Safety Precautions When Using Electric Outdoor Tools
1. Do not use electric tools when the grass or hedges are wet or when it’s raining. You could get get a big shock if playing with electricity and water.
2. Use outdoor drop cords. They are heavier and have more insulation than indoor-use cords. If you can't figure out the label, then ask.
3. Be sure plugs are grounded three-prong models. The third prong is a ground and will help prevent shocks.
4. Check and replace frayed or damaged cords or plugs.
5. Don’t run over or clip your power cord. Start from the power supply and work away with the cord behind rather than in front.
Cost of Going Electric
Electric models tend to run a bit more than gas in terms of price. For example, a good gas push mower costs on average $200 while the electric model will set you back about $300. Do consider the offset. Gas engines require gas/oil and also maintenance. Over time, the extra cost of going with electric will be covered by the savings.
Very likely prices on electric yard tools will drop as more customers purchase electric powered models. While your local hardware store may carry only one option in electric today, as more customers ask about and buy electric, the selection will improve and the prices will go down.
Electric models are improving every year. If you tried to go electric a few years back, there were some kinks. Mantis came out with an electric version of the very popular home tiller. They pulled it, went back to the drawing board, and now they are (re)marketing the electric model for home use. Such early pioneers and the users willing to gamble on a new way of doing yard and garden business have helped set the new standard. Now is the time to go electric.