With spring finally at hand, it's a good time to review those electric garden tools and lawn equipment that are eco-friendly. And the great thing about electric power tools is that they are far more convenient than gas-powered equipment. They are lighter, quieter, and far more maintenance-free. So with that, here is our Buying Guide for the green gardeners out there.
Green Lawn Mowers
The most important decision you'll make is which mower to use on your lawn. A typical gas-powered lawn mower can belch enough CO2 into the atmosphere while cutting a standard lawn to equal driving 100 miles in a car. Fortunately, there are several alternatives that have a much small impact on the environment. Here they are:
Push Reel Lawn Mowers: You can't get more energy independent than with a push reel lawn mower. You not only cut your grass, but you get some good exercise at the same time. Having used a push reel as a kid (many, many years ago), my memory of this type of lawn mower is not a favorable one. As I recall, I needed about 10 of my closest friends to help me push this beast over 4 inches of grass. Today, push reel mowers have come a long way. The highest rated push reel according to Amazon is the Scotts 2000-20:
Electric Lawn Mowers: The electric mower not only eliminates the need for gas, oil or tune-ups, but they are easy to start, quiet and light. The top model here is the Black & Decker CMM1200, which is an energy star rated mower and top pick by Consumer Reports. The CMM1200 can cut up to 1/3 an acre on a single charge, and you don't have to have that annoying extension cord connecting the mower to an outlet during use.
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Visit our EcoStore to review and compare more than 300 electric lawn mowers.
Electric Trimmers & Edgers
Having used both electric and gas powered trimmers for my home, the electric corded trimmer or one with a rechargeable battery is the hands-down winner. The frustration of trying to start a gas-powered trimmer alone drove me to switch. Add the convenience and eco-friendly benefits, and it's a mystery why any homeowner would buy a gas-powered weed eater. Here are two good options, the first requiring an extension cord (but guaranteed not to run out of juice) and one with a rechargeable battery.
Black & Decker GH600 Grass Hog 14-Inch 5 amp Electric String Trimmer and Edger | List Price: Buy New: $38.52 You Save: $61.09 (61%) New (24) Refurbished (2) from $29.99 | |
| Five Amp motor delivers 9,500 rpm and a wide, 14-inch cutting swath for effective trimming, Unique spool system uses centrifugal force to automatically feed out more line when you need it, Head rotates 180 degrees for quick switches from trimming to edging, Weighs just 5.2 pounds and offers soft, adjustable grips for easy handling, Backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty (more) | ||
 | List Price: Buy New: $75.49 You Save: $49.70 (40%) New (4) Refurbished (1) from $59.99 | |
| Convenient, cordless design, 9-Inch cutting path and the ability to deliver 6,800 rpm for effective trimming, Unique spool system uses centrifugal force to automatically feed out more line when you need it, Head rotates 180-Degree for switching from trimming to edging, Weighs just seven-Pound and offers an adjustable handle for excellent control and reduced operator fatigue, Includes 12-Volt battery, charger, wall-mount charger bracket and 2-year warranty (more) | ||
Electric Leaf Blowers
As with the trimmer, I've used both gas-powered and electric leaf blowers. Unless you have a really big yard, the electric leaf blower gets the job done with ease. Having had to care for a gas-powered Stihl blower, I know first-hand what it's like trying to start the thing after it's sat for a year. Electric leaf blowers avoid all of that frustration.
Black & Decker LH5000 12 amp Variable Speed Electric Leaf Hog Blower/Vacuum | List Price: Buy New: $66.99 You Save: $23.00 (26%) New (11) Used (1) from $66.99 | |
| Three-in-one blower, vacuum, and mulcher keeps your yard free of debris, Blow speed of up to 240 MPH; 385 CFM air volume, Variable speed switch for optimum control, Weighs 15.2 pounds (shipped); 2-year warranty, Includes a tube with LeafBlaster nozzle, vacuum attachment with tube, zipper-less leaf bag, adjustable shoulder strap, and air concentrator (more) | ||
Electric Tillers
If you have a vegetable garden (and in this recession, more and more do) or a flower garden, an electric tiller can turn the earth for you in a snap. Electric tillers are smaller and lighter than their gas-powered counterparts, which make them ideal for those with backyard gardens.
Mantis 7250-15-02 3-Speed Electric Tiller/Cultivator with Border Edger and Kickstand | Buy New: $349.95 New (2) from $349.95 | |
| The powerful and clean electric motor starts just by plugging the unit in an pulling the trigger making it the easiest tiller to start and use, A weight of only 21 pounds makes the Mantis Electric Tiller easy to carry and maneuver, The powerful electric motor provides the same tilling performance as gas powered tillers in a clean and environmentally friendly alternative, The compact design allows the tiller to get in tight spaces and be stored where larger tillers can not go, The patented reversible tines can be used to till down 10 inches or shallow cultivate the top 2 to 3 inches of soil (more) | ||
Electric Chainsaws
We used an electric chainsaw for the first time about a year ago. I'll confess that until then, I didn't even know they made electric chainsaws! The truth is, it worked like a charm. Professionals may need gas power, but most homeowners will do just fine with an electric chainsaw.
Remington RM1632A 16-Inch 11.5-Amp Electric Chain Saw | Buy New: $69.99 New (3) Used (1) from $47.95 | |
| External adjustment screw for chain tensioning, Wrap around hand guard for added protection, Steel bucking teeth for better leverage and control, 3.0 Peak HP motor, Push button oiler (more) | ||
Electric Hedge Trimmers
If you have a lot of hedges to trim, a powered trimmer really cuts down on the job (no pun intended). This is about the only tool listed here we don't need for your yard, but for those that do, this is a real time-saver.
Black & Decker HT018 3.0 amp 18-Inch Electric Dual Action Hedge Trimmer | List Price: Buy New: $34.95 You Save: $43.54 (55%) New (18) from $34.95 | |
| Dual-action blade design cuts through branches up to 5/8-inch in diameter quickly and neatly, 18-inch blades made from pre-hardened steel offer superior durability and versatility, 3.0 Amp motor delivers 3,400 strokes per minute for dependable cutting, Reduced vibration, three-sided grip, and well-balanced body for improved user comfort and more precise handling, Weighs 4.9 pounds; backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty (more) | ||
Electric Chipper/Shredders
Yep, the beast of all yard equipment can be powered by electricity. Particularly if you live on a wooded lot, a chipper/shredder can be put to full use. An electric chipper is much easier to move around and store, and gets the job done really well. The McCulloch listed below has received really good user reviews, which you can read on the product page by clicking below.
McCulloch MCS2001 14 amp Electric Chipper/Shredder | Buy New: $235.00 New (2) Used (1) from $178.99 | |
| Tamper included, Rounded chute, V-type blade, ETop hopper design, Environmentally friendly (more) | ||
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