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Paper Roses

(7,475 posts)
Tue Apr 24, 2012, 11:23 AM Apr 2012

I have to buy an electric lawn mower. Home Depot is the nearest source.

My back is too bad to push the old hand mower and I have decided that a small electric might be better.
Do you have any experience with their lower end models? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
My yard is fairly small and flat. Do I need one of the self propelled mowers or will a regular one work?
$$$ is a factor too.
Thanks

12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Melissa G

(10,170 posts)
1. I just bought a gas self propelled there last weekend.
Tue Apr 24, 2012, 12:30 PM
Apr 2012

Have bought several there over the last 25 years. I use a small electric close to the house in the back. I also have a new Toro self propelled I just bought to take care of the rest of the almost acre of yard that I have. Love it!
Low end electric there was what I first bought. Have to go home to look at the brand. The advice the person who runs the department has given me has usually been good.

PS. see if your electric company or city offers rebates for electric lawn mowers. That may help with the cost. Home Depot may also know if they do.

Warpy

(111,359 posts)
2. I bought a cheapo there about six years ago for the same reason
Tue Apr 24, 2012, 03:16 PM
Apr 2012

Mine isn't self propelled but it's easier to shove than a hand mower and gets the job done more quickly than a weed whacker.

Electric mowers are generally cheaper than gas mowers. They don't deliver the same power, so mowing the lawn before it gets over six inches deep is vital.

The only other thing I can say is start mowing next to the electrical plug and move out. There's less chance of running over the cord that way.

Paper Roses

(7,475 posts)
4. Hi Warpy, I went to HD today to take a look.
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 05:25 PM
Apr 2012

Offerings on electric ran from about $225.00 to ---well over what I want to pay.
With your electric, is it hard to push? That is my problem. I would never allow the grass to get over 6 inches. My problem is the pushing part. Are the electric -non-self propelled ,easy to push along?
I know you have a huge yard. Do you find problems with the electric that would make it hard to push forward?
Love your suggestion about the cord.

Warpy

(111,359 posts)
5. I have a tiny front yard and that's the only one I ever need to mow
Wed Apr 25, 2012, 05:30 PM
Apr 2012

My back yard is average suburban and the only thing I do back there is pull the worst weeds.

It's not difficult to push the mower, it's rather like pushing a cart in the supermarket.

ETA: I never ran over my cord but I had a neighbor who did with alarming regularity.

Adsos Letter

(19,459 posts)
3. A couple of years ago we purchased a Homelite cordless electric mower from Home Depot...
Tue Apr 24, 2012, 09:02 PM
Apr 2012

It's currently listed at $349 (I don't remember what we paid for it). I've been very, very happy with it. It runs on a rechargeable 24-volt battery. It holds its charge through about 3 front and back yard mowings (medium sized lawns in front and back). Does a very nice job, without the hassle of a cord to drag around.

One problem you might encounter with the cordless models is weight. This Homelite is not self-propelled and is heavier than the gas operated models I've used in the past. Much less work than the pushmower it replaced, but still fairly heavy because of the battery.

I don't know what your spending range is, but self-propelled might be the way for you to go in the cordless models.

Paper Roses

(7,475 posts)
8. I would have to store mine under a tarp too. Care to tell me
Thu Apr 26, 2012, 03:26 PM
Apr 2012

The name or model number and price range so I can see if I can find one to buy?
Thanks!
PR

Kolesar

(31,182 posts)
7. I bought a Linamar Solaris self-propelled battery-powered mower at HD & it has had battery problems
Thu Apr 26, 2012, 01:00 PM
Apr 2012

I just started the third season of use and the range is decreased greatly. I think the battery charger or the batteries themselves are a poor design. The batteries are sealed lead acid, which is rather like a maintenance-free car battery.
www.linamarconsumerproducts.com/

Batteries get hardened "sulphate" on the plates if the batteries are stored in a discharged state. I think these batteries lost a charge while sitting for five months, then became sulphated.

I used to have a Sears AC-powered mower push mower. It had a cord. It was mighty.

SmartyCookie

(2 posts)
9. can't beat Self Propel cordless electric mower
Sat Jul 21, 2012, 08:19 AM
Jul 2012

you might have gotten one already but if not check out the self propelled Lawnatron battery mower. it is easy to use and speed is walking speed. I got mine on sale 2 summers ago works just like a good gas mower. you can't beat it. heres a link http://shop.greenyardkeeper.com/LAWNATRON-Green-24V-Self-Propelled-Rechargeable-Battery-Mower-10012.htm


The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,869 posts)
11. I have a small electric that worked just fine.
Sat Jul 21, 2012, 08:17 PM
Jul 2012

I think it's a Black & Decker. I haven't used it lately because a couple of years ago I got rid of my grass, turned the whole yard into a garden. But the electric mower worked fine; it was pretty light and easy to maneuver. I just had to be careful not to run over the cord. I suppose I should sell it.

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