Electric lawn mowers transfer stored electrical energy to the blades to cut and mulch your lawn — although this is only a simplified explanation. Knowing how your electric lawn mower works will help you mow and troubleshoot problems quickly. Our expert team at Mowrator has outlined how electric vs gas lawn mowers work, from start to spinning blades, to help you understand your lawn care companion better.
Key Takeaways
- An electric lawn mower transfers electrical energy into mechanical energy through electromagnetism.
- When purchasing an electric lawn mower, consider whether you want a more versatile cordless model or a reliable and efficient corded model.
- Electric mowers have expanded in the range from standard push mowers and now include riding mowers, robotic lawn mowers, and even remote control mowers.
How does an Electric Lawn Mower Work? | Step-by-Step Guide
Electric lawnmowers work through a reasonably straightforward power-to-motion process. It begins with electrical power flowing into the motor through a battery pack or power cord. The current of electricity activates the motor, converting the electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Power Source
The battery power and capacity of your power source will depend on the type of battery your electric mower uses. Most modern battery-powered mowers opt for lithium-ion batteries because they hold a better charge, are more efficient, and boast a longer run time than alternatives. However, some models, like Mowrator's own S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD, have a LiFePO4 battery, which is superior in most aspects.
Your electric lawn mower starts when you press and hold its start button. In some models, this is a handle, not a button, but the process is similar. The electricity then flows from the battery (or cord) to your lawn mower to engage the blades. Before you start your lawn mower, always ensure that you recharge your battery to full or that the power source is on for corded models.
Corded vs Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers
Corded lawnmowers are lighter, cost less, and are easy to maintain, but you’ll have to sacrifice mobility. In contrast, cordless lawnmowers offer you complete freedom of movement while mowing your lawn, but are more expensive and have a limited battery capacity.
| Corded Lawn Mowers | Cordless Lawn Mowers | |
|---|---|---|
| Advantages |
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| Disadvantages |
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Motor Conversion Process
Once the lawn mower's start mechanism has been switched on, electrical currents are delivered to the motor. The motor receives this power input, transforming the electrical energy into mechanical energy through electromagnetic principles.
From here, the engine uses this mechanical energy to create a rotational motion. This rotation is transferred through the motor shaft, which drives the cutting system to make the clipping grof grasslades possible.
What is the Difference between Electric and Gas Mower Motors?
The main difference between how electric and gas mowers create popower,he process they use to create mechanical power. Electric lawnmowers will use electromagnets to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy, using electronic chips and motors to maintain a consistent speed. Gas mowers have engines that combine air and petrol to create explosions harnessed to make mechanical energy.
While petrol lawn mowers were the most popular option for many homeowners, lawn care is now dominated by many electric mowers. You'll often only find gasoline mowers as riding mowers, although those are slowly being phased out for electric model alternatives.
Blade Mechanism
The final step is powering the cutting system, which drives the lawn mower blades that facilitate the grass cutting. The blade mechanism that the cutting system powers has a horizontal spinning blade beneath the deck (the lawn mower's blades), which spins at high velocities to clean the grass blades. At this point, you'll also be able to finely adjust aspects of this process, like RPM and blade height, and adapt to various conditions.
What are the Different Types of Electric Lawn Mowers?
There are several different types of self-propelled electric lawnmowers that you can use to create the lawn of your dreams. These models include:
- Push Electric Mowers
- Corded Lawn Mowers
- Cordless Lawn Mowers
- Riding Electric Mowers
- Lawn Tractors
- Zero-Turn Mowers
- Robot Lawn Mowers
- Remote Control Lawn Mowers
What is the Best Way to Operate a Battery-Powered Lawn Mower?
The best way to operate a battery-powered electric lawn mower is with care, adhering to the instructions in the owner's manual whenever possible.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-Operation Set-Up | Charge the battery, check for debris, adjust settings and cutting height, and insert the safety key |
| Operation Starting Process | Start in dry conditions; allow the mower to reach full speed before use |
| During Operation | Maintain a steady pace, adjust settings as necessary, and monitor the battery levels |
| Post-Operation Process | Turn off your lawn mower, empty the mulching bag, clean the deck, remove batteries for storage, and store your mower in a dry area |
If you want to learn the best way to use an electric lawn mower, we've outlined this short guide to help you use an electric lawn mower effectively:
- Pre-Operation Set-Up: Before starting your new lawn mower, check if the battery is fully charged. If you last used your battery at least 4 weeks ago, it's worth checking whether its compartments have gathered any moisture or debris. At this point, you should choose any relevant settings and adjust the cutting height to fit your task. If the battery is working, insert the safety key.
- Operation Starting Process: Once the lawn mower is set up, you can start the electric mower. Wait until the lawn mower reaches full speed and begin mowing your lawn. Avoid using your lawn mower during wet conditions.
- During Operation: While mowing your lawn, maintain a steady pace and adjust settings as necessary. It's important to note the battery indicators to gauge your components' power level and voltage.
- Post-Operation Process: After the electric lawn mowing is complete, turn off your lawn mower. Empty your mulching bag and remove the batteries if you plan to store the mower long-term. Clean your mower deck and store it in a dry location.
Mowing your lawn is even easier if you use a remote-controlled lawn mower like Mowrator's S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD. Create the lawn of your dreams from the comfort of your backyard — perfect for family members who lack mobility or want to avoid hot weather. Shop today!
FAQs on How do Electric Lawn Mowers Work?
Are electric lawnmowers good?
Yes, electric lawnmowers are good in several ways: environmental, performance, noise level, and user experience. Many users on the popular forum Reddit back this with comments about enjoying multiple benefits from using an electric motor lawn mower for years without any troubles.
Is a cordless mower better than a corded electric lawn mower?
A cordless lawn mower is better than a corded electric one for particular lawns. Cordless mowers, like gas-powered mowers, are suited for medium to large yards where the cord isn't a limiting factor. Modern cordless lawnmowers can also match the electric power of corded alternatives, making them an obvious choice for homeowners who prize convenience above all.
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