Electric Mower Buying Guide
Electric lawnmowers are walk-behind mowers that use an electric motor to turn a rotating blade. Electric mowers are suitable for small, level yards and are convenient to use because little maintenance beyond sharpening blades is needed. In addition, electric models do not produce exhaust as gas lawnmowers do, and they are quieter. Selecting the right electric mower for your specific needs requires patience and close attention to detail. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Cord or No Cord
-
Decide whether you want to have a cordless electric mower or one that plugs in. The benefit of models with a cord is that they weigh up to 30 pounds less than cordless mowers. However, models with cords can cause problems if you're mowing yards with obstacles such as trees. You should select a battery-driven cordless model if you want the flexibility to go farther from an electrical outlet and want to avoid the hassle of managing a cord. If you want a corded model, look for one that offers a sliding-clip cord keeper, which can help prevent running over the cord when you turn the mower.
Bag Feature
-
Decide if you want your electric mower to have a side bag or a rear bag for collecting debris. Rear-bag mowers usually cost more, but they hold more than a side-bag machine and they make moving the mower easier. Look for mowers that feature a mulching mode that cuts grass clippings finely so that they return to the grass to serve as a fertilizer during decomposition.
-
Other Features
-
Check to see if your electric mower will allow you to vary the speed from a mile an hour to 3.5 miles per hour using a lever or handle. Also, decide if you want your electric mower to have swivel-front wheels that help you to make 180-degree turns more easily or rear-wheel drive, which offers better traction than front-wheel drive machines. In addition, you can choose between a corrosion-resistant aluminum deck or a plastic deck.
Warranty
-
Look at the length of the warranty on the electric mowers you are considering and the specific services the warranty covers. Read the fine print to determine any limitations on the warranties before you purchase your electric mower. Less-expensive models tend to have more limited warranties. The warranty you go with should protect you if you have problems after purchasing your mower.
-
