It never fails that just when you’re about to lay a little one down for a nap or enjoy some time outside, gas-powered lawn mowers start cranking up all around you. If you feel like you’ve been hearing quite a buzz about gas-powered lawn mowers, it’s because you have.
Many consumers are beginning to consider their impact on the environment when making purchases. After researching, they quickly discover a long list of reasons why they should consider other options.
Today, we’ll share five reasons you should avoid gas-powered lawn mowers. Is it time for you to make the switch? Let’s dive in and see!
What Are Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers?
Over the past several decades, gas-powered lawn mowers have been the go-to mowers for most homeowners. You’ll find two-stroke or four-stroke internal combustion engines hard at work, keeping yards looking good all over the country. However, while they’ve been the go-to choice for so many, they’re not always the best.
Do Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers Create a lot of Pollution?
You may not think that the little engine powering your lawn mower creates a lot of pollution, but it does. According to the EPA, when you compare gas-powered lawn mowers side-by-side with a new car, the lawn mower produces 11 times the pollution.
Their research also estimates that in a given year, a gas-powered lawn mower produces the same amount of pollution as 43 new vehicles driven 12,000 miles per year. In the end, lawn care results in a total of 13 billion pounds of toxic pollutants.
Are Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers Going Away?
Technology has drastically improved recently when it comes to gas-powered lawn mower alternatives. As a result, many consumers are more likely to consider them when purchasing a new mower.
Some states, like California, have crafted legislation that makes it increasingly more difficult for consumers to get their hands on gas-powered lawn mowers and other smaller engines. By 2024, gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers won’t be sold in California.
While there’s little chance that many other states will follow the state’s lead, it is a step towards reducing dependence on gas-powered equipment.
We use the e-Go electric mower and enjoy its quietness and power of it.
5 Reasons to Avoid Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers
When many consumers need a new lawn mower, they typically head to the store and look for something similar to what they had before. As a result, they will likely end up with a gas-powered lawn mower.
Those who have had a previously bad experience with electric options may also be cautious of any recent technology advancements in the sector. However, let’s look at five reasons you should avoid a gas-powered lawn mower to keep your grass looking great.
They’re Noisy
While many people love the power a gas-powered lawn mower provides, they hate the noise it generates. Gas-powered lawn mowers can run upwards of 95 decibels, which is 20 decibels higher than electric options. Extended exposure to noises over 85 decibels can irreparably harm your hearing. If you have a large yard, the droning of a lawn mower can seriously damage it.
If you’ve ever had a neighbor crank up a mower at the worst time, you know how annoying it can be. Furthermore, so many people are now working from home. It seems that whenever we’re on a video conference, someone on the call has a neighbor mowing their yard.
Require Regular Maintenance
You must do regular maintenance if you want to keep a gas-powered lawn mower running for a long time. You need to keep an eye on the oil and inspect various components that keep it running efficiently.
While alternative options still require maintenance, it’s typically much simpler. It’s more straightforward than the seemingly endless possibilities of things that can go wrong with an internal combustion engine.
Harmful Emissions
For their size, gas-powered lawn mowers can generate a tremendous amount of pollution. Electric lawn mower alternatives produce zero emissions, which is not only better for the environment, but you don’t have to deal with the smell generated by the pollution.
Can Be Messy
A gas-powered lawn mower can be incredibly messy. There’s a chance you’ll be spilling oil or gasoline on it, and the dirt and debris can adhere to these fluids and the surfaces of the mower.
Electric lawn mowers, on the other hand, require no fluids and thus can easily get wiped down or run a leaf blower over it to get rid of any dirt and debris after each use. If you do it right, an electric lawn mower can look as good as new, even after a couple of years of use.
They’re More Expensive
Once consumers consider electric or battery-operated mowers, they quickly discover they’ve been paying a premium price tag. While some battery-operated mowers can be equal to or slightly more expensive than gas-powered lawn mowers, you don’t have to worry about purchasing fuel, oil, or any other products to keep the motor running smoothly. So while the initial investment may be more, it will pay itself over time.
Corded mowers are typically the cheapest option. An expensive corded mower could cost upwards of $200 to $300. However, some budget-friendly options are less than $150. They can definitely do the job. Just make sure you get an adequately-sized extension cord and don’t run it over while mowing.
Are Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers Worth It?
Homeowners have been trusting gas-powered lawn mowers to keep their grass short and looking good for decades. However, we’re seeing more people pushing corded and battery-powered lawn mowers.
If you have a smaller yard, these can be great options. However, it could be challenging for those with larger yards to find an alternative to get the job done like a gas-powered lawn mower.
Do you plan to consider alternatives to gas-powered lawn mowers for your next mower?
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