The large cordless lawnmower test 2018

Cordless lawnmowers are on the rise. Despite many advantages, some models in the test had too little performance and capacity for many applications.

A few years ago, cordless lawnmowers were an absolute novelty in the range of specialist dealers and garden centers (Obi, Hornbach & Co.), you can now find the battery-powered gardening aids in spring offers at food retailers such as Aldi or Lidl. Teleshopping providers such as QVC have also jumped on the trend and are trying to earn money from the novelty.

Cordless lawn mower: Our test winner at a glance

Lately we have received an increasing number of inquiries about our experience with cordless lawnmowers. We at Plantura see ourselves as advisors from and for hobby gardeners, which is why we did not want to give a judgment without extensive research. The sheer number of inquiries finally prompted us in September 2017 to take a close look at the cordless battery lawnmowers and put them through their paces.

We at the Plantura editorial team have named the following models as test winners:

• Bosch Rotak 370 Li
• Al-Ko Moweo 42.5 Li
• Ryobi RLM36X46H5P

Experience with cordless lawnmowers

Buying advice is always a difficult field, because every garden owner has different demands and requirements for a lawnmower. In general, however, there are a few points that you should definitely pay attention to before buying.

• Lawn: According to the manufacturer, cordless lawnmowers are suitable for areas of 250-500 square meters. The information should generally be viewed somewhat critically, as the age of the battery, the height of the grass and moisture can significantly reduce the range. If one battery charge is insufficient, a second battery can be bought. Depending on the manufacturer, this costs € 100-200.
• Grass height: If the lawn is only mowed from time to time, you need significantly more power to cope with the taller grass.
• Weather conditions: Although most lawnmowers can also be operated in the rain, the damp grass causes noticeable problems for most lawnmowers. Only the premium models create a good cut on damp grass.
• wintering: During the winter, the lawnmower can remain in the unheated tool shed, but the batteries must be stored frost-free in the house. If you forget to store the batteries in winter, this can lead to a total failure of the batteries.

Cordless lawn mower: advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of cordless lawnmowers are obvious and are also busily advertised by the manufacturers. The battery operation combines the cordless convenience of petrol lawnmowers with the low volume of wired electric lawnmowers.

Most manufacturers are silent about the disadvantages. After our test, we can state the following disadvantages from our experience:

• Limited range: The range is usually below the manufacturer's specification. A second battery is quite expensive at € 100-200.
• Moderate cut / poor performance: Especially with tall and damp grass, the cutting pattern of most machines is moderate and significantly worse than with the conventional models. Only the expensive devices from premium manufacturers such as Bosch, Viking or Al-Ko master this task well.
• High weight: Although the lithium batteries have become significantly more powerful over the last few years, the cordless lawnmowers are a good deal heavier than the wired pedant. Wheel-drive models can compensate for the higher weight, but are also a bit more expensive.
• Komfort: Although the annoying cable is no longer necessary, the batteries must be charged before use. Without a quick charger, this can take up to four hours, depending on the type. Frost-free storage of the battery must also be ensured during the winter period. During this time, the battery should also be charged once to avoid complete self-discharge. If the battery is frequently completely discharged, this can significantly reduce its capacity.
• High price: Reliable and powerful cordless lawnmowers start at just under € 500 and quickly reach € 600-700 including a spare battery and accessories.

Battery lawn mower: Our test result

Anyone who has a lawn that is not too large and is mowed regularly can have real fun with a cordless lawn mower. At least for the moment, however, you should fall back on tried-and-tested, high-performance devices from premium manufacturers. The cheap cordless lawnmowers in particular often cause frustration (short range, poor cutting pattern, low battery life, etc.). If you want to mow your lawn as cheaply as possible, you should use wired electric lawnmowers. The price-performance ratio is usually much better here.

When it comes to cordless lawnmowers, the more powerful models are particularly popular Bosch, Al-Ko and Ryobi recommendable. They don't just convince in Cutting performance and quality, but also in Perseverance.

• Bosch Rotak 430 Li
• Al-Ko Moweo 46.5 Li
• Ryobi RLM18X41H240

Key data of the test winners

Bosch Rotak 370 Li

• Cutting width 37 cm, long-lasting batteries (36V, 4 Ah), weight 13 kg
• good mowing performance even on slightly taller and damp grass
• suitable for about 300 m² lawn area (manufacturer information: 450 m²)
• quite high purchase price

Bosch Rotak 430 Li

• Cutting width 43 cm, long-lasting batteries (36V, 4 Ah), weight 14.2 kg
• good mowing performance even on slightly taller and damp grass
• suitable for about 350 m² lawn area (manufacturer information: 480 m²)
• quite high purchase price

Al-Ko Moweo 42.5 Li

• Cutting width 42 cm, long-lasting batteries (36V, 4 Ah), power 650W, weight 22.4 kg
• good mowing performance and cutting pattern even with taller grass; moderate with moist gra
• suitable for about 300 m² lawn area (manufacturer information: 400 m²)
• quite high purchase price, quite heavy

Al-Ko Moweo 46.5 Li

• Cutting width 46 cm, long-lasting batteries (36V, 4 Ah), power 900W, weight 27.9 kg
• good mowing performance and cutting pattern even with taller grass; moderate on damp grass
• suitable for about 350 m² lawn area (manufacturer information: 450 m²)
• quite high purchase price, quite heavy

Ryobi RLM36X46H5P

• Cutting width 40 cm, long-lasting batteries (36V, 4 Ah), weight 17.4 kg
• good mowing performance and cutting pattern even with taller grass; moderate on damp grass
• suitable for about 350 m² lawn area (manufacturer information: 600 m²)
• relatively “cheap”, long charging time

Ryobi RLM18X41H240

• Cutting width 40 cm, long-lasting batteries (18V, 4 Ah), weight 18.0 kg
• good mowing performance and cutting pattern even with taller grass; moderate on damp grass
• suitable for about 300 m² lawn area (manufacturer information: 550 m²)
• relatively “cheap”, long charging time

Brief summary: Battery lawn mower test

• Cordless lawnmowers are still quite expensive and are more suitable for small to medium-sized lawns
• Devices from premium manufacturers with good functionality
• Lawn should be cut regularly and when dry
• For a long service life of the batteries: store the batteries in a frost-free place, avoid complete discharge even in winter
• For a good cut and a long range: have the lawnmower knife sharpened every 1-2 years
• At the moment, you should keep your distance from inexpensive no-name devices; Although these are significantly cheaper than the test winners, most of the devices from the no-name providers fail in terms of cross-section and range. Used equipment should also be refrained from. There are often problems with the batteries that have been compromised due to improper use or storage.