s durability and performance.
Maintaining your Lawn Mower:
Annual Checklist and Cleaning Tips
How Often To Clean Your Lawnmower
The growing season usually peaks in late spring, early summer, but it depends on the climate in your particular area. In most of the US, most growing and mowing happens between March and October, with a dip in the middle when the weather is hottest. Generally speaking, you should give your lawnmower a good clean at the beginning and end of the season.
