Gasoline or electric lawn mower – how to choose and which is better
Regular lawn care is the key to maintaining its attractive appearance and health. An indispensable helper in this matter is a lawn mower – a tool familiar to almost every owner of a personal plot.
Modern market offers a wide range of devices, which differ not only in operational and technical characteristics and cost, but also in the used power source.
The undoubted leaders are gasoline and electric. By studying the information below, you will learn which lawn mower is better: gasoline or electric, and what arguments are given in favor of one or the other option.
Basic information about lawn mowers
The most important difference between the units under consideration lies in the energy used, which is clear from the names of the devices.
Gasoline models are characterized by greater power and productivity. They are optimal for the care of spacious lawns, are characterized by excellent mobility and, compared to electric “colleagues”, are not so dependent on a power source.
In the case of petrol mowers, there is a direct correlation between the power of the installed engine and the mowing width: the bigger the first characteristic, the more impressive the second one is.
The design of gasoline units in most cases is self-acting, that is, the owner enough to hold the device by the handles and control its movement, and then it gets on its own, which is very convenient.
In terms of cost, the lawnmower, working on gasoline, considerably loses to its electric counterpart. Here the buyer must decide for himself what is more important for him: economy or ease of use and performance.
The power of electric mowers can vary from 300 to 1500 watts, depending on the location of the engine (in more powerful models, which are located on top).
This option is optimal for taking care of small, level areas where there are no potholes or rocks. On the other hand, an electric lawnmower will not be able to cope with dense shrubbery, such as with power tillers.
The video shows different types of lawn mowers.
The list of significant disadvantages of electric lawn mowers should include the following provisions:
- the impossibility of use in rainy weather (a drawback is subjective, because few people have the desire to mow the grass in a downpour);
- relatively low engine power, after which the detection range decreases. As a result, during the processing of the site electric mower, ceteris paribus, will have to spend more time than when using a gasoline analogue.
The main advantages of units that use electricity as an energy-manipulating resource are as follows:
- Practicality;
- Maneuverability;
- Affordable cost, etc.
basic selection criteria
When choosing a lawn mower, you need to compare the available options according to several groups of criteria: firstly, the technical and performance characteristics, and secondly, the features and operating conditions. Send us a link where we will tell you in detail how to choose a lawn mower, based on your desires and preferences. For greater perception, the information on this topic is arranged in the form of tables.
Table. Technical and operational characteristics
| evaluation criterion | description |
| power and noise | The basic units, ceteris paribus, will be much more powerful than their electric “brothers”. Electric horns are powered from the mains. Therefore, it is simply not possible to install powerful motors – the generated voltage exceeds the allowable limits, and the network will simply fail. Together with many models comes a battery, which allows you to work at a distance from the power supply up to 2-3 hours. The level of noise created by the tool during operation depends on the power of the installed motor. Given this, the inclusion of headphones in the delivery set of many gasoline lawnmowers is not an attempt of the manufacturer to earn extra money, and caused by the urgent need to protect the hearing of the user. It should be understood that high performance is not always an advantage. For example, a productive engine is better not to use on difficult sites. To understand the essence of the resolution, let us give a simple example: the site is processed with a medium tool. A bone pulled by a dog, a small stone or any other third part of a hard object will get under the cutting element. What happens to the engine? It will stall. To resume operation, all you have to do is remove the obstruction and restart the mower. |
With larger lawnmowers such circumstances can lead to a breakdown as the engine will probably not shut down and the cutting attachment will continue to rotate. This results in twisting of the blades, deformation of the shank and destruction of the bushings, which already requires an expensive overhaul.
In general, for the maintenance of an average-sized plot, a model with the characteristics of 6-7 “horses” is enough. Buying a more powerful unit in most cases is meaningless and unreasonable.
The table below provides recommendations on the choice of lawn mower, taking into account the characteristics of the service station and the convenience of operation.
See the criteria for selecting the device on the video.
Table. characteristics of use
| evaluation criterion | description |
| Size | Electric lawnmowers are effective for processing areas, the size of which does not exceed 100-300 m 2 (depending on the individual characteristics of the particular case). With a more impressive size of the territory, objectively, preference should be given in favor of the gasoline model. One such model is the MTD gasoline mower, which is capable of bringing order to your territory in a short time. Users who do not pollute the environment with exhaust fumes and other inconveniences typical of gasoline mowers, in addition, have to deal with the problems of arranging a reliable source of electricity at the place of use of the tool. |
| Isolation from the power source | Optimally, if there are several suitable power sources installed in the garden – in this situation, the use of the electric tower is not difficult. If you do not want to burden yourself with the connection to the network, buy a gasoline mower. In addition to these devices, you can buy a carousel mower for a mini-tractor, which, as the name suggests, works with the help of transport. |
| Duration of the mowing process | The wider the working area of the tool, the faster it mows the grass. A mower with a working area of 250-300 mm allows you to process about 400 m 2 of the lawn in 30-40 minutes, the average mower with a working area of 300-400 mm is enough. Buying a device with a working area of more than half a meter is advisable, if you have to process an area of more than 1000 m 2. |
| Lawn | A place with flat edges is more convenient to handle with a powerful mower with a large mowing surface. On irregularly shaped lawns, a small mowing width is best. |
In addition, we offer you to get acquainted with the comparative characteristics of gasoline and electric lawn mowers on the most important parameters “in numbers”.
Table. Comparison parameter
| evaluation criterion | Petrol lawnmower | Electric lawnmower |
| performance | Up to 16 hp. | Average of 1 to 1,100 kW |
| Height | On average up to 7-9 different levels, up to 9-10 cm, it is not recommended to use lawn mowers to handle grass areas higher than 10-15 cm. | Related |
| Suede | Up to 100-110 cm | Up to an average of 50 cm |
| Weight | 25-45 kg in average | On average 10-25 kg |
| Land | Up to an average of 6000 m2 | Up to 900 m2 for high class models |
| Run time without interruption | In practice limited only by fuel tank capacity and manufacturer’s recommendations. | On average up to 15 minutes. Then a break of at least the same duration. |
| Price | On average 10-250 thousand rubles. | 4-70 thousand rubles and more. |
Instead of a campaign
If you summarize the above recommendations, you can draw conclusions about the advisability of purchasing a gasoline or electric device according to the peculiarities of a particular case. Thus, preference should be given to a gas mower, especially if the site has a large area: the device does not depend on the outlet and can work for a long time without interruption.
In addition, thanks to the possibility of installing a powerful engine with all the ensuing consequences, you can perform the same amount of work with a gasoline mower much faster than with its electric counterpart.
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Electric lawn mowers are quiet, eco-friendly and economical (especially in terms of the cost of purchasing the unit. Only cheap electricity for the regions becomes economical).
However, this option also has its disadvantages. First, it is the need to use an extension cord (sometimes not even one), and secondly, the low performance of the engine, which does not optimally affect the speed of mowing.
How to choose a lawn mower – gasoline or electric?
Their purpose is to mow the lawn. Unlike a motorcycle, they move with the help of wheels. They differ in engine, method of movement and way of control. The most common are electric and gasoline models, presented in a large range on the modern market.
When choosing a device, it is necessary to take into account the planned cultivated area, the terrain and the peculiarities of the grass cover.
Design and construction features
Despite their diversity, the devices are identical in design and basic units. The functioning is provided by a motor. It is installed on a special frame. On the axis of the motor is a blade. As it rotates, it levels the turf and creates an air flow, which is cut off and sent to the grass box. The air then passes through the air vents.
There are 4 (less often 3) wheels for movement. They are controlled by a handle, on which all the controls are located.
The robotic lawnmower has some differences. It has no handles with the controls. Instead, there is an electronic “brain” that makes adjustments and controls. There are also sensors that transmit information about the height of the pavement, the presence of obstacles and much more.
Electric lawnmower
Before purchasing such a product, it is necessary to determine in advance the frequency of its operation and the size of the processed area. After that, you should get acquainted with the main technical indicators. These include:
- Productivity. The parameter characterizes the performance. In electric models, it is in the range of 0.9-1.8 kilowatts. The more powerful, the higher the rotation of the blades, regardless of conditions.
- Frame. To this part of the lawnmower are attached all the main parts, so it must be resistant to mechanical damage, deformation and rust damage. In most cases, an impact-resistant plastic is used for its manufacture. This material allows you to reduce the cost of the product and reduce its weight. Steel provides strength, but is prone to corrosion and has excessive weight. Conventional plastic is less resistant to impact and temperature changes. Keeping in mind the characteristics of each material, it is better to purchase pieces made of durable plastic.
- Wheels. Large rear wheels provide maneuverability and ease of handling. They easily hit the ground without getting stuck on the various irregularities. Small wheels not only fall into the ground, but also damage the grass cover in the street.
- drive mechanism. Here, homemade mowers are divided into self-propelled and non-self-propelled. The first one does not require much effort when driving, since it performs almost all the operations itself. Self-propelled, in turn, are divided into front-driven and rear-driven. The rear-drive ones are more stable. Non-self-propelled ones require an application and are cheaper. Choose them for working on flat surfaces.
- Noise. All mains-powered specimens, unlike gasoline-powered ones, make less noise. It ranges from 69 to 87 dB. The lower the level, the more pleasant to work with.
- Mobility. According to this parameter, there is a separate type of mowers – cordless lawnmowers. Their main disadvantage – insufficient power compared to non-mobile options.
We recommend reading the following current electric models:
1300 W, from the mains, collection in the grass catcher box, 37 cm (mowing width), 60 mm (max survival height), grass catcher box 35 l, not self-propelled, 14 kg,
This product can be purchased in installments without first mail from the comfort of your home for a period of 2 to 36 months with delivery somewhere in Belarus. Continue reading
1300 Watt AC, -l tank, -DB – bottom, mulching / grass catcher box, 33 cm (cutting width), 60 mm (max. discharge height), 35 l grass catcher box,
This product can be purchased in installments without first mail from the comfort of your home for a period of 2 to 36 months with delivery somewhere in Belarus. Continue reading
1800 W, AC, -l tank, -D B-CHUNDE, mulching / grass catcher box, 40 cm (cutting width), 70 mm (max discharge height), grass catcher box 50 l,
This product can be purchased in installments without first mail from the comfort of your home for a period of 2 to 36 months with delivery somewhere in Belarus. Continue reading
1200 W, 300 m 2 mains, electric motor, grass catcher, 34 cm (mowing width), 68 mm (max. discharge height), 37 l. grass catcher,
This product can be purchased in installments without first mail from the comfort of your home for a period of 2 to 36 months with delivery somewhere in Belarus. Continue reading
Electric appliances are unpretentious. Their care consists in regular cleaning of blades and deck from working products.
Petrol lawnmower
Have a high productivity and functionality. However, the costs for them are an order of magnitude higher than counterparts working from the network. Gasoline mowers are recommended for mowing hair on a large area.
When choosing, the following properties are important:
- Engine. Lawnmowers are divided into 3 varieties according to the engines: household, semi-professional and professional. The first are characterized by power of 0.8-1.0 kW. They are designed in such a way that they process small plots, the size of which does not exceed 8 acres. Plant machines with a capacity of 1.1-2.0 kilowatts are chosen for fields covering an area of up to 20 acres. When the area is large, buy professional mowers with 2.1-2.5 kW.
- Frame. Steel, shock absorbers and ordinary plastic are used for manufacturing. The properties of these materials are listed above. Therefore, those made of durable plastic are preferred.
- Wheels. It is recommended to buy devices with wheels with a large diameter. They will pass well through uneven areas and high vegetation. Maneuverability is provided by the front swivel axles, thanks to which you can easily cope with obstacles.
- Drive Gear. Different in itself. The first mower of this type moves with a minimum load to function. Ideal for mowing plants growing in uneven areas. Self-propelled departments are divided into instances with a full, rear and front velotur. Since most of the load is on the rear part, it is more logical to buy a rear-driven one. Scythes, which are not self-propelled, move at the expense of a person. Your price is lower, and you can operate you only on flat areas.
- Noise. The noise level is one of its main disadvantages. This is due to the presence of powerful engines. Mitch with the weakest unit has a noise level of more than 90 dB. If there is no possibility to refine it yourself, it is better to forget about it.
If you consider them according to the complexity of maintenance, they require more care. In addition to sharpening the blade and removing debris after each level, the spark plugs, air and oil filters, machine oil, etc. must also be changed.
Pay attention to the range of modern gasoline tools in our catalog:
- – reliability and maneuverability
1900 watts, 2.58 hp, 1000 m2, petrol engine, 2900 rpm, Stiga ST 120 OHV (engine), tank 0.75 l, 123 cm3,
This product can be purchased in installments without first mail from the comfort of your home for a period of 2 to 36 months with delivery somewhere in Belarus. Continue reading
- – Powerful Briggs & Stratton engine, electric starter
2590W, 3,52hp, 2300m2, gasoline engine, 2800rpm, 775 IS series INSTART (engine), 1L tank, 98dB noise,
This product can be purchased in installments without first mail from the comfort of your home for a period of 2 to 36 months with delivery somewhere in Belarus. Continue reading
1940 Watts, 2.6 PS, 1600 m2, petrol engine, Briggs & Stratton 500 E (engine), 96dB noise, 140cc, grass catcher/mulching/grass catcher,
This product can be purchased in installments without first mail from the comfort of your home for a period of 2 to 36 months with delivery somewhere in Belarus. Continue reading
- – AVS system, Briggs & Stratton engine
2590W, 2500m2, 2800rpm Briggs & Stratton 675 EXI series gasoline engine, 1L tank, 98dB noise, 163cc
This product can be purchased in installments without first mail from the comfort of your home for a period of 2 to 36 months with delivery somewhere in Belarus. Continue reading
Comparison of gasoline and electric lawn mower
Both types have positive and negative sides. A number of factors are taken into account, according to which you can choose the right model.
The fuel-powered device is suitable for mowing a large field (more than 15 acres). Electric appliances are not as powerful and are tied to the mains. It is inefficient to pull a cable along the entire length. Therefore, it is recommended for mowing an area of about 5 hectares. If the area of 10 to 15 hectares, it does not hurt to consider other factors: the frequency of use, speed, the location of the power source.
Next, let’s consider the performance. Here is the obvious advantage of fuel-powered units. At the same time, they tend to be heavier and bulkier. Therefore, it is also recommended to plan the area, the territory and the presence of additional objects (beds, trees, bushes, etc.), which should be avoided.
Even in terms of durability, classic gasoline engines are ahead. They last an average of 10 years, while others last about half as long. If cared for, the longevity increases.
In terms of maintenance and economy, gasoline electric mowers are inferior. Electric mowers are virtually maintenance-free, and resources cost you less. The equipment itself is also cheaper.
Gasoline mowers require regular maintenance, parts replacement, and oil use. Like the equipment itself, gasoline mowers are more expensive.
And as for comfort, those that run on electricity come first. They are easy to use, do not require maintenance, are cheaper, during operation there is no noise and smell of burning fuel, and have a small weight.
Additional selection criteria
Lawn mowers have a number of common parameters. They are also taken into account when buying. These include:
- Deka. It covers the working blades. The deeper this part is, the better the mowed grass is collected. The choice of materials is also important. The best deck is made of aluminum, which is durable and resistant to corrosion.
- Method of ejection of vegetation. A distinction is made between rear ejection (the grass mass tilts under the legs of the worker) and side ejection (falling to the right or left). Devices with rear discharge are more common. Some are equipped with a grass catcher or mulching option.
- grass collector. You can use a plastic container or a cloth bag to collect the plants. The plastic is easy to clean. And the mesh collector is clear when it is full.
- mulching. Mowers with this option shred the mowed crops and throw them on the cultivated field as a fertilizer. When buying, you need to decide if you need this feature.
- cutting height. Characterizes the result of cultivation. The lower the chassis, the lower the height adjustment. The smallest range is 0-110 mm. For large plants choose mowers with an adjustment range of 8-150 mm.
- mowing width. The higher the value of the indicator, the faster the area will be processed. The width depends on the power of the engine. The average value is 400-500 mm.
If after reading the article you still have questions, please contact the online store Voltra.by. Specialists will give detailed advice on the choice.
