Photograph: Debbie Wolfe
Whether or not you’re switching from gas-powered to inexperienced or shopping for your first cordless electrical mower, battery-powered garden mowers supply many benefits. Along with being kinder to the surroundings, they’re additionally quieter and simpler to begin than gas-powered mowers.
These modern machines use highly effective batteries that present sufficient juice to mow lawns as much as a half acre or bigger. Additionally they produce sufficient torque to chop by way of tall grass and lots of are self-propelled, making them simpler to function.
We examined the next battery-powered garden mowers in numerous grass-growing environments to search out out extra about their functionality, reliability, and general person consolation. Learn on to be taught in regards to the vital options to think about, the way to choose the very best battery-powered garden mower for areas starting from only a few sq. toes to a few acres, and the way every mower carried out in our hands-on assessments.
- BEST OVERALL: Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Greenworks Professional 80V 21-Inch Cordless Garden Mower
- BEST SELF-PROPELLED: Toro Flex Drive 60V 21-Inch Tremendous Recycler Mower
- BEST RIDING: Ego Energy+ Z6 42-Inch Zero Flip Driving Mower
- BEST FAST-CHARGING: Ego Energy+ 21-Inch Choose Reduce Garden Mower
- BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Greenworks 40V 21-Inch Sensible Tempo Garden Mower
- BEST FOR SMALL LAWNS: Worx Nitro 80V Energy Share 21-Inch Self Propelled Mower
Photograph: Debbie Wolfe
How We Examined the Greatest Battery-Powered Garden Mowers
Battery-powered garden mowers usually supply a quiet, exhaust-free mowing expertise. They take away the trouble of shopping for and hauling gasoline, altering oil, and different upkeep features of fuel engines. With the notable exceptions of sharpening/changing blades and charging/changing batteries, they’re just about maintenance-free. Whereas buyers are motivated to purchase battery-powered garden mowers for a large number of causes, the expectation stays that they’ll have the ability to mow their grass each time they need, with out problem or frustration. To us, as testers, that meant we wanted to carefully scrutinize runtime, recharge time, and general mowing functionality.
We examined all mowers the identical means and captured the outcomes on a testing rubric for comparability. After totally charging the batteries, we used them to mow two totally different areas, one which had been persistently maintained on the regular mowing peak, and one which had been uncared for and allowed to develop about 10 inches excessive. Each areas included a mixture of flat and reasonably sloped floor. As we mowed, we assessed common operator consolation, self-propelled capabilities, mowing energy, and completed mowing high quality. We mowed till the batteries ran out, recorded the runtime, and measured the world mowed. Lastly, we recorded the time required to recharge the depleted batteries.
As a result of using mowers supply many extra options and management choices, we examined the Ego Energy+ Z6 over a number of days with a number of battery configurations. Battery life performs such an outsized function in general efficiency and buyer satisfaction that we wished to gather outcomes on maintained and overgrown grass for groupings of two, 4, and 6 batteries. The testing standards and statement factors for every check run had been just about the identical as these for the opposite mowers. The good information is that each one of those mowers delivered glorious mowing energy, good-to-excellent reduce high quality, and loads of runtime for real-world functions as proven within the particular person opinions.
Photograph: Debbie Wolfe
Our High Picks
We examined the next mowers taking into consideration the above issues for giant and small yards. Learn on to find out how every mannequin carried out in testing and why we contemplate them among the many finest battery-powered garden mowers.
Photograph: amazon.com
The Snapper XD incorporates a variable-speed transmission and design options that enable for changes to satisfy totally different grass-cutting calls for. The StepSense function robotically adjusts the velocity to match the person’s strolling tempo. Load-sensing know-how on this mannequin robotically adjusts energy output primarily based on the thickness of the grass to supply a clear reduce whereas maximizing vitality effectivity.
The mower’s spectacular 21-inch metal chopping deck is flexible. It boasts seven peak changes which might be simply modified from behind the mower with a single lever. The deck can mulch, aspect discharge, or bag with a capability of as much as 2.1 cubic toes of grass clippings.
When the yard work is completed, this mower folds up conveniently for vertical storage within the storage. The package consists of two 2.0-Ah (amp hour) batteries, which collectively present about 60 minutes of runtime and recharge in about 60 minutes.
In our assessments, the Snapper XD traversed all forms of terrain and left behind a clean, even reduce on a single cross. It simply powered by way of overgrown grass and weeds as much as 10 inches tall, though prolonged use in tall weeds elevated the wanted energy output and decreased runtime by about half.
We had been extra impressed by the blade motor’s load responsiveness than by the automated pace-adjustment system. The StepSense function labored properly on comparatively flat floor, however on inclines it felt considerably sticky or uneven. In general efficiency for the value, this mower affords glorious energy and runtime to mow about ⅓ of an acre, or 15,000 sq. toes, per cost.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 60 minutes/60 minutes
- Deck measurement: 21 inches
- Mobility: Self-propelled, automated tempo adjustment
Execs
- Routinely adjusts to any particular person person’s tempo
- Highly effective motor doesn’t bathroom down in dense grass
- Single lever cutting-height adjustment for user-friendliness
- Folds right into a compact unit for ease of storage
Cons
- Much less runtime per cost than some rivals
- StepSense function feels considerably “sticky”
Get the Snapper battery-powered garden mower at Home equipment Connection, Amazon, Lowe’s, Mowers Direct.
Photograph: amazon.com
Greenworks is understood for its developments in battery know-how, and this mannequin has two 2.0-Ah batteries that enable for as much as 70 minutes of runtime from a full cost, with a mixed recharge time of simply 60 minutes. This push mower incorporates a 21-inch-wide mowing deck. Know-how that adjusts the motor velocity primarily based on load helps to maximise battery life and preserve glorious reduce high quality.
Including to this spectacular mowing protection is a metal deck with seven positions which might be straightforward to regulate with a big deal with close to the appropriate rear wheel. Its sturdy metal deck provides it the robust really feel of gas-powered fashions.
A big begin button and easy-to-maneuver velocity management imply it may be manipulated with gloved palms. This push mower doesn’t have motorized wheels, which retains the value low and maximizes battery life for chopping grass. The three-in-1 grass clipping functionality permits for bagging, mulching, or aspect discharging, and a foldable deal with design facilitates compact storage.
Though this Greenworks push mower required a bit extra effort to maneuver across the yard than the self-propelled mowers, its simplified design made it an especially succesful mower. The highly effective motor provided essentially the most “gas-like” efficiency of the group. It had no hassle chopping dense, weedy grass as much as 10 inches tall and left probably the very best end of all of the mowers we examined. In all three modes, bagging, mulching, and aspect discharging, it left the grass completely clean, with no uneven spots or stringy weeds left behind. It had loads of energy to mulch thick grass into just about invisible clippings.
The one draw back of this mower was that hilly floor decreased the quantity of space mowed per cost, not due to demand on the mower, however as a result of the operator’s tempo slowed. All the pieces else thought of, we felt that this push mower delivered the strongest mowing functionality, regardless that we needed to push it. And the value was considerably lower than the others.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 70 minutes/60 minutes
- Deck measurement: 21 inches
- Mobility: Push
Execs
- Twin 2-Ah batteries supply as much as 70 minutes of runtime; best for each small and enormous yards
- Sturdy motor delivers highly effective chopping efficiency; best for skinny and thick grass varieties
- Straightforward to make use of controls built-in into the deal with
Cons
- Included charger solely costs one battery at a time
- Not self-propelled; could trigger some pressure on the person
Get the Greenworks 80V battery-powered garden mower at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Photograph: homedepot.com
The Toro Flex Drive Tremendous Recycler garden mower is constructed for highly effective mowing efficiency with superior operator consolation. The three-phase motor robotically will increase energy output when it detects harder mowing circumstances, then eases off to preserve battery life when the mowing will get simpler once more.
The 21-inch military-grade solid aluminum deck incorporates a highly effective vortex air-intake system that stands the grass blades up straight for a smoother, cleaner reduce. The shock-absorbing Private Tempo self-adjusting, self-propelled system operates easily whatever the terrain. Brilliant LED headlights make it simpler to mow later into the night. It comes with a strong 60V 7.5-Ah battery that delivers as much as 50 minutes of runtime per cost and recharges in 3 hours.
The Toro Tremendous Recycler was essentially the most comfy battery-powered mower we examined, primarily due to its sturdy self-propulsion system. Though it was not the one mower with a pressure-sensitive deal with, this one functioned the very best. It paired the marginally extra resistant, however buttery clean, deal with motion with the next top-end velocity for self motion that felt nearly easy on most terrain. Solely slight stress was required to climb the uphill areas, and it didn’t attempt to run away on the downhills.
Toro’s glorious reduce high quality was second solely to the Greenworks 80V (primarily as a result of the Greenworks mower carried out exceptionally properly in overgrown areas and Toro wanted a second cross for finest outcomes there). Nonetheless, we had been underwhelmed by its battery efficiency at solely 45 to 50 minutes of runtime in common circumstances and three hours to recharge. Nonetheless, anybody with lower than a half acre who’s purchasing for clean operation and a top-quality reduce could wish to contemplate the Tremendous Recycler.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 50 minutes/180 minutes
- Deck measurement: 21 inches
- Mobility: Self-propelled, automated tempo adjustment
Execs
- Mows as much as 0.4 acre (17,424 sq. toes) per cost
- Self-propelled rear wheels
- Motor robotically adjusts output to match mowing circumstances
- Light-weight, rust- and corrosion-resistant aluminum deck
- LED headlights enable for ample visibility or nighttime mowing
Cons
- Longer recharge time than the competitors
- High mowing velocity is simply too quick for imperfect circumstances
Get the Toro battery-powered garden mower at The Residence Depot.
Photograph: amazon.com
These with bigger acreage can now have a battery-powered mower that may really reduce all of their grass on a single cost. The Ego Energy+ using mower is able to mowing as much as 2 acres per cost, with straightforward upgrades that may enhance runtime to chop greater than 3 acres per cost. Plus, it affords most of the identical options discovered on gas-powered zero-turn mowers, resembling adjustable lap bars to independently management the rear drive wheels; heavy-duty entrance swivel casters; a snug excessive again seat with adjustable suspension; a 42-inch deck with 10 peak settings from 1.5 to 4.5 inches; and aspect discharging, mulching, and bagging capabilities.
The electrical motor delivers energy equal to a 22-horsepower (hp) gasoline engine. The Z6 additionally boasts high-power LED headlights, a battery degree indicator, and independently adjustable modes and blade speeds. This mower comes with 4 56V 10-Ah lithium batteries, with six out there battery slots onboard, and is appropriate with any of Ego Energy’s different 56V batteries. It additionally comes with the quickest battery charger within the trade.
With so many options to check, we spent extra time with the Z6 than with any of the opposite battery-powered mowers on this roundup. For our first run, we charged the 4 56V 10-Ah batteries that got here with the mower and reduce as a lot grass as doable till the batteries ran out. Then we repeated the method with solely two batteries, and once more with a full “tank” of six batteries.
The mower requires a minimal of 15-Ah to function, and the charger plugs into the mower to recharge all six batteries directly. Runtime and cost time had been as follows: two batteries charged in 1¼ hours and mowed 3/4 acre, 4 batteries charged in 2 hours and mowed 1¾ acres, and 6 batteries charged in 3 hours and mowed nearly 3 acres (we mowed your complete out there space with about 12 p.c cost left within the batteries).
We must also point out that the acreage we had been mowing included a 1-acre rectangular subject and two 1-acre dwelling tons that, along with the properties, are roughly 50 p.c and 75 p.c garden. The overall grass acreage is extra like 2¼, with some important slopes and obstacles to navigate. Since Ego affords a fair greater battery measurement at 56V and 12-Ah, we estimate that runtime might probably be stretched to mow as much as 4 acres, relying on the situation of the grass and the lay of the land.
The Ego Energy+ Z6’s operation was principally glorious. Startup was straightforward, and maneuvering was intuitive. The obvious noise degree was extraordinarily quiet and restricted to working the mower deck. The machine travels nearly silently when the blades should not working. The lap bars and drive wheels felt considerably imprecise in comparison with different zero-turn mowers we’ve used. The machine pulled barely to the left at full velocity on flat floor underneath a mean mowing load. The suspension seat was comfy, however the comparatively small rear tires and lightweight weight of the machine made for a bouncy journey at instances. It climbed and maneuvered pretty properly on slopes, which isn’t a energy for many zero-turn mowers.
For many mowing, we stored the machine in “customary” mode and the blades on half energy with glorious outcomes. We examined the highest blade velocity on an space of about 2,000 sq. toes of overgrown crabgrass that was about 12 inches excessive, and we needed to gradual the journey tempo considerably to get an appropriate reduce in that state of affairs. The Ego Energy+ battery-powered zero-turn mower would make an important alternative for any large-acreage proprietor with plenty of grass to take care of.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: half-hour/120 minutes (4 batteries)
- Deck measurement: 42 inches
- Mobility: Zero-turn using mower
Execs
- 4 56V 10-Ah batteries included, with room for two further batteries
- Onboard fast battery-charging system
- 10-position, 42-inch deck permits for ample chopping per cross
- Mows at speeds as much as 7 mph/2.6 acres per hour
- Brilliant LED headlights for low-light mowing
Cons
- Batteries will must be changed in 5 to 10 years
Get the Ego Energy+ Z6 using garden mower at Amazon, Ace {Hardware}, or Lowe’s.
Photograph: acehardware.com
The developments Ego has made with its battery-powered mower units it atop the cordless electrical garden mowers. It boasts 60 minutes of runtime, due to its high- effectivity brushless motor and 56V 7.5-Ah battery. With its 21-inch deck and variable-speed self-propelled wheels that give it the aptitude to mow greater than 3 mph, this mower is appropriate for yards as much as a half acre. The Ego Energy+ cordless mower additionally consists of velocity controls that the person operates with an intuitive lever, LED headlights, and a fast charger that powers up the 7.5-Ah battery in simply 60 minutes.
We had been impressed by this mower’s mix of mowing skill, operator consolation, affordability, and fast recharging skill. In our assessments, it simply mowed down tall weeds and traversed steep slopes, and its battery life seemed to be much less affected by the added workload. In robust circumstances the place we skilled declines in battery life as much as 50 p.c with among the different mowers, the Ego mower solely misplaced about 25 p.c of its runtime.
We docked factors on this mower’s rating in two areas: its noise degree, particularly its louder-than-average self-propelled wheels, and its end high quality. This mower was extra seemingly than the others to go away behind ragged edges or stringy weeds after mowing overgrown spots. However even with a few minor faults, this mower represents a very good worth for common use.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 60 minutes/60 minutes
- Deck measurement: 21 inches
- Mobility: Self-propelled, manually adjustable tempo
Execs
- Brushless motor offers long-term use and user-friendliness
- LED headlights enable for ample visibility or nighttime mowing
- Intuitive velocity controls supply glorious user-friendliness
Cons
- Self-propelled motors make extreme noise; could not go well with some customers’ wants
Get the Ego Energy+ Choose Reduce battery-powered garden mower at Ace {Hardware} or Lowe’s.
Photograph: amazon.com
With its 21-inch mowing swath and as much as 70 minutes of runtime per cost, this environment friendly brushless garden mower from Greenworks tackles bigger yards, from ⅓ to ½ acre. Two 40V 4-Ah batteries energy it, and it features a single-port battery charger that recharges every battery in 70 minutes, or a complete of 120 minutes for each. The Sensible Tempo self-propelled function operates with a pressure-sensitive deal with that robotically adjusts the velocity of the wheels to the person’s strolling tempo. The one-lever peak adjustment function shortly units the mowing deck to chop at any of seven positions from 1⅜ to 3¾ inches. The package features a aspect discharge chute, bagger, and mulch plug to deal with clippings in whichever means works finest.
In our assessments, we had been considerably stunned that this mower carried out equally to others with considerably extra battery energy. It did have a better tendency than the others to bathroom down in dense grass areas whereas in mulching mode, however in any other case it delivered glorious outcomes. With the discharge chute in place, we had no hassle mowing overgrown weedy areas, however these areas diminished runtime by about half. Total, the reduce high quality was fairly good. Solely essentially the most tough grass patches required a second cross to get acceptable outcomes.
The Greenworks 40V system runs off one battery at a time, and it robotically switches to the second battery when the primary battery is depleted. This allowed us to drag the depleted battery and begin charging it whereas mowing on the second battery, lowering downtime to about 20 minutes after depleting the second battery. On a single battery, we averaged from 20 to half-hour of runtime relying on mowing circumstances, terrain, and tempo.
The self-propel system labored pretty properly, however as is the case with most of those pressure-sensitive deal with methods, it was not good. The sliding-handle mechanism felt just a little sticky, so the mower didn’t speed up as easily as we might have appreciated, particularly going uphill. On downhills and flats, it often felt as if the mower had been working away as a substitute of decelerating with the operator. Nonetheless, it was a lot simpler to regulate to those minor sensations than to push the mower for an hour at a time. For its prolonged runtime and the battery-management skills, this could be a sensible choice for these with bigger lawns.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 70 minutes/120 minutes
- Deck measurement: 21 inches
- Mobility: Self-propelled, automated tempo adjustment
Execs
- Can deal with small to massive yards; 70 minutes of runtime per cost
- Self-propelled with automated tempo adjustment; prevents any pressure on the person
- Heavy-duty metal deck can deal with skinny to thick grass varieties
- Massive 10-inch rear wheels and 8-inch entrance wheels
Cons
- Tempo adjustment function is much less clean than rivals
- Much less efficient at mulching dense grass than comparable choices
Get the Greenworks 40V battery-powered garden mower on Amazon.
Photograph: amazon.com
The Worx Nitro 80V power-share system packs a severe lawn-mowing punch. This mower makes use of 4 20V 5-Ah batteries to ship 80V of energy for as much as 60 minutes of mowing time per cost. It’s a reasonably priced, extremely succesful, self-propelled 21-inch mower that provides quite a few options to compete with others we’ve examined. For ease of operation, it incorporates a single-lever deck peak adjustment; a one-touch totally collapsible deal with; charge-level indicator; and selection of aspect discharging, bagging, or mulching. The built-in mulch/discharge lever eliminates coping with a mulch plug. The quiet, load-sensing multistage motor robotically will increase output for tough circumstances. Plus, LED headlights prolong mowing time previous sunset.
A standout function on the Nitro mower is the Base Camp energy pack. It combines the ability of the 4 included 20V 5-Ah Worx Energy Share Professional batteries to supply 80V 5-Ah of energy output. The ability pack doubles as a four-way charger, recharging the depleted batteries in simply 2 hours. It may be used for each onboard and offboard charging, and additionally it is appropriate with the Worx Nitro 80V leaf blower.
In our assessments, the Worx mower carried out higher than the common of the group by way of good energy output and end high quality. It did an important job conserving energy whereas offering a wonderful reduce on beforehand maintained garden areas, then elevated output nearly instantly to energy by way of overgrown weedy garden areas. The end high quality was good to glorious in each the beforehand maintained space and within the overgrown space, without having for a second cross.
Battery runtime decreased by as a lot as 50 p.c underneath a heavy mowing load, however the distinction between sloped areas and flat floor was much less pronounced. We awarded this one Greatest for Small Lawns contemplating the quantity of energy that will be wanted in reserve to blow off the driveway utilizing the Base Camp–appropriate 80V leaf blower. These with between ¼ and ⅓ of an acre of grass might in all probability try this with out first recharging the batteries.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 60 minutes/120 minutes
- Deck measurement: 21 inches
- Mobility: Self-propelled, handbook tempo adjustment
Execs
- 4 20V batteries obtain 80V 5-Ah output
- Versatile onboard or detachable charging system
- Single-lever deck peak adjustment for user-friendliness
- Bag, aspect discharge, or mulch; no mulch plug required
- LED headlamps for mowing in low mild circumstances
Cons
- Eradicating and putting in Base Camp is extra awkward than a single battery
- Doesn’t embody the longer-lasting 20V 6-Ah Worx batteries
Get the Worx battery-powered garden mower at Amazon, Goal, or Walmart.
What to Take into account When Selecting the Greatest Battery- Powered Garden Mower
When purchasing for a battery-powered garden mower, it’s essential to think about the ability and runtime, reduce high quality, weight, ease of use, and security options.
Energy and Runtime
Battery-powered garden mowers use batteries that vary in energy from 36 to 120 volts. Whereas it appears logical to go together with the most important battery you’ll be able to afford, understand that there are trade-offs. A 60- to 80-volt battery is heavier than a 40-volt battery and due to this fact requires extra energy to propel it ahead. This will lower runtime and make a cordless electrical mower harder to maneuver.
Nonetheless, batteries with increased voltage can generate extra energy, which is required for self-propelled wheels, and supply further torque, which permits for extra chopping energy by way of dense grass.
Runtime relies on many components. Typically, a bigger battery will present extra runtime. Thick or tall grass, slopes, and obstacles that may gradual the mower down lower runtime. Most mowers will run from a half hour to an hour on one cost, which is able to cowl about 5,000 to 10,000 sq. toes earlier than needing a cost.
Reduce High quality
Energy impacts reduce high quality. The bigger the battery, the extra energy and torque a mower can generate to chop grass. Some mowers enable the person to regulate the torque or revolutions per minute (rpms) of the blade, whereas others auto-adjust primarily based on the resistance that the blade senses. Altering the torque permits the operator to attain a top quality reduce whereas preserving battery life.
Many electrical mowers additionally supply quite a few peak changes for the deck. They vary from 1.5 to 4 inches, permitting the operator to chop the garden to a desired size.
Weight
The extra highly effective the mower, the heavier it’s. That is primarily as a result of greater batteries weigh extra. Deck measurement additionally makes an enormous distinction. A bigger mower with a 20-inch deck will weigh greater than a smaller mower with a 14-inch deck.
Battery-powered mowers weigh from 35 kilos for smaller 13- and 14-inch decks to greater than 70 kilos for a self-propelled mower with a 21-inch deck. A bigger mower could reduce extra grass at a time, however a smaller mower is simpler to maneuver.
Ease of Use
One benefit of electrical mowers in comparison with fuel mowers is that they’re a lot simpler to begin. Electrical mowers change the irritating pull begin with a push-button begin. Additionally they function massive handles that make adjusting the deck peak straightforward.
Increased-end battery-powered mowers embody self-propelled options, so they’re simpler to maneuver across the yard. Most battery-powered mowers additionally fold right into a extra compact measurement and might stand vertically for simple storage.
Security Options
Like their gas-powered forerunners, electrical mowers have built-in security options to forestall accidents. These embody security bars on the deal with that should be held closed to maintain the motor working. Additionally they are outfitted with flaps and guards that stop the mower from capturing particles on the operator.
FAQs
In the event you’re nonetheless questioning which mower is best for you, then learn on for solutions to among the most typical questions on battery-powered garden mowers.
Q. What’s the distinction between electrical garden mowers and battery-powered garden mowers?
An electrical mower can embody battery-operated or corded choices, powered by both a chargeable battery or an influence twine plugged into an ordinary 15-volt outlet. A battery-powered motor is cordless and runs solely off of a number of batteries.
Q. How do you activate a battery-powered garden mower?
A battery-powered garden mower is far simpler to begin than a gas-powered mower. Merely maintain the security bar in place, then press the beginning button.
Q. How do you clear a battery-powered garden mower?
Earlier than cleansing a battery-powered garden mower, unplug the battery to forestall potential shorts within the wiring. Then take away all attachments. By no means hose off a battery-powered mower; water can harm the wiring contained in the motor. Use a washcloth as a substitute. Wring out the washcloth over a bucket, then wipe down the mower to take away grass and different particles.
