Lawn mowers electric mowers. Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers

Electric Lawn Mowers – Types, Costs Benefits

Yard maintenance is increasingly becoming electrified, California recently banned fossil-fuel burning “small off-road engines” that are primarily used in gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers. Did you know that, according to the California Air Resources Board, operating a lawn mower for an hour produces as much smog-forming pollution as driving a car about 300 miles? In addition, lot sizes are continuing to get smaller. Over the last 20 years the median lot size of a new single family detached home has shrunk from roughly 10,000 square feet to a little more than 8,000 square feet. Smaller lots mean less lawn. Manufacturers of yard maintenance equipment have positioned themselves well to capitalize on these trends by leveling up their battery-powered lawn mowers to the point where they perform as well as their fossil-fuel burning counterparts. There’s never been a better time to make the move to an electric lawn mower yourself.

In this article, we’ll explore the three types of electric lawn mowers, those that you push, those that you ride and those that just mow themselves (well for the most part). We’ll also examine the best electric lawn mowers on the market today as well as the costs and benefits of electric lawn mowers. Feel free to skip to the section you’re interested in:

Types of Electric Lawn Mowers

There are three types of electric lawn mowers; Push, Riding and Robot.

• Electric Push Lawn Mower – electric push lawn mowers or walk behinds are the largest category of mowers on the market, which we can further refine to corded or cordless as well as self-propelled or manual push operated.
• Electric Riding Lawn Mower – electric riding lawn mowers or ride on mowers are categorized as either classic lawn tractors or zero turn mowers.
• Robot Lawn Mower – also known as Smart lawn mowers, this class of mower is relatively new to the world of yard maintenance, but there are nearly a dozen models to choose from already

Corded vs Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

There are two types of walk behind electric lawnmowers: corded and cordless. Corded mowers need to be plugged into an outdoor electrical socket while cordless mowers use a battery to power the mower.

Although both mowers are electric, they’ve got some differences that matter.

Both corded and cordless mowers require very little maintenance outside of proper blade maintenance. However, the biggest hassle, if you can call it that, with a cordless mower is the battery. It needs charging after every use, and if you forget you might be left waiting another day before you can mow your lawn. A cordless mower’s battery may only last 7 years before it stops holding a charge. As the battery ages your run time and power will diminish.

If you’re on a budget, a corded lawn mower is cheaper upfront. You will also eventually need to replace the battery for a cordless lawn mower. However, battery systems in most electric mowers are swappable with other yard maintenance equipment from the same manufacturer, which can justify multiple batteries. Having two or more batteries will increase the run time of your mower, but allowing you to swap out the discharged battery with a fresh battery mid mow. A cordless lawn mower will cost you about 0.02 per hour to run compared to a corded version costing 0.20 to 0.60 per hour based on the price of your electricity.

A cordless lawn mower is the fast and easy way to cut your grass. The lack of a cord means you’ll be able to maneuver your mower around trees and gardens more easily, and you will find that you can travel farther away from your home without being tethered to an electrical outlet. Cords have a way of being a nuisance. They’ll get in the way of your mower and you’ll spend a lot of time moving them. On the other hand, cordless lawn mowers are heavier than corded ones because of the battery pack.

Your electric lawn mower needs power to do its job and make your life easier. The key question is, will it come from a cord or a battery? Generally speaking, a corded lawn mower is more powerful than a cordless, but as battery technology continues to improve that gap is narrowing. With the battery, more voltage equals more torque and power to cut through grass efficiently.

So this comparison is probably pretty obvious, a corded lawn mower will last as long as you need to do the job (unless of course you pull a Clark Griswold and forget to plug it in). Batteries in a cordless have run times ranging from 50 to 90 minutes before needing to swap it out for a fresh battery or charge the drained battery.

Push Electric Lawn Mowers

• Ryobi RY401200
• Ryobi RY401110
• DR Power Equipment CE75021XEN0
• Ego LM2101
• DeWALT DCMWP233U2
• DeWALT DCMW220P2
• Atlas 80v Brushless 21″
• Hart HLPM011
• STIHL RMA 510
• Kobalt (Lowe’s) KM 2041B-06
• Snapper 1687884
• Wen 40441
• Makita XML03PT1
• Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM
• Sun Joe MJ401C-XR
• BlackDecker CM2060C
• BlackDecker CM2045
• BlackDecker CM2040
• Oregon LM400-A6
• Worx WG779

Self Propelled Electric Lawn Mowers

• Ryobi RY401150US
• Ryobi RY401140US
• Ego LM2156SP
• Ego LM2142SP
• Ego LM2102SP
• Ego LM2135SP
• Makita XML08PT
• Toro Recycler 21466
• Sun Joe iON100V-21LM
• Skil SM4910-10
• Atlas 56992
• Kobalt (Lowe’s) KMP 6080-06
• Hart HLPM031
• Hart HLPM021
• DR Power Equipment Pulse CE77021XEN0
• STIHL RMA 460V
• Snapper 1687982
• Greenworks MO48L520
• Greenworks MO80L510

Pros and Cons of Push Electric Lawn Mowers

While the list of reasons to buy an electric lawn mower is really compelling there are a couple of tradeoffs to understand as you continue on your electrification journey.

Electric Lawn Mower Pros:

• Little to no maintenance compared to fossil-fuel burning alternatives
• Batteries are typically interchangeable with other tools from the same manufacturer
• Easier to start (push of a button)
• Lighter and easier to maneuver
• Much, much quieter

Electric Lawn Mower Cons:

• limited run times
• Higher initial purchase price, but better ROI over the life of the product

What is a robot lawnmower and how does it work vs plain electric lawn mowers?

As we continue the transition to an electrified, fully connected world no machine is immune from getting smarter and the lawn mower is no exception. A Smart lawn mower, mowbot or robomower is actually an electric, battery powered mower that looks like a Roomba on steroids compared to a traditional electric mower that looks similar to their fossil-fuel burning, gas powered walk behind, push mowers you are used to using or seeing. Robotic lawn mowers use similar technology to robotic vacuum cleaners with the help of a perimeter wire placed around your yard to prevent them from mowing all the lawns in the neighborhood.

So, how do robotic lawn mowers actually work?

Let’s take a closer look at how mowbots work, examining the cutting technology to the algorithms used to wander around your lawn while you are watching the game.

First, let’s start with how robotic lawn mowers actually cut the grass. Conventional walk behind lawn mowers are typically very powerful, with larger cutting blades designed to help you mow your lawn quickly and effectively. While robotic lawn mowers have smaller cutting blades, designed to mow your lawn more frequently.

Different mowbots use one of two primary cutting systems; a rotating disc with small blades attached to the perimeter or solid cutting blades, usually a set of three. The rotating disc system uses less energy and is quieter than the solid cutting blade system, but both systems are much much quieter than gas powered lawn mowers.

Both of these cutting systems are engineered to cut your lawn more frequently than you would with a traditional lawn mower. This is a design decision based on the constraints of battery technology and run time, but also more frequent cuts provide the benefit of having a healthier, recently mowed lawn look.

Robotic lawn mowers weigh roughly 20-40 pounds and are about the size of a large suitcase. Their low center of gravity allows them to move with relative ease over different slopes in your lawn without falling over. Mowbots don’t move fast and collisions with trees, firepits, gophers or pretty much any other backyard obstacle were taken into consideration. The exterior shell can bump into an obstacle without damaging the inner workings. In addition, the combination of low ground clearance, on board lift and tilt sensor that automatically stop the spinning blades make mowbots incredibly safe to operate.

The brains of the mowbot use a low-power sophisticated computer system that controls the mowing pattern as well as the mowing and charging schedule.

Finally, unlike robotic vacuums though, robotic lawn mowers require the use of a boundary wire to define the “walls” in which they need to mow within and also act as a guide for the mowbot to return to it’s charging station. Some models of robotic lawn mowers also use the help of GPS to define their boundaries.

How much is a robot lawnmower vs a plain electric lawn mower?

Robot lawn mowers range in cost from 800 to 3,500 compared to electric push lawn mowers, which range from 300 to 800. The major manufacturers of robotic lawn mowers are Husqvarna, Worx, Greenworks, Gardena and Robomow.

• Husqvarna Automower 115H
• Husqvarna Automower 115H with 4G
• Husqvarna Automower 315X
• Husqvarna Automower 430X
• Husqvarna Automower 430XH
• Worx Landroid WR140
• Worx Landroid WR143
• Worx Landroid WR147
• Worx Landroid WR153
• Worx Landroid WR155
• Gardena Sileno Minimo 5400
• Gardena Sileno Minimo 2700
• Gardena Sileno City 250
• Gardena Sileno City 500
• Gardena Sileno Life 750
• Robomow RT300
• Robomow RT700
• Robomow RK1000
• Robomow RK1000 Pro
• Robomow RK2000
• Robomow RS625 Pro
• Robomow RS635 S

Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, gas mowers cause 5% of the nation’s air pollution. Trade in your old gas mower for a rechargeable cordless electric lawn mower. You’ll save time and money—and help the environment. Compared with cars, gasoline-powered lawn mowers produce a disproportionate amount of air pollution. Mowing your lawn for one hour with a conventional gas lawn mower can cause more air pollution than driving from Madison to Chicago and back in a new car.

Federal regulations aimed at reducing smog-producing mower emissions have made today’s gas-powered mowers cleaner than old onessomething to consider if you’re now using an older gas powered mower. However, the new cordless models only use as much electricity as an ordinary toaster. The only pollution generated is from that used to generate the electricity at the power plant which is supposedly better equipped to handle pollution issues that the average homeowner and the recycling problems associated with worn out batteries used in cordless mowers.

Clean and Quiet

Perhaps the best feature of these new cordless mowers is their minimal environmental impact during operation. Even after accounting for power-plant emissions, replacing gas mowers with electrics results in a 99% reduction in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and methane, and a 38% reduction in carbon dioxide.

Have you ever felt a twinge of guilt when your gasoline-powered mower first roars.- those of us with nearby neighbors have. Or have you waited until you knew your neighbors were up and about before mowing the lawn? Gas mowers run at some 90 decibels (ear-protectors are recommended for operators normal conversation about 75 decibels). Electric mowers, operating in the 65. 85 decibel range, make being a thoughtful neighbor a whole lot easier.

Although the typical lawn won’t pose any problems for these mowers, assess your situation before investing.

Cordless electric mowers are best for flat lawns smaller than 8,000 square feet and composed of cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, fine and tall fescues, and perennial ryegrasses. Warm season grasses such as St. Augustine or Zoysiagrass may create too much resistance to make the cordless mower feasible or you may have to mow it at higher than normal and keep a spare battery charged up.

Because of their overall weight, including batteries, These mowers are often hard to push up sloping lawns. Although they’re not that heavy in comparison to standard mowers, cordless models are not usually self-propelled.

Electric Mower Maintenance

Electric mowers eliminate the cost of oil changes, spark plugs, air filters and annual tune-ups. Electric mowers use about 5 worth of electricity each year for an average size yard. Beyond replacing the battery every 5. 7 years, periodic cleaning, and blade sharpening, theres little maintenance.

Batteries and Power

Cordless mowers generally come with one to three 12-volt, lead-acid batteries (12-, 24-, and 36-volt models). The two Lawnboy cordless electric mowers have 6-volt batteries. But the actual voltage (or power) delivered to the motor depends on amperage. For example, a 12-volt mower with high amperage can mow longer than a 36-volt mower with low amps.

Power is a function of battery type, blade and deck design, and power transfer. All manufacturers exploit computer-aided design techniques to optimize blades’ weight and shape and decks’ contours. Toro and Black Decker claim that their cordless mowers have more torque than a 5-horsepower gas engine.

Batteries lose power when they’re stored for a long time. To store most models during winter where temperatures fall below 40 degrees., charge the battery overnight, then disconnect the mower from the charger until the next mowing season (up to 6 months). If temperatures generally stay above 40 degrees where you live, leave the battery connected or plugged in year-round. However, check the owner’s manual for specific storage directions.

Run Time

Manufacturers’ run time numbers are only estimates. How long a machine will run depends on height and grass texture, moisture, and terrain. Cutting relatively dry lawns takes a less energy than cutting lush, wet turf.

As a general rule, if amperage is equal, 12-volt batteries provide 30. 40 minutes of mowing time; 24-volt mowers last 40. 75 minutes; and 36-volt mowers run for up to 90 minutes.

The more power required, the less time batteries last. For example, if your lawn is lush and thick, or if you let it grow tall before mowing, assume batteries will last for 4,000. 5,000 square feet or so. If your lawn is easier to mow, many cordless electrics can handle up to 8,000 square feet of lawn.

Electric Corded Mowers

The obvious difference between batteries and corded electric mowers is the cord. While neither version are suitable for larger lawns, the corded model is limited to about 100′ from a receptacle outlet (beyond this distance and voltage drops may cause a problems). You also have to be careful about running over the extension cord. To be on the very safe side, electrical outlets that you hook an electric corded mower to should have a GFI receptacle in place. This will help prevent you from being electrocuted should you accidentally run over the cord.

As with cordless models, corded electric mowers are capable of effective mulching action. The prime advantages over the cordless models is that you don’t have a battery that needs charging or disposing of when they reach the end of their life cycle. You’re also not limited to the mowing time of your battery’s charge (about 60 minutes).

When you compare total costs. purchase and maintenance. the electric mowers are cheaper than the gas driven mowers of similar power, but the difference between corded and cordless is negligible.

Solar Powered Cordless Mowers

Today there are several companies producing cordless electric battery chargers. The solar panels recharge the batteries in 2. 3 sunny days or 4. 5 cloudy days. This solar panel option costs about 250.

EPA Report Activity and fuel consumption data for these sources are limited in comparison to transportation sources. There is no one datsource that currently has information on all the non-transportation mobile sources [which includes lawn mowers], and different publications report significantly different estimates, complicating the estimation process. For instance, estimates derived from a 2004 analysis of various datsources, including FHWA, EPA, and EIA by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), were considerably higher than estimates currently used in developing the U.S. GHG [Green House Gases] Inventory. over, it is likely that the transportation and mobile sources estimates of GHG emissions in the U.S. GHG Inventory are missing emissions associated with off-road use of trucks, and these emissions may be captured under other sectors, especially the industrial sector.

Black Decker Cordless 24V Mower

• 24 Volt Sealed Lead Acid Battery for Trouble-Free Cutting of Up to 1/3 Acre Homesites (grass conditions will effect run-time)
• Rechargeable Battery Recharges to 60-70% in 4 Hours and to 100% in 10 Hours
• LIFETIME 19 Mower Deck. Mulch Plate and Bag Included; Deck Has Lifetime Warranty
• Cutting Path. 19
• Height Adjustment. 1 Touch
• Weight. 76 lbs
• Cutting Heights. 1 1/2-3 1/2
• Ideal Property Size. up to 1/3 Acre
• Mulching Capability. YES
• Charge Time at 60%. 4 hrs
• Charge Time at 100%. 10 hrs

New Standards for Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers

EPA has finalized a new emission control program to reduce hydrocarbon emissions from small spark-ignition engines by about 35 percent. The new exhaust emissions standards take effect in 2011 or 2012, depending on the size of the engine.

Electric Lawn Mowers

The benefits of electric equipment extend far beyond cutting time. flexibility, less time servicing and fewer hassles give you freedom in the rest of your life like never before.

Powerful Performance

Powerful Performance

Our lineup of electric riders is powered by lithium-ion batteries that deliver extended runtimes, a fast 4-hour recharge and no power fade.

Cuts Grass like Gas

Cuts Grass Like Gas

Engineered and tested to deliver the same results as our industry-leading gas models, our lithium-ion powered riding mowers will provide you with premium cut quality you expect from Cub Cadet without power fade.

Low Maintenance

Low Maintenance

Riders with no gas, oil, air filters, spark plugs, pulleys or belts means less maintenance and more barbecues, handstands, and whatever else you love to do.

100% Electric. 0% Compromise.

100% Electric. 0% Compromise.

Our electric lineup meets the same rigorous standards for performance, power and durability you’ll find in any Cub Cadet equipment, and is backed by a strong 4-year battery and 3-year machine warranty.

Quieter Than Gas

Quieter Than Gas

Up to 64% quieter during operation than gas means you can cut at dawn or dusk without disturbing the neighborhood.

Zero Emissions While In Use

Zero Emissions While In Use

No exhaust, carbon monoxide or unburned hydrocarbons from the on-board source of power for a cleaner, zero-emission ride while in use.

Shop Compare Electric Riding Mowers

Filter By

• 56 Volt MAX, 60Ah, 3000Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 110-Volt outlet.
• Mow up to 3.5 acres, or 1.5 hours, on a single charge without power fade. Recharges in about 4 hours
• No need for oil changes, filters to change, spark plugs to change, no more buying gas
• 60 Volt Max, 5.0Ah, 300Wh lithium-ion battery
• Mow up to ½ acre, or 50 minutes on a single charge, without power fade
• Premium ball bearings and 11” rear wheels increase traction and maneuverability
• 56 Volt MAX, 30Ah, 1500Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 110-Volt outlet
• Mow up to one acre, or 1 hour, on a single charge without power fade. Recharges in about 4 hours
• No need for oil changes, filters to change, spark plugs to change, no more buying gas
• 56 Volt Max, 60Ah, 3000Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 110-Volt outlet
• Mow up to 3.5 acres on a single charge without power fade. Recharges in about 4 hours
• No need for oil changes, filters to change, spark plugs to change, no more buying gas

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Learn About Electric Products

Learn more about the 60V Max battery system

Cub Cadet’s 60 Volt Max battery system has many convenient features, including lithium-ion batteries, flexibile charging and an interchangeable battery platform. Read

Lithium-Ion Battery vs. Lead Acid Battery — which is Better?

Lithium-ion batteries have several advantages over their lead acid counterparts, which is why Cub Cadet uses them throughout its suite of battery-powered outdoor power equipment. Read

What is a Brushless Motor?

Brushless motors provide several advantages for Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery powered equipment, see how they work. Read

Electric FAQs

• Our ZT1 42E zero-turn mower has a run time of up to 2 acres on a single charge without power fade.
• The Cub Cadet LT42E lawn tractor runs for up to 1.5 hours, or up to 2 acres, on a single charge without power fade.
• The CC30E riding mower runs up to 1 hour, or up to 1 acre, on a single charge without power fade.
• The 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower runs up to 50 minutes or ½ acre on a single charge without power fade.
• The 60 Volt Max leaf blower clears up to 90 minutes on low speed or 11 minutes on high speed.
• The 60 Volt Max string trimmer runs up to 45 minutes on a single charge on low speed without power fade. (Disclaimer: Run time based on using 0.080” line.)
• The 60 Volt Max hedge trimmer runs up to 80 minutes on a single charge without power fade.
• The 60 Volt Max chainsaw provides up to up to 80 minutes of run time on a single charge with no power fade. (Disclaimer: Up to 140 cuts of 4-in. x 4-in. pressure treated pine per charge.)

What is the life of the battery?

Operating under normal conditions and care, our lithium-ion batteries will last for the lifetime of the product as defined in the operator’s manual. Cub Cadet offers a 3-year limited warranty that protects your mower and a 4-year battery warranty against manufacturing defects.

Are the batteries included?

The Cub Cadet ZT1 42E zero-turn and LT42E lawn tractor come with two batteries and one charger. The CC30E riding mower comes with one battery and one charger. Our 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower comes with one batter and one charger. The bundled suite of 60 Volt Max handheld products — leaf blower, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and chainsaw — includes one interchangeable battery and charger. Battery and charger are not included when purchased as a bare tool, however the suite is compatible with the battery included with the 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower, too.

Is the cut quality the same as gas engines?

All of our lithium-ion battery powered lawn mowers are being engineered to the same specifications as their gas counterparts. Our electric mowers have to pass the same cut quality tests, and we apply our experience in gas to ensure that our electric equipment delivers the same premium cut you’ve come to expect from Cub Cadet.

What cost benefits does a lithium-ion battery powered riding lawn mower provide over a gas-powered mower?

One of the biggest benefits of a lithium-ion battery-powered lawn mower is the reduction of regular maintenance. Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, battery-powered mowers do not require belts, filters or oil to be changed. Additional benefits include a reduction of noise and savings seen through the elimination of purchasing gas. You can also use our savings calculator to compare cost savings between gas and battery-powered mowers.

How long does it take the battery to recharge?

Recharge time varies by product:

• The recharge time of our riding mowers — the ZT1 42E zero-turn, LT42E riding mower, and CC30E riding mower — is about 4 hours.
• The recharge time of the 5 Ah Lithium-ion battery used by our 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower is 2.5 hours.
• The recharge time of the 2.5 Ah Lithium-ion battery used by our 60 Volt Max handheld products — leaf blower, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and chainsaw — is 2.5 hours.

Our lithium-ion powered mowers have the same restrictions as their gas counterparts when it comes to uneven terrain and hills. Please refer to each unit’s operator’s manual for specific guidelines.

Electric Mower FAQs

Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery powered lawn mowers are engineered to perform to the same standards as their gas-powered counterparts. You can expect the same unmatched strength and durability along with the peace of mind that comes with all our Cub Cadet products. Additionally, our lithium-ion lawn mowers will also not experience power fade as the battery depletes, maintaining a superior cut quality throughout operation.

Is the cut quality the same as gas engines?

All of our lithium-ion battery powered lawn mowers are being engineered to the same specifications as their gas counterparts. Our electric mowers have to pass the same cut quality tests, and we apply our experience in gas to ensure that our electric equipment delivers the same premium cut you’ve come to expect from Cub Cadet.

Can Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery powered lawn mowers be used in the rain or wet conditions?

Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion powered mowers are engineered to handle cutting in damp or moist grass conditions. Like other outdoor power equipment, the mower should not be operated in the rain, taken through heavily saturated areas or stored outside.

Will the electric riders work on sloped terrain/hills?

Our lithium-ion powered mowers have the same restrictions as their gas counterparts when it comes to uneven terrain and hills. Please refer to each unit’s operator’s manual for specific guidelines.

Can I charge the battery from a regular 110V outlet?

Yes. Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery powered equipment can be charged using a standard 110V electrical outlet. The charger uses an electrical input of 720W, 6A at 120V. You should never connect the charger to an AC voltage that differs from 100-240V.

How does a bagger impact run time?

Run time will vary depending on the product. Using a bagger with our 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower does not impact run time. As for our riders, it’s recommended that you an Xtream blade on the ZT42E zero-turn and LT42E Enduro lawn tractor to get the best results and could impact run time. The CC30E may experience lower run times when bagging.

What is the run time of the battery?

The run time of the battery varies by mower:

• Our ZT1 42E zero-turn mower has a run time of up to 2 acres on a single charge without power fade.
• The Cub Cadet LT42E lawn tractor runs for up to 1.5 hours, or up to 2 acres, on a single charge without power fade.
• The CC30E riding mower runs up to 1 hour, or up to 1 acre, on a single charge without power fade.
• The 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower runs up to 50 minutes or ½ acre on a single charge without power fade.

When compared to the same engine without IntelliPower™ feature, improvements vary depending on engine models and specific operating conditions.

A-weighted sound level per ISO-5395-1, 95% confidence comparing XT1 Enduro Series LT42, Ultima ZT1 42 and CC30.

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WARRANTY ADDENDUM. IMPORTANT: This addendum defines the start of the warranty period. The applicable Warranty Period will begin on the original date of purchase of the Product or on the date of delivery of the Product, whichever is later. Engine Disclaimer: The engine horsepower information is provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. See your local Cub Cadet Dealer for warranty details.Pricing Disclaimer: Posted price is in USD Dollars and is manufacturer’s suggested sale price. Models and pricing may vary by location. Taxes, freight, set-up and delivery not included. Optional equipment, accessories and attachments sold separately. See your retailer for details. Image Disclaimer: Products may vary from depicted model image in design, required attachments, safety features and non-functional appearance, and may not reflect dealer inventory or unit specifications. Specifications Disclaimer: Specifications subject to change without notice. Images may not reflect retailer inventory and/or unit specifications. Operator’s Manual Disclaimer: The operator’s manual posted is for general information and use. To ensure the download of the operator’s manual specific to your unit, we require a model and serial number. Speed Disclaimer: Actual vehicle speed varies based on load, use and environmental conditions. Battery Disclaimer: Battery and battery powered product performance varies with load, use and environmental conditions. Software Disclaimer: Software available on Company websites is provided on an as is basis without any warranty of any kind, either express or implied. The download and use of any software is done at the user’s own risk. Professional Products: Cub Cadet commercial products are intended for professional use. UTV: Cub Cadet Utility Vehicles (UTV) are intended for off-road use by adults only. Please see the operator’s manual and the warning labels posted on the vehicle itself for more details. Email disclaimer: Sign up to receive communication on services, products and special offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. Please refer to our Privacy Policy.

The 7 Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers of 2023, According To Testing

We put these battery-powered lawn mowers to the test to see which left our lawns looking fresh.

Andrea Wurzburger has been a writer for nearly a decade, with experience writing for publications like HerCampus.com, REDBOOK Magazine, VH1.com, and People.com. As a features writer at People.com, she wrote across verticals about everything from gift guides to buzzy pop culture galleries.

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a FOCUS on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants.

In This Article

Whether you’re looking to save money on fuel or do your small part to save the environment, battery-powered lawn mowers are an easy way to do so without sacrificing function. Battery-powered mowers are cordless, don’t use gasoline, and are typically best for small to medium-sized yards.

There are a few important factors to consider when looking for the best battery-powered lawn mower, according to Nicole Durden, senior merchant of outdoor power at The Home Depot.

“Be mindful of the size of your yard,” she advises, since over half an acre will require more battery power. “Consider the terrain and the drive system on the mower. Customers with steep or hilly yards should consider a self-propelled mower.”

Best Self-Propelled Push Mower

EGO Power Select Cut 56-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower

We’ve chosen the Ego Power LM2101SP Cordless Lawn Mower as the best self-propelled push lawn mower because it is easy to use, thanks to a powerful self-propel feature that makes it perfect for small- to medium-sized yards.

Self-propelled mowers use the motor to propel the mower forward, which means it takes less of an effort on the user’s part to cut the grass. During our testing, we noted that it may be ideal for those with limited strength or mobility since it doesn’t require as much muscle use as other push mowers.

It has six different height settings for lawn mower blades, which range from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. While testing, we found that it was simple to adjust the cutting height, the propelling speed, and the height of the handle with just one hand. It comes with LED lights, so if you are looking to beat the heat and mow your lawn before the sun rises or as it is setting, you will still be able to see what you’re cutting.

This lawn mower offers 60 minutes of run time on a single charge with a 56 volt 7.5Ah ARC lithium battery. This means that it is best suited for a small to medium-sized yard of 0.5 acres.

This unit made our list not only for its cutting capabilities, but also its disposal option. It offers three options for use: mulching, side discharge, or bagging. Although we loved having options for disposal, we found that attaching the bag for disposal was not an easy task on our own as it would sometimes pop off on one side as we pulled it tight to attach to the other—we think having an extra set of hands could be beneficial.

One feature we loved was this mower’s storage capability. Whereas some mowers can take up quite a bit of space in your garage or outdoor shed, the Ego Power Mower can fold in order to be stored away.

Price at time of publish: 700

Product Details: Run Time: 60 minutes | Height Adjustments: Six | Recommended Yard Size: 0.5 acres | Deck Width: 21 inches

Best Budget

Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Electric Push Lawn Mower

The Greenworks Cordless Lawn Mower is our pick for the best battery-powered lawn mower for those on a budget. It has five height settings, mulching, and rear bagging capabilities.

For a push mower, it’s lightweight at 37.5 pounds—as light as our pick for best lightweight mower. Some lawn mowers on this list weigh as much as 66 pounds.

With this mower, even though you have to do the work of pushing it around the yard, it makes the task much less difficult. It also has five height adjustments to choose from, this lawn mower can cut from 1.25 inches to 3.375 inches.

When it comes to mowing, it’s important to have a plan when it comes to handling your clippings, and this lawn mower offers options for both mulching and rear bagging. It even comes with a collection bag, should you choose to use it.

Keep in mind that this battery-powered lawn mower only has 45 minutes of run time on a full charge. Its 16-inch deck width also means that you clip less grass per pass, so it could take longer to mow your yard.

If you don’t have a small yard, this could present a problem, as you’ll have to pause to recharge. The good news is, the battery reaches full power after two hours.

Price at time of publish: 255

Product Details: Run Time: 45 minutes | Height Adjustments: Five | Recommended Yard Size: Up to 0.33 acres | Deck Width: 16 inches

Best Lightweight

BlackDecker 40V Max 16 inch Cordless Lawn Mower

We chose the BlackDecker Cordless Lawn Mower because it is affordable, and it is only 38 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver around your yard. The mower’s technology also makes it simple to use as it determines the height of your grass and adjusts accordingly to increase power and preserve battery life.

Because it’s lightweight, it is also a pretty compact model, with handles that fold down to make storage simpler. Additionally, this model has carrying handles that make moving it easy. It’s the best battery-powered lawn mower for people who need a mower that is lightweight and convenient to carry.

This battery-powered lawn mower has plenty of practical features as well, and includes six cutting heights that range from 1 inch to 3 inches, and the single lever height adjustment is easy to use.

It also has a 9.5 gallon grass bag, which is attached to the back of the mower. The bag is made of soft fabric with a hard top, and it’s simple to check its capacity with a simple tap on the soft fabric.

With a 16-inch deck, plus a 30-minute run time, it can mow yards up to 0.125 acres big. If you have a yard larger than this, you’ll find yourself either switching out batteries (it does come with two) or stopping to recharge them.

Price at time of publish: 330

Product Details: Run Time: 30 minutes | Height Adjustments: Six | Recommended Yard Size: 0.125 acres | Deck Width: 16 inches

Best Push Mower

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower

The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Mower is our choice for best battery-powered push mower because it is intuitive to use with self-propelled technology that makes it possible to intuitively adjust the speed, plus it has options for clipping disposal.

We found that it took a bit to get used to maneuvering this lawn mower over uneven ground, as we needed to change the blade height in order to keep it from getting stuck. Otherwise, it was extremely easy to use, even on grass that was 6 inches high. The yard tested typically takes 45 minutes to mow, and this battery-powered lawn mower managed to get it done in 20 minutes.

We were able to use the mower three times, each round ranging from 10 to 15 minutes, without having to charge the battery, which holds a charge for up to 70 minutes. The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Mower uses two 6.0Ah batteries, which are powerful and carry a longer charge than your average lawn mower battery, which can range from 45 to 60 minutes of run time.

This lawn mower has the option of disposing of clippings via mulching, bagging, or side-discharging, which we loved while testing because it’s possible to decide which type of disposal based on each user’s unique needs. When we mowed the test lawn for the first time, we found that we had to empty the bag quite a bit, due to the height of the grass, even though it was only 0.05 acres.

We appreciated that this mower was quiet compared to other lawn mowers we tested. During testing, we noticed that it didn’t sound much louder than a noise machine. We also loved that this mower folds up so that it can be stored vertically, leaving floor space free in a garage or shed.

Price at time of publish: 749

Product Details: Run Time: 70 minutes | Height Adjustments: Seven | Recommended Yard Size: 0.5 to 1 acre | Deck Width: 22 inches

Best Riding

Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

If you’re looking to do less manual labor while tending to your lawn, a ride-on mower may be the best battery-powered mower for you, like the Ryobi Electric Ride-On Mower. This model can mow a large yard without needing to be recharged, and it has cruise control.

During testing, we found that this battery-powered ride-on lawn mower was intuitive to use and easy to operate with the use of a single joystick. This mower has three travel speeds and three blade speeds, which are able to be changed with push button controls. It also has an LCD screen that displays battery life and run time (so that you’re never surprised that it’s time to recharge).

This mower comes with two 80V and two 40V batteries that make it possible to mow 3 acres per charge, and the batteries can recharge fully in two and a half hours. If this mower is getting low on battery while in use, there’s no need to worry: When the battery drops below 35%, the mower automatically begins to preserve battery so that it can be driven back to wherever the extra batteries are being stored or charged.

We love that this ride-on mower is powerful, with the equivalent power of 31 horsepower, and 12 different cutting settings, ranging from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches. Even with all those settings, there is also comfort in mind: the seat has premium seat suspension, which minimizes the feel of rough terrain. It also has cup holders, USB ports, and storage compartments. The option to mulch or side discharge clippings was also a plus.

As is the case with most ride-on mowers, comfort and convenience comes at a premium. However, if you have a large yard and are looking to keep it looking good while keeping environmentally friendly, it’s a worthy investment.

Price at time of publish: 5,999

Product Details: Run Time: 2.5 hours | Height Adjustments: 12 | Recommended Yard Size: 2 to 4 acres | Deck Width: 42 inches

Best for Small Yards

Makita 36-Volt Lithium-Ion Push Lawn Mower

Our pick for best battery-powered lawn mower for small yards is the Makita Brushless Lawn Mower.

The Makita comes with four batteries, which power the mower for long enough to cut up to 0.33 acres of land in 43 minutes or less. It runs on two of those batteries at a time. Its brushless motor also allows you to cut grass faster at 2,500 to 3,300 rotations per minute.

The batteries are equipped with battery overload, overheat, and over-discharge protection, which help to extend the battery life by shutting it down before damage can occur.

Not looking to disturb your neighbors when you get up early to mow the lawn? The Makita Brushless Lawn Mower has a quiet mode that reduces noise by providing constant speed control.

With a single-lever, you can adjust the height of the mower to 10 different heights. The deck width of this mower is 19 inches, so it can cut up to 19 inches across of grass per pass of the lawn mower.

When it comes to your grass clippings, this lawn mower has a disposal bag that has a 16-gallon capacity—this means there isn’t the option for mulching or side-disposal.

Price at time of publish: 399

Product Details: Run Time: 43 minutes | Height Adjustments: 10 | Recommended Yard Size: 0.33 acres | Deck Width: 19 inches

Best with Storage

Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor

• We found that, because it does not have power steering, it takes some muscle to turn while going slowly.

After testing, we determined that the best battery-powered lawn mower with storage is the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Riding Lawn Tractor because it has two separate compartments. It’s great for someone who loves to landscape, as you can get more done than just mowing. We loved the large back storage area in particular, noting that it would make it easy to load up some bags of mulch to tote around your property.

When it came to actually mowing the lawn, we found that the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Riding Lawn Tractor was easy to maneuver, and we liked that it is able to change speeds easily to maneuver around obstacles, but can instantly speed up once past them.

It handled the lawn with ease, mowing over sticks, leaves, and more. We even took the lawn mower out in wet conditions, and it managed to mow grass without a problem. When the blades are on, it is still less noisy than a gas mower.

This mower has 13 height adjustments ranging from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches, and we found that adjusting the height was simple with the use of a large lever on the side of the mower. We liked that we could get a close cut, even in wet conditions.

This ride-on lawn mower is able to side-discharge and mulch clippings, and is also capable of bagging. We only tested the side discharge and mulching capabilities, as the bagger is sold separately.

This mower also comes with a few safety features. It beeps while in reverse, as well as if the user hops off the seat while the mower is turned on. It also turns off the mowing deck while in reverse. While it does have headlights, we found that they are very small, and that we wouldn’t use them to mow in the dark.

Keep in mind that there is no power steering, and we found that we needed to use quite a bit of force when turning at a slow speed.

Price at time of publish: 5,000

Product Details: Run Time: 2.5 hours | Height Adjustments: 13 | Recommended Yard Size: 3 acres | Deck Width: 42 inches

The Bottom Line

Overall, when looking for the best battery-powered lawn mower, you should consider the size of your yard, whether or not you’ll need more than one battery, and whether you want a push, self-propelled, or ride-on mower.

After testing, we chose the Ryobi Electric Ride-On Mower as the best ride-on mower because it is easy to use and can mow up to 3 acres in a single charge, making it a great choice for a large yard. Our pick for best push mower was from the same brand: the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower because it has an impressive 70 minutes of runtime on a single charge plus multiple options for clipping disposal.

Our Testing Process

In order to find the best battery-powered lawn mowers, we tested 15 mowers, narrowing down our results to determine which of these battery-powered favorites made our list. First, we recorded how long it took to assemble each mower straight out of the box.

Then, we mowed our lawns with each mower three times, noting the date, weather conditions, how much we cut off the grass in inches, how much surface area we were mowing in acres, and how long it took for us to mow that area.

As we used each mower, we considered many factors. We began with the ease of starting and powering the mower, plus the ease of adjusting the seat (if a ride-on mower) or heights for comfort, and whether or not the controls were user friendly.

With the riding mowers, we also took note of how easy it was to adjust our speed, as well as how easy it was to switch between cutting heights and how many options there were. We also evaluated how each mower compared to those that we previously owned or tried.

One of the most important aspects of a battery-powered lawn mower is its power source. We determined how many batteries came with the mower, how long they took to charge, and how long that battery lasted before we had to swap it or recharge it.

We also tested each mower’s ease of movement, observing how they performed when maneuvering around obstacles like trees, flowerbeds, and tough terrain like hills or inclines.

When it came to how well the mowers discharged the clippings, we noted if they discharged, collected debris in a bag, or mulched them. Some models performed more than one function, and if that was the case, we tested each type of discharge method, and how easy it was to insert or remove collection bags (if applicable). We also observed how much storage each model had and how they would eventually be stored away.

Finally, we tried each mower’s features. On the riding mowers, we tested their ignition cut-off switches, wheel weights, and headlights, or reflective surfaces. For push mowers, we tested the handle lever, back flap, and blade brake control. We also evaluated the cutting height options, plus various speeds of each mower. If possible, we even tested these lawn mowers on other lawns, to see how the experience differed depending on type of grass and terrain.

What to Know About Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers Before Shopping

Lawn Size

When shopping for the best battery-powered lawn mower for your home, it’s important to take into consideration the size of your lawn. Typically, the batteries in your mower will last 50 to 60 minutes on one charge, so you’ll want to make sure you can cover the distance of your lawn in that time.

Otherwise you’ll have to either change out the battery for a fully charged back-up, or charge your battery. If you have a yard that is more than an acre, it’s not ideal to have a battery-powered mower unless you have one that is made with large yards in mind.

Type

There are a few different types of battery-powered lawn mower to choose from: self-propelled mowers, push mowers, and ride-on mowers.

Self-propelled mowers are less work to operate than push mowers, with a design that uses the motor to propel the wheels, which makes it easy for you to simply guide the mower across your lawn.

In order to operate a push mower, you have to push it forward manually. The bad news: You’re the one doing the pushing. The good news: most models are compact and lighter weight (especially when compared to a gas model) so it isn’t too difficult.

Ride-on mowers require the least amount of work, but are also the most expensive models. They are a great choice for people with larger lawns, and you can simply sit up top and steer it where you want it to go.

Charge Time

Battery-powered mowers need to be charged before use, and those times will vary. We found that the time it takes to recharge varies anywhere from 1 to 2.5 hours. For example, our best riding mower pick, the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Zero Turn Riding Mower, takes 2.5 hours to reach full charge. If you don’t have the time to pause your mowing to recharge, consider choosing a mower with an extra battery so you can change them out and continue on.

Power

Battery-powered lawn mowers do not require chords to function. Instead, they work using rechargeable batteries that have an output of anywhere from 36 to 120 volts.

Run time is largely dependent on the voltage of your battery. The higher the battery, the longer your mower will run. The higher the voltage, the larger the battery, so it may affect your mower’s deck size.

The deck is the part of the lawn mower that covers the engine and blades of the mower. It is measured in square inches, and is determined by multiplying the width of the bottom part of your mower (between the wheels) by the length. They are also usually made with durable material so they stand up against debris and the elements.

The size of the deck determines how much grass the machine will cut in one pass, as it is generally large enough to cover the blade. Smaller mowers may only have one blade, while larger models have two or three for more efficient cutting.

Mowers with larger decks offer less mobility, so it’s beneficial to use a mower with a smaller deck and voltage for a yard with less acreage. The larger your yard, the bigger the deck you’ll require because you’ll need to cover more ground in the same amount of time.

Features

The best battery-powered lawn mowers come with plenty of features to make your lawn-cutting experiences as enjoyable as possible. For example, some come with mulchers that take the grass, chop it up, and leave them behind on the lawn. Others have a grass bag catcher that attaches to the mower on either the side or rear where the clippings drop straight into the bag.

Another feature that is important is the ability to adjust the blade height so that you can tailor your mower to your preferences. They usually range from 1 to 4 inches, and keep in mind that you should only remove the top third of the grass blades.

Adjustable handles are also important because they allow you to change the height in order to make them easier to mow.

Other Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers We Tested

Greenworks Pro 80V Max, 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower

We loved that the Greenworks Pro 80V Max, 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower lawn mower had a space-saving storage design that allowed it to be stowed away vertically. We also appreciated how long the battery lasted—about 50 minutes total.

While testing, we found that this lawn mower had difficulty maneuvering in tight spots, and its weight made it difficult to turn. When we switched it to the self-propel mode, we found that even the fastest setting did not measure up to others on this list.

Your Questions, Answered

How long do batteries last in a battery-powered mower?

This answer depends on the mower, but typically the batteries in a battery-powered mower last around 50 minutes to an hour if fully charged. This is why battery-powered mowers are recommended for small to medium-sized yards—if you can’t get your mowing done within an hour, you’ll need to hit pause, plug it in to charge (or replace it with another fully charged battery if you’ve got a spare), and wait to mow.

What is the best voltage for a battery-powered mower?

The batteries in battery-powered lawn mowers provide anywhere from 36 to 120 volts of power. The higher the voltage, the longer the run time. The longer the run time, the more time you have to cover some distance in your yard before that battery runs out.

Getting a battery with a high voltage may sound Smart because it allows for a longer run time. However, it also makes the machine heavier which can slow you down and can decrease the run time.

Which mower is better: battery-powered, electric, or gas?

Battery-powered, electric, and gas lawn mowers each have their own pros and cons. Gas powered mowers have the advantage when it comes to being able to fuel them right away. When an electric or battery-powered mower runs out of juice, it needs to be plugged in and charged.

“Battery-powered lawn mowers provide the power of traditional lawn mowers without the harmful emissions, which make them perfect for customers that value efficiency and sustainability,” Durden says.

Gas mowers also tend to require more maintenance in order to run smoothly, and you need to take care to store the fuel properly and even winterize your mower.

Battery-powered lawn mowers have the advantage of being “lightweight and quieter than gas-powered mowers, too,” says Durden. You just need to remember to keep the battery charged.

Additionally, whereas gas-powered mowers need to be pulled or cranked, and cared for to ensure they’re winterized, you just need to push to start a battery-powered or electric mower and go.

One downside to an electric mower is the range of motion—you may be limited by the cord. Battery powered and electric mowers are more equipped to handle small to medium-sized yards.

Who We Are

Andrea Wurzburger is a freelance writer for Better Homes Gardens. For this story, she spent several hours researching the best battery-powered lawn mowers by comparing product specifications. She also spoke with Nicole Durden, who is the senior merchant of outdoor power at The Home Depot.

Make the switch to a greener yard with a high-performance battery-powered lawn mower.

By Tony Carrick and Mark Wolfe | Updated Jul 12, 2023 8:21 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Whether you’re switching from gas-powered to green or buying your first cordless electric mower, battery-powered lawn mowers offer many advantages. In addition to being kinder to the environment, they’re also quieter and easier to start than gas-powered mowers.

These innovative machines use powerful batteries that provide enough juice to mow lawns up to a half acre or larger. They also produce enough torque to cut through tall grass and many are self-propelled, making them easier to operate.

We tested the following battery-powered lawn mowers in different grass-growing environments to find out more about their capability, reliability, and overall user comfort. Read on to learn about the important features to consider, how to select the best battery-powered lawn mower for areas ranging from just a few square feet to a couple of acres, and how each mower performed in our hands-on tests.

• BEST OVERALL:Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Greenworks Pro 80V 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
• BEST SELF-PROPELLED:Toro Flex Force 60V 21-Inch Super Recycler Mower
• BEST RIDING:Ego Power Z6 42-Inch Zero Turn Riding Mower
• BEST FAST-CHARGING:Ego Power 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower
• BEST FOR LARGE YARDS:Greenworks 40V 21-Inch Smart Pace Lawn Mower
• BEST FOR SMALL LAWNS:Worx Nitro 80V Power Share 21-Inch Self Propelled Mower

How We Tested the Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers

Battery-powered lawn mowers generally offer a quiet, exhaust-free mowing experience. They remove the hassle of buying and hauling gasoline, changing oil, and other maintenance aspects of gas engines. With the notable exceptions of sharpening/replacing blades and charging/replacing batteries, they are virtually maintenance-free. While shoppers are motivated to buy battery-powered lawn mowers for a multitude of reasons, the expectation remains that they will be able to mow their grass whenever they want, without hassle or frustration. To us, as testers, that meant we needed to closely scrutinize runtime, recharge time, and overall mowing capability.

We tested all mowers the same way and captured the results on a testing rubric for comparison. After fully charging the batteries, we used them to mow two different areas, one that had been consistently maintained at the normal mowing height, and one that had been neglected and allowed to grow about 10 inches high. Both areas included a mix of flat and moderately sloped ground. As we mowed, we assessed general operator comfort, self-propelled capabilities, mowing power, and finished mowing quality. We mowed until the batteries ran out, recorded the runtime, and measured the area mowed. Finally, we recorded the time required to recharge the depleted batteries.

Because riding mowers offer many more features and control options, we tested the Ego Power Z6 over several days with multiple battery configurations. Battery life plays such an outsized role in overall performance and customer satisfaction that we wanted to collect results on maintained and overgrown grass for groupings of two, four, and six batteries. The testing criteria and observation points for each test run were virtually the same as those for the other mowers. The great news is that all of these mowers delivered excellent mowing power, good-to-excellent cut quality, and plenty of runtime for real-world applications as shown in the individual reviews.

Our Top Picks

We tested the following mowers taking into account the above considerations for large and small yards. Read on to learn how each model performed in testing and why we consider them among the best battery-powered lawn mowers.

Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mo

The Snapper XD features a variable-speed transmission and design features that allow for adjustments to meet different grass-cutting demands. The StepSense feature automatically adjusts the speed to match the user’s walking pace. Load-sensing technology in this model automatically adjusts power output based on the thickness of the grass to provide a clean cut while maximizing energy efficiency.

The mower’s impressive 21-inch steel cutting deck is versatile. It boasts seven height adjustments that are easily changed from behind the mower with a single lever. The deck can mulch, side discharge, or bag with a capacity of up to 2.1 cubic feet of grass clippings.

When the yard work is done, this mower folds up conveniently for vertical storage in the garage. The kit includes two 2.0-Ah (amp hour) batteries, which together provide about 60 minutes of runtime and recharge in about 60 minutes.

In our tests, the Snapper XD traversed all types of terrain and left behind a smooth, even cut on a single pass. It easily powered through overgrown grass and weeds up to 10 inches tall, although extended use in tall weeds increased the needed power output and reduced runtime by about half.

We were more impressed by the blade motor’s load responsiveness than by the automated pace-adjustment system. The StepSense feature worked well on relatively flat ground, but on inclines it felt somewhat sticky or uneven. In overall performance for the price, this mower offers excellent power and runtime to mow about ⅓ of an acre, or 15,000 square feet, per charge.

Product Specs

• Runtime/recharge time: 60 minutes/60 minutes
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Mobility: Self-propelled, automatic pace adjustment
• Automatically adjusts to any individual user’s pace
• Powerful motor doesn’t bog down in dense grass
• Single lever cutting-height adjustment for user-friendliness
• Folds into a compact unit for ease of storage
• Less runtime per charge than some competitors
• StepSense feature feels somewhat “sticky”

Get the Snapper battery-powered lawn mower at Appliances Connection, Amazon, or Mowers Direct.

Greenworks Pro 80V 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower

Greenworks is known for its advancements in battery technology, and this model has two 2.0-Ah batteries that allow for up to 70 minutes of runtime from a full charge, with a combined recharge time of just 60 minutes. This push mower features a 21-inch-wide mowing deck. Technology that adjusts the motor speed based on load helps to maximize battery life and maintain excellent cut quality.

Adding to this impressive mowing coverage is a steel deck with seven positions that are easy to adjust with a large handle near the right rear wheel. Its sturdy steel deck gives it the tough feel of gas-powered models.

A large start button and easy-to-maneuver speed control mean it can be manipulated with gloved hands. This push mower does not have motorized wheels, which keeps the price low and maximizes battery life for cutting grass. The 3-in-1 grass clipping capability allows for bagging, mulching, or side discharging, and a foldable handle design facilitates compact storage.

Although this Greenworks push mower required a bit more effort to move around the yard than the self-propelled mowers, its simplified design made it an extremely capable mower. The powerful motor offered the most “gas-like” performance of the group. It had no trouble cutting dense, weedy grass up to 10 inches tall and left possibly the best finish of all the mowers we tested. In all three modes, bagging, mulching, and side discharging, it left the grass perfectly smooth, with no uneven spots or stringy weeds left behind. It had plenty of power to mulch thick grass into virtually invisible clippings.

The only downside of this mower was that hilly ground reduced the amount of area mowed per charge, not because of demand on the mower, but because the operator’s pace slowed. Everything else considered, we felt that this push mower delivered the strongest mowing capability, even though we had to push it. And the price was significantly less than the others.

Product Specs

• Runtime/recharge time: 70 minutes/60 minutes
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Mobility: Push
• Dual 2-Ah batteries offer up to 70 minutes of runtime; ideal for both small and large yards
• Strong motor delivers powerful cutting performance; ideal for thin and thick grass varieties
• Easy to use controls integrated into the handle
• Included charger only charges one battery at a time
• Not self-propelled; may cause some strain on the user

Get the Greenworks 80V battery-powered lawn mower at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Toro Flex Force 60V 21-Inch Super Recycler Mower

The Toro Flex Force Super Recycler lawn mower is built for powerful mowing performance with superior operator comfort. The three-phase motor automatically increases power output when it detects tougher mowing conditions, then eases off to conserve battery life when the mowing gets easier again.

The 21-inch military-grade cast aluminum deck features a powerful vortex air-intake system that stands the grass blades up straight for a smoother, cleaner cut. The shock-absorbing Personal Pace self-adjusting, self-propelled system operates smoothly regardless of the terrain. Bright LED headlights make it easier to mow later into the evening. It comes with a powerful 60V 7.5-Ah battery that delivers up to 50 minutes of runtime per charge and recharges in 3 hours.

The Toro Super Recycler was the most comfortable battery-powered mower we tested, primarily because of its robust self-propulsion system. Although it was not the only mower with a pressure-sensitive handle, this one functioned the best. It paired the slightly more resistant, but buttery smooth, handle movement with a higher top-end speed for self movement that felt almost effortless on most terrain. Only slight pressure was required to climb the uphill areas, and it didn’t try to run away on the downhills.

Toro’s excellent cut quality was second only to the Greenworks 80V (mainly because the Greenworks mower performed exceptionally well in overgrown areas and Toro needed a second pass for best results there). However, we were underwhelmed by its battery performance at only 45 to 50 minutes of runtime in average conditions and 3 hours to recharge. Still, anyone with less than a half acre who is shopping for smooth operation and a top-quality cut may want to consider the Super Recycler.

Product Specs

• Runtime/recharge time: 50 minutes/180 minutes
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Mobility: Self-propelled, automatic pace adjustment
• Mows up to 0.4 acre (17,424 square feet) per charge
• Self-propelled rear wheels
• Motor automatically adjusts output to match mowing conditions
• Lightweight, rust- and corrosion-resistant aluminum deck
• LED headlights allow for ample visibility or nighttime mowing
• Longer recharge time than the competition
• Top mowing speed is too fast for imperfect conditions

Get the Toro battery-powered lawn mower at The Home Depot.

Ego Power Z6 42-Inch Zero Turn Riding Mower

Those with larger acreage can now have a battery-powered mower that can actually cut all of their grass on a single charge. The Ego Power riding mower is capable of mowing up to 2 acres per charge, with easy upgrades that can increase runtime to cut more than 3 acres per charge. Plus, it offers many of the same features found on gas-powered zero-turn mowers, such as adjustable lap bars to independently control the rear drive wheels; heavy-duty front swivel casters; a comfortable high back seat with adjustable suspension; a 42-inch deck with 10 height settings from 1.5 to 4.5 inches; and side discharging, mulching, and bagging capabilities.

The electric motor delivers power equivalent to a 22-horsepower (HP) gasoline engine. The Z6 also boasts high-power LED headlights, a battery level indicator, and independently adjustable modes and blade speeds. This mower comes with four 56V 10-Ah lithium batteries, with six available battery slots onboard, and is compatible with any of Ego Power’s other 56V batteries. It also comes with the fastest battery charger in the industry.

With so many features to test, we spent more time with the Z6 than with any of the other battery-powered mowers in this roundup. For our first run, we charged the four 56V 10-Ah batteries that came with the mower and cut as much grass as possible until the batteries ran out. Then we repeated the process with only two batteries, and again with a full “tank” of six batteries.

The mower requires a minimum of 15-Ah to operate, and the charger plugs into the mower to recharge all six batteries at once. Runtime and charge time were as follows: two batteries charged in 1¼ hours and mowed 3/4 acre, four batteries charged in 2 hours and mowed 1¾ acres, and six batteries charged in 3 hours and mowed almost 3 acres (we mowed the entire available area with about 12 percent charge left in the batteries).

We should also mention that the acreage we were mowing included a 1-acre rectangular field and two 1-acre home lots that, in addition to the homes, are approximately 50 percent and 75 percent lawn. The total grass acreage is more like 2¼, with some significant slopes and obstacles to navigate. Since Ego offers an even bigger battery size at 56V and 12-Ah, we estimate that runtime could possibly be stretched to mow up to 4 acres, depending on the condition of the grass and the lay of the land.

The Ego Power Z6’s operation was mostly excellent. Startup was easy, and maneuvering was intuitive. The apparent noise level was extremely quiet and limited to operating the mower deck. The machine travels almost silently when the blades are not running. The lap bars and drive wheels felt somewhat imprecise compared to other zero-turn mowers we’ve used. The machine pulled slightly to the left at full speed on flat ground under an average mowing load. The suspension seat was comfortable, but the relatively small rear tires and light weight of the machine made for a bouncy ride at times. It climbed and maneuvered fairly well on slopes, which is not a strength for most zero-turn mowers.

For most mowing, we kept the machine in “standard” mode and the blades on half power with excellent results. We tested the top blade speed on an area of about 2,000 square feet of overgrown crabgrass that was about 12 inches high, and we had to slow the travel pace significantly to get an acceptable cut in that situation. The Ego Power battery-powered zero-turn mower would make a great choice for any large-acreage owner with lots of grass to maintain.

Product Specs

• Runtime/recharge time: 30 minutes/120 minutes (4 batteries)
• Deck size: 42 inches
• Mobility: Zero-turn riding mower
• Four 56V 10-Ah batteries included, with room for 2 additional batteries
• Onboard Rapid battery-charging system
• 10-position, 42-inch deck allows for ample cutting per pass
• Mows at speeds up to 7 mph/2.6 acres per hour
• Bright LED headlights for low-light mowing

Get the Ego Power Z6 riding lawn mower at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Lowe’s.