Picking a new lawnmower definitely isn’t as easy as it used to be. These days, not only are there countless manufacturers producing lawnmowers in various designs, but there are also options when it comes to choosing the type of power. Gone are the days when a gas-powered lawn mower is the only option. So how do you know which mower is best, gas vs. electric lawn mowers? Well, let’s take a closer look and find out.
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Gas Vs. Electric Lawn Mower (Overview)
If you put the best gas lawnmower up against the best electric lawnmower, the gas lawnmower comes out on top. This is because the biggest and most powerful lawnmowers are still gas-powered. However, big and powerful isn’t what’s most important for many of us. The best lawnmower is the one that suits your specific needs.
Gas Vs. Electric Lawn Mowers (Factors to Consider)
There is no clear winner when choosing between a gas lawn mower vs. an electric lawn mower. This is simply because different lawnmowers suit different lawns and different people. For example, what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, learning the notable differences between gas and electric lawnmowers is key when deciding which one to purchase.
Here are the factors you should consider when picking a power type for your new lawn mower:
- Personal Ability
- Affordability
- Lawn Size
- Lawn Terrain
- Grass Type
- Run Time
- Cut Width
- Mulching Requirement
- Noise Consideration
- Mower Servicing & Repairs
- Storage
Factors to Consider When Buying a New Lawn Mower (A Closer Look)
Here’s a closer look at the different factors to consider when picking between gas vs. electric lawnmowers. Now, these factors are in no particular order as, in my opinion, they are all as important as each other.
Personal Ability
Regardless of what power source you decide to go with, you need to make sure you have the physical ability to use the lawn mower. You don’t want a lawn mower that is too heavy, cumbersome, or difficult to start. If the mower isn’t easy to use, it will spend most of its time in the shed collecting dust. So, test out the mower before you make your purchase, even if this means pushing or riding the mower around the store if you have the option. You may find that a gas lawn mower is just too much work.
Affordability (Budget & Comparison)
Next on the list is affordability. This is a two-part consideration, including what you can afford and the fact that you need to compare apples to apples. For example, if you have a $500 budget, then make sure you compare several lawnmowers within the same budget range. After all, a $100 lawn mower will never compete with a $500 mower, regardless of its power type. So, make sure you get the best bang for your buck, and try out lots of different lawnmowers.
Lawn Size
Lawn size can be one of the most important factors to consider, as electric lawnmowers have limitations. Typically, the power cord’s length or the battery’s run time makes an electric lawn mower unfit for large lawns. Typically, I suggest you opt for a gas lawn mower if you have a large lawn and a lot of ground to cover. This isn’t to say battery lawnmowers are unsuitable, but they become very expensive. For example, a GreenWorks 80v mower with a second battery costs nearly $800. For this type of money, you can purchase a very powerful gas mower with a big cutting width without the restriction of battery life limitations, and you’ll probably save a few hundred dollars.
Lawn Terrain
If you have to tackle slopes and banks and want to purchase a self-propelled lawn mower, such as a self-propelled walk-behind or a riding mower, then be aware that this can be a huge power drain on battery lawn mowers. The extra power to climb inclines can significantly reduce the runtime of a battery, making it difficult to finish an entire cut on one battery. But again, the size of the yard will affect how long you need the battery to last.
Grass Type
Some grasses can require more power to mow as they are more coarse than others. Also, weeds can make a lawn mower struggle if it doesn’t have enough power. So, take into consideration how hard your lawn is to cut and if you need extra power or not. This could be the difference between choosing gas over electric.
Run Time
As you can probably tell by now, battery lawnmowers have a limited runtime. Typically, a good-quality battery should give you about 45 minutes of runtime when mowing a dry, flat lawn. When you add damp grass and a few hills, this time will reduce. However, if you have a second battery, you can overcome this problem. But you’ll need to allow money in the budget for an extra battery, which could cost $50-$200 per battery. So, a corded lawn mower or a gas lawn mower might be a better option.
Cut Width
Next, you’ll want to consider the cutting width of your new lawn mower, as this will determine if the mower is suitable or not. For example, a large deck mower, say a 30-inch, will cut a lawn quicker than a 21-inch. This is great for larger lawns but can be overkill for a small lawn. You’ll just be wasting money on a lawn mower that is too big. Also, a smaller deck can get into tighter spaces. So, if you have restrictions such as narrow sections of lawns or gates, you’ll need to ensure your new mower can get everywhere you need to mow.
As a lawn care professional, I would regularly run into the issue of getting my 42″ zero-turn gas mower into backyards through tight gates. While a 42″ would get through most gates, there were definitely lots of homes where it couldn’t, and I had to use a smaller mower to mow the backyard. So, having a 30″ push mower in my trailer definitely came in handy.
Mulching Requirement
Mulching lawn mowers allow you to mulch your grass clippings into very fine clippings, which can then be left on your lawn. Additionally, you can use it to mulch fallen leaves. A lot of electric lawnmowers can struggle with the process of mulching as they aren’t powerful enough. So, a gas mower with mulching blades and a specially designed deck may be the better option, especially if you have lots of mulching to do.
Noise Consideration
If noise generated by your lawn mower is a concern, then an electric lawn mower is definitely the better choice. This is simply down to the fact that eclectic motors are quieter than gas engines. So, if you want to avoid disturbing the neighbors or are just looking for a quieter option, electric or battery mowers are the better choice.
Mower Servicing & Repairs
Both electric and gas lawnmowers have their own set of servicing, maintenance, and repair requirements. Electric lawnmowers have far fewer issues that pop up and need less servicing. But, because electric lawnmowers have their limitations when tackling tougher lawns, there is a compromise between performance and maintenance if you choose to go the electric route. So, if you need the best-performing lawn mower to take care of your large property, you’ll have to undertake the extra problems gas engines face. But, if you are only looking for a lawn mower to take care of your small yard, then electric will probably work out best if you want to avoid combustion engine servicing and maintenance.
Lawn Mower Storage
Finally, we have to consider storage. The gas mowers can be smelly and dirty as they use gasoline to run and oil for lubrication. In some cases, gas lawnmowers use grease and coolants, which can be dirty. So, you’ll need to be prepared for your gas lawn mower to make a mess and smell of gasoline. However, a typical electric lawn mower doesn’t need any of these products, so storage can be much easier. I’ve even heard of people storing their battery lawnmowers inside their homes. Now, I definitely wouldn’t do this with a gas lawn mower.
Different Lawnmower Options
Over the years, lawnmowers have taken on different forms, from simple push mowers to modern robots and zero-turn battery mowers. Still, there are limited options depending on which power source you are interested in. While options will likely increase in the future, this is what is available now.
Mower Power Options
| POWER | ROBOT | PUSH | PROPELLED | TRACTOR | ZERO-TURN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | X | X | X | X | |
| Electric – Corded | X | X | |||
| Electric – Battery | X | X | X | X | X |
Recommended Lawn Mower Manufacturers
Part of knowing where to look for a new lawn mower is knowing which manufacturer to look out for. So, I have put together a table for battery, corded, and gas lawnmowers, including several of the big names in lawn mower manufacturing. I recommend you look at each of them and see how their lawnmowers compare. Here’s my recommendation of who to check out.
Lawn Mower Manufacturer Recommendations
Pros and Cons of Electric Lawn Mowers – Corded
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Most affordable | Push models only |
| Lightweight | Not ideal for medium/large lawns |
| Never run out of power | Power cord can get in the way |
| No pull starting required | Mowing distance limited to cable length |
| Mow both forward and backward | Limited mulching ability |
| Easy to use | Lack of power |
| Quiet operation | Repairs require electrical knowledge |
| Great for small lawns | Typically only available in small cut-width |
Pros and Cons of Electric Lawn Mowers – Battery
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Good for small and medium lawns | Not suitable for large lawns |
| Brushless options available | Limited power compared to gas |
| Push button start | Run time reduced by thick grass & slopes |
| Self-propelled designs available | Can be difficult to repair |
| Easy to use | Batteries can be expensive to replace |
| Good mulching options available | Charger is not always included |
| Easy to store | Limited cut-width |
| No gasoline, oils, grease, or coolants | Riding mowers are very expensive |
Pros and Cons of Gas Lawn Mowers
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Good for all lawn sizes | Can be hard to use |
| Lots of power – model dependant | Typically heavier to lift |
| Great for mulching | Loud gas engine |
| Good on slopes | Require lots of servicing |
| Not limited by batteries and cords | Give off gasoline smells |
| Extensive range of mowers available | Can leak fluid |
| Large decks available | Harder to store |
| Lots of repair stores available | Emissions can be harmful |
Common Problems With Electric & Gas Lawn Mowers
Now, before you head to the store, let’s run over some of the issues you may run into with electric and gas lawn mowers. These could be some of the problems you might face and have to resolve. The actual list of issues is much longer, but this will give you an idea.
Common Electric Mower Problems and Servicing
- Electric Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies (10 Potential Causes)
- How to Fix an Electric Lawn Mower Power Lever Not Working
- Electric Lawn Mower Won’t Shut Off
- Reasons Why Your Electric Lawn Mower Has No Power
- Electric Lawn Mower Keeps Stopping (Thermal Cut-Off Switch)
Common Gas Mower Problems and Servicing
- Lawn Mower Engine Surging
- How to Replace a Lawn Mower Pinion Gear
- Replace Lawn Mower Transmission
- Lawn Mower Hard To Cold-Start
- How to Test and Replace a Lawn Mower Ignition Switch
If you’ve read this blog and decided electric mowers are right for you, check out my blog on corded vs. battery electric lawnmowers.
