Hyundai electric lawn mower. Greenworks electric tool Christmas in July sale…
Is Buying an Electric Lawn Mower in 2023 Worth It? Here Are the Pros and Cons
Compared to gas-powered lawn mowers, electric models are cleaner, quieter and greener.- but there are some drawbacks.
Macy Meyer is a N.C. native who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2021 with a B.A. in English and Journalism. She currently resides in Charlotte, N.C., where she has been working as an Editor I, covering a variety of topics across CNET’s Home and Wellness teams, including home security, fitness and nutrition, Smart home tech and more. Prior to her time at CNET, Macy was featured in The News Observer, The Charlotte Observer, INDY Week, and other state and national publications. In each article, Macy helps readers get the most out of their home and wellness. When Macy isn’t writing, she’s volunteering, exploring the town or watching sports.
- Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing.
For decades, lawn mowers were gas-guzzling and emissions-spouting beasts that were hard to pull-start and loud enough to wake up the neighborhood. But a new generation of electric-powered models is changing the lawn care game.
Though gas-powered models still dominate the aisles of big-box stores, a growing number of affordable electric mowers now provide a compelling alternative, whether your priority is power, convenience or sustainability. If you’re in the market, you have more options than ever.- and the best electric mowers are now good enough to rival their gas-powered competitors. We’ll break down the pros and cons of electric and gas mowers to help guide your buying decision.
Pro: Electric lawn mowers are quieter
Lawn mowers are loud. While standard gas-powered mowers usually operate at 95 decibels.- equivalent to the racket made by a motorcycle revving its engine.- electric mowers max out at around 75 decibels on average, closer to the din of a washing machine. If you live in a neighborhood, an electric mower is the less disruptive option.
Con: Shorter run times
Once you start mowing, you want the job done in one fell swoop.- but that might not be possible with an electric lawn mower, especially if you have a significant plot of land. Electric models top out at between 45 to 60 minutes per charge, which should be enough to handle up to half an acre of grass.
Some electric mowers, like this corded Sun Joe hover model will provide unlimited mowing time, as long as you have a power source or long enough extension cord. Most electric models run on batteries, however, and offer run times ranging from 20 to 45 minutes. If it takes you longer to mow your yard, that’s going to be a problem.- or a delay, at least, while you recharge. You can keep a second battery on hand, but that’ll require an additional purchase.
Pro: Easier to maneuver and less maintenance
A gas-powered mower requires periodic maintenance, including the eventual replacement of a spark plug, oil filter and air filter. Electric mower components, however, require less regular servicing, which should increase your savings over the long term. In this way, an electric model can be more economical than a gas-powered counterpart.
Most electric mowers are also relatively lightweight, making them easier to navigate across your lawn and maneuver around tight corners. Our top electric pick, the EGO Power Plus, weighs 62.6 pounds.- making it considerably lighter than the Craftsman M250, which weighs in at a hefty 90 pounds. Though the self-propelled engine improves maneuverability when you’re cutting the grass, the mower is still heavy to push.
Pro: Better for the environment
Gasoline-powered engines produce a surprising amount of carbon emissions and a slew of pollutants. According to the California Air Resources Board, one hour of mowing generates the same pollution as driving a car for 300 miles. And the Environmental Protection Agency says that gas lawn mowers contribute the majority of non-road-related air pollution generated nationwide.
Electric lawn mowers are a much cleaner, energy-efficient alternative. The Electric Power Research Institute notes that if we replaced half the gas-powered lawn mowers with electric models, it would reduce the same amount of emissions as removing 2 million vehicles from the road. This is certainly an important factor to consider when purchasing a new mower.
Con: Electric lawn mowers aren’t as powerful
Lawn mower power is measured by a torque rating, which quantifies the driving force behind the blade’s rotation. The higher the torque rating, the more powerful the chopping motion.- and the less likely the mower is to get stuck or caught up on a clump of grass or other obstruction.
The average electric lawn mower has between 2 and 2.5 pound-feet of torque. The average of a gas-powered mower is between 4.5 and 8.75 pound-feet, which is about three times more power. This means a gas-powered mower will make it easier to tackle challenging terrain like hills and dips and slants in your yard. And homeowners with larger lawns or yards with hills or slopes may require heavier duty equipment like a riding lawn mower. While most riding lawn mowers are gas-powered, there are electric ones on the market, like this Ryobi model.
Pro: They can be less expensive
If you’re in the market for a new mower, a basic electric mower is less expensive than a basic gas mower.
Electric models can start as low as about 100, the price for the Sun Joe hover model tested by CNET experts, but that’s a particularly low-priced outlier. Most push-from-behind electric models can cost anywhere from 250 to 550.
for gas-powered mowers can start at around 200-250. But the most popular lawn mower brands have basic gas-powered models that fall into the 400 to 1,00 price range. Certain gas riding lawn mowers can even reach up to 2,500.
Final thoughts
Overall, the lawn mower market continues to expand, with an array of diverse offerings. For homeowners with larger yards, gas-powered mowers may still be the best fit, since they have the durability and power to tackle bigger lawns with ease. That’s if you’re comfortable with the environmental impact gas mowers have.
If you want to maintain a midsize yard, reduce your carbon footprint (and even save some money) in the process, then an electric lawn mower is probably the best for your needs. Either route you take can help you gain a healthy-looking lawn that boosts the curb appeal and value of your home.
Greenworks electric tool Christmas in July sale goes live in New Green deals, HomeKit faucets, more
A new Christmas in July savings event is going live today to mark down some of our favorite electric tools. Greenworks is now offering a collection of electric mowers, string trimmers, and other gear to get your lawn in order without having gas or oil in the picture. The savings today also continue over to the latest Eve Aqua HomeKit faucet for helping grow out a gorgeous lawn in the first place, with other deals landing on Jackery power stations and more. Just don’t forget about all of the other best e-bike discounts around. Head below for other New Green Deals that we’ve found today and of course Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.
Christmas in July sale goes live on Greenworks tools
Greenworks is helping you save some green this week by launching a new Christmas in July sale. Offering some all-time lows across its collection of popular outdoor electric tools, shipping is free in orders over 100. While you’ll want to peruse all of the listings on this landing page first, our favorite price cut of the batch has the flagship Greenworks 60V 25-inch Electric Lawn Mower marked down to its lowest price of the year. Dropping from the usual 750 going rate, now you can score this electric tool for 599.99. That’s 150 off the going rate and the second-best price ever, coming within 1 of the all-time low. Centered around a 25-inch deck size and powered by a pair of 60V batteries, this self-propelled electric lawn mower from Greenworks is the perfect upgrade ahead of spring to finally ditch gas and oil from the equation. It can handle cutting the grass for 80 minutes on a single charge, covering 2/3 of an acre in the process. Each of the batteries are interchangeable with Greenworks’ other tools, and you’re also getting a charger in the box that rounds out the package.
Eve’s latest Aqua HomeKit faucet with Thread automates your lawn care
After first launching back last August, the new Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller is now on sale for one of the very first times. Courtesy of Amazon, the new Thread-enabled model is sitting at 119.96 shipped when clipping the on-page coupon. Down from the usual 150 price tag, you’re looking at 30 in savings as well as one of the first discounts of the year. It’s 10 under our previous mention, a match of the all-time low, and a well-timed discount with getting your lawn in order on the mind this summer. Packed into a refreshed design, Eve Aqua seeks to automate your sprinkler or outdoor faucet with the help of Siri this summer and beyond. On top of the usual HomeKit integration we see from the brand, there’s also Thread connectivity to complement its Bluetooth capacities. This time around the upgraded build has a brass faucet connector and magnetic valve to improve durability and protect against leaks, all while helping you automate your lawn maintenance system. Go dive into our launch coverage for a closer look at what to expect.
Jackery’s Explorer 1000 Pro has never sold of less
One of the first chances to save on one of Jackery’s latest portable power stations is now live. Courtesy of Amazon, the new Explorer 1000 Pro is now down to 769 shipped. Normally fetching 1,099, this 330 discount is fittingly a new all-time low. This is well below our previous 899 mention, bringing an extra 130 in savings into the mix. As one of the more recent additions to the Jackery power station stable, the new Explorer 1000 Pro takes a more balanced approach compared to some of the flagship offerings we’ve seen arrive over the past few months. Everything comes centered around a 1,002Wh internal battery which comes backed by a wide array of ports for powering all of the gear in your camping or tailgating setup. Three full sized AC outlets are perfect for more demanding appliances, but there’s also a pair of 100W USB-C ports alongside some other slots for topping off smartphones and other gadgets. All of that comes packed into a refreshed design that you can read all about in our launch coverage. e-bikes, a summer favorite!
- Aventure Step-Over e-bike: 1,500 (Reg. 2,000)
- Aventon Soltera 7-Speed Step-Through e-bike: 1,200 (Reg. 1,400)
- SWFT VOLT e-bike: 765 (Reg. 900)
- Huffy Transic Comfort e-bike: 631 (Reg. 660)
- Super73 R Electric Motorbike: 2,999 (Reg. 3,295)
- Electrek sponsor Pedego is offering up to 400 offits bikes using code Electrek
- Addmotor is offering an extra 200 off its new TRIKETAN M-330F foldable trike which will start at 2800. It also offers 100 off its popular Grandtan trike and Recumbant Trike
Other new Green Deals landing this week
The Independence Day savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine.
- Jackery’s all-new Explorer 3000 Pro power station sees first discount to 2,599 (Save 200)
- Goal Zero’s Yeti 200X offers portable backup power on a budget at 200 low (Reg. 300)
- Add 6,000 lumens of solar-powered outdoor LED lighting to your patio for just 15 (Reg. 22)
- Rare deal drops Rachio’s 12-zone Wi-Fi Smart sprinkler controller to new low of 125
Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.
Hyundai Lawn Mower Reviews 2023 – Electric vs Petrol?
Are you considering buying a Hyundai Lawn Mower in the coming days or weeks? Then make sure to check out this brief Hyundai Lawn Mower review compilation which will cover 4 models currently available under their range which will give you more than just 1 choice when it comes to making a final decision.
Electric Petrol
This review will be split into 2 parts – Part 1 will cover 2 Electric Models and Part 2 will cover 2 Petrol Self Propelled models and all the main features that they have to offer will be outlined along with the pros and cons associated to each that you need to be aware of.
Review Format
Please be aware also that guide can only be given at the time of this review so please make sure to view the price checkers outlined below to ensure you have the most accurate up to date price information. We will also outline comparison tables to help you if you need further clarity and some frequently asked questions that have come up that will be of interest to you. In addition, if you feel that you need to consider other options, then make sure to check out the alternatives outlined at the end of this page that deserve a closer look also.
Lawn Mower Review Overview
Hyundai Lawn Mower Review Part 1 – Electric
Frequently Asked Questions about Hyundai Electric Lawn Mowers:
Q. What sound level comes from the Electric Corded Hyundai? A. The noise level from the Electric corded model is 96 dBa
Q. What is the length of the cable? A. The length of the cable is 12m (many other brands are 10m)
Q. Does the HYM3800E include a rear roller? A. No, the HYM3800E does not include a rear roller unfortunately
Q. How long does it take to recharge the battery for the Cordless? A. The recharge time for the battery is approx. 45 minutes.
Q. Does the cordless model include a mulching plug? A. No the cordless does not include the Mulching plug
Q. How long will the charged battery operate? A. It depends on the thickness and length of grass but should operate from 45 to 60 minutes.
Hyundai HYM3800E Corded Electric Lawnmower 1600W
Price level is competitive, usually less than £120 Decent size mow width of 38cm Includes the heavy duty brushless motor 1600W Longer 12m cable available (most are 10m) Lightweight for small and medium type lawns Handles are foldable for easier storage Soft grip on the handles provide extra comfort Much lighter at 12kg so easier to move around Includes the durable rust-free plastic chassis Grass collection capacity of 40L (hard top) Mow heights is adjusted with one lever Grass box indicator provided when nearly full A brushless long life motor is included No pull cords – simple push button start system or less ready to mow straight from the box Collects grass cuttings really well Noise level a lot lower than a petrol version Able to deal with damp grass and even long grass Durable, lightweight and overall great value
Must be extra careful with a cable across the lawn Not suitable for larger lawns Limited to the length of the Cable (12m) No rear roller included for stripes Grass box attachment can be tricky for some Instructions could be better and clearer No mulching plug included No side discharge available either (rear only) Can be more expensive but is worth it for the quality
Hyundai HYM60LI380 Cordless Lawnmower 60V
Not limited to a cable length of 12m area Price level competes well with other brands No danger of cables across the lawn as you mow Can cover medium and medium to large type lawns Charger and battery is included Soft grip handles much kinder to your hands Handle will fold down for easier storage Durable rust free plastic chassis provided Has the LG lithium-ion 2.5Ah battery 60V Lithium Ion Battery is very reliable No pollution and no oil and petrol or fumes No added ongoing fuel or oil costs No ongoing maintenance costs involved Same mow path of 38cm (wider than many others) Excellent warranty duration of 3 years Allows up to 60 minutes mow time Includes the brushless motor for longevity/efficiency Noise level is a lot lower than expected Battery can be used with other 60V Hyundai products
Price range is a lot higher, generally over £200 Recharging the battery will cause delays (45 mins) Limited mow time based on the battery charge Must always remember to have it charged Lacks tougher power for longer or damp grass No rear roller included for striped effect A second battery may be needed for larger lawns batteries if needed are very expensive Needs to be replaced after circa 1000 charges
A comparison table for both of the Electric Hyundai Lawnmowers are outlined below for further clarity…
Hyundai Lawn Mower Review Part 2 – Petrol Self Propelled
Frequently Asked Questions about Hyundai Petrol Self Propelled Lawn Mowers:
Q. What is the speed rpm for the HYM430SP 139cc model? A. It has a speed rpm of 3000
Q. What level of noise do they generate? A. It depends on the model and starts from 96dBa
Q. Do they also have a warranty? A. Must be from a reliable seller, they provide a 3 year warranty

Q. Who can I ring for any parts issues or problems? A. You can call the distributor called Genpower Ltd on 01646 687 880
Q. Is oil included with the delivery? A. No, you need to buy engine oil separately
Q. What is the horse power provided with the HYM51SP self propelled? A. It has a 5 horsepower
Q. When it says 4 in 1 what does that mean? A. It can cut and drop, side discharge, grass collect or Mulch
Q. Is it a manual or auto choke? A. It is a manual choke for the HYM51SP
Q, How do you make sure it will last a number of years? A. Even with a warranty, you should always try to get the machine serviced and blades sharpened annually
Hyundai HYM430SP Petrol Lawn Mower Self Propelled 139 cc
Price level competes well – generally £180 to £220 No cables to worry about across your lawn No recharging of batteries to worry about No need to buy additional expensive batteries Low priced self propelled (vs other brands) Self propelled allows lesser exertion Decent size grass box for collection (45L) Superior around steep slopes and hills Central easy to use lever for height adjustments Great selection of mow heights to choose from (6) A contactless ignition system for easier starting The Polyester Grass Bag has a hard top It has a recoil start engine for simple starting No tools are required for assembly Operator Presence Control for your added safety Consumes lower levels of fuel than expected Backed with a 3 year warranty Hard wearing durable and robust steel deck
Not environmentally friendly due to level of fumes Additional fuel / oil / maintenance costs No oil is included with the delivery Not capable of dealing with very large lawns No rear rollers included for stripes No side discharge available (rear only) Speed of the mower is too slow for many mowers Instructions could be clearer and better Some find the lowest mow height 2.5cm too high Spare parts when needed can be difficult to source
Hyundai HYM51SP 4-in-1 Lawnmower Self Propelled 173cc
Superior and more powerful 173cc engine Capable of working through thick and longer grasses Able to cover larger type gardens with no pushing Wider mow path of 51cm available (less passes) Able to deal with lawns 40m by 40m in size Much larger 65L polyester grass catcher included Mulching kit is included as another option Option to use the side discharge is also available Mowing heights of 7 is adjusted with just 1 lever The handle includes a soft grip. additional comfort Includes the 173cc OHV 4stroke with low emissions No tools are required for assembly Provides a CDI ignition system for easier starting Drive belt can be accessed via the maintenance cover There is a deck cleaning connection when complete Operator Control technology for added safety Handles can be folded down for easier storage Includes a hard wearing steel deck as standard User manual is included for additional support Garden hose connection to reduce corrosion over time Overall a beast of a machine that makes mowing easy
Not affordable for many as it tends to be £300 Additional oil, fuel maintenance costs Oil is not included with the delivery Very heavy piece of equipment coming in at 36kg Lowest mow height is not low enough for some Parts can be more difficult than expected to source Side discharge sometimes gets blocked with damp grass
A comparison table for both of the Self-Propelled Hyundai Lawnmowers are outlined below for further clarity…
If you are still undecided about a Hyundai Lawn Mower after this review and want to look elsewhere, feel free also to take a quick look at 2 other options that we also like outlined as follows.
NIU BQi-C3 Pro e-bike with 90-mile range 900 off in New Green Deals, Greenworks e-mowers, more
Friday has one of the best e-bike offers we’ve seen all year now on tap. The recently-released NIU BQi-C3 Pro e-bike is now clocking in at a new all-time low thanks to a 900 discount. That’s joined by a new Christmas in July savings event with popular electric tools seeing steep discounts, alongside much of the same on the latest Eve Aqua HomeKit faucet for helping grow out a gorgeous lawn in the first place. Just don’t forget about all of the other best e-bike discounts around.
Head below for other New Green Deals that we’ve found today and of course Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.
Save 900 on the NIU BQi-C3 Pro e-bike
Courtesy of Best Buy today, your ticket to affordable summer e-bike joyrides is here. The NIU BQi-C3 Pro e-bike normally sells for 2,200, but now it’s seeing one of the best discounts to date at 1,299.99 shipped. Available in three different designs, the EV comes with 900 in savings just in time to ride out the last few months of warm weather. It’s also a new all-time low, period.
Everything for this e-bike comes centered around a step-through design that makes it easier to mount and dismount compared to some other form-factors. Then backed by a 920Wh drivetrain, the NIU BQi-C3 Pro is backed by a Gates carbon belt drive that helps keep maintenance to a minimum. There’s also an impressive 90-mile range that lets this model travel at up to 28 MPH in pedal assist mode. Though my favorite feature has to be the swappable twin batteries. While its massive range is already exciting in its own right, the ability to refuel just by clicking out the fuel cell makes it that much easier to keep juiced up. Our hands-on review breaks down the rest of the feature set if you’re not already sold.
Christmas in July sale goes live on Greenworks tools
Greenworks is helping you save some green this week by launching a new Christmas in July sale. Offering some all-time lows across its collection of popular outdoor electric tools, shipping is free in orders over 100. While you’ll want to peruse all of the listings on this landing page first, our favorite price cut of the batch has the flagship Greenworks 60V 25-inch Electric Lawn Mower marked down to its lowest price of the year. Dropping from the usual 750 going rate, now you can score this electric tool for 599.99. That’s 150 off the going rate and the second-best price ever, coming within 1 of the all-time low.
Centered around a 25-inch deck size and powered by a pair of 60V batteries, this self-propelled electric lawn mower from Greenworks is the perfect upgrade ahead of spring to finally ditch gas and oil from the equation. It can handle cutting the grass for 80 minutes on a single charge, covering 2/3 of an acre in the process. Each of the batteries are interchangeable with Greenworks’ other tools, and you’re also getting a charger in the box that rounds out the package.
Eve’s latest Aqua HomeKit faucet with Thread automates your lawn care
After first launching back last August, the new Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller is now on sale for one of the very first times. Courtesy of Amazon, the new Thread-enabled model is sitting at 119.96 shipped when clipping the on-page coupon. Down from the usual 150 price tag, you’re looking at 30 in savings as well as one of the first discounts of the year. It’s 10 under our previous mention, a match of the all-time low, and a well-timed discount with getting your lawn in order on the mind this summer.
Packed into a refreshed design, Eve Aqua seeks to automate your sprinkler or outdoor faucet with the help of Siri this summer and beyond. On top of the usual HomeKit integration we see from the brand, there’s also Thread connectivity to complement its Bluetooth capacities. This time around the upgraded build has a brass faucet connector and magnetic valve to improve durability and protect against leaks, all while helping you automate your lawn maintenance system. Go dive into our launch coverage for a closer look at what to expect.
e-bikes, a summer favorite!
- Aventure Step-Over e-bike: 1,500 (Reg. 2,000)
- Aventon Soltera 7-Speed Step-Through e-bike: 1,200 (Reg. 1,400)
- SWFT VOLT e-bike: 765 (Reg. 900)
- Huffy Transic Comfort e-bike: 631 (Reg. 660)
- Super73 R Electric Motorbike: 2,999 (Reg. 3,295)
- Electrek sponsor Pedego is offering up to 400 offits bikes using code Electrek
- Addmotor is offering an extra 200 off its new TRIKETAN M-330F foldable trike which will start at 2800. It also offers 100 off its popular Grandtan trike and Recumbant Trike
Other new Green Deals landing this week
The Independence Day savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine.
- Jackery’s all-new Explorer 3000 Pro power station sees first discount to 2,599 (Save 200)
- Goal Zero’s Yeti 200X offers portable backup power on a budget at 200 low (Reg. 300)
- Add 6,000 lumens of solar-powered outdoor LED lighting to your patio for just 15 (Reg. 22)
- Rare deal drops Rachio’s 12-zone Wi-Fi Smart sprinkler controller to new low of 125
Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.
A smoking lawn mower is never a good sign. Whether the smoke is blue, white, or black, here’s how to identity and address the issue without the help of a professional.
By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila Updated Sep 24, 2020 1:40 PM
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
Q: Recently, my mower started billowing smoke when I powered it up, so I shut it off immediately. Why is my lawn mower smoking? And is it a fire hazard? I want to know how to proceed so I don’t harm the machine.
A: Your lawn mower can emit smoke for numerous reasons—many of which don’t require the services of an expert. A homeowner can usually identify the reason for a smoking lawn mower by gauging the color of the Cloud coming around the engine, then fix it accordingly before lasting damage occurs. Keep in mind that all mowers with internal combustion engines contain the same basic parts, but the configuration of those parts varies widely, depending on manufacturer and model. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to access a specific part of your lawn mower’s engine.
White or blue smoke may indicate an oil spill on the engine.
If you’ve recently changed the oil in your mower and the engine is emitting white or blue smoke, it’s possible that some of the oil spilled onto the engine. Similarly, you could’ve spilled oil on the engine by mowing on a slope greater than 15 degrees or tipping the mower on its side. The smoke may look disconcerting, but it’s completely harmless. Solve the problem by restarting the mower and allowing the spilled oil to burn off. If you tip the mower often for cleaning or maintenance, check your owner’s manual to determine the best way to reduce the risk of oil leaks.

An overfull oil reservoir may also cause white or blue smoke.
Ensure you didn’t overfill the mower by checking the oil level with the dipstick located on the reservoir. To do this, remove the dipstick cap, wipe off the stick with a rag, and reinsert it into the reservoir. Then remove the dipstick once again and determine the oil level in comparison to the recommended “fill” line on the stick. If the level is too high, drain the oil (consult your owner’s manual for instructions), then refill the reservoir with it. Start checking the oil level with the dipstick after you’ve added about ¾ of the amount recommended in the manual. Continue to add small amounts of oil until the level matches the recommended “fill” line. Also note that using the wrong grade of engine oil may cause blue or white smoke. Consult the owner’s manual for the exact type of oil recommended for your mower.
Black smoke may indicate that the mower is “running rich,” or burning too much gasoline.
Your lawn mower’s carburetor regulates the ratio of gasoline to air mixture. If the carburetor isn’t getting enough air, the mixture has a higher percentage of gasoline, which can create black exhaust smoke. It’s possible that a dirty or clogged air filter is preventing sufficient airflow into the carburetor. Try replacing the air filter. (Note: air filters vary by mower model; view example air filter on Amazon.) Next, run your lawn mower for a few minutes. If the black smoke still appears, the carburetor might need to be adjusted in order to increase airflow. Either take the mower to a professional or adjust the carburetor yourself with instructions in your owner’s manual.
Take your mower to a repair shop if necessary.
If the previous steps don’t correct blue or white smoke, your mower could have a more serious problem, such as an air leak in the crankshaft (the cast iron or cast aluminum case that protects the moving parts of a mower’s engine). Continuing blue or white smoke could also indicate that some of the engine’s components or seals are worn out and need replacement. Similarly, if black smoking still persists after you’ve replaced the air filter and adjusted the carburetor, you could be facing a more serious mechanical issue. All of these problems require the help of a professional. If your mower is still under warranty, check with the manufacturer for the location of the nearest servicing dealer; problems stemming from a factory defect or poor workmanship may garner free repairs. If your mower is not covered under warranty, a reputable small-engine repair shop should also be sufficient to get the job done.