Right now I'm paying a gardener to maintain my front and back yard, but I think I want to invest in my own tools and do it myself.

Any of you have experience with electric trimmers, mowers, blowers, etc? I'm really considering one since the convenience, noise, and no trips to the gas station is pretty tempting.

 

How big are your yards?

I have an 18 volt cordless electric string trimmer and a hedge trimmer that uses the same batteries. Corded hedge trimmers were not as easy to handle. A single battery might not last for both yards and sidewalk strip if they are larger and the string trimmer is used to cut the grass rather than just trim and edge.

We have a push mower and a gas mower. A neighbor has an electric corded mower which seems to work fine-- both our yards are pretty flat, but his front grass area is just 20' X 20' or so.

 

I'd estimate my backyard to be about 40' X 40'. Front yard is probably 8' X 8'. I was looking at a Black and Decker electric mower with removable battery. But from what you're saying, the trimmer is working well for you in terms of just cutting the grass? I actually never thought of using it for that and I can try that out before I invest in a lawnmower.

 

Try a push/reel mower if the yards are flat/level.
I got one for my kids to cut the grass without having to start up the gas mower, and it's obviously quiet. Use a battery-operated string trimmer to clean up the edges and borders.

I normally use the string trimmer for cutting the grass at the edges and around planters, walls, etc.-- a mower is better to cut the grass evenly.

 

Holy crap that's a tiny yard! I agree, get a reel mower for the yard and an electric string trimmer. You can get a gas mower for really cheap provided that it's not a self propel that might do a better job but not really worth it with that small of a yard. I wouldn't buy an electric mower at all.

 

Thanks for the recommendation, will be researching into reel mowers and supplement it with an electric trimmer. Actually, 40' X 40' is pretty big in Orange County! But since you mentioned it, my yard probably isn't big enough to really need the help of a lawn mower.

Thanks for your input.

 

lol, my yard is 0.5 acres...a gas mower is required.

 

Reel mowers work surprising well so I would do that as well.

That being said, I cut 40 acres at my 'rents today, batwing mower and a zero turn

 

So this weekend I bought myself a reel mower and I thank you for the advice. It worked out well and with the size of my yard mowing the lawn didn't take too long. Saved me a lot of money. I also bought a battery powered trimmer and leaf blower to complete the set. Also, the reel mower is much more compact so storing it is easy.

 

Just picked up one of these for edging, trimming and blowing. I'll never go back to gas again. It's fantastic.



https://www.ryobitools.com/outdoor/products/details/578

 

If you can jump into an entire line that uses the same batteries, they are awesome. Especially if you opt for the higher capacity battery models.

I wouldn't trade my blower/trimmer/hedge trimmer lineup for anything. And I've got 4 batteries that all fit so I never run out.

 

I'm moving into a house with a small front yard and a mostly paved backyard. Which reel mowers do you guys recommend. Trying to stay cheap.

 

The reel mower works and it's cheap, but let me tell you, it's a lot of effort. I find myself getting pretty tired after managing the lawn but since my front yard is also small, it's not as bad. I still need to use an electric trimmer to get in areas that the reel mower can't reach.

But I just went to Home Depot/Lowes and grabbed the cheapest reel mower they had. I ended up buying the $80 one.

 

I was thinking since it's no good for edges and stuff I should get a weedwhacker instead. What do you think?

 

How much grass are you cutting?

A small push mower might be a better choice.

 

In all honesty, I recommend you avoid the reel mower as you'll most likely get tired of the labor work, no matter how small your front yard might be. I got super lazy after 2-3 months and now I'm paying a gardener to maintain it as every 2 weeks I was spending too much time in the yard (more time invested than washing my car).

I also have an electric weedwhacker and blower just in case I want to do some cleaning myself.

 

i have a B&D electric mower since 2001.
no issues.
yearly maintenance is taking dremel and file to the blade. DONE.

I also have electric trimmer. I bought a STIHL electric one for the ease of loading the string.

electric leaf blower too.

if I could buy a big enough electric snowblower I would have one of those too.



my snowblower always needs attention; gas evaporates in bowl and clogs the hole.
even with the stabil.



unless you HAVE TO, go electric. more time to work on the cars

my lot is 40 x 100 less the house, deck, driveway......probably 25% is lawn and garden.

 

Don't listen to the haters.

I have a reel mower and use on my lawn. Yes you have to push and sometimes it's a PITA, but it's totally do-able. I hate never having a charged battery, so I have corded string trimmer for the edges and a corded hedge trimmer. My only regret is not getting a more powerful hedge trimmer, as some of the stuff in the yard fights back.

If you decide to get the reel mower, keep an eye on CL. Lot's of people get lazy and sell them for cheap. I got a brand new one used once or twice, tops) for less than $10 from a drunk guy in my neighborhood.

 

Drunk guy in the hood I have to measure. I haven't moved in yet.

 

I have the fiskars reel mower. It has help up well for 3 seasons now. My trimmer is electric(battery powered)

 

Nothing wrong with electric, but I would avoid the cheapest options. My first electric trimmer (the cheapest) motor shorted out within a year. Replaced it with a B&D electric. Both are plug in.

No comments on a reel mower. I have half an acre to cover, and I was lucky enough to inherit an 11 hp, RWD, rear mount engine, 5 speed Honda.

 

I got mine off CL too.

I use the string trimmer for edges.

And reel mowers aren't tiring to use unless one is mowing uphill or over some incredibly tall, really thick grass.

The power mower comes out when the grass is taller and thicker.

 

I was wondering how tiring can it really be? I do lift brah.

 

I went with the Lowe's 40V battery equipped Kobalt line trimmer, hedge trimmer, pole saw, and even their chainsaw for quickies.

I'd like to pick up their same line in a mower when my gas powered Craftsman craps out.

LOVE THEM.