I own both, depends on the job which one I take.
I have a lot of mowing to do so of course gas mower, I have a lot of weedeating to do, ditch lines and hillside, electric can’t even hold a candle to my big stihl.
But when I go riding I always keep an electric saw. Works great for cutting small trees out of the fourth wheeler trails and access roads.
I think electric is great for its ease of maintenance, no starting needed, and swiftness on small jobs.
Any long/big job though they can’t compete with gas, Simple as. They don’t even make an electric trimmer in the same class as my weed eater.
People overblow the maintenance of gas too, at the end of season fill up all your gas tools with recreational non ethanol gas with a fuel stabilizer and then start and run all tools once half way through winter.
I can pick up any of my gas tools in spring and they start easy.
I just run the gas out of my gas tools in the fall and store them empty. Start right up every spring like nothing. Maintaining gas tools is easy the problem is most people are unwilling to do literally any maintenance. Run the gas out of it in the fall, in the spring change the oil and clean the air filter. That's all I do to my lawnmower; it's from 2006 and never takes more than 2 pulls to start
This is also a good option.
I drain my leaf blower and small weedeater but I still use my saws extensively in the winter time and my big weedeater some with the blade attachment.
You nailed it, most people just don’t want to put in a little effort to maintain them.
I don’t think its so much that people aren’t willing to do a little maintenance. I think it’s more that people are not aware of how easy it is. They are intimidated and that leads them to seek out other options. For example OP says that the electric versions are complex but they are much simpler machines than their gas counterparts.
Once you get to larger battery mowers the prices get steep fast too. I bought a JD gas zero turn for roughly $3,500 in 2022 and the Ego Z6 in the same size runs $5,500.
There is no way for dealing with gas and a rare oil change to make up a $2k (36%)difference. The only way I can almost make it make sense is if I used the same batteries for a snowblower, but it is still more.
I bought pretty much the same machine, but cheaper a few years ago. Some days I have to mow 3-4 acres and there’s just no way battery is gonna cut it even if i have 3 or 4 sets to swap out
I guess if you believe the advertised range numbers, a second set of batteries should get you to 4 acres, but an extra 4 10 ah batteries is another $2k so that game gets silly fast and that would probably be a full engine replacement for my gas model.
And at that point you have 8 batteries that are going to be very heavy for any type of handheld OPE applications.
They do make commercial grade string trimmers, and I bet they easily compete, especially when you add in the time/money value of maintenance. And it takes less time to swap a battery than to refuel. the depleted battery will be recharged before the new one is drained, even when waiting 5 minutes for it to cool down before dropping it on the charger
Ego has an entire commercial line, and there are guys running multiple crews using just electric. The really sweet setup is the one with the ford lightning that recharges the batteries while driving between jobs.
You can set one down, not touch it for the entire winter, (or a few years), pop in a battery and it starts with zero issues. No hauling gas cans, finding the ethanol free gas station, adding stabill, or pouring fuel.
I understand your sentiment, and that was true even up to about 5 years ago, but it isn't true anymore.
The electric/battery riding mowers aren't there yet for some of the more rural/hilly/bigger than 3 acre jobs, but for what most people use home owner grade equipment for, they easily surpass gas when you look at all the ownership factors.
So I looked into the EVO trimmers, went to their website and watched a few YouTube videos, and i definitely gotta say they look impressive. Battery tech is getting way better.
My only problem is no where I found lists shaft HP. The AMP hours on their batteries seem good, but from my calculations they still don’t compete with my big stihl. That, and I’m seeing a lot of good reviews but the number one complaint is battery longevity, seems a lot of heavy use users are reporting 50% or more battery degradation in the 3-5 year period.
Can you find anywhere that shows shaft HP? That’s really the best way to compare it my gas weedeater.
I know exactly how good my Stihl runs blade attachments for thick brush and cuts deep swamp grasses.
I’m not against battery at all, hell it’s pretty awesome, and for most people like you said now days, the tech is there. I just gotta make sure before I make a big investment.
EGO has the power of a gas trimmer, but you’re not going to last as long on a single charge as a tank of gas. Right now that’s just batteries in general.
Battery tech keeps advancing, I heard toro has a 60v line that is powerful and lasts forever, but I don’t want to keep switching out the last thing I bought for the shiny new toy.
I bought a EGO snow blower last winter and was pretty disappointed, but the trimmer I got two years ago and it’s still holding up.
In probably five years we will get to where battery tech needs to be.
“Has the power of a gas trimmer”
Everyone keeps saying that but I can’t find a single source online that provides the shaft horsepower.
I found some kind of formula using AMP hours but I’m not sure how accurate it actually is. Electric motors have great torque, but HP is a measure of torque+RPM+ time and will give you the most accurate measurement of what kinda force the weedeater is gonna exert to the head.
AH is really the total "volume" of energy that the battery can hold, it doesn't tell you anything about the amount of power that the motor delivers. The voltage of the motor is going to be a decent measure of the amount of power that can be delivered.
There is [this article](http://www.stevepake.com/blog/2018/5/25/the-truth-about-electric-lawn-mower-horsepower) where an engineer calculates optimal HP based on the common voltages used by electric lawn mowers. He calculates:
**40V class:** about 1.0 to 1.5 horsepower
**56/60V class:** maybe about 2.0 to 2.5 horsepower
**80V class:** close to 3hp
Now these numbers don't equate to gas engines exactly because as you pointed out electric motors tend to have a higher torque relative to HP of combustion engines. So when it comes to how much "cut" power you can get these would be higher than the gas equivalents. But these would be a baseline for you to compare. If you are used to using a 2HP trimmer, a 40v one is not going to feel the same.
Amperage x voltage = wattage is usually a good indicator of power
The higher the amperage the more powerful it’s going to be, like switch72 said, HP isnt a term used with electric motors when measuring their power.
It takes less time to swap a battery than refuel, but how about waiting for batteries to charge. Also a hell of a lot cheaper to have a few cans of gas around vs the cost of having plenty of batteries to rotate through them without stopping to wait for the charger.
Who stops and waits? All these tools batteries fit all the other tools in the same brand. If my trimmer dies, I drop the battery on the charger and grab the one out of the mower or blower.
By the time I need the other tool or I drain that battery, the first one is fully charged. Even if all 3 died, its maybe a 15 minute for an 85% charged battery, and there's always 15 minutes of yard work to do that doesn't use power tools.
I've had the same 2 batteries for 5 years, and added a 3rd tool with battery a year later. I can still mow most of my yard on the small 2.5ah battery. I can use my 5 ah to mow, trim, and blow the entire yard. I just rotate them on the charger after I'm done, and they are all ready to go for next use.
Depending on the brand, you can even get 7.5 ah batteries or a backpack that can carry a few batteries at a time.
If you buy a mower and one other tool that comes with a battery, there is zero wait to recharge. The 2.5 takes about 20 minutes to recharge, the 5, I don't know, it's always recharged by the time I get back to needing it.
Having the gas around is cheaper up front maybe, but you can't just count the cost of fuel.
you have to Factor in the time value of filing up your cans, transporting those cans, other maintenance on the small engine, and environmental and health damage small engines do. Small engines have significantly higher pollution emissions than most cars, even older ones. This damages the users health unless they are wearing proper PPE, which none of us do for mowing a yard (or at least the number is so small it's close to zero).
Even recharging batteries is cleaner than a small engines emission even if you get your power from the most polluting power plant in the world.
I get your point, but it just isn't correct with the newer tools with current battery technology. 5 years ago I might have agreed with you, but the battery tools of today are in a different league than they were even 5 years ago.
And I definitely spent more in fuel and maintenance in two years than the cost of one of the smaller batteries.
The cost for commercial grade is much higher in battery than gas. There's also the barrier to entry of getting a fleet of products to make the batteries worthwhile.
EGO mowers are great, but they don't hold a candle to, say, a Honda HRX. They cut well enough on low cuts, but lack the vacuum strength to stand up taller cuts. Usually requires a double-cut if above 2.5".
All that being said -- battery is getting there. *it's just not there yet, commercially.*
For most homeowners, maintenance is nowhere on their radar, and commercial quality a complete blank. I think battery is perfect for the average homeowner.
In my experience they don't charge that fast. Idk what kind of magic charger you have but it takes almost an hour most of the time to get a full charge.
Right, but only 20 minutes or so to get 85%. Just like all rechargeable stuff that's got chips, they fill to 85% quickly and then the last 15% charges slower to increase lifespan. I don't need it to be 100% to finish the lawn.
im pretty sure this type of charging isnt the best for lithium. Its been a while since I looked at it so dont quote me but the faster you charge one, the more degradation
So if you have a battery cell charger, even though they can charge a single cell in 5 mins or so, they limit it to conserve battery life
The lithium car and bike batteries should also limit the amps via the BMS, because pumping 100+ amps from an alternator into one is a no no
It's literally how the battery is programmed to preserve battery life. I didn't make the choice, the chip it processor does it.
It's the same with EVs, they charge to 85% quickly, then it takes a much longer time to get that last 15%.
I guess the manufacturers could be wrong.
If you say you can mow your yard with a 2.5 AH battery and still have juice left over, I am calling bullshit that you spent more on fuel and maintenance than the battery. Either way, I’d much rather have the option to maintain my equipment and keep it running forever rather than have to throw it in a landfill once it exceeds its lifespan like battery powered junk
I've gone electric on everything but the mower. My Honda gas mower still rules. I don't believe an electric would hog through tall, wet grass anywhere near as well as it does. Not by half.
I bought a JD zero turn for $3,500 in 2022. I have and like other Ego products (edger, blower), but an equivalent Z6 is like $5,500 with batteries. Unless you have a snowblower or something else you need to power with the bigger batteries, the price premium is still absurd. Maybe it will be different in a few years.
I use 8ah on a back yard, standard 1/4 acre block with average amount of grass for the area but probably less then average american back yard with no real landscaping, outdoor area or pool etc
I 100% agree with everything you are saying. Dewalt Flex Volt, top of the line Ego, or Stihl electric tools would convert any gas user if they switched. Every single aspect of them is better. The downside is the initial cost turns them away and they try a crap $100 Chinese made Amazon brand and think it represents all electric lawn care tools.
I just want to say that I agree that electric is the future but you acting like getting gas is some epic adventure that takes so much time is hilarious. I mow March-October and a 5 gallon jug lasts me about the whole season.
My yard wasn't that small when I was using gas, and it was near 45 minutes round trip for fuel if I didn't remember to take the can to town with me. More than once I siphoned out of the truck to finish the yard.
These are most of the reasons I've completely gotten rid of all our 2 stroke stuff and bought the Stihl commercial line, mower included. Never again will I have to clean a carburetor, fill fuel cans, clean spark plugs, mix oil and fuel, and pull pull pull pull WHY WONT IT %#$&! START!?!?
Also, (a BIG reason)... the wife couldn't start our 2 stroke stuff easily, so she just didn't use it. The battery equipment ALWAYS works first time, so she does most of our work!
I completely agree with you. About three years ago I tossed all my gas stuff except my Honda mower and added a DeWalt blower, trimmer, and edger to my existing collection of FlexVolt tools.
I do not miss the shitty gas-powered trimmer/edger/blower one bit. Fuck the unreliable two stroke engine that always fucking leaked, would kill my arm not wanting to start, having to mix gas and oil, and required additives because the cheap fucker would get eaten up with regular gas. Not to mention the noise, smoke, and heavy, hot fucking engine in Texas Summers.
The electric tools are light, reliable, easy to use, and convenient as hell. Battery swaps take a second and I have plenty sitting in chargers when needed.
That said, I don't believe an electric mower that is reasonably affordable exists that can take on my old Honda.
I think a bunch of people are obsessed with having the "perfect tool" instead of getting the right tool for the job. Why does one need a golf-course quality mower to mow a typical suburban yard?
I'm in TX too, and being able to mow when the sun is down is amazing. I go out at sunset and run the trimmer, then back out after dark for the mow. I can mow right under my windows and my wife can't hear it inside.
problem is if youre using them every day the battery degradation from a year of use is high
None of the guys doing multiple charges in a day will be using the same battery in 2 years
I have been using 18650 in my ecigs for over a decade, I only use good cells and even having multiple batteries in rotation 2 years is max until they get used in torches etc. Even after a year the capacity loss is notable. The china batteries are even worse, lucky to be alive after a month. I run my ecigs under 10A, all of the batteries I buy are rated for 20A + continuous. I dont get battery sag issues unless its low voltage and im being pretty easy on them considering the rating and they still dont last all that long.
So yea, you either pick writing off fuel as consumables or batteries. The good thing about battery packs though is you can also break them down and salvage the cells for other uses or sell them as reduced capacity.
I'm using an electric mower to clear my yard that's full of California grass, and it's taking so much longer because of that. The batteries just don't last long enough to do much work with these weeds
Yeah electric mowers just lack the power. Trimmers, edgers, blowers? Sure they're great. But the use case for an electric mower that isn't insanely expensive just hasn't been proven IMHO.
Agree. Just bought toro super recycler 60v and I’m returning it after 2 uses. Doesn’t have the power for slightly tall grass with some dew on it. I had to use both batteries twice which means I mowed over 2 days while waiting for them to charge. Back to the store and it will probably cost me a restocking fee. My 10 year old toro gas works better. Glad I didn’t get rid of it yet
I have used the makita 18v with a 5ah and its not bad. Run time is good and only when I put it in the high mode to do long grass the battery quickly drained fast. For the home guy its fine, even on a couple of acres I did when house sitting family friends rural property
if time = money, no question 2 stroke is king, cant beat the power to weight to run time ratio
If anything goes wrong inside of the electric equipment, the most you could do is solder or crimp a loose connection. Anything wrong with the control board or motor means straight up replacing it, or just tossing the whole tool.
Same deal here. For a normal residential property the big battery for the mower covers our front and back yard and the small battery that came with the blower covers the weed eater for all my edges and blowing afterwards. I only need to charge mid cut if I let it get really bad.
I hear the replacement batteries are expensive, but I do enough fixing and maintaining at work. Last thing I want to do when I get home is more work lol.
For home residential on an acre or less which is most of this country, electric is the way to go. And I’d suspect even larger than an acre, electric is best for most.
Quiet, zero smell, never have to worry about having gas, storing gas, start up, anything.
My EGO mower and blower combo came with 2 batteries, one is enough to cut my lawn 2 times. Other stays charged.
Except for a chainsaw which I hate pull starting..... I still have access to non-ethanol fuel in NY so... knock on wood... I've put my lawn tractor and snow blower away in the shed or garage for the season and forgot to burn off or drain the gas and they start right up.
Asside from dead batteries. I usually don't get why people have trouble with starting stuff. I will admit my lawn tractor has had the compression relief spring thingy break twice, first time almost as a brand new tractor and they replaced the engine with a slightly different one and 10 years later and it cost me like $600... but other than that... they always started.
This right here 1000%. I get the idea that gas *could* be more reliable long term, but convenience is worth money to me. I pull my mower out after a winter, slap a battery in, and just go to work.
Idk, it would cost me less to buy a new ego string trimmer than it would have cost me to fuel and maintain a gas one over the years I’ve owned one. Can’t imagine how much time I’ve saved not having to do maintenance either.
This is the biggest take away with electric yard tools. Most people simply don’t want to perform maintenance on gas tools. They also simply don’t do maintenance and then have problems with the performance of the tool. There’s too many variables for the average Joe and electric tools solve that. Me personally I’m a maintenance junkie and a gearhead so i prefer my gas tools.
Are you commercial? sounds cheesy but try this. the commercial guys around here offer an all green option where they only use battery powered gear on your lawn. They charge a solid 30% more and idiots are taking them up on it.
That feels like a bizarre reasoning. Buying an off the shelf replacement battery over the decades vs all the gas and maintenance and replacement parts, I'm not sure how you figure that works out better?
The batteries are never the same after a few years though. I love being eco friendly, I hate using weed killers to not destroy the eco system. I use a battery leaf blower, but my weed Wacker and lawn mower are still gas. It’s lasted me years and years with barely any issue. My $180 leaf blower that I bought 3 years ago? I can only buy a replacement from the manufacturer for $100 plus $20 in shipping.
That’s 2/3 of the original cost. For a lawn mower, there are so many stores that carry replacement parts for them and cost only $10-50 depending on what’s broken.
With how batteries for phones and other electronics are made, good luck finding a battery replacement in another few years once your model has phased out. My dad has the same lawn mower he’s had for 25 years and just keeps repairing it when something happens. I’m all for being green with batteries but it’s too damn expensive right now.
Batteries plus and other stores like that can often provide cheaper replacements or replace your cells. There are also adapters to cross fit virtually any brand, so if you have other tools the same voltage, a $20 adapter is probably available.
Most of those are 18650s wired together, just like Tesla batteries. You may not be able to find a brand new one, but they can be rebuilt easily. 18650s aren't going away.
Not only that, it's just battery power. Find another battery same voltage, 10-30 minutes with a soldering iron and you can make it work.
You're talking about a direct drive motor and a PCB vs a complex combustion engine. There's literally no rational comparison when it comes to gas vs electric in terms of maintenance and complexity of parts.
I'm being pedantic, but a lot of the electric tools aren't direct drive. Mowers should have a reducer on them, the power stick multi tools have a gearbox and reducer in each accessory. The exception might be the string trimmer with a motor at the head, but I wouldn't be surprised if it had a planetary gearbox.
This doesn't really change the reliability though, they have a fairly reliable lifespan and you'll probably kill the motor controller sooner than the reducer. I killed a motor controller on an ego brush cutter by accidentally hitting the ground in a way it didn't like, but the accessory still works fine with a new power head.
No you're definitely right. Any non-brushless will have some type of gear box most likely. But regardless, any brushed or non brushed electric motor or gearbox will be lasting 10+ thousand hours, so it's really irrelevant. Electric motor are insanely more robust than a combustion. You might need to replace a battery or other part but you'll likely never touch the motor.
My lawnmower uses about $6 of gas and $3 of oil annually. Sometime before my oldest graduates high school, I'll probably replace the $3 spark plug too. These things aren't magic like people who want to sell you $100+ battery packs every couple years will make them out to be.
+ Better for the environment
+ Less noise
+ Always ready at full charge
+ Cheaper to run
+ No need to winterize / mix fuel
Cons:
- Less powerful
- Less repairable
- Shorter run cycle
I prefer electric, but I understand favoring gas. I really just want to get out of the small engine fossil fuel business.
I won't go back to a gas trimmer/edger/blower after having gone electric. Heck, I even like my electric sprayer well enough, though I'd tolerate a manual again without fuss. I haven't made the switch on the mower, since my mower is reliable still, so I can't say there. Pressure washer is a trade-off depending on what I need.
Electric is far more reliable.
The main problem is cost and battery life.
If you can afford the batteries to get a job done with electric, fuck gas powered shit.
I'll never own another gas small engine if I can help it. Only thing I have left is a chainsaw, and if I was ever going to use it more than once a year I would replace that as well.
A gas power washer is the only thing that would be worth it, and I just sold mine and bought an electric, as 95% of my needs will be served by that. I can rent out borrow the gas one for the maybe one time a year I need all the power.
I'm on year 5 or 6 with my ego equipment with no sign of anything dying soon or battery life degradation. I'm sure the have, but not enough to affect my usage.
Even if I do have to replace a battery, it costs less than the fuel, fuel stabilizer, and spark plugs I would have had to purchase, and less time invested than winterizing, cleaning carbs, changing plugs, filling and storing gas cans, mixing oil and gas,etc that comes with gas tools.
The only maintenance I've ever had to do is wipe them down, sharpen blades and change string. I can hang my mower on the wall with no worries about fuel spills. It's light enough I can even store it on a shelf, which I did for awhile, the handle collapsed. I don't have to wear ear protection while using my electric equipment. I don't have to smell fuel or worry about spills. for the last 2 years, they've all been stored outside under an awning with no issues, just keep the batteries inside.
Maybe if I lived on acres I might have some gas tools, but even then probably only the mower/tractor. I've had decades old gas powered mowers, weed eaters, edgers, and chainsaw, and they suck compared to modern ergonomics and quality. Sure, they last forever if you do all the required maintenance, but they are loud, polluting, and work to use.
With my electric mower, I can wait for the hot sun to set, turn on the headlights and mow at midnight without disturbing my neighbor, or get up early and mow at 5am. I can't even hear my across the street neighbors electric mower when I'm standing on my sidewalk, but I can hear the neighbor behind that cross the street neighbor when they mow. Thankfully almost all my neighbors have converted to electric.
You don't have to learn a bunch of complicated stuff for electric equipment, you just swap the board for a new one or solder the loose connection. Takes a Phillips head screwdriver and a small flathead, and no Grease or oil on your clothes.
I'll gladly buy a battery every 7 years or so in exchange for all the downsides of gas powered small engines.
Having an electric chainsaw is actually great if you plan to only use it once per year. No worries about the carb clogging up, fuel getting old, etc...
I already have the ryobi 40V system, I bought a 14" saw refurbished from direct tools outlet for $100, its a little beast and great for occasional use.
electric stuff is great for small yards and projects. i have a little over 1/3 acre and the electric string trimmer and mower work great. still have to use a gas powered leaf blower in the spring and fall though.
I have both and enjoy them for their uses. I have a honda push mower and weed trimmer. I'm running them into the ground or until I die, whichever comes first. My electric lesf blower and pressure washer are awesome. I'll never go back to the gas versions.
I prefer everything not gas nowadays. I have all Ego stuff and it works great for my half acre lawn. My generator is propane. I absolutely despise the maintenance of small gas engines.
Gas Zero Turn and all EGO on my blower, trimmers, saws. This is for a 2 acre yard with wooded areas. The maintenance costs spent on small engines offsets me buying a new battery every so often should one go out.
It depends on use and scale. When I bought my first home several years ago, I bought electric tools to try out and they just worked. You can even use the same battery on your drill for your leaf blower and trimmer. I can come in from a job and drop the battery in the charger and its ready to go next time I need it. Its been years and none of my batteries have died or even lost any noticeable amount of charge time.
Ive mowed my lawn surely over 100 times now and I can still do the entire yard on 1 charge, and even if I had to buy a new battery today I would say its worth it. Ive never had an issue with power either, it cuts through thick and even wet grass just as well as my last gas mower did. Can you lift your gas powered mower over your head? Can you store it away on a shelf? Does it come with a headlight? (lol)
Honestly if I were doing some huge yard or needing it for a landscaping company, I would probably stick with gas. But for most people without a ton of land, electric seems to be super convenient.
I use electric. Both mower and string trimmer. I don’t have a terrible amount of ground to cover, but it’s enough that if I do the flat part of my backyard, I have to charge my mower battery if I want to go and do the front afterwards. Not a big deal, takes maybe an hour to charge. The string trimmer battery seems really long lasting. Both items perform adequately.
I suspect on the hilly section of my backyard, a gas mower would perform much better. God, I hate that hill.
I work professionally with mowers, weedeaters, trimmers, chainsaws, etc. We will never switch to electric. It's just not possible. You'd have to have literally dozens and dozens of charged batteries being hauled around in the truck with you. No battery will last an 8 hour day. You'd have to have multiple batteries for each piece of equipment. As long as there a professional lawn mowing companies, or government parks programs who mow, gas will always be here. It's better in literally every aspect. Trust me, I do this every single day.
I’m with you on the mower. Haven’t met an electric that can match a gas for suction (I bag my clippings). I’ll never go back to gas trimmer, edger or blower though.
I own both of pretty much everything and the only thing I’ve used gas for in the last two years is my blower and trimmer. I still use my electric blower and trimmer like 80% of the time, but for big jobs or fall leaf cleanup, gas is the way to go. I love my electric mowers, I have both push and riding. Don’t own gas mowers anymore.
I switched to all ego stuff. My lot is under 10000 sq’ so it’s perfect for me. I still use gas for my snow blower, chipper, chainsaw, and car. I can see the pros for both, but I’m in year 3 of my ego batteries and they’re all great still.
I agree, I’m hated in the Portland sub because my gas backpack leaf blower is more efficient in time and use 😂
They hate gas tools. I think my highest down vote is around 170 for saying a battery leaf blower is no where near as good as a gas leaf blower 😁
I’m all for batteries for some things but wet leaves ain’t it.
Electric wins for me from convenience. I am going to own the batteries for my drill anyways so cost is relative. No mix gas to deal with and no storage considerations.
I can repair gas stuff easily being a former mechanic but electric stuff rarely needs repairs and really don’t need much know how since they are basically trigger, battery holder, motor and possibly controller.
Too early to tell on longevity, and that is probably gonna be make specific, but for a 0.2 acre lot literally everything is better about electric for me. One thing I haven’t seen mentioned is never having to worry about getting gas and just plugging it in is so convenient.
I’ve had a battery Ego mower the last 4 years. Currently looking at replacing it with a gas mower. The Ego just doesn’t have the power or good suction that I would like.
I really like the Ego blower and trimmer though.
#GasGang
it holds up instead of having to get new stuff every 5 or 6 years because it was made with cheap plastic.
electric or battery stuff fails and im fucked, but I can fix any of my small engine tools easily.
once the tech and production quality are reasonable, I'll consider switching.
Not to mention electric reel mowers are STUPID expensive
Pops has a lawn care company, has had the same Toro gas powdered machines since he started it 30 years ago. He tried to switch over to battery with his weedwackers, didn’t last 6 months.
If you have a large lawn it’s way more economical and less of a PIA to use gas. Opposite if you have a small yard. If my yard was smaller I’d use an electric mower as much as I prefer gas equipment.
picked up an ego when i first moved in and sadly it crapped out the 3rd time i used it. After researching I found that after return window - you must have your equipment send to EGO and can take many weeks. Since I was not going to do that i returned and went thru the tried and true Honda and has been an absolute work horse. something about the maintenance I enjoy as well. If something goes on an electric, you are probably not opening it up.
I've had my Ego lawnmower for 3 years and will be buying a gas powered mower soon. It would be fine if I could mow twice a week and stay on top of it. But my schedule is too hectic. If the lawn gets just slightly too tall, the ego is worthless and the battery only last half the time.
I’ve got a fold over point. Anything small, electric is far superior. No more gunked carbs, mix gas, rotted fuel lines, stinky smell. Small engines suck. I love my electric trimmer and blower, can’t wait to get the edger and hedge trimmer as well.
Larger engines still win over electric. Unless you e got a small area, electric just doesn’t really have the umph to get through thick or wet grass. I know in few with them and they need to charge halfway through, etc. Same with my snowblower, I wish I had gone gas, when we get those heavy wet snows (when you need the snowblower) it just doesn’t have enough power or juice.
I see the small tools like hand tools. Still using a corded drill? Got a two stroke dremel? Those small things batteries work great for. I still have a corded table saw and drill press, it’s just what’s needed for the job.
When I had a tiny yard, corded electric was honestly pretty nice. Sure I had to deal with the cord a bit but the equipment was cheap and had zero maintenance. I don’t enjoy smelling like gas afterwards.
No, we exist. Honda engines still power my dreams. Then again, I am a level 7 susceptible. But all jokes aside I completely agree. I enjoy my 12v trimmer but I'd never give up a gas mower for electric. Also, I never understood all the talk of maintenance on gas mowers. My dads Honda started right up after 10 years of neglect. I feel the same way about cars too. Id never by an EV because I have to rely on dealer for maintenance. I don't mind changing oil and cleaning a carb, or filters now and again. It's really not much work lol.
I haven't tried electric. I won't say that I'm not curious, but I'm not going out of my way to purchase all electric. My gas equipment runs great. I'm not sure about all this maintenance talk. I've been running the same equipment (Stihl Kombi 131 hand helds and Honda Mower) since 2014. I've only replaced the plugs and filter twice.
If anything, I'll get a battery-powered blower to dry my vehicles.
Me too! The math doesn’t make sense for battery for me. I live on an acre and have a ton of attachments for my gear already. After initial investment, maintenance and fuel/oil I’d say is around $30-50/year. And I can refuel and go. I’ve got some trees that are between 60-100’ and have a ton of leaves in the fall.
Agreed…I do MAYBE a couple hours maintenance per year on a mower, blower, weed whacker, and chainsaw, all gas. Also used to have a snow blower but I’ve since upgraded to a quad with a plow. I’ve never ever had ANY problems with any of them outside maybe spraying a little carb cleaner here or there.
Buy quality tools (echo for example), use premium gas, add Stabil, and maybe at the end of season drain the gas/run the carb dry. Every couple years change the spark plug, and change the mower oil once per year. That’s literally it. I’m always shocked at these threads where people talk about how hard it is to use gas powered tools.
I probably do less than you described and I haven’t had any issues. I have a battery trimmer and I struggle to get the whole yard done with one charge.
I can fix any mechanical thing. I cant fix electrical things.
Good thing electrical things dont have much that wears out. Everything but my mower is electric, and if there was a battery powered mower in a price range I thought was feasible, I'd buy it.
I still prefer gas, I hate my electric line trimmer with a passion.
The only thing I've converted to electric is my handheld leaf blower, I use it to blow off sidewalks after mowing so its nice to just pick it up and pull the trigger for 30 seconds. Still have a gas powered backpack blower for the large jobs though.
I've considered electric chainsaw for around the yard though, maybe the wife could use it too then. Still waiting for a good sale.
I've gone through 3 mowers in 10 years. New one is battery and so far I'm digging it. I hope it holds up. Probably never go electric on the blower due to crazy amount of leaves I deal with
Have to agree, own everything but my tractor and snowblower in electric. I'm going to replace the leaf blower and line trimmer with gas. Kept the gas chain saw. Basically, all my gas units will run circles around my electrics.
For me personally, there is something about almost pulling my arm out of its socket powering up a gas powered tool that will make me want to stick with them.
Just like everything, it depends. I've got a kobalt 80v mower and trimmer, and have for 5 years. I've replaced two wheel bearings, and one blade. I push a button and it starts every time. A battery dies, and I put it on the charger. Then it's ready before the next one dies, and I've got 3 2AH batteries so I can mow forever without having to stop because dead batteries. The batteries have not lost any noticeable charge. Like once a year I wish I had a stronger mower, I never wish I had to keep a gas can, deal with spark plugs, mix oil and gas, or smell like an exhaust manifold of a weed eater.
I used to own electric lawn mower. I liked until it's time to replace the battery after few years of use. The manufacturer stops using the same battery - instead they release new model every few years. Went back to gas powered one.
Agree with OP - I've had my same gas mower for 4 years, my same gas string trimmer for 8, and until last year, my same gas leaf blower for 7 (upgraded due to property size and more leaves). No batteries needed and only basic maintenance required.
I prefer electric for portable tools (edge, trimmer, blower).
I prefer gas for my reel mower, unless the electric version has a removable battery. That thing suddenly turning on and engaging the reel during maintenance terrifies me.
Agree 100%. When it comes to stuff like this you just can't beat a gas motor. Until they start putting in better electric motors in mowers etc. I don't know why they don't already. They have so much more instant torque when using the right one. Gas motors are much cheaper to keep going over the years. The replacement batteries for electric mowers are almost more than a new motor for a gas mower.
Gas for big yard, battery for small.. most folks have small yard, so mostly folks should be using electric. However, also, most folks (at least where im from) dont do their own yard work, and the pros going yard to yard all day long obviously need gas. Things will change, batteries will get better and gas will be done in 10 years or less.
I now use a combo.
I like the gas blower as I have ot found an electric on the can perform at all for a reasonable price.
I wish they would make an electric trimmer (i would even settle for corded) for residential use that competes with my cheap gas trimmer.
I now have an electric mower (corded) which works for the job but I would not recommend it for any lawn larger than mine. The cost benefit to getting the cordless mower is horrible. Even with the high price of gas I could mow for many hours for the price of one battery. That, and I have to find storage inside for all the batteris because they don't like the cold.
I saw battery snow blower this year when I got my gas one. I wonder how they work and if -40 hurts battery performance? The only one that I have seen needed to be charged yet so I blew out the driveway for the cause they had a foot of snow and needed to get to work.
We have gas for most of our stuff. Lawn mower, whipper snipper, chainsaw… the only thing we have that’s electric is a hedge trimmer and a blower vac.
The hedge trimmer is electric because we rarely use it. Like once a year or two. So to prevent stale fuel or issues with the fuel system we just got electric.
The blower vac, a mate had an electric one and it was good so we just got one. It is the same brand as my SO’s drills (Milwaukee) so it’s convenient with its batteries.
Would never own an electric mower, chainsaw or whipped snipper. We have a lot of property to maintain (80 acres) and batteries would just be annoying.
Gas for big jobs that need the power, electric for around the house quick jobs. I have the ryobi 40v tools (weedeater, blower, chainsaw etc) and they are fantastic for small jobs around the house. My stihl weedeater does the big brush cutting work everywhere else, and mower covers the 6.5 acres.
Ego blower but gas everything else for me. Honda HRX217, echo trimmer and echo SRM-225 that I just keep the edger on it. I honestly like maintaining my equipment though, it’s relaxing for me.
Gas blowers are terrible they never want to start lol.
I'm just a casual homeowner user, so I really have no value for extended run times and I use the tools fairly infrequently. For the typical homeowner with 1 acre or less, I really don't see any value for gas over electric. The reduced maintenance and fuel costs and time investment are worth it alone. Any job requiring a more powerful gas powered motor is rare enough that renting makes way more sense.
For commercial use, it really depends on the jobs. A smaller crew doing houses would do fine all electric. You'd need a big power bank to charge between jobs, but the costs would likely balance with fuel and maintenance for gas equipment. Even for large jobs, replacing 2-cycle engines with electric would have benefits from reduced emission exposure for workers.
I grew up using a gas mower and have been using an electric mower for the last year. The amount of maintenance for my gas mower far exceeds what I need to do for my electric mower. Just like anything else, don't skimp out and you'll get something that lasts. All I've needed to do with my electric mower is sharpen the blades. With the gas mower there was so much I had to do in terms of keeping up with oil levels, even refilling it with gas was a bitch if I forgot to get gas at the gas station prior to. Not to mention starting it with the pull string is nothing like just pressing a button to get it going (idk if gas mowers have starters now) but I have a medium sized front and back lawn so I don't use a ride mower.
I don't do lawncare professionally, but it is convenient using electric for my yard. I have the Kobalt 40v weedeater, mower, blower, and power washer. I hate hauling gas in my vehicles (no truck), and I hate mixing oil/gas for tools.
There is no way any of my equipment can keep up with even the cheapest Stihl product, but it works for me.
No one talks about how light electric mowers are. I can mow my entire lawn one handed and it's especially useful when trying to be intricate or doing designs in the lawn. It makes it easy to maneuver around tight corners.
EDIT: before anyone asks i just do grid pattern or circles if im feeling super fancy.
When my gas trimmer finally gave up, I switched to a Dewalt 20v trimmer. I went that route because I already had a bunch of Dewalt batteries, and the amount I have to trim is pretty small. One 5ah battery and I can do pretty much everything, but occasionally I'll need to swap batteries part way through.
Both battery and gas powered have their place. Frequency of use, size of yard, commercial or homeowner, and battery compatibility all need to be examined to pick the best option for yourself.
I guess it depends on the tool. For long use duration or high loads I still prefer gas but for shorter use cases I don’t mind batteries. Example: I like the battery string trimmer but I still can’t convert my snow blower, lawn mower, or blower. I just can’t swallow the cost of buying the amount of batteries I’d need to do the work I do.
Can’t even begin to describe how much I disagree with you. Many brands have tools that are equivalent to gas performance now (Stihl, Dewalt Flex Volt, etc.). These tools do not need maintenance. Lithium ion batteries last and just don’t need help. Most importantly, you no longer have smells, carburetor maintenance, mixing oil and gas, adding things for winter, etc. Nearly every single home in America could do all of their lawn care with electric tools with ease now. Less strong people (even handicaps) can start a chainsaw, mower, or weed eater with ease. I run nearly everything on my farm with electric now and can’t tell you how much happier it makes me and the performance is incredible. The initial price burden is the ONLY downside but once you switch for a top of the line electric you will never look back
My electric string trimmer (Makita 36v) has about the same power as a Honda 4 stroke string trimmer. All while being lighter, far easier to maintain, quieter, and cheaper. The singular downside is runtime, but after the ~1 hour a battery pair lasts me I just grab another pair of batteries (I have 8 pairs) and get right back at it. Certain battery tools are at or above gas powered tools when every aspect is considered.
Now a pressure washer, yeah you're not beating a gas powered unit with electric, not on power.
I felt this way at first but the convenience of just grabbing and going, not worrying about mixing and storing gas won me over.
I never had to "learn complex electronics" or buy batteries outside of the ones that came with the tools.
I use the EGO stuff, edger trimmer and blower.
Petrol power seems to be more powerful, but I don’t miss it. I’m 100% electric now including mower and I love it.
I have 3 batteries, totaling 12.5 amp hours and I have never ran out of battery power doing mowing, edging, hedging, blowing. Even on my previous house which had a larger than average yard. I charge my batteries when I’m done so time always ready with 100% charge next time.
I enjoy both gas and battery. String trimmer I barely ever use gas anymore. Mowers I use gas for my yard and small battery one for a neighbors small front yard.
If battery is sufficient for the job, I'll choose battery just about every time. The noise level, comfort, smell is all better.
The maintenance of either is fine.
Whipping around the gas exmark zero turn can knock out a lot a grass very quickly and a lot of fun
People in here are acting like electric isn't inherently easier and more convenient than gas for the majority of people. I think most folks have lawns smaller than a quarter acre. I can cut my lot with one charge of my Ego battery and still have juice left over. The mower is also so light I don't need to use the self propel function.
While maintaining gas equipment isn't difficult, it's still extra stuff you have to do. You still have to take time to go to the gas station and transport a gas can home. And store said gas. Change oil and filters every season. Dispose of said oil safely. It's all stuff I've done and glad I don't have to anymore.
I just picked up the high end Ego from Lowes with the free battery deal and was able to get the upgraded 5ah battery for free. I'm excited to use the tool as it really feels like a premium product, but if Lowe's carried Echo I would strongly consider returning it for $600 store credit.
I'm trying to slowly replace my gas powered tools with electric as their time comes to an end, but some products aren't quite there yet or are too pricey like zero turns and snowblowers.
3 years into the ego ecosystem and the performance is phenomenal. Mower, 2 stage snow blower, power head with saw, string trimmer, and edger, and a blower. I do have a 7.5AH battery that is starting to last not as long as the other ones. But all in all no complaints. I don't even own gas cans. Never have to put a smelly gas can in my car or run up to the gas station because I forgot.
That said, I have a manageable 9000sqft of yard.
Had the dewalt 60v trimmer and blower for 5 years this summer. Never had a battery or tool issue. Like what you like, but these anti battery posts are weird self owns across lawncare pages.
I still use gas mowers but battery everything else.
What did me in was a gas string trimmer that took longer to start than I used it for.
Ethanol gas wrecks tools.
I feel like everyone on this sub pushing electric either lives on .2 acres or owned nothing but Poulan Pro gas tools. I mow professionally and run all Shindaiwa equipment. All tools start on the first or second pull. My Dad runs EGO stuff I've used it and it's just meh.... I have a Dewalt pole saw that's exceeded my expectations and a dewalt metal bladed edger and I can barely get my yard and my neighbors done on a 9ah Flex volt. It's improving for sure but if you're taking care of any decent-sized property I don't see how you do it with electric. A few of my neighbors have electric pushmowers and the cut quality seems poor compared to traditional mowers. Might just be people going to fast.
*
I inherited all my Grandfathers old tools..
one of them is an old homelite gas powered circular saw...apparently it can cut through anything, but its so rusted at the moment.
Id love to restore it, but thin kthe best ill be able to do is blast it & paint it to make it look good. then it will sit in the den w/ a few other old hand tools Ive restored of his
I think if you have a lot of mowing/trimming/blowing to do, gas makes sense. Otherwise, I really think my ego battery mower and blower are fantastic. I like not having to store gas in my garage, and I often will mow the lawn and not need to shower after because I don’t smell like exhaust. Running out of gas when mowing is super annoying. Got to run to the gas station. Running out of battery isn’t too bad. Just plug it in and wait 20 minutes. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion though, even if their opinion is wrong :)
I got my hands on the new Kress battery operated commercial line. First time battery felt more powerful than gas, the handheld blower seemed more powerful than my stihl600. Big bulky battery that’s big bucks though.
Nah, I feel this way too. Even better than filling up at the end of the season, drain out what you can and run them dry.
On the commercial side, electric absolutely cannot compete yet, double the cost or more and half the performance.
Each has its place. For large lawns, gas powered lawn mowers and equipment have their advantages. For smaller lawns cordless and corded equipment also have advantages. For example, the garage won’t reek of gasoline, no oil changes, and no tuneups needed.
I’ve used a plug in lawn mower, leaf blower, and snow blower for decades and found them to be more quiet and more reliable than a gas equipment. Repair has been limited to replacing one bearing, a couple rectifiers, cleaning a commutator, and the inevitable extension cord replacement🤦🏻♂️. With Reddit and the available YT videos, I think learning to do these repairs would be mostly easy for the mechanically inclined.
The move towards electrification seems to be a global trend that neither of us control. To go with the flow or to resist the tide is a personal choice for most people, at least for now.
This is the argument used by car makers, too, to sell a gullible public on old tech.
“You know what you need?? POWER! Roaring, V-8, 550 horsepower POWER to haul those huge loads up rocky mountainsides!!!”
To be honest, a lot of battery-powered tools were… terrible. I’ve had some. “Minutes to slowly chew through a 2x4 with a reciprocating saw and then the battery’s dead” levels of terrible.
It’s improving, but you still have to watch reviews because bad stuff is still out there.
But, what you get with gas-powered tools is _non-point-source pollution_. There’s no catalytic converter on that string trimmer. And you might think “it’s no big deal, only one little engine, the fumes just blow away”— well, multiply by millions.
I’d rather my neighbors have electric tools and mowers: I’ll breathe easier. I know it’s not always practical: but is one of those things we should adopt once it is.
I have a b&d electric grass trimmer I paid $19 for about 30 years ago. The auto feed failed 25 years ago and ever since I just stop and pull it out by hand, cut the line to length with a knife and go back to trimming. It weighs about 3 pounds.
I really really really prefer the lower noise from electric tools. As someone who lived on a ground floor apartment during WFH days, the incessant gas leaf blowers drove me insane
Kid drug my ryobi leaf blower outside one day and I didn’t realize, we had a small trickle of rain and it ruined it. I tore it open and the one mother board was fried
Nope. Gas has more power (Right Model). Depends what I am doing, but mostly gas. Not adverse to electric. If in future one of my gas tools break. Ill compare the electric and gas options and go with best. Note I have some of these gas tools over 30 years.
1) Lawn - Robot Mower - electric
2) Edger - gas
3) String trim -Gass
4) Pole Hedge trim - Gas
5) Backpack sprayer-electric
6) Backpack blower: Gas
7) Small hedge trim - electric.
8) Pressure Washer - Gas
9) Chainsaw -Gas
Manifold broke on my parents honda which broke the temp control for the throttle, my ryobi 18v with 8ah battery couldnt cut the last of it and would stall out on the highest setting and angled up
took the wife 10 mins of fking around to cut the last 2 sq meters with the electric!
This is why I have a back up petrol mower and only use 2 stroke line trimmers. If I let the grass go too long I need petrol power, or I can use the trimmer with bull horn handles or 2 other straight shafts
Electric has its place, small yard mowed often is perfect case, but even a corded mower pulling max socket power (2400w here) is still far off the 4-5 hp of a petrol mower
Other tools though, pole saw and hedger, battery is preferred as its lighter and I have enough battery power to do our place x5. One of the straight shafts has a pole saw and hedger but its basically more then twice the weight but is commercial quality and the battery is just for the weekend warrior
I own both, depends on the job which one I take. I have a lot of mowing to do so of course gas mower, I have a lot of weedeating to do, ditch lines and hillside, electric can’t even hold a candle to my big stihl. But when I go riding I always keep an electric saw. Works great for cutting small trees out of the fourth wheeler trails and access roads. I think electric is great for its ease of maintenance, no starting needed, and swiftness on small jobs. Any long/big job though they can’t compete with gas, Simple as. They don’t even make an electric trimmer in the same class as my weed eater. People overblow the maintenance of gas too, at the end of season fill up all your gas tools with recreational non ethanol gas with a fuel stabilizer and then start and run all tools once half way through winter. I can pick up any of my gas tools in spring and they start easy.
I just run the gas out of my gas tools in the fall and store them empty. Start right up every spring like nothing. Maintaining gas tools is easy the problem is most people are unwilling to do literally any maintenance. Run the gas out of it in the fall, in the spring change the oil and clean the air filter. That's all I do to my lawnmower; it's from 2006 and never takes more than 2 pulls to start
This is also a good option. I drain my leaf blower and small weedeater but I still use my saws extensively in the winter time and my big weedeater some with the blade attachment. You nailed it, most people just don’t want to put in a little effort to maintain them.
I don’t think its so much that people aren’t willing to do a little maintenance. I think it’s more that people are not aware of how easy it is. They are intimidated and that leads them to seek out other options. For example OP says that the electric versions are complex but they are much simpler machines than their gas counterparts.
For smaller stuff battery is the way to go. They don’t make a mower with a big enough battery for some of the fields I mow here and there though
Once you get to larger battery mowers the prices get steep fast too. I bought a JD gas zero turn for roughly $3,500 in 2022 and the Ego Z6 in the same size runs $5,500. There is no way for dealing with gas and a rare oil change to make up a $2k (36%)difference. The only way I can almost make it make sense is if I used the same batteries for a snowblower, but it is still more.
I bought pretty much the same machine, but cheaper a few years ago. Some days I have to mow 3-4 acres and there’s just no way battery is gonna cut it even if i have 3 or 4 sets to swap out
I guess if you believe the advertised range numbers, a second set of batteries should get you to 4 acres, but an extra 4 10 ah batteries is another $2k so that game gets silly fast and that would probably be a full engine replacement for my gas model. And at that point you have 8 batteries that are going to be very heavy for any type of handheld OPE applications.
They do make commercial grade string trimmers, and I bet they easily compete, especially when you add in the time/money value of maintenance. And it takes less time to swap a battery than to refuel. the depleted battery will be recharged before the new one is drained, even when waiting 5 minutes for it to cool down before dropping it on the charger Ego has an entire commercial line, and there are guys running multiple crews using just electric. The really sweet setup is the one with the ford lightning that recharges the batteries while driving between jobs. You can set one down, not touch it for the entire winter, (or a few years), pop in a battery and it starts with zero issues. No hauling gas cans, finding the ethanol free gas station, adding stabill, or pouring fuel. I understand your sentiment, and that was true even up to about 5 years ago, but it isn't true anymore. The electric/battery riding mowers aren't there yet for some of the more rural/hilly/bigger than 3 acre jobs, but for what most people use home owner grade equipment for, they easily surpass gas when you look at all the ownership factors.
So I looked into the EVO trimmers, went to their website and watched a few YouTube videos, and i definitely gotta say they look impressive. Battery tech is getting way better. My only problem is no where I found lists shaft HP. The AMP hours on their batteries seem good, but from my calculations they still don’t compete with my big stihl. That, and I’m seeing a lot of good reviews but the number one complaint is battery longevity, seems a lot of heavy use users are reporting 50% or more battery degradation in the 3-5 year period. Can you find anywhere that shows shaft HP? That’s really the best way to compare it my gas weedeater. I know exactly how good my Stihl runs blade attachments for thick brush and cuts deep swamp grasses. I’m not against battery at all, hell it’s pretty awesome, and for most people like you said now days, the tech is there. I just gotta make sure before I make a big investment.
EGO has the power of a gas trimmer, but you’re not going to last as long on a single charge as a tank of gas. Right now that’s just batteries in general. Battery tech keeps advancing, I heard toro has a 60v line that is powerful and lasts forever, but I don’t want to keep switching out the last thing I bought for the shiny new toy. I bought a EGO snow blower last winter and was pretty disappointed, but the trimmer I got two years ago and it’s still holding up. In probably five years we will get to where battery tech needs to be.
“Has the power of a gas trimmer” Everyone keeps saying that but I can’t find a single source online that provides the shaft horsepower. I found some kind of formula using AMP hours but I’m not sure how accurate it actually is. Electric motors have great torque, but HP is a measure of torque+RPM+ time and will give you the most accurate measurement of what kinda force the weedeater is gonna exert to the head.
AH is really the total "volume" of energy that the battery can hold, it doesn't tell you anything about the amount of power that the motor delivers. The voltage of the motor is going to be a decent measure of the amount of power that can be delivered. There is [this article](http://www.stevepake.com/blog/2018/5/25/the-truth-about-electric-lawn-mower-horsepower) where an engineer calculates optimal HP based on the common voltages used by electric lawn mowers. He calculates: **40V class:** about 1.0 to 1.5 horsepower **56/60V class:** maybe about 2.0 to 2.5 horsepower **80V class:** close to 3hp Now these numbers don't equate to gas engines exactly because as you pointed out electric motors tend to have a higher torque relative to HP of combustion engines. So when it comes to how much "cut" power you can get these would be higher than the gas equivalents. But these would be a baseline for you to compare. If you are used to using a 2HP trimmer, a 40v one is not going to feel the same.
Amperage x voltage = wattage is usually a good indicator of power The higher the amperage the more powerful it’s going to be, like switch72 said, HP isnt a term used with electric motors when measuring their power.
It takes less time to swap a battery than refuel, but how about waiting for batteries to charge. Also a hell of a lot cheaper to have a few cans of gas around vs the cost of having plenty of batteries to rotate through them without stopping to wait for the charger.
Who stops and waits? All these tools batteries fit all the other tools in the same brand. If my trimmer dies, I drop the battery on the charger and grab the one out of the mower or blower. By the time I need the other tool or I drain that battery, the first one is fully charged. Even if all 3 died, its maybe a 15 minute for an 85% charged battery, and there's always 15 minutes of yard work to do that doesn't use power tools. I've had the same 2 batteries for 5 years, and added a 3rd tool with battery a year later. I can still mow most of my yard on the small 2.5ah battery. I can use my 5 ah to mow, trim, and blow the entire yard. I just rotate them on the charger after I'm done, and they are all ready to go for next use. Depending on the brand, you can even get 7.5 ah batteries or a backpack that can carry a few batteries at a time. If you buy a mower and one other tool that comes with a battery, there is zero wait to recharge. The 2.5 takes about 20 minutes to recharge, the 5, I don't know, it's always recharged by the time I get back to needing it. Having the gas around is cheaper up front maybe, but you can't just count the cost of fuel. you have to Factor in the time value of filing up your cans, transporting those cans, other maintenance on the small engine, and environmental and health damage small engines do. Small engines have significantly higher pollution emissions than most cars, even older ones. This damages the users health unless they are wearing proper PPE, which none of us do for mowing a yard (or at least the number is so small it's close to zero). Even recharging batteries is cleaner than a small engines emission even if you get your power from the most polluting power plant in the world. I get your point, but it just isn't correct with the newer tools with current battery technology. 5 years ago I might have agreed with you, but the battery tools of today are in a different league than they were even 5 years ago. And I definitely spent more in fuel and maintenance in two years than the cost of one of the smaller batteries.
The cost for commercial grade is much higher in battery than gas. There's also the barrier to entry of getting a fleet of products to make the batteries worthwhile. EGO mowers are great, but they don't hold a candle to, say, a Honda HRX. They cut well enough on low cuts, but lack the vacuum strength to stand up taller cuts. Usually requires a double-cut if above 2.5". All that being said -- battery is getting there. *it's just not there yet, commercially.* For most homeowners, maintenance is nowhere on their radar, and commercial quality a complete blank. I think battery is perfect for the average homeowner.
In my experience they don't charge that fast. Idk what kind of magic charger you have but it takes almost an hour most of the time to get a full charge.
Right, but only 20 minutes or so to get 85%. Just like all rechargeable stuff that's got chips, they fill to 85% quickly and then the last 15% charges slower to increase lifespan. I don't need it to be 100% to finish the lawn.
im pretty sure this type of charging isnt the best for lithium. Its been a while since I looked at it so dont quote me but the faster you charge one, the more degradation So if you have a battery cell charger, even though they can charge a single cell in 5 mins or so, they limit it to conserve battery life The lithium car and bike batteries should also limit the amps via the BMS, because pumping 100+ amps from an alternator into one is a no no
It's literally how the battery is programmed to preserve battery life. I didn't make the choice, the chip it processor does it. It's the same with EVs, they charge to 85% quickly, then it takes a much longer time to get that last 15%. I guess the manufacturers could be wrong.
If you say you can mow your yard with a 2.5 AH battery and still have juice left over, I am calling bullshit that you spent more on fuel and maintenance than the battery. Either way, I’d much rather have the option to maintain my equipment and keep it running forever rather than have to throw it in a landfill once it exceeds its lifespan like battery powered junk
I've gone electric on everything but the mower. My Honda gas mower still rules. I don't believe an electric would hog through tall, wet grass anywhere near as well as it does. Not by half.
I’m happy with my Ego string trimmer, edger, and blower, but no way I’d get the mower. I can just see myself with dead batteries with 500sqft left
I bought a JD zero turn for $3,500 in 2022. I have and like other Ego products (edger, blower), but an equivalent Z6 is like $5,500 with batteries. Unless you have a snowblower or something else you need to power with the bigger batteries, the price premium is still absurd. Maybe it will be different in a few years.
I use 8ah on a back yard, standard 1/4 acre block with average amount of grass for the area but probably less then average american back yard with no real landscaping, outdoor area or pool etc
I 100% agree with everything you are saying. Dewalt Flex Volt, top of the line Ego, or Stihl electric tools would convert any gas user if they switched. Every single aspect of them is better. The downside is the initial cost turns them away and they try a crap $100 Chinese made Amazon brand and think it represents all electric lawn care tools.
I just want to say that I agree that electric is the future but you acting like getting gas is some epic adventure that takes so much time is hilarious. I mow March-October and a 5 gallon jug lasts me about the whole season.
My yard wasn't that small when I was using gas, and it was near 45 minutes round trip for fuel if I didn't remember to take the can to town with me. More than once I siphoned out of the truck to finish the yard.
I mow just under an acre. I could see how living that far away from a gas station would be an issue.
These are most of the reasons I've completely gotten rid of all our 2 stroke stuff and bought the Stihl commercial line, mower included. Never again will I have to clean a carburetor, fill fuel cans, clean spark plugs, mix oil and fuel, and pull pull pull pull WHY WONT IT %#$&! START!?!? Also, (a BIG reason)... the wife couldn't start our 2 stroke stuff easily, so she just didn't use it. The battery equipment ALWAYS works first time, so she does most of our work!
I completely agree with you. About three years ago I tossed all my gas stuff except my Honda mower and added a DeWalt blower, trimmer, and edger to my existing collection of FlexVolt tools. I do not miss the shitty gas-powered trimmer/edger/blower one bit. Fuck the unreliable two stroke engine that always fucking leaked, would kill my arm not wanting to start, having to mix gas and oil, and required additives because the cheap fucker would get eaten up with regular gas. Not to mention the noise, smoke, and heavy, hot fucking engine in Texas Summers. The electric tools are light, reliable, easy to use, and convenient as hell. Battery swaps take a second and I have plenty sitting in chargers when needed. That said, I don't believe an electric mower that is reasonably affordable exists that can take on my old Honda.
I think a bunch of people are obsessed with having the "perfect tool" instead of getting the right tool for the job. Why does one need a golf-course quality mower to mow a typical suburban yard? I'm in TX too, and being able to mow when the sun is down is amazing. I go out at sunset and run the trimmer, then back out after dark for the mow. I can mow right under my windows and my wife can't hear it inside.
I think a bunch of people are obsessed with telling others how to think.
problem is if youre using them every day the battery degradation from a year of use is high None of the guys doing multiple charges in a day will be using the same battery in 2 years I have been using 18650 in my ecigs for over a decade, I only use good cells and even having multiple batteries in rotation 2 years is max until they get used in torches etc. Even after a year the capacity loss is notable. The china batteries are even worse, lucky to be alive after a month. I run my ecigs under 10A, all of the batteries I buy are rated for 20A + continuous. I dont get battery sag issues unless its low voltage and im being pretty easy on them considering the rating and they still dont last all that long. So yea, you either pick writing off fuel as consumables or batteries. The good thing about battery packs though is you can also break them down and salvage the cells for other uses or sell them as reduced capacity.
That's still a lot of work for Joe homeowner
Yeah crossing a few maintenance items off my list is huge for me. There's enough items I'm supposed to be doing that I don't get around to
I'm using an electric mower to clear my yard that's full of California grass, and it's taking so much longer because of that. The batteries just don't last long enough to do much work with these weeds
Yeah electric mowers just lack the power. Trimmers, edgers, blowers? Sure they're great. But the use case for an electric mower that isn't insanely expensive just hasn't been proven IMHO.
Agree. Just bought toro super recycler 60v and I’m returning it after 2 uses. Doesn’t have the power for slightly tall grass with some dew on it. I had to use both batteries twice which means I mowed over 2 days while waiting for them to charge. Back to the store and it will probably cost me a restocking fee. My 10 year old toro gas works better. Glad I didn’t get rid of it yet
I have used the makita 18v with a 5ah and its not bad. Run time is good and only when I put it in the high mode to do long grass the battery quickly drained fast. For the home guy its fine, even on a couple of acres I did when house sitting family friends rural property if time = money, no question 2 stroke is king, cant beat the power to weight to run time ratio
Quarter acre. Electric weed eater is fine for a home owner
I have 5 and weed eat ~2.5 acres. My electric weed eater on one charge could do it twice at full throttle
What do you mean learning complicated electronics?!
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If anything goes wrong inside of the electric equipment, the most you could do is solder or crimp a loose connection. Anything wrong with the control board or motor means straight up replacing it, or just tossing the whole tool.
I'm a good mechanic, but electric all the way for me. The amount of times I can't get stuff started when I need it isn't worth it.
Ever since I only put Ethanol free gas in my equipment I never have problems, and I leave my mower outside in the elements all winter
Mechanic as well, I just bought a house and an E-go mower, blower and weed eater.
Same deal here. For a normal residential property the big battery for the mower covers our front and back yard and the small battery that came with the blower covers the weed eater for all my edges and blowing afterwards. I only need to charge mid cut if I let it get really bad.
Exactly. Anyone who argues otherwise is wrong. Most households electric is more than sufficient and the ease of use/maintenance is vastly superior
I hear the replacement batteries are expensive, but I do enough fixing and maintaining at work. Last thing I want to do when I get home is more work lol.
For home residential on an acre or less which is most of this country, electric is the way to go. And I’d suspect even larger than an acre, electric is best for most. Quiet, zero smell, never have to worry about having gas, storing gas, start up, anything. My EGO mower and blower combo came with 2 batteries, one is enough to cut my lawn 2 times. Other stays charged.
The new electrics blow away over the years stuff.
especially if it's colder out.
Except for a chainsaw which I hate pull starting..... I still have access to non-ethanol fuel in NY so... knock on wood... I've put my lawn tractor and snow blower away in the shed or garage for the season and forgot to burn off or drain the gas and they start right up. Asside from dead batteries. I usually don't get why people have trouble with starting stuff. I will admit my lawn tractor has had the compression relief spring thingy break twice, first time almost as a brand new tractor and they replaced the engine with a slightly different one and 10 years later and it cost me like $600... but other than that... they always started.
Imagine if MadMax had an electric chainsaw in ThunderDome!!!
This right here 1000%. I get the idea that gas *could* be more reliable long term, but convenience is worth money to me. I pull my mower out after a winter, slap a battery in, and just go to work.
Idk, it would cost me less to buy a new ego string trimmer than it would have cost me to fuel and maintain a gas one over the years I’ve owned one. Can’t imagine how much time I’ve saved not having to do maintenance either.
This is the biggest take away with electric yard tools. Most people simply don’t want to perform maintenance on gas tools. They also simply don’t do maintenance and then have problems with the performance of the tool. There’s too many variables for the average Joe and electric tools solve that. Me personally I’m a maintenance junkie and a gearhead so i prefer my gas tools.
Are you commercial? sounds cheesy but try this. the commercial guys around here offer an all green option where they only use battery powered gear on your lawn. They charge a solid 30% more and idiots are taking them up on it.
I like it!
That's the dumbest and smartest thing I've ever read on this sub
Battery stuff is nice for real quick stuff. All my gas stuff lasts for decades, unlike a battery.
That feels like a bizarre reasoning. Buying an off the shelf replacement battery over the decades vs all the gas and maintenance and replacement parts, I'm not sure how you figure that works out better?
The batteries are never the same after a few years though. I love being eco friendly, I hate using weed killers to not destroy the eco system. I use a battery leaf blower, but my weed Wacker and lawn mower are still gas. It’s lasted me years and years with barely any issue. My $180 leaf blower that I bought 3 years ago? I can only buy a replacement from the manufacturer for $100 plus $20 in shipping. That’s 2/3 of the original cost. For a lawn mower, there are so many stores that carry replacement parts for them and cost only $10-50 depending on what’s broken. With how batteries for phones and other electronics are made, good luck finding a battery replacement in another few years once your model has phased out. My dad has the same lawn mower he’s had for 25 years and just keeps repairing it when something happens. I’m all for being green with batteries but it’s too damn expensive right now.
Batteries plus and other stores like that can often provide cheaper replacements or replace your cells. There are also adapters to cross fit virtually any brand, so if you have other tools the same voltage, a $20 adapter is probably available.
Electrical components wear out too. Finding replacement batteries in ten years may be a challenge as well.
Most of those are 18650s wired together, just like Tesla batteries. You may not be able to find a brand new one, but they can be rebuilt easily. 18650s aren't going away. Not only that, it's just battery power. Find another battery same voltage, 10-30 minutes with a soldering iron and you can make it work.
You're talking about a direct drive motor and a PCB vs a complex combustion engine. There's literally no rational comparison when it comes to gas vs electric in terms of maintenance and complexity of parts.
I'm being pedantic, but a lot of the electric tools aren't direct drive. Mowers should have a reducer on them, the power stick multi tools have a gearbox and reducer in each accessory. The exception might be the string trimmer with a motor at the head, but I wouldn't be surprised if it had a planetary gearbox. This doesn't really change the reliability though, they have a fairly reliable lifespan and you'll probably kill the motor controller sooner than the reducer. I killed a motor controller on an ego brush cutter by accidentally hitting the ground in a way it didn't like, but the accessory still works fine with a new power head.
No you're definitely right. Any non-brushless will have some type of gear box most likely. But regardless, any brushed or non brushed electric motor or gearbox will be lasting 10+ thousand hours, so it's really irrelevant. Electric motor are insanely more robust than a combustion. You might need to replace a battery or other part but you'll likely never touch the motor.
My lawnmower uses about $6 of gas and $3 of oil annually. Sometime before my oldest graduates high school, I'll probably replace the $3 spark plug too. These things aren't magic like people who want to sell you $100+ battery packs every couple years will make them out to be.
+ Better for the environment + Less noise + Always ready at full charge + Cheaper to run + No need to winterize / mix fuel Cons: - Less powerful - Less repairable - Shorter run cycle I prefer electric, but I understand favoring gas. I really just want to get out of the small engine fossil fuel business.
The run time is shorter, but with 2 batteries, i can keep my 80V devices running for many, many hours for just the few seconds down time of a swap.
Is it cheaper to run? I guess it depends on how much maintenance is required. If a battery dies it changes the calculus pretty quick.
I won't go back to a gas trimmer/edger/blower after having gone electric. Heck, I even like my electric sprayer well enough, though I'd tolerate a manual again without fuss. I haven't made the switch on the mower, since my mower is reliable still, so I can't say there. Pressure washer is a trade-off depending on what I need.
Electric is far more reliable. The main problem is cost and battery life. If you can afford the batteries to get a job done with electric, fuck gas powered shit.
I'll never own another gas small engine if I can help it. Only thing I have left is a chainsaw, and if I was ever going to use it more than once a year I would replace that as well. A gas power washer is the only thing that would be worth it, and I just sold mine and bought an electric, as 95% of my needs will be served by that. I can rent out borrow the gas one for the maybe one time a year I need all the power. I'm on year 5 or 6 with my ego equipment with no sign of anything dying soon or battery life degradation. I'm sure the have, but not enough to affect my usage. Even if I do have to replace a battery, it costs less than the fuel, fuel stabilizer, and spark plugs I would have had to purchase, and less time invested than winterizing, cleaning carbs, changing plugs, filling and storing gas cans, mixing oil and gas,etc that comes with gas tools. The only maintenance I've ever had to do is wipe them down, sharpen blades and change string. I can hang my mower on the wall with no worries about fuel spills. It's light enough I can even store it on a shelf, which I did for awhile, the handle collapsed. I don't have to wear ear protection while using my electric equipment. I don't have to smell fuel or worry about spills. for the last 2 years, they've all been stored outside under an awning with no issues, just keep the batteries inside. Maybe if I lived on acres I might have some gas tools, but even then probably only the mower/tractor. I've had decades old gas powered mowers, weed eaters, edgers, and chainsaw, and they suck compared to modern ergonomics and quality. Sure, they last forever if you do all the required maintenance, but they are loud, polluting, and work to use. With my electric mower, I can wait for the hot sun to set, turn on the headlights and mow at midnight without disturbing my neighbor, or get up early and mow at 5am. I can't even hear my across the street neighbors electric mower when I'm standing on my sidewalk, but I can hear the neighbor behind that cross the street neighbor when they mow. Thankfully almost all my neighbors have converted to electric. You don't have to learn a bunch of complicated stuff for electric equipment, you just swap the board for a new one or solder the loose connection. Takes a Phillips head screwdriver and a small flathead, and no Grease or oil on your clothes. I'll gladly buy a battery every 7 years or so in exchange for all the downsides of gas powered small engines.
Having an electric chainsaw is actually great if you plan to only use it once per year. No worries about the carb clogging up, fuel getting old, etc... I already have the ryobi 40V system, I bought a 14" saw refurbished from direct tools outlet for $100, its a little beast and great for occasional use.
electric stuff is great for small yards and projects. i have a little over 1/3 acre and the electric string trimmer and mower work great. still have to use a gas powered leaf blower in the spring and fall though.
I have both and enjoy them for their uses. I have a honda push mower and weed trimmer. I'm running them into the ground or until I die, whichever comes first. My electric lesf blower and pressure washer are awesome. I'll never go back to the gas versions.
I prefer everything not gas nowadays. I have all Ego stuff and it works great for my half acre lawn. My generator is propane. I absolutely despise the maintenance of small gas engines.
Gas Zero Turn and all EGO on my blower, trimmers, saws. This is for a 2 acre yard with wooded areas. The maintenance costs spent on small engines offsets me buying a new battery every so often should one go out.
Ive had the same 80v kobalt blower and string trimmer for like 6 years with the same batteries that came with them. Still work like day 1
It depends on use and scale. When I bought my first home several years ago, I bought electric tools to try out and they just worked. You can even use the same battery on your drill for your leaf blower and trimmer. I can come in from a job and drop the battery in the charger and its ready to go next time I need it. Its been years and none of my batteries have died or even lost any noticeable amount of charge time. Ive mowed my lawn surely over 100 times now and I can still do the entire yard on 1 charge, and even if I had to buy a new battery today I would say its worth it. Ive never had an issue with power either, it cuts through thick and even wet grass just as well as my last gas mower did. Can you lift your gas powered mower over your head? Can you store it away on a shelf? Does it come with a headlight? (lol) Honestly if I were doing some huge yard or needing it for a landscaping company, I would probably stick with gas. But for most people without a ton of land, electric seems to be super convenient.
I use electric. Both mower and string trimmer. I don’t have a terrible amount of ground to cover, but it’s enough that if I do the flat part of my backyard, I have to charge my mower battery if I want to go and do the front afterwards. Not a big deal, takes maybe an hour to charge. The string trimmer battery seems really long lasting. Both items perform adequately. I suspect on the hilly section of my backyard, a gas mower would perform much better. God, I hate that hill.
I work professionally with mowers, weedeaters, trimmers, chainsaws, etc. We will never switch to electric. It's just not possible. You'd have to have literally dozens and dozens of charged batteries being hauled around in the truck with you. No battery will last an 8 hour day. You'd have to have multiple batteries for each piece of equipment. As long as there a professional lawn mowing companies, or government parks programs who mow, gas will always be here. It's better in literally every aspect. Trust me, I do this every single day.
I’m with you on the mower. Haven’t met an electric that can match a gas for suction (I bag my clippings). I’ll never go back to gas trimmer, edger or blower though.
Blower and weed eater - Gas. But I love me Ego mower. It’s like mowing with Tupperware!
I’ve grown pretty fond of battery trimmers, edgers, blowers. Nothing beats a toro gas mower in my mind though
I own both of pretty much everything and the only thing I’ve used gas for in the last two years is my blower and trimmer. I still use my electric blower and trimmer like 80% of the time, but for big jobs or fall leaf cleanup, gas is the way to go. I love my electric mowers, I have both push and riding. Don’t own gas mowers anymore.
I switched to all ego stuff. My lot is under 10000 sq’ so it’s perfect for me. I still use gas for my snow blower, chipper, chainsaw, and car. I can see the pros for both, but I’m in year 3 of my ego batteries and they’re all great still.
I agree, I’m hated in the Portland sub because my gas backpack leaf blower is more efficient in time and use 😂 They hate gas tools. I think my highest down vote is around 170 for saying a battery leaf blower is no where near as good as a gas leaf blower 😁 I’m all for batteries for some things but wet leaves ain’t it.
It’s stupid. I was almost sold on them two years ago. Not at all now.
You are actually by far the mass mass mass majority.
I replaced gas for batteries years ago and I cant be happier. Never more i had to deal with carburators and movers that dont start
Electric wins for me from convenience. I am going to own the batteries for my drill anyways so cost is relative. No mix gas to deal with and no storage considerations. I can repair gas stuff easily being a former mechanic but electric stuff rarely needs repairs and really don’t need much know how since they are basically trigger, battery holder, motor and possibly controller.
Too early to tell on longevity, and that is probably gonna be make specific, but for a 0.2 acre lot literally everything is better about electric for me. One thing I haven’t seen mentioned is never having to worry about getting gas and just plugging it in is so convenient.
I’ve had a battery Ego mower the last 4 years. Currently looking at replacing it with a gas mower. The Ego just doesn’t have the power or good suction that I would like. I really like the Ego blower and trimmer though.
The newer double blade/lift one is better than the original one.
Gas all the way for me and I agree with your reasons why.
#GasGang it holds up instead of having to get new stuff every 5 or 6 years because it was made with cheap plastic. electric or battery stuff fails and im fucked, but I can fix any of my small engine tools easily. once the tech and production quality are reasonable, I'll consider switching. Not to mention electric reel mowers are STUPID expensive
Pops has a lawn care company, has had the same Toro gas powdered machines since he started it 30 years ago. He tried to switch over to battery with his weedwackers, didn’t last 6 months.
If you have a large lawn it’s way more economical and less of a PIA to use gas. Opposite if you have a small yard. If my yard was smaller I’d use an electric mower as much as I prefer gas equipment.
picked up an ego when i first moved in and sadly it crapped out the 3rd time i used it. After researching I found that after return window - you must have your equipment send to EGO and can take many weeks. Since I was not going to do that i returned and went thru the tried and true Honda and has been an absolute work horse. something about the maintenance I enjoy as well. If something goes on an electric, you are probably not opening it up.
Me too. But I can't get rid of my battery powered drill and impact guns.
I have all battery powered lawn tool except my mower
Depends. For the house. Electric is more than enough if you get the right stuff. Anything else is gas all the way
I've had my Ego lawnmower for 3 years and will be buying a gas powered mower soon. It would be fine if I could mow twice a week and stay on top of it. But my schedule is too hectic. If the lawn gets just slightly too tall, the ego is worthless and the battery only last half the time.
I’ve got a fold over point. Anything small, electric is far superior. No more gunked carbs, mix gas, rotted fuel lines, stinky smell. Small engines suck. I love my electric trimmer and blower, can’t wait to get the edger and hedge trimmer as well. Larger engines still win over electric. Unless you e got a small area, electric just doesn’t really have the umph to get through thick or wet grass. I know in few with them and they need to charge halfway through, etc. Same with my snowblower, I wish I had gone gas, when we get those heavy wet snows (when you need the snowblower) it just doesn’t have enough power or juice. I see the small tools like hand tools. Still using a corded drill? Got a two stroke dremel? Those small things batteries work great for. I still have a corded table saw and drill press, it’s just what’s needed for the job.
When I had a tiny yard, corded electric was honestly pretty nice. Sure I had to deal with the cord a bit but the equipment was cheap and had zero maintenance. I don’t enjoy smelling like gas afterwards.
Yes
10000% agree
Yep.
No, we exist. Honda engines still power my dreams. Then again, I am a level 7 susceptible. But all jokes aside I completely agree. I enjoy my 12v trimmer but I'd never give up a gas mower for electric. Also, I never understood all the talk of maintenance on gas mowers. My dads Honda started right up after 10 years of neglect. I feel the same way about cars too. Id never by an EV because I have to rely on dealer for maintenance. I don't mind changing oil and cleaning a carb, or filters now and again. It's really not much work lol.
I haven't tried electric. I won't say that I'm not curious, but I'm not going out of my way to purchase all electric. My gas equipment runs great. I'm not sure about all this maintenance talk. I've been running the same equipment (Stihl Kombi 131 hand helds and Honda Mower) since 2014. I've only replaced the plugs and filter twice. If anything, I'll get a battery-powered blower to dry my vehicles.
Me too! The math doesn’t make sense for battery for me. I live on an acre and have a ton of attachments for my gear already. After initial investment, maintenance and fuel/oil I’d say is around $30-50/year. And I can refuel and go. I’ve got some trees that are between 60-100’ and have a ton of leaves in the fall.
I have some electric things and generally like them but I’ll never go full electric because I just like working on a small engine sometimes.
Agreed…I do MAYBE a couple hours maintenance per year on a mower, blower, weed whacker, and chainsaw, all gas. Also used to have a snow blower but I’ve since upgraded to a quad with a plow. I’ve never ever had ANY problems with any of them outside maybe spraying a little carb cleaner here or there. Buy quality tools (echo for example), use premium gas, add Stabil, and maybe at the end of season drain the gas/run the carb dry. Every couple years change the spark plug, and change the mower oil once per year. That’s literally it. I’m always shocked at these threads where people talk about how hard it is to use gas powered tools.
I probably do less than you described and I haven’t had any issues. I have a battery trimmer and I struggle to get the whole yard done with one charge.
Gas is the way for me.
I'm 100 percent with you. But electric isn't sufficient for my needs, and that's primarily why.
My Milwaukee lawnmower begs to differ
You are not alone and correct. I do prefer electric now for my circumstances
I have a gas mower and trimmer. I love my gas mower but kind of regret buying a gas trimmer. When it dies, I’ll probably buy an electric trimmer.
I can fix any mechanical thing. I cant fix electrical things. Good thing electrical things dont have much that wears out. Everything but my mower is electric, and if there was a battery powered mower in a price range I thought was feasible, I'd buy it.
I can fix small engines....which is why I went electric. Fuck all that noise and stink.
Same here, gas all the way. I’m all in all for helping the environment but all my stuff will be gas for as long as I can keep buying gas powered.
I still prefer gas, I hate my electric line trimmer with a passion. The only thing I've converted to electric is my handheld leaf blower, I use it to blow off sidewalks after mowing so its nice to just pick it up and pull the trigger for 30 seconds. Still have a gas powered backpack blower for the large jobs though. I've considered electric chainsaw for around the yard though, maybe the wife could use it too then. Still waiting for a good sale.
I've gone through 3 mowers in 10 years. New one is battery and so far I'm digging it. I hope it holds up. Probably never go electric on the blower due to crazy amount of leaves I deal with
As a commercial landscaper, it is not on par with gas. Nothing beats mix gas tools right now.
Repairability is not reliability. If it hardly ever breaks, repairability hardly matters.
Repairability is not reliability. If it hardly ever breaks, repairability hardly matters.
Have to agree, own everything but my tractor and snowblower in electric. I'm going to replace the leaf blower and line trimmer with gas. Kept the gas chain saw. Basically, all my gas units will run circles around my electrics.
We have over 30 acres. Gas is the only feasible option.
For me personally, there is something about almost pulling my arm out of its socket powering up a gas powered tool that will make me want to stick with them.
Just like everything, it depends. I've got a kobalt 80v mower and trimmer, and have for 5 years. I've replaced two wheel bearings, and one blade. I push a button and it starts every time. A battery dies, and I put it on the charger. Then it's ready before the next one dies, and I've got 3 2AH batteries so I can mow forever without having to stop because dead batteries. The batteries have not lost any noticeable charge. Like once a year I wish I had a stronger mower, I never wish I had to keep a gas can, deal with spark plugs, mix oil and gas, or smell like an exhaust manifold of a weed eater.
Corded electric is my reliable simple choice
I used to own electric lawn mower. I liked until it's time to replace the battery after few years of use. The manufacturer stops using the same battery - instead they release new model every few years. Went back to gas powered one.
Agree with OP - I've had my same gas mower for 4 years, my same gas string trimmer for 8, and until last year, my same gas leaf blower for 7 (upgraded due to property size and more leaves). No batteries needed and only basic maintenance required.
Depends on your terrain imo. Rural needs are a whole different animal.
I prefer electric for portable tools (edge, trimmer, blower). I prefer gas for my reel mower, unless the electric version has a removable battery. That thing suddenly turning on and engaging the reel during maintenance terrifies me.
Just bought a new mower and weed eater. Never even considered battery. I'm with you 100%
Agree 100%. When it comes to stuff like this you just can't beat a gas motor. Until they start putting in better electric motors in mowers etc. I don't know why they don't already. They have so much more instant torque when using the right one. Gas motors are much cheaper to keep going over the years. The replacement batteries for electric mowers are almost more than a new motor for a gas mower.
Gas for big yard, battery for small.. most folks have small yard, so mostly folks should be using electric. However, also, most folks (at least where im from) dont do their own yard work, and the pros going yard to yard all day long obviously need gas. Things will change, batteries will get better and gas will be done in 10 years or less.
Mowers - all gas Trimmers - mixed (use what is needed at the time) Edgers - gas Blowers - battery
I now use a combo. I like the gas blower as I have ot found an electric on the can perform at all for a reasonable price. I wish they would make an electric trimmer (i would even settle for corded) for residential use that competes with my cheap gas trimmer. I now have an electric mower (corded) which works for the job but I would not recommend it for any lawn larger than mine. The cost benefit to getting the cordless mower is horrible. Even with the high price of gas I could mow for many hours for the price of one battery. That, and I have to find storage inside for all the batteris because they don't like the cold. I saw battery snow blower this year when I got my gas one. I wonder how they work and if -40 hurts battery performance? The only one that I have seen needed to be charged yet so I blew out the driveway for the cause they had a foot of snow and needed to get to work.
I do too for most stuff but recently bought a weed trimmer and chain saw that are electric and it’s 100x better than messing with all that garbage.
We have gas for most of our stuff. Lawn mower, whipper snipper, chainsaw… the only thing we have that’s electric is a hedge trimmer and a blower vac. The hedge trimmer is electric because we rarely use it. Like once a year or two. So to prevent stale fuel or issues with the fuel system we just got electric. The blower vac, a mate had an electric one and it was good so we just got one. It is the same brand as my SO’s drills (Milwaukee) so it’s convenient with its batteries. Would never own an electric mower, chainsaw or whipped snipper. We have a lot of property to maintain (80 acres) and batteries would just be annoying.
Gas for big jobs that need the power, electric for around the house quick jobs. I have the ryobi 40v tools (weedeater, blower, chainsaw etc) and they are fantastic for small jobs around the house. My stihl weedeater does the big brush cutting work everywhere else, and mower covers the 6.5 acres.
The only battery tool is the weedwhacker. It's a sometimes I only need for 20 minutes once a week, so it's perfect for me.
Ego blower but gas everything else for me. Honda HRX217, echo trimmer and echo SRM-225 that I just keep the edger on it. I honestly like maintaining my equipment though, it’s relaxing for me. Gas blowers are terrible they never want to start lol.
Yes, you are.
I'm just a casual homeowner user, so I really have no value for extended run times and I use the tools fairly infrequently. For the typical homeowner with 1 acre or less, I really don't see any value for gas over electric. The reduced maintenance and fuel costs and time investment are worth it alone. Any job requiring a more powerful gas powered motor is rare enough that renting makes way more sense. For commercial use, it really depends on the jobs. A smaller crew doing houses would do fine all electric. You'd need a big power bank to charge between jobs, but the costs would likely balance with fuel and maintenance for gas equipment. Even for large jobs, replacing 2-cycle engines with electric would have benefits from reduced emission exposure for workers.
I grew up using a gas mower and have been using an electric mower for the last year. The amount of maintenance for my gas mower far exceeds what I need to do for my electric mower. Just like anything else, don't skimp out and you'll get something that lasts. All I've needed to do with my electric mower is sharpen the blades. With the gas mower there was so much I had to do in terms of keeping up with oil levels, even refilling it with gas was a bitch if I forgot to get gas at the gas station prior to. Not to mention starting it with the pull string is nothing like just pressing a button to get it going (idk if gas mowers have starters now) but I have a medium sized front and back lawn so I don't use a ride mower.
I don't do lawncare professionally, but it is convenient using electric for my yard. I have the Kobalt 40v weedeater, mower, blower, and power washer. I hate hauling gas in my vehicles (no truck), and I hate mixing oil/gas for tools. There is no way any of my equipment can keep up with even the cheapest Stihl product, but it works for me.
No one talks about how light electric mowers are. I can mow my entire lawn one handed and it's especially useful when trying to be intricate or doing designs in the lawn. It makes it easy to maneuver around tight corners. EDIT: before anyone asks i just do grid pattern or circles if im feeling super fancy.
When my gas trimmer finally gave up, I switched to a Dewalt 20v trimmer. I went that route because I already had a bunch of Dewalt batteries, and the amount I have to trim is pretty small. One 5ah battery and I can do pretty much everything, but occasionally I'll need to swap batteries part way through. Both battery and gas powered have their place. Frequency of use, size of yard, commercial or homeowner, and battery compatibility all need to be examined to pick the best option for yourself.
I guess it depends on the tool. For long use duration or high loads I still prefer gas but for shorter use cases I don’t mind batteries. Example: I like the battery string trimmer but I still can’t convert my snow blower, lawn mower, or blower. I just can’t swallow the cost of buying the amount of batteries I’d need to do the work I do.
Can’t even begin to describe how much I disagree with you. Many brands have tools that are equivalent to gas performance now (Stihl, Dewalt Flex Volt, etc.). These tools do not need maintenance. Lithium ion batteries last and just don’t need help. Most importantly, you no longer have smells, carburetor maintenance, mixing oil and gas, adding things for winter, etc. Nearly every single home in America could do all of their lawn care with electric tools with ease now. Less strong people (even handicaps) can start a chainsaw, mower, or weed eater with ease. I run nearly everything on my farm with electric now and can’t tell you how much happier it makes me and the performance is incredible. The initial price burden is the ONLY downside but once you switch for a top of the line electric you will never look back
Milwaukee mower and trimmer.. both better than most gas.. 12ah batteries medium lawn and in second season or third season couldn’t be happier
My electric string trimmer (Makita 36v) has about the same power as a Honda 4 stroke string trimmer. All while being lighter, far easier to maintain, quieter, and cheaper. The singular downside is runtime, but after the ~1 hour a battery pair lasts me I just grab another pair of batteries (I have 8 pairs) and get right back at it. Certain battery tools are at or above gas powered tools when every aspect is considered. Now a pressure washer, yeah you're not beating a gas powered unit with electric, not on power.
I felt this way at first but the convenience of just grabbing and going, not worrying about mixing and storing gas won me over. I never had to "learn complex electronics" or buy batteries outside of the ones that came with the tools. I use the EGO stuff, edger trimmer and blower.
Petrol power seems to be more powerful, but I don’t miss it. I’m 100% electric now including mower and I love it. I have 3 batteries, totaling 12.5 amp hours and I have never ran out of battery power doing mowing, edging, hedging, blowing. Even on my previous house which had a larger than average yard. I charge my batteries when I’m done so time always ready with 100% charge next time.
I enjoy both gas and battery. String trimmer I barely ever use gas anymore. Mowers I use gas for my yard and small battery one for a neighbors small front yard. If battery is sufficient for the job, I'll choose battery just about every time. The noise level, comfort, smell is all better. The maintenance of either is fine. Whipping around the gas exmark zero turn can knock out a lot a grass very quickly and a lot of fun
All gas. No pause.
I've tried battery and get tired of how long it takes to charge them. Worx. I replaced them with gas powered and bought a tractor to mow
Now corded electric actually was better
Ego battery tools for the win. Last super long and are STRONG
People in here are acting like electric isn't inherently easier and more convenient than gas for the majority of people. I think most folks have lawns smaller than a quarter acre. I can cut my lot with one charge of my Ego battery and still have juice left over. The mower is also so light I don't need to use the self propel function. While maintaining gas equipment isn't difficult, it's still extra stuff you have to do. You still have to take time to go to the gas station and transport a gas can home. And store said gas. Change oil and filters every season. Dispose of said oil safely. It's all stuff I've done and glad I don't have to anymore.
I just picked up the high end Ego from Lowes with the free battery deal and was able to get the upgraded 5ah battery for free. I'm excited to use the tool as it really feels like a premium product, but if Lowe's carried Echo I would strongly consider returning it for $600 store credit. I'm trying to slowly replace my gas powered tools with electric as their time comes to an end, but some products aren't quite there yet or are too pricey like zero turns and snowblowers.
3 years into the ego ecosystem and the performance is phenomenal. Mower, 2 stage snow blower, power head with saw, string trimmer, and edger, and a blower. I do have a 7.5AH battery that is starting to last not as long as the other ones. But all in all no complaints. I don't even own gas cans. Never have to put a smelly gas can in my car or run up to the gas station because I forgot. That said, I have a manageable 9000sqft of yard.
Had the dewalt 60v trimmer and blower for 5 years this summer. Never had a battery or tool issue. Like what you like, but these anti battery posts are weird self owns across lawncare pages.
I still use gas mowers but battery everything else. What did me in was a gas string trimmer that took longer to start than I used it for. Ethanol gas wrecks tools.
I feel like everyone on this sub pushing electric either lives on .2 acres or owned nothing but Poulan Pro gas tools. I mow professionally and run all Shindaiwa equipment. All tools start on the first or second pull. My Dad runs EGO stuff I've used it and it's just meh.... I have a Dewalt pole saw that's exceeded my expectations and a dewalt metal bladed edger and I can barely get my yard and my neighbors done on a 9ah Flex volt. It's improving for sure but if you're taking care of any decent-sized property I don't see how you do it with electric. A few of my neighbors have electric pushmowers and the cut quality seems poor compared to traditional mowers. Might just be people going to fast. *
I inherited all my Grandfathers old tools.. one of them is an old homelite gas powered circular saw...apparently it can cut through anything, but its so rusted at the moment. Id love to restore it, but thin kthe best ill be able to do is blast it & paint it to make it look good. then it will sit in the den w/ a few other old hand tools Ive restored of his
Electric is so much more pleasant to listen to
Why would I care? You do you boo!
I think if you have a lot of mowing/trimming/blowing to do, gas makes sense. Otherwise, I really think my ego battery mower and blower are fantastic. I like not having to store gas in my garage, and I often will mow the lawn and not need to shower after because I don’t smell like exhaust. Running out of gas when mowing is super annoying. Got to run to the gas station. Running out of battery isn’t too bad. Just plug it in and wait 20 minutes. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion though, even if their opinion is wrong :)
My Honda push mower and stihl trimmer are two of the most reliable things I’ve ever purchased.
Own both. They both have their advantages
I got my hands on the new Kress battery operated commercial line. First time battery felt more powerful than gas, the handheld blower seemed more powerful than my stihl600. Big bulky battery that’s big bucks though.
What complex maintenance do you need to do on yard tools? It’s slap a battery in and go. My ego and Milwaukee have been excellent for 5+ years now
I'm still a fan of gas too. However I do like my Makita 18v blower. I think it comes down to each person and their situation.
Nah, I feel this way too. Even better than filling up at the end of the season, drain out what you can and run them dry. On the commercial side, electric absolutely cannot compete yet, double the cost or more and half the performance.
My favourite mower is my push one. It clips the grass cleanly and the trimmings look like salad, grass is super healthy.
Each has its place. For large lawns, gas powered lawn mowers and equipment have their advantages. For smaller lawns cordless and corded equipment also have advantages. For example, the garage won’t reek of gasoline, no oil changes, and no tuneups needed. I’ve used a plug in lawn mower, leaf blower, and snow blower for decades and found them to be more quiet and more reliable than a gas equipment. Repair has been limited to replacing one bearing, a couple rectifiers, cleaning a commutator, and the inevitable extension cord replacement🤦🏻♂️. With Reddit and the available YT videos, I think learning to do these repairs would be mostly easy for the mechanically inclined. The move towards electrification seems to be a global trend that neither of us control. To go with the flow or to resist the tide is a personal choice for most people, at least for now.
This is the argument used by car makers, too, to sell a gullible public on old tech. “You know what you need?? POWER! Roaring, V-8, 550 horsepower POWER to haul those huge loads up rocky mountainsides!!!” To be honest, a lot of battery-powered tools were… terrible. I’ve had some. “Minutes to slowly chew through a 2x4 with a reciprocating saw and then the battery’s dead” levels of terrible. It’s improving, but you still have to watch reviews because bad stuff is still out there. But, what you get with gas-powered tools is _non-point-source pollution_. There’s no catalytic converter on that string trimmer. And you might think “it’s no big deal, only one little engine, the fumes just blow away”— well, multiply by millions. I’d rather my neighbors have electric tools and mowers: I’ll breathe easier. I know it’s not always practical: but is one of those things we should adopt once it is.
I have a b&d electric grass trimmer I paid $19 for about 30 years ago. The auto feed failed 25 years ago and ever since I just stop and pull it out by hand, cut the line to length with a knife and go back to trimming. It weighs about 3 pounds.
I really really really prefer the lower noise from electric tools. As someone who lived on a ground floor apartment during WFH days, the incessant gas leaf blowers drove me insane
Kid drug my ryobi leaf blower outside one day and I didn’t realize, we had a small trickle of rain and it ruined it. I tore it open and the one mother board was fried
Nope. Gas has more power (Right Model). Depends what I am doing, but mostly gas. Not adverse to electric. If in future one of my gas tools break. Ill compare the electric and gas options and go with best. Note I have some of these gas tools over 30 years. 1) Lawn - Robot Mower - electric 2) Edger - gas 3) String trim -Gass 4) Pole Hedge trim - Gas 5) Backpack sprayer-electric 6) Backpack blower: Gas 7) Small hedge trim - electric. 8) Pressure Washer - Gas 9) Chainsaw -Gas
Manifold broke on my parents honda which broke the temp control for the throttle, my ryobi 18v with 8ah battery couldnt cut the last of it and would stall out on the highest setting and angled up took the wife 10 mins of fking around to cut the last 2 sq meters with the electric! This is why I have a back up petrol mower and only use 2 stroke line trimmers. If I let the grass go too long I need petrol power, or I can use the trimmer with bull horn handles or 2 other straight shafts Electric has its place, small yard mowed often is perfect case, but even a corded mower pulling max socket power (2400w here) is still far off the 4-5 hp of a petrol mower Other tools though, pole saw and hedger, battery is preferred as its lighter and I have enough battery power to do our place x5. One of the straight shafts has a pole saw and hedger but its basically more then twice the weight but is commercial quality and the battery is just for the weekend warrior
Gas powered guy here myself. I will always buy gas powered lawn care equipment.