Missed one
written by Dutch , June 27, 2007

The Neuton should also have been on the list, IMHO. I don't have one yet, but it's the one that I am most seriously considering.

http://www.drpower.com/CSTM_Neuton_Home.aspx

Poor Review
written by Ken Z , June 27, 2007

I find it sad that Wired, whom you'd expect would have competent reviewers, would neglect to include the Neutron Power electric lawnmower, which is the highest volume battery-electric lawnmower sold in the US. And, even though the Bosch battery powered mower isn't sold in the US, it is an admirable engineering competitor. Instead, it seems that they got an idea, grabbed a couple of mowers from the nearest outlet, and called that a comparison test/review. That's some seriously sad journalism, and less than I would expect from wired. I'd also have expected Wired to delve more into analyzing CO2/pollution avoidance, in a "cradle to mowed acre" analysis. I now categorize Wired in with USA Today.

Wastefull in terms of Water and Energy
written by Shumeister , June 27, 2007

Cutting the grass very short in the Summer creates the need to use more water. I find that keeping the grass relatively long(4") helps saves on water. Plus why not use manual/push mower? Instead of fuel/electric powered ones. Electricity still has to come from somewhere... :-

My old B&D works fine
written by Matt Fischer , June 27, 2007

I have a 4 year old Black & Decker 18" electric that works great. Okay, I had some issues with the cord at first, but im over it. I don't bag at all (didnt even buy one), which is good because that model was a side-bag model, which are pretty inconvenient to use.

The city where I live gives you a rebate for buying an electric mower as well, maybe some others do too?

waiting for Husqvarna with Firefly batte
written by kballs , June 27, 2007

Husqvarna is working with Firefly to build cordless electric mowers using their batteries (which are supposed to produce a lot more charge per pound and last a lot longer). They indicated that it would be on the market by spring 2008.

I also have a 3 year old Black & Decker corded mower with the side bag... I intended to mulch most of the time when I got it, but with the dog tracking in the clippings I started bagging most of the time. The combination of the side bag AND the cord is really inconvenient. I want a cordless rear bagger... though I don't want one with conventional lead-acid batteries that will die every couple years and need replacement (if even available). I don't mind replacement but it's gotta be user-replaceable and last longer between replacements (and even better would be the ability to upgrade to newer battery technology without buying a new mower).

Shumeister, some of us really don't like having to rake up the clippings every time we mow... they don't make mulching or bagging manual mowers. I'd say at that point why have a lawn at all, you can save even more water and energy by just planting shrubs. Me? I have a dog and she needs an open space to play and poop.

Must be an American thing.
written by rob , June 27, 2007

This is interesting, I live in the UK and electric mowers must outnumber petrol by ten to one, or more. But whenever I see an American film with lawn mowing, the mower is always petrol, must be a cultural thing.
In the UK the battery powered mowers never really took off, as the charge doesn't last long and the batteries die after a few cold winters. Cable rotary mowers are the most common, either wheeled or hover.

Fix the Lawn Not The Mower
written by Dave , June 28, 2007

More efficient mowers are the wrong way to approach this problem. Get rid of the lawn once and for all by installing a low maintenance, low water need landscape of native plants.

Manual mowers
written by Shawn Fumo , June 29, 2007

I just want to mention that they do make manual mowers with bag attachments. The main disadvantage of a reel mower is the inability to cut very high stuff. But if you mow often enough, they can work well. Golf courses use powered reel mowers I believe..

In any case, electric seems much better than gas.