Corded Vs Cordless Lawn Mowers

Traditional gas-fueled lawn mowers are not so popular in the modern markets.

Today, more and more people are choosing electric mowers because they are cheaper to maintain, and they happen to be more environmentally friendly.

There are two primary varieties of electric mowers:

1. Corded Lawn Mower
2. Cordless Lawn Mower

Each option comes with a unique set of pros and cons, and there are vital factors you must consider before making a purchase.

In this post, we will make a detailed corded vs. cordless lawn mower comparison to help you decide which electric mower type best suits you.

We will also provide a comprehensive list of the advantages and disadvantages of both options to guide you in your selection further.

Corded vs. Cordless Lawn Mowers

Electric lawnmowers are not a new thing in the market. The majorities of buyers, however, still find it challenging to choose between a corded and cordless unit.

Before we dive in and compare the two options, keep in mind that corded mowers are powered directly from an electric outlet while the cordless units use rechargeable batteries.

Corded Lawn Mower

Cordless Lawn Mower

Run Time

Your corded mower will have an extension cord that you can connect with your power outlet. Which means that your unit will be consistently powered, giving it unlimited run time.

When using a cordless mower, on the other hand, its battery capacity will play a leading role in dictating its run time. Typically, a good battery will allow you to run the machine for about 60-90 minutes.

After this, you need to get the batteries recharged. This makes cordless mowers more ideal for smaller lawns to mow within an hour or less.

Distance Limit

With your corded mower, you can only move to a distance of about 100 feet from your electric outlet.

You have thought about the option of using a long extension cord, right?

Here is what you should know.

In case you use a cord that is longer than 100 feet, your motor will not be adequately powered. It is because electrical resistance will cause the voltage to drop, and this will either slow you down or cause the unit to overheat.

Overheating will negatively impact the longevity of your lawnmower.

When using a cordless mower, there are no distance restrictions. As long as the battery is charged, the machine can be used anywhere without any limitations.

Maintenance

There is one main difference between the upkeep needed for corded and cordless models. In case your unit has no cord, it is common sense practice to get the battery recharged after every mowing session.

The battery will also need replacement after 5-7 years, depending on how frequently your mow your lawn.

Whether you have a corded or cordless lawn mower, you must sharpen the blades from time to time. They will also need to be replaced once they get damaged or overly worn out.

Weight

A corded electric mower is connected directly to the power supply, and this means it lacks a battery or specific components present in the traditional gas-powered mowers.

This makes the unit lightweight and considerably easy to push around when mowing.

Batteries are heavy, and a cordless mower will need one for it to operate. Usually, this type of unit can weigh about 30 pounds more than a similar electric corded mower.

Cost

It is hard to make a corded vs. cordless electric lawn mower evaluation without comparing the cost of these two closely related models.

Usually, the corded mower costs considerably less than the cordless models. This difference in price can be blamed on the fact that batteries for mowers are not cheap.

For instance, a corded 19-inch mowing machine from a renowned manufacturer costs about $270.

A cordless 19-inch unit with the same features, and from the same manufacturer can require as much as 45% more. The included quality battery can last for six years on average.

Corded Vs. Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers – Pros and Cons

For you to understand your options better, we will provide a summary of their pros and cons. That will make it easier for you to establish the unit that rhymes best with your lawn and mowing needs.

Corded Lawn Mowers Pros

Uninterrupted run time: You don’t risk running out of power as long as you keep your machine connected to an outlet.
Ideal for smaller homes: Your mower can get your entire lawn spruced up. Because it is a smaller machine, it will not consume too much space in your garage.
More Eco-friendly: Using electricity reduces your carbon footprint. Hence, no oil or gas pollution, and this can contribute towards making your turf greener.

Corded Lawn Mowers Cons

Distance limit: When using your corded machine, there will be restrictions regarding how far you can move when mowing. The outlet placement, as well as the extension cord length, will determine your mowing range.
Increased utility bills: When a mower is plugged directly into an outlet, this can spike your electricity consumption rate by a considerable percentage.

Cordless Lawn Mower Pros

An excellent option for medium-sized yards: With no cord limiting your distance, you can reach areas that are further from any immediate power outlet.
Eco-friendly option: Similar to the corded models, there are fewer carbon emissions because neither gas nor oil is used.

Cordless Lawn Mower Cons

Restricted running time: Your battery can only hold as much power. Once it runs out of charge, you need to recharge it for at least 12 hours before using the unit once more.
Not best for large yards: The running time restrictions can make it overly frustrating to get a bigger yard mowed. Again, there is only as much space that you can cover in a full charge cycle.

Finally

Even after doing a comprehensive corded vs. cordless lawn mower study, the best option to settle for will depend on your needs and of course your financial means.

What we can all agree on is that keeping your lawn looking spruced up is still possible without increasing your carbon footprint.