Electric lawn mowers have gained popularity in recent years due to their environmentally friendly nature and easy maintenance.
As a homeowner, choosing an electric lawn mower guarantees you a quieter and more energy-efficient option compared to traditional gas-powered mowers.
With a wide range of models available, it’s essential to understand how to maintain and use these mowers effectively to ensure the longevity of your investment.
By following some simple tips and techniques, you can ensure that your mower remains in good working condition for years to come. Additionally, understanding how to handle and store your electric lawn mower during the off-season will help prevent unnecessary wear and tear and prolong its life.
Electric Lawn Mower Maintenance: Key Takeaways
- Proper maintenance routines significantly improve an electric lawn mower’s performance and lifespan.
- Paying attention to battery care and usage contributes to a longer-lasting electric mower.
- Implementing effective storage and mowing techniques can ensure the optimal function of your electric lawn mower.
Effective Maintenance Routines for Electric Lawn Mowers
Understanding Your Electric Lawn Mower’s Manual
It is important to familiarize yourself with your electric lawn mower’s manual. Understanding the manufacturer’s recommendations will help you to properly care for your mower and extend its life. Be sure to follow maintenance guidelines and safety precautions outlined in your manual.
Electric Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist
To ensure your electric lawn mower remains in good condition, follow this maintenance checklist:
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your mower’s exterior and undercarriage free of debris. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the exterior and compressed air for hard-to-reach areas.
- Battery Care: Keep batteries fully charged and stored in a temperature controlled space. Check for any signs of corrosion or damage.
- Blade Sharpening: Keep your mower’s blades sharp for efficient and safe operation. Sharper blades will also save more batterie power.
- Ventilation System: Ensure nothing is blocking the airway used to cool the motor.
- Cable Care: Inspect cords for any wear or damage, and repair or replace as needed.
Regular Cleaning
Cleaning your electric lawn mower regularly will ensure its longevity and efficiency. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the undercarriage, as they can interfere with the mower’s functioning. Be sure to clean the cutting deck, wheels, and any vents or cooling fans.
Blade Sharpening Techniques
Sharp blades are essential for efficient and safe lawn mowing. We have complete how to guide “How to sharpen lawn mower blades“.
Heres a brief breakdown anyhow.
- Disconnecting the mower from its power source and removing the blade.
- Clamping the blade in a vice and using a metal file to sharpen the cutting edges.
- Checking for balance by hanging the blade on a nail and adjusting as needed.
- Reassembling the blade securely on the mower.
By following these maintenance routines, your electric lawn mower will continue to operate efficiently. The sharper the blades, the less stress on the electric mower.
Battery Care for Longevity
To prolong the life of your electric lawn mower’s battery, it is crucial to practice proper maintenance and mowing habits. Here are some essential tips to optimize your mower’s battery performance and longevity:
1. Choose the right cutting height
Set the cutting height according to your grass length to reduce strain on the motor and battery. By doing this, you can ensure that the mower works efficiently, resulting in optimal battery usage.
2. Avoid overloading
Mow in shorter intervals and avoid tackling overly thick or tall grass, which can lead to excessive battery drain. Divide your lawn into manageable sections to prevent overloading the mower.
3. Opt for a steady mowing speed
Maintain a consistent mowing speed to optimize battery usage. Consistent speed ensures that the mower does not require more power than necessary, conserving your battery life.
Battery Maintenance Tips:
- Charging: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging the battery. Avoid overcharging or discharging it completely, as both can reduce battery life.
- Storage: Store the battery in a cool, dry environment. Lithium-ion batteries tend to last longer when stored at room temperature. Long-term exposure to high temperatures can significantly decrease battery life.
- Cleaning: Keep the battery and its terminals clean and free from debris and corrosion. Use a cloth or soft brush to remove any dirt or build-up, ensuring the battery maintains a strong connection to the mower.
Remember, by taking care of your electric lawn mower’s battery, you will effectively prolong its service life, minimize replacement costs, and enjoy a more efficient mowing experiences.
Storage and Handling for Electric Lawn Mowers
Proper Indoor Storage
When it comes to storing your electric lawn mower, it is essential to find a dry, temperature controlled and protected place like a garage. Storing your electric lawn mower indoors helps protect it from moisture, which can cause rust, and theft. To prepare your mower for storage:
- Clean it up: Remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the mower’s exterior and blades.
- Disconnect the spark plug: This ensures the machine doesn’t accidentally start.
- Remove the battery: Always store the battery separately from the electric lawn mower.
Additionally, consider using a lawn mower cover to add an extra layer of protection from dust and moisture.
Component Lubrication
Lubricating your electric lawn mower’s components is crucial to ensure its longevity and smooth operation. Before storing the mower, make sure to:
- Lubricate the axles: Apply a small amount of grease to the axles to keep them turning smoothly.
- Apply oil to the blades: Prevent rusting by applying a light coat of oil to the mower’s cutting blade.
- Check the wheels: Inspect the wheels for damage and lubricate the bearings as needed.
Following these guidelines will ensure your electric lawn mower is well-maintained and ready for use when you need it again. Remember, proper storage and handling go a long way in preserving the lifespan of your electric lawn mower.
Electric Lawn Mowing Techniques
Avoid Cutting Wet Grass With Electric Lawn Mowers
To achieve the best results and prevent damage to your electric lawn mower, you should always avoid cutting wet grass. Mowing wet grass can be both challenging and counterproductive due to the following reasons:
- Clumping: Wet grass tends to clump together, making it difficult for the mower to efficiently cut through. This may result in an uneven cut and leave unsightly clumps of grass on your lawn.
- Increased resistance: Wet grass creates more resistance, causing the mower to work harder and potentially overheat.
- Decreased battery life: The increased resistance and additional strain on the mower may lead to decreased battery life if you’re using a cordless electric lawn mower.
- Safety concerns: Electric lawn mowers and water don’t mix well. Mowing wet grass increases the risk of electrical shock or damage to your electric lawnmower.
To ensure the best results when using your electric lawn mower, always make sure to mow your lawn when it’s dry. This will not only protect your mower, but also lead to a cleaner, healthier lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider when choosing the best electric lawn mower for my yard size?
When choosing an electric lawn mower, consider factors such as cutting width, weight, and battery life. Most electric mowers have cutting widths between 15 and 25 inches, with 15 inches being suitable for small lawns and 25 inches being better for larger yards. Keep in mind that a lighter mower will be easier to maneuver, and that battery-operated models will have varying run times.
How does the performance of corded electric lawn mowers compare to cordless models?
Corded electric mowers provide continuous power but restrict your mobility due to the need for an electric outlet nearby. Cordless models, on the other hand, offer greater freedom of movement but rely on battery life, which can vary depending on the mower. When comparing the two types, consider factors such as lawn size, ease of use, and power requirements.
What maintenance requirements should I be aware of for electric lawn mowers?
Electric lawn mowers generally require less maintenance than gas-powered mowers. However, there are still some important tasks to perform regularly, including:
- Cleaning the mower deck and removing grass clippings
- Checking for any damaged or worn parts and replacing them as needed
- Sharpening the mower blades periodically, to ensure a clean cut and prevent damage to your lawn
- For cordless models, make sure to properly charge the battery and replace it when it no longer holds a charge
What are the most recommended self-propelled electric lawn mowers on the market?
Popular self-propelled electric lawn mowers include models from reputable brands such as Greenworks, EGO, and Ryobi. When looking for a self-propelled mower, consider factors like cutting width, ease of use, and battery life. This Old House has listed some of the best electric lawn mowers in 2023, which can serve as a good starting point for your search.
