A Full Review of Cordless Lawn Mowers – Are they Worth it?

One of the most important decisions to make when it comes to lawn care is choosing the right mower.

It’s one of the many tools, which you’ll use most when compared to things like scarifiers, aerators and even spreaders.

You probably already know that there are different types of mowers on the market, and each has its benefits and limitations.

What’s more, probably the most common question on your mind this year is “should I choose a cordless or corded lawn mower?”

So, in this article, I’ll share the benefits of cordless lawn mowers compared to electric corded mowers, and include my personal experience on why I chose to take the jump even though it set me back nearly £300.

The rise of Cordless Lawn Mowers

Until more recently, batteries haven’t really been powerful enough for trade gardeners to transition over from the petrol ones. That’s definitely changing now though.

It’s led to a growing trend towards battery-powered lawn mowers. That goes for both tradespeople and homeowners alike.

Battery technology has advanced significantly in recent years, making cordless lawn mowers more powerful and efficient than ever before. Lithium-ion batteries are now commonly used in mowers, providing longer run times and faster charging capabilities compared to older battery technologies. As battery technology continues to improve, we can expect even better performance and efficiency from battery-powered lawn mowers.

Companies like Allett and Ego are said to be leading the way in the trade. Allett from a Sports Maintenance point of view and Ego from a landscape gardeners choice. Having looked myself, these are a bit too expensive for the average homeowner.

For the average homeowner, they’re becoming much more accessible from a price perspective. They’re now just as powerful as the electrical ones but with the additional benefits discussed next.

I recommend looking at companies like Worx, Hyundai or Bosch if you’re just getting one for your home. They’re slightly cheaper than the others mentioned above but still give a great run time and nice finish. They’re also available woth rear-rollers if you like the striped look after overseeding.

A Visual Representation

The graph below shows the amount of interest in people searching on Google for ‘Battery Mower’ over the last 5 years. Of course, there’s a peak in March and a trough in December. But you can clearly see and You can clearly see that we are at an all-time high.

The second graph shows how that compares to people searching for ‘Petrol Mower’. As you can see it’s clearly caught up and no doubt will overtake it in the years to come.

Benefits of Cordless Lawn Mowers

One of the main benefits of cordless lawn mowers is their portability. For me, these are way more convenient to use and get around the lawn. Even to the point where I now mow more frequently because it’s so much easier to get out

On my 80m2 lawn, I found myself frequently limited by the reach of my electric corded mower, and had to stop to reposition the cord at least 3 times just to get the whole lot done.

Some say they’re quieter than electric ones but I don’t think so. Petrol one absolutely. But probably about the same decibels as corded.

Of course, if you’ve been using a petrol mower, then you definitely will be producing less emissions, so you can add eco-friendly to the bonus benefits.

From a safety perspective, you could easily argue that cordless ones are safer than corded because if you go over the cord while it’s on, then there’s every chance of you getting an electric shock. That’s why you should always work away from the plug if using a corded, electric mower.

How long do the batteries actually last – Run time & Lifetime

Let’s look at run time first.

Run time will depend on the size of battery and the runtime of the battery will decrease over time as the battery gets older and loses its ability to hold a charge.

Run time on 20 Volt batteries

20 Volt batteries will usually offer around 20-30 minutes run time.

Run time on 40 Volt batteries

40 Volt batteries, or 2 x 20 volt batteries usually last around 40-60 minutes.

How does that affect you?

Well if your lawn takes over 40 minutes to cut then you’ll want to look for a product that has 2 x 20V batteries or one 40v battery.

A 56V 5Ah battery on another cordless electric lawn mower can provide a runtime of approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on the cutting conditions.

The runtime per charge will depend on the voltage and amp-hour rating as well as the power requirements of the lawn mower.

For example, a 40V 5Ah battery on a cordless electric lawn mower usually provides a runtime of approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the cutting conditions.

Now let’s look at battery lifetime

With proper care and attention, the lifetime should be around 3-5 years. mean charging it fully and letting it run right down.

How to look after your lawn mower battery so it lasts longer

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your lawn mower battery lasts longer and performs at its best.

1. Charge the battery properly:

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on charging the battery. Overcharging or undercharging can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan. It’s also essential to use the right charger for the battery.

2. Store it properly

Store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid storing the battery in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, as it can damage the battery.

3. Clean the terminals

Check the battery terminals regularly and clean them if there is any corrosion or debris. You can use a wire brush or a terminal cleaner to remove any dirt or buildup.

4. Use regularly

Regular use can help keep the battery charged and prevent it from losing its capacity. If you don’t use the lawn mower for an extended period, charge the battery fully and disconnect it from the mower.

5. Protect the battery from impacts

Avoid dropping or hitting the battery, as it can damage the internal components and reduce its lifespan.

6. Replace when necessary

If you notice a significant decrease in the runtime or performance of the battery, it may be time to replace it. Replacing one is probably going to set you back around £100.

In Summary

In my opinion, now is a great time to transition to cordless. Especially if your current mower is coming to the end of its life or you’re simply just thinking of a refresh. I’m not necessarily saying you should ditch your corded one if you’ve just bought it. However, if you’re thinking of an upgrade anyway, then I highly recommend choosing battery.