Electric Lawn Mowers in The Triangle (purchase, gas, charge)

[alice_61]

I'm really impressed with how well our Sears cordless mower has held up. We bought it 10 years ago and have used it very intensively for a couple years when we lived on a homestead. Now we mow a 1/3 acre lawn with it. It finally needed service last year. We replaced a replacement circuit board which we bought online for ~$30. And we decided to replace the batteries locally, which was ~$100. Now the mower easily does our yard in one charge. It is quite tough and more convenient than vacuuming (no cord to plug in or work around).

[plf86]

"I like cows and as much milk as my family drinks that would be a wise investment. Now if I can just convince the HOA."

well if i was on your board....

[geoff2v]

Originally Posted by plf86

"I like cows and as much milk as my family drinks that would be a wise investment. Now if I can just convince the HOA."

well if i was on your board....

OK, I'm no moderator, but I think it's fair to say that we've talked enough about this cow business and it's time to mooove on. We've milked this topic for all that it's worth.

[rgathright]

Originally Posted by PDXmom

If any one has info to share about non-gas powered grass cutting options I'm all ears! I'm considering the old fashion non-engine push thingie, but my new yard is not level and needs some work. So to begin with I don't know how viable this will be.

Thanks for the help!

I like my cordless electric and can cut a majority of my yard on one charge now.


We should all do our part to save the enviroment and encourage the growth of the solar and wind power industries. Cordless electric lawn mowers go a long ways towards these goals. I recently purchased the Black & Decker Cordless Electric Lawnmower the CMM1200. In the review I describe how to upgrade the mower to mow over 9,000 SQFT! I hope my review will help you make a decision about our future.

http://www.epinions.com/review/Black...t_445899312772

[JDJeep98]

Originally Posted by MikeJaquish

I think the electric mower will be OK, but check the manual for the length and size of the extension cord.
You will burn the motor up with a cord that drops current because it is too long for the size of wire.

I'd ditch the battery idea with a .25 acre lot.

I disagree. I have a .31 lot and I got a Homelite battery mulching mower when we moved here and it lasts just fine. If you're concerned about battery, mow the front one day, charge it up overnight, and mow the back another day.

I got the Homelite from Lowes or Home Depot (I can't remember which). I liked the Black and Decker, but the Homelite was cheaper and I didn't feel that the specs were any worse.

I also saw somewhere a web site of a guy who converts old gas mowers to battery and adds a solar charger (at the garage, not on the mower). I like the solar charger idea. (edit: I found it. It's here.)

I say stick to electric. It's quieter, takes less energy in the long run, and pollutes less.

[PDXmom]

Originally Posted by JDJeep98

I got the Homelite from Lowes or Home Depot (I can't remember which). I liked the Black and Decker, but the Homelite was cheaper and I didn't feel that the specs were any worse.
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I say stick to electric. It's quieter, takes less energy in the long run, and pollutes less.

This thread is old. So I can report on what I got and how it worked out. This summer I purchased a Homelite from Home Depot. My mower is.... well lets put it this way. A cow could cut my grass quicker. Our homelite is a major dud! Stopped charging within the first 6 months. Homelite customer service were major jerks. Took it back to Home Depot where they have sent it off to fix. Once the thing comes back, it's going on Craigs list. Next year I'm getting a Neuton. It has the multiple drop in batteries!! Love that feature. If I get all cheapo again, I'll get a corded mower.

But I'm not doing the gas beast. I borrowed a gas beast from a neighbor when the grass was getting too high and my homelite pooped out on me. The gas beast had great power and clean cut. BUT it's a gas beast. We are really hoping the next car won't even be a gas beast. One can dream.

Originally Posted by rgathright

We should all do our part to save the enviroment and encourage the growth of the solar and wind power industries. Cordless electric lawn mowers go a long ways towards these goals.

Dude, if you read my original post that states I was trying to figure out if I should move my "corded" mower across the country, then you'll know you are preaching to the choir. Which btw, in retrospect, I wish I had moved my corded mower. Would be better off than I am now. I'm waiting for my son to get old enough so I can get one of those manual push mowers from the 50s. Until then I'll be burning a little electricity to get the job done.

[JDJeep98]

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience with your mower. So far, mine seems just fine, although I will admit that my grass is not as thick as some people's. I'm also using the highest setting, which seems to make a difference. (Right before I overseeded, I dropped to a much lower height, which made it a real bear to mow!)

I do like the idea of multiple drop-in batteries, though. At least, if it stops charging, you can get a new battery instead of replacing the entire mower ($$$).

[nynraleigh]

I looked at electric mowers; thought I would purchase one...but went with a gas powered mower..a Toro self-propelled recycler...from Home Depot in 07'... The knowledgeable Home Depot person stated for my lot size {0.25} and electric mower would not be powerful enough...I do like the idea of an electric mower though...oh well I do have an electric weedwacker and blower...they work great!

[TriangleMike]

I bought a Neuton CE 6.2 battery mower back in September and it's been great! This is the newer, wider, and more powerful model they recently introduced. It's only available to purchase online at the Neuton site. I just bought the extra battery and keep it charged and change the battery when I'm half thru the lawn. There's plenty of power with this machine. The cut quality is not quite as good as a gas mower but it's more than acceptable considering the type of machine it is. Would recommended to anyone interested in a battery powered mower. It's worth it to me just for the quietness and lack of exhaust fumes to breathe.

[mdp_az]

I have an old Craftsman gas mower that I despise. I think this spring I'll buy a Scott's reel mower and see how it goes. My lot is a 1/4 acre, so it should be OK. The Scotts mower is the only reel mower I know of that cuts to a height of 3" and also has an option for catching grass clippings.