Gasoline VS Electric

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Gasoline riding lawn mowers are undoubtedly the most popular type of mower that people across the United States own, but they might not be the best choice. Electric riding lawn mowers are relatively new in comparison, and they are just coming of age as the mower of choice when it comes to protecting our environment. So, which is the best choice? Let's compare some facts and find out!

Protecting Our Environment

Studies report that, when the engine of a typical gasoline riding lawn mower is running, it causes as much air pollution as forty brand new automobiles do in the same amount of time. Electric lawn mowers, on the other hand, produce virtually no pollution during their operation. And, as for noise pollution, electric riding lawn mowers are about fifty per cent quieter than their gasoline - powered counterparts.

Because of the environmental merits in owning and using an electric riding lawn mower, numerous environmental agencies will take your gasoline - powered mower and give you a coupon in trade. The coupon is good for money off of the purchase of a brand new electric lawn mower.

Maintenance and Upkeep

All gasoline riding lawn mowers have a constant need for gasoline, oil, regular tune - ups and other maintenance, and periodic repairs. This all adds up to a sizable investment of time and money just to keep your gasoline mower in running condition. Electric riding lawn mowers, on the other hand, basically require electricity in order for them to operate. You won't need to make weekly trips to the station to purchase gasoline and oil if you use an electric model. Nor will you need to store flammable gasoline and oil in your garage or back yard shed. And, while an electric mower simply needs plugged in, gasoline mowers can be difficult to start.

Costs to Operate

On the average, an electric riding lawn mower costs about five dollars a year to operate. This actual figure depends on the cost per kilowatt, as well as the size of your yard. Five dollars will also buy a gallon of gasoline and a quart of oil. Again, depending on the size of your yard, these might only last for one cutting of your yard.

Construction and Durability

Up until now in this article, electric lawn mowers have had the advantage over gasoline mowers. However, when it comes to durability, gasoline riding lawn mowers win hands down. Steel is most commonly - used to make the hard - working, abuse - taking decks of gasoline - powered riding lawn mowers. It's also often used to make the frames and some of the body parts. Steel is a strong, difficult to dent or bend, and long - lasting material. Some of the pricier gasoline lawn mowers feature Cast Aluminum decks, which is another strong, long - lasting material too. Steel and Cast Aluminum decks can rust if they are not properly taken care of, but, other than that, they are almost indestructible.

The decks and other parts of electric riding lawn mowers are most commonly made with a lightweight plastic material. Because they are powered by electric, these mowers cannot handle the weight of a heavy metal deck or frame. Even though it's resistant to rust, plastic is easier to break, chip, or crack. Steel mower decks can withstand flying rocks and other debris, but plastic decks cannot.

Ease of Use

To use an electric lawn mower, all you basically have to do is to plug it into a standard wall outlet and go. A gasoline - powered mower needs the oil checked, gasoline added, and maybe a carburetor adjustment or two to get it started. However, a gasoline mower will go practically anywhere you want it to go. An electric mower is restricted by the length of its cord, or, if it has a rechargeable battery, by the length of its battery charge. And, because of its weaker electric power, (as opposed to a gasoline engine), this type of mower doesn't have accessories because it doesn't have the muscle to operate them.


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