The Neuton CE 5.2 cordless electric mower is a great "green" alternative to the fumes and loud noise of a high-maintenance gas engine. There are a lot of advantages to mowing "green"; one that we noticed right off the bat is how quiet this cordless unit is to operate. You can put away the hearing protection because you won't need it when you mow with this machine. You can also breathe easy, as the motor is emission-free. This model is cordless, so you can mow where needed without being tethered by a cord. The power source is a 24-volt, 10-amp-hour sealed lead/acid battery with a run time of about an hour per charge. Though your range is limited by the run time of the battery, having a spare battery fully charged doubles that range. (The battery takes about 12 hours to fully recharge.) We also like the convenience of the drop-in battery, which can be charged inside or outside the mower.

Weighing in at just 48 pounds with battery intact, the lightweight CE 5.2 makes mowing the lawn nearly effortless for users of just about any size. We are impressed by how easy this mower is to push, turn and handle; its portability makes it ideal for cutting on shallow inclines and uneven terrain. One factor attributing to its lighter weight is its design -- most parts are made of heavy-duty plastic. (The deck, for example, is made of polyethylene.) If you have a lot of lawn to mow, the 14-inch cutting path may be a drawback, as it requires more passes to cover the yard, but the difference only adds a few extra minutes. Besides, the mower's narrow cut is one of the reasons this lightweight unit moves with ease.

Starting the mower is easy -- just insert the key, slide the start knob to the left and squeeze the handle; the grip on the handle is thicker than you find on most mowers, but you should have no problem getting used to the difference. This unit offers 3-in-1 operation out of the box; this allows you to mulch, bag or discharge grass clippings. Switching between cutting modes is amazingly simple and can be done in a matter of seconds. Adjusting the cutting height is equally easy, since all four wheels can be adjusted at the same time with a single lever, although the maximum cutting height of 3 inches may be too low for some lawns. There's even an optional trimmer attachment that plugs into the front of the unit, turning the mower into an effective trimmer and edger.

If you want a mower that's easy on the environment and easy on you, the Neuton CE 5.2 cordless electric mower is a great way to go green.


Pros: Quiet operation, easy to use, no gasoline or electric cord with which to contend, lightweight portability, 3-in-1 operation, single-lever cutting height adjuster
Cons: Narrow 14-inch cutting path, doesn't bag as well as a gas-powered mower, 3-inch maximum cutting height