If you’ve ever contemplated swapping out your noisy gas-powered lawn mower for a more eco-friendly alternative, an electric lawn mower may have crossed your mind. While these electric mowers offer a quieter and cleaner way to maintain your lawn, there are a few cons to consider before making the switch. From limited battery life to potentially weaker cutting power, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of an electric lawn mower to ensure it meets your specific needs.
High Initial Cost
Expensive upfront investment
One of the major cons of electric lawn mowers is their high initial cost. Compared to traditional gas-powered mowers, electric mowers tend to have a higher price tag. This can be a deterrent for some homeowners who are on a tight budget or are looking for a more affordable option. However, it’s important to consider that the initial investment in an electric mower can be offset by the savings in fuel costs over time.
Cost of batteries or charging equipment
Another cost consideration when it comes to electric mowers is the cost of batteries or charging equipment. Electric mowers are typically powered by rechargeable batteries, which may need to be replaced periodically. Depending on the brand and model, these batteries can be quite expensive. Additionally, homeowners may need to purchase charging equipment if they don’t already have a compatible charger. These additional costs can add up and may need to be factored into the overall budget for maintaining an electric mower.
Limited Power and Runtime
Less powerful than gas mowers
Electric mowers generally have less power compared to their gas-powered counterparts. While they are sufficient for most regular mowing tasks, they may struggle with thicker or taller grass, especially in large lawns. The reduced power can lead to the mower getting stuck or leaving uneven cuts. It’s important to be aware of this limitation, particularly if you have particularly demanding mowing needs.
May require multiple charges for large lawns
Another drawback of electric mowers is their limited runtime. Depending on the model, the battery life of an electric mower may only last for a certain amount of time before requiring a recharge. This can be problematic if you have a large lawn that requires more time to mow. You may find yourself having to interrupt your mowing session to recharge the battery multiple times, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Extension Cord Dependency
Restricts mobility
One of the key drawbacks of electric mowers is their reliance on an extension cord. Unlike cordless electric mowers, which rely on rechargeable batteries, corded electric mowers require a constant connection to a power source via an extension cord. This can significantly restrict your mobility when mowing, as you are limited by the length of the cord. It can be frustrating to constantly have to maneuver around the cord or worry about accidentally running over it while mowing.
Potential for accidental cord damage
In addition to restricting mobility, the use of an extension cord with electric mowers also carries the risk of accidental cord damage. Mowing over the cord or inadvertently cutting it with the mower blades can lead to dangerous situations, such as electric shock or even damage to the mower itself. It’s important to exercise caution and be mindful of the cord at all times while operating an electric mower.
Limited Cutting Area
Relies on battery charge or cord length
The cutting area of an electric mower is limited by either the battery charge or the length of the extension cord. With corded electric mowers, the cutting area is directly tied to the length of the cord, meaning you may not be able to mow areas that are farther away from the power source. Cordless electric mowers, on the other hand, are limited by the battery charge, which means that once the battery dies, you will need to recharge it before continuing to mow.
Not suitable for large or irregularly shaped lawns
Due to their limited cutting area, electric mowers may not be the best choice for large lawns or lawns with irregular shapes. If you have a sizable lawn, you may find it cumbersome to constantly move and rearrange the extension cord or take breaks to recharge the battery. Moreover, irregularly shaped lawns may require more maneuverability and precision, which can be challenging with electric mowers that have cord or battery limitations.
Noise Level
Possibly louder than expected
While electric mowers are generally considered to be quieter than their gas-powered counterparts, they can still produce a certain level of noise. The noise level of electric mowers can vary depending on the brand and model, but it’s important to note that they may still be louder than expected. If you live in a neighborhood with noise restrictions or if you value a peaceful and quiet environment while mowing, the noise produced by an electric mower may still be a concern.
Disturbs neighbors and peaceful environment
In addition to potentially being louder than expected, the noise generated by an electric mower can also disturb your neighbors and disrupt the tranquility of your surroundings. Even though electric mowers are generally quieter, they can still cause noise pollution and be a nuisance to those living nearby. It’s important to take this into consideration and be mindful of your surroundings when using an electric mower.
Maintenance and Durability
Battery lifespan and replacement cost
Maintaining an electric mower involves considering the battery lifespan and the eventual need for replacement. Like all rechargeable batteries, the battery of an electric mower will deteriorate over time and eventually need to be replaced. Depending on the quality and brand of the battery, this can be a costly expense. It’s important to factor this into your long-term maintenance budget for an electric mower.
Requires periodic maintenance
Although electric mowers are generally easier to maintain compared to gas mowers, they still require periodic maintenance. This can include tasks such as cleaning the cutting deck, sharpening the blades, and ensuring that the motor remains in good condition. While the maintenance requirements may be less frequent and less complicated than with gas mowers, it’s still important to allocate time for regular upkeep to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your electric mower.
Not Suitable for Wet Conditions
Risk of electric shock
Using an electric mower in wet conditions poses a risk of electric shock, which can be extremely dangerous. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and the presence of moisture on the ground can increase the likelihood of electric shock. It’s crucial to avoid operating an electric mower when the ground is wet or when it’s raining to ensure your safety and prevent any accidents from occurring.
Possible damage to electrical components
In addition to the risk of electric shock, using an electric mower in wet conditions can also potentially damage the electrical components of the mower. Water can seep into the motor or other sensitive electrical parts, leading to malfunctions or permanent damage. To prevent costly repairs or the need for a replacement, it’s best to avoid using an electric mower in wet conditions altogether.
Less Eco-Friendly than Manual Mowers
Electricity generation may contribute to carbon emissions
While electric mowers are generally considered to be more eco-friendly than gas mowers due to their lack of direct emissions, their environmental impact is not entirely negligible. The electricity needed to power electric mowers is often generated by fossil fuels, which can contribute to carbon emissions and climate change. When considering the overall ecological footprint of an electric mower, it’s important to take into account the source of the electricity used.
Requires electricity from the grid
Electric mowers also rely on electricity from the grid, which means they are indirectly consuming energy. Depending on the energy mix in your area, this electricity may come from a combination of renewable and non-renewable sources. It’s worth noting that if you have access to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, you can mitigate the indirect environmental impact of using an electric mower by utilizing clean and renewable energy to charge it.
Limited Mulching Capability
Not as effective at mulching as gas mowers
Gas mowers are known for their strong mulching capabilities, whereas electric mowers may not be as effective in this aspect. Mulching involves cutting grass into fine pieces and redistributing them back onto the lawn as natural fertilizer. While electric mowers can still perform basic mulching, they may not achieve the same level of fine mulching as gas mowers. This can result in the occasional clumping of grass on the surface of the lawn, which may not be as aesthetically pleasing.
May leave clumps of grass on the lawn
Due to their limited mulching capability, electric mowers may leave clumps of grass on the lawn after mowing. These clumps can be unsightly and require additional cleanup or raking to distribute the clippings more evenly. If having a perfectly manicured lawn is a priority for you, an electric mower’s limited mulching capability may be a drawback to consider.
Risk of Overheating
Can overheat during extended use
Like any electrical appliance, electric mowers can also overheat when used for extended periods without adequate cooling breaks. Overheating can occur when the motor is put under continuous stress and the internal components become too hot. To prevent overheating, it’s important to take regular breaks during long mowing sessions and allow the mower to cool down before resuming operation. Failure to do so can potentially damage the mower and lead to costly repairs.
May need to pause to cool down
When an electric mower overheats, it may need to be temporarily paused to cool down before it can be safely operated again. This can interrupt the momentum of your mowing session and lead to delays in completing the task. It’s advisable to allocate enough time for mowing, taking into account potential cooling breaks to ensure both the longevity of your mower and the efficiency of your mowing process.