New electric mower cuts emissions

New electric mower cuts emissions

Ariens Co. recently introduced an electric riding lawn mower that it says has the same drive and cutting power as a conventional gas-powered, rear-engine riding mower.

The AMP Rider is quieter than a gas mower and requires less maintenance, because it has no oil or belts to change, the company says. It charges in 16 hours and runs up to 75 minutes on a charge. An optional 20-amp charger is available that will recharge it in five hours.

The mower has a 4-horsepower drive motor, two 1.7-horsepower cutting mowers and a 34-inch-wide cutting deck. The battery is designed for 200 charges — three or four years’ worth of mowing — and costs an estimated $749 to replace.

The AMP Rider is available from Home Depot’s Web site, www.HomeDepot.com, and some Ariens dealers. Fill out a form at www.ampbyariens.com to be notified when the mower is available in your area.

Suggested retail price is $3,299. Legislation has been introduced that could provide a 25 percent federal tax credit for the purchase of the lawn equipment powered by alternative energy.