Gas HONDA vs Electric RYOBI Lawn Mower | Which Is Better?

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

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[@lloydfox5752]

Having used a self propelled mower for 4 years on my one acre property, I can tell you it takes significantly longer than 70 minutes to mow 3/4 of an acre. I keep seeing this number bandied about when advertising battery mowers. I have moderately hilly property and it would take me over 3 hours. Doesn't matter if its gas or electric, still takes more time than 70 minutes. These kind of videos that use obviously wrong numbers make me question the veracity of the other information.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

I’m with you. It takes me longer as well, especially because I have a hilly lawn. The specifications provided are from the manufacturers website and not my own numbers. If I had to guess - they are assuming top speed for the entire duration which is not realistic. Out of curiosity, here’s my gut check of their math: -4mph top speed (21,120 ft/hour) -21in deck (1.75ft) -21,120*1.75=36,960 sq ft/hr -43,560 sq ft/ acre Works out to ~0.84 acres per hour. So the manufacturer is assuming near top speed the entire time. Agreed with you, may not be practical

[@lloydfox5752]

@@VerifiedHandyManI knew they weren't your numbers, if I wasn't clear.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

@@lloydfox5752 haha😆

[@jefferysmom696]

I have used Both and unless u have a lawn with skinny grass and you don't need much power...Ryobi is fine ....Sadly keep ur Gas one if you have a normal thick hearty lawn ...

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

👍🏽Noted. That’s always something good to have in mind!

[@jeffgrant7545]

I have .95 acres 9f thick St. Augustine and Centipede grass, my Ryobi handles it just fine. I mulch exclusively. The batteries charge about the same speed as they discharge. Ive only ran short of battery life 1 time, grass had grown like crazy after a rain.

[@terrysmemo8775]

My last Honda walk-behind lasted 23 years without major repairs. And if I had wanted to fix a $100 part (installation would have made it more) I'd still be using it. I've not yet used an electric mower, but my Honda is a champ at mulching damp or even wet, thick grass, even while mowing uphill. Not saying an electric wouldn't do the same, but I'm pretty skeptical.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

23 years is incredible. Any advice or special maintenance tricks?

[@metrovik]

See I understand that emissions are bad for the environment but the long term impacts of making electric batteries will also negatively impact the environment plus with electric batteries there is just more toxic materials to dispose of for the consumer and they might not know how to. I do like that the electric ones are quieter tho

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

💯 manufacturing of batteries is another great consideration for environmental impact.

[@Priority57]

I have a big yard where an electric mower battery wouldn't last very long. Not against battery but the gas would benefit for my needs at least for now.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Ya you’d probably have to buy several batteries to do the job - not very economical at that point

[@nicholaselphick1671]

You mention the cost of replacing the battery, what about the fuel cost of running the gas powered mower? What's the time and cost for the maintenance of the gas powered mower?

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Such a great question. Fuel consumption, like battery charge cycles, depends on the situation. I mow around 26 times a year and use a half gallon of gas per mow. At $3/gallon that’s $39/year in gas. I also spend about 2 hours each Spring for routine maintenance. Electricity where I am is around $0.11/kwh. A 40V, 6Ah battery is ~0.24kwh or about $0.68/yr. If a new battery costs $219 like the one in the video and it needs replaced every 5 years that’s ~$43.8/yr. Electric all in $43.8+$0.68 per year. Lots of variables - different for everyone, but about the same costs each year for me. Just an extra couple hours of maintenance with gas.

[@brianfreeman3676]

My next mower is going to be an electric. I don't know if I'm going to like it more, but I'm going to try it out. I'm sick of the routine oil changes, air filter replacements, carb cleanings, cable replacements and belt replacements.

[@Pro1er]

@@VerifiedHandyMan The average price of gas in California is well North of $5 a gallon at the time of this comment, so the government is doing its residents a financial favor. Also, there are more powerful battery mowers than the Ryobi but given the choice I don't know why anyone would want to breath exhaust fumes for however long it takes to mow your lawn. The one commenter here said it takes him three hours. How much toxins are in his body after that much exposure? If people are still around 100 years from now they'll think we were crazy to use gasoline for just about anything, it's just that we're so used to it that we think handling such a hazardous and harmful liquid is normal. Cancer anyone?

[@ryanstage3912]

Switched over to a electric mower 6 years ago and I'd never consider another gas powered mower. The convenience of simply pressing a button and mowing is huge, it's so easy my wife often does it now. What I love most about it is mowing at night with the headlights after its cooled down outside it's so quiet I don't bother anyone. I bought the cheapest Ryobi at $300 and had to replace the battery this year at $90 as I only need a 5ah for the nonself propelled model. Its so light it's like pushing a kids toy around so I can't fathom anyone needing the self-propelled model. I will agree it doesn't have the power my gas mower did so if you let it get to long it will take you much longer to get it done.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Thanks for the super insightful comment! Power is probably one of the most debated topics when it comes to electric mowers but then again you give up efficiency and easy use that you would have with going electric.

[@Agent77X]

Gas power lawnmovers are still better!😊

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

👍🏼

[@kevinjohnson-ic7kz]

I had a worx battery trimmer with 2 lithium batteries for 10 years. I took care of the batteries. That's why they lasted 10 years. Got a new trimer last year with a new battery mower that uses the same battery and gave the old one to a friend.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Take care of the batteries and they'll take care of you

[@madisonschmidt-dk8yv]

Do you have an electric mower ? If so, does the battery storage deteriorate overtime ? thinking of buying an electric mower.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Lithium-ion batteries are not intended to last forever, much like your phone battery or vehicle battery. How frequently you charge it and how properly you store it will determine how long it lasts. If you follow the manufacturer’s recommended charging protocols closely they can probably last about as long as a car battery. If you charge it all the time, like I do with my phone, it will lose its charge more quickly.

[@Tintoycar]

I have a Honda 536 HRD from 1996, low maintenance, starts first pull. Got if for free in 2014 from a proffesional gardener, so it has many many hours of running. Greetings from Belgium.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Wow that’s incredible! You must take great care of it.

[@Tintoycar]

@@VerifiedHandyMan No not really, 1spark plug and 1 oil change in 10 years, and a new blade.

[@michelmueller]

I own a lot of ryobi 18v tools, including a mover that takes two batteries. All my li ion batteries are still in use, some are neary 10 years old and still perform well enough for small jobs (2,5ah). I use the 4 and 5ah bat for mowing. All fine. Sharping the blades every 2nd year. No hussle, no other maintainance. Lightwheight, quiet. My neighbour lets me mow even on sundays, if needed ... no other mower. Go for it. Mind the size of your garden, even li ion tractors available now. Regards.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

That’s incredible the batteries have lasted that long. Nice work 👍🏼

[@michaelpawelski8444]

I owned a Greenworks 60 volt, 21 inch self propelled mower with two batteries for two years. I sold it and went back to a gas mower (Toro). The run time was not what was advertised, if you have thick grass and inclines stay with the gas mower. Just my opinion.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Dang it sounds like you have a pretty big yard! Was the run time less then expected right away or did your batteries lose their charge overtime?

[@michaelpawelski8444]

Run time was a little better when it was new.The batteries where keep in the house in the winter and I checked the charge on them monthly as I do on all my battery operated tools. I have a 1/4 acre of grass to mow.

[@jamesdelaney9988]

My question is when you need to wash out from under the mower deck how does the electric motor hold up to water

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Maybe the one advantage of a plastic deck is no rust. Just can’t hit any rocks or it will leave a knick, there’s a a few posts on Reddit about this.

[@johnlevel30calhoun23]

Don’t use water on electric mower deck! But you can use pre moistened wipes and get all the grass off the deck, then use a microfiber towel to dry!

[@dougpence3862]

I have a new Toro battery mower, it sucks, drive wheel falls off in 2nd hour, battery shorts, and on-line Toro will not take it back. They do not take items back if you use it for 1 minute! Their rear left geared wheel unbolts itself from the bracket, it self destructs! Two others have the same problem. Their repair dealer literally told me "with Toro, its Buyer Beware". I have a Toro case number, a BBB case number, and a US Consumer Product Safety Commission case number. Save yourself and learn from my mistake, and stay away from Toro.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Oh no! Sorry you went through that

[@briantii]

My issue with the electric ones is that they seem very disposable. Battery costs get up there quickly and many of these mowers don’t have replacement parts available. I see them as a 5 year mower, then throw away and replace. A Honda mower with an oil change once a year and air filter cleaning will last for LONG time, likely 20+ years assuming you don’t mow rocks or tree stumps. Also Honda mowers specifically tend to be on the quiet side for gas. It’s a shame they’re leaving the business. They were the cleanest and quietest on the market.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Agreed 💯

[@CappyBara-ct8xu]

I loved your intro, it was a nice introduction to the video.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Thank you for the kind words ☺️

[@lthegr81]

I have both. My ryobi mower, ive owned for 4 years now. I don't touch my gas mower no more after buying the ryobi

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Still hold a decent charge with the battery or is it a bit less than day one? Genuinely curious

[@jimhargrove7948]

I am still using 1987 Honda with a new Honda still in the box. I have a couple of neighbors that are looking for gas mowers in lieu of their current electric mowers. Batteries cannot handle their yard.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Yeah larger lawns and batteries sometimes don’t mix well…

[@davidshi6861]

I had a Ryobi, last me three seasons, then crapped out (both battery and mower motor). My Honda is 20 years old, runs fine. Which one is better for the environment?

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

♻️

[@diydrivenGA]

After going through 2 electric mowers and 3 motors, I'm shopping for a gas one this weekend.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

What brand did you use? I want to see some user stories on what works and what doesn’t to help with future vids!

[@diydrivenGA]

@@VerifiedHandyMan the first was a black and Decker , the second and third were Sunjoes I believe going cordless would have been better as the type of extension cord, the length, and chaining different types of them were all potential reasons for mine dying. But even so, That's a messed up way for one to fail.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

@@diydrivenGA Ahh that makes sense. Did you end up going cordless?

[@diydrivenGA]

@@VerifiedHandyMan looking at dim in stores and on marketplace today. Do you recommend any brands to look at?

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

If you’re looking for a gas one your best bet is a Honda before they’re sold out in my opinion. Any other brand will also last awhile if you keep up with maintenance. I’ve found maintenance to be super important in the long run

[@t.t.8878]

My Ego mower needed an expensive battery after only 6 years. (I live in Chicago & only mow for 6 months in a year) My gas Honda mower is over 30 yrs old. Except for general maintenance, it still runs great. Making Lithium ION batteries is NOT good for the environment! ( My HONDA Gas mower is the BEST mower I've ever had. I'm in my 70's)

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

This has been a common experience from what I’ve heard.

[@NotSure-e8z]

I love my electric, it is quiet and performs the same task.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Reduced noise is definitely one of the top perks of having an electric mower. If you don’t mind me asking, how big is your yard? And relatively how thick is your grass?

[@NotSure-e8z]

@@VerifiedHandyMan My lawn is not very large, but the grass is natural, so it is inconsistent. Some of it is very thick crab grass and sweet grass and other patches are non local manicured grasses. It handles the entire yard fairly well.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

That’s good to hear, glad it’s getting the job done for ya!

[@11Bomber29]

Just for a macro reference, you're not going to save the planet by switching to an EV car and battery mower.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Yep - pick your poison.

[@jarrodreaves243]

I have the 450 e gas I think ill keep it a gf of mine dad had a ryobi like that but it was ok I guess didn't do good on moist grass

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Yeah, moist grass can sometimes be an issue.

[@festivus4405]

Don’t forget about the warranty. My Ryobi has a 5 year warranty, battery has a 3 year warranty and the deck doesn’t rust and has a lifetime warranty. Also, I love not having to drive to a gas station, filling a gas can, and hoping the gas doesn’t get inside my car. Oil from the oil changes are also harmful to the environment. A lot of times you can buy a different Ryobi tool that comes with a battery that winds up being cheaper than if you just bought the battery by itself.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Great point - might possibly make more sense to buy a different Ryobi tool rather than just the battery replacement. At least for the warranty coverage

[@bryantburns3664]

Ill stick with gas... i watch my neighbor struggle like hell to mow her lawn with her battery mower. Has to recharge 2 batteries 4 times to get thru it. Meanwhile i can do my whole yard on a tank of gas. 6500 sq foot grass

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

I’m with ya on that one

[@johnlevel30calhoun23]

She didn’t know what she was doing! I have my EGO mower, I mow my lawn with one 7.5 amp battery and when that runs out I have a back up 7.5 amp battery already charged and ready! I put the dead battery on the fast charger so that when the next battery runs out I have another that will be charged by the time. That’s how you use electric mowers and that way you never run out of power just like gas mowers!

[@bryantburns3664]

@@johnlevel30calhoun23 she does the same thing....

[@johnlevel30calhoun23]

@@bryantburns3664 then what’s the complaint then???? If I don’t have any trouble getting my yard done and she doesn’t then there’s no problem!

[@bryantburns3664]

@johnlevel30calhoun23 takes her way longer waiting for battery's to charge. She can't charge them fast enuff. Everytime she mows she ends up leaving portions not mowed cuz the electric just can't keep up. So I'll stick with gas.

[@edithbonny8513]

Lawn mower lawn mower cool

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Very cool

[@markhammer1902]

Saw a video where a guy paid $24,000 for a zero turn mower. You can buy an upper end commercial grade mower for $10,000 easily. These battery powered mowers are for self-proclaimed environmentalists who apparently have a lot more money than common sense.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Wow $24,000!!

[@dmitryli4812]

Just imagine that there is no central electrical supply and each house uses its own gasoline generator for lighting. Now think about the enormous harm that will be caused to nature. I believe that the future belongs to batteries and alternative energy source that will be much more efficient.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Yep. Cost effectiveness of the technology is still catching up, but eventually it will. I’m just trying to mow my lawn 😅

[@Silentchaosdk]

what about the emissions of charging your battery hooked up to the grid. just because you can't see the emissions, doesn't mean there is none. Find it rare that people talk about that and think the exhause coming out of the engine on the mower is the only place you have emissions. what about the mining taking place for the litium batteries. 12 years on my push troy built honda powered motor and i just bought an Honda HRX 217 self propelled before they sell out due to honda getting out of the mower market.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

All great points! I almost went down the rabbit hole of sourcing battery materials and emissions from the grid. Can make a documentary video for that alone. Especially for the lithium mines!

[@gordonwalker6458]

I got a greenworks battery operated mower 10 years ago and I still have the original batteries. It still works like the day I got it. Never had any problems with it, unlike the gas powered ones that are garbage.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

That’s amazing battery life. Does it still hold a full charge?

[@gordonwalker6458]

@@VerifiedHandyMan yes they do

[@brianfreeman3676]

Some of them do last a long time. I have a few. Batteries are getting better all the time.

[@lukesm5747]

Must drive a Tesla for sure!

[@Bigphish5280]

Purchased an Ego snow blower + 2 batteries (5 AH) in 2016 and a mower in 2020; all are going strong.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Does a charge still last as long as it did on Day 1? Genuinely curious

[@johnlevel30calhoun23]

@@VerifiedHandyMan No doubt it’s still as strong as day 1 4 years later! My EGO is 3 years old and my battery is as strong as day 1. The only problem it has is it does overheat sometimes but other that that it’s still going strong!

[@johndenver8574]

Did you know that the rich fly jets that emits more green house gas's then every single gas powered lawn mower that every exists.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Preach brother. I haven't met anyone that bought electric for the sole purpose of saving the environment. More often than not they go electric to avoid oil changes and trips to the gas station.

[@tedflint1460]

Impossible to get an electric mower repaired.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

💯

[@jeffgrant7545]

They actually arent hard to figure out and work on. Ive had no problems with my Ryobi in the 3 years ive owned it, but a friend of mines motor controller went bad. Ordered the part, took less than an hour to get it going again.

[@M_Track]

Who's gonna tell him that electric stuff is more polluting than gas.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

It’s so hard to capture everything in one video. Environmental impact from sourcing fuels or minerals, transportation of fuel or batteries, air quality, disposal of batteries, etc. I’m just trying to mow my lawn man 😂

[@M_Track]

@VerifiedHandyMan lol alright

[@malcolmtyler1673]

According to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - 'Gas mowers emit 16 times the CO2 emissions per acre compared to electric mowers.'

[@unclefester6033]

I bought a Hypertough Walmart brand 40 volt on Facebook I got 6 batteries, mower with bagger, & charger + an extra blade & I can do my whole yard & have other batteries on charge while using 2 @ a time all for 60 bucks🤔

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Dang you come prepared lol. Haven’t heard of many people that have that many batteries in standby! That’s the future!

[@HavardCastiglioni]

*Bell dings*

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

100 🔥

[@ajv802]

Q. Whats the toughest part about owning an electric lawnmower? A. Telling your parents you’re gay.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

Haha

[@cooldog60]

Anything that uses a battery is garbage. I will stick to my gas operated equipment. And battery's are very bad for the environment.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

I also use a gas mower! Agreed - the batteries can be bad for the environment when not disposed of properly.

[@limbeboy7]

Throw your phone away then. It uses a battery

[@malcolmtyler1673]

Quote: 'Gas mowers emit 16 times the CO2 emissions per acre compared to electric mowers' - University of Illinois Urbana-Campaign. I'd say that's worth thinking about!

[@cooldog60]

@@malcolmtyler1673 Bull crap. And I don't care if they emit a million times the co2. Think about that.

[@khuongvtube]

Batteries powered stuff are toys, even Tesla. I'll stick with the real things..not toy.

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

That’s why I daily drive around on my gas-powered mobility scooter

[@gango23]

Somebody sounds like they are making up for not having a masculine job! You work in an office?

[@VerifiedHandyMan]

@@gango23 Haha😆

[@joerodriguez5079]

Don’t care

[@VerifiedHandyMan]