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Electric Lawn Mower in my Future?
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Neuton CE 6 Electric Mower
I hate my gas mower. I am ready to replace it – with anything.
I think an electric mower makes the most sense and in fact I am looking forward to getting one. I have PV solar system on my roof, and feel this is the next thing I need to do to live more green.
There are not four major choices, but I can’t find much objective information to assist me in my decision. I’ve basically narrowed it down to two at this point; the Neuton CE 6 and the Black and Decker CMM1200. Both units, through various coupons and promotions are within $10 of each other, so price isn’t really a factor. The two mowers have similar specifications. And my gut tells me to go with the B&D. But the Neuton has a few design benefits that attract me.
Neuton Power is a US company that has its products built in China. I hunted the web for reviews and opinions and found the spectrum of feedback. The positive reviews tend to focus on the satisfaction associated with an electric mower – which generally includes simple and quiet operation, no hassle with oil and gas, and knowing that the green house emissions are significantly lower.
The negative feedback tends to focus on the cheap plastics used, the built in China concerns, and the fact there isn’t any local service. The first issue is legitimate, but conversely electric mowers are heavy and steel frames just add to it. The B&D is also plastic albeit heavier plastic, but a heavier mower as well (76 lbs compared to 69 lbs). The china concerns are mostly noise – the quality of the US products made in China are determined by the US – not by China (ask Apple). Though that doesn’t mean this is a quality product. The last concern is legitimate – service is done through mail-order which is both a hassle, expensive, and adds a week or more of delay to the process.
The Black and Decker got the Consumer Reports Best Buy nod, and I can purchase it from Amazon. Since I have Amazon Prime, that means 2 day delivery for no additional charge. Both units are tax free, and have generally similar specifications. The B&D is slightly more heavy duty, and has a local service depot. The reviews are generally positive except from folks that went back to gas. I was ready to purchase it, but I see one design flaw.
The problem I see is that to charge the battery, it needs to be installed in the mower. This has two downsides; it means I need to store the mower in my (already crowded) garage (instead of my powerless non-insulated roomy shed), and it means that if the battery charge isn’t sufficient for the job, I need to stop and recharge for 6 hours before continuing. The Neuton has a clever design that not only allows the battery to charge outside the mower (mower will live in the shed without its battery), and additional quick change battery(ies) ensures any job can be finished.
So I was ready to buy the Neuton. But they make me feel a little uneasy. They seem to be a marketing driven company with some aggressive tactics. I am concerned about the lack of nearby service (which means I need to store the box for the next 5-9 years). They seem to have all sorts of shenanigans going on with their pricing (different prices based on which link you use), and I’m worried about their plastics lasting through Colorado summers and winters. On the other hand, they do have a liberal return policy and their price with my Colorado Regional Air Quality coupon makes it more competitive.
Two other units worth mentioning are the Sears Craftsman 37048 and the Remington Mower MPS6017A. I actually like the Remington in design more than all of these as it can run on battery or cord, is steel, and has a wonderful web following, But their viability as a company has been questioned, and every time I call, they are closed. The Sears unit seems reasonable, but has the same battery charging issue as the B&D and the B&D seems like a slightly better unit.
So I need to make a decision. I just mowed again with the gas mower and I really want to retire that thing. The only thing stopping my purchase is paralysis by analysis. I think the Neuton is slightly winning, but would love some feedback.I have not actually seen any of these units in person. Please share your experiences via article Comments.
Dave Posts Regularly regarding telecom topics at his blogsite Pin Drop Soup.
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