Electric Cordless Lawnmowers
One of the most biggest disadvantages associated with electric lawnmowers is the power cord. Not only do you have to be aware of the power cord at all times to avoid cutting through it, your mowing range is restricted by the length of the power cord and the position of your power sockets.
To get around these problems, manufacturers are slowly starting to produce battery powered cordless lawnmowers that offer the convenience of an electric mower without the drawbacks associated with the power cord.
The biggest challenge for manufacturers of cordless lawnmowers is the performance of the battery. Grass cutting requires a fair bit of power and conventional lead acid batteries are traditionally associated with prolonged charge times and gradually reduced performance.
Cordless lawnmowers - Lithium-ion technology offers the answer.
Litium-ion batteries are used in a huge range of cordless power tools such as drills, sanders, jigsaws and hedge cutters. However, it is only relatively recently that manufacturers have turned their attention to developing lithium-ion batteries for use in lawnmowers. At the forefront of this market is power tool experts Bosch who currently produce two models of cordless lawnmower, the Rotak 37 Li and 43 Li.
Both of these Bosch Rotak cordless models utilise 36 volt lithium-ion batteries which provide the levels of power necessary to mow larger areas of grass (around 300 square metres) in addition to offering a fast recharge time with no maintenance. For those of us who don't want the power cord problem or would prefer not to use a petrol powered mower, the Bosch cordless Rotaks are currently the best lawnmowers on the market.
As the technology becomes cheaper and consumers demand more in the way of convenience, expect to see more manufacturers introducing lithium-ion battery powered lawnmowers in the near future.