How long do cordless lawn mowers last?

What decides how long a mower lasts

Build quality, how often it is used, how it is stored and how big the lawn is relative to the mower all matter. A small mower working hard on a large lawn will wear faster than a bigger mower doing the same job easily. Storing the mower dry and the battery indoors makes the biggest difference of anything you control.

Part by part

Most mower wear is concentrated in a handful of parts. The table below sets them out.

The battery

Batteries are the part most likely to need replacing. Lithium cells lose capacity with charge cycles and age, so you notice shorter run times over the years. A replacement battery restores the mower to full run time. If you are on a shared platform, a battery bought for another tool can also power the mower.

How long a mower battery lasts per charge →

Motor and electronics

Electric motors have few moving parts and last well if kept clean and cool. Brushless motors have no brushes to wear. Brushed motors may eventually need new brushes. Clogged air vents make motors run hot, so brush them clear after mowing. Our explainer on brushless and brushed motors covers the difference.

When a repair is worth it

Simple repairs such as a battery, blade, wheel, grass box or safety key are usually worth doing on any mower in otherwise good condition. A failed motor or main circuit board is a bigger decision. Compare the cost of the part and labour with a new mower, and consider the age and quality of the mower. Check the warranty first, as many makers offer extended cover on registration.

• Worth repairing: battery, blade, wheels, grass box, handle clamps, safety key
• Think carefully: switch assembly, charger
• Often not worth it on an old budget mower: motor, main circuit board, cracked deck

How to extend your mower's life

Most of it comes down to keeping the mower clean and dry. The list below sets them out.

1. 1

   Brush the deck clean after each mow

2. 2

   Do not hose it unless the maker says you can

3. 3

   Keep the blade sharp

4. 4

   Do not mow wet grass

5. 5

   Store the battery indoors, part charged, over winter

6. 6

   Keep the mower somewhere dry, off a damp floor

How to clean a cordless mower →

Buying a mower that lasts

Choose a mower sized for your lawn so it is not always working at its limit, from a brand with spares available in the UK. Check the warranty length on the mower and the battery separately. Our guides to the best cordless lawn mowers and cordless mowers for large gardens list models from established brands such as Makita, Bosch, Greenworks and Hayter.

Signs your mower is wearing out

Shorter run times on a full charge usually point to an ageing battery. A mower that cuts out under load with a fresh battery may have a switch or motor problem. A ragged cut is usually a blunt blade rather than a tired motor. Unusual vibration often means a bent or unbalanced blade, which you should fix quickly to protect the motor bearings.

If the mower is noisy, smells hot or sparks, stop using it and have it checked. Our guide to cordless mowers not working works through the common faults.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a battery lawn mower last? Many seasons with good care. The battery is usually the first part to need replacing.

Do cordless mowers last as long as petrol ones? They have fewer parts to wear and no engine servicing, so a well kept cordless mower can last well.

When is a lawn mower not worth fixing? When the repair costs a large share of a new mower, usually for a failed motor or circuit board on an older model.

Can I replace a cordless mower battery? Yes. Buy a genuine battery from the same platform and voltage.