Anyone using a cordless electric mower?

[Michael J Dukehart, II]

Our current house has a postage stamp size yard (150 feet x 50). So we use a 21" reel mower that has a bagging attachment. Always said that we would waste more gas starting the mower than it would actually mowing the yard.

Well this summer we will be mowing the yard at the new house. We are somewhere between 1/3 of an acre to .5 acres. Way to much to do with a reel mower. I guess I could always attach it to the front fork of the bike and pedal my way around but that sounds a little foolish to me.

I see at lowes that they have a black and decker cordless electric mower. I see that home depot and sears also carry models as well. Has anyone purchased one of these and can give me a reason to think they are worthy of my all-mighty, hard-earned dollars? The plasticness of them worries me, but since we have no other tool that required a gas can I would hate to have to start storing gas for just a mower.

ot interested in a corded mwer because I just know I would run over the cord.

[tom mcCain]

Hi, Michael,

I bought a Black & Decker cordless electric mower -- the same model you see at Lowes -- in the spring of 2002, when the only one I could find anywhere was in the B&D Outlet Store in the Edinburgh Outlet Mall near Columbus. If I were buying another mower today, I would walk into Lowes and buy this B&D mower again.

So I've used it now for seven seasons, mowing about .4 of an acre. Until this year, there has always been enough charge to do the whole lawn when I'm not chopping & bagging autumn leaves (for composting); when I'm bagging, I usually can't get the whole lawn. On the other hand, if I start in the morning, put it back on a charge and come back to it in the afternoon, there will be enough juice to finish.

Now -- this year -- the batteries do not hold a charge as long, which suggests this mower is on its way out. I haven't investigated but I imagine replacing batteries is not an option, so I may be buying another mower this year, some time. In the meantime, I'll continue to use it and sometimes, I augment its battery life by doing a particular section of the yard with my reel mower.

Downside: It weighs about 70 pounds, about three times what a gas-powered mower weighs. I just view that as a little more workout for my buck! (And I mow the small steep part of the yard with the much lighter reel mower.)

Yeah, I also knew I'd just run over the cord . . .

Hope this helps!

[Michael J Dukehart, II]

Have you talked to the guys over at Batteries plus to see if they can replace the batter and what the cost would be?

[tom mcCain]

Wow, good call, Michael. I had not considered them but I just called and they say they probably could help for around $50 or so. I'm going to take to it out there some time for them to look it over and give a firmer price.

In all other ways, the mower is fine. I have had no issue with parts breaking, plastic or otherwise.

Thanks!

[Michael J Dukehart, II]

Well good to know....also good to know that they are not saying $300 or so for a new battery. The new yard is pretty darn flat so not too worried about weight

[tom mcCain]

Update: I took my cordless B&D to Batteries Plus; they installed new battery packs for $160 -- more than a new gas mower but I still want electric so I did it. If I get another five years, that'd be great.

It's stronger than ever. I can hear the difference. NOW I can bag and have enough charge for the whole yard, which wasn't always true before.

[Erik Deckers]

I'm thinking about getting a cordless electric mower from DR Mowers, the people who made the big orange mowers that were on TV several years ago. I've gotten their brochure in the mail, and it looks pretty cool.

[Linda Broadfoot]

I splurged on the Neuton Mower (always see the ads in Mother Jones and other "liberal" magazines) and its accessories kit. When I mow my back yard, I have no problems. My front and side are on a steep hill, so I struggle with that, but I'm guessing I would struggle no matter what. I certainly enjoy that I'm not contributing any noise or pollution (as much) when I mow. The accessories kit comes with an attachment that can be used as a trimmer or edger. I've stopped trying to use it as a trimmer b/c it's just too hard to maneuver with all of the bulk of the mower.

And yes, the plastic-ness of it worries me too, but so far so good.

[Nicki Laycoax]

I think you should get a reel mower and conserve all forms of energy: http://www.cleanairgardening.com/scotclasreel.html

My parents bought some from an auction when I was little, and they were so cool! I'd like to have one today. I may just have to buy one. Thanks for this topic, Michael!

[Michael R.]

Just buy a few cows. This helps in several ways:

1. They'll eat your grass so you don't have to mow it.
2. You don't have to buy milk at the grocery anymore.
3. You don't have to buy ice cream at the grocery anymore.
4. Great conversation starter if any pretty girls happen to run/walk/drive by
5. If the cow become uncooperative in any way, off to the butcher he goes and you have meat for a year and can sell the rest.

Yep, cows are the way to go.

[Nicki Laycoax]

Wow! That's even better than my idea. Even better-A Purple Cow. ;)