Over the past few years, more and more people are shifting to electric mowers, especially the corded electric mowers. Corded lawn mowers are generally designed for relatively small gardens since they need to be tethered to an outlet. Other than that, there is a lot you need to know about a corded electric mower and how it works. Let’s break it down.
How a corded electric Lawn Mower works
Corded electric mowers, as the name suggests, use an electric cord, which is plugged into a power outlet to power up the machine. Generally, a corded mower has blades, wheels, bed knife, bag, motor, body frame, and the cord as part of the components. Basically, what makes corded mowers different is the cord. Before you choose a corded mower, you’ll want to ensure you have accessible power outlets.
The mower utilizes the standard home or building electricity, and it will run as long as the power runs through the outlet meaning corded mower have unlimited run times. However, the presence of the cord also means you are limited by the length of the cord, usually around 100 meters, and this is why corded mowers are typically best for mowing small lawns. Corded electric lawn mowers require close to no maintenance, operate more quietly, and, most importantly, they are friendlier to the environment.
A corded electric mower is easier to start than most gas mowers. Once the cord has been plugged into the power outlet, you’ll only need to push the button to start your device. Some mowers may have a safety key to prevent unauthorized persons or children from tampering with your machine. It is easy to start, and you don’t need to apply a lot of effort, especially when starting it for the first cutting in spring.
Advantages of corded electric lawn mowers
i. Constant power supply
A corded mower always has available power, and it is always ready to go when you are. No charging, no gas is necessary, you just need to plug in and start mowing. Also, a corded mower has an easier time dealing with tall or thick grass since it is always running at full power. Also, as mentioned, corded electric lawn mowers are more comfortable to use, and they are easy to start with just push of a button.
ii.They Require less Maintenance
As with any other tool, you will have to think about maintenance when buying a corded lawn mower. Luckily, with this mower, you don’t have to do a lot of maintenance tasks such as changing the oil, spark plugs, air filters, or tune-ups. All you need is to ensure the blades are sharpened or replaced and that the extended cord is in perfect condition. A corded electric mower has few moving parts, so there are fewer chances for a breakdown to occur.
iii. Lightweight
A corded mower doesn’t have a gas engine or the bulky battery to weigh it down. A corded mower is generally light, and this means that it is easier to handle and easier to push, and because of this, it is less expensive than those using a battery or gasoline.
iv. They run quietly
If your neighborhood has rules about noise levels, a corded mower should be a perfect choice. Corded mowers run at around 70-75 dB, which is much lower than gas mowers, which operate at approximately 90 dB. If you enjoy mowing early in the mowing, you can do it freely without worrying about disturbing your neighbors.
v. They don’t produce harmful emissions
Another great feature of a corded mower is its minimal impact on the environment. Since these mowers do not use fuels, they do don’t produce any mess from fuel spills or gas emissions.
Disadvantages of corded electric mowers
i. Limited range
The drawbacks of a corded mower mainly revolve around the extension cord. Being physically tethered means you can only reach as further as your cord can allow you. While you may be tempted to increase the length of the cable, this will only work against the mower by increasing electrical resistance from the wire. As such, if you’re your yard is considerably large, a corded mower may not be the ideal choice, but having multiple power outlets, one at the front and one at the back, may help with the situation.
ii. Difficult navigating through obstacles
Managing the cord around the yard can be tricky, particularly if you need to navigate around trees, a shed, rocks, and anything that you may have within your lawn. Also, if you are not careful enough, you might end up tangling your legs. However, as you get used to the mower, you’ll be able to keep track of the location of the obstacle and learn how to navigate around them.
iii. Making sure that you don’t damage the cord
Other than running the risk of the cord getting tangled in around our legs, you’ll need to be more cognizant not to damage the cord with the blade. Always keep the cord away from the blade to avoid ruining your mower and potential injuries. You may require time to get used to mowing with a cord, but once you are used to it, the cord will not be such a big issue.
Cleaning a corded electric Mower
The best time to clean a corded mower or any other type of mower is after every use. The first thing is to ensure that the mower is turned off and never attempt to clean the machine when it is still running. After you have shut off the power supply, unplug the cord and turn the switch key to the off position. The mower is now ready to be cleaned.
Start with the blades, and you can use a plastic tool or a wooden stick to remove the stuck grass trimmings. Don’t use a metal tool to wipe off the blades as they can easily be damaged. Once you are done with the blades, use a clean cloth to wipe the mower deck, wheels, ventilation system, and the power system off of grass clippings, dirt, and other debris. Ensure to tighten the screws and fasteners to ensure smooth running during the next use.
Storing your Mower
The best place to store your corded electric mower is indoors, preferably in a garage or in a shed. You can also place it in any other cool, dry place, such inside your porch. During winter, the mower should always be kept indoors and should be cleaned off of dirt and debris.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a corded electric mower can transform your lawn into a remarkably attractive place without feeling like you have put too much effort. That said, always make the last choice based on your specific needs. Also, consider a mower that is not only easy to use but also long-lasting and friendly to the environment.
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William Phillips was born and raised in Keller, Texas. He is a licensed general contractor, and he has been a home improvement specialist for two decades. His passion for the trade led him to freelance writing to share his life experiences with his readers. Phillips enjoys thoroughly researching DIY tools and writing guides at ToolsHaunt as a way of giving back to the community.