Petrol versus Electric Lawn Mowers

What are Petrol Lawn Mowers?

Petrol-powered lawn mowers have been around for more than a century, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that they became popular with homeowners. 

Mervyn Richardson invented the Victa rotary mower in Sydney in 1952 and Briggs & Stratton released a lightweight aluminium engine in the United States in 1953. 

Demand soared for these cheaper, lighter, more practical machines that could be operated by one person. Since 1952, Victa has sold more than 8 million mowers in 30 countries. 

Petrol Lawn Mowers have powerful engines that allow them to easily cut through thick grass and weeds, making them capable of handling large lawns with ease. 

Built to last, they can withstand the rigours of heavy use, and are relatively easy to maintain – a great choice for homeowners who need a reliable lawn mower that will last for many years.

What are Electric Lawn Mowers?

Electric Lawn Mowers are known for being environmentally friendly, quiet and easy to maintain. 

They operate in a similar way to petrol-powered mowers, but their energy source is electricity which is supplied by a rechargeable battery or through an extension cord.  

Corded mowers are really only suited to small or very small areas of grass.  

Cordless models are much more versatile and not restricted by the length of cord or how many outdoor power points you have. 

Electric Mowers typically have fewer moving parts than a Petrol Mower, making them lighter and easier to manoeuvre.

Petrol Mowers vs Electric Mowers

There’s a few things to consider when choosing between a Petrol Lawn Mower and an Electric Mower.

• Power: Electric Lawn Mowers have less power than Petrol Lawn Mowers, which means they may struggle to cut through thick grass and weeds. 
• Variety: Both types of lawn mower come in a wide range of models, styles, and sizes, making it easy to find one that suits your needs and budget. 
• Speed: Petrol Lawn Mowers are generally faster than Electric Lawn Mowers so you can finish cutting your lawn in less time. 
• Noise: Petrol Lawn Mowers are much louder than Electric Lawn Mowers and can be quite disruptive to neighbours.  
• Emissions: Petrol Lawn Mowers produce emissions, which can be harmful to the environment.
• Maintenance: Petrol Lawn Mowers have more moving parts and require regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, to keep them running smoothly.
• Cost: Petrol Lawn Mowers can be more expensive than Electric Lawn Mowers lawn mowers, both in terms of purchase price and ongoing maintenance costs, but you’ll need to be prepared to replace the battery in an Electric Mower every three or four years.
• Battery life: Electric Lawn Mowers will only operate for as long as the battery lasts and there may be a delay of an hour or more while it recharges. Petrol Lawn Mowers are quick and easy to top up with more fuel, allowing you to finish the job sooner.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, both Petrol Lawn Mowers and Electric Lawn Mowers have their own set of pros and cons.  

Petrol lawn mowers are powerful and durable, but they are loud, produce emissions, and require regular maintenance.  

On the other hand, Electric Lawn Mowers are quieter, environmentally friendly and low maintenance, but they have less power, limited battery life, and can be expensive.  

Ultimately, the best lawn mower for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.  

It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons and consider factors such as the size of your lawn, your budget, and how comfortable you are with doing small maintenance jobs at home. 

If you’re not sure whether a Petrol Lawn Mower or Electric Lawn Mower is what you need, take a look at our Lawn Mower Buyers Guide.