Weighing pros and cons of gas, electric and push mowers
Love it or loathe it, lawn care season is upon us.
And after decades of making lawn mowers bigger, more powerful and easier to push, manufacturers now are touting self-powered mowers and electric models just big enough to get the job done.
Why? Many customers want to cut the grass without cutting a bigger hole in the ozone layer.
"There's a little bit more work involved," said Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware's Chicago-based spokesman. "People who are more environmentally conscious understand that it takes a little bit more work."
To satisfy green customers, companies have made changes to electric mowers, such as improving the engines and developing battery-operated equipment. The manufacturers of gas-powered mowers also have addressed concerns by creating engines that run cleaner.
"The green initiative is more evident and more pronounced in a lot of products," said Joe Newland, group product manager for Black & Decker in Towson, Md.
With the current economic downturn, Peter Sawchuk, lawn mower expert for Consumer Reports magazine, expects more homeowners will be in the market for a mower this spring. The industry saw an uptick in sales in the fall, which many attributed to homeowners cutting their lawn care service to save money.
Here's how some experts rated the pros and cons of various styles of mowers:
Push reel mowers
History: This nonmotorized mower is the original lawn cutter. It cuts the grass by pulling it up and snipping off the top.
Cost: about $100.
Tip: Sharpen blades regularly to make mowing easier for the operator.
Pros:
Good for the environment because it does not burn fuel or produce emissions.
Does not require gas, oil, filters or spark plugs.
The snipping motion of the blades keeps lawns healthy.
Quiet.
Lightweight.
Little annual maintenance, although blades should be sharpened annually.
Cons:
Will have difficulty cutting long or wet grass.
Won't run over leaves or yard debris.
Won't cut close to flower beds and other landscape features.
Requires the most effort from operator.
Corded electric mowers
History: Corded electric mowers have been in use for about 40 years. They have a fatlike blade that tears off the top of grass blades.
Cost: around $199 to $249.
Tip: Look for one with a reversible handle to make it easier to accommodate the cord while mowing.
Pros:
Easy to start.
No gas to buy or store.
No polluting emissions.
Quiet.
Unlimited mowing time.
Will mow over some twigs and yard debris.
Little annual maintenance, although blades should be sharpened annually.
Cons:
The cord is a potential safety hazard.
The user is limited by the length of an extension cord.
If operator uses the wrong type of extension cord, it can harm the engine.
Less power than a gas engine.
Runs on energy produced by fossil fuels.
Not designed for lots larger than a third of an acre.
Will have trouble with wet or long grass.
Battery-powered electric mowers
History: Developed about 15 years ago to address safety issues created by lawn mower cords. They have a fatlike blade that tears off the top of grass blades.
Cost: Average ranges from $349 to $399.
Tip: Consider buying a backup battery that can be charged and ready in case the original loses power before the job is complete.
Pros:
Easy to start.
No gas to buy or store.
Runs clean and does not pollute the air.
No cord.
Only takes about 10 cents worth of electricity to charge.
Quiet.
Little annual maintenance, although blades should be sharpened annually.
Cons:
Less power than a gas engine.
Runs on energy produced by fossil fuels.
Not designed for lots larger than a third of an acre.
Will have trouble with wet or long grass.
Battery charge only lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
Battery will lose its charge more quickly when cutting long or wet grass.
Gas-powered mowers
History: Gas-powered mowers have been around for nearly 100 years. They have a fatlike blade that tears off the top of grass blades.
Cost: Average around $300.
Tip: Choose one with a comfortable grip.
Pros:
No limits on yard size.
Offers the most power.
Wide variety of prices.
Numerous manufacturers.
Can cut long or wet grass.
Requires less physical effort.
Does a better job of mulching grass.
Cons:
Pollutes the air.
Requires purchase of gas, oil and spark plugs.
Noisy.
Annual maintenance includes blade sharpening, oil changes and tuneups.
Sources: Newland, Manfredini, Sawchuk and Mill Nash, owner of Clean Air Lawn Care in San Francisco.