My wife and I are very environmentally conscious. This is something that started with recycling and a compost pile, and has grown to looking into a windmill for our power source, as well as looking into solar alternatives for our hot water heater and other smaller items. So it was a natural turn of events when I started looking at articles with regard to environmental power sources that I discovered the emissions of gas powered lawn care. Obviously, we started to look at the various alternatives.

We wanted something that would compare in convenience to my gas equipment and yet not cut a strip so narrow that it would be unrealistic (some electric mowers cut such a narrow strip that as to be ridiculous). Cost wasn't much of an issue, as I felt it was going to save me in the long run regardless.

I bought this mower at Home Depot in December, 2007. I paid $317. I originally bought this mower to become a little more friendly to the environment. However, after using this mower a few times I found out that I really liked it best for the ease of use. There is no lugging gas to the mower, mixing the oil/gas, or pulling and pulling to get the thing started. You charge the battery and turn the "on" button.

When I bought this mower in December the grass wasn't very thick so I had no problem cutting through it, as I had previously read on other posts -- which I had expected. I was waiting for the summer to really test this mower. Here in Florida we have St. Augustine grass which is known for being thick and heavy, therefore supposedly durable during the drought months. (I haven't found that to be true, having to water our lawn a couple times a week during the dry spells).

Well, it is now May 25, 2008. I just cut my grass this morning for summer. I live in a typical subdivision, in Orlando, Florida, with a typical yard. I have houses on both sides of me so my yard is not very big. Today was the big test. I had let my backyard grow for 3 weeks and the front for two weeks just to see what this mower could handle. I had probably used this mower 10 times since buying it, but the mower was never really tested in true summer-time, Florida fashion.

I recently put new sod on the side of the house and it was really tall. After looking at my grass this morning, before cutting it, I just knew I would have to get my gas mower out to finish the job.

I started with the new sod area first. The grass was so tall that I had to use the bagger to catch the grass. To my surprise it cut the grass like my gas mower did. I took the grass catcher off to cut the rest of the front yard because the grass wasn't as tall as the new sod area. The mower cut the grass flawlessly.

Checking my charge on the mower (it still had 3 green lights) I went into the back yard which hadn't been cut in 3 weeks. I once again used the bagger as the grass was too tall to leave on the ground. Our back yard is smaller than my front in that it is 50' wide and about 25' deep, but with decking and play equipment for the kids. With the bagger in place I began cutting. Once again to my surprise it cut through the grass like my gas mower had done.

After cutting the front and the back lawn I still had all 3 green lights on the mower -- indicating a near full charge.

I must say I am very impressed with the performance of this mower. It is easy to charge (in the kitchen the night before) and effort-less at starting with no hassles.

It is definitely a must buy if you are looking for a gas alternative. The weight is a little heavy, but you really don't notice it while mowing. Not really a big problem.

The down side to the mower is that my wife cannot push the mower (as it is too heavy) and she enjoys taking care of the yard. Our 13 year old son pushes the mower without much effort, and enjoys the environmental friendly idea.

I definitely recommend this mower -- all the way around. I also purchased several cordless, chargeable yard tools at the same time (blower, edger, weed-eater) -- and they all use the same battery system. See those reviews for more info.

Mark Molon, Orlando

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 317.00