Different Types of Automatic Lawn Mowers

 Types of Electric Lawn Mowers

There are three types of electric lawnmowers; Push, Riding, and Robot.

• Electric Push Lawn Mower – Electric push lawn mowers or walk-behinds are the largest category of mowers on the market, which we can further refine to corded or cordless as well as self-propelled or manual push operated.
• Electric Riding Lawn Mower – Electric riding lawn mowers or ride-on mowers are categorized as either classic lawn tractors or zero-turn mowers.
• Robot Lawn Mower – also known as smart lawn mowers, this class of mower is relatively new to the world of yard maintenance, but there are nearly a dozen models to choose from already 

There are two types of walk-behind electric lawnmowers: corded and cordless. Corded mowers need to be plugged into an outdoor electrical socket while cordless mowers use a battery to power the mower.

Although both mowers are electric, they’ve got some differences that matter.

Mower Maintenance

Both corded and cordless mowers require very little maintenance outside of proper blade maintenance.  However, the biggest hassle, if you can call it that, with a cordless mower is the battery. It needs charging after every use, and if you forget you might be left waiting another day before you can mow your lawn.  

Mower Costs

If you’re on a budget, a corded lawn mower is cheaper upfront. You will also eventually need to replace the battery for a cordless lawn mower.  However, battery systems in most electric mowers are swappable with other yard maintenance equipment from the same manufacturer, which can justify multiple batteries.  Having two or more batteries will increase the run time of your mower, but allow you to swap out the discharged battery with a fresh battery mid-mow.

Mower Mobility

A cordless lawn mower is a fast and easy way to cut your grass. The lack of a cord means you’ll be able to maneuver your mower around trees and gardens more easily, and you will find that you can travel farther away from your home without being tethered to an electrical outlet.  Cords have a way of being a nuisance. They’ll get in the way of your mower and you’ll spend a lot of time moving them. On the other hand, cordless lawnmowers are heavier than corded ones because of the battery pack. 

Mower Power

Your electric lawn mower needs power to do its job and make your life easier. The key question is, will it come from a cord or a battery? Generally speaking, a corded lawn mower is more powerful than a cordless one, but as battery technology continues to improve that gap is narrowing.  With the battery, more voltage equals more torque and power to cut through grass efficiently.

Mower Run Time

So this comparison is probably pretty obvious, a corded lawn mower will last as long as you need to do the job. Batteries in a cordless have run times ranging from 50 to 90 minutes before needing to swap it out for a fresh battery or charge the drained battery.

If you have a larger lawn to mow there are actually some solid options in the battery-powered riding lawn mower market. 

Electric riding lawnmowers offer similar benefits to walking behind electric lawnmowers.  You can expect little to no maintenance. There is no need to change oil, oil filters, spark plugs, belts, and air filters like you would with a fossil-fuel-burning internal combustion engine. Electric riding lawnmowers are just more convenient. No more filling up jugs of gas and wiping up spills from refills. Electric riding lawnmowers are much quieter than gas-powered ones, but you may find you still want to wear hearing protection when the blades are engaged.

Battery, Motor & Runtime

There are so many choices for electric riders on the market, which is why there are so many different specs. The first thing to think about is the type and number of motors. There are two main types of electrical motors – brushed and brushless. Not to get into the weeds (requiring an electric weed whacker) but brushless motors are considered better than brushed ones because they produce less heat and provide better performance. In addition, brushless motors have a longer life span, because they don’t need to be replaced or have their brushes changed.  Brushed motors can be found for less money but are less powerful. Lithium-ion is preferred because it lasts longer.

Deck Size And Adjustments

The most important measurement to consider is the width of the lawn mower. The number of height adjustments also varies. Good electric lawnmowers have anywhere from 10 to 15 height settings. The best ones come with a one-handed lever for easy adjustments without getting off the rig. If you have grass to cut on properties with different types of grass or terrain, this is the most important factor to take into account.

Comfort And Ease Of Use

One factor many people tend to overlook is the comfort and ease of use of a lawn mower. This is important and should be a primary concern while shopping for a lawn mower. A comfortable seat, easy-to-use controls, and a steering system that fits you well are important considerations given how many hours of seat time you’ll clock over the life of your mower.

Sound Level

Quiet operation is an important factor in any mower purchase. Thankfully, modern electric riding mowers are generally available with very reasonable dB ratings, ranging from 70 dB to 90 dB

You should also think about the long-term use and cost of the electric riding lawnmowers you are considering. Not just the price, but take a close look at the warranty and what it covers, what are the costs to replace key parts like blades or tires. 

In summary, electric lawnmowers whether they are robotic, walk behind or riding offer many benefits from quieter, cleaner operation to less maintenance and a much lower impact on the environment.