Use the information below to guide you on your journey to purchasing the best cordless lawn mower to create a healthy and attractive looking lawn.
8 Quick And Simple Steps To Choosing The Best Cordless Lawn Mower Video
Key Takeaways of this Guide
Cordless lawn mowers are an eco-friendly and convenient alternative to traditional petrol mowers.
When choosing a cordless mower, consider the size of your lawn, the type of grass, and the terrain.
Look for key features such as battery life, cutting width, and cutting height adjustment.
Consider the brand and its reputation, as well as the warranty and customer service.
Proper maintenance and storage can extend the life of your cordless mower.
Cordless mowers can be more expensive than petrol and electric mowers, but they can save you money in the long run.
Read reviews and do research before making a decision to ensure you find the best cordless mower for your needs.
Introduction To Cordless Lawn Mowers
Replacing your mower with a cordless lawn mower will most certainly help to make the job easier as they are more convenient than corded and petrol mowers, especially for small, medium and even larger sized lawns. In the last few years cordless mowers have come on leaps and bounds due to the advancements in battery technology. Lithium-Ion batteries now provide more power, quicker charge times and longer run-times. This is so much so, that cordless mowers are now even challenging and in many places replacing their petrol cousins.
There are a lot of options and features to consider when selecting a lawn mower and often the decision can be quite daunting. This guide to the best cordless lawn mowers will provide helpful information on some of the best options currently available in this cordless category to assist your purchasing decision. I will take you through what you need to consider before purchasing a cordless lawn mower as a lawn mower is a fair investment and you want to purchase the one that will do what you need, and not pay for features you will never use.
What Is A Cordless Lawn Mower?
That may sound like an obvious question, but it is important to clarify and give you a bit of history. Lawn mowers are normally divided into 2 power categories, petrol or electric. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Electric lawn mowers can then be further divided into corded and cordless battery models.
Electric corded lawn mowers require a connection to a power source and a cable – potentially something to worry about as you work. Petrol lawn mowers give you more freedom, but are generally heavier and cost more to run and maintain. Cordless lawn mowers provide the best of both worlds as they are easy to manoeuvre with no cable to worry about, whilst remaining lightweight, easy to maintain and compare favourably in terms of features and function with other power sources.
The important thing to understand is that cordless lawn mowers are now highly capable for small and medium lawns and a pleasure to use. There are some competent higher end models on the market designed for large lawns too, so something for everybody.
Why Purchase A Cordless Lawn Mower?
The obvious advantage is that a cordless lawn mower gives you complete freedom and you do not need to worry about cutting over cables or getting them tangled. You also do not have to worry about where the nearest power point is, or being limited by the length of the cable. You have and can enjoy ease of movement and have the ability to use the mower in remote places, such as an allotment. They are fast, reliable, durable, efficient and have all of the same functions that are available on petrol models. More on this below.
What Are The Advantages Of A Cordless Mower?
Let’s go through the advantages of a cordless lawn mower.
Cordless Mower Features & Functions
When it comes to comparing the features and functions available on different power types of mowers, the simple truth is, that cordless models offer every single feature / function offered by petrol or electric. Naturally the choice available is dependant on the make and model you purchase, but these features include, but are not limited to, self-propelled, variable speed, hose wash ports, rear rollers, mulching, side discharge, rear discharge, vertical storage and so on.
Cordless Mower Batteries
Another great advantage of cordless lawn mowers, is the ability to power share the batteries across the same range of tools from the same manufacturer. You can therefore have a complete range of garden tools that share the same battery platform and allow for the battery to be swapped between each tool. Some of the larger brands such as Bosch, Makita and Ryobi allow the batteries to be shared with other non-gardening tools such as drills, saws, angle grinders etc.
Most manufacturers will have a range of batteries of varying voltages and Ah ratings. This allows you to purchase the batteries that match the task at hand in terms of power and run-time required.
Easy To Manoeuvre & Lightweight
As discussed above, you have complete freedom of movement. There is no need to worry about where the cable is or where to plug it in. You can just switch on and go. Cordless lawn mowers are highly mobile and take a lot of the fuss and stress out of the operation.
They are designed to be light and easy to move, but are normally slightly heavier compared to a corded model due to the battery or batteries. This makes them ideal if older or younger people want to mow the lawn. They do not require a huge effort and self-propelled models are also available.
Just like petrol mowers, there are many self-propelled cordless models available even with variable speed options. This again adds to the manoeuvrability of the cordless mower as it will be able to navigate steep inclines and uneven surfaces more easily. Getting your cordless mower from the shed or garage will also be easier as you can remove the batteries, making it lighter, and carry the mower to the lawn.
Eco-Friendly
It is important to consider the environment and cordless lawn mowers are highly eco-friendly. Provided you dispose of the batteries correctly, they are probably the most environmentally friendly option you could purchase. They use very little power to charge and do not burn fossil fuels directly.
Not only are cordless mowers more friendly to the environment, but also to the operator as there are no fumes or smells that can be inhaled whilst mowing.
Many cordless mower models also have the ability to mulch the grass cuttings. Not only will this highly benefit the health and appearance of your lawn, it will also reduce / eliminate the amount of waste produced and disposal.
Quiet
Another great advantage is that cordless lawn mowers are the quietest option available. For some, noise may be a major issue especially if you live in a built-up area. There is nothing worse than a neighbour with his noisy and smelly petrol lawn mower on a Sunday morning. You can avoid this situation and provide a more enjoyable environment for yourself and mow whenever required with a good cordless lawn mower.
Low Maintenance
Cordless lawn mowers are, by nature, lower maintenance than petrol models. There is simply less to go wrong. They do not need to be serviced annually, and as long as you keep them clean, they will continue to provide a clean, sharp and effective cut. Petrol lawn mowers need to be serviced regularly, just as one would with a car engine. This can be time-consuming and costly.
Cordless lawn mowers are extremely easy to start by simply pushing a start button. (no more continuously pulling on a recoil cord to start the mower)
Disadvantages Of A Cordless Mower
There are some downsides to cordless lawn mowers. Let’s take a look at them so you have all the facts in order to make a good choice.
More Expensive
Mostly because of the battery technology, cordless lawn mowers tend to be more expensive than a corded option. They are still generally slightly cheaper than petrol lawn mowers, but of course this depends on the spec and features provided.
You also have to factor in the fact that batteries will need to be replaced. The average lifespan, depending on the battery and usage, is 3 to 5 years. Batteries cost a fair amount of money, so it is important to consider this future cost when investing in a cordless lawn mower. Remember, that batteries can be shared across a range of garden tools from the same manufacturer, mitigating some of the initial battery cost as bare tool models are available.
Cordless Lawn Mower Run-Time & Charge Time
You have to remember that batteries only last so long. It will depend on the lawn mower you use as well as the condition and length of the grass. On average, your cordless lawn mower will last between 25 and 60 minutes before the battery needs to be recharged or changed. Damp or long grass will use more battery power and reduce the run time. For this reason cordless mowers work extremely well when a regular lawn care schedule is followed.
Please also remember that batteries will need to be charged. Different lawn movers have different batteries, and therefore take varying lengths of time to charge. Some manufacturers batteries have the ability to charge 80% of their capacity in a faster charge time, which can be very convenient. They may also offer the option to purchase a fast charger, which can reduce the charge time by around 70%. Remember, you can always purchase additional batteries to ensure you are always ready to go. Having spare batteries for a brand that has multiple tools usually means that the batteries are interchangeable.
Less Power
In general, there is no doubt that a battery-powered lawn mower will have less power than a petrol engine. Unless you have very rugged grass or allow the grass to grow knee high, this should not be an issue. Some manufacturers such as EGO, offer cordless lawn mowers that are extremely powerful and will deal with rugged and long grass, same as petrol would, but are costly.
With any lawn mower, if you have very long grass or the grass is damp, you may need to cut at a higher cut setting initially, then go over it again at a lower setting. Remember to follow the 1/3 rule, whereby you should only cut 1/3 of the total length of the grass to reduce stress and keep it healthy.
Summary Of The Pros & Cons Of Cordless Lawn Mowers
Pros
Complete freedom to move without cable concerns
Self-propelled and variable speed models available
Batteries can be shared in other tools from the same manufacturer
Batteries can be purchased according to the size of your lawn
Vertical storage available on some models for compact storage
Quieter and less fumes than petrol
Easy to use including remote usage such as allotment
Low maintenance with no fuel or oil storage
Low running cost
Additional or more powerful batteries can be used for increased run-time providing more options
8 Points To Consider When Purchasing A Cordless Lawn Mower
Before purchasing your cordless lawn mower, there are a few additional things to consider.
1. What Is The Size Of Your Lawn?
Cordless lawn mowers are extremely convenient, but because you are restricted by the battery life of the lawn mower, they may not be suitable for large lawns depending on the model/battery you choose. Only consider a cordless lawn mower if you have a small or medium lawn, unless you are prepared to pay a premium for a very high end cordless model.
Other points to think about when looking at the size of your lawn is the deck size or cutting width and the grass box size. A larger deck size and blade will cut faster on a single pass, but will naturally be harder to manoeuvre around corners and flower beds. A larger grass collection box will mean fewer trips to empty it out, but just bear in mind a larger full grass box will make the mower that much heavier.
2. What Cutting Options & Features Will You Require?
Cordless lawn mowers can be purchased with various cutting options. These include mulching, rear discharge, side discharge in addition to cut and collect.
There are other features you can consider such as vertical storage, self-propelled, variable speed etc, so make sure you know what you will be using the mower for prior to purchasing. As mentioned before, to help you out, use my selection tool above that allows you to narrow down the best cordless lawn mower based on its features and your requirements.
3. What Is Your Mower Budget?
Cordless lawn mowers range from anything between £150 to over £1,000. The price you pay will depend of the functions and features, as well as the batteries supplied with the machine, quality of materials and the brand you choose.
There are however some fantastic budget and mid-range cordless mowers available that are well built, cut the lawn effectively and have many of the features a domestic gardener will require in order to keep their lawn looking great and healthy. Again, see my best value cordless mowers under the “In a Hurry” section above.
4. Are You Looking For A Lightweight Model?
One of the advantages of cordless lawn mowers is that they tend to be lightweight and easy to use. Although there are self-propelled models available, due to their lightweight design, push models are also popular for smaller to medium sized lawns, as they are easy to manoeuvre around the garden.
5. How Do You Want Your Lawn To Look & What Cutting Heights Do You Need?
You want to have a few options in terms of cutting heights so you can get the perfect cut according to the type of grass and the season. Most cordless lawn mowers are provided with a wide range of cutting heights, but the setting may vary from 3 to 7 cutting heights that range from 20mm to 80mm; so depending on how important this is to you, should definitely be taken into consideration.
Also, look out for the central height adjustment lever. Does it change the height of all 4 wheels or do you need to adjust each wheel individually? Is the lever easy to move and does it stay in place? Again, for more information about this, read my individual reviews where I will share my honest experience with you.
6. Will You Want To Have Stripes On Your Lawn?
If you like a traditional striped lawn then you will need to purchase a cordless mower with a rear roller. You have two options here, a dedicated rear roller or a four wheel model with an additional rear roller. A dedicated rear roller will normally cover the full width of the mower, and therefore will require less passes across the lawn. Just remember the whole process of striping the lawn relies on the blades of grass being bent in a certain direction, therefore in this situation a heavier mower will actually be a better choice.
7. What Battery Will I Need For My Cordless Lawn Mower?
This is very important as you want something that will last long enough to get around your lawn without having to stop to recharge. The manufacturer will give an estimate of the battery life. The larger your lawn, the more battery life you will need. Just bear in mind that the manufacturers run-time is calculated on a mower running with no load. Some models use a dual battery which either operate together or switch over when one has depleted. This is obviously great for slightly larger lawns.
It is good to mention that batteries can be interchangeable with other garden tools from the same manufacturer, this saves time and money, as these tools can be purchased without battery or charger (bare tool).
Some cordless mowers are supplied with battery and charger and without going into too much technical detail, the higher the voltage and Ah the longer the run-time. So for example, a mower with 2x 2.5Ah 20v batteries will provide 5.0Ah at 20v, if run simultaneously. The actual run-time will depend on the deck size, the type of mower i.e. brushless and the conditions of the lawn.
In all my reviews I have endeavoured to state the maximum run-time of each of the battery options. These will normally range from anything between 2.0Ah and 7.5Ah. In each review I have also included the recommended lawn size for each battery / mower.
8. What Cutting Features Will You Use?
Although not specific to cordless lawn mowers, you will need to consider what other cutting features your cordless mower offers and ensure this is in line with your requirements. There are generally 4 cutting methods available that include – “cut & collect”, “mulching”, “side discharge” and “rear discharge”. If you are unfamiliar with a mulching lawn mower, you may wish to investigate this further as it is one of my favourite cutting methods, although can not be used in certain circumstances. Why not check out my The Benefits of Mulching Lawn Mowers to learn more about the benefits.
Cordless lawnmower shopping made easy: how to find the best one for your needs
Naturally, what makes the best cordless lawn mower for one person may not be right for another, as everyone has different requirements, budgets and lawns. But fear not, this article and reviews are going to guide and assist you in choosing a cordless lawn mower that best suits your lawn, requirements and budget. Not only that, the tools and resources I provide are going to make this process quick, easy and effortless.
The first resource available to help you to find your next cordless lawn mower is my top selections, which are divided into specific and most popular categories. The second resource are the lists below, categorised by the size of lawn they are designed for, along with filters that quickly enable you to shortlist the best suited cordless lawn mower to your specific requirements. Once you have read my guide below and fully understand the various cordless lawn mower options available, you can then head over to my unique and final resource – Find Your Perfect Lawn Mower Tool – where you can filter the best mowers currently available in the UK with a link to a full review, their practicalities complete with pros / cons and much more.
Conclusion
If you want the convenience of an electric mower without the hassle of cords, a cordless battery mower is a great option. As mentioned above, recent improvements in battery technology, from the nickel-cadmium battery to lithium-ion batteries, makes them run much longer, charge much quicker and has reduced the weight significantly.
In fact, these battery advancements from some manufacturers are so powerful and resilient, they are now starting to become a genuine alternative to petrol lawn mowers. Yes, it is true that you are not tethered by the cord with a petrol mower, however you still have the noise, maintenance and associated costs, fuel and oil storage, not to mention the environmental factors.
The convenience of cordless mowers is amazing as you can zip around your garden with complete freedom. The only negative with a cordless option is that they are more expensive compared to an electric corded mower, and the battery will need to be charged up before it can be used. A full charge should be enough to get you around most small to medium lawns depending on the Ah of the battery. Of course, you can always purchase multiple batteries or use them from other tools in the same range that power share.
All in all, you simply have the best of all worlds with a cordless lawn mower.
The length of time that your cordless lawn mower batteries last, depends on the quality of the battery, the frequency and type of use. However, on average, you would expect them to last between three and five years which is the equivalent of around 500 charges before you start noticing significant depletion. This is based on annual domestic use, average sized lawn with multiple recharging for each time the lawn is cut during the UK growing season March to October.
How Does A Cordless Lawn Mower Work?
Cordless lawn mowers run on a rechargeable battery. This is typically a lithium-ion battery which delivers power to the motor and needs to be recharged between uses.
Do Battery Lawn Mowers Need Oil?
No. The beauty of the cordless lawn mower is that it is very low maintenance. The only thing you need to do is to keep the blades sharp and charge the batteries. There is no need to add oil or worry about maintaining a complicated engine as you would with a petrol-powered mower.
Are Battery Lawn Mowers Better Than Petrol?
If you are looking for something that is eco-friendly, then a cordless lawn mower is always going to be the better option. However, generally these mowers are not as powerful as their petrol-powered counterparts. That said, many modern manufacturers are doing an excellent job at making their cordless mowers a decent rival to petrol in terms of power and run time, however are more costly. To learn more about cordless vs petrol lawn mower, see my article – Petrol vs Cordless Lawn Mower – Which Is Best?
How Do I Clean A Cordless Mower?
The great thing about cordless lawn mowers is that they are pretty simple to maintain. Cleaning the mower involves nothing more than taking a wire brush to gently remove grass and debris from the blade. When doing this, always make sure that you remove the batteries to avoid accidental start-ups.
Is It Worth Getting A Cordless Lawn Mower?
There are many benefits to getting a cordless lawn mower and it’s certainly worth considering investing in one if you want a lightweight and practical method of maintaining your lawn. What’s more you are not tethered by the cord as you are with an electric powered mower. Cordless mowers have many of the same features as petrol mowers and offer great convenience without the maintenance, noise, and unpleasant fumes. If you think that a cordless mower is a good option for you then be sure to check out my article What Should I Look For In A Cordless Lawn Mower? Buyers Guide.
How Much Is A Cordless Lawn Mower?
Cordless lawn mowers come in a range of prices. At the lower end of the scale, you can pick up an entry level cordless mower for around £200. A mid-range battery lawn mower may cost you between £200 and £400. However, there are some high-end mowers that can almost reach quadruple figures; it all depends on how much you are willing to spend and what power, runtime and features you require.
What Is The Best Cordless Lawn Mower?
Every cordless lawn mower has different features that are designed to suit the needs of different users. It’s important to compare these features with your requirements and that will help you choose the best mower for you. However, it is worth considering that some of the top names in the world of cordless mowers are Gtech, Bosch, Ryobi, Stihl and Cobra, among others.
What Voltage Is Best For A Cordless Lawn Mower?
Cordless lawn mowers come in a range of voltages. If you have a smaller and easier to maintain lawn, then you might only need a low voltage mower whereas a big lawn would require something higher. The higher the voltage (combined with Ah), the more power and longer the mower will run for, and the more ground you will be able to cover before the battery needs to be recharged. It’s also important to compare the Ah of the battery as well as this tells you a lot about the running time; again, the higher the number, the longer the battery will last. Just remember, the higher the Ah of a battery the greater the cost.
How Long Do Cordless Mower Batteries Run For?
Most cordless lawn mowers will have a running time between 20 and 60 minutes. This largely depends on the capacity of the battery (Ah), but many also come with a second battery. On some models, both batteries are placed into the mower and once the power from one is drained, the mower will begin taking power from the second battery. The more challenging the grass is to cut, the shorter the runtime will be. It’s important to choose a cordless mower with a running time (and deck size) that is consistent with the size of your lawn.
What Features Make A Good Cordless Lawn Mower?
It is not only the battery that can make or break a cordless lawn mower, there are many other features that you should take into account, such as deck size, rear roller, mulching, discharge options, battery charging and ease of use, build quality etc. To help you out take a look at my article – What Makes a Good Cordless Mower.
Can You Get A Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower?
Yes. While it used to only be petrol lawn mowers that were self-propelled, it is not uncommon for modern cordless mowers to have this feature. This is ideal if you would otherwise struggle to move the mower around the garden, but it’s also worth keeping in mind that most models are pretty lightweight. Furthermore, a self-propelled cordless mower will cost more money as it will require more powerful batteries.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
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