Riding lawn mowers powered by electricity have been growing in popularity among homeowners and landscaping professionals in recent years. Compared to traditional gas-powered models, electric riding mowers provide all the same cutting power and performance without the costly fuel expenses, toxic emissions, and loud noise.
Advancements in rechargeable battery technology have enabled the electric mower market to finally gain traction after previous battery limitations. With sufficient electric charge to complete even large yards on one go, zero-turn capability, and the latest automation features, electric ride-ons now represent the future of lawn care.
Key Benefits of Electric Riding Mowers
Electric riding mowers provide all the size, speed, durability and cutting width of gas-powered models along with some major advantages. Convenience, cost savings, environmental friendliness and quiet operation all make electric ride-ons an attractive option.
Lower Operating Costs
Without the continual gas fill ups required for traditional mowers, electric models save significantly on fuel costs. Environmentally friendly electricity is also far cheaper than rising gas prices stretching already tight landscaping budgets. Over the total lifespan, electric riding mowers can easily save $1000+ over comparable gas mowers.
Convenient Charging
Lithium-ion powered electric riding mowers can run for 1-3 hours per charge depending on yard size and terrain. When depleted, batteries can be conveniently recharged by plugging them into any standard household outlet. For larger commercial crews, high-speed industrial chargers are also available to minimize downtime.
Zero Emissions
With no internal combustion engine, electric riding mowers produce zero direct emissions during operation. This eliminates both air pollution and physical oil leaks from gas engines that damage lawns. Many homeowners associations and environmental municipalities now provide discounts or funding support when electric mowers are purchased for use.
Quiet Performance
The noise difference between electric and gas mowers is staggering, with electrics providing a peaceful environment without loud engines disturbing homeowners or neighbors. This makes electric riding mowers ideal for noise regulations, inner-city areas, evening operation and residential neighborhoods.
Electric Riding Mower Power and Performance
Matching even heavy-duty commercial models in power and performance, electric riding mowers leverage the latest in brushless motor and modern battery technologies. With instant torque and robust construction, electric models often outperform gas mowers.
Equivalent Gas Engine Sizes
15-25 horsepower equivalent electric brushless motors provide more than enough strength to turn thick, heavy cutting blades through dense grass of any height. Steep hills, wet conditions, thick weeds and other challenges are handled as easily as traditional engine-powered mowers.
Equal Cutting Widths
Available in the same wide cutting swath options as gas mowers from 38″-72″+, electric riding mowers mow complete passes in single runs for maximum area coverage and efficiency. Even zero-turn radius models for intricate trimming patterns are available in electric options without performance reductions.
Battery Range
Lithium-ion batteries in electric riding mowers typically allow 1-3 hours of continuous mowing per charge depending on yard size, terrain challenges and blade height. Swappable modular batteries from many electric mower brands can extend run times further as needed.
Zero Turn Capability
Navigating intricate lawn features, landscaping beds and tightly enclosed areas often requires zero turn capability where mowers can pivot instantly in place. Electric riding mower models matching the maneuverability of gas-powered zero turns are now widely available from multiple top brands.
Top Electric Riding Mower Brands
With electric ride-ons now matching gas mowers in every metric while eliminating their downsides, all the leading mower manufacturers offer electric lines. Each brand provides unique advantages and design innovations.
John Deere
The gold standard in mowing equipment, John Deere offers several electric riding models covering wide swaths quickly with minimal passes. Their advanced batteries even allow mowing while simultaneously charging via onboard plugs.
Ryobi
Specializing in battery-powered equipment, Ryobi electric riding mowers leverage their years of expertise for class-leading run times, automated operation and smartphone integration. Uniquely compact and nimble Ryobi rides fit through backyard gates and storage spaces where others can’t.
Craftsman
Once focused entirely on gas mowers, Craftsman has embraced electrics with riding models matching the durability and functionality their brand is renowned for. From muddy spring conditions to pristine golf course-style lawns, Craftsmen rides handle any mowing challenge.
Troy-Bilt Mustang
Troy-Bilt’s popular Mustang line now includes an all-electric zero turn riding mower matching gas models in cut quality, terrain handling and advanced features like automated seasonal adjustments. With a removable battery pack, the Mustang electric achieves over 3 hours of mowing per charge.
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What to Consider When Buying
With a wide range of electric riding mower models now available from various manufacturers, key factors should be weighed when selecting one. Performance, convenience and sustainability goals can all be met with the right purchase choice.
Yard Size
Consider your total lawn square footage when choosing an electric riding mower with sufficient battery range. Larger 1-3 acre estates require high-capacity modular battery packs and may benefit from extra swap outs. Small city lots need less range but more precise maneuverability.
Terrain Challenges
Do you need to traverse steep hills and sodden spring soil or perfectly flat, arid fairways? Wheel traction, ground clearance, weight balance and durability all vary between electric riding mower models. Evaluate your terrain’s difficulty first, then select appropriate tires, chassis construction and motor torque.
Special Features
From onboard headlights for night visibility to advanced smartphone integration and automated seasonal tuning, electric riding mowers offer every modern feature and more. Determine which capabilities would provide the most benefit to your usage before purchasing.
Service Support
While electric mowers require far less maintenance without combustible engines, reputable local service support is still essential. Ensure your selected brand provides sufficient regional technical assistance and warranty coverage should any issue require troubleshooting.
Budget Range
With fewer mechanical parts than gas engines, electric riding mowers actually cost less over their total lifespan. Upfront sticker prices are on par with gas equivalents as lithium-ion battery prices drop. Setting a firm budget determines available range, power and options.
Electric Riding Mower Maintenance
Without oil burning motors, electric riding mowers require very little periodic servicing other than occasional blade sharpening and safety inspections. However, proper storage and battery care are crucial for longevity and performance.
Clean After Use
Rinse cutting decks, chassis, tires and discharge chutes after every mow session to prevent corrosive grass clipping buildup. Safely clean motors and electrical connections withblowers rather than wet pressure washing. Frequently inspect mower undersides to remove any wrapped tangled vegetation before it binds.
Check Connections
Examine power cables, battery latches and plugs regularly for fit tension to avoid loose wiring hazards which can cause shutdowns mid-mow. Tighten any loose chassis bolts or damaged guards. Mower vibration and impacts from terrain can loosen fasteners over time.
Store Properly
When not in use for extended periods, park electric riding mowers indoors rather than exposing them to weather extremes which accelerates deterioration. Optimally, store in cool, dry locations away from electrical hazards and rodent exposure. Leave battery pack slightly charged rather than fully depleted for longest lifespan.
Sharpen Blades
Every 25 operational hours, remove cutting blades to sharpen edges keeping them at peak efficiency for clean lawncare. Sharpen with hand files every few seasons or replace entirely as needed. Blunt edges significantly increase motor strain.
Replace Worn Parts
Inspect electric brushless motors for cracked rotor casings and keep cutting height adjustment levers moving fluidly. Identify worn bearings, uneven tire treads or steering linkages early before catastrophic failures require extensive repairs down the road.
Safety Best Practices
While modern safeguards protect against many hazards, electric riding mower operation still warrants caution like any heavy machinery. Prioritizing proper practices, protective gear and alert operation prevents severe injury.
Restrict Access
Set minimum age limits prohibiting young children or inexperienced riders from operating electric mowers unsupervised. Require safety certification courses for teen operators. Automatically lock-out ignition access with keys or codes when not in use to avoid unapproved usage.
Use Protective Gear
Always wear fitted footwear when mowing rather than open-toed sandals which can catch on terrain. Sturdy boots prevent ankle twisting while mowing over uneven landscape. Wear protective glasses to shield eyes from airborne debris which brushless electric motors can still kick up at high speeds.
Avoid Inclines
Traversing steep hills risks dangerous tipping over or loss of traction accidents even with modern stability assists. Mow slopes lengthwise not up/downhill. Avoid angling across inclines exceeding 20 degrees of grade even when dry. Higher risk areas may require walk-behind units only.
Employ Spotters
When mowing large estates or commercial fields with poor sightlines, utilize ground spotters with phones to alert the driver’s attention wandering into unsafe hidden areas. Assign the spotter emergency shut-off authority over electric riding mowers if operators lose visual contact.
Charge Safely
Lithium battery packs hold huge electrical reserves and can ignite catastrophically if damaged, immersed in water or overcharged incorrectly. Adhere strictly to charging guidelines with proper grounded, weather protected electrical outlets providing circuit breaker safeties. Only utilize manufacturer approved charging systems. Unplug immediately after full charging completes.
Common Electric Riding Mower FAQs
How long do electric riding mower batteries last?
- With modern lithium-ion formulations, batteries typically retain 70-80% charge capacity for 500+ cycles lasting 5+ years. Radical range declines indicate impending failure needing replacement.
Do electric riding mowers work on hills?
- Advanced electric brushless motors provide torque exceeding gas models for equivalent hill climbing ability up to 20 degree slopes depending on traction.
Are electric riding mowers expensive?
- Upfront sticker prices closely match gasoline equivalents but electrics save thousands over total ownership in fuel costs. Enhanced suburban noise/emissions incentives also offset purchase fees.
Can you mow wet grass with an electric riding mower?
- Yes, waterproof constructions allow safe electric riding mower operation even in soaked conditions without short circuits as long as proper electrical protections are taken.
Do electric riding mowers mulch?
- Mulching blades come standard or optional on most electric riding mower models allowing fine shredding/recycling of clippings back into the lawn for enhanced soil nutrition just like gas mowers.
Conclusion
Offering huge financial, practical and environmental advantages over traditional gas-powered riding mowers, electric models now provide equal cutting performance through modern innovations. With extensive options across every major brand, battery-powered electric ride-on mowers represent the ultimate sustainable lawncare solution. Choosing size-appropriate electric models with sufficient features and support ensures year after year of maintenance savings and carefree operation.