Electric vs Petrol Mowers: Which One is Right for You?
When it comes to keeping your lawn in top shape, choosing the best mower makes all the difference. Deciding the power of a petrol ride-on mower, or the quiet convenience of an electric ride-on comes down to your lawn size, budget, needs and preference. From small ride-on mowers perfect for backyards, to zero turn mowers built for speed and precision, we’ll break down the difference between electric and petrol ride-on mowers so you can find the right fit for your lawn.
What is an Electric Lawn Mower?
An electric mower is a type of mower that is powered by electricity rather than petrol. There are two main types of electric mowers:
- Corded electric mowers - plugged directly into a power outlet, offering continuous run-time, but limited by cable length
- Battery-powered electric lawn mowers - run on rechargeable batteries, giving you more mobility without a cord, but with limited runtime per charge.
They are generally lighter, quieter and easier to maintain than petrol mowers, making them the ideal choice for small to medium-sized lawns with less intensive maintenance.
What is a Petrol Lawn Mower?
Petrol lawn mowers are mowers that are powered by a petrol engine rather than electricity. Like electric mowers, there are two main types:
- Push petrol mowers - manually guided, with the engine driving the blades and sometimes the wheels.
- Self-propelled petrol mowers - the engine powers both the blades and the wheels, making it easier to use on larger or sloped lawns.
Petrol mowers are generally more powerful, durable and better suited for larger lawns or tougher grass types compared to electric mowers. However, they tend to be heavier, noisier, and often require more maintenance, such as refuelling, oil changes, and regular servicing.
Is it better to get an Electric or Petrol Mower?
Deciding between an electric and petrol operated mower depends on your lawn size and needs. We recommend weighing up the pros and cons and consider other factors such as your budget, maintenance needs and lawn requirements. There are some factors to consider when selecting between a petrol and electric mower:
Power and Performance
- Electric mowers - Lighter and quieter, making them ideal for small to medium-sized lawns. Electric mowers have less power than petrol mowers, which means they can struggle cutting through thicker grass and weeds.
- Petrol lawn mowers - Offers more raw power, tackling large areas, thick grass, and uneven terrain with ease. Petrol mowers deliver more twisting force classified as torque and faster rotational speeds (RPM) than electric models. This provides longer run times and cutting width designed for uneven terrain and thicker grass.
Maintenance
- Electric lawn mowers - Needs very little maintenance beyond battery charging or checking cords. We recommend storing batteries in a cool indoor place away from direct heat, to prevent battery degradation.
- Petrol mowers - Requires regular servicing and routine cleaning to ensure proper functioning. This includes fuel, oil changes, air filter checks and spark plug replacements.
Noise & Emissions
- Electric mowers - Offer less noise pollution and produce no direct emissions, making them more eco-friendly. Electric mowers operate at lower decibel levels as it uses an electric motor.
- Petrol mowers - Noisier and release exhaust fumes, which can be less pleasant for residential areas.
Convenience and Mobility
- Corded electric mowers - Limited by cable length, while battery-powered models depend on runtime. These restrictions may not be ideal for thick, wet grass or in local conditions where rain is frequent.
Petrol mowers - Petrol mowers offer unlimited runtime with quick refuelling, making them a reliable choice for long mowing sessions and tougher grass that needs extra power.
Is it okay to cut wet grass with an Electric Lawn Mower?
It’s generally best to avoid cutting wet grass with an electric mower. Cutting wet grass with an electric lawn mower can be unsafe due to the risk of electric shock and may clog the mower, reducing performance. For the best cut, it’s best to mow when grass is dry. In areas where damp conditions are frequent, a petrol mower offers better performance and reliability.
What do I need to know about ride-on mowers?
Ride-on mowers are designed for large lawns or properties, providing comfort and speed for the operator during extended mowing sessions. They come in both petrol and electric models, offering a choice between power and eco-friendliness. While electric ride-on mowers are quieter and lower maintenance, petrol models deliver higher performance for thick or uneven grass. We recommend looking for features including engine power, cutting width, transmission type and handling.
Browse our popular ride-on mowers:
Gravely Pro-Turn 100
Bushranger Spartan RTPRO 54" Zero Turn Mower
Which Mower Should You Choose?
Choosing the right mower depends on your budget, lawn size, terrain, and priorities. At FarmCare, we offer a wide range of options to suit every need:
At the end of the day, the best mower comes down to how you use it and what you expect from your lawn.
Small to medium lawns: We recommend an electric lawn mower or electric ride on alternatives that deliver cleaner, quieter and easier maintenance commitments. Electric lawn mowers are a smart investment that is quickly catching up in performance.
Large or tough lawns: If you have medium to large acreage and need power on your side, we recommend a petrol ride-on mower or a zero turn mower that delivers optimal power and runtime needed for thick or uneven grass.
Contact us!
Not sure which mower is right for you? Speak to our team of experts at FarmCare Mullumbimby. With our exclusive range of Gravely, John Deere, and Hustler mowers, we’ll help you find the best mower that meets your needs and keep your lawn looking sharp year-round.
