Deciding on the right lawn mower to purchase may seem daunting, but in reality, it’s simply a matter of matching your needs with the available options. By taking the time to understand your requirements, you can make an informed decision and select the perfect lawn mower for your needs.
Homeowners typically mow their lawn up to 30 times per season, and choosing the right lawn mower for your specific lawn and lifestyle is crucial given the effort involved in maintaining a tidy yard. Fortunately, there are many new features and innovations available to make the decision-making process easier than ever.
Modern mower decks are designed to mulch grass more effectively, while safety controls can prevent blade accidents and keep the engine running smoothly. Battery-powered mowers are becoming increasingly popular with new advancements, although gas mowers are still the preferred choice for many.
Since a lawn mower is a significant investment, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Making the right choice will not only make mowing the lawn easier but also help keep your lawn looking its best. Let us assist you in finding the ideal lawn mower for your yard and budget, and enhance your curb appeal beyond that of your neighbors.
Everything You Need to Know to Buy the Right Type of Lawn Mower
The wrong lawn mower can quickly spoil a beautiful sunny day, but on the flip side, the right one can make mowing the lawn an enjoyable experience.
If you’re aware that you require a new lawn mower but are unsure about the necessary capacity or desired features, don’t fret. We have everything you need covered.
LAWN MOWER TYPES
CYLINDER
Lawn mowers with cylinder blades feature multiple blades arranged cylindrically and rotating vertically at the front of the mower, cutting against a fixed blade located at the bottom. Ideally, the cylinder should contain three or more blades.
Cylinder lawn mowers are particularly suitable for flat lawns that require a tidy, short cut. They come in various types, including electric, petrol-powered, and push mowers.
- Give a better quality cut on a formal well maintained lawn
- Will cut shorter than a rotary mower without damaging the lawn
- Self-propelled cylinder mowers typically have a faster forward speed than self-propelled rotary mowers.
- Certain cylinder lawn mowers, such as select models in the Allett range, may allow for the removal of the cylinder. This enables the attachment of accessories from a lawn care system, like a scarifier.
ROTARY
Rotary lawn mowers feature a single horizontally rotating blade situated beneath the mower, resembling the propellers of an aircraft.
These mowers are highly versatile and can handle a variety of grass types. They are more effective than cylinder mowers at cutting longer and coarser grass.
Rotary mowers are available in various power types, including mains electric, rechargeable battery, or petrol engine.
- Provide a passable shave, though not as close as a cylinder mower.
- are more cost-effective than cylinder mowers to maintain
- A grass collector is typically situated at the back of a rotary lawn mower. Because of the layout, getting into tight spaces is much simpler.
- are more effective on tall grass because they lack a front roller
- be equipped with blades that are more durable
The following are essential factors to consider when selecting a push lawn mower, also referred to as a walk-behind mower.
Reel Lawn Mowers
Reel lawn mowers are great for those with smaller yards, but newer technologies have made them nearly obsolete. Reel lawn mowers are manual push mowers that require the operator to generate the power necessary to cut the grass, making them best suited for very small, flat yards. A push reel mower may bring back fond memories for some.
In comparison to gas-powered mowers, reel mowers are quieter, less expensive, and require less upkeep. Because they don’t release pollution into the air, manual reel mowers are also good for the planet. Reel mower grass clippings can be used in composting as well.
Electrified Lawn Mowers
Lawn maintenance is simplified by the use of electric lawn mowers. Typically, these mowers have a grass bag or container to collect cuttings and are simple to manoeuvre around obstacles in the lawn. There are also energy-saving models available, and they operate quietly. However, it is essential to remember that most EU-compliant electric lawn mowers come with a short cord, necessitating the use of an extension cord. There are now cordless and robotic lawn mowers on the market, but they usually cost more.
Cordless Lawn Mowers
Cordless lawn mowers powered by batteries offer a convenient option for mowing the lawn without the need for a power cord. They offer the same advantages as electric mowers but without the hassle of managing a cable. However, they tend to be pricier than corded electric mowers due to the cost of the battery. Lithium ion batteries, which are lighter and have a longer lifespan than older nickel-cadmium batteries, are more expensive but also more efficient.
Petrol Lawn Mower
Petrol lawn mowers are commonly preferred for larger lawns or when a power source is not available nearby. They tend to be more powerful and heavier than electric mowers, and are available in larger sizes. However, they produce exhaust emissions and are not as environmentally friendly as electric mowers. For very large lawns or fields, ride-on petrol mowers are also available, which can cover areas over 500 square metres (over 5000 square feet).
Lawn Tractor
For lawns larger than half an acre, a lawn tractor is the best option as it offers the necessary speed and power to cut the grass quickly and efficiently. A deck size of up to 42″ is suitable for lawns smaller than an acre, while those larger than an acre require a deck size greater than 42″. Choosing a stronger engine (19-23 HP) is recommended for infrequent cutting and taller grass.
Automatic transmission and cruise control are helpful features that make the tractor do most of the work, while manual transmission gives you more control. Consider other features such as pulling capability and zero-turn capability for manoeuvring. Opt for a lawn tractor with an overhead valve engine to control emissions.
FAQs About Lawn Mowing
What Kind Of Mower Is Best For Grass?
Rotary lawn mowers are the most versatile type, will cope with most types of grass and are therefore better than cylinder mowers at cutting longer and rougher grasses. A rotary mower may be electric, battery or a petrol engine.
Which Lawn Mower Lasts The Longest?
Gas mowers are more durable; they simply last longer. In terms of engine life, a gas mower will run for 10 years or more, while a battery-powered mower will need to be replaced after about five years, on average.
What Is The Most Common Type Of Lawn Mower?
Rotary push lawn mowers are the most common type on the market and there’s a greater variety of rotary models to choose among. Rotary lawnmowers work quite simply by rapidly spinning a blade to cut grass and it spins horizontally from east to west.
Can You Use A Mower For Long Grass?
As lawn mowers will struggle with grass that is too long, the grass trimmer provides the perfect alternative to removing the top layer of grass. Once you have taken off a good chunk of grass, you should water your lawn and then leave it to recover so as not to over-stress the grass. This will help in the long run.
What Is The Most Important Part Of Lawn Mower?
The engine is one of the most important parts of the lawnmower as it’s responsible for providing power to the blades that cut the grass. As a type of internal combustion engine, it converts fuel into energy using a series of small explosions.
Self-Propelled vs. Manual Push: Which is Better for Mowing the Lawn?
Investing in a self-propelled mower is the best bet if you want to ensure that anyone in your family can use the mower without straining themselves. When the drive is activated, these mowers can travel at speeds of 1-3 miles per hour automatically.
Flat yards are ideal for front-wheel-drive vehicles. It prevents yard damage and makes navigating the yard’s corners and obstacles much simpler, all without having to release the drive.
However, rear-wheel drive is preferable for yards with hills. The mower will still be able to pull you up a hill if you are riding it while it is tilted back.
Most lawnmowers only come with one speed, but you can find models with multiple speeds to meet your specific needs.
Important Considerations
Selecting the appropriate lawn mower technology for the task is crucial since different models within each category can have distinct features. This will ensure that your lawn mowing experience is more pleasurable.
Ease
When deciding on a lawn mower, it’s important to consider whether you prefer a push or self-propelled model. Push mowers are simpler to maintain, while self-propelled mowers offer easier handling and variable speed control to match your walking pace. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your personal preferences and the size and terrain of your lawn.
Convenience
It is important to ensure that the major controls of a lawn mower are easily accessible and visible. For instance, the lever to control the engine should be on the handlebar and simple to use. It is also crucial to choose a mower that allows for easy adjustment of the cutting height and offers multiple height options.
The size of the grass catcher should also be considered. A larger box will reduce the frequency of needing to empty grass clippings, which can be particularly useful for those with larger lawns.
Additional Factors:
Size of Deck and Cutting Width
Push mowers typically have a cutting width of 21 inches, which refers to the width of the area the mower can cut in a single pass. On the other hand, non-commercial riding lawn mowers have decks that can be as wide as 54 inches, which allows for faster mowing of larger areas.
Wheels
Mowers with larger rear wheels will provide better maneuverability and enable you to navigate bumps or uneven terrain with greater ease.
Repair Costs
It’s important to know that repairing a rear-wheel-drive mower can cost more than fixing a front-wheel-drive mower if you decide to go that route. This is due to the fact that a belt is all that needs to be replaced on a front-drive mower, while a rear-drive mower may require replacement of several gears.
Height of Cutting
Grass thickness calls for different settings on your mower’s cutting height. If you have particularly thick grass, raising the mower’s cutting height will help prevent the engine from overheating and stalling. If your lawn is uneven, you should be able to adjust the cutting height to avoid scalping the grass. Never trim your grass shorter than necessary.
Features to Pay Attention to
Rear Roller for striping
You’ll need a mower with a rear roller if you want to make stripes in your grass. The mower’s rear roller is typically situated there. The roller pushes the grass down in the direction the mower is moving. The striped appearance is the result of the grass being flattened in opposite directions, which causes the grass to turn a different shade of green.
In addition to producing stripes, rear rollers lend stability, letting you get closer to the edge of your lawn or a flower bed without fear of the mower toppling over. Doing so reduces the risk of scalping and guarantees a precise shave.
Self-Propelled
When mowing a lawn with a push mower, the operator must exert physical effort to propel the device, while a self-propelled mower is propelled by an internal combustion engine. Mowers that propel themselves tend to be more expensive and come in both single- and multiple-speed variants.
Self-propelled lawn mowers are popular among those with larger lawns because they cut down on the amount of manual labour required. Refer to our manual to learn whether you need a manual, self-propelled, or variable speed mower.
Electric Start
Most gasoline mowers use a recoil start to ignite the fuel supply. To activate the motor, one must pull a rope. But with electric start, you can simply push a button or turn a key to get the engine going, just like you would in a car. This eliminates the laborious task of pulling a rope to initiate the starting procedure.
Blade Brake Clutch
Lawn mowers must be constructed with blades that stop when the user lets go of the handles to meet safety regulations. Some gasoline-powered mowers feature a Blade Brake Clutch (BBC)* to alleviate the strain of repeatedly pulling the starter cord.
When the user lets go of the handles, the blades are disconnected from the motor so that the engine can keep running but the blades won’t. The BBC reconnects the cutting edge to the motor when the user is ready to resume cutting.
Lawn Mowers For Different Garden Sizes
Lawn mowers are manufactured with different mowing widths. In general, wider lawn mowers can help you finish mowing faster. It’s important to consider the size of your lawn when choosing the appropriate mowing width.
Small to medium-sized lawn
This indicates that for smaller lawns, a cutting width of 29-33cm (11-13 inches) would be sufficient. These lawn mowers are usually lightweight and compact, making them easy to maneuver and store.
Medium-sized to big lawn
This means that a lawn mower with a cutting width of 38cm (15 inches) is suitable for this particular situation.
Big to very big lawn
If you have a large yard with many trees or shrubs, a smaller mowing width may be more practical. However, for this situation, a mowing width of at least 38cm (15 inches) is recommended.
The Price Of Purchasing The Best Mower
Generally, the cost of a lawn mower is determined by three factors:
- Features – Striping rear rollers, electric starters, blade brake clutches, and self-propelled drives all add cost.
- Size – This statement means that mowers with bigger cutting widths will generally cost more than mowers with smaller cutting widths of the same quality and features.
- Quality – The initial cost of a lawn mower is influenced by factors such as the quality of materials utilized, the warranty provided, and the availability of repair services and spare parts.
It is easy to understand why the features and size of a mower affect its price, but it can be more challenging to assess the quality. To help customers understand the market, we often divide it into two main sectors when speaking to them in our showrooms.
Premium Sector
The premium category includes the best of the best when it comes to lawn mowers. These mowers are built to last with premium components and cutting-edge amenities, and they come with generous guarantees. These mowers are stronger and more durable than their cheaper counterparts.
Budget Sector
The budget sector of the lawn mower market encompasses a wide range of mowers that are affordable, ranging from low-cost supermarket models to entry-level mowers from top brands such as Honda, STIHL, and Hayter. However, not all budget mowers are created equal. Some of them are of substandard quality and have inadequate aftersales support, while others are manufactured by reputable brands and offer reasonable value for money, despite having fewer features and a shorter warranty compared to premium mowers.
Conclusion
The right lawn mower is essential for homeowners to maintain a tidy yard. There are many new features and innovations available to make the decision-making process easier. Cylinder lawn mowers feature multiple blades arranged cylindrically and rotating vertically at the front of the mower, cutting against a fixed blade located at the bottom. They are particularly suitable for flat lawns that require a tidy, short cut. Self-propelled cylinder mowers typically have a faster forward speed than self-propelled rotary mowers.
Certain cylinder lawn mowers, such as select models in the Allett range, may allow for the removal of the cylinder. Rotary lawn mowers are highly versatile and can handle a variety of grass types. They are more cost-effective than cylinder mowers to maintain and have a grass collector at the back. Reel lawn mowers are manual push mowers that require the operator to generate the power necessary to cut the grass, making them ideal for small, flat yards. Reel mower grass clippings can be used in composting.
The most important details in this text are the advantages of electric lawn mowers, cordless lawn mowers, petrol lawn mowers, and lawn tractor. Electric lawn mowers have a grass bag or container to collect cuttings and are simple to manoeuvre around obstacles in the lawn. Cordless lawn mowers are pricier than electric mowers due to the cost of the battery.
Petrol lawn mowers are more powerful and heavier than electric mowers, but produce exhaust emissions and are not as environmentally friendly. Lawn tractor is the best option for lawns larger than half an acre, with a deck size of up to 42″ and a stronger engine (19-23 HP). Manual transmission and cruise control are helpful features.
Self-propelled vs. Manual Push: Which is Better for Mowing the Lawn? Investing in a self-propelled mower is the best bet if you want to ensure that anyone in your family can use the mower without straining themselves. Front-wheel-drive vehicles are ideal for flat yards, while rear-wheel drive is preferable for yards with hills. It is important to consider whether you prefer a push or self-propelled model, as push mowers are simpler to maintain, while self-propelled mowers offer easier handling and variable speed control.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the major controls of a lawn mower are easily accessible and visible, as well as the size of the grass catcher. Mowers with larger rear wheels will provide better maneuverability and enable you to navigate bumps or uneven terrain with greater ease.
Rear-wheel-drive mowers can cost more than front-wheel-drive mowers due to the need for replacement of several gears. Cutting height should be adjusted to avoid scalping the grass. Rear rollers should be used to make stripes in the grass. Self-propelled mowers are more expensive and come in both single- and multiple-speed variants.
Electric start can be used to start the engine, eliminating the laborious task of pulling a rope. Lawn mowers must be constructed with blades that stop when the user lets go of the handles to meet safety regulations. Different mowing widths are recommended for different garden sizes, such as small to medium-sized lawns, medium-sized to big lawns, and big to very big lawns. The price of purchasing the best mower is important to consider.
The cost of a lawn mower is determined by three factors: features, size, and quality. To help customers understand the market, we divide it into two main sectors: Premium Sector, which includes the best of the best with premium components and cutting-edge amenities, and Budget Sector, which encompasses affordable mowers from low-cost supermarket models to entry-level models from top brands. Not all budget mowers are created equal.
Content Summary
- Choosing the right lawn mower is a matter of matching your needs with the available options.
- Homeowners mow their lawn up to 30 times per season.
- The effort involved in maintaining a tidy yard makes choosing the right lawn mower crucial.
- Modern mower decks are designed to mulch grass more effectively.
- Safety controls can prevent blade accidents and keep the engine running smoothly.
- Battery-powered mowers are becoming increasingly popular.
- Gas mowers are still the preferred choice for many.
- Making the right choice will not only make mowing the lawn easier but also help keep your lawn looking its best.
- Cylinder lawn mowers are suitable for flat lawns that require a tidy, short cut.
- Cylinder mowers come in various types, including electric, petrol-powered, and push mowers.
- Rotary lawn mowers feature a single horizontally rotating blade situated beneath the mower.
- Rotary mowers are highly versatile and can handle a variety of grass types.
- Rotary mowers are available in various power types, including mains electric, rechargeable battery, or petrol engine.
- Reel lawn mowers are great for those with smaller yards.
- Reel lawn mowers are manual push mowers that require the operator to generate the power necessary to cut the grass.
- Reel mowers are quieter, less expensive, and require less upkeep.
- Manual reel mowers are good for the planet as they don’t release pollution into the air.
- Electric lawn mowers have a grass bag or container to collect cuttings and are simple to manoeuvre around obstacles in the lawn.
- Cordless lawn mowers powered by batteries offer a convenient option for mowing the lawn.
- Lithium ion batteries are more efficient than older nickel-cadmium batteries.
- Petrol lawn mowers are commonly preferred for larger lawns or when a power source is not available nearby.
- Petrol mowers are more powerful and heavier than electric mowers.
- Petrol mowers produce exhaust emissions and are not as environmentally friendly as electric mowers.
- Ride-on petrol mowers are available for very large lawns or fields.
- A lawn tractor is the best option for lawns larger than half an acre.
- Lawn tractors offer the necessary speed and power to cut the grass quickly and efficiently.
- Lawn tractors have a deck size of up to 42″.
- Consider the type of terrain when choosing a lawn mower.
- Consider the amount of storage space available when choosing a lawn mower.
- Consider your budget when choosing a lawn mower.
