For homeowners with sizable yards, riding lawn mowers make maintaining the expansive greenspace wonderfully convenient. Now cleaner electric battery riding models offer that prized riding comfort matching gas models minus tailpipe emissions or ear-splitting engine noise. This detailed guide discusses the benefits of battery powered riding mowers, the best brands available and key features to look for when ditching your old gas riding mower for an green upgrade.
How Battery Riding Lawn Mowers Work
Battery riding mowers operate on the same basic principles as walk-behind electric mowers but with larger rechargeable battery packs powering full-size riding chassis allowing comfortable, eco-friendly cutting of large yards.
Key Components
Battery riding mowers use three primary operating components:
- Large Capacity Batteries – Provide current and sustained voltage to the system. Range from 48V to 80V strength.
- Brushless Motors – Efficiently convert battery power into torque and movement to drive wheels and blades.
- Motor Controllers – Intelligently manage system power flow from batteries to electric motors and components.
Onboard battery management systems track battery life ensuring optimal use without overload or overheating through recognizing shutdown thresholds.
Top Brands of Battery Powered Riding Mowers
While earlier electric riding mowers struggled matching gas model cutting size, speed or reliability – modern lithium battery advancements have quickly elevated eco-friendly offerings from the top riding mower brands.
Ego Power+
Ego’s 56V ARC model hosts industry leading 7.5 kWh batteries powering dual direct drive blade motors allowing 3+ hours of peak mowing time across over 2 acres; all while leaving zero emissions in its wake.
Ryobi
Ryobi took their most popular gas riding mower chassis and outfitted it with smart 48V electric drive achieving comparable horsepower and 2 hour runtime through a removable twin battery pack design enabling convenient off-board charging.
Craftsman
Craftsman steps into electric riding with their patented 60V Max system supporting extended mow times over 4 acres of lawn through an extra large capacity battery enabling their brushed motor to cut evenly across the wide 60 inch fabricated deck.
Greenworks
Greenworks leverages advanced integration engineering to optimize their 60V 25Ah batteries powering dual brushless motors cranking out reliable high-torque turning force allowing over 4 hours of eco-friendly runtime.
Benefits of Battery vs Gas Riding Mowers
While gas engine riding mowers have been the lawn cutting staple for generations, forward thinking electric models offer unique modern benefits:
Zero Emissions
With no combustion producing direct exhaust, battery riding mowers cut grass completely emission-free supporting green-conscious lawn care and shrinking seasonal mowing’s carbon footprint.
Ultra Quiet Operation
The gentle hum from electric motors mean no loud revving engine noise allowing daylight or early weekend morning mowing without disruptive loud gas motors disturbing neighborhoods or households.
Enhanced Comfort
Smooth electric acceleration eliminates engine vibration resulting in a markedly more comfortable and less fatiguing mowing experience over rough terrain.
Simplified Maintenance
Gone are oil changes, fuel system cleaning, spark plugs and the rest the scheduled servicing associated with petrol engines saving time and expenses keeping tools reliable.
Instant All-Weather Starting
Turn the key and mow even after long storage. No more yanking pull cords or failed ignition because of old gas. Battery power starts right up every time regardless of mowing conditions.
Must Read: How to quote lawn mowing jobs
What to Look for in Battery Riding Mowers
When researching battery riding lawn mowers, keep an eye out for models offering:
Large Motor Power
High wheel torque brushless electric motors match or exceed gas rider performance in horsepower and blade speeds for consistent cutting.
Minimum 1.5 kWh Battery Capacity
Look for 48V or greater battery capacities with advanced thermal dissipation allowing 2-4+ hours of continues mowing to finish large lawns reliably in one session.
Wide +40 Inch Decks
Fabricated steel cutting decks over 40 inches wide like 46 or 54 inches enable efficient passes cutting wider swaths of grass downsizing mowing completion times.
Ergonomic Control Layouts
Control panels with integrated displays, smooth speed dials, cup holders and easy to reach adjustment levers reduce fatigue and make e-riding highly intuitive.
Rapid Chargers
Modern LEVEL 2 lithium battery chargers fully replenish depleted battery packs in as little as 2-4 hours for minimal downtime between jobs.
5 Year Limited Warranties
Reputable electric riding mower brands offer strong multi-year warranties on the machine, battery and major components instilling confidence in build quality and longevity.
FAQs About Battery Riding Mowers
How long do riding mower batteries last?
With proper annual charging and storage maintenance, today’s lithium ion batteries retain 70-80% capacity after 1000 cycles enabling 5-8 years of useful life depending on seasonal mowing frequency.
Can batteries be charged anytime?
Yes, lithium batteries maintain long-term health regardless of partial or full charge states allowing charging anytime without detriment ready for next use.
Do they work well on hills?
Electric riders generate full torque instantly for powerful climbing ability. But extremely steep hills risk battery overload, best maintained on gradual slopes.
Can blades engage if plugged in?
For safety, blades lockout inability when charger is connected preventing accidental spinning while handling or storing to prevent harm.
Conclusion
From sustainability to simplified maintenance, lithium battery advancements have elevated electric riding mowers as formidable emissions-free alternatives to traditional gas models – all while delivering equivalent acres mowed per charge with greater comfort. Brands like Ego Power+ and Ryobi represent the new guard of convenient green lawn care. When considering your next riding mower, strongly weigh the modern benefits of battery electric models as smart upgrades providing pristine cuts while supporting the health of our shared environment.