Electric mowers have dominated the market share over the traditional lawn mowers in recent years. Electric lawn mowers eliminate the need for gasoline, oil, and tune-ups. Also, they are lightweight, inexpensive to run, quiet, and they are generally reliable than traditional gas-fueled lawn mowers. Electric mowers come in two primary forms; corded electric and cordless electric, and the two differ in several aspects.
Corded Electric Lawn Mower
Corded electric lawn mowers are powered by an extension cord, so all you need is to plug the mower in, and you are ready to go. They are best suited for small to medium-sized lawns, but the extension cord limits your mobility. Some of the advantages of corded mowers are that they require little to no maintenance, no gas, no oil, and you don’t have to worry about purchasing a battery. Also, they operate quietly so you will not disturb your neighbors while mowing.
Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers, on the other hand, are powered by a rechargeable battery, mainly lithium-ion battery. The battery provides nearly an hour of cutting time, depending on the type of grass you are mowing, and they are designed to run at full power until the battery is dead. The batteries used to power these mowers range anywhere between 20 and 120 volts, and the more powerful the battery, the better it will cut the grass. Unlike the corded models, cordless mowers are easy to store since they don’t have a cord that you need to take extra precautions while storing.
Major Differences between Corded or Cordless Electric lawn Mower:
Power and run time
Since they are powered by electric power through the cord, corded mowers have unlimited runtime as long as there is no power blackout. A cordless mower, on the other hand, is limited by its battery capacity. Typically, cordless mowers have a run time of somewhere between 60-90 minutes, after which you’ll need to recharge them, preferably overnight. This makes the cordless mowers an ideal choice for small lawns that can be mowed within an hour.
In addition, cordless mowers are less powerful than their corded counterparts, and they may struggle to get through a demanding task. For example, if mowing through tall and wet grass, this will make the mower overwork, and it will run out of power sooner. This is unlike corded mower, which will continue to mow for as long it is connected to a supply of power; corded mowers never run out of power as long as they are plugged in.
Distance Restriction
Corded mowers are limited by the length of their cord from the electric outlet, typically around 100 feet. If you try to use a longer cord, the electrical resistance within the cord will reduce the voltage and amount of power reaching the motor making it overheat and slow down before time. Besides, the cord can be annoying as it can get tangled around obstacles. Cordless mowers are not limited to any distance, and you can use them anywhere as long as they have a charge.
Level of maintenance
Both corded and cordless mowers require some level of maintenance in terms of sharpening and balancing their blades. However, cordless models require more maintenance since you need to recharge the battery after every mowing session. Also, you might need to replace the battery after some time when it ceases to hold a charge.
Cost Implications
Cordless electric mowers are generally more expensive than corded electric mower since the cordless models use a costly battery. The battery does not only add weight to your mower, but it also adds to the cost, and you’ll need to pay more for the convenience of not having to drag a cord. A cordless model can cost twice as much as a similar corded electric mower.
Which is the Better Choice?
The corded electric mower may seem a great choice until you trip over the cord, or it gets wrapped around an object. A cordless model seems an excellent solution to avoid the mess, but cordless mowers have their set of predicaments as well. As such, the right choice for you will depend on the compromises you are willing to make.
A cordless model will allow you to range further from your electric outlet, while with a corded mower, you will always have a constant power supply. So, if you don’t have an electric outlet near your garden or where you want to mow, then you should definitely get the cordless electric mower. If you have a direct power source, then you can go with a corded model. Also, if you have a harsh and rigid tuff, a corded mower would be the better choice since it will help you cut with high efficiency due to its high power.
Related Product Reviews:
- Finish Nailer vs. Brad Nailer-Different or the Same
- How to Size a Welding Cap
- Can you Run a Stick Welder on a Generator? -What size Needed to Run Welder?
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.