Mower battery platforms and bare tools explained

What a battery platform is

A platform is a family of tools that all use the same battery shape and voltage. Buy one battery and charger and you can run a mower, strimmer, hedge trimmer and leaf blower from it, swapping the pack between tools. Big platforms cover garden tools, DIY tools and even cleaning tools.

Bare tool or kit?

A kit includes the tool, one or more batteries and a charger. A bare tool, sometimes called tool only or body only, includes just the tool. Bare tools are good value if you already have batteries. If not, a kit is usually better value than buying a bare tool and a battery separately.

Several mowers in our guides are sold as bare tools, such as the Bosch UniversalRotak 2x18V-37 and the Einhell GE-CM 36/34, while others like the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 come with batteries. Check the listing carefully.

Cordless mowers for small gardens →

Twin battery tools

Some mowers take two 18 V batteries to make 36 V. This gives more power and run time while letting you stay on an 18 V platform. You need two batteries charged to use the tool, so check how many are included. Our guide to mower battery voltage explains how voltage and watt hours relate.

Can I use another brand's batteries?

Batteries from different brands do not fit each other's tools. Third party adaptors exist to fit, say, one brand's battery to another's tool. They are not approved by the makers, may void the warranty and can bypass the communication between battery and tool that protects against overheating and over discharge. We would not recommend them for high power garden tools.

Note:Use only genuine or maker approved batteries and chargers. Damaged or unapproved lithium batteries can be a fire risk.

How to choose a platform

Think about the tools you want now and in the future. The list below sets them out.

• Check that the platform includes all the garden tools you are likely to want
• For a large lawn, choose a platform with a high voltage or twin battery mower
• If you already own DIY tools on a platform, see if its garden range fits your needs
• Compare battery sizes in watt hours, not just volts
• Look at the cost of spare batteries, as you will likely buy more

Mower and strimmer sets on one battery →

Battery care across tools

Sharing batteries means each one gets more use, so care matters. Charge at room temperature, avoid leaving batteries in hot cars or sun, store them part charged over winter and keep contacts clean. Rotate batteries so they wear evenly. If a battery stops charging, our guide to battery not charging covers the checks.

When a platform does not matter

If you only want a mower and nothing else, the platform matters less than choosing a good mower. Pick a kit with a battery large enough for your lawn and a reasonable warranty. Our best cordless lawn mowers guide compares kits across brands.

Chargers and fast charging

Chargers are usually specific to a platform too. A standard charger may take a few hours to fill a large battery, while a fast charger can do it much quicker. Some kits include a fast charger and some do not, which matters if you plan to swap batteries mid mow. Check the charge time listed for the battery size you buy.

Some platforms offer twin chargers that charge two batteries one after the other, which is handy for twin battery mowers. Charge batteries indoors at room temperature; most chargers will not charge a battery that is too hot or too cold.

Frequently asked questions

What does bare tool mean? The tool only, with no battery or charger included.

Can I use my drill battery in a lawn mower? Yes, if the mower is on the same brand platform and voltage as your drill battery.

Do Makita batteries fit other brands? Not officially. Cross-brand adaptors are not maker approved and may void warranties.

Is a 36 V mower better than an 18 V one? Usually more powerful, but compare watt hours and motor design too.