DIY & Home Improvement
Related: About this forumI have to buy an electric lawn mower. Home Depot is the nearest source.
My back is too bad to push the old hand mower and I have decided that a small electric might be better.
Do you have any experience with their lower end models? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
My yard is fairly small and flat. Do I need one of the self propelled mowers or will a regular one work?
$$$ is a factor too.
Thanks
Melissa G
(10,170 posts)Have bought several there over the last 25 years. I use a small electric close to the house in the back. I also have a new Toro self propelled I just bought to take care of the rest of the almost acre of yard that I have. Love it!
Low end electric there was what I first bought. Have to go home to look at the brand. The advice the person who runs the department has given me has usually been good.
PS. see if your electric company or city offers rebates for electric lawn mowers. That may help with the cost. Home Depot may also know if they do.
Warpy
(113,130 posts)Mine isn't self propelled but it's easier to shove than a hand mower and gets the job done more quickly than a weed whacker.
Electric mowers are generally cheaper than gas mowers. They don't deliver the same power, so mowing the lawn before it gets over six inches deep is vital.
The only other thing I can say is start mowing next to the electrical plug and move out. There's less chance of running over the cord that way.
Paper Roses
(7,506 posts)Offerings on electric ran from about $225.00 to ---well over what I want to pay.
With your electric, is it hard to push? That is my problem. I would never allow the grass to get over 6 inches. My problem is the pushing part. Are the electric -non-self propelled ,easy to push along?
I know you have a huge yard. Do you find problems with the electric that would make it hard to push forward?
Love your suggestion about the cord.
Warpy
(113,130 posts)My back yard is average suburban and the only thing I do back there is pull the worst weeds.
It's not difficult to push the mower, it's rather like pushing a cart in the supermarket.
ETA: I never ran over my cord but I had a neighbor who did with alarming regularity.
Adsos Letter
(19,459 posts)It's currently listed at $349 (I don't remember what we paid for it). I've been very, very happy with it. It runs on a rechargeable 24-volt battery. It holds its charge through about 3 front and back yard mowings (medium sized lawns in front and back). Does a very nice job, without the hassle of a cord to drag around.
One problem you might encounter with the cordless models is weight. This Homelite is not self-propelled and is heavier than the gas operated models I've used in the past. Much less work than the pushmower it replaced, but still fairly heavy because of the battery.
I don't know what your spending range is, but self-propelled might be the way for you to go in the cordless models.
Ayalisse
(3 posts)Paper Roses
(7,506 posts)The name or model number and price range so I can see if I can find one to buy?
Thanks!
PR
Kolesar
(31,182 posts)I just started the third season of use and the range is decreased greatly. I think the battery charger or the batteries themselves are a poor design. The batteries are sealed lead acid, which is rather like a maintenance-free car battery.
www.linamarconsumerproducts.com/
Batteries get hardened "sulphate" on the plates if the batteries are stored in a discharged state. I think these batteries lost a charge while sitting for five months, then became sulphated.
I used to have a Sears AC-powered mower push mower. It had a cord. It was mighty.
SmartyCookie
(2 posts)you might have gotten one already but if not check out the self propelled Lawnatron battery mower. it is easy to use and speed is walking speed. I got mine on sale 2 summers ago works just like a good gas mower. you can't beat it. heres a link http://shop.greenyardkeeper.com/LAWNATRON-Green-24V-Self-Propelled-Rechargeable-Battery-Mower-10012.htm
MADem
(135,425 posts)weed whacker!
The Velveteen Ocelot
(120,858 posts)I think it's a Black & Decker. I haven't used it lately because a couple of years ago I got rid of my grass, turned the whole yard into a garden. But the electric mower worked fine; it was pretty light and easy to maneuver. I just had to be careful not to run over the cord. I suppose I should sell it.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(120,858 posts)If you live in Minnesota I'll sell you mine for a whole lot less.