Lawn is a culture of the West. In our country, we began to cut grass in a summer cottage or in the yard with the advent of quite accessible lawn mowers on the Russian market. Now you can choose a budget option that, with proper observance of all requirements for use and storage, will last longer than the warranty period. However, as often happens, with the assortment comes the question: which is better? After reading this article, each reader will give the correct answer. So which is better: a gasoline or electric lawn mower?
Choosing a lawn mower
Who doesn’t want to grow a beautiful and juicy lawn, neat and envy of the neighbors? A lawn that would emphasize your housekeeping and housekeeping, but also one that would not require a lot of effort and time in leaving. An autonomous lawnmower with software has not yet been invented, so you have to buy what you have. But how among the offers not to miscalculate or buy a completely inappropriate tool? Which lawn mower is better - gasoline or electric?
The acquisition of such equipment is not a trifle: the equipment is not cheap, the choice in gardening equipment stores is large, manufacturers offer machines with different characteristics. There are models of gasoline self-propelled lawnmowers and electric ones. Which lawn mower is better - gasoline or electric? In general, before you run to the store for a mechanical scythe, it’s worth a good understanding of what tasks the equipment will have to solve and who will manage it.
"Control" questions before purchase
It would seem that you want to save money - buy this one, chickens do not bite money - buy one. But with a lawnmower, this is an argument of dubious stability. Because the tool should be suitable not only for you - in price and weight, but also for the site, that is, the lawn. Therefore, as in a psychological test, honestly answer the questions:
- What is the area of the plot?
- What is the structure of the topsoil?
- Is the plot flat or are there inclines?
- Are there trees, paths, flower beds?
- Who will drive the mower more often?
Criteria for choosing a lawn mower
Why is it important to consider the size of the lawn and the presence of trees on it, for example? The area of the lawn is the first thing to take into account. If your plot is ten squares, it is best to choose an electric lawn mower. Of course, when a power source is available. If the lawn is more than fifty squares, then it is more correct to choose a gasoline. It is convenient to level the grass if there are plantings on the site.
According to the structure of the soil, the slope is also determined by an important characteristic of the tool, such as a smooth ride. For flat areas, a car on wheels is suitable, for a lawn with irregularities - a trimmer.
When choosing a lawn mower, you must “fit” it for yourself. Although the devices are sold and without the ability to adjust the height of the handle. However, if you decide to consider options with adjustment, you can also make a mistake with the mode. Electric lawn mowers for summer cottages are the most suitable option.
When choosing, special attention should be paid to the dimensions and convenience of the lawn mower for those who will use it. Some buyers do not take these factors into account at all, and then it turns out that using garden tools is quite inconvenient - someone is high, someone is low, hands on weight. Others complain about the severity of the mower. This is in a sense true, for example, the Hyundai L5500S model weighs more than forty kilograms. As a result, buyers use the lawn mower only on special occasions when you need to put the lawn in order for the holiday or arrival of guests, and the rest of the time the tool is not in demand. But the electric AL-KO Classic 3.82 SE, for example, is much lighter - 13 kg.
Lawn landscape
It is also a very important category, without which you can easily make a mistake when buying. For example, mowing grass along paths, around trees, or on uneven surfaces is easier using a gas mower. She mows well along the border of the site.
If you have a perfectly or almost perfectly flat area, then a wheeled lawn mower will further simplify obtaining a truly high-quality result. With a wide gasoline scythe, you will create a lawn that you will be pleased with.
On gas or on electricity?
What is the difference between an electric mower and a gas mower? Engine type. And each has its own disadvantages and advantages. We list the pros.
Electric :
- does not create a lot of noise;
- anyone can start;
- does not bother animals and nobody around;
- works without exhaust gases;
- easy.
In addition, you do not need to run to the canister with gasoline to refuel, distracting from the important thing - creating a lawn.
Petrol :
- powerful;
- high performance;
- great freedom of movement.
These characteristics are very important if the site is large. Gasoline lawn mowers (the instructions for each model describe in detail how to handle the equipment) due to the lack of an electric drive, they have great mobility opportunities. Gasoline cars will help a lot when grass needs to be removed on a wide lawn.
However, both are not without flaws.
Electric :
- depends on the power source;
- limited by the length of the wire;
- low power.
Petrol :
- a lot of noise;
- heavyweight;
- you need enough fuel.
When choosing, it is better to focus not so much on personal preferences as on the advantages and disadvantages of electric and gasoline lawn mowers. If the area is small, an electric one will do. But after all, many customers complain about the thickets of grass and choose more powerful models. As a result, the lawn mower is cumbersome, the yard is exhausted during operation, you have to work with headphones, and at dawn you will not put the lawn in order - they are still sleeping. The result is very satisfied, but the convenience is insufficient.
By the way, those who are afraid to get confused in the wires with an electric lawn mower should not be afraid at all. First you have to be careful, but after a few uses it will be convenient to follow the usual "route" without touching the wires and without bumping into obstacles.
Electric lawn mower
You can compare electric and gas lawn mowers in the store, carefully examining the characteristics.
Most have standard plots, a regular-sized lawn and no private soccer field. Therefore, electric motor mowers remain popular.
The fuel tool is, of course, more powerful, but why overpay if you can buy an electric one with a power of 1800 watts, and this will ensure the normal speed of the cutting knife. The minimum power for lawnmowers from electricity is from 900 watts.
The higher the power, the better the performance and the easier the work on the lawn.
It is important that the mower has a temperature sensor - this will prevent overheating if you are carried away by mowing the grass.
The electric motor does not require replacement of candles or oil.
Electric lawn mower: the best models
We will deal with the most convenient options in this category. Which lawn mower is better to buy - gasoline or electric, with a choice will certainly help in the store. Especially in different cities and shops, the assortment can be very different, you need to choose on the spot.
Here are a few models that are stably in demand:
- MTD SMART 32 E. Durable, albeit plastic, and easy to use. The knife cuts efficiently, mowing width 30 cm. Engine capacity of 1 kilowatt. 28 liter grass catcher. It weighs a little over 10 kg. The advantage is manual adjustment on each wheel.
- Honda HRE 330 A2PLE . "Honda" high-quality engine, a container of 27 liters, shockproof housing. Lightweight, easy to operate.
- Gardena PowerMax 37 E. Accurate result on overgrown, large areas. Not self-propelled. You can see how the grass box is filling. Grass can be thrown back or collected in a tank. There is a mulching option. Easily and precisely mows around bushes. The handle is folding - convenient for storage.
- Viking ME 443.1 . Not self-propelled, manoeuvrable and with a folding handle, the grass catcher is a little over 20 kg.
- MTD 48 ESP HW with steel casing . Silent and maneuverable, the material of manufacture is steel, a strong and reliable lawn mower.
Petrol
Comparison of electric and gasoline lawn mowers is based on the objectives of the model.
Fuel models usually have a large mowing width. They are used more often for large areas, for example, for lawns in city parks. But for private areas, a gas mower is suitable.
Models usually come with a mulching kit. Which lawnmower to choose - electric or gasoline, the question is not worth it for those who have a large plot. A gasoline model is much more powerful and convenient on large areas.
Fuel cars can be with three types of engine:
- household - up to 8 hundred parts, motor resources - 700 hours;
- semi-professional - up to 20 hundred parts, motor resources - up to 1200 hours;
- professional - from 20 acres, motor resources - up to 2500 hours.
After hours, the mower will need repairs.
A gasoline mower can be driven by:
- non-self-propelled - movement requires effort;
- self-propelled - you just need to steer the lawn mower, following it.
Models of gasoline self-propelled lawn mowers are presented on the shelves in a large assortment.
Cars - rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
If the plot is rectangular in shape, then a suitable mowing width is forty-five to sixty centimeters. It is better to choose a model with large rear wheels. The greatest maneuverability is provided by “piano” wheels, that is, revolving. A lawn mower on them easily travels around tree trunks or flower beds. Practical and durable bearing wheels.
Lawn Mower Housing
The degree of protection of the components of the tool — the engine, wheels, grass catcher, and the cost of the device depends on the material of the case. But if you see “deck material - plastic” in the description of the mower, you should not assume that it is vulnerable and fragile. Garden tools are made using highly resistant ABS plastic.
The greatest protective properties, of course, are in steel material. But it greatly affects the price and weight of the device. Not everyone will be comfortable using a bulky lawn mower. Corrosion will also be difficult to avoid, especially if the surface of the material is damaged during operation.
High-strength plastic not only avoids corrosion, but it is resistant to deformation, durable, reliable and light.
Shock-resistant plastic housing is the most common option among domestic lawn mowers, gasoline and electric motors. And the cost is quite normal.
But when storing a model with a plastic case, there are features. For example, this material may fade in the sun or burst in the cold. So you need to store the mower in the garage or in the barn. Although the material is completely resistant to grass juice, scratches do not affect the operation of the instrument.
Mower drive and wheels
The functionality of the lawn mower is very dependent on these two components. Stores offer both rear wheel drive and front wheel drive lawn mowers. It is believed that it is more convenient to mow the lawn at the rear, because the front-wheel-drive lawn mower will begin to shift in the center as the grass catcher fills. Although they are considered more maneuverable.
As a rule, lawnmowers with a pair of large rear wheels are more often chosen. And the larger the diameter, the less they will fail. Larger wheels make lighter turns and zigzags. Usually consultants recommend buying a lawn mower with wheels on bearings - the productivity of the tool increases.
Grass catcher
Containers for grass can be of several types:
- soft cloth;
- hard plastic;
- mixed - with a plastic lid and a cloth bag.
Plastic containers are easy to wrap and wash. The soft grass collection bag is convenient to store and, due to its durable material, pollen and dust particles are well kept in the container.
Easy to use and mixed grass catcher. For example, it is easy to carry due to the plastic handle. A rag bag will be needed.
The volume of the container is usually from 27 to 75 liters. If the choice of which lawnmower is better to buy - gasoline or electric, the capacity of the grass catcher is important for you, then in cars that run on fuel, containers with a large maximum volume are up to 90 liters.
Mulching
Depending on the functional characteristics of the mower, the grass may collect in the container, remain behind, or be dumped to the side. Some people choose a tool with mulching - it’s convenient, you don’t need to collect trimmed grass all over the lawn, and what is left after harvesting can be floated - used as fertilizer for the same lawn. So the lawn mower is a full-fledged assistant not only for mowing grass, but also for fertilizing the soil.
Mulching is the coating of a lawn surface for protection and nutrition. Grass, crushed into the smallest crumb, becomes fertilizer.
The lawn mower can be with a built-in tool for mulching or with the ability to add this option to the package: installing a plug in the grass catcher and a knife that grinds the grass to dust.
When mulching, more grass is placed in the container. For beauty and juiciness of the lawn, it is recommended to fertilize with mulching every month.
Work Precautions
Getting to work on the site, you must ensure your safety and provide for possible causes of tool breakage. Therefore, carefully read the operating instructions. Take a few minutes to study, read it, and do not run your eyes over so that there is no harm to the health and working condition of the lawn mower.
It is important to follow not only instructions for use with a gas mower or electric mower, but also safety precautions.
Usually advised to wear closed and durable shoes, long tight pants and special plastic glasses.
Walk around the lawn and remove any objects that could damage the mower’s knives, such as toys, large stones or bones that the dog brought. After making sure that the mower is not in danger, set to work.
In terms of safety, which lawnmower is better - gasoline or electric, it is difficult to give a definite answer. If you neglect the rules of use, there may be consequences in any case. Here it all depends far from the type of lawn mower.
Which lawnmower is better - gasoline or electric, reviews will help you find the answer. Additionally, you can read about landscape design or landscaping, as well as good models consultants in stores.
Do not buy gasoline if you have a small lawn. But if you have a wide yard, then an electric and low-power is unlikely to help create a beautiful view throughout the territory. Explain to the consultant in the store what is the area of the site and what are the features of the landscape. Ask more about the models that he will offer you.