Mowing the lawn is a necessary evil for those of us who want to keep our yards looking neat and tidy.
It can be a real chore, especially when you’re using an old-fashioned gas mower that belches out fumes and noise as it chugs along. But electric mowers may offer some advantages over their gas counterparts – but they also come with some disadvantages.
In this article, I’ll explore the disadvantages of electric mowers. Even though these machines have a lot of environmental benefits, they’re quieter and cheaper to operate compared to their gas counterparts, they still have downsides.
Grab a cup of coffee – or whatever you fancy – sit back, relax, and let me tell you everything you need to know about the disadvantages of these handy machines! Starting with the noise.
Noise Pollution
Using an electric lawnmower can be like having a chainsaw in your backyard – noisy and disruptive to the peace. Electric mowers, despite their convenience and ease of use, generate a considerable amount of noise pollution which can disturb the surrounding area, especially if you live close to other houses or apartments.
Noise control regulations are put in place to limit the level of this disturbance, but many electric lawnmowers exceed these limits by quite a bit.
Noise reduction devices such as mufflers can help reduce the disruptive power of electric mower noise, but they don’t always provide complete silence either and still need maintenance on occasion.
With all these factors taken into account, it’s clear that there are some drawbacks when it comes to using an electric lawnmower for noise pollution reasons alone. Power source limitations may also prove problematic for homeowners looking for a quiet outdoor experience.
Power Source Limitations
Electric lawn mowers can be a great asset for gardeners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs. However, they also come with some downsides that need considering before investing in one.
The biggest disadvantage is the power source limitations of electric lawn mowers. Ironical, right?
Cordless mowers are limited by battery life which means they won’t last as long as machines powered by gasoline or electricity from a cord plugged into an outlet.
If there’s ever any sort of power cuts or supply interruptions due to weather conditions like thunderstorms, you’ll have to wait until it’s back up and running again before you can start cutting your grass!
Maintenance Requirements
The electric lawn mower is not without its drawbacks when it comes to maintenance.
While they may be initially cheaper than gas-powered options, the cost of keeping them running can quickly add up. Repairs and replacement parts are often expensive and storage space needs to be taken into consideration as well.
Additionally, regular cleaning and oil changes are necessary for optimal performance – something that can’t be said about their more traditional counterparts.
With expense considerations being such a major factor in deciding which type of lawnmower best suits your needs, let’s move onto what kind of financial investment will likely come along with this purchase.
Expense Considerations
When it comes to price, electric mowers can be a bit of an investment.
They cost more upfront than traditional gas-powered models and the prices vary greatly depending on features like battery capacity or added accessories.
You’ll want to do your research when comparing prices between different models as they range in price from around $100 all the way up to several thousand dollars.
The biggest downside is that you’ll need to factor in replacement costs for batteries over time — not only are they expensive but their lifespan will depend on how much use you get out of them before needing replacements.
This makes having a budget for repairs important if you go down the route of getting an electric lawn mower so you don’t get hit with unexpected repair bills further down the line.
It’s definitely worth taking into account these additional costs when deciding whether an electric model is right for your needs and budget.
Environmental Impact
Electric lawn mowers may seem like a good idea, but they come with some serious environmental drawbacks, including:
Carbon Emissions
The air around us isn’t getting any cleaner – electric lawn mowers produce more carbon emissions than their gas-powered counterparts and contribute to overall air pollution.
Water Consumption
Electricity usage is still linked to water consumption: generating electricity requires large amounts of water for cooling systems; that’s in addition to the direct water used by your lawnmower itself!
Energy Consumption
Let’s not forget about energy consumption. Electric lawnmowers need charging time which can lead to an increase in our home’s energy bills.
It’s clear that while electric lawn mowers may have some benefits over traditional ones, it’s also important to account for their negative impact on the environment in order to make sustainable changes.
Lack Of Versatility
Electric lawn mowers have some big drawbacks when it comes to versatility. They’re great if you’ve got a small yard, but they simply can’t handle bigger jobs.
Most electric models don’t come with the same multi-functionality that gas powered machines do – no trimmers or edgers included.
Plus, even if you could add attachments, terrain limitations are common for electric models as well. If your land is uneven and sloped in any way, an electric mower may not be able to handle it.
And finally, storage space can also be an issue since many electric mowers aren’t foldable like their gas-powered counterparts. So unless you’ve got plenty of room to spare in the garage or shed, those bulky cords and motorized pieces won’t be easy to store away during winter months.
All things considered, electric lawnmowers just don’t offer the same level of flexibility as more traditional options out there on the market today.
Conclusion
It’s clear that electric lawn mowers have their disadvantages. Not only are they noisy, but they require time and effort to maintain and charge. Plus, they can be pricey with an average cost of around $500. So what’s the verdict? Well, it really depends on your needs and budget as well as how often you use a lawnmower.
One interesting statistic worth noting is that electric lawn mowers have become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, sales of electric models shot up by almost 40% between 2018-2019 – proving its growing popularity amongst homeowners!
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable way to keep your grass neat and tidy then investing in an electric mower could be the way to go – just don’t forget about all the extra costs involved too! With proper maintenance and care, these machines will last for years – saving you from having to buy another one any time soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Noise Does An Electric Mower Create?
The sound levels of an electric lawn mower range from around 65-90 decibels (dB). This puts them at about the same level as a vacuum cleaner in terms of sound. Some electric models are even quieter than gas-powered versions, which tend to have louder noise levels ranging from 80-95 dB.
So, if you’re looking for something that won’t disturb your neighbors while you work, then electric might be the way to go!
Can I Use Mower For Edging And Trimming?
Using an electric lawn mower for edging and trimming is possible, but it may not be the best decision.
For trimming and edging, you’ll need to make sure your electric mower has a feature that allows you to adjust the height of the blades. This will give you better control when doing precision work such as edging along sidewalks or flower beds.
If you decide to use your electric lawn mower for both trimming and edging, keep in mind that this type of activity can put additional strain on the motor. You don’t want to overtax your machine by overworking it, so take breaks between each task if needed.
It’s important to remember that ordinary electric lawn mowers are designed mainly for cutting grass–not necessarily for finer details like edging and trimming–so they may lack some features found in more specialized machinery.
How Long Does It Take To Charge My Machine?
The charge time for an electric mower varies from model to model. But generally speaking, it takes anywhere from 4-8 hours to fully charge a standard electric lawn mower battery.
However, if you’re running short on time but still need to get your grass cut quickly, there are options available that will help you out. For example, many models come with quick-charge ports so you can top off the battery in just two or three hours.
Additionally, certain models allow you to remove the battery entirely and replace it with a freshly charged one – this is ideal if you have multiple batteries at home ready to go.
How Often Do I Need To Maintain My Mower?
Lawn mower maintenance should be done at least once or twice a year depending on the size of your yard and how often you use the mower.
Start by giving it a good cleaning with a damp cloth or brush to remove any dirt buildup from the blades and around the engine area.
You’ll also want to check that all nuts and bolts are secure and replace them if necessary – this will help prevent any unexpected accidents while in operation!
It’s also important to check the oil level regularly as well as make sure there are no loose wires that could potentially cause problems during operation.
Finally, make sure to sharpen the blades when they become dull; this will ensure better cutting power and reduce strain on the motor.
What Is The Average Cost Of An Electric Mower?
Ah, electric lawn mowers. A gorgeous display of power and convenience in one sleek package – but what will it cost you? Let’s take a look at the average electric lawn mower price range:
- Low end models can be found for under $100
- Mid-range models typically run between $200 to $500
- High end models are usually priced from around $600 up to as much as $1000
- Professional grade machines may exceed even this, reaching prices of over $2000!
When considering your options for an electric lawn mower, there are many factors that go into calculating its overall cost. The size of your yard is important; if you have a large lot with lots of trees or other obstacles then you’ll probably need more powerful (and more expensive) equipment.
Additionally, features like battery life, ergonomics, mulching capabilities and blade width should all factor into your decision making process. In addition to these considerations, comparing costs across different brands and retailers is also key; some companies offer discounts on their products while others may include extra accessories in the box which could influence your final buying decision.
Finally, don’t forget to check out online reviews before investing in any particular model – they can give invaluable insight into how well each item performs in real world conditions.
Photo by No-longer-here.
