Advantages of Battery Lawn Mowers: Is It the Right Choice for You?

In the market for a brand-new lawn mower? Looking for an alternative to traditional petrol and electric models? If so, a battery powered lawn mower just might be the perfect choice–especially if you’re after something sustainable and eco-friendly.

Battery lawn mowers have come a long way in recent years. What started out as a “nice idea, but not quite there yet” has now turned into a reliable and genuinely effective option for homeowners and garden lovers.

In this article, we’ll dig into how they work, the tech that powers them, and which brands are leading the charge.

Battery Lawn Mower Technology: How Do They Work?

Let’s start with the basics. Battery lawn mowers are cordless, rechargeable machines powered by lithium-ion batteries. This means no petrol refills, no extension cords trailing through the yard, and no engines sputtering to life on the third or fourth pull.

Instead, it’s often as simple as pressing a button or turning a key—then you’re off and ready to go!

So, what makes this possible? It all starts with an electric motor that draws energy from the battery, which powers the blades and any extra features like self-propulsion or mulching systems. Many of the latest models are surprisingly powerful, especially when they’re paired with smart blade designs and energy-efficient motors.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: The Power Behind the Mower

Battery lawn mowers run on the back of lithium-ion batteries, the same type you’ll find in power tools, laptops, and electric vehicles. They’re lightweight, quick to charge (compared to older battery tech), and can hold enough juice to mow an average suburban lawn in one go.

Here’s another major perk–many brands now use interchangeable batteries across a whole range of tools. So, if you’ve already got a cordless drill, a leaf blower, or a hedge trimmer from the same brand, chances are the batteries will work with your mower too. That means less gear to store, with fewer chargers cluttering the shed.

The battery runtime hinges a lot on the specific brand and model that you’re using, as well as how hard the mower’s working (longer grass tends to chew through the charge faster). However, as an estimate, you’re typically looking at around 45 minutes to an hour from a fully charged battery.

There are also mowers with dual-battery systems which allow you to mow for even longer, or even hot-swap between batteries if you’ve got a big job ahead.

Cordless Convenience: Charge and Go

Ever tried to activate your mower and become frustrated with the cord start? Battery lawn mowers have no petrol, no cords, and no fuss.

The cordless nature of battery mowers continues to be one of their biggest drawcards. You don’t need to worry about tripping over an extension cord or being limited by the nearest power point. You also won’t have to store flammable liquids in your garage, or head down to the servo mid-mow because you ran out of fuel.

Starting them is a dream too. Most models use a button or key ignition—so there’s no need to yank on a pull cord (and throw out your shoulder in the process). Just plug in a charged battery, press start, and off you go.

Performance: Are Battery Mowers Up to the Job?

It’s easy to assume that battery mowers might be weaker than their petrol cousins, but that’s not really the case anymore. Of course, this isn’t to say that petrol mowers don’t have their time and place too!

Modern battery mowers are capable of delivering a clean, consistent cut across a variety of lawn types. Many models now come with high-lift blades, which slice through grass efficiently and leave a neat finish behind. You’ll also find models with adjustable cutting heights, mulching options, and large catchers to make the job even easier.

Even for larger properties, battery mowers are more than up to the task. The Greenworks 82V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawnmower, for example, allows you to cut 1.5 acres with a single charge. It’s also able to achieve this without any oil, spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, petrol fumes, and emissions.

The Greenworks 82V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawnmower – Available Now

 

Understanding Battery Power Levels: 18V, 36V, 60V and Beyond

As you browse through the different battery lawn mowers, one of the key things you’ll quickly notice is that each model has a voltage (or power level) of the battery listed. This will be displayed as ‘V’ and it can make a big difference in terms of performance, runtime, and how suitable the mower is for your lawn size.

Here’s a quick guide:

18V: Usually found on compact or entry-level models. They’re ideal for smaller lawns or tight spaces, offering enough power to get the job done without unnecessary bulk. Some brands use two 18V batteries at once, effectively giving you 36V of performance.

36V: One of the most popular choices for average suburban blocks. They provide a solid balance between cutting power and battery life, with enough grunt to handle longer or denser grass.

60V & 82V: The top end of the cordless game. These are built for serious mowing, such as larger lawns, tougher grass, or longer sessions. You’ll often find these higher-voltage systems on self-propelled or commercial-grade battery mowers, and they usually come with brushless motors for better efficiency and longevity.

 

Top 5 Advantages of Battery Lawn Mowers

 

1. The Eco-Friendly Choice

Unlike petrol mowers, battery-powered models don’t produce carbon dioxide and air pollution while in use. Given our current climate emergency, every drop in emissions is so important, so this is a simple yet effective way to do your part!

On a smaller level, the lack of pollution is also better for your health and the neighbourhood. And although lithium batteries do come with environmental considerations (like manufacturing and recycling), the overall impact is still far lower than petrol’s long list of emissions.

2. Quiet Operation

Battery mowers are noticeably quieter than petrol models (although it’s worth noting that advancements have certainly been made to combat the noise level of petrol mowers). This means you won’t have to deal with the roar of an engine, and you’re less likely to wake up the neighbours if you’re mowing early on a Sunday morning.

 

3. Low Maintenance

Forget about oil changes, spark plugs or carburettor issues. Battery mowers have fewer moving parts and require much less upkeep. Charge the battery, keep the blade sharp, and you’re good to go.

The Honda HRG416 Battery Lawn Mower – Pick Up Yours at BW Machinery Today

 

4. Lightweight and Easy to Manoeuvre

Battery mowers are generally lighter than petrol counterparts, which makes them easier to push, especially over uneven ground. Some models are self-propelled too, which takes even more effort out of the job.

If you really want to get a feel for handling, drop by your nearest BMW Machinery store for an up close and personal look! 

5. No Fuel Costs

While the upfront cost of a battery mower (especially with battery and charger included) might be a bit higher, you’ll save money in the long run. No fuel, no oil, and no servicing, just plug it in and mow.

However, you will want to keep all the components in good condition!

Notable Battery Lawn Mower Brands

If you’re in the market for battery lawn mowers, there are so many fantastic brands to choose from. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best:

Honda

Although they’re most synonymous with automobiles, Honda has been producing high-quality mowers for some time. They offer models for both small and large lawns, with features like steel decks, adjustable height, mulching capability, and powerful brushless motors.

Overall, their battery systems are designed for efficient power delivery, and their gear feels built to last.

STIHL

STIHL battery mowers are built with performance and sustainability in mind. Known for their high-lift blades and smooth-cutting results, they’re ideal for anyone who wants a clean-looking lawn without the noise and fumes.

The batteries used are also compatible with a broader range of cordless STIHL cordless products, so you can use the same ones to power your trimmer, blower, or chainsaw. Mulching kits are available too if you want to take your lawn care up a notch.

 

Victa

One of Australia’s favourite homegrown brands, Victa has a great range of battery mowers, including compact models for smaller spaces and heavy-duty options for larger jobs. Their products tend to focus on ease of use and reliable results.

Some models even come with dual battery slots, allowing you to mow for longer without a recharge.

 

The VICTA 18″ Corvette Twin 18V Lawn Mower – Compact & Affordable

Greenworks

Greenworks is all about innovation and performance. Their battery mowers come with features like self-propelled drive systems, large cutting decks, and long battery life. They’re also one of the few brands that focus heavily on sustainable tech, so if you’re looking for something that’s future-ready and powerful, they’re definitely one to watch.

Find Your Perfect Battery Lawn Mower at B.W. Machinery

If you’re ready to upgrade your mowing game, we’ve got you sorted. With a huge range of battery lawn mowers from leading brands like STIHL, Honda, Victa, and Greenworks, there’s something to suit every yard size, budget, and environment.

Whether you’re replacing an old petrol mower or buying your first ever battery model, we’ll help you pick the right one for your needs. Plus, we also stock all the extra batteries, chargers, accessories, and spare parts you’ll need moving forward.

Check out our full range of battery lawn mowers right here online at or pop into one of their Melbourne locations at Oakleigh, Kingston, Ringwood or Seaford to see the gear in person.