Gas, electric or push: A look at lawn mower options

Love it or loathe it, mowing season is upon us. And after decades of making lawn mowers bigger, more powerful and easier to push, manufacturers now are touting self-powered mowers and electric models just big enough to get the job done.

With the current economic downturn, Peter Sawchuk, lawnmower expert for Consumer Reports magazine, expects more homeowners will be in the market for a mower this spring. The industry saw an uptick in sales in the fall, which many attributed to homeowners cutting their lawn care service to save money.

Experts rated the pros and cons of various styles of mowers.

-- The Associated Press

PUSH REEL MOWERS

This product image released by Ace Hardware shows the Toro Lawn Boy Insight Gold Mower With Sens-A-Speed, a gas-powered mower.

History: This nonmotorized mower is the original lawn cutter. It cuts the grass by pulling it up and snipping off the top.

Cost: About $100

Tip: Sharpen blades regularly to make mowing easier for the operator.

Pros:

* Good for the environment because it does not burn fuel or produce emissions.

* Does not require gas, oil, filters or spark plugs.

* The snipping motion of the blades keeps lawns healthy.

* Quiet.

* Lightweight.

* Little annual maintenance other than sharpening blades.

Cons:

* Will have difficulty cutting long or wet grass.

* Won't run over leaves or yard debris.

* Won't cut close to flower beds and other landscape features.

* Requires the most effort from operator.

CORDED ELECTRIC MOWERS

History: Corded electric mowers have been in use for about 40 years. They have a fanlike blade that tears off the top of grass blades.

Cost: $199 to $249

Tip: Look for one with a reversible handle to make it easier to accommodate the cord while mowing.

Pros:

* Easy to start.

* No gas to buy or store.

* No polluting emissions.

* Quiet.

* Unlimited mowing time.

* Will mow over some twigs and yard debris.

* Little annual maintenance, although blades should be sharpened annually.

Cons:

* The cord is a potential safety hazard.

* The user is limited by the length of an extension cord.

* Using the wrong type of extension cord can harm the engine.

* Less power than a gas engine.

* Not designed for lots larger than 1/3-acre.

* Will have trouble with wet or long grass.

BATTERY-POWERED ELECTRIC MOWERS

History: Developed about 15 years ago to address safety issues created by lawn mower cords. They have a fanlike blade that tears off the top of grass blades.

Cost: Average ranges from $349 to $399

Tip: Consider buying a backup battery that can be charged and ready in case the original loses power before the job is complete.

Pros:

* Easy to start.

* No gas to buy or store.

* Runs clean and does not pollute the air.

* No cord.

* Only takes about 10 cents' worth of electricity to charge.

* Quiet.

* Little annual maintenance, although blades should be sharpened annually.

Cons:

* Less power than a gas engine.

* Not designed for lots larger than 1/3-acre.

* Will have trouble with wet or long grass.

* Battery charge only lasts 45 minutes to an hour.

* Battery will lose its charge more quickly when cutting long or wet grass.

GAS-POWERED MOWERS

History: Gas-powered mowers have been around for nearly 100 years. They have a fanlike blade that tears off the top of grass blades.

Cost: Around $300

Tip: Choose one with a comfortable grip.

Pros:

* No limits on yard size.

* Offers the most power.

* Variety of prices.

* Numerous manufacturers.

* Can cut long or wet grass.

* Requires less physical effort.

* Does a better job of mulching grass.

Cons:

* Pollutes the air.

* Requires purchase of gas, oil and spark plugs.

* Noisy.

* Annual maintenance includes blade sharpening, oil changes and tune-ups.