Electric vs Gas Lawn Mower – Differences + How They Work

Lawnmowers come in various models featuring different prices, sizes, and power. So, what’s the difference between an electric and a gas lawn mower?

Electric lawn mowers are powered either by lithium-ion batteries or direct electric current from an extension cord. On the other hand, gas lawnmowers have an engine powered by fossil fuels.

Electric vs. Gas Lawn Mower – Differences

Here is a summary of the differences between an electric lawn and a gas-powered lawn mower.

Electric Lawn MowerGas Lawn Mower
The motor is electrically powered by batteries or direct electric power.The engine is powered by fossil fuels (gasoline).
Less powerful, thus suitable for cutting grass in small yards.More powerful and suitable for mowing larger lawns.
Lightweight and easy to maneuver.Heavy and difficult to maneuver.
Runtime is limited to battery life and power or electric outlet availability.It can be used anywhere as long as the fuel tank is loaded.
It does not produce harmful fumes or noise when running.It produces tons of fumes and loud noise, which pollutes the environment.
Recommended to use on dry lawn as electricity and water does not mixIt can be used in both dry and wet conditions without any problem.
No need to winterize as long as it is cleaned and stored in a dry clean place.It needs to be winterized when storing for winter, and fuel must be stabilized.

Electric vs Gas Lawn Mower Detailed Comparisons

Here is a detailed comparison of electric and gas lawn mower:

Operating Power

There is no doubt gas-powered mowers are more powerful than electric ones. The machines easily slice through any type of grass without any difficulty. Further, a gas lawn mower is a right machine to use when cutting grass on large lawns.

This does not mean that electric lawnmowers are inferior. They still do a great job cutting grass in small to medium-sized lawns. Improvements in technology have led to the invention of powerful electric motors for mowers, although they are costly to acquire.

However, battery-powered versions of the electric lawn models may be limited to battery life. You will need more than one battery to cover a large area fully. Battery-operated motors sometimes lack the power to cut wet or very tough grass.

Ease of use

Electric lawnmowers have become a winner in this category. They are lightweight, start instantly, and are easy to maneuver. You simply install charged batteries, plug in a nearby power outlet, and press a switch to start cutting grass.

However, corded electric lawnmowers may be difficult to use around obstacles like trees.

Heavyweight is what makes gas lawnmowers difficult to push and incline. Even with a self-propelled feature, you can easily go over your flowerbeds if you are not strong enough to handle the machine.

Maintenance

Basic maintenance is important for any lawn mower, whether electric or gas. The blades must be sharpened, and the mower must be cleaned and stored appropriately. Nothing is required beyond this if you operate an electric lawn mower.

Gas lawn mower calls for a regular and thorough level of maintenance. You must regularly change the lawn mower engine oil, replace spark plugs, and clean the carburetor and air filters. When storing, you also have to stabilize the fuel. These requirements can be costly.

Mower Costs

Gas lawnmowers are pricier to acquire and maintain. Apart from costly maintenance requirements, you need to get deeper in your pocket to fuel your lawn mower. The price of gas mowers on the market is usually higher than corded or battery-operated models.

An electric lawn mower is ideal if you want to save on purchase and operation costs. You will only be dealing with moderate electric bills that cannot be compared to higher gas prices.

However, your decision will depend on the size of your yard and the amount of work to cover.

Eco-friendliness

Both corded and battery-operated lawnmowers produce zero emissions of fumes, but mining lithium, a useful addition to lawn mower batteries, is known to be highly polluting. Corded-electric lawn mowers are the most suitable for reducing carbon footprint.

Gas lawnmowers are noisy and produce hydrocarbon fumes which contribute to atmospheric pollution. Additionally, these models use highly flammable fuel that can start a fire if not properly stored.

Also read: What kind of gas does a lawn mower use?

Electric Lawn Mower Pros

The following are the advantages of an electric lawn mower

  • Requires little running and maintenance costs – no oil change, fuelling, or filter replacements.
  • Zero carbon emissions and less noise, thus great for reduction of carbon footprint.
  • Lightweight, easy to start, and easy to push and maneuver.

Electric Lawn Mower Cons

The following are the downsides of electric-powered lawnmowers.

  • Battery power only lasts a couple of hours and needs charging to continue mowing.
  • Corded electric lawn mower models can only be used near a power source or an extremely long extension cord.
  • Extension cords are difficult to lay out, use around obstacles, and roll up again for storage.
  • Electric lawnmowers have much less power as compared to their gas counterparts.
  • Lithium-ion batteries are often expensive to replace.
  • Not suitable to cut grass on wet lawns as water and electricity do not mix.
  • The motor may not handle the heavy loads making them only ideal for small yards.

Gas Lawn Mower Pros

You get the following benefits by owning a gas-powered lawn mower

  • Produces more power which makes them ideal for mowing larger lawns.
  • It can be used on any type of grass, including wet lawns.
  • More durable as compared to electric models.
  • Less costly to replace damaged parts as compared to electric versions.

Gas Lawn Mower Cons

Be ready to face the following challenges that come with a gas mower.

  • Usually costly to acquire, run and maintain.
  • Pollutes the environment through carbon emissions and loud noise.
  • Heavy and not easy to maneuver.

Also read: Can a lawn mower get wet?

Which is better, an Electric or a Gas Lawn Mower?

The most important thing to consider when choosing a lawn mower is the work to be done. Electric lawnmowers are efficient if you have a small yard. You’ll need a gas lawn mower if you have a large lawn but be ready to spend slightly more on fuel and maintenance. If you have environmental interests, an electric lawn mower carries the day.

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