On the plus side, there are a number of attractive advantages to using electric:
1. Electric tools require no effort on start up. Simply plug in, push the start button, and you’re ready to go. If you don’t have much upper body strength, are small in size, or if you have arthritis or other joint problems, electric tools are a blessing. The elderly can extend yard work years by going with electric.
2. You’ll do much less maintenance when using electric. There is nothing to drain at the end of the season. Simply clean and store electric items after each use. Even when an electric tool sits for months, electric power provides instant start up.
*Note--Most electric start yard tools have some type of safety start. A few have key inserts. Others have a combination of a start and safety button. Check the user manual to determine the exact procedure needed for start up.
3. Generally, electric tools weigh less than gas powered tools. Electric does not require a heavy battery, so you’re not carrying the power source around. Hoisting and holding hedge trimmers or chain saws can be very tiring. The lighter load with electric is most appealing. You can work longer when your shoulders and arms aren't aching from holding up extra weight.
4. Unless gas engine roars hold some sort of nostalgic appeal, being able to mow the yard or trim the shrubbery and to think at the same time will be a real plus. Certainly, the neighbors will appreciate the quiet, especially if you’re an early morning yard person. As noise pollution becomes a bigger concern, some communities are banning early morning mowing, but it's very unlikely anyone would notice if you're an early bird and using electric.
5. It’s hard to smell the roses when yard tending with gas. Electric does not produce odors or fumes. You can work all day and still not have that gassy smell that in part of the package with gas/oil. A shower is still a good idea, but you'll only be washing off honest sweat and not chemical smells.
6. Though electric tools do drain some energy, electric is much more earth friendly than gas/oil. Electric engines cut pollution. A gas powered lawnmower can put out as much air pollution as a car according to a recent Swedish study. Mowers are “non-road” engine propelled devises and were not typically subject to regulation in generations past, though that is changing.
New Regulations on Gas Engines
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) called for a 32% reduction in emissions for small engines including home yard tools in 1998. This was Phase I of an effort to deal with the gas engine problems. By 2007, small engines (under 25 horse power) will be subject to more stringent regulations. The estimated reduction per year of ozone pollution is 350,000 tons.
Though gas powered engines are and will be “greener,” electric will still be a better investment in the environmental future. Many countries have comfortably accepted or adapted to electric powered yard engines. In England, approximately 70% of homeowners use electric rather than gas for yard chores.