Battery vs Petrol powered lawn care equipment

Those interested in doing their own lawn care might be weighing up the benefits and drawbacks of battery and petrol-powered lawn care equipment. Luckily, we’ve compiled a pros and cons list of the two, largely derived from a handy little video featuring Mike Davenport from The Mow Show. 

“It’s probably one of those very first decisions you’re going to have to make when it comes to filling your garden shed with your machinery,” Mike says.

This video takes a look at the differences between these two types of products, explaining the reasons why you may wish to choose one or the other.

Benefits of battery-powered lawn care equipment

These machines tend to be a little quieter than their petrol-powered cousins, which is good news for those who like making an early start on their lawncare, or who simply dislike loud machinery sounds.

“Some of the pros also are still the fact that there’s probably less noise and less vibration, which means you can probably start that little bit earlier in the morning,” Mike says.

He describes battery-powered products as “great-looking machines”.

Battery-powered lawn care equipment also generally contains fewer moving parts, which can be a plus for those who are concerned about part replacement and maintenance, as these machines tend to require less frequent maintenance than petrol machines. 

These machines don’t rely on petrol to operate, instead using recharge to remain powered. There are potential ways to reduce recharge costs for those who are looking at this option.

“If you’ve got some form of solar, that can certainly make it cheaper as well,” Mike says.

Drawbacks of battery-powered lawn care equipment

For battery-powered lawn equipment, you’ll need to decide on the brand you wish to purchase. While you can technically choose multiple varieties, the costs may start to stack up.

“Mainly because the batteries and chargers are quite expensive and you can’t set up with multiple batteries and chargers; that’ll just blow your cost out,” Mike says.

Benefits of petrol-powered lawn care equipment

Petrol machines offer a little more flexibility compared to battery-powered alternatives.

“You can have the best machine as a hedge trimmer, you can have the best machine and brand as a chainsaw, and you can have the best machine and brand as a motor mower,” Mike says.

Some also argue that petrol-powered machinery lasts a little longer than battery-powered alternatives.

Mike describes petrol-powered equipment as “Good-looking machines. Good, solid, strong, powerful machines”.

Drawbacks of petrol-powered lawn care equipment

Petrol-powered machines might need a little more maintenance over time compared to battery-powered alternatives. This is, in part, due to the number of moving parts that are in these products.

“Probably from a maintenance perspective, you’re gonna have to get these ones fixed a bit more often,” Mike says.

These products also come with the attached petrol and oil expense. They require petrol and oil to function, which can add up over time.

“You’re gonna have some expenses over here of constantly buying your petrol, constantly buying your fuel and your oil,” Mike says.

Check out The Mow Show’s video on Battery vs Petrol powered lawn care equipment, what is best? for more info and advice for making your decision.