Best For Tight Budgets: Hart 40
While the Hart 40-Volt Cordless Brushlessmower doesn’t have the raw cutting power of other electric push machines, it’s no slouch either. This mower’s blades never stalled during my test trims. It also powered through challenging low-brush without choking.
Despite offering a wide 20-inch cutting width, the 52-pound machine felt relatively light. It isn’t self-propelled, so pushing the mower uphill is a challenge. Even so, the mower’s low price and solid performance make it compelling to budget shoppers. The pair of 40-volt batteries and charger are compatible with Hart’s lineup of power tools to sweeten the deal.
Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM 48-volt 17-inch mulching walk-behind lawn mower
This model from Sun Joe may be light and a snap to push. If you walk too quickly the mower can get bogged down with grass trimmings. You also have to slide the machine’s batteries into their sockets at an angle which isn’t as intuitive as it should be.
Good For The Environment
The EPA estimates that more than 800 million gallons of fossil fuels are burned in the U.S. because of lawn equipment each year. As anyone thats struggled to lift up a gas can and hold a funnel steady knows, lawn equipment doesnt just pollute the air. The EPA also estimated that over 17 million gallons of gas is spilled as the equipment is refueled each year, polluting our ground water too.
Best For Small Yards: Ryobi 16
Just because a lawn mower isn’t self-propelled doesn’t mean it’s hard to use. Case in point: the Ryobi 16-inch One Plus HP 18-Volt push mower. Even though it’s extremely compact and weighs just 34.5 pounds, this tiny machine packs a punch. It stalled less than some of the larger, more powerful mowers in my test group, and the Ryobi’s light weight made it simple for me to push.
This machine uses Ryobi’s standard 18-volt rechargeable batteries too. They’re the same lithium ion power packs that the company uses in its popular line of home power tools. The mower comes with two batteries plus a charger — in case you don’t have one sitting around.
Its 16 inch cutting width, however, is on the narrow side. Still, for those with smaller yards the surprising power of this mower will suit their needs just fine.
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Best Budget: American Lawn Mower Company 14
Type: Push| Power Source: Cord | 14 inches
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Lots of power for the price
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Lightweight and compact
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Best for small lawns
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Frame isn’t the most durable
The American Lawn Mower Company Corded Electric Lawn Mower is a great choice for anyone whos on a budget. This 11-amp electric lawn mower is ideal for small yards, as it has just a 14-inch deck and must be plugged into an electrical outlet to run. The mower features a single-lever height adjustment with five positions, as well as a rear bag for mulching capabilities, and you’ll get a lot of power for its low price.
This corded mower from the American Lawn Mower Company is lightweight and compact, making it easy to store, and its ergonomic handle has multiple height positions, ensuring its comfortable for all users. While its frame might not be the most durable, this affordable electric mower is undoubtedly a step up from reel mowers for those with small lawns.
Type: Ride on| Power Source: Battery | 42 inches
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Pricey
The RYOBI Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower has all the high-end features you could ever want in a lawn mower, and it performs so well youll barely believe its not gas-powered. With a durable 42-inch steel deck, four high-power brushless motors, and zero-turn technology, this splurge-worthy electric motor can cut yards up to 3 acres on a single charge.
Can I Spray The Underside Of This Mower With A Hose To Clean It
We do not suggest spraying the underside of the mower with a hose. First remove the safety key and the battery. Wipe the upper surfaces with a cloth, if needed. Tip the mower on its side and clean the underside of the deck with a bristle brush and/or cloth. Do not use a wire brush. Do not spray the underside of your EGO Power+ mower with water. If grass has built up over time, you may find that a curved plastic scraper, such as those used in the kitchen, is useful to help remove dried, built up grass.
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Best Corded: Greenworks Corded Lawn Mower 25022
Type: Push| Power Source: Cord | 20 inches
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Cord can be limiting
Corded lawn mowers can be a bit tricky to use, as you have to be careful not to run over the extension cord, but once you get the hang of it, youll love using the Greenworks Electric Corded Lawn Mower. This affordable mower has a 20-inch steel deck and runs on a 12-amp motor, and it couldnt be easier to use thanks to its limited maintenance and push-button start.
The Greenworks Mower offers 3-in-1 mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging abilities, and you can choose from seven height positions, depending on how short you want your grass. Its corded design means you never have to worry about charging it, and when youre done mowing, the unit is compact to store thanks to its folding handles.
It is important to note that the Greenworks Mower does not come with an electric extension cord. You can purchase a 50-foot or 100-foot cord separately.
“I appreciated having so many debris removal options and thought it was simple enough to shift settings, say from mulching to bagging, for different parts of the lawn. I didnt experience any issues with debris spilling in any of the modes.”Sarah Vanbuskirk, Product Tester
How Long Do Electric Lawn Mowers Last
As long as they’re cared for properly, corded mowers can last up to 10 years. When it comes to increasing the lifespan of your corded mower, the most important factor under your control other than being careful to avoid physical damage is the type of extension cord you use. This means using the correct gauge for the job, which indicates how thick the cord is. The thicker the cord, the more voltage will reach the mower and the less unnecessary work the motor has to do. Your mower’s operating manual should tell you the best gauge for the job.
Battery-powered mowers have a similar lifespan, but the batteries themselves will only last about four years or about 500 charging cycles before they lose their ability to hold an effective charge. To extend the life of your batteries, completely deplete the charge before recharging it and don’t leave the battery on the charger once it’s fully charged.
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Shop Battery And Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers
Cordless battery lawn mowers have come a long way from even a few years ago. Long gone are the days of needing to be tethered by a heavy-duty extension cord or needing to change out batteries halfway through your lawn mowing! Using our high power, high-capacity rechargeable battery packs, you will be able to knock out your weekend mowing with ease. Modern battery lawn mowers have many benefits, including ease of storage, quick startup, quiet operation, and more! For people with smaller to medium sized yards, it is easier and more convenient to use a cordless electric lawn mower instead of using one with a gas engine. Once you’ve converted, you’ll never want to go back.
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Electric Vs Gas Lawn Mowers
Gas mowers come in both push and self-propelled options and require gas cans to run the engine. This is different from electric mowers which rely on a cord plugged into an outlet or a battery to keep the motor going.
There are many factors to consider when choosing between a gas or electric motor. Gas mowers produce more emissions and aren’t as environmentally friendly as battery-operated mowers. They also have more ongoing costs than electric motors.
A huge benefit of buying a gas mower is that they don’t require a battery charge, so you’ll never get stuck halfway through lawn mowing with a dead battery. Battery-operated mowers have an average runtime of 30 to 60 minutes, dependent on the AH rating of the battery. Gas motors can run for hours and operate in a variety of weather conditions, unlike electric mowers, which can be dangerous in wet weather.
Choosing a mower with a cord will mean that your engine will run so long as it is plugged in and it saves the hassle of gas cans. It’s cheaper than cordless options and perfect if you have a lawn without many trees just be mindful to avoid the cord when mowing. If you prefer not to have the hassle of a cord, a gas mower may be a better option for you.
What to Look for in a Mower
We stock a full range of lawn mowers to suit your needs. Look for the following tools and features in our selection:
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Budget Pick: Toro Smartstow Recycler 20340
If you simply want a solid gas mower at a great price, we recommend the Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340. This is a popular, reliable model with great feedback, and it stands out from similarly qualified machines because it can be folded up and stored in an upright position. According to Toro, this reduces the 20340s storage footprint by up to 70 percent over that of a traditional mower. And though thats not a completely unique feature, it is rare enough for us to single out the 20340even if it lacks the convenience of the Egos or the finesse and mulching ability of the Honda.
The Toro 20340s storage feature is called the SmartStow system, which is made possible by the Briggs & Stratton engines unique design. Its a simple process: You fold the handle over the body of the mower and lock it in place. Then , you set the mower upright or wheel it around like a piece of luggage, much like you would a cordless model. It makes storage easy, not to mention cleaning the underside of the mowing deck or inspecting the blade.
As a mower, the Toro performs like many other good gas engine machines: It cuts the grass capably switches between bagging or mulching its clippings has its issues with maintenance, noise, and emissions and otherwise meets the expectations that any experienced self-propelled-mower user would have for it. The 20340 is primarily distinguished by SmartStow take that away and its just your standard, decent-quality self-propelled mower.
How We Picked And Tested
As a result of our years of lawn mower evaluation, were sure that most people will be happiest with a self-propelled, electric cordless option. Honestly, it all comes down to convenience. Every single element of a gas mower that is considered a nuisancefrom the fiddly start-up to the annual maintenance scheduleis gone. Cordless mowers start with the push of a button, are easier to maneuver, and dont need oil changes, gas, spark plugs, or air filters. Theyre much quieter, they dont smell, they dont produce emissions, and theyre easier to store in the off-season. The run time has limitations, and charge times can be slow, but the latest models close the performance gaps between cordless and gas.
All that said, there are many capableand several excellentgas mowers available. Whatever type of mower you need, here are the criteria we feel matter most in making a selection:
Performance as a mower: We researched which mowers could perform the best from a lawn-care perspectivewhich could make cleaner cuts in grass or promote turf health. Weve measured this performance firsthand over years of long-term testing and in tests of new contenders against our established recommendations.
Charge time and run time: For cordless candidates, we looked at these two primary factors, which determine whether a battery will be adequate or frustrating. Because these two elements are so important, we looked only at mowers that used at least a 40-volt battery.
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Best Overall: Ego 21 Power+ Self Propelled Mower Lm2100sp
Type: Push| Power Source: Battery | 21 inches
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Handle must be fully extended to operate
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Made of plastic
If you have up to a half-acre of lawn, this self-propelled electric lawn mower from EGO is one of the best values available today. Its 56-volt lithium-ion battery delivers long-lasting power, running for up to an hour per charge, and it has a variety of key features that will make grooming your lawn a breeze. The weather-resistant frame includes a 21-inch deck with mulching, bagging, and side discharge abilities, and the machine comes with a 2-bushel grass collection bag if you want to collect clippings as you go.
The EGO Self-Propelled Mower boasts a single-lever with six positions, as well as a push-button start and LED headlights. The battery charges up in around 60 minutes, letting you get back to mowing sooner, and our reviewer raves about this mower, saying its sturdy, lightweight, and quiet, yet still capable of tackling tough jobs.
“As soon as the EGO lawn mower came out of the box, we were impressed. It has a sleek, stylish design and because the majority of the body is made out of plastic, its extremely lightweightespecially when compared to traditional mowers.”Lindsay Boyers, Product Tester
What Is The Warranty On This Tool
All EGO tools carry a 5-year limited warranty purchased from authorized EGO retailers. There is a 3-year limited warranty on EGO Power+ System battery packs and chargers purchased from authorized EGO retailers. Please contact EGO Customer Service Toll-Free at 1-855-EGO-5656 any time you have questions or warranty claims. The warranty period for any EGO product, battery pack and charger used for industrial, professional or commercial purpose is one year. The warranty period for reconditioned or refurbished products used for residential purpose is 1 year, for industrial, professional or commercial purpose is 90 days. The warranty period for routine maintenance parts, such as, but not limited to, blades, trimmer heads, chain bars, saw chains, belts, scraper bars, blower nozzles, and all other EGO accessories is 90 days for residential purpose, 30 days for industrial, professional or commercial purpose.
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Lawn Mowers From Top Brands
At Ace, we understand how important maintaining your garden is so we only stock lawn mowers from the most trusted brands, including Ego, Craftsman, Toro and Stihl. We have prices to suit all budgets and simple online ordering.
Our expert and friendly staff are available in any store to help you choose the most suitable lawn mower for your gardening needs. Pay us a visit or call your local Ace store for help with your purchase.
Need help? Call 1-866-290-5334
Why You Should Trust Us
Over the past eight mowing seasons, weve spent more than 120 hours researching nearly 225 mowers, interviewing experts, and extensively testing some of our top picks.
An invaluable source has been Roy Berendsohn, a Popular Mechanics lawn mower guru who has more than 20 years of experience testing and writing about mowers. If Berendsohn isnt writing about mowers, hes often being interviewed about them .
Weve interviewed landscapers, including Chad Crosby of West Michigan Lawn Services and Paul Koehler of Koehler Landscape Construction Services. Weve called people at lawn mower retail/service outlets, like Nick Ortiz at Kellam Lawn Mower in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, and Boston Lawnmower Companys David . Weve talked to product managers at Honda, Toro, Troy-Bilt, Ego, Cub Cadet, and other manufacturers.
Personally, I maintain a rural property in New Hampshire that is far too large for a push mower to cover but that does provide ample room to test our recommendations. This guides editor, Harry Sawyers, assists with testing mowers on his LA property and draws from his previous experience as a professional landscaper.
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Why Trust The Spruce
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance contributor to The Spruce. As someone who grew up on a 70-acre farm, shes no stranger to lawn care, and has written extensively on lawn mowers and other landscaping products for The Spruce.
Lily Sperry, a commerce editor at The Spruce, conducted additional research, consulting customer reviews and third-party sites to make sure that you’re able to find the best electric lawn mower for your needs.
Electric Mowing Costsother Factors
The above example is great as a general rule, but local fuel costs, your lawn type, and your battery will determine final costs.
Your mower’s battery determines how long it can run before it needs to be recharged. The larger your yard, the higher the chance that your battery charge will run out before you finish mowing. Depending on the mower, recharging could take several hours, while refilling a gas tank takes minutes. For this reason, electric mowers can be a hassle to use on lawns that are more than 1/2 acre unless you have a second battery at the ready.
The thickness of your grass can also impact costs because thicker grass will cause your mower to work harder and use battery power faster. Zoysia grass and Bermuda grass are examples of thick grass that will quickly drain your battery.
Overall, battery mowers will be a cost-savings for people with urban and suburban yards. This is especially true when you consider long-range maintenance. By not having to change the oil, spark plugs, and filters, you are likely saving more than $100 over the electric mowers life.
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Can You Leave An Electric Lawn Mower Outside
Because of the electrical components, we don’t recommend leaving your mower outdoors when it’s not in use. Both Ego and Greenworks recommend keeping their electric mowers indoors in a cool, dry space. They also state that you should never cover them with a plastic tarp, which can trap moisture that can damage the internal components.
