What You Should Know about Gas vs Electric Lawn Mowers
Choosing a lawn mower isn’t just about price. It’s about power, maintenance, and convenience. The main decision? Gas or electric.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each mower type to help you choose what’s best for your yard.
Gas Lawn Mowers: Proven Power
Gas mowers are strong, reliable, and built for heavy-duty use.
Pros:
- Handles thick or tall grass
- Longer runtime per fill
- More cutting power
Cons:
- Noisier operation
- Requires fuel and oil
- More maintenance
If you need one for a short-term job, we offer gas-powered lawn mowers for rent, including the Honda lawn mower rental.
Electric Lawn Mowers: Cleaner and Quieter
Electric mowers are either corded or battery-powered. They’re lighter and eco-friendly.
Pros:
- Quieter operation
- Low maintenance
- No fuel required
Cons:
- Shorter battery life (for cordless)
- Less powerful for thick grass
- Higher upfront cost for quality units
Need something high-tech and efficient? Check out our Battery Operated Ride-On and Stand-On Mowers or the Battery Operated Self Propelled Mower for premium performance.
Honda Lawn Mowers: Best of Both Worlds
Honda lawn mowers offer legendary durability. Whether gas or hybrid, they’re a trusted choice.
You can also rent a Honda lawn mower to try before buying.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Gas Mowers | Electric Mowers |
|---|---|---|
| Power | High | Medium to High (depends on model) |
| Maintenance | Regular oil, fuel, filters | Minimal |
| Noise Level | Loud | Quiet |
| Eco-Friendliness | Emits exhaust | Zero emissions (battery) |
| Ideal For | Large or tough lawns | Small to medium yards |
| Runtime | Long with refuel | Depends on battery (30–60 mins avg) |
| Upfront Cost | Moderate | Moderate to high |
Looking to Rent a Mower?
Not ready to commit? We offer a full lawn mower rental section, including gas-powered models and Honda mower rentals.
Impact on Lawn Mower Users in California
California has already banned the sale of new gas-powered lawn mowers and other small-engine gardening tools, such as leaf blowers and chainsaws, with the prohibition taking effect in January 2024 as part of new zero-emission engine rules. While residents and professionals may continue using current CARB‑compliant equipment, no new gas-powered lawn mowers have been allowed on the market since then California Air Resources Board.
At the federal level, the EPA recently granted California a lasting waiver—supporting the state’s authority to enforce stricter emissions standards under the Clean Air Act. This ensures enforcement of zero-emission mandates for lawn mowers, generators, and other gas-powered tools
- Homeowners and landscapers can still use existing gas-powered lawn mowers, including those compliant with CARB emissions standards.
- However, purchasing new gas-powered lawn mowers is no longer permitted, driving strong interest toward electric and battery-powered replacements.
- The market is shifting toward zero-emission options such as electric, battery-operated self-propelled units and ride-on models.
- Companies and equipment rental yards have adapted by expanding their offerings of compliant electric and battery-powered models.
This transition could significantly impact rental and maintenance services. Equipment yards now focus on stocking zero-emission tools and helping users find suitable electric alternatives to aging gas-powered machinery.
Final Thoughts
If you want raw power for larger jobs, go gas. If you prefer quiet and low maintenance, electric is the way to go.
Still unsure? Stop by Glenn’s Repair or explore these options online:
- Battery Operated Ride-On and Stand-On Mowers
- Battery Operated Self Propelled Mower
- Honda Lawn Mowers
- Lawn Mower Rentals
Glenn’s Rental and Repair
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