Have you ever wondered how loud your lawn mower really is? Maybe you’ve noticed that your ears feel a little numb after mowing the lawn, or your neighbors have complained about the noise. Either way, understanding the decibel level of your lawn mower can help you protect your hearing and be a good neighbor.
This article will explore how many decibels a lawn mower produces. We’ll look at the different types of lawnmowers, their typical noise levels, and some tips for reducing the noise if you’re concerned about it. So, if you want to keep your ears and your neighbors happy, keep reading!
By the end of this article, you’ll better understand the decibel levels of lawnmowers and how to protect your hearing and reduce noise pollution.
So How Loud is a Lawn Mower in dB?
The sound of a lawn mower can be extremely loud, depending on the type of mower you are using. Generally, a gas-powered lawn mower produces sounds ranging from 90 to 95 decibels (dB). If the lawn mower is older and not in great condition, it can produce up to 100 dB. Electric lawnmowers typically range between 65 and 75 dB. The noise level of a riding lawn mower can be even higher, ranging from 95 to 100 dB.
At this level, you should use hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs if you’re operating the lawn mower for extended periods. Prolonged exposure to noises above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing damage.
Why are decibels important?
A decibel, or dB, is a unit of measurement used to measure the intensity of sound. It is the most commonly used unit for measuring sound levels and is based on a logarithmic scale rather than a linear one.
In technical terms, the decibel scale compares two sounds: one considered the reference point and another that you are trying to measure. A change of 10 dB is equivalent to a doubling or halving of the sound intensity.
The louder the sound, the more risk it poses to your hearing. Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage, so it is important to protect your ears if you regularly use a loud lawn mower.
Is a Lawn Mower Loud Enough to Damage Your Hearing?
Gas-powered push and ride-on mowers are loud enough to damage your hearing without hearing protection. As mentioned, lawnmowers typically produce sound levels ranging from 90 to 95 decibels. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends avoiding prolonged exposure to anything over 85 decibels.
Electric lawnmowers that produce under 85dB should still be operated with hearing protection but pose less chance of causing hearing damage.
What hearing protection to use when mowing the lawn?
It’s essential to wear proper hearing protection while mowing the lawn or operating any loud machinery.
Earplugs: Earplugs are the most common form of hearing protection when using loud machinery such as a lawn mower. They provide a distinct level of sound reduction and are available in disposable or reusable forms. Disposable earplugs usually have an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of about 27 dB but can go up to 32 dB, meaning they reduce noise levels by that much. Reusable earplugs can offer even greater levels of noise reduction and are more comfortable to wear for longer periods.
Earmuffs: Earmuffs are a more visible option for hearing protection but can provide greater sound reduction than earplugs. Earmuffs usually come with an adjustable headband and foam-filled cups which cover your ears completely. Look for earmuffs with an NRR of 27 dB or higher to ensure adequate noise reduction while operating lawn machinery.
Noise-Cancelling Earmuffs: If you want maximum noise reduction while mowing the lawn, consider wearing noise-cancelling earmuffs while operating the mower. These headphones use electronic processes to block out background noise, reducing the sound levels of a lawn mower by up to an additional 25 dB.
How to Make Your Lawn Mower Quieter
One of the biggest complaints about lawnmowers is their loud noise. A standard lawn mower usually produces sound levels between 80-90 decibels, significantly louder than what is considered safe for long-term exposure. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the noise your lawn mower generates.
The first tip is to make sure that your mower is properly maintained. Lawnmower blades that are out of alignment or dull will create more noise than a well-maintained mower. Make sure to regularly sharpen or replace the blade if needed.
Finally, you can install a muffler or other sound-dampening device onto your lawn mower to reduce the noise it emits. This process is relatively simple and can significantly affect how loud your lawn mower is. Though they may cost more initially, these devices can also help increase your mower’s efficiency by reducing strain on the engine.
One way to make your lawn mower quieter is by using a different fuel type. Standard gasoline-powered mowers tend to be the loudest, so consider switching to an electric or battery-powered model if you want to reduce noise levels. Electric and battery-powered mowers are usually much quieter than gasoline models, generating sound levels in the range of 60-75 decibels.
Another tip, while not reducing the noise created, is to use ear protection when mowing your lawn. Earplugs or earmuffs can help protect your hearing from loud noises like those created by a lawn mower.
What is the loudest yard tool?
The loudest yard tool is typically a lawn mower or chainsaw (up to 115 dB). The noise level of a typical gas-powered lawn mower ranges from 95 to 100 decibels, which is about as loud as a motorcycle.
Using a lawn mower can produce noise levels of up to 97 decibels. Therefore, it is essential to wear ear protection any time you are using a lawn mower. Other yard and household tools that should be used with hearing protection include leaf blowers (up to 79 decibels), string trimmers (up to 95 decibels), pressure washers (up to 95 decibels), chainsaws (up to 115 decibels), snow blowers (up to 85 decibels).
Power tools like circular saws (up to 110 decibels) and jackhammers (up to 115 decibels) can also be very loud, so it is important to wear ear protection when operating these tools.
Additionally, everyday household appliances like vacuums (up to 85 decibels) and blenders (up to 90 decibels) can also produce noise levels that can damage hearing over time.