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Petrol Lawn Mower vs Electric: Cutting Through the Lawn Mower Debate
Are you struggling to choose between a petrol lawn mower and an electric one?
This is a common debate that happens to the best of us gardeners. When we cut grass, we all want to achieve a sleek, tidy finish and it’s no secret that we need a good lawn mower to achieve this.
But is it better to opt for a petrol lawn mower? Or, to put your trust in an electric one?
Both petrol and electric lawn mowers have advantages and drawbacks. Not all models will suit everyone’s needs. One feature might work wonders for a professional gardener, whereas the other could streamline operations in the garden at home.
The good news is that at GLC, we have both petrol and electric mowers. We understand how important these items of machinery are, and the value of good quality. That’s why we partner with some of the leading manufacturers in the industry to provide you with genuine, trustworthy lawn mowers and spare parts.
If you’re stuck in a battle choosing between a petrol lawn mower and an electric one, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog, we’ll be looking at the key differences and similarities between the two.
Hopefully, by the end, you’ll have a clear idea of the right one for you.
Let’s dive in!
Petrol Lawn Mowers: Power and Performance
We can’t underestimate the power of a petrol lawn mower.
For years, they’ve been a traditional and trusty option of mower, for both at-home gardeners creating beautiful gardens and professionals at work. Powered by internal combustion engines, these mowers are excellent in larger gardens and open spaces.
Advantages of Petrol Lawn Mowers
So what makes a petrol lawn mower so good? Well, plenty. Here are some examples:
Excellent Cutting Power
Equipped with high-torque engines, petrol lawn mowers are great for instances of cutting the grass where a bit of extra power is needed.
Overgrown grass that’s dense and damp hates to see one of these coming its way. Not only is the power of the petrol engine a large benefit, but it maintains its power no matter what terrain it’s dealing with, making it great in a range of scenarios.
The Stihl RM 448.3 V Petrol Mower (Self Propelled) is powered by the Stihl EVC300 (145cc) petrol engine, which is easy to start and provides a strong surge of power. It comes equipped with added features, such as mowing blades, a mulching plug, a side discharge chute, and a grass catcher to completely streamline the process.
This powerful petrol lawn mower is an excellent choice of garden machinery, and will smoothly and efficiently get the job done.
Unlimited Runtime
As long as it’s filled up with petrol, the mower can last for as long as you need it. There’s nothing more annoying than when you have to stop halfway through cutting grass to charge your mower. It ruins the flow and adds a lot of extra time to the task. Petrol lawn mowers have the advantage of unlimited runtime (as long as they have fuel) and can last the duration of a job.
Great for Large Gardens
Due to its robust design and powerful engine, a petrol lawn mower is ideal for larger gardens and spaces. Generally, these mowers have wide cutting widths making the entire process of cutting the grass a lot less time consuming.
The KAAZ LM5360 HXAR Petrol Roller Mower (Self Propelled) is great for large gardens, as it has a 21” cutting width to help you get a lot done at once whilst creating a classic striped finish. Being self-propelled, it takes all of the strain away from mowing. It has a heavy-duty gearbox with a “drive shaft” rather than belt drive system for reliable operation.
Handles Uneven Terrain Well
Due to its power, a petrol lawn mower is great if the terrain is rugged or uneven. Many of the models come with self-propelled functions, making it a lot easier to push them up a hill or handle them on uneven surfaces. Mowing the lawn is a tiring task, and the easier the mower can make it for you, the better!
Explore our range of petrol lawn mowers here and achieve a sleek cut every time.
Disadvantages of Petrol Lawn Mowers
Despite the petrol models having great advantages, they also have some disadvantages to be aware of.
Here are some examples:
Lots of Maintenance Requirements
Despite achieving great results, these kinds of lawn mowers do require a lot of maintenance. Unfortunately, this can often be expensive.
Some examples of what they might need are:
- Oil changes
- Air filter replacements
- Spark plug inspections
- Blade sharpening
Each of these maintenance tasks is really important and not doing them can lead to lawn mower problems down the line. You’ll be able to do some lawn mower repairs and maintenance tasks yourself, especially if they’re only small. However, in some cases, it might be better to leave it to the professionals!
At GLC we provide the option of service and repair, helping you keep your garden machinery in good nick. Whether your mower (or any of your machinery) needs winter servicing, repairing, or spare parts, we offer a comprehensive service to help. Just enter your details on our online form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Noisy Option
Have you ever been relaxing in your garden and heard that familiar roar of a lawn mower next door? Well, it’s likely that it’s a petrol lawn mower. If you’ve been in this situation, we don’t need to remind you how noisy they can be when cutting the grass.
Because of the combustion engine, petrol mowers are very loud and not always ideal in residential areas.
They are powerful, but it comes at the expense of high noise levels.
Heavy and Bulky
Again, petrol lawn mowers are really powerful and have strong engines.
This makes them very bulky and heavy, like a ride on mower, which isn’t always the most practical feature. Generally, these mowers have big frames, and this can be difficult to manoeuvre, especially if you’re mowing the lawn on an uneven surface.
Environmental Impact
If you’re looking to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into your gardening, a petrol mower is not the best way to go.
Because of the fuel combustion needed for the engines, the mowers produce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. This contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gases, which negatively affects the environment.
Electric Lawn Mowers: Clean and Convenient
Electric lawn mowers have gained a lot of popularity in recent years, as gardeners and professionals look to update their garden machinery. They’re known for their lightweight design, ease of use, and environmentally friendly operation.
They come in two different forms, which are:
- Corded electric mowers: These machines are powered directly by a cord plugged into a power source.
- Cordless electric mowers: These machines run on a lithium-ion battery and don’t need to be plugged in.
Both of these types offer great benefits, it just depends on the size and type of terrain you’re working with.
Advantages of Electric Lawn Mowers
Whether you’re using a corded or battery-operated mower, there are plenty of reasons why they’re a great choice.
Here are some examples:
Eco-Friendly Option
Electric lawn mowers don’t release any emissions, which is one of the main reasons why they’re so popular. They don’t release carbon dioxide into the air because there are no exhaust fumes to worry about.
You also don’t need to worry about lawn mower fuel spills or leaks like you do with petrol mowers, which is another reason why they’re a good choice.
Lightweight and Easy to Use
Electric lawn mowers are significantly lighter than petrol models because they generally have compact motors and plastic or metal frames.
This makes them a lot easier to push and manoeuvre, especially if you’re using it in a residential area. If you’re using the mower in a tight space, this is a great benefit because you can move it in a better way. You can also start them with just one press of a button, it’s that simple.
If you opt for a cordless model, you don’t need to worry about the hassle of cords when you cut grass.
When they get in your way, not only is it annoying, but it interrupts the flow and makes the task last longer than necessary. As long as the battery is charged up enough, you can easily get the job done without stopping and recharging.
The Mountfield Princess 38 Electric Mower (1600w) is a great option because it’s foldable and easy to store. With its robust, integrated rear roller, you can achieve a sleek finish every time. Only weighing 15kg, it’s extremely easy to transport and manoeuvre during, and after, use.
Low Maintenance
Other than needing to charge the battery, electric mowers are relatively low maintenance.
You don’t need to worry about any oil changes or air filters and spark plugs.
There will potentially be the odd occasion when you need to sharpen and clean the blades, but even this isn’t a high-maintenance task.
Quieter Operation
If you want to avoid being known as the neighbour with a very loud lawn mower, an electric one will help you achieve that. They’re a lot quieter than petrol-powered ones, which is great because it causes less noise pollution.
As a result, you can use the mower in residential areas or at times of the day when a lot of noise isn’t acceptable.
The Stihl RME 339 Electric Mower is extremely compact and lightweight, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to maintain their gardens.
With its low-noise 120 W, it mows effectively and efficiently, helping you achieve great results every time. It also has a High Lift Blade which helps to deliver a sleek finish every time.
To explore more great electric mowers, take a look at our collection here.
Disadvantages of Electric Lawn Mowers
Electric mowers are all about eco-friendly operation, are lightweight and easy to use, but they do come with some disadvantages to be aware of.
Here are some examples:
Limited Battery Life (If Cordless)
Cordless lawn mowers have a lot of advantages, but you do need to stop and charge.
The batteries are good, but they won’t necessarily last for the full length of a garden if it’s on the larger side.
To overcome this, it might be worth investing in additional battery packs or mowing strategically in sections, just in case you have to stop and recharge. It’s not necessarily the worst element in the world, but it can cause inconvenience if you’re not prepared.
Cord Length Restrictions
If you’re using a corded electric lawn mower, you might be limited in your movement because of the wire.
This is very inconvenient if you have a larger garden that the mower won’t reach when cutting the grass. Most of the cords are about 10-30 metres, which might not work for you; it just depends on the space you’re working with.
Of course, you can use an extension lead, but this can also cause inconvenience and pose a tripping hazard.
Lower Cutting Power
Electric lawn mowers have low cutting power compared to petrol ones.
Therefore, if you’re dealing with grass that’s very overgrown and needs a lot of attention, it might take a few times to get the results you’re seeking. If the terrain is uneven and has rugged patches, there’s potential for the mower to struggle.
Comparing Petrol vs. Electric: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between a petrol or electric lawn mower depends on factors like garden size, terrain, maintenance preferences, and environmental impact.
Below is a direct comparison to help you decide which mower best suits your needs:
| Feature | Petrol Lawn Mower | Electric Lawn Mower |
| Power | High power, ideal for dense, overgrown grass and rough terrain | Less power, best for regularly maintained lawns |
| Run Time | Unlimited as long as there’s enough lawn mower fuel | Limited as it depends on battery charge (cordless) or cable reach (corded) |
| Ease of Use | Heavier, requires more effort to push and manoeuvre | Lightweight and easy to handle, great for quick mowing |
| Maintenance | Needs fuel refills, oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter cleaning | Minimal maintenance, only requires blade sharpening and occasional battery care |
| Noise Level | Louder operation | Quieter – better for residential use |
| Eco-Friendliness | Emits carbon and requires fossil fuels | Zero emissions, making it a greener option |
| Best For… | Large lawns, uneven terrain, and thick grass | Small to medium gardens with regular maintenance |
Final Verdict: Which Lawn Mower is Right for You?
Do you feel more confident in your choice of lawn mower yet?
If you’re still not sure, let’s break it down.
Pick a petrol lawn mower if you need:
- Maximum cutting power: Perfect for thick, overgrown grass and the ability to cut grass effortlessly, even on tougher terrain.
- Uninterrupted mowing: No worries about battery life or cable restrictions.
- Versatility for large lawns: Covers big areas efficiently without stopping.
- Durability and performance: Good for handling wet grass, uneven surfaces, and dense patches with ease.
Pick an electric lawn mower if you want:
- A lightweight, easy-to-handle mower: Ideal for small to medium-sized gardens.
- A quiet, eco-friendly option: Reduces noise pollution and eliminates emissions.
- Minimal maintenance: No need for lawn mower fuel refills, oil changes, or spark plug replacements.
- A cost-effective solution: Lower long-term running costs compared to petrol models.
At GLC we have a wide range of lawn mowers, both petrol and electric, from trusted manufacturers. As well as our reliable mowers, we also sell genuine spare parts to help you keep them in top condition.
Whether you need a new air filter for your Stihl lawn mower or a Cobra petrol pump, we’ve got you covered. Or, if you need a new battery charger for your electric mower, we have plenty of options you can explore.
Petrol Lawn Mower vs Electric: Cutting Through the Lawn Mower Debate
Hopefully you’ve gained a lot more knowledge about the right lawn mower for you.
Petrol lawn mowers deliver excellent power and endurance, making them ideal for large gardens, tough grass, and uneven terrain.
However, they require more maintenance and produce emissions and noise.
Electric lawn mowers offer convenience, quiet operation, and eco-friendliness, making them perfect for smaller gardens and regular maintenance. They are lightweight and easy to handle, but battery or cord limitations may affect performance.
Essentially, it all comes down to your unique requirements. So, whether you want a powerful petrol lawn mower or a lightweight, quiet, cordless one, explore our collection today.
