We tested the electric lawn mower through a series of tests (not intended to do puns because we did do actual battery tests) and yes, yes, we mowed the grass too. We collected some product categories at the time, but despite our best efforts, the data alone could not provide us with all the pictures to see which product performs best. Bringing it to the yard is the best way to help filter and decipher the data we have.
Battery testing
Let’s start with these battery tests. This is not too complicated, but the physical setup can be a bit tricky. In order to measure the voltage and amplify the pull of the lawn mower during operation, we have to insert the measuring device between the battery and the lawn mower. The physical process varies from lawn mower to lawn mower, but once set up, we can measure the DC voltage and the amplifier moving between the battery and the lawn mower, which gives us some idea of the motor power (watts) of the lawn mower.
We make these measurements at zero load, which means we were not cutting grass at the time and did not provide any resistance against the blades, which would change the numbers, making them higher to calculate the higher limits of motor power. Our next round of test updates will also include these upforce limits.
RPM testing
Yes, we absolutely measure blade RPM in electric lawn mowers. CNET’s Eagle-Eyed Lab staff have developed the ability to calculate dozens of revolutions per second in ultra-accurate way. I’m kidding, though we do have a meter. In fact, we took some reflective tape and position, placed it on the lawn mower, and aimed the measuring tool to make the laser light overlap that tape and get an accurate reading on the blade rpm.
You can see our test sheet in the center below the safety glass.
Now, if we combine these numbers with other numbers, such as blade length and weight and put some motion power calculations, we can estimate things like Newton’s power, and the blades are applied on the grass. These numbers don’t help much. Most people won’t know much about these 5 Newtons’ powers are unique. We prefer to take a path of comparing power output to things that people are more familiar with. In this case, horsepower.
The power of the gas-powered Pushers varies, but most land in the 3 to 5 hp range. We will add the upper limit in the next update, but you can see that the lower horsepower limit range of the electric cutter we tested is about 0.1 to 0.6hp. That is, not much. Usually, you should expect to see an electric cutter at three times the upper limit, so we are looking for a 1.75hp stadium. You will have a hard time finding the following retail gas powered push lawn mowers running below 2HP.
Noise level
We talk about sound levels often, especially with outdoor-type tools. Historically, these outdoor gasoline-powered tools are huge. (When all your neighbors try to fall asleep while mowing the grass early on the weekend.) This is all changing with the advent of power tool platforms. When you’re snooze for a day, your neighbors can be obsessed with lawn care.
We tested the decibel level of the lawn mower from the perspective of the person who operated it. We fixed the decibel meter and took the measurements. The results are not surprising, as our quietest lawn mower is the smallest, 13.6dB 13-inch Litheli, the largest lawn mower is also the most powerful lawn mower, i.e., the self, at 86.7dB.
Speed test
Often, you might think of a lawn mower moving at a certain speed (especially the speed you happen to push it). Nowadays, more and more lawn mowers bring self-choice choices. Many of these electric lawn mowers allow you to use the feature even if the blades are not running.
We measure how fast the lawn mower moves at a speed of miles per hour. You won’t access any slopes, but if you plan to use this mode, this may help you determine which mode to pick up or pass. Ryobi has the largest speed range, but it drops slightly from the lawn mower. Ryobi is high at 3.03mph, with the highest point of the green Workss Pro at 3.33mph.
Zoom in the image
Some lawn mowers, such as this Kobalt model, may be stuck in trouble with grass cuts.
