Petrol Vs. Electric Lawn Mowers: An Expert's Guide for Australian Homeowners

Are you wondering what to get between electric and petrol lawn mowers but can't find decision-driving insights? 

Both are great for different lawn sizes, grass types, budgets, and degrees of maintenance.

This guide dissects the strengths and weaknesses of petrol and electric lawn mowers from purchase to costs and maintenance needs over five years. We also feature the best lawn mowers in Australia for different lawn sizes and budgets.

Quick Summary – Which One's Better?                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Petrol mowers are a no-brainer for massive lawns thanks to their higher power rating and longer runtime. On the other hand, electric lawn equipment is an excellent way to save on expenses and ease tasks for small, regular lawns.

Here's a quick size guide:

Why It Matters – What's at Stake in This Choice

Careful vetting of petrol and electric mowers helps you find an option that performs great in your garden without costing too much. Key aspects to watch are:

• Initial cost vs long-term value

• Environmental and noise concerns

• Australian fuel and electricity prices

• Maintenance burden (spark plugs, filters vs chargers)

Let's review each one by one.

Comparing Power and Performance

Petrol mowers have more power and perform better than electric ones, especially in vast, thickly covered lawns. 

Cutting Speed and Engine Performance

The average electric-powered mower features about 2.71 to 3.39 newton-meters (joules) of torque. A petrol unit ranges between 6.1 to 11.86 joules. Thanks to better torque and RPM ratings, petrol equipment cuts lawns neater with less strain.

Note: Torque is the "muscle" (twisting force), vital, especially in dense, weed-riddled turf. RPM is the engine's rotating speed, which affects how fast your mower cuts grass.

Blades

Both mower types can have consistent blade performance depending on the model.

The more blades a mower has, the more bites it renders and the neater your lawn looks. Multi-blade equipment handles thick growth more effectively than single-bladed alternatives.

While electric mowers often feature one or two blades, most petrol mowers have a single blade. However, some petrol mowers come with multiple blades for a finer cut.

Performance in Different Lawn Types

Your lawn's grass type impacts its tendency to grow thick and tough. For instance, varieties like Buffalo grass are thick, so electric mowers may struggle to cut, especially in overgrown yards.

Others, like Kikuyu and Couch grass, have medium thickness.

Fescue and Zoysia grasses are some of Australia’s most popular fine-leaved varieties that electric mowers can handle effortlessly.

Mulching Capability

The best electric and petrol lawn mowers in Australia feature excellent mulching capabilities.

What will matter most here is thickness, wetness, and lawn size. The wetter and thicker your lawn is, the more you need a petrol mower for better mulching. Likewise, a 300-square-metre lawn or more calls for a petrol mower.

Note: Mulching is most effective in dry grass, as clippings often clamp together in wet grass.

Ease of Use and Handling

Electric lawn mowers are ideal for hassle-free handling in small yards. However, they're inefficient in large yards because of lengthy charging stops or cord length limitations.

Startup

Electric lawn mowers only require you to push a button or adjust levers. Petrol alternatives typically need more tedious pull cords.

Weight and Maneuverability

Electric equipment often contains fewer moving parts than petrol mowing equipment. Hence, they're lightweight and better suited for tighter spaces common in urban areas and lawns with many obstacles.

The best options are cordless. These let you cut grass wherever you want without cord size limitations.

Battery Runtime Vs. Petrol Tank Duration

Corded electric mowers are the winner if you want to clear your yard without stopping. 

For cordless electric and petrol lawn mowers, uninterrupted working times depend on many factors, like grass thickness. The thicker the grass, the shorter the time between refills/ recharges. Larger mowers and rugged terrain also shorten runtimes.

The engine model also plays a role. For instance, the 27 HP Genarac consumes about 8 litres an hour, while the Kohler Pro 26EFI takes 2 litres per hour.

Battery-powered units often mow for 0.5 to 2.0 hours before you need to recharge. Cheaper ones can have overheating issues, lowering mowing speed and mower longevity.

Cordless Freedom Vs. Refuel Stops

You can refill petrol lawn mowers fast, while cordless alternatives may take ages to charge.

An electric mower recharges in about 150 minutes, while a petrol mower takes two minutes to refill. Multiple batteries offer the same convenience but increase costs.

Corded electric models run as long as desired if power is available. Nevertheless, a petrol lawn mower is still better for large lawns because the cord length isn’t an issue.

Maintenance Needs

Electric mowing equipment is easier to maintain. Unlike petrol alternatives, it doesn't have clogged carburettors, faulty spark plugs, gas spillage, ineffective air filters, or oil-changing requirements. Besides blade sharpening (present in petrol mowers, too), all you need are battery care best practices such as:

• Safeguard against 100% draining (takes four or five weeks).

• Power the battery with its charger.

• Keep terminals rust-free by removing corrosion with baking soda and steel wool.

Robotic lawn mowers also need firmware updates.

Costs Over 5 Years

Electric lawn cutting equipment is often cheaper than petrol cutters.

Here's an overview of cost comparisons:

Environmental and Noise Impact

An electric lawn mower is ideal for those seeking the least environmental impact.

Whereas petrol mowers average sound levels of 85 - 90 db, electric models often range from 75 to 82 db. The latter's lower decibels cause less disturbance to neighbours and sleeping children and won't frustrate your pets. Some models are so quiet that you can chat with your neighbour or call someone inside the house without shouting.

However quiet your mower is, Australian law stipulates state-based usage times as follows:

Furthermore, petrol mowers emit hydrocarbons and oxides that pollute the air.

Poorly disposed batteries contaminate soil and water and risk human, plant, and animal health. To ensure sustainability, recycle lawn mower batteries at e-waste centres.

The Verdict – Which Lawn Mower Should You Buy?

It depends on your lawn size and budget. Go electric for small lawns and use petrol for large, rugged ones.

Expert Picks: Top Petrol and Electric Mowers Available in Australia

Ready for the best lawn mower (Australia)? Here are our top three based on key categories:

Baumr-AG 3RX: Best for Large, Rugged Lawns

Think of the Baumr-AG 300RX as the T-Rex of lawnmowers, a monster built to devour the toughest turf on the trickiest terrain with no mercy. Moving as swiftly as 8Km/h and mowing two acres per charge, it's the perfect unit to get your estate golf-ready in no time.

Price: $4,949

Pros

• Fast (8Km/h)

• Long-lasting battery (two acres a charge)

• Seven cutting positions suitable for different grass heights

Con

• Takes 10 hours to charge

Baumr-AG 780SX: Best Value-for-Money Pick

The self-propelling Baumr-AG 780SX is an enormous steal. From a 1.2 litre fuel tank to a 220cc 4-stroke engine, dual-year warranty, four cutting blades, seven cutting positions, 55-litre catcher to an integrated drink holder, it rarely gets this good under $700.

Price: $659

Pros

• Reliable self-propulsion

• Large fuel and grass catcher capacities

• Durable cutting deck with four precise blades

• Seven cutting positions 

Con

• Challenging to turn for some

Ozito 1200w 305mm: Best for Small Urban Lawns

You'll hardly lose money with electric lawn mowers in small yards. Ozito 1200w 305mm performs decently while remaining pocket-friendly.

Price: $149

Pros

• Lightweight

• Budget-friendly

• Simple to operate

• Large grass catcher included

Con

• Only three cutting positions

FAQs

Are electric mowers powerful enough for thick Aussie lawns?

Electric mowers like the Ozito Electric Lawn Mowers aren't often powerful enough for thick Aussie lawns, though others like Baumr-AG 300RX hold up well. Overall, petrol lawn cutters perform better against tough grass.

How long do mower batteries last?

Lawn cutter batteries often serve for two to five years, depending on usage frequency. Also, battery-driven lawn mowers’ longevity hinges on battery models. For instance, Bunnings lawn mowers with lithium-ion batteries can serve for up to a decade before needing replacement, whereas a lead-acid battery lawn mower for only two or three.

Do electric mowers really save money?

Electric mowers often save money if you have a small, regular lawn under 300 square metres. You can buy Bunnings electric lawn mowers for $200 or less. The best electric lawn mower (Australia) lasts just as long as a petrol mower but with lower maintenance costs.

What's the quietest lawn mower available?

The quietest lawn mowers are manual ones like reel mowers and some cordless/battery-operated lawn mowers. 

Can I mulch with an electric mower?

You can mulch using many electric motor mowers, such as the G-Force Cordless Mower, without issues.

Final Thoughts

So, should you mow using electricity or petrol?

Electric mowers are perfect for lawns under 300 square meters where noise pollution is a concern. On the other hand, petrol mowers have powerful mechanisms built for vast lawns, unruly terrain, tough grass, and weed-infested yards.

Electric lawn mowers are superb for tight budgets. But it's best to consider a lawn cutter’s long-term use and efficiency, not just the purchase.

Although this guide offers a detailed overview with expert picks, test a friend's mower before buying for a more informed pick.