The simple act of using electric or hand-powered mowers can put you on the cutting edge of a cleaner, greener lawn revolution. You’ll save some money and energy (or even burn a little of your own!), and—with the quiet operation and zero emissions of these mowers—stay in your neighbors’ good graces.
Corded mowers have a plug-to-extension-cord type of connection. You will need an extension cord (14 gauge or better) if the run is long. Most manufacturers recommend a maximum run of 100 feet, so you’ll need to remember this limitation for your lawn size. You’ll also need to change your mowing attack so you don’t run over the cord.
Cordless mowers rely on a battery pack to run the mower. While there are no limits on where you cut, there are limits on run-time length. Although cordless mowers are usually designed with the most efficient motors to achieve the longest run times, the battery’s charge only lasts so long. These mowers recharge by plugging them into a standard 120-volt AC receptacle. Typical charge time ranges from 12 to 16 hours. Because they have sealed gel-cell batteries, which do not need to stay level, they are especially good for mowing sloped lawns.
Even if you don’t power your home with solar energy, switching from gas to an electric mower will help reduce both air and noise pollution. Besides costing cents to operate, you also avoid costly engine tune-ups and messy oil changes. Electric mowers are easy to maintain, and start with the push of button, putting an end to the tiresome task of yanking on a starter cord.
