Buzz
Whether you reside in a region where gas-powered mowers and blowers are prohibited or simply dislike the noise, there are compelling reasons to explore alternatives. Transitioning from gas-powered lawn tools offers several excellent options. Here’s a guide to help you decide.
Reasons to Choose Electric Tools
Electric tools provide numerous benefits, including quieter operation, compliance with local gas-powered equipment restrictions, and no need for gasoline. This makes them more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. With increasing availability in stores, electric leaf blowers and other lawn tools are becoming more advanced and powerful, ensuring you don’t sacrifice performance when switching from gas-powered models.
Corded electric lawn tools
Corded electric lawn equipment is a viable alternative to gas-powered tools, especially for smaller yards. Similar to vacuum cleaners, these mowers trail a cord behind them, which can be cumbersome. If your yard has trees or obstacles that could tangle the cord, this option may not be ideal. However, for tasks like trimming hedges near your home or maintaining a compact area, corded tools eliminate the need for battery charging. Brands like Toro, Black and Decker, and Stihl offer reliable options. Priced between $60 and $200 per tool, they are a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Battery-powered lawn tools
Modern electric lawn equipment is predominantly battery-powered, offering greater convenience by eliminating cords. However, larger yards may require multiple batteries to ensure uninterrupted use. It’s advisable to have at least two batteries to swap while charging. Note that most tools come with only one battery, if any, so factor this into the total cost when transitioning from gas-powered equipment.
Tools compatible with shop tool batteries
For lawn tools compatible with your existing battery collection, major brands like Makita, Ryobi, Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Bosch offer battery-powered leaf blowers, mowers, and trimmers. The benefit is that you can expand your current battery setup without purchasing additional chargers or batteries. These batteries can also be used interchangeably with your other tools, making the transition to electric lawn equipment more affordable, especially for larger tools that may require multiple batteries to function.
Tools with lawn care-specific batteries
For larger spaces, brands like EGO and Greenworks specialize in lawn care-specific battery-powered tools. Designed to replace gas-powered equipment, these tools deliver greater power and efficiency compared to standard shop-tool batteries. If you need robust, high-performance outdoor tools or plan to use them independently from your shop tools, investing in these specialized brands is worthwhile. While they offer enhanced convenience and power, they can be pricier, ranging from $120 to $1,000 per tool, depending on size and type.
