The Neuton CEMXX55 cordless electric mower is a lightweight and versatile alternative to gas and even some electric mowers.

The CEMXX55 is the latest -- and as of this writing, only -- electric mower made by Neuton Power Equipment of Vermont. Though it is a cordless, with battery it weighs less than many corded electric mowers. It's just 48 pounds with the battery. One reason for its light weight is that most parts are made of heavy-duty plastic. But the major reason is that the mower's cut is just 14 inches wide -- about 75 percent of other electric mowers. Of course, if your lawn is small it only makes a few minutes' difference to mow your lawn with this model, and this one has a number of neat features.

As with all electric mowers, starting is as simple as moving the safety latch and pushing the Start button. No pulling a cord. The light weight makes it easy for nearly anyone to cut a small yard. And the handle bar easily adjusts to different users. However, it will take about an hour to cut a 10,000-square-foot lawn (100x100 feet) and take most of the juice in the battery.

The Neuton CEMXX55 is about the quietest lawn mower available. It's a good choice on smaller lots where you are mowing within 20 feet of someone's window. No hearing protection is required. And it's much more ecologically friendly than gas mowers -- even if you count the pollution developed by power plants that produce the needed electricity.

The Neuton mower is priced at about $400 with a free bagger, but it doesn't include a mulching kit (plug and blade: $19.95). A spare 24-volt battery is $79.95, which is less than those for many other electric mowers, but is a special battery only available through a dealer or directly from the factory. For better value, watch for off-season sales directly from the factory (www.myneuton.com) or from a dealer and you can save 10 percent on the mower and up to 20 percent on some accessories.

One neat option we like is the trimmer. You plug it in to the front of the mower to trim horizontally or at a 45 degree angle around trees and bushes. It also edges along sidewalks, driveways and flower beds. Actually it's just a small nylon-cord trimmer that gets its power from the mower's battery. The trimmer attachment is $79.95. Spare cords run $9.95 each.

The total cost of the Neuton can add up quickly and you soon have a $500 electric mower with a narrow cut. So it's not for every yard. If your lawn is small (less than 8,000 square feet or 80x100 feet) and you want a well-built, ecologically friendly electric mower that will last many growing seasons, we recommend the Neuton CEMXX55.


Pros: No gasoline or electric cord needed, very quiet, good value
Cons: For smaller lawns only, more expensive than other electric mowers

Warranty
90 days (commercial use); 2 years (residential use)