Lawn mower electric cable. Best electric lawn mowers in 2023

Best electric lawn mowers in 2023

Light, quiet and easy to use, we review budget electric lawn mowers to help you find one for your lawn.

A well kept, manicured lawn is a point of pride for gardeners and maintaining it should be one of the easiest tasks in the garden. There’s a huge choice of different mowers on the market but electric corded mowers are the most common and one of the easiest to use. They’re quiet, light and easy to manoeuvre plus they’re clean with no fuel fumes or regular servicing needed. They’re also the cheapest, but do you get what you pay for? To find out if paying less means you lose out on features or performance our gardening experts tested a range of corded electric lawn mowers that won’t break the bank.

Want to compare these to others or shopping for a different mower? See our reviews of the best cordless lawn mowers, best robotic mowers, and best hand-push lawn mowers.For other help with lawn care, take a look at our reviews of the best strimmers and the best aerators, or check out our guide to the best lawn edging.

Planning a DIY project in the garden, have a look at the best cordless drills.

The best electric mowers to buy at a glance

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All the lawn mowers in our review are rotary mowers with an electric motor that spins a blade to cut the grass. This blade is angled upwards to create lift, which pulls cut grass away and into the grass collector. We tested a range of electric mowers, putting them through their paces across different lawns and terrains, to help you find the right one for your garden.

Each mower has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to set up and storage, handling, mowing and value for money. Every mower in our round up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

In every review we award outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best electric lawn mowers, below:

RRP: £157

Our rating: 4.5/5

• Long cable
• Good choice of cutting heights
• Choice of handle heights
• Wide cutting width

This sturdy electric mower feels robust and has a wide cutting width of 38cm, helping you mow the grass quickly, with fewer passes up and down the lawn. It’s simple to put together, offering the choice of three handle heights to suit different users and has a useful six heights of cut, from 25-75mm, which are easy to change with a single lever. It manoeuvres well around the lawn despite its weight and is simple to use producing a neat cut. It comes with a large grass collection box of 40L too so you’re not constantly emptying clippings on the compost heap. When you’ve finished mowing it’s easy to store, with a handle that folds flat over the body of the mower, so it takes up very little room and a detachable cable that can be hung up or stored in a drawer. It has a long 15m cable, which should reduce the need for an extension lead, and only its black colour and lack of cable safety clip let it down. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for best budget mower in 2023.

• Cutting width: 38cm
• Power: 1400W
• Weight: 11kg
• Noise: 95dB
• Warranty: 5 years

Webb Weer 33

Our rating: 4.8/5

• Light and easy to manoeuvre
• Cuts to the edge
• Height of cut simplest to change
• Orange cable easy to see

This mower is well thought out with excellent features. It’s easy to assemble and folds for storage with a comfortable, foam handle which can be adjusted to a variety of heights. There are five cutting heights to choose from and these are easily changed by a single lever. The grass collection bag has a generous 35L capacity and a full indicator that lets you know when it needs emptying. The mower is relatively quiet and it cuts well, right up to the edge. It’s lightweight and comfortable to manoeuvre and our only quibble is the black mower cable, which could be a brighter colour so it’s easier to see. For just £99.99, this is a a great value mower and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for best electric mower all round in 2021.

• Cutting width: 33cm
• Power: 1300W
• Weight: 8.8KG
• Noise: 89dB
• Warranty: 2 years

Gardena PowerMax 1200/32

Our rating: 4.5/5

• Light and easy to manoeuvre
• Cuts to the edge
• Height of cut simplest to change
• Orange cable easy to see

This mower offers incredibly precise cutting. it cuts between 20-60mm in 5mm increments and this height of cut is very easy to control with a simple twist of a dial making it great for gardeners who lack strength or dexterity. It’s light and easy to manoeuvre, with a tight turning circle and we love the bright orange power cable, which is easy to spot in the grass. The grass box is easy to empty and indicates when it’s full, however, we found it a little tricky to assemble. The handle which folds for easy storage is a little short for taller users. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for ease of use in 2021.

• Cutting width 32cm
• Power 1200W
• Weight 8.3kg
• Noise 94dB
• Warranty 2 years

Ryobi RLM13E 33S

Our rating: 4.5/5

• Comfortable foam handle
• Light and easy to move
• Cuts to the edge
• Best cable relief clip
• Orange cable easy to see

This mower is simple to assemble and simple to use. Its handle folds for storage and can be adjusted to a choice of heights and it’s light and comfortable to use. There are five cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 20-60mm, and these are easy to change with a simple lever. Its best feature however is a convenient and effective cable relief clip, which keeps the cable tucked safely out of the way while you mow and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for best for cable safety in 2021. Though one of the quietest machines on test, the motor on this model is very high-pitched.

• Cutting width: 33cm
• Power: 1300W
• Weight: 9.9kg
• Noise: 89 dB
• Warranty: 3 years

Cobra GTRM34

Our rating: 4.5/5

• Simple to assemble
• Comfortable and easy to use
• Cuts efficiently
• Cable relief clip for safety
• Rear roller
• Folds for easy storage

Easy to put together, this mower has a 34 cm cutting width and a rear roller for those ever desirable stripes. Although it’s reasonably heavy and may be harder to lift and carry than some of the mowers in our test it feels well balanced and cuts and collects even long grass very well. There’s a choice of seven cutting heights and this is easy to change with a single lever located on the deck. The fabric grass bag has a 35L capacity and it compacts down flat for easy storage, as does the mower, which has easy-clip levers on the handle and double folds down over the body of the mower. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for features in 2021.

• Cutting width: 34cm
• Power: 1300W
• Weight: 13 kg
• Noise: 96dB
• Warranty: 2 years

The best of the rest

Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.

STIHL RME235

Our rating: 4/5

This mower does the basics very well. It’s well thought out with an adjustable, folding handle for storage and a handy cable relief clip and it has five cutting heights from 25-65mm, which are simple to change with a single lever. The grass box opens right up for easy emptying and has indicator that lets you know when it’s full. It feels sturdy and moves smoothly but we found the drive lever a little uncomfortable and stiff. It was also the longest mower to assemble in our test.

• Cutting width: 33cm
• Power: 1200W
• Weight: 13kg
• Noise: 93dB
• Warranty: 5 years

Einhell GE-EM 1233

Our rating: 4/5

• Double folding handle for easy storage
• Easy to manoeuvre
• Cable relief clip for safety

This mower is easy to manoeuvre and easy to store. It mows right up to the edge of a lawn and its 30L capacity is good for a mower of this size. There’s a choice of five cutting heights and a mulching option if you prefer to leave the clippings to break down on the lawn. However, the black cable is hard to spot against the grass and the one-handed drive lever is uncomfortable, particularly for left-handers.

• Cutting width: 33cm
• Power: 1250W
• Weight: 11.5kg
• Noise: 96dB
• Warranty: 3 years

How to choose an electric lawn mower

Not all budget mowers are basic machines. Consider the following points to help you choose the right electric mower for you:

• Where are you mowing? A convenient power socket is essential for an electric mower but you may need an extension lead too. Check that the length of the cable is long enough to reach all parts of your lawn. If your lawn runs right up to walls, fences or raised beds look for a model that cuts to the edge or you’ll need to invest in a grass trimmer to neaten them up afterwards.
• What size mower do you need? The wider the cutting width, the quicker the mower will cut your lawn. However, there is a trade-off. Mowers with a wider width have a bigger deck and are heavier and less easy to manoeuvre around trees or furniture. A wider cutting width is therefore best for large expanses of grass while smaller models are ideal for nipping up and down little lawns and negotiating beds and borders.
• Is it safe? An electric cable is an obvious safety hazard and if you’re concerned about tripping over the cable or cutting it accidentally when you’re mowing, look for a model with a brightly coloured lead that’s easy to spot. A cable relief clip will help to keep it tucked out of the way of the blade and will also prevent it being snagged and ripped out. For safety always use an RCD (Residual Current Device) plugged into the electric socket before plugging in your mower.
• Where will you store it? No matter the model, these are fairly bulky machine. However, the handles of most mowers can be partly unscrewed to fold over the body of the mower; others are designed to unclip and double fold completely flat. If you need to lift the mower up steps into storage or onto a shelf, make a note of its weight and whether there are carry handles to make this easier.

Find out how to maintain your mower, in our easy to follow, step-by-step guide, and for more advice, check out our budget lawn mowers Buyers’ Guide.

How we tested electric lawn mowers

When we test lawn mowers, each one is unpacked, assembled, and then used to cut grass over a wide area, and wheeled up slopes and in and out of storage to see how they fared. They are assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:

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• Setup and storage. Looked at the ease of assembly and clarity of instructions and how easy the mower is to store.
• Handling. Focused on comfort and ease of use, handle-height adjustment and how to change the height of cut, weight and noise levels.
• Mowing. Assessed cutting width, the range of cutting heights, collection-bag capacity and features such as cutting to the edge or mulching.
• Value for money. Considered all of the above as well as quality, design, warranty and price.

For more information on our testing process see How we Review

This review was last updated in April 2023. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

How Long of an Extension Cord Do Electric Mowers Need?

While gas-powered lawn mowers are still widely used, many people are shifting towards electric mowers for small to medium-sized yards. However, the main concern with electric mowers is that the cord length may not be enough. So, how long should an electric mower’s cord be?

Most electric mowers will use a cord from 50-150 ft (15-46 m) long. You can use a longer cord for your mower, provided it doesn’t exceed the maximum length outlined in the mower’s manual. When replacing your electric mower’s cord, always ensure that the new cord meets the mower’s amp requirements.

This article will discuss the ideal range for an electric mower’s cord. It will also cover what to consider when replacing your electric mower’s cord, and how to prevent injuries when using an electric mower with a long cord.

Check out the DynaTrap Mosquito Flying Insect Trap – Kills Mosquitoes, Flies, Wasps, Gnats, Other Flying Insects – Protects up to 1/2 Acre (link to Amazon).

The Ideal Range for an Electric Mower’s Cord Length

Most electric mowers will come with a cord that’s the ideal length for the particular mower. While a mower’s cord can be anywhere between 25 to 200 ft (8 to 61 m) long, most mowers will work with slightly longer cords than the ones that they come with.

Most smaller mowers will work with cords up to 50 ft (15 m) long, while the average electric mower will have a cord length of 100 ft (30 m). However, lawnmowers designed for bigger yards can cover up to 200 ft (61 m) using an extra-long extension cord.

The easiest way to check whether your mower’s extension cord is the right length is to look at the manual. Most mowers will work fine with a cord smaller than what’s recommended in the user manual, but avoid using a longer cord since it could interfere with the electric current reaching the mower.

But remember this – it’s the amps that the cord is capable of carrying that really matter, so a heavier gauge cord is usually needed for longer distances.

How To Choose an Extension Cord for Your Electric Mower

Choosing the right extension cord for your mower is crucial since it may affect its performance, especially in rough conditions.

To choose the right extension cord, you’ll have to match the mower’s power with the extension’s gauge. Here are a few tips for choosing an extension cord for your electric mower:

• First, check the amp rating of your mower. Most average mowers are rated for cords below 10 amps. However, some larger electric mowers can work with anything lower than 15 amps. The higher amp rating on these mowers enables them to work optimally with longer extensions.
• Once you have the ideal amp rating for your mower, select a cord that matches this rating. Extension cords come in different amp ratings for all power tools, so choose one closest to your mower’s amp rating. For instance, if your mower is rated for 10 amp, an 8 or 9 amp extension cord will work with it.
• While gauge rating is important, you’ll also have to consider the cord length before choosing an extension cord for your mower. Remember, longer cords are bigger resistors and will cause a subsequently larger voltage drop, affecting the voltage your mower receives.

Keep these tips in mind when matching the extension cord length to the mower’s amp rating:

• Cords over 100 ft (30 m) should have a maximum gauge rating of 12 gauge.
• 50-foot extension cords should have at least 12 gauge, or ideally, 14 gauge rating.
• Cords that are 25 ft (8 m) or smaller should have a minimum 14 gauge rating.

Smaller cords are more efficient and will cause less voltage drop, but they limit the area you can cover with the mower. Longer cords will cover more area but cause a bigger voltage drop.

Your goal should be to get an extension cord just the right length for your mower based on its amp rating and power requirements.

Why Not Just Go With A Gas Mower?

Electric motors are more efficient, cheaper to operate and maintain, and easier to use than gas-powered ones. The only downside, at least with corded models, is that you’ll need an electric socket close to the area that needs mowing or a cord long enough to cover your entire lawn area.

Some benefits of electric mowers include:

Cheaper Purchase and Maintenance Costs

Electric mowers are significantly cheaper than gas-powered ones, even though they are just as effective. They are built on a simple design, and maintenance is extremely easy. With an electric mower, you don’t have to worry about changing the motor’s engine, and it’s less risky to use.

Additionally, electricity is cheaper than gas, so you won’t have to stop mowing your lawn to refill the mower.

They’re Easier To Use

The lightweight design of electric mowers makes them popular amongst beginner and professional gardeners alike. They can also mow bigger lawns much faster since they have an uninterrupted power source.

From a health standpoint, electric mowers fall well within the CDC’s hearing safety guidelines (source).

Safety Tips For Using a Long Extension Cord on Your Electric Motor

While electric mowers are efficient and safe, you’ll have to be careful when using them to avoid shocking yourself with an electric current. This is quite common, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission annually records thousands of injuries caused by extension cords.

Longer extension cords are also risker and more difficult to manage.

Here are some safety tips to remember when using an electric mower:

• Start mowing from where the extension cord is closest to the power source so you don’t risk tangling the cord.
• Avoid mowing your lawn when the grass is wet, as exposed wires can cause electrocution.
• Always inspect the extension cord before using it.
• Never use a cord that’s longer than the recommended cord length in your mower’s manual. If you have a bigger lawn, get a mower that can handle a longer extension cord.

By following these tips, you’ll reduce the risk of getting injured by a damaged extension cord.

Final Thoughts

Electric mowers are more efficient and provide a continuous supply of power, so you don’t have to stop when mowing a large lawn. They are also lightweight, and many can go around 100 ft (30 m) from the power source.

Since not all extension cords will work for all mower types, choosing an extension with the correct length and gauge rating is important.

Recommended Reading:

Willie writes on small engine repair, landscaping, and lawn care. He owned a professional lawn care business in Alabama for almost 10 years.

How To Fix Self Propelled Cable? – In 6 steps with pics

Pushing a mower isn’t fun, especially a self-propelled one. They’re heavy. Fitting a self-drive cable is a lot less effort than pushing.

The best fix for a self-propelled mower cable is to replace the complete cable. Replace a mower drive cable in six steps:

In this post, we’ll cover the process of replacing the self-propelled control cable and adjusting the drive system. If your mower is a Honda, check out “Honda mower self propelled slow”. If you need video help, check out “Self propelled troubleshooting video”.

Mower Repair Safety

Before working on your mower, go ahead and remove the spark plug wire, preventing accidental starting. In addition, turn your gas tap off (if fitted) and palace a plastic sheet over the gas tank filler. This helps to prevent gas spills when turning your mower over. If you’re not sure if you have a gas tap, check out this post “Honda shut off valve”.

Plug Wire Off – Twist and pull

Critical Cable Info

Self-propelled cables consist of a plastic outer casing and a metal braided inner cable. The braided cable is the part that breaks and does so, usually at the handlebar connector or at the transmission end. The ends are essential, and there are many different types. While it is possible to replace just the inner braided cable, most repair shops will only supply the complete cable (inner and outer).

It is critical to get the length of the cable correct, but also, the end types must match your old cable.

Cable Length – Mission critical

Getting this wrong will have you pulling your hair out trying to fit and adjust. I advise removing the old cable and either finding an identical part online that matches your model or visiting your local dealer, cable in hand. While, at first glance, a cable might look like yours, the number of possible cable lengths and connector end combos is endless.

Check before you purchase. See the Amazon link below.

Removing Cable Handlebar End

It doesn’t make any difference which ends you remove first. Since the mower is upright, we’ll begin by removing the handlebar cable end. The most common type of self-drive control is the bail lever, like Honda may use a thumb style control. Whatever you have, the repair is very similar.

Identify Cable – First, locate the drive cable. It leaves the handlebar and travels to the mower body. As most mowers are rear-wheel drive, it passes through the body at the rear just above the axle.

With the correct cable identified, locate the outer cables anchor point on the handlebar. The winged tab is the most common type anchor, however, some may be fastened with a bolt. To release the winged type, use pliers to press on the wings and pull the outer cable free.

Cable Fasteners – Some mowers like Honda may fasten the drive cable to the handlebar by means of a threaded cable end. Using two wrenches, hold one nut and loosen the other, now back off the nuts to release the cable outer end, and unhook the braided cable end from the bail lever, if not already disconnected.

(This fastener also doubles as the cable adjuster)

Unhook Bail Lever – For bail lever-type drive control, squeeze either side of the drive bail lever to unhook (most types).

Turn Mower Over

Now we’ll need to tilt the mower on its side. But there’s an incorrect way to turn your mower over, getting this wrong will cause hard or no starting and lots of white smoke. The correct way to turn your mower over is always with the air filter side facing skyward. I wrote a complete post about turning your mower over, “Which way to tilt your mower” or check out the video here.

Tilt Mower Over – Air filter up

Remove Cable Transmission End

The transmission cable end fitting is the most challenging part of this repair, you’ll need patience and tenacity, but you can do it. Real estate is tight, and if you have Shrek hands, you’ll need to dig deep. The outer transmission cable is anchored at the transmission, usually with a plastic winged connector, and the inner braided cable hooks into the transmission lever arm.

To release the cable, first, release the outer by pressing the plastic winged tabs and pulling free. Now you’ll need to unhook the braided cable from the transmission arm.

A long handle needle nose pliers, a soft kneeling pad, and light make this process a little easier. With the tab released and the inner unhooked, remove the old cable by pulling it from (upper deck side) the hole.

Fit Transmission Cable End

Before attempting to fit the new cable, be sure it’s correct. Check it using the old cable. Fit the transmission cable end through the mower body hole and push the winged outer connector into its anchor. Use your long nose pliers. Now connect the braided cable end into the transmission arm.

Use Pliers and Patience

Fit Handlebar Cable End

Fit Cable End – Go ahead now and stand your mower upright. Fit inner braided end to the bail lever and stretch the outer connector to seat in its anchor. Now you are ready to adjust.

Adjust Mower Drive Cable

Most mower drive cables will incorporate an adjuster. The adjuster simply shortens or lengthens the cable as required. Two types are common, the cable connector adjuster and the cable end adjuster. Although slightly different, the same principle applies.

In Cable Adjuster

Cable End Adjuster

Checking Cable Slack – With the cable in place and at rest, the braided cable at the bail lever should deflect by no more than a ¼ inch.

Open Lock Nuts – If your cable deflects more than ¼ inch, go ahead and open the lock nuts and unscrew the outer to remove the inner cable slack.

Test 1 – With the self-propelled lever applied (Bail lever) and engine off, pull the mower backways. The wheels should lock.

If not, continue to adjust until they do.

Test 2 – With the self-propelled lever released, pull the mower backways. If it’s stiff to reverse, you’ve over-adjusted, back it off, and test again.

If you need more help, check out the adjusting video here.

Don’t forget to refit the plug and turn the gas tap on after the repair.

Hey, I’m John, and I’m a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience.

I’ve worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how.

And the best part. it’s free!

What Happens If You Run Over An Electric Mower Cord?

Using an electric mower is a great way to maintain your lawn, but a few risks come with it. The main one is running over the electric mower cord while you’re mowing the lawn. Electric mower cords are made with heavy-duty materials and are meant to withstand some damage, but there are still risks to be aware of.

Is Mowing With A Corded Lawn Mower Dangerous?

The main risk that comes with running over an electric mower cord is electrocution. If wires are exposed and the metallic blades come into contact with them, it could send an electric shock through the mower to you.

The following article is a brief guide explaining the dangers of running over an electric mower cord and what to do if this does happen. It also includes a brief analysis about if cordless lawn mowers are safer to use.

Dangers of Running Over an Electric Mower Cord

Electrocution is the main danger that can come from running over a lawnmower cord. It occurs when the high-speed blades tear open the cord and an electric shock runs through the mower and to you. This can result in multiple health risks and even death.

Lawnmower blades spin at very high speeds, usually between 2500 and 3000 RPM, equivalent to 200 miles per hour. Since they spin at such high speeds, they can damage and tear almost anything they encounter, including the power cord.

Once the power cord gets caught on a blade, it’s tough to remove. The blades will continue spinning until either there is no more cord left to eat up or the cord gets tangled in the mower and stops the blades.

The wires in the cords will then get exposed and likely cause an electric shock to run through the mower. This electric shock could reach you and result in electrocution. The health risks that come with electrocution include:

Electrocution can also result in death in extreme cases, but that likely won’t occur if you run over a mower cord.

What To Do If You Run Over an Electric Mower Cord

If you accidentally run over an electric mower cord, DO NOT try to remove the cord from the mower’s blades if it’s tangled. The best way to make sure the cord does not have power running through it is to switch off the breaker. Then make sure the mower is turned off on the machine.

After running over an electric mower cord, the first thing you should do is make sure you haven’t gotten electrocuted. If you aren’t experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, then it’s likely you weren’t affected.

If you are experiencing slight symptoms, it’s recommended to call your doctor, apply gauze to the wound, and try not to move the affected area as much as possible. If the shock and symptoms are severe, you will need to go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Once you make sure you aren’t experiencing any health risks, the next step is to make sure that power is not running through the cord. Turning off the breaker is the safest solution. Once the power is removed from the cord you can then make sure the lawn mower is turned to off.

Important: Never touch a cord that has been run over without ensuring the power has been shut off to the cord. Also, avoid reaching under the mower to untangle the cord without making sure that no power is supplied to the machine.

Are Cordless Lawn Mowers Safer?

Cordless lawn mowers are safer than corded mowers since they don’t have a cord you can accidentally run over. They also are more maneuverable which can lead to a safer mowing experience as well.

The main pros of cordless lawn mowers include the absence of a potentially dangerous cord and being more energy-efficient than corded mowers.

Cordless lawn mowers are usually powered by a rechargeable battery, meaning you don’t have to draw as much electricity from outside sources every time you use it. And since they don’t need a cord to function, you don’t have to worry about accidentally running it over, which makes them safer to use.

However, some cheaper cordless mowers aren’t as powerful as corded mowers and have a shorter running time. So, if you have a large yard or particularly tough grass, then a quality cordless mower, or a corded mower might be best for your needs. Overall, both mowers are good options as long as you are careful while using either of them.

Conclusion

All lawn mowers, cordless, corded, and gas, can be dangerous. Being aware of potential dangers can help you operate the mower carefully and correctly, and avoid any damage to the mower and yourself.

Always be sure to read your lawn mower operators manual to understand what safety precautions you should take with your lawn mower.

If your yard is small, and you are looking at purchasing an electric lawn mower, be sure to check out our article The 10 Best Electric Lawn Mowers For Small Yards. We provide you with the best options on the market for taking care of your yard.