Petrol or Battery Lawn Mowers: Which is the Best Choice for Your Lawn?

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to head outside and get your garden in order. If you don’t have a reliable mower, the great news is this; there’s a great range of petrol and battery-powered options available.

Not sure which style is right for you? We’re here to help. Throughout this article, we’ll shed light on the fundamental differences between the two, as well as highlight some of the best models on the market today.

Battery Lawn Mowers: Modern, Quiet and Convenient

Over recent years, battery-powered lawn mowers have become a go-to choice for many Australians. They’re quiet, lightweight, and easy to use, which is why they’re perfect for smaller to mid-sized gardens where simplicity and comfort matter most.

How Battery Lawn Mowers Work

Battery mowers are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the same technology found in most modern power tools and electric vehicles. These batteries supply energy to an electric motor, which spins the blades and powers any extra features such as self-propulsion or mulching systems.

The result is a cordless mowing experience, meaning no fuel, no messy oil changes, and no extension leads running across the yard. You simply charge the battery, slot it in, and press a button or turn the key to start.

Many brands even use interchangeable batteries across their range of tools, meaning you can share one battery between your mower, chainsaw, leaf blower, or hedge trimmer. It’s a simple system that helps cut down on both clutter and cost over time.

Performance and Power

It’s a common misconception that battery and electric mowers can’t compete with petrol models. The truth is, newer lithium-ion powered mowers are more capable than ever before. With voltages ranging anywhere from 36V to 82V, they’re powerful enough to handle thick, lush Aussie lawns with ease.

A fully charged battery typically delivers between 45 minutes and an hour of mowing time, depending on grass length and mower power settings. Many models now come with dual-battery systems, so you can extend your run time or hot-swap batteries for uninterrupted mowing.

Advantages of Battery Lawn Mowers

Quiet operation: Battery mowers hum rather than roar, which means you can mow earlier in the morning or later in the evening without annoying the neighbours.

Eco-friendly performance: With no emissions or fuel, these machines are much cleaner and better for the environment.

Effortless start-up: No more wrestling with a pull cord. Just press a button, and you’re off.

Low maintenance: Battery mowers have fewer moving parts than petrol engines, meaning less wear and fewer service visits.

Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre: Perfect for smaller lawns, tight spaces, and sloped yards where agility is key.

Petrol Lawn Mowers: Power and Endurance

Petrol mowers have been the gold standard for decades, and for good reason. Most commonly, these mowers are powered by a 4-stroke engine from the likes of Honda or Briggs & Stratton. 4-stroke engines have this name because their cycle has four strokes, with the pistons completing two full rotations per cycle. They both last longer and emit less emissions than a 2-stroke engine.

They’re powerful and ideal for larger lawns or properties that require more grunt. If you’ve got a large block, uneven ground, or thick grass, a petrol mower might just become your best friend. Other notable advantages are their wider cutting decks and stronger engines, features that allow you to tackle larger areas faster and with fewer passes.

Advantages of Petrol Lawn Mowers

More power for tougher jobs: Petrol mowers can handle everything from thick grass to sloped backyards. They’re ideal for big blocks or acreage.

Extended run time: Unlike batteries, fuel doesn’t fade. You can mow for hours without stopping to recharge. Just make sure you’re stocked up on fuel and engine oil!

Durability and strength: Equipped with heavy-duty components, these machines are designed to last.

Versatility: Petrol systems give you flexibility across brands and applications.

Professional-grade finish: Many petrol models come with handy features like mulch plugs, grass catchers, and rear rollers for a clean, striped finish.

Petrol vs Battery Lawn Mowers: The Comparison

Petrol mowers are built for power and endurance. They handle thick grass, large yards, and uneven ground with ease.

• Strengths: High cutting power, longer run time, durable construction
• Considerations: Heavier, louder, requires fuel and regular maintenance

Battery mowers focus on convenience and simplicity. They’re lightweight, quiet, and easy to use for smaller to mid-sized lawns.

• Strengths: Quick start, low maintenance, environmentally friendly
• Considerations: Limited run time, less suited to very large or overgrown areas

Ultimately, petrol suits larger or more demanding lawns, while battery mowers are ideal for smaller yards and hassle-free mowing. The choice depends on the size of your lawn and the type of mowing experience you want.

STIHL RMA460 V Self-Propelled Cordless Mower (Use AK Batteries)

The STIHL RMA 460 V battery Lawn Mower has a cutting width of 46 cm and is suitable for mowing and mulching medium-sized lawn areas. The RMA 460 V cordless lawn mower is easy to operate and also offers impressively low noise emissions – making it ideal for effective work in noise-sensitive areas.

Masport BWM ST181 Lawn Mower 561730

This mower has a great combination of features. A great mower for a standard suburban lawn – everyone’s backyard mower.

• Cut & Catch
• Powered by Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV Series 500E RapidStart™ 4 stroke engine
• 460mm (18″) steel chassis
• Masport Quickcut® 2 Blade System
• Front 175mm (7″) and Rear 200mm (8″) adjustable mono bearing wheels
• Comfortable upturned upper handle
• Reinforced lower handle for added strength
• Camlocks for quick release handle fold down
• HDPE Plastic Catcher
• 5 Years Domestic Warranty
• Lifetime Catcher Warranty

HONDA HRU19M2 Lawn Mower

The HRU19 Buffalo Premium is ideal for medium sized lawns featuring the all new GCV170 4-stroke engine. Weighing only 31kg, it’s easy on the arms so you can go harder for longer. We’ve increased the chute width across the Buffalo Mower Range to dispose of more grass more quickly. The Buffalo truly is the best of the breed.

HONDA HRX217HZU Electric Start Lawn Mower

Honda research and development, combined with feedback from HRX users, have driven new advancements for this innovative upgrade. The major point of difference between this and the HRX217HYU is the inclusion of a key start to get the mower up and running. Effortless in operation, the self-charging key start removes the need for “plug-in” charging like other battery-operated or electric mowers.

Beginning with the power plant, the HRX Series are the first Honda mowers to incorporate an all-new GCV200 engine, the most powerful lawnmower engine available in the Honda range, delivering a power (HP) increase of almost 12%, compared to the GCV190 it replaces.

• Premium Domestic Self-Propelled Mower
• 21″ NeXite® Polymer Deck
• Blade Brake with GCV200 Self-charging Electric Start Honda engine
• Hydrostatic gearbox with cruise control
• 4-in-1 Versamow system with Clip Director®

Find the Perfect Lawn Mower at B.W. Machinery

Ready to up your lawn mowing game? From household maintenance to commercial landscaping, we’ve got a fantastic range of lawn mowers for sale. With options from STIHL, Honda, Husqvarna, Greenworks, Masport, Supaswift, and Victa, there’s something to suit every yard.

We also stock extra batteries, chargers, engine oil, clothing, accessories, and spare parts you’ll need moving forward.

Explore the full range of lawn mowers for sale right here online, or pop into one of our Melbourne stores in Cheltenham, Bentleigh East, Ringwood, or Seaford. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to offer expert advice and guidance!