What is a Brushless Lawn Mower: A Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated on June 23, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

A well-maintained lawn adds beauty and value to any property, and a key tool in achieving this is the lawn mower. With various types of lawn mowers available in the market, choosing the right one for your needs can be a daunting task.

One type of lawn mower that has gained popularity in recent years is the brushless lawn mower. But what exactly is a brushless lawn mower, and how does it differ from other lawn mowers?

In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the world of brushless lawn mowers, exploring their unique features, advantages, and how to choose the right one for your lawn care needs. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision on whether a brushless lawn mower is the perfect tool for your lawn maintenance tasks.

Understanding Lawn Mowers

Before we delve into the specifics of brushless lawn mowers, it’s essential to understand the various types of lawn mowers available in the market.

Each type of lawn mower has its own set of features, advantages, and disadvantages, making it crucial to choose the right one based on your specific needs and lawn conditions. Here are the main types of lawn mowers you’ll come across:

1. Manual Reel Mowers: These are the most basic and eco-friendly lawn mowers, powered by human effort. They have a set of spiral blades that spin as the mower is pushed, cutting the grass in the process. Manual reel mowers are best suited for small, flat lawns and require regular sharpening of the blades.
2. Gas-Powered Mowers: These lawn mowers run on gasoline and are available in both push and self-propelled models. Gas-powered mowers offer excellent power and cutting capacity, making them suitable for larger lawns or those with uneven terrain. However, they tend to be noisy, produce emissions, and require regular maintenance.
3. Electric Mowers: Electric mowers can be corded or cordless (battery-powered). They are quieter and more environmentally friendly than gas-powered mowers but may have limited power and runtime, especially in the case of cordless models. Corded electric mowers have a constant power supply but require access to an electrical outlet and can be restricted by the length of the power cord.
4. Riding Mowers: Designed for large lawns or properties, riding mowers allow the user to sit on the mower while operating it, making it easier to cover vast areas. They come with various features and attachments, but their size and cost make them unsuitable for smaller lawns.
5. Robotic Mowers: These are automated lawn mowers that can be programmed to mow the lawn without any human intervention. Robotic mowers are perfect for those who want a well-manicured lawn but don’t have the time or ability to do the work themselves. However, they can be expensive and may require additional setup, such as installing boundary wires.

Choosing the right type of lawn mower is crucial because it directly impacts the efficiency, convenience, and quality of your lawn maintenance tasks. By understanding the different types of lawn mowers and their unique features, you can make an informed decision that best suits your lawn care needs and preferences.

What is a Brushless Lawn Mower?

A brushless lawn mower is a type of electric mower that uses a brushless motor instead of a brushed motor. The main difference between these two types of motors lies in their internal construction and the way they generate power. This distinction directly impacts the performance, efficiency, and maintenance requirements of the lawn mower.

Brushless vs. Brushed Motors

Brushed Motor: In a brushed motor, the rotor (the rotating part of the motor) contains coils of wire called windings, and the stator (the stationary part of the motor) has permanent magnets.

Carbon brushes are used to transfer electrical current to the windings through a commutator, which is a rotary electrical switch. As the rotor turns, the brushes and commutator experience friction, which leads to wear and tear over time, reducing the motor’s efficiency and lifespan.

Brushless Motor: In a brushless motor, the roles of the rotor and stator are reversed – the rotor contains permanent magnets, and the stator houses the windings. There are no brushes or commutators in a brushless motor.

Instead, an electronic controller senses the rotor’s position and adjusts the current flow to the windings accordingly. This design eliminates the friction and wear associated with brushes, resulting in improved efficiency, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance.

Now that we understand the main differences between brushless and brushed lawn mowers, let’s explore how a brushless motor works and the benefits it brings to lawn mowers.

Advantages of Brushless Lawn Mowers

Enhanced Efficiency

One of the most significant benefits of brushless lawn mowers is their enhanced efficiency compared to their brushed counterparts.

The brushless motor’s design eliminates the friction and energy loss associated with brushes, allowing for more efficient power transfer and utilization. This results in a few key advantages:

1. Reduced Energy Consumption: Since brushless motors are more efficient at converting electrical energy into mechanical energy, they require less power to operate. This means that a brushless lawn mower will consume less electricity than a brushed lawn mower with the same cutting performance. For cordless models, this translates to extended battery life, allowing you to mow your lawn for longer periods without needing to recharge.
2. Longer Battery Life: The increased efficiency of brushless motors not only reduces energy consumption but also prolongs the battery life of cordless lawn mowers. With a brushless motor, you can expect your mower’s battery to last longer between charges, providing you with more time to complete your lawn maintenance tasks. This is particularly beneficial for those with larger lawns or areas that require more time to mow.

By offering enhanced efficiency, brushless lawn mowers help you save on energy costs, reduce the frequency of recharging, and provide a more convenient and eco-friendly lawn maintenance experience.

Increased Power and Torque

Another significant advantage of brushless lawn mowers is their improved performance in terms of power and torque.

Due to the brushless motor’s design and electronic control, it can adapt to the varying demands of the lawn mowing task, providing the optimal amount of power and torque needed at any given moment.

1. Improved Performance: Brushless motors are capable of delivering more power than brushed motors of a similar size. This is because they don’t experience the energy loss and heat generation associated with brushes and commutators. As a result, brushless lawn mowers can provide superior cutting performance, making it easier to tackle thick or tall grass without bogging down or straining the motor.
2. Adaptive Torque: The electronic control in brushless motors allows them to adjust the torque output based on the resistance encountered during mowing. This means that when the mower encounters thicker grass or uneven terrain, it can automatically increase the torque to maintain consistent cutting performance. This adaptive torque feature not only ensures a clean and even cut but also contributes to the overall efficiency of the mower.

The increased power and torque provided by brushless motor technology benefit users by offering faster cutting speeds, better performance in challenging lawn conditions, and more consistent results. With a brushless lawn mower, you can expect to complete your lawn maintenance tasks more efficiently and effectively, leaving you with a beautifully manicured lawn.

Reduced Noise and Vibration

Brushless lawn mowers also offer the advantage of reduced noise and vibration during operation. This is primarily due to the absence of brushes and commutators, which are responsible for much of the noise and vibration generated in brushed motors.

1. Quieter Operation: Since brushless motors do not experience the friction and wear associated with brushes, they produce less noise during operation. This makes brushless lawn mowers quieter than their brushed counterparts, providing a more pleasant and comfortable mowing experience for the user. Additionally, the lower noise levels are beneficial for maintaining a peaceful environment in residential areas, as neighbors are less likely to be disturbed by the sound of your lawn mower.
2. Smoother Operation: The elimination of brushes and commutators in brushless motors also results in reduced vibration, as there is less mechanical friction within the motor. This leads to a smoother operation, making the mowing process more comfortable and easier to control. Reduced vibration also contributes to the overall durability and longevity of the lawn mower, as it minimizes the wear and tear on various components.

The reduced noise and vibration offered by brushless lawn mowers not only enhance the user experience but also contribute to a more peaceful and enjoyable outdoor environment for everyone. With a brushless lawn mower, you can maintain your lawn without causing unnecessary disturbances or discomfort to yourself and those around you.

Low Maintenance

Brushless lawn mowers are known for their low maintenance requirements, which is another key advantage of choosing this type of mower. The reason behind this lies in the design of the brushless motor itself.

1. No Brushes or Commutators: As mentioned earlier, brushless motors do not have brushes or commutators, which are the primary components that require regular maintenance and replacement in brushed motors. Brushes wear out over time due to friction, and worn brushes can lead to reduced motor performance and even motor failure. By eliminating these components, brushless motors significantly reduce the need for regular maintenance and part replacements.
2. Longer Lifespan: The absence of brushes and commutators also contributes to a longer lifespan for brushless motors. Less friction within the motor means less heat generation and wear on internal components, ultimately prolonging the life of the motor and reducing the likelihood of breakdowns or malfunctions.

The benefits of lower maintenance requirements for brushless lawn mowers include:

• Reduced Maintenance Costs: With fewer parts to replace and less frequent servicing needed, brushless lawn mowers can save you money on maintenance costs over time. This makes them a more cost-effective choice in the long run compared to brushed lawn mowers.
• Less Effort and Downtime: The low maintenance nature of brushless lawn mowers also means that you’ll spend less time and effort servicing your mower. This allows you to focus more on your lawn care tasks and enjoy a more hassle-free lawn maintenance experience.

Longer Lifespan

Brushless lawn mowers are known for their longer lifespan compared to brushed lawn mowers, primarily due to the design and construction of brushless motors. Here’s how brushless motors contribute to a longer-lasting mower:

1. Elimination of Wear Components: As mentioned earlier, brushless motors do not have brushes or commutators, which wear out over time due to friction in brushed motors. This absence of wear components helps extend the life of the motor, as there are fewer parts that can degrade and cause motor failure.
2. Reduced Heat Generation: Brushless motors generate less heat than brushed motors because they experience less friction and energy loss. Excessive heat can damage a motor’s internal components and reduce its lifespan. By operating at lower temperatures, brushless motors are less susceptible to heat-related damage, contributing to their longevity.

The long-term benefits of owning a brushless lawn mower with a longer lifespan include:

• Cost Savings: While brushless lawn mowers may have a higher initial cost than brushed mowers, their longer lifespan can result in cost savings over time. Fewer replacements and repairs mean that your investment in a brushless lawn mower is likely to pay off in the long run.
• Reliability and Consistent Performance: A longer-lasting mower is more reliable and will consistently perform at its peak throughout its life. This means that you can enjoy a well-maintained lawn without worrying about your mower breaking down or losing efficiency as it ages.

Disadvantages of brushless lawn mowers

While brushless lawn mowers offer many advantages, they also come with a few disadvantages:

1. Higher upfront cost: Brushless lawn mowers typically have a higher initial price compared to traditional brushed mowers due to their advanced motor technology.
2. Battery limitations for cordless models: Cordless brushless lawn mowers rely on batteries for power, which may need to be replaced over time. Additionally, the runtime provided by the battery may not be sufficient for larger lawns, requiring you to recharge or swap out batteries during use.
3. Weight: Brushless motors are often heavier than brushed motors, which can make the mower more difficult to maneuver, particularly in tight spaces or on sloped terrain.
4. Complexity: The electronic components of brushless motors can be more complex than their brushed counterparts, making repairs more challenging and potentially more expensive.
5. Availability: Brushless lawn mowers are becoming more popular, but they are still not as widely available as traditional brushed mowers, which might limit your choices when shopping for a new mower.
6. Learning curve: If you’re used to operating a gas-powered or brushed electric mower, it might take some time to adapt to the different feel and performance characteristics of a brushless mower.

How to Choose the Right Brushless Lawn Mower

When selecting a brushless lawn mower, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you choose the right mower for your specific needs and budget. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. Battery Life: If you’re choosing a cordless brushless lawn mower, pay attention to the battery life. Consider the size of your lawn and how long it typically takes to mow it. Look for a mower with a battery life that can accommodate your needs, so you don’t have to stop midway through mowing to recharge.
2. Cutting Width: The cutting width of a lawn mower determines how much grass it can cut in a single pass. Wider cutting widths will allow you to mow your lawn more quickly, but they may be less maneuverable in tight spaces. Choose a cutting width that balances efficiency with ease of use for your specific lawn size and layout.
3. Grass Management Options: Different brushless lawn mowers offer various grass management options, such as bagging, mulching, and side discharge. Consider your preferred method of handling grass clippings and choose a mower that offers the options you need.
4. Price: Brushless lawn mowers come in a range of prices, so set a budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that while a higher-priced mower may offer more features or better performance, it’s essential to choose a mower that fits your needs and budget.
5. Warranty: A good warranty can provide peace of mind when investing in a new lawn mower. Look for a mower with a solid warranty that covers both the motor and other components to ensure you’re protected in case of any issues.

To make an informed decision on the right brushless lawn mower for your needs, follow these tips:

• Assess your lawn size, layout, and the type of grass you have. This will help you determine the necessary battery life, cutting width, and grass management options.
• Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from friends or neighbors who own brushless lawn mowers. This can provide valuable insight into the performance and reliability of different models.
• Compare prices and features of different brushless lawn mowers within your budget to find the best value for your money.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions and consult with sales representatives or customer service teams to gather more information on specific models.

By considering these factors and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the right brushless lawn mower that meets your individual needs and budget.

Top Brushless Lawn Mower Recommendations

Here is a list of some top brushless lawn mower models currently available in the market, along with a brief overview of their key features and benefits:

1. EGO Power+ LM2100

The EGO Power+ LM2100 is a 21-inch cordless brushless lawn mower that offers powerful performance and excellent runtime.

It features a durable weather-resistant construction and a 3-in-1 design for mulching, bagging, and side discharge.

The mower has a foldable design for easy storage and is compatible with EGO’s line of ARC Lithium batteries.

2. Greenworks PRO 80V GLM801601

This 21-inch cordless brushless lawn mower from Greenworks offers up to 60 minutes of runtime with a fully charged 4Ah battery.

Its 3-in-1 design allows for mulching, bagging, and side discharge. The mower also features a Smart Cut technology that adjusts power based on the grass thickness, ensuring optimal efficiency.

3. RYOBI 40V Brushless RY40180

The RYOBI RY40180 is a 20-inch cordless brushless lawn mower with a 40V lithium-ion battery.

It features a 2-in-1 design for mulching and bagging, along with a 7-position single-point height adjustment for a customized cutting experience.

The mower also has a compact, foldable design for easy storage.

4. DeWALT DCMW220P2 20V MAX

DeWALT’s DCMW220P2 is a 20-inch cordless brushless lawn mower powered by two 20V MAX 5Ah batteries.

It features a 3-in-1 design for mulching, bagging, and rear discharge. The mower also has a metal deck for durability and a folding handle for easy storage and transportation.

5. Toro 60V Flex-Force Recycler

The Toro 60V Flex-Force Recycler is a 22-inch cordless brushless lawn mower that offers powerful performance and extended runtime.

It features a 3-in-1 design for mulching, bagging, and side discharge, as well as Toro’s Personal Pace self-propel system for effortless operation. The mower is compatible with Toro’s line of 60V Flex-Force batteries.

When considering these top brushless lawn mower models, be sure to evaluate their features and benefits in relation to your specific needs and budget. This will help you find the best brushless lawn mower to provide an efficient and enjoyable lawn care experience.

Conclusion

In summary, brushless lawn mowers offer numerous advantages over their brushed counterparts, including increased power and torque, reduced noise and vibration, low maintenance requirements, and a longer lifespan. These benefits make brushless lawn mowers an ideal choice for those looking to invest in a reliable and efficient machine for their lawn care needs.

When selecting the right brushless lawn mower, it’s essential to consider factors such as battery life, cutting width, grass management options, price, and warranty. By evaluating these factors and researching top models in the market, you can find the perfect brushless lawn mower that meets your individual needs and budget.

Considering the many benefits of brushless lawn mowers, we encourage you to explore this technology for your next lawn care investment. With a brushless lawn mower, you can enjoy a more efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective lawn maintenance experience, making it a smart choice for both your lawn and your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brushless Lawn Mowers