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Cordless lawn mowers are low-maintenance, convenient and easy to manoeuvre. They are also quieter and more eco-friendly than their petrol-powered counterparts.
Here is our guide to choosing a cordless lawn mower that is perfect for keeping your lawn well-groomed. Let us know if you have any questions, and we’d be happy to assist.
What to consider when choosing a cordless lawn mower
Your lawn mower is an important tool, and can help you make precise cuts with minimal effort. There are several different types of lawn mowers, including petrol, cordless, hand and ride-on. Each have their own advantages and fulfil different needs.
Cordless lawn mowers are designed for portability and ease of storage. Here are some factors to consider before purchasing one:
Your lawn’s characteristics
It’s important to know your lawn size and how much grass you need to mow to determine which cordless lawn mower would work best.
18V electric lawn mowers are perfect for small courtyards, and medium-sized yards of around 200 square meters (roughly the size of a standard tennis court). They often come with ample-sized catchers, have fast charging capabilities, and are lightweight and portable.
In comparison, 36V lawn mowers are ideal for medium to large lawns. These typically come with larger batteries and have larger catchers. They also offer additional features like cutting modes that come in handy when mowing coarse grass. 
It is best practice to look at the stated coverage of the mower in question. However, this coverage is subject to your grass’ height and thickness. Cutting tall and thick grass requires a bigger motor and more battery power. For example, Couch grass has soft leaves and does not require a heavy-duty mower.
Battery
Cordless lawn mowers come in a range of battery sizes and types. Understanding which battery is best suited for your needs goes a long way in determining your choice of lawn mower.
Your mower’s battery size is an indication of how long it can run before you need to recharge your battery. A typical 18V 5Ah battery generally runs for 40 minutes, subject to load and your lawn’s conditions. In comparison, a 36V 5Ah battery is more powerful and lasts longer.
For example, the Ryobi 36V HP 46cm 6.0Ah Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower lets you mow around 1000 square meters on a single charge, running for around 50 minutes.
Having a second battery is also handy. Many lawn mowers, like the Ryobi One+ 18V 40cm HP Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, use a double battery system, giving you extra power when required.
Many tool manufacturers have also adopted a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to their battery systems. For example, Ozito uses the PXC battery system, Ryobi’s battery system is called One+ and Makita uses the LXT battery system. Purchasing any of these batteries means they will be compatible with any tool belonging to that brand.
Features
Cordless lawn mowers come with a range of features, ranging from mulch plugs to adjustable grass cutting heights. Think about which features are a must in your lawn mower.
We always advise examining your lawn and your mowing habits before shortlisting the features that you need. For example, if your lawn is only about six square metres, you won't need a lawn mower with 55 litre grass catcher.
Similarly, if your lawn has a tricky shape and you are looking for a mower with good edging capabilities, we recommend the Easyedge polymer deck series from Ryobi. This mower is designed specifically to trim tricky edges surrounding your garden bed.
How to use your cordless lawn mower
Knowing how to maintain and use your lawn mower can help make mowing safer and more efficient. Here are some tips:
Mow regularly and in stages
Some people prefer to mow monthly, others much more frequently. Your mowing habits also influence the type of mower that you need. Mowing regularly means that there is a lighter load on the motor, so you won't need a heavy-duty lawn mower.
We recommend cutting your lawn in stages, especially if your lawn is very tall. Begin at the top, then the middle and finally, the bottom.
Use protective gear
It's important to stay safe when mowing your lawn. When mowing, you should wear protective equipment, including goggles, gloves, earmuffs and closed-toe footwear.
For more information on using a lawn mower safely, check out this guide on How to mow your lawn by the Bunnings team.
Maintain your cordless lawn mower
Cordless lawn mowers are very easy to maintain. However, some basic maintenance can help extend its lifespan and keep it performing well.
Remove entwined weeds on the motor spindle, and wipe away stuck grass patches stuck on the blade and underside of the mower. While you are there, check the blade for any damage. Also make sure that the battery compartment is not full of grass clippings.
Keeping your lawn mower clean and tidy will help to keep it functional for longer and also provide a much better mowing experience.
How to maintain your lawn
The Bunnings Workshop community team has also shared these helpful guides related to maintaining and enhancing your lawn:
We also recommend checking out our garden tools series for more related tips:
More inspiration for your garden
Check out the Top 10 most popular garden makeovers shared on Bunnings Workshop, as well as our Top 10 most popular raised garden beds.
Need more help?
The Bunnings Workshop community is here to assist if you need a hand in choosing a cordless lawn mower. Don't hesitate to hit the Start a discussion button and let us know your needs.
