What is a Cordless Lawn Mower?

Under the right circumstances, a cordless lawn mower can be a nice middle ground between two previously unsavory choices -- noisy, fume-belching gas models and hundreds of feet of clumsy extension cord. The advantages are obvious: Gas mowers are often difficult to start, can be deafening to those in close proximity to them, and are one of the prime villains in increased air pollution. Riding lawnmowers may eliminate the start-up problem (no cords to yank), but they also eliminate the peripheral exercise benefits of do-it-yourself lawn care. And if your lawn is studded with trees, bushes, lawn sculptures, etc., trying to operate with a long cord can be an exercise in frustration. Enter the cordless lawn mower, which runs off a battery -- typically 24 volts. This is more than enough power for the average small lawn, equal to roughly five horsepower in a gas-fueled mower. And although the battery will generally need to be recharged after each use, it can rejuvenate itself within 24 hours. ... more