NJ Lawns Community

Hey neighbors, been lurking here for a while but finally need to ask - I'm done with gas cans taking over half my garage and that fumes smell that lingers forever. Has anyone in the area made the full switch to battery-powered equipment? I've got a pretty standard size lot in Rutherford (~0.3 acre) with mostly tall fescue and some KBG areas. Wondering if the batteries have come far enough to actually handle a full season without constantly charging. Any recommendations from locals who've done it? Been looking at the Ego system but would love to hear real experiences before dropping that kind of cash.

Oh wow, I feel your pain! Made the switch two seasons ago and honestly wish I'd done it sooner. Started with just the Ego string trimmer, then added the mower last year. My backyard in Englewood is similar size and I was skeptical too, but honestly? The batteries now are nothing like the early ones. I can do my whole yard - front and back - on two charges max. Plus no more dragging gas cans to the pump in winter, that alone is worth it. Get the self-propelled mower though, makes a huge difference going uphill on the back slope.

I'm gonna be honest here - I've been doing lawns professionally in Bergen County for 15 years and I still run gas on my commercial stuff. The battery tools are great for homeowners, don't get me wrong, but if you're expecting the same runtime and power for heavier duty work, prepare for some compromises. That said, for a typical residential yard with tall fescue, a good battery setup will absolutely work fine. My guys use the Milwaukee M18 system for trim work now - much lighter, less fatigue. Just manage your expectations on charge time if you've got a bigger lot.

Just my two cents - started going battery three years ago and never looking back. The key is getting extra batteries and planning your cuts. I mow every 4-5 days during growing season so I'm never stressing the batteries. For what it's worth, those Ego 7.5ah batteries are pretty solid for Bergen County lawns. One thing nobody mentions - if you've got a lot of mature trees or obstacles, the battery weight difference is HUGE after using gas equipment all day. My shoulders thanked me after the first week. Only downside is they don't hold value like gas tools, but yousave on gas and maintenance long term.

As someone who deals with irrigation setups all over Hackensack and Paramus - here's something to consider if you go all battery: your lawn probably needs less water than you're giving it anyway. But seriously, good call on making the switch. Those fumes get into everything and storage is a legit safety concern, especially with kids around. Pro tip - pick up a cheap outdoor-rated trickle charger and keep your batteries on it during the off-season, they'll last way longer. I'm running Ego for mow/string trimmer and Ryobi for everything else - interchange batteries which is clutch. The Home Depot on Route 4 carrysa good selection if you want to see them in person before buying.

Thanks everyone, this is exactly the info I needed! Looks like I'm diving in - appreciate theReality checks on thecommercial vs homeowner expectations. Think I'll start with the Ego mower + trimmer combo and see how it goes. IrrigationIvan - funny you mention watering, I definitely overwatered last year and had some fungus issues in the back corner. Will definitely look into better scheduling. Thanks again Bergen County crew!