Electric or gasoline lawn mower? We advise!

Petrol, electric or cordless mower – which is better?

Manufacturers of garden equipment offer a large selection of devices, thanks to which the monotonous work of caring for the grass in the meadow or in the garden does not take much time and effort. However, in order to provide yourself with comfort and quality end result, the choice of lawn mower for the care of a particular site should be approached with maximum responsibility and carefully take into account all its properties, among which the most important is the type of power supply.

In addition to mechanical lawnmowers, which require considerable physical effort and are of little use for the treatment, there are gasoline, electronic-grid and electric battery mower models, which differ in a number of characteristics and both advantages and disadvantages in comparison with each other. Today we will determine which is the best to choose in 2022. Read!

Recommendations depending on the complexity and size of the site

There is no single answer to the question of which lawnmower is better – gasoline, electric or cordless, because each of them is designed for certain operating conditions and must be taken into account when choosing a site . U200B U200B location, type, hardness, height and density of the grass bed, surface topography and many other factors. The width of the strip and the ability to adjust the height of cut, the availability of wheel base drive, the presence of mulching function, body material, type of cutting element and other parameters depend on the specific model, and regardless of the type of power source.

Lostype	Width of cutting strip, cm	Mowing height, mm	Engine power W	Type of cutting element	Type of drive	Wheel diameter	What type of power supply is best
For small areas	Up to 40	From 20	1200-1400	Rotating (knife) or drum type (cylinder with spiral cutting edge)	Does not matter	Does not matter	Electric or battery-powered
For large lawns	From 42	25-75	From 1600	Both rotary (knife) and drum (cylinder with spiral cutting edges)	Rear drive	Large-diameter rear bikes	Internal combustion gasoline engine
For difficult terrain	Medium or small	The higher the better.	From 1600-1800	Turning (blade)	Rear drive	Large-diameter rear bikes	For big differences in elevation – gasoline – ice
For high and hard grass	Medium or small	The higher the better.	From 2000	Turning (blade)	Rear drive	Large diameter winter and front wheels	Powerful gasoline engine

In addition, when choosing a lawn mower, you should pay attention to such details, regardless of the properties of the grass and the area of the site:

1. Grass catcher. This element can consist of dense fabric or plastic (some mower manufacturers combine both materials). The first option is more convenient to store and transport, as it takes little space in the folded form, the second is more durable, durable and it is easier to clean from the cut grass. The presence of the fill indicator allows you to control the frequency of cleaning.
2. Hull and deck material. Steel is highly durable, but prone to corrosion if the protective coating is damaged. The overall weight of the lawnmower is off, but it can hit an obstacle hard, which you should pay special attention to.
3. Self-coating. At first glance, wheel drive seems more convenient, but in practice this applies only to spacious areas and with a lot of irregularities. In the case of small lawns that require increased maneuverability, driving at a constant speed (and most models do not offer the ability to adapt them) is not always practical.
4. The possibility of adapting the position of the handle, the presence of an anti-eccentric on it to record the coverage and the placement of controls within arm’s reach.
5. Manufacturer’s brand. Well-known brands of lawnmowers value their reputation more, so the quality of parts and assembly is usually at a high level.

Read also:

Advantages and disadvantages of gasoline lawn mower, good models

Equipped with reliable and powerful two- or four-stroke internal combustion engines, gasoline lawn mowers have remained unchanged for many decades. This type of garden equipment is used not only in the home, but also in supply enterprises due to high performance and the possibility of uninterrupted work throughout the working day (it is enough to take a container of gasoline with you). A large selection of such devices, differing in the presence or absence of the drive wheels, productivity, weight, dimensions and other properties allows you to simply pick the right model for any application conditions.

• the ability to choose the engine power of gasoline lawnmowers (and accordingly) in a wide range – both for a small lawn near the house, and for the care of the golf course;
• high output also on large areas;
• autonomous operation for long periods of time;
• Possibility to mow thick or tall grass and young bushes (depends on the design of the cutting element).

• High noise level during operation;
• Emission of exhaust gases;
• High weight of gasoline mower;
• The need for cleaning the products of combustion of fuel;
• The need for ELERA kit and fueling and, accordingly, the purchase, which is especially impractical for users who do not have their own vehicles.

The best gasoline models are:

1. Denzel 58808 GLD-560-A Compact and lightweight mower has no wheel drive, but is highly productive due to its 6.5 hp four-stroke engine and 56 cm mowing width.
2. DEWORKS L 50SP-A Self-propelled lawn mower, which is equipped with a 5 HP Daewoo V-series engine. The device is suitable for the maintenance of large areas and the big diameter of the rear driving wheels makes it insensitive to unevenness of the terrain.
3. The Resante KR-6.0 BT is a self-propelled mower with a 6-hp four-stroke engine. Power of the petrol engine and mowing width of 53 cm allow to work quickly and easily on large garden and household plots, and the wear-resistant steel blade copes well not only with thick or high grass, but also with young bushes.
4. Carver LMG-3653DMSE-VS – thanks to the wheel drive and the 4.9 HP engine it requires minimal physical effort to move it. The large diameter of the rear wheels makes it easy to overcome hills and valleys on the construction site, and the smooth speed control allows you to choose the best pace of work for the owner.
5. Hyundai L 4600S is a self-propelled gasoline lawn mower, which is equipped with a powerful (3.5 hp) and reliable four-stroke engine Hyundai ICV140 and is designed for the care of medium-sized gardens.

Advantages and disadvantages of electrohydraulic lawn mowers, good models

Lawn mowers powered by household electricity can save significantly, both in purchase and in operation. Low weight, compact size, no exhaust and no loud noises make it convenient to use such a device for women, children or the elderly. The properties of this type of device make it ideal for the care of lawns in the vicinity of the house on a small or medium area. The main disadvantage of the electric lawnmower is the need to connect through a cable to the mains, which not only makes it difficult to work and keep away from the house, but also poses an increased risk of electrocution when mowing in wet weather.

• Low weight and compact size due to no fuel tank or batteries;
• low noise level;
• no need to buy fuel;
• No need to stop to recharge or charge the batteries;
• Minimum maintenance, consisting in cleaning dirt and sharpening the cutting elements at regular intervals;
• environmentally friendly – no harmful environmental and exhaust gases are produced during cutting;
• affordability.

• The need to use an extension cord, which gets tangled underfoot, regularly slips out of the connection and can be severed by the electric lawnmower meter when handled;
• Low mobility – plugging into the mains limits the ability to operate the lawnmower far away from home;
• Relatively low performance.

Best models:

1. The Resante KR-20000 is designed for lawn and garden maintenance on private property up to 600 m². The device does not have a wheel drive, but the weight – only 11.8 kg – allows you to easily move the electric mower on rough terrain.
2. ZUBR 1700W is a budget model for owners of small and medium-sized household plots. Sufficiently powerful engine (1700 W) and mowing width of 38 cm provide the electric lawnmower with power quite acceptable for plot processing, and the small weight (9 kg) and the possibility of adjusting the number of adjustable handles allow a woman, an elderly person or a teenager to get the hang of control.
3. The Bosch Arm 37 is compact and lightweight. Ideal electric lawn mower for small to medium-sized areas with lots of trees, flowerbeds, bushes and other obstacles that require a lot of maneuverability. It easily copes with dense, thick and stiff grass, and its design features allow you to service areas close to walls, fences or curbs.
4. Works WG713E – has a 1200W motor, mowing width of 34 cm and is designed to care for small lawns. There is a mulching mode.
5. The Gardena Powermax 1200/32 is the ideal, reliable helper for small gardens up to 300 m². Like all gardening devices of this brand, the electric unit is characterized by a high degree of design safety, thoughtful functionality, convenient operation and versatile Laconian design.

Properties of electric cordless lawnmowers, good models

The advantages of cordless lawnmowers are the same as those of electric mains-powered devices, except that they are not tied to a fixed power source, which means more convenient operation as well as the ability to use on the go. At the same time, it forces this type of power supply to take frequent and long breaks needed to charge the batteries, and also leads to an increase in weight and the cost of the equipment.

• The ability to operate autonomously at any distance from home (unlike mains-powered electric lawnmowers);
• low noise level;
• no need for a power cable;
• Reliability and ease of regular maintenance.

• Relatively short battery life (no more than an hour for most models), and it takes several hours to charge the battery. The only way to solve this problem is to use multiple replacement batteries, but such an option costs a decent amount of money.
• Wireless mowers are heavier than corded mowers for similar performance;
• A full supply of batteries and chargers makes a lawn mower more expensive.

Best models:

1. Metabo RM 36-18 LTX BL 46 is a non-self-powered cordless lawn mower for lawn care in areas up to 800 m². With its efficient brushless motor and 46 cm cutting width, it takes less time to mow a wide lawn, and the automatic adjustment of the motor power depending on the load applied protects the battery and makes fewer interruptions for charging.
2. Ryobi Olm 1833b-This non-self-powered cordless mower mows compared to similar devices of other brands at a very low weight (only 7.5 kg) and compact size with a large set of functions (mulching, performance catch bags, etc.).
3. Stiga Collector 140 ae kit – this mower has no wheel drive, but it requires little effort to move it. Two 4 Ah e-power batteries each are more than enough to take care of up to 350 m² of lawn without recharging, and the 38 cm mowing width and a choice of six grass heights for perfect order in the average backyard lawn provide the Garden and the lawn.
4. GreenWorks 2502007 82V 53 cm GD82LM5 3- Equipped with the DigiPr o-Insan e-Boost motor, which is comparable in electricity to gasoline-powered objects, which is not enough time to work an area of 600 m² (for example, about 600 m² per hour). Thanks to the eco-boost function, the engine speed automatically adapts to the intensity of the power load. If necessary, it is possible to switch to turbocharging.
5. The Makita DLM462Z is a semi-professional lawnmower. The large battery capacity of 18+18 in 6 a*h and the ability to switch to a standby pair provide grass cover up to 1900 m².

Read also:

Gasoline lawn mower, electric or cordless – which is better

Considering some of the characteristics of lawn mowers with different types of power, we can draw some very generalized conclusions.

So, gasoline lawnmowers are more suitable for the regular care of large areas, including those located at any distance from the house, with complex terrain and dense vegetation. Very often such units are used not only in the private sector, but also at supply companies for arrangement of parking lots, squares, sports grounds and similar areas. A quality petrol mower is able to withstand work in intensive mode for a long time. However, it is not reasonable to buy such a unit for processing a lawn of 1-2 hectares.

Electric lawn mowers, working from the household network, are ideal for the care of lawns up to 6-10 acres. When handling large areas or remote control from home, the main obstacle to use is an extension cord.

They can be used both in the house and in remote areas of relatively small size or in narrow plant strips along the streets. They are not suitable for processing large areas, as it is not very convenient to start the battery every time after an hour of work, and it is too expensive to buy several replacement power cells.

Characteristics	Gasoline lawnmower	Electric lawnmower	Electric batteries
Average output	2,3 – 5,6 hp for home models	0,9-1,8 kW	0,9-1,8 kW
Autonomy time	Depends on tank capacity and fuel consumption for heavy-duty mowers. Average consumption is 0.8-1 litres/hour	Not available (unlimited running time when connected to the mains)	40-60 minutes on average (depending on battery capacity and availability of battery back-up)
Weight	Heavy (20-40 kg)	Light (8-12 kg)	Average (10-15 kg)
Dimensions	Large and medium sized	Compact and medium	Large and medium sized
Need for maintenance	Need for regular maintenance of the Öler kit and fuel tank, cleaning or replacing filters, and cleaning through combustion products and other contaminants	Cleaning through contamination	Cleaning through soiling, charging the battery
Price	Medium and high	Budget	Medium and high
Noise	Over 90 dB	Within 69-87 dB	Within 69-87 dB
environmentally friendly	Combustion product emissions	Environmental safety standards are complied with	Environmental safety standards are complied with

At the same time, it is possible to say unequivocally that the lawn is better or worse at any performance. Take into account the area of the lawn, the type of vegetation and the supporting features of the terrain and many other factors.

Choosing the best lawn mower article

Today, many people plant lawns on the roofs of houses and suburban areas and do not justify the entire room for beds. But you need to keep an eye on the grass, because everyone on the site wants to see a smooth and beautiful lawn, not the occasional blade of grass in which anything can live. In this article we will talk about the lawn.

Let’s say right away that in terms of use in everyday life, we will consider them in small areas, where there is no need to mow grass over a huge area, for which professional models are purchased, which are very expensive. By the way, in this material we told about the difference between the lawnmower and trimmer, if you are still undecided about the choice, we recommend reading it. There we laid out all the advantages and disadvantages, which will help you make a decision in your situation.

What kind of lawn mowers are there?

There are different types of lawnmowers (by the way, the trimmer also belongs to them, but we do not consider them yet within the scope of this article). In this section, we will give a brief description of each type, indicating the main fabrics:

• Electrically, they run on battery power or mains power. Mains have a limited range of use (extension cord length). In addition, the wires create interference. You have to spend time putting them aside. Batteries are free of this disadvantage, but they also have a limited operating time. Well, over time, the battery itself loses capacity (you can read about battery failure), which requires additional costs for replacement.
• Gasoline-powered. They are devoid of all the disadvantages of electric designs, but they have their disadvantages. First, they are more difficult to maintain, with the difficulty depending on the type of engine and the specific model. They are also more expensive, if you compare models with about the same capacity and other properties, the petrol ones cost at least 1.5 times more.
• Mechanical. They do not have an engine, have full autonomy and do not require complex maintenance and compliance with strict rules of operation, as in the case of petrol. The principle of operation of a mechanical lawnmower is simple: if it moves, pressure is applied to it, the drum rotates with the blades, and they cut the grass. The main disadvantage – it is necessary to exert effort, which can be a problem for people who do not have good health and assiduity. Yes, and working with very large areas will be difficult for everyone.
• Raiders. These are mini-applications, you’ve probably seen these in movies. We have already mentioned them, but they should not be taken seriously. Such a technique is very expensive (from 100,000 rubles) and on small areas there is no point in it. However, it is worth noting that for this money you buy not only a lawnmower, but also a multifunctional small tractor, which is suitable for other purposes (snow removal, cultivation, etc.).
• Robot. Modern technology. The robotic lawnmower is capable of independently mowing the grass in any area (there are limitations on battery capacity) and recognizing obstacles. Option for lazy people who want to press a button and forget about mowing the lawn. The main disadvantage is the price.

As you can see, all five types of lawn mowers have their own features, there are pros and cons. For the purposes of this article, we will not talk about robots, raiders and mechanical lawn mowers, but focus only on electric and gasoline lawn mowers. The reason is simple: they are the most common, and when you ask “which lawn mower is best to buy for the suburbs/suburbs?”, we almost always talk about gas or electric lawn mowers.

By the way, we can say right away that if you have a lawn of 10-20 square meters on your property, it may not make sense to buy a lawn mower. In this case, you can get by with a trimmer, as the amount of work will not be too great. However, the decision is yours.

A petrol lawnmower

So you have decided to look at gasoline lawn mowers. Of course, this is a very good option, but if there is no access to electricity, there are no other options. But let’s start with their pros and cons. Short.

• Stand-alone;
• cell phone, cell phone;
• Generally more powerful and productive (than electric);
• More suitable for working with large areas;
• Uninterrupted work time is higher;
• Many models (especially expensive ones) may have additional useful functions.

• More weight;
• More complicated to maintain;
• noisier;
• more expensive;
• They can not be called environmentally friendly, and it is not only about the exhaust, but also about possible leaks of fuel and lubricants.

Before you decide to buy a lawn mower, we recommend that you think again about the minuses, if there is something that is critical for you, you should buy it only if among the pluses are also critical. Now let’s talk about the characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing.

Lawn mower, cat, lawn

engine

Nowadays, lawn mowers are made with a two-stroke or four-stroke engine. If you do not go into the principles of their work and design, everything can be reduced to one simple thing: two-stroke models are easier to service, as their design is simpler, and four-stroke are more economical (fuel savings can reach 30-35%). It is also worth noting that four-stroke gasoline engines are much quieter. The engine itself can be either front- or rear-mounted. It is believed that the front arrangement means somewhat better maneuverability, but this is not always the case.

In principle, today it is better to buy all the same models with a four-stroke engine. Do not be afraid of more complicated maintenance, in fact there is nothing complicated, you just need to follow the operating instructions and all the manufacturer’s recommendations, so that no problems arise.

performance

For gasoline lawnmowers, power is measured in horsepower. It depends on the following:

• The higher the horsepower, the less serious maintenance is required, simply because the more powerful models are designed for professional use. But for home use, it won’t be very relevant.
• The quality of the mowed grass also depends on the power. If it doesn’t matter for a regular lawn, with dense overgrowth the grass will not be mowed but uprooted, which won’t make your lawn more attractive.
• Poor performance can cause you to have to take frequent breaks in your work. This is because the engine is running at full power and gets very hot. And yes, there will be more wear and tear.

In practice, choosing a gasoline lawnmower with the right performance is not difficult, simply because the manufacturers themselves already divide them into four categories depending on where they work:

• Up to 150 sq. m category S or up to 3 hp;
• Up to 400 sq. m class m or up to 3 l/s;
• From 400 to 1,000 sq. m. class L or 3 to 5 l/s;
• Above 1000 sq. m – XL and engine power over 5 hp.

Motor life

Here, too, there is a conditional division: domestic gasoline lawnmowers have an average engine life of about 600 hours, professional models 1000. Moreover, it should be taken into account that much depends on operating conditions and compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

By the way, if it seems to you that 500 hours is not enough, then you’re wrong. Let’s assume that you have 10 hectares of lawn. The mowing rate is 5 hectares per hour (sometimes up to 10), but let’s say they have the lowest value and they will mow the grass every 10 days. In summer, they only produce a motor life of 18 hours, which means that 500 hours will be enough for 25 years (round up). So don’t give much importance to this indicator, and if you have to work with large areas, you will still buy a professional lawn mower.

In addition, gasoline lawnmowers can be both self-moving and non-self-moving. The difference is that the first move on their own, and for the movement of the second requires the effort of a person. However, it is worth noting that it is not necessary to make great efforts, such a lawnmower is still quite easy to move on a flat surface.

Electric .

As in the case of the gasoline mower, we will also briefly consider the advantages and disadvantages of the electric lawnmower and discuss it in more detail below.

• It weighs less (if you do not take into account the battery);
• Environmentally friendly;
• Quiet;
• Easy to use;
• Cheaper than petrol.

• Electricity is required for operation;
• The working area is limited to the length of the extension cord;
• The extension cord must be watched to keep it away from your feet;
• Electric mowers are less powerful and therefore not suitable for large-scale work.

Note that cordless lawnmowers are devoid of some disadvantages, for example, you can also work when the current is off, and does not require a cable run. But they are more expensive, heavier and their battery life is still limited, and the capacity of each battery is getting smaller over time. Now we will discuss some of the most important features of electric lawn mowers.

performance

This is one of the main indicators. It varies from 800-900 to 3000 or more watts. More power means more performance. But high performance is not always required, which may simply be unnecessary in your case. For example, models with a low-performance motor overheat faster and have to rest. However, if the site is small, this is almost irrelevant. Therefore, it is better to pay attention to the continuous operation time, which is specified in the passport of each model.

Battery or mains

We have already written that the battery is more expensive, but it does not require cables, and a power outage will not cause problems if the battery has been charged. It is also worth remembering about the limited life of the battery. In general, for dachas and in general for a small area, a cordless electric lawnmower is a good option. Operating time depends on the battery capacity and motor power, but usually a full charge is enough to mow the lawn on an untended area. However, this option is not at all suitable for working on large areas.

Mowing with a lawnmower

Common features

Above, we took apart the cordless and gasoline lawn mowers, but this allowed to get away without many features that might surprise. In fact, it’s simple: the other features and parameters are common and do not depend on the type of drive. However, this does not mean that they are any less important. They should be considered only after you decide what is better for you: a gasoline or electric lawn mower.

Grass care.

Let’s start with this one, simply because many people don’t even think about it and are unpleasantly surprised. There are three options here, and it’s up to you to decide which one is most convenient.

• Skipping the grass on the lawn. The lawnmower can throw the grass either sideways or backwards. Obviously, this method is not the most convenient because you will have to remove the grass, otherwise your lawn will look sloppy.
• A common option is the grass catcher box. This is a special container that collects the grass clippings. In different models, the grass catcher box has different volumes, this indicator depends on how often it needs to be cleaned, as well as the area you have to work with. This option is much more convenient than the previous one.
• Mulching is the most expensive option, but in certain situations it is the best. In this case, additional equipment is installed on the lawnmower, which shreds the grass. It can be stored in the grass box or thrown on the lawn, it will serve as a fertilizer.

We recommend choosing between the second and third options, of course, they are more expensive, but the most convenient.

Wheels

At first glance it seems that this is definitely not worth paying attention to, but this is an erroneous opinion. The larger their diameter and width, the better. The diameter affects the maneuverability, and if the plot is uneven, it will be much easier to roll such a lawnmower. The width is also important, the wider the wheels, the less they will damage the lawn. You can find unfortunate models on sale with very narrow wheels that leave a small distance. They can also be hub or bearing, the second option being more durable.

Wide

The width of the grip (that is, the width of the strip the lawnmower cuts the grass) primarily affects the time cost. The wider the width, the fewer passes will be needed. In domestic models, this parameter ranges from 30 to 45 centimeters. But here you also need to look at your site. It is possible that a wide lawnmower is just not practical for you. As for gasoline, wider models also save fuel.

Mowing height.

In some cases, it will be very difficult without this feature. Adjustment can be done in several ways, the most inconvenient is to reposition the wheels, and the most convenient is to adjust the height of the body (or wheels) using the levers. For dacha owners, the presence of this function is usually not fundamentally important, but if you want to create an artistic lawn (when the grass is of different heights in different areas), or if you need to mow tall grass, then you can not do without the ability to adjust the height of mowing.

frame

The body is made of aluminum, steel or plastic. Plastic has a low strength, but it is resistant to corrosion, cheaper and lighter. Steel cases are much stronger, but they are heavier and prone to corrosion. They are covered with a protective layer, but if it is scratched, rust is inevitable. Aluminum does not have all the disadvantages of plastic and steel, but lawnmowers with these bodies are more expensive. And this metal is usually used in expensive models, designed for professional use.

In our opinion, in this case, it is not worth inventing anything. Most household lawnmowers are made in plastic housings, and you certainly should not think that an accidental touch to them can damage them. Be careful, it’s enough to keep the housing intact.

Choosing by area

Lawn mowers (like any other piece of equipment) are almost always chosen based on the tasks that need to be done. In this case, it is most correct to start from the area u200bu200bt of the plot, as well as its topography. This section will be useful for those who have read all that we have written above, but have not yet decided what they need.

• A flat area of 6 to 10 acres. An inexpensive electric lawnmower with a capacity of up to 900-1000 W will do. In this case, you can buy a cordless model. The grass catcher box will also come in handy, the volume of 30-40 liters is enough.
• For uneven areas of the same area, it is better to choose a lawnmower with a switchable speed, as well as with large wheels, facilitating maneuvering. You also need the ability to change the height of the blades.
• For a 10 to 20 acres plot, you will need either a low powered petrol lawn mower or an electric lawn mower with 1500 watts or more. The grass catcher box should have a volume of 40-60 liters, which is enough for a full working cycle.
• If the plot is more than 20 acres, the purchase of an electric lawn mower is a questionable decision. In this case, it is recommended to buy only a gasoline lawnmower, as it is the most convenient.

Note that by the area of the plot we mean the area of the lawn. Of course, if you have an area of 25 hectares, and the lawn covers only 10 hectares, you can do with an electric model.

In conclusion, whatever lawn mower you end up choosing, you need to follow the user manual. This greatly extends the service life. After all, modern models can work perfectly for 10 years or more, but only if they are used and stored properly, without neglecting maintenance (this is especially true for gasoline engines).

And if you take the electric ones, they have the most important thing – uninterrupted operating time. You should not violate the manufacturer’s recommendations, even if he specifies them with a reserve (that’s right, they certainly underestimate this parameter). It is better to wait 20-30 minutes and finish mowing the lawn, because then the engine will run for another 10 minutes and will eventually stop due to overheating.