My 13 year old Craftsman mower gave out last week. Oddly the engine is fine but the metal rusted and bent. So im in the market. My lot is .3 acres. Is electric the way to go these days? Im concerned about battery longevity and replacement cost of battery.

Recommendations?

Our 1 acre (less house sf) neighbor loves his 80v Ryobi riding mower ($5000+),
so the take away for your fraction of acre would be get hi-voltage for cutting strength ...
then shop high amps batteries when on sale for duration.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-40V-Lithium-Ion-2-4-0-Ah-Battery-4A-Fast-Charger-Starter-Kit-OP404042408/332361449

There are better brands than Ryobi (Home Depot) out there if not yet loaded with their tools, some are discussed here on a chain saw thread in 2025.

Other tips learned since the 80s:
No Flat tires are a BIG PLUS, if an option
No gas jug refill trips a big plus
Self-propelled is a Must

At 40x40 sq yrds (1/3ac not discounted for house footprint sf)

• Money worshipped more than time served = Any width cut, any power mower will do this "small yard"
• Thick grass not often mowed = Gas
• Time is money mantra = Riding mower, as well as age/comfort, joy vs duty thoughts ahead ... e.g. cheapest = https://www.homedepot.com/p/Poulan-Pro-PP175G42-42-in-17-1-2-HP-Briggs-Stratton-6-Speed-Gear-Gas-Front-Engine-Lawn-Tractor-960460075/206463185

My 2008 Craftsman's-best rider 13hp finally blew smoke in 2024, so the 1/3ac to mow on my 1ac got a new on-sale Deere S100 17hp that does it faster & in only minutes, making me feel pampered. No-flat tires option missing & gas jug refill trips, my only regrets.

How about a Kress robot mower?

Any reason you can't patch with a piece of sheet metal and rivets?

I DID this
with an old Texas license plate,
as I Really loved that bullet-proof Craftsman haha
but Deere pampered now

Over & out, I promise

I'm between .2 and .3 lot size and bought this 3-4 years ago. It's been awesome and the battery capacity is perfect for this lot size.

https://www.greenworkstools.com/collections/tool-type-all-mowers/products/pro-60v-brushless-25-inch-lawn-mower-2531502?variant=47374855372960

I've had a craftsman machine with Honda engine from
Sears self propelled since 2014. Starts easily, and maintenance has been year oil/ spark plug and blade. I've replaced the wheels once as they wore out after about 5 years. The traction is starting to slip so I'll probably replace in a season or two.

Ditto to all of the above. Thing is a hoss

I'm satisfied withy my Ego battery mower for my flat ~.25 acre city lot. Three or four years in and no battery issues. It can get bogged down in especially high or wet grass, moreso than my old Honda gasser, but the convenience tradeoff is worth it for me.

I'm still rocking a "WeedEater" from WalMart with a B&S FROM 2007!!! At the time it was the exact same model # B&S as the the Craftsman for 30% less.

She burns a little oil now. But so far still fires off on the 1st pull.
It's rust on the stamped deck though that might ultimately be the end of it. The topside looks great still, but there's no powder coat on the bottom.

I know I'll look at the batteries, but I'm going to have to be convinced to not change when this gasser has been just so darn reliable for my 10,000 sq ft lot.

SoulSlaveAG2005 said:

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I've had a craftsman machine with Honda engine from
Sears self propelled since 2014. Starts easily, and maintenance has been year oil/ spark plug and blade. I've replaced the wheels once as they wore out after about 5 years. The traction is starting to slip so I'll probably replace in a season or two.

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Unfortunately Craftsman doesn't make Honda powered mowers anymore

I still kick myself for not buying a top of the line Honda gas mower when HD was liquidating them for $450.

If you want a boring mower that starts every time and last 15+ years then this is your answer

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Honda-21-in-3-in-1-Variable-Speed-Gas-Walk-Behind-Self-Propelled-Lawn-Mower-with-Blade-Stop-HRN216VYAD/327863362

Apparently Honda stopped selling gas lawn mowers in the US in 2023 with remaining stock mostly sold in 2024.

Entering my 11th year with my Kohler-powered Husqvarna HU675. Regular oil changes and maintenance, no burned oil. Absolute unit.

I keep saying when it bites the dust, I'll get an electric (either EGO or Makita), but it just keeps on going. At that lot size, I think electric is the answer. Quieter, WAY less maintenance, cheaper to operate.

I have an ego battery lawnmower on year 3? (maybe 2.5?). I bought a 10 Ah battery and cuts my 12k+ sq. ft. lawn just fine. I use the battery to blow the lawnmower and concrete afterwards and then charge it up again for next week.

One thing about the battery that is different from gas is that I can fold it up and I got more 'space' back in my garage than my old gas mower. Which is nice, since kids have all their stuff and floor space is a premium.

You can buy non-Ego batteries on amazon for 1/2 the cost, if the battery becomes an issue. But I bought the battery when I bought the mower and no issues. Even with the trees, clubhouse, sandbox and other things in my lawn that make the start/stop action heavily used (it is self-propelled).

~egon