There’s a reason cordless tools are the favorite of contractors and homeowners alike. They provide convenience, safety, quieter operation, easy storage, and eco-friendliness. We’ll review each benefit of battery-powered tools in detail so you understand why people choose them over gas or corded tools.
Eco-friendliness
Battery-powered tools don’t contribute to air pollution in the same way gas-powered tools do. They also don’t require gasoline or oil to function, which reduces the chance of spills that contaminate the environment.
Because of this, California’s green lawn care law bans the sale of new gas-powered equipment in favor of electric tools. Other states and cities may follow in the future.
That’s not to say there aren’t any environmental concerns over battery-powered equipment. The mining and production of lithium batteries is resource-intensive. It also still uses energy to charge the device.
However, in a similar debate over electric versus gas-powered cars, experts at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) say electric still beats gas in the long run in terms of overall environmental impact. Despite the high environmental cost upfront, batteries produce lower CO2 emissions over their lifetime.
Safety
Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, battery-powered tools don’t produce emissions while you use them. No emissions means no added risk of respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, or neurological conditions that come with gas-powered equipment.
Another safety feature of battery-powered tools is that they shut off automatically when you take your finger off the trigger. This is much better than gas tools, which can stay running or idle and pose a risk to you and your machine.
Battery-powered equipment also is safer than other electric equipment since it has no cord. Not only are cords tripping hazards but they can get tangled or caught on indoor or outdoor furniture, bringing things crashing down in their wake.
Reduced noise
Gas-powered equipment is notorious for its noisy nature. It’s not just annoying — loud lawn mowers and power tools can cause hearing loss over time.
Electric tools significantly cut back on this problem, falling at or below the Center for Disease Control’s recommended noise levels of 85 decibels. When you get a battery-powered tool, your ears and neighbors will thank you.
Freedom of movement
Battery-powered equipment is easy to take on the go. You can easily move it from your front yard to your backyard (or even another property) without worrying about outlets or extension cords.
Battery-powered equipment also tends to be lighter-weight than gas-powered equipment, though it may be heavier than corded equipment. However, lithium-ion batteries are more lightweight than batteries of the past, and future batteries might be even lighter.
User-friendly controls
Battery-powered tools are easy to control. With the push of a button, you can turn them on and adjust their speed. This is a welcome relief to anyone who’s struggled with priming, pull cords, or levers.
Easy storage
Storing battery-powered equipment is simple. There are no cords to get in the way or tangle with your other tools. There’s also no need to empty the gas tank, add fuel stabilizer, or change the oil before winter storage — all you need to do to winterize electric lawn equipment is remove the battery and keep it in a dry location away from extreme temperatures.
Simple maintenance
Your most regular maintenance task (if you can even call it that) is charging the battery. You should also:
- Inspect the battery for damage and replace it when necessary
- Check the wiring for damage
- Clean off debris (such as grass) after use
- Keep the air filter clean
- Take it in for repairs when needed
While battery-powered tools still require some maintenance, it’s not as time-consuming or as expensive as maintenance for gas-powered tools. Gas tools require you to check or replace the fuel, spark plug, air filter, carburetor, and ignition coil in addition to keeping everything clean.
Constant improvements
Because they’re so popular, technology in the cordless tool market is rapidly improving and expanding. Battery-powered tools used to be heavier with shorter battery lives and less power. However, tool manufacturers are innovating to create lighter, more powerful batteries with longer lives and shorter charging times.
FAQ about the benefit of battery-powered tools
What is the major disadvantage of cordless power tools?
Battery-powered tools have several disadvantages.
- Limited battery life
- Difficult battery disposal
- Not always as powerful as gas-powered tools
- Tools’ power may diminish as the batteries run out of juice
- May be heavier than corded tools
What are the best battery-powered tools?
New and improved options come out all the time, but you can check out our current favorites in these articles:
- Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers
- Best Battery-Powered String Trimmers
- Best Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers
- Best Battery-Powered Hedge Trimmers
- Best Battery-Powered Snow Blowers
How often do you need to replace batteries in cordless tools?
It depends on how often you use the tool, but you typically need to replace the battery every two to five years. Some can last as long as 15 to 20 years.
How much do replacement batteries cost for cordless tools?
The replacement cost of batteries in outdoor power tools varies from $40 to $600. For more details, check out our lithium-ion battery pricing guide.
Make your choice (or hire a pro)
Battery-powered tools have many benefits that contribute to their popularity. Their convenience, eco-friendliness, and safety are all reasons you may choose battery-powered tools over gas or corded tools.
If thinking about tools gives you a headache, don’t worry. Lawn Love can connect you with a local lawn care pro who already has the best tools for the job at their fingertips.
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