How to Buy an Electric-Powered Rotary Mower

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Show your commitment to protecting the environment with an electric mower. Today, the dragging-the-cord-behind-you monsters are being replaced with battery-powered machines, making this an attractive alternative to gas mowers.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Electric Mulching Mowers
Replacement Blades

Step1

Choose an electric mower if your lawn is 1/3 acre or less in size.

Step2

Select a mower with a wide cutting swath. Many electric mowers are narrower then their noisier, gas-powered cousins.

Step3

Keep in mind that a rear-bag mower collects clippings much more effectively than side-baggers. They hold more and allow the mower to fit into smaller areas. Side-baggers usually cost less, however.

Step4

Try out the grass catcher. It should be easy to remove, dump and replace.

Step5

Give the cutting height adjuster a try. Some are very easy to use; others require changing the setting on each wheel.

Step6

Remember that you'll have to mow more frequently because most electric mowers can't handle tall, thick or wet grass very well.

Step7

Ask how the deadman bail works. This is a required safety feature that either kills the engine or stops the blade when the handle is released. In the second type, the engine keeps running ' preferable to restarting the mower every time you have to empty the grass catcher.

Step8

Keep in mind that battery-powered mowers are heavier than corded mowers and may need to be recharged before you're done mowing if your yard is larger than a 1/4 acre.

Step9

Expect to pay between $100 and $175 for a corded electric mower and from $200 to $400 for a cordless one.

Tips & Warnings

Look for rebates from manufacturers and utility companies on electric mowers. These groups are trying to increase the market and offer good incentives for buyers.
Get fit. Electric mowers aren't self-propelled.
Expect much less maintenance with an electric mower than a gas-powered one.

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Comments

happycook said

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on 1/21/2007 Not addressed above are "electric reel mowers" which allow you to use the mower as a push mower when you want and use the battery when you need. This gives you the option of still using the mower when the battery runs out or at times of less growth...in the most environmentally friendly way...as a push mower.

I think ultimately the most important thing to look for is cordless mowers, since the cords are really irritating!

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