Electric lawn mower noise. 6 Ways To Reduce Lawn Mower Noise That Work

Ways To Reduce Lawn Mower Noise That Work

If like me you love mowing your lawn but hate the noise, you might be wondering how to reduce lawn mower noise.

To reduce lawn mower noise, you can try options such as tightening all the screws, replacing the muffler, changing the engine oil, adding mass to the deck, and fixing the blade assembly.

In this article, I’ll look at why exactly lawn mowers make so much noise, along with the best ways to make them quieter. None of these are particularly complicated so should be easy for you to do at home.

Why Are Lawn Mowers So Loud?

Let’s be fair: not all lawn mowers are created equal. Some are much louder than others in the first place, and this only gets worse with age and wear.

What’s more, lawn mowers aren’t designed to be quiet machines. Very few lawn mowers designers have ever considered noise levels when designing their product, as their main FOCUS is to function.

But why are lawn mowers so loud? Like all machines, lawn mowers have lots of moving parts in their engines. Electric lawn mowers are generally quieter, but they can still make plenty of noise.

As the engine ticks over, it vibrates. These vibrations travel through the lawn mower’s body and turn into sound waves. So along with the noise, the engine makes directly, you also have to deal with the sound of the body rattling.

A standard lawn mower operates at around 90dB, which is loud enough to cause damage to your ears when exposed to it for too long. This is reason enough to want to make your lawn mower quieter.

Over time, wear and tear to the machine will often cause it to make more noise. Screws can come loose, causing parts to rattle more, and things can get stuck or be broken.

Some of the most common issues that cause it to make more noise are:

• A cracked or broken muffler
• The blade assembly has come loose
• There’s a build-up of debris under the deck
• You haven’t changed the engine oil in a while

You can avoid all of these by regularly inspecting and maintaining your lawn mower. Ideally, you should solve these problems before they start making noise, as this can be a sign of damage.

These issues are characterized by clunking, knocking, or squeaking noises, so if you hear any of these be sure to get it checked out.

I’d recommend giving your lawn mower a thorough inspection before you start trying to reduce the noise it makes. The last thing you want to do is cover up a sign of a bigger problem.

How To Reduce Lawn Mower Noise

Once you’ve checked your lawn mower over and are aware of any signs of damage, you can move on to making it quieter.

Some of these options are about noise reduction but others are simple fixes for these common problems. I’d recommend starting with these and then moving on to the other options if you don’t get the results you want.

Tighten all the screws

Loose components rattle more than they should, which increases the amount of noise coming from your machine. Start by giving it a once over and tightening all the screws you can find.

You might need to remove some parts of the body to expose the inner workings, but it’s worth checking all of this over for loose screws before putting everything back together again.

Fix or replace the muffler

A muffler is a device fitted onto an exhaust pipe to deaden the sound that escapes from it. It contains several chambers and insulation to reduce noise but also increases engine pressure for greater efficiency.

The muffler on your lawn mower will break over time because it’s put under reasonable stress. Any cracks or gaps will allow sound to escape, which reduces its effectiveness.

There might also be damage to the gasket seal that sits between the exhaust and the muffler, which also allows sound to escape.

Follow these steps to inspect the muffler:

• Unscrew the exhaust pipe, only when the lawn mower is completely cool.
• Remove the exhaust so you can access the muffler, which might be hidden inside the lawn mower’s body.
• Undo the mounting bolts so you can remove the muffler entirely.
• Inspect it for signs of damage, both inside and outside. Cracks may only show on one side, so check both.
• Any minor cracks can be fixed with something like FiberFix (Amazon), which is specifically designed for this.
• If you see any signs of rust or any cracks that look fairly deep, replace it with a new one.
• Now is also a good time to fit a new gasket.
• Check the exhaust pipe for damage before replacing too.

If you need to replace the muffler with a new one, shop around for the best option. Longer mufflers reduce noise levels more than shorter ones, so this could be a good idea if you want a quiet lawn mower.

Change the engine oil

As with all engines, you need to change your lawn mower’s engine oil regularly to keep it in good working condition. The oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts but can become clogged with debris over time.

Change the oil each spring and possibly in fall too depending on how regularly you use the lawn mower.

• Oil changes are best done shortly after the operation because warm oil flows more easily.
• Put the lawn mower on a raised surface and angle it on its side.
• Locate the oil fill cap and put a pan underneath.
• Remove the cap and allow the oil to drain out. This takes a few minutes.
• Fill with new engine oil (amazon). Brands intended for cars are usually fine for this purpose, but the owner manual will give you the right information.

Pay attention to the old oil as it drains out. If it’s particularly dark or full of debris, this can be a sign of bigger issues inside the engine. It might be a good idea to take it to a specialist.

Add mass to the deck

The deck is the part that sits over the blade and is usually made of plastic. It’s not designed to be particularly soundproof, which you’ll likely notice if you ever run over a stone.

You obviously can’t soundproof the blades directly because you’ll stop them working, but you can add more mass to the deck. This will dampen the noise you hear coming from the blades underneath.

I’d recommend using either mass loaded vinyl or car sound deadening mats (Amazon links) for this job. Both will be fine, but sound deadening mats might be the better option because they have an adhesive backing.

• Tip the lawn mower on its side so you can see the blades underneath. It might be worth removing the spark plug so it doesn’t turn on.
• If you can use water, spray the underside of the deck with a hose to loosen the grass build-up.
• Use a scraper to remove all the grass and debris underneath. This will reduce the amount of noise it makes.
• Turn the lawn mower right side up and clean the top of the deck to improve adhesion.
• Cut your sound deadening material to size. Small panels will be easier to fit around awkward shapes.
• Stick the mats down, making sure to not get in the way of any moving parts. You can add more than one layer if you want.

The idea here is that adding more mass to the deck means it won’t vibrate as much while also deadening sounds coming from the blades underneath.

Fix the blade assembly

A loose blade assembly can cause plenty of rattling noise when operating. Over time, this might cause damage to the lawn mower too, as things aren’t where they’re meant to be.

• Remove the spark plug from the engine and tip the lawn mower on its side.
• Use a wrench to test the bolt holding the blade in place.
• If it’s loose, jam the blade in place using a piece of wood and then tighten the bolt.

If this doesn’t fix the problem then your blade might be out of balance. This happens over time and means it won’t spin efficiently. Luckily this is really easy to solve with a blade balancing tool (Amazon).

Buy a new lawn mower

• Durable 20-Inch Steel Deck
• Powerful 12 Amp Motor
• 3-In-1 (Mulching, Side Discharge, and Rear Bag)
• 7-Position Single Lever Height Adjustment
• Extension Cord Not Included

Gas vs Electric Lawn Mowers

You might be wondering: are electric lawn mowers better than gas? Let’s dive in and find out which is a better fit for your lifestyle and your yard. It’s no surprise which side of the fence we’re on here at Greenworks – and we’re excited to weigh in on the great lawn mower gas versus battery-powered debate.

Difference Between Battery vs. Gas Mowers

The power story has long favored gas-powered lawn mowers, but a battery-powered evolution has taken over in recent years. Electric motors can match the same blade speed and cut quality as gas mowers – without the harmful emissions, high maintenance costs or lost efficiency associated with gas mowers. Thanks to innovative technology, battery-powered lawnmowers produce a more consistent cut quality than gas by maintaining constant blade tip speed. Did you know that the technology that goes into a battery-powered motor mower is completely different from a gas-engine lawn mower? We’re used to thinking that horsepower is the key measurement of lawn mowing performance – but horsepower doesn’t tell the whole story of lawn mower power.

All lawn mowers, both gas and electric, are fueled by a power source. The differences lie in the fuel type and how the energy transfers to make the motor run.

GAS-BURNING MOWERS c ombine a mixture of air and gas that is ignited with a spark to create a mini explosion – which is then harnessed to power the mower. These mini-explosions can result in sparks, which is especially dangerous in dry, wildfire-prone areas of the country. ELECTRIC LAW MOWERS with brushless motors utilize magnets (or carbon brushes) and electromagnets instead of relying on sparks and gas. The magnets interact and energize metal coils that move the rotor. This mechanism is powered by electricity provided by batteries, or in some cases, a cord plugged into a power source. BATTERY-POWERED MOWERS with brushless motors like Greenworks use the placement of the electromagnets to eliminate the need for carbon brushes. creating an even more powerful, efficient and long-lasting motor. You read that right: a battery-powered lawn mower runs on magnets. It’s power-packed and sustainable!

Brushless Motors Smart-Sensing Microchips

The superior performance of a Greenworks battery-powered lawn mower comes from the brushless motor – aided by Smart-sensing microchips that efficiently use the available battery power. When you hit tall, wet or thick grass, an electric mower senses the resistance, draws more power and increases the blade speed to ensure a clean, consistent cut. Our innovative technology makes battery-powered lawn mowers less likely to bog down than gas-powered mowers. Most of the time – especially in regularly maintained yards – the extra power is unnecessary. When less power is needed, the microchip sensors help to conserve energy, extending your electric mower’s runtime and productivity.

Blade Speed Cut Quality

Blade speed and cut quality are more accurate indicators of lawn mower performance. After all, the end goal is to get the job done well and with energy to spare. Brushless motors can maintain a high blade speed when needed. For example, a Greenworks lawn mower with SmartCut technology maintains a constant blade tip speed to ensure a clean cut. Many electric lawn mower models also have a turbo button for tricky grass sections that need an extra power boost.

How Long Do Battery-Powered Electric Lawn Mowers Last?

• Amount of power : Thick or tall grass will require the motor to draw more power from the battery.
• Brushless motor vs brushed : Brushless motors are significantly more efficient so you can mow longer.
• Watt hours (Battery Voltage x Amp hours): Higher wattage indicates more available power giving longer battery life.
• Grass conditions: Depending on what part of the country you live in, the type of grass (as well as how thick or wet it is) can pull more battery power.

It’s a common misconception that gas mowers have longer run times – but the reality is that for larger yards, you’ll still need to refuel mid-mow. It’s similar with battery-powered lawn mowers – you might need to swap in a fresh battery to extend your runtime, but that’s a simple and hassle-free fix.

Benefits of an Electric Lawn Mower

Why make life more complicated than it needs to be? Cordless lawn mowers are so easy to use – and easy on your wallet, too. Check out some of the perks of mowing with a battery-powered lawn mower:

• Effortless: Electric lawn mowers are lightweight for easy maneuverability – meaning less vibration and fatigue.
• Push button start: No more wrestling with gas mowers pull cords to fire up your gas mower. With an electric lawn mower, the easy push-button start will make operation smooth and effortless.
• Less noise: Everyone has a neighbor with a noisy gas-guzzling lawn mower. Become the new MVP of your neighborhood with an electric mower – you’ll notice it’s significantly quieter and typically stays below noise pollution guidelines.
• Maintenance: Electric lawn mowers require fewer maintenance costs – no oil changes, air filters, belts, carburetors or spark plugs to replace. Say goodbye to those costly lawn mower tune-ups every spring – with electric mowers, charge your batteries and you’re ready to mow.
• Skip the fuel: Avoid high fueling costs (and gas spillages – your driveway will thank you!) each time your lawn needs a trim.

Electric vs. Gas Lawn Mower Costs

It’s true – there are some clear advantages to electric lawn mowers. But let’s get down to the question on everyone’s mind: what’s the cost difference between gas versus electric mowers?

While some electric models might be more expensive in the initial purchase price, the long-term cost savings are significant. At Greenworks, we’ve done the breakdown for you. Here’s an example of anticipated cost savings between a battery-powered and gas lawn mower – what starts as a higher initial cost has a significantly lower lifetime cost, so don’t be afraid to play the long game when choosing your next lawn mower.

Operating and Maintenance Costs

So you’re all in on the battery-powered mower technology – but what about the maintenance?

It’s a myth that battery-powered tools are more expensive than gas – especially for electric riding and zero-turn mowers. The initial cost might be higher, but keep in mind a few key factors on long-term cost:

• Zero gas: No filling up with (pricey!) gas each time you mow (1-2x a week for 6 months).

• Zero maintenance: You’ll never have to put gas in it – or change the oil, replace a belt or worry about whether or not it will start after the offseason.

• Zero inconveniences : No more priming the engine, wrestling with difficult pull cords or scheduling tune-ups and repairs.

Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers For the Win

Is a landline better than a smartphone? At one point in time, no one could imagine a world without a landline – and now we can’t imagine even an hour without our trusty smartphones nearby. It’s the same with battery-powered technology. The ease, performance and convenience of battery-powered lawn equipment have helped Greenworks emerge as a game-changer in the electric lawn mower industry. You’re no longer stuck with noisy, gas-guzzling lawn mowers of the past – there are cleaner, faster and more efficient mower options. And with battery-powered mowers coming in push, self-propelled, tractor and zero-turn models, there is a Greenworks lawn mower to fit every yard and every lifestyle.

Outdated lawn mowers: why we don’t recommend gas lawn mowers

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A good lawn mower is essential. It keeps grass healthy, tidy and beautiful, making it a safe and and useful part of your yard for kids to play, the dog to run around, or simply for sitting out. However, we’re no longer recommending gas lawn mowers.

Today, when you’re searching for the best lawn mowers to suit your yard there are better choices you can make than opting for a gas-powered mower, and for a variety of reasons, too.

Here, we explain the arguments that have led us to no longer advise that you buy a gas lawn mower and reveal the benefits their electric counterparts can offer with advice from experts.

Why we don’t recommend gas lawn mowers

We’ve weighed up the evidence, and our conclusion is that gas lawn mowers are outdated, and that’s why we’re no longer recommending them. And we’re not alone in reaching this conclusion.

‘Gas-powered lawn mowers have fallen out of favor with with the domestic gardener for a variety of reasons,’ says Steve Bradley, an expert for Amateur Gardening. ‘They are noisy, smoky and usually heavier than other types of mower and need more maintenance. Many have a high proportion of metal parts which can be corroded by close contact with grass sap if not thoroughly cleaned after use. and more gardeners are considering the environmental impact of their actions and see electric power as a cleaner, eco-friendly method of gardening.’

This is what you need to know about your buying options.

Steve has written (or co-written) over 40 practical gardening books. He has been Gardening Correspondent for The Sun newspaper since 2002, answering hundreds of readers’ letters every year. He also has a weekly column in Amateur Gardening magazine.

Lawn mower power

You don’t need to use a gas lawn mower to get great results. ‘There’s no difference in cut,’ says product expert at Homes Gardens Alex David.

‘A good, top-line electric or cordless mower will perform as well – if not better – than a gas mower. Electric and cordless mowers put out the same power output while being much lighter because their motors are smaller. That improves the quality of cut, because they’re easier to handle and lets you be precise along the edges of your lawn. You don’t need an expensive gas mower for a perfectly level lawn when a cheap electric mower can do the same job.’

As Head of eCommerce, Alex makes sure our readers find the right information to help them make the best purchase. After graduating from Cambridge University, Alex got his start in reviewing at the iconic Good Housekeeping Institute, testing a wide range of household products and appliances. He then moved to BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, assessing gardening tools, machinery, and wildlife products, including dozens of lawn mowers.

Environmental considerations

The environment is one reason for choosing a mower that doesn’t use gas – although this is a complex issue. ‘Electric and corded mowers are probably more eco-friendly than petrol mowers,’ says outdoor expert at Homes Gardens Alex David.

‘I’m a little skeptical of this one – electric mowers are powered from the grid, and most of that energy is produced by coal and gas anyway. That’s doubly true for cordless mowers, which are marketed as a green alternative but will likely be charged up with electricity produced in fossil-fuel power plants, as well as using lithium cells; lithium mining is also environmentally harmful.

‘I’m yet to anything truly convincing, but given that these batteries produce no greenhouse gases in use, unlike gas mowers, I’d carefully suggest that electric and cordless mowers are a little more environmentally friendly.’

Mowing noise

Noise is another reason why we don’t favor gas lawn mowers. ‘Both types of electric mowers (corded and battery powered) are much quieter than gas-powered versions,’ says Steve Bradley.

‘Mechanical engines are loud, particularly if you need to keep revving the machine to cope with long grass, an uneven surface or an incline. With electric mowers, the machine provides a constant low-level hum, and the most noise actually comes from the sound of the blades cutting through longer grass. Even then, the noise is much less intrusive.’

HG’s Alex David agrees. ‘Electric and corded mowers are also much less antisocial than gas mowers,’ he says. ‘Gas mowers are much louder, because not only do they have blades whirring over grass, but they also have the revving sound of the engine. They give off noxious petrol fumes, too – it’s not something your neighbors want to breathe in while they enjoy their yards.’

Running time

The issue of electric mower running time might have you thinking that gas lawn mowers aren’t an out-of-date buying choice but – as in issues of lawn mower power – things have moved on, and batteries provide power for longer than they did in the past.

‘Most manufacturers will provide an estimated run time for a battery-powered machine,’ says Steve Bradley. ‘This can only be an estimate, as it will vary depending on the lawn’s condition: length of grass and how wet/dry it is when you mow (we found these average at approximately 50 minutes on a full charge). However, this can easily be extended by purchasing a second battery (or more) and/or a “fast charger”. A corded mower will have few limitations to the run time.’

Bear in mind, too, that most of us use mowers for relatively short periods at a time, and likely only once a week.

Mower maintenance

Issues of maintenance – both what’s required and the costs – also led us to change our recommendations on mowers.

‘Gas-powered mowers have many moving parts and, to work efficiently, they should have at least one routine overhaul a year (usually in winter), to keep them in good condition,’ says Steve Bradley. ‘This can be done at home, but is most commonly done by the supplier or dealership, which can make it costly.

‘Electric mowers need very little maintenance, other than being cleaned after use. The blades can be sharpened at home and, if they become damaged, are easily replaced. These machines contain a large proportion of plastic-type materials to reduce weight and these do not corrode when exposed to grass sap.

‘In the event that a battery fails (and they do), it can be replaced without affecting the actual lawnmower. Many actually come with their own warranty of around two to three years.’

Law and regulations

Changes to the law also influenced our decision to no longer recommend gas lawn mowers. California is phasing out gas-powered mowers and leaf blowers, for example, while other states are considering similar measures.

It’s also the case that in municipalities where yard noise is regulated, a powerful gas lawn mower can exceed the level that’s acceptable, where a quieter electric mower won’t make your activity out of line.

Company phase-out

It’s worth bearing in mind that gas lawn mower choice is reducing. ‘Lots of companies are phasing them out of use,’ explains HG’s Alex David. ‘Honda has already stopped production on their gas mowers. I’ve not seen anything explicit on this, but my hunch is that gas mowers are expensive to manufacture and are necessarily more expensive for consumers.

‘Electric and cordless mowers can cost as little as 100 and therefore open up a whole new mowing market which isn’t served by gas mowers. This means that even if you buy a gas mower before they stop production, it will be hard to find replacement parts or to make claims on warranty.’

Are electric lawn mowers better than gas?

There are a variety of factors than mean electric lawn mowers are better than gas. ‘I stopped reviewing and using gas mowers a few years ago for several reasons,’ says product expert at Homes Gardens Alex David.

‘The first is that electric and cordless mowers are just faster and easier to use. There’s no extra hassle of going to a gas station or hardware store and buying gas and filling up the tank. You don’t need somewhere safe to store your gas, and there’s no risk of spills. You also don’t have a temperamental rope pull start. With electric and cordless mowers, you switch them on. That’s it.’

When will California ban gas mowers?

The state of California will ban small off-road engines on January 1 2024. This includes gas mowers and and gas-powered leaf blowers. There is a 30m rebate budget, but it doesn’t apply to domestic use in every air district; you can check if the rebate applies to you at the California Air Resources Board.

Can cordless mowers cut tall grass?

Yes, they can. Early cordless models would struggle, but more recent, efficient mowers can easily cut tall grass.

Final thoughts

Electric mowers are worth choosing because they’ve reached a level that makes them the top option. ‘While the pitfalls of gas-powered machinery are not new, it is only recently that users have been offered a viable alternative,’ explains Steve Bradley, an expert for Amateur Gardening.

‘Until recently electric mowers were simply not a practical alternative – the cords were too short or the batteries too weak. However, new lithium ion battery technology means that modern mowers can offer higher torque, longer run times and, crucially, faster recharge times. Things have improved so much that several manufacturers offer high-voltage battery tools systems aimed entirely towards the professional user.’

Quiet Lawn Mower – These Lawn Mowers Are Particularly Quiet

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

But really, a quiet lawnmower is needed. That went through our minds when the neighbor mowed the lawn of our house at an inconvenient time for us.

Because actually we had just made ourselves comfortable on the couch on Saturday afternoon and wanted to watch a nice film. But the noise from the lawn mower was just unbearable.

So we sat down at the computer and researched which quiet lawnmowers there are, how well they mow the lawn, for whom these devices are best suited and what they cost.

In the following you will find out what we found out during our research.

The quietest lawnmower

Let’s take a look at the quietest lawnmowers first. So grass mowers that are really quiet.

Cylinder mower

The quietest lawn mowers certainly come from the category of hand-operated cylinder mowers. These lawnmowers are of course particularly quiet because they do not use a motor. Instead, manual work is required.

A popular reel mower, for example, is the Gardena Classic reel mower, which you can find here on Amazon

Such a model is particularly suitable for small gardens with a mowing area of ​​up to 150 m².

A cylinder mower is also quite uncomplicated in terms of handling. No power cord, battery or gasoline is required. And such a quiet lawnmower also saves space.

Robot lawn mower

Modern robotic lawn mowers are definitely very interesting in terms of volume and technology.

These little helpers are extremely practical as they mow the lawn on their own. This will of course relieve you of a lot of work in the garden.

But not only that, the intelligent robotic lawnmowers often also work particularly quietly.

A good example is the GARDENA SILENO City robotic lawnmower, which is specified with a sound power level of just 58 dB (A). We couldn’t find a quieter robotic lawnmower during our research.

Here you can find the GARDENA SILENO City on Amazon

It is therefore no wonder that the manufacturer himself states that this series is the quietest robotic lawnmower.

With this device you can not only save work, but also a lot of noise.

Electric lawn mower

But of course cylinder mowers and robotic lawn mowers are not the right choice for every gardener. Much more often you see electric lawnmowers doing their job in the garden.

Even if you have to expect a higher noise level with such devices, there are still some differences between the individual models.

Regardless of the other properties, it can make sense to compare the sound pressure level information of the individual models with one another.

The manufacturer’s product descriptions also occasionally contain information on the expected volume of the respective mower.

Bosch electric lawn mower AdvancedRotak 770

The Bosch electric lawn mower AdvancedRotak 770 is a lawn mower that, according to the manufacturer, would generate up to 75% less noise and eliminate high frequencies for balanced acoustics thanks to ProSilence technology.

This model is definitely worth a look:

• The advanced garden tools from Bosch – powerful for high demands and extensive projects
• Quiet mowing: Pleasant gardening with the electric lawnmower thanks to up to 75 percent less noise and balanced acoustics thanks to ProSilence technology
• Easy adjustment of the cutting height: Set grass lengths between 25 and 80 mm in seven stages with just one push of a button

AL-KO electric lawn mower 3.82 SE Classic

In the product description of the AL-KO electric lawn mower 3.82 SE Classic you can read that this electric lawn mower is the perfect helper for lawn care in every residential area thanks to its emission-free and whisper-quiet operation.

Here, too, you can take a closer look:

• Small, manoeuvrable electric lawn mower with a cutting width of 38 cm and a powerful 1,400 watt motor.
• Axis adjustment of the cutting height 3-fold from 20-60 mm.
• Safety bracket switch with cable strain relief and automatic motor stop.

Hyundai electric lawn mower LM3601E

The 1600 watt electric motor of the Hyundai electric lawnmower LM3601E is described by the manufacturer as maintenance-free, powerful, reliable and quiet.

You can find the Hyundai LM3601E here on Amazon

Cordless lawn mower

Because of their wireless freedom, cordless lawnmowers are of course very popular. Working wirelessly is simply more fun.

Greenworks cordless lawn mower G40LM35K2

In addition to many other positive features, the “low-noise” feature can also be found in the product description of the Greenworks cordless lawnmower G40LM35K2:

• EASY TO START – insert the 40V battery get started: with the cordless lawnmower you can start mowing the lawn straight away and without cables in your garden – 2Ah battery and charger are included
• EFFICIENT – our light cordless lawnmower is suitable for small gardens up to a size of 500m² and, with its cutting width of 35cm, supports a streak-free and well-kept lawn
• FEATURES – the low-noise Greenworks mower helps you with its 5-fold central cutting height adjustment from 20 to 70mm that you can mow your lawn at the height you want

Bosch battery lawn mower UniversalRotak 36-560

According to the manufacturer, the Bosch UniversalRotak 36-560 cordless lawn mower offers balanced acoustics and up to 30 percent less noise thanks to ProSilence technology.

That sounds interesting, of course.

• The universal garden tools from Bosch – versatile and powerful with clever solutions for larger projects
• Easy adjustment of the cutting height: set grass lengths between 25 and 70 mm in 6 stages with just one push of a button
• Comfortable working: healthy posture for every body size thanks to ergonomic ErgoFlex handles

Petrol lawn mower

Petrol lawn mowers are often used by professionals who want to mow medium to large lawns. Such mowers are usually powerful and powerful.

Of course, the cordless freedom and independence from external energy sources such as sockets are also impressive.

For the FUXTEC 4in1 petrol lawn mower FX-RM5196eS, which is available here at Amazon. the manufacturer provides the following information in terms of volume:

• Sound pressure level: 83.4 dB (A), K = 2.5dB (A)
• Sound power level (dB (A)): 95.6 (k = 0.53)
• Guarantor. Sound power level (LWA): 98 db (A)

How do you find a quiet lawn mower?

You can only find a quiet lawnmower by comparing the sound level of several devices with one another in order to identify particularly quiet mowers.

However, this is only possible if the manufacturer also specifies the respective sound level for each model.

Corresponding information in the manufacturer’s product properties can also be helpful in making the selection.

Why a quiet lawnmower can be useful

Those who mow the lawn themselves are usually not too bothered by the operating noise of the grass mower. Because if you work in the garden, you can’t take your afternoon nap at the same time

However, if you have sensitive ears, you can simply use suitable hearing protection when working.

Because anyone who measures the sound pressure level of a lawnmower with a sound level meter will quickly find out that these devices can often be really very loud.

The other residents, family members and neighbors are usually much more disturbed when mowing the lawn.

For example, we live in a house with 4 parties. Our house has a beautiful garden that is used by all residents.

Most of the residents also take part in the necessary gardening work. And of course, this activity also includes mowing the lawn. A lawnmower is used for this, which was purchased by the house community.

Accordingly, all residents of our house “suffer” equally from the noise of this work, which is very much done on weekends. So especially when you have time off and want to relax.

A quiet lawnmower is definitely appropriate in this constellation.

But a quiet lawnmower can also be useful in a 1-family house with a garden. Because not every family member likes the noise of the mower.

How is a quiet lawnmower powered?

There are very different types of lawn mowers. Their drive type is correspondingly different.

• Cylinder mower
• Robot lawn mower
• Electric lawn mower
• Cordless lawn mower
• Petrol lawn mower

With the exception of the hand-operated cylinder mower, there can be some differences in terms of noise pollution among the types. A comparison is worthwhile here.

Robot lawn mowers and cordless lawn mowers are powered by a battery. Of course, this must be charged regularly, otherwise the mower cannot work.

If a cordless lawnmower is shared, it is best to establish rules for charging the batteries. This avoids trouble.

Because it is very annoying to find an empty battery when you are about to mow the lawn.

Electric lawn mowers are also powered by electricity. However, these devices are usually powered by a power cable.

The advantage is that you don’t have to think about charging a battery. The disadvantage of these devices, however, is the long power cable, which is always somehow in the way. In addition, a power connection is of course required, which must be nearby.

Petrol lawn mowers are powered by a petrol engine. These lawnmowers cannot work without petrol. Ergo, care should be taken to always have gasoline ready.

Each type of drive has its advantages and disadvantages.

Who is a quiet lawnmower suitable for?

Unfortunately, a lawn mower is suitable for all those who want to mow the lawn as quietly as possible.

When can you mow the lawn?

People often ask what times of the day you can mow the lawn in Germany. An answer to this question can be obtained from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).

The following note can be found under the category noise protection:

In general and purely residential areas, for example, it is forbidden to use lawnmowers all day on Sundays and public holidays and on working days from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

(…)

The competent authority can determine further restrictions in individual cases, but also allow exceptions to the time restrictions on operation. In addition, there are still regulations by the federal states and municipalities, among other things to maintain the midday rest.

In general and non-binding, we can state that you can mow your lawn on working days between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., unless other restrictions and regulations apply.

Conclusion

A motor-driven lawnmower cannot do without corresponding noise pollution. It’s just like that.

Nevertheless, there are quite a few differences in volume between the individual types and models.

Anyone looking for a quiet lawnmower should therefore compare the sound levels of the individual models and incorporate them into the purchase decision.

Disclosure: Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

Why Are Lawn Mowers So Loud? Causes solutions

Yea, I hear ya, the sound of a mower at full tilt, especially early in the morning can feel like an attack on the senses. Surely if they can make a truck quiet, they can make a mower quiet, right?

So why are their lawnmowers so loud? Mowers are loud because mufflers fitted to most engines are a cheap basic type known as – Absorptive type mufflers, they create very little gas flow restriction which is great for power but bad for noise.

Manufacturers could make a mower less noisy, but they don’t because they don’t want to sacrifice cost and engine power.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) which is the association of outdoor equipment makers, decided voluntarily back in 1974 to set a noise level target of 95dcb for mowers.

Noise Source and Solutions

Although the engine makes most of the noise you associate with a mower, a surprising amount comes from a spinning blade, much like the blades of a helicopter cutting through the air. Next time you see an electric mower stop and listen, most of the noise you hear is the blade cutting through air and grass. Electric mowers are not as quiet as you might think.

Anyhow mower noise comes from four main sources, listed below are possible solutions for excessive noise. If looking to go below 20 decibels, I suggest a donkey.

Exhaust/Muffler – Exhaust heatshields become loose and baffle inside become loose also. To test, give the muffler a tap with the handle of a screwdriver and listen for the tell-tale rattle.

Check your Muffler for damage, these guys get very hot and are prone to cracking and corrosion.

You already know mowers cause lots of vibration, and stuff just comes loose, that’s why it’s a good idea to check over your mower regularly looking for loose stuff. The baffles live inside the muffler and sometimes break free causing a thin metallic-sounding rattle. Mufflers get really hot and vibration can cause them to crack. They can be repaired by your local muffler shop.

Gaskets – Gaskets are used to mate the muffler to the engine. They create a seal, and as you can imagine when it breaks down you get lots of noise and fumes. Gaskets are easy to replace.

Blade Noise – Blades make a surprising amount of noise. Blade tips cut through the air at over 200 mph and most lawn tractors will have 2 and maybe 3 blades.

Bare Metal – The underside of mower decks is just painted. Debris thrown against the deck resonates like a bell.

You can DIY this one, at the auto parts store you can buy spray-on bed liner which adds sound deadening and metal protection to your deck.

Just make sure the deck is clean and dry before painting outdoors. You can check out a video on that subject right here.

Also, try sticking sheets of self-adhesive bitumen car sound deadening material in a few places on the deck topside. You can pick these up in an auto parts store. Sure it might look a little odd, but it does help.

Engine – Obviously the engine is a major contributor to noise levels. Valves, rockers, camshaft, crankshaft, and especially the fan (located on top of the engine) can be considerable. There are things you can do to help minimize the noise. Valve lash should be checked and adjusted every year, it doesn’t take long. Not only will it cut down on noise, but it’ll also give you more power and better gas mileage.

Engine Fan – Most small engines don’t have coolant they are air-cooled and so they need a fan to pull cool air across the engine, and fans are noisy.

Check out “Valve lash adjustment”, it’s for a walk-behind mower, but the process is the same for any OHV engine. Engine oil is another opportunity to help reduce noise. When oil gets old it gets thin which causes engine ratel. Your mower needs a tune-up at the beginning of every season. Check out “Tractor mower tune-up”.

Valve Lash – Valvetrain will be noisy if there’s excessive lash.

Of course, your engine may rattle because it’s worn, if you think that may be possible, try using a thicker oil or try Lucas oil treatment, it’s great stuff, you will notice a quieter engine, I promise. The engine fan is needed to cool the engine, so it’s got to stay. But try putting self-adhesive bitumen on the underside of the hood, really does help reduce noise.

Body – Body panels, deck linkages levers, etc. will rattle and squeak as the engine and blades cause them to vibrate. Greasing all-metal deck arm contact points will reduce noise, spraying with WD40 will help also.

Check your hood and seat rubber stops, replace them with a DIY fix if needed. Run a blade down some old rubber hosing, great for pushing onto the edge of a rattling hood, MacGyver style.

Linkages – Keep all the metal-to-metal links well-greased, it helps dampen rattling and squeaks. Check that the rubber hood and seat stops are in place.

Muffler Types

The two main types of exhaust mufflers are – Absorptive mufflers and Reflective mufflers. Most mowers are fitted with the less expensive absorptive type muffler. So what is the difference between the cheap one and the more expensive one? Design, materials used, and execution.

Absorptive Mufflers

An absorptive muffler is a very basic muffler, probably the one fitted to your mower. It doesn’t use any clever engineering, it does a poor job of noise reducing. It will usually incorporate a spark arrester, which is a mesh screen that catches any sparks that might exit the engine.

This muffler causes a very little restriction to gas flow which is great for power, that’s why racing cars are so noisy. This type of muffler is fitted to most lawnmower engines.

Reflective Mufflers

Reflective mufflers or resonators – Engineered to kill noise using clever acoustic engineering. Sound waves are pushed through perforated baffles in resonating chambers where some noise is canceled out, known as Destructive interference. Special acoustic suppression temperature resistant material (not unlike rock-wool) is sandwiched between the chambers and the exhaust outer casing, this further suppresses noise.

The larger the muffler the quieter the motor, that’s why high-end luxury cars have very large mufflers. The downside to this type of muffler is flow restriction – the baffles and chambers cause restriction to the flow of gases which in turn causes backpressure, and backpressure reduces the power of the engine.

Super Quiet Lawn Mower Mufflers

Here’s a possible solution it’s the Super Trapp Quiet Muffler, I haven’t used it so I can’t comment first hand, but doing some research, it seems to do the business. Check out the YouTube video below. The Super Trapp is a Reflective muffler type, it uses witchcraft and wizardry to make an engine as quiet as a cricket.

Mufflers – Some makers do a better job than others, John Deere mufflers do a first-class job.

Lawn Mower Louder Than Usual

Mowers create a lot of noise and vibration, the engine and spinning blades set up vibrations that over time will start to pull your mower apart. A lawnmower can make many different types of noises, they can be squeals, squeaks, constant howls, cyclical noise, or just a general harsh roughness. Some noises are just impossible to describe and I know describing noises may not be useful to some.

What is useful, is to see when the noise is present, is it present as soon as you start the mower, or only when you are driving, or maybe only when the blades are engaged. This kind of detective work will help you find and fix the problem quickly.

If you need a new muffler check out the Amazon link below.

Check

If you feel your mower is louder than normal, you can check a few of the more common noise sources. Some of these won’t apply to walk behind mowers but most will.

• Oil level ok?
• Blade(s) loose (cyclical noise)
• Muffler or brackets loose (loud roar/rattling)
• Muffler gasket leaks (loud roar)
• Muffler cracked or broken (loud roar)
• Hood loose or contacting the body (rattling)
• Seat brackets loose or rubber bushing worn/missing (rattling)
• Debris caught in the drive line (cyclical noise)
• Belt pulley bearings worn (harshness/howl)
• Blade spindle bearings worn (harshness/howl)
• Belt worn/damaged (cyclical noise)
• PTO clutch worn (harshness/howl) (Tractor/Ride-on)
• Deck carrying arms loose/dry (rattling)
• Wheel bearings dry (squeal/Squeak)
• Steering dry (squeal/Squeak)
• Transmission worn (harshness/howl)

This isn’t a complete list, and as you can imagine there are many possibilities, but these are the more usual causes of noise.

Blade Spindle

Blade spindles transfer the power to the blades. They are bolted to the deck and have bearings on top and bottom to provide smooth spinning.

The bearings wear out and can cause a howling roar when the blades are on. The bearings can be replaced, but often replacing the whole spindle makes more sense.

Pulleys

Pulleys are used to drive and route belts around the chassis. Most will have bearings and they’re the ones that cause trouble. They’re a common source of noise.

Generally, if you have a worn-out belt, then chances are one or more pulleys are also worn, and vice versa. Pulleys are fitted to the driving belt and also to the cutting deck belt system.

Most pulleys employ integrated bearings but some are replaceable.

Belt Wear

Belt wear or damage will cause a cyclical noise as the damaged area contacts the pulleys. Damaged cutting deck belts will also cause lots of vibration.

Hey, I’m John, and I’m a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience.

I’ve worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how.

And the best part. it’s free!