Which lawn mower to choose
Choosing a mower is not a simple matter. Find out which one will really meet your expectations and be functional for many years to come .When making your choice, keep in mind :
- size of mowed areas
- segmentation of mowed areas
- slope of the lawn
- mowing frequency
- kind of grass
- physical capabilities of the operator
- storage options
The size of the mowed area
- The main factor in choosing a mower is the size of the area for which it is intended.Based on this parameter, you can determine the recommended mowing width, and whether an electric or gasoline mower is right for you.
- For smaller areas (about 750 m2), an electric mower will suffice. The advantages of these mowers are lighter weight, easier operation, minimal maintenance, and more favorable purchase price and operating costs. However, compared to gasoline mowers, they typically have a lower volume collector (i.e., more frequent discharge), are not equipped with a mulching function or side discharge capability, and are limited by the power cord, which is particularly known for taking care of more rugged areas.
- For larger areas (above approx. 750 m2) it is recommended to choose a gasoline mower.These mowers usually have more power than electric mowers, do not depend on power and are also equipped with a number of improvements to help you handle a large area, such as travel, side discharge, mulching, large basket, etc.
- Considering that mowing an area of about 1,600 m2 with a working width of more than 53 cm, you will walk about 4 km, it is best to choose a rider or garden tractor for larger areas (more than 1,800 m2). These machines not only offer minimal effort with maximum comfort, but also a wider grip, faster speed and larger basket than traditional mowers.
- The size of the grass container or the fuel tank capacity of a gasoline machine can also make a significant difference in the comfort of working on a large area - both assume that work is interrupted for the necessary time, thus slowing down overall.
- Due to the size of the area, it is also important to consider the working width of the mower - for smaller or more difficult areas, machines with a narrower engine that are more maneuverable are better suited, while larger, obstacle-free areas will be ideal for a machine with a wide swath for faster cutting.
Structure of the mowed area
- For difficult areas with many trees, bushes, beds or other obstacles, it is better to choose a mower. This eliminates the manipulation of the electrical cable, which would be very restrictive for you in such a difficult place and there would be a risk of entanglement or accidental cutting. Choice of gasoline engine will provide freedom of movement.
- These areas will also benefit from less involvement. With a narrower mower, you can turn better, and the machine can easily drive through narrow spaces where the machine cannot achieve a greater reach.
- A travel aid in difficult terrain can also be a travel aid to help operate the mower.
Slope of the cutting area
- Even a slight slope or uneven terrain can make pushing the mower particularly difficult or difficult to fill in. In these areas, it is worth investing in a mower.Selected models of petrol and electric mowers are equipped with a cart. In addition, some types of mowers can be equipped with a speed lever for speed selection and can handle irregular mowing periods.
- Gasoline rotary mowers are usually suitable for slopes up to approx. 20 ° due to working fluids, electric mowers can be used for slopes up to approx. 35 °, slopes with a steeper slope (above 35 °) can only be mowed with an electric or gasoline trimmer or petrol scythe.
Mowing frequency
- For frequent regular mowing, you may be interested in a mulching mower, where the grass is chopped up and pulled back to the roots as a natural fertilizer.
- If you mow at regular intervals so that the grass does not overgrow, even a machine with a lower capacity is sufficient.
- If you can't regularly take care of a lawn that's overgrown, consider buying a more powerful gasoline model that can handle taller and denser grass, preferably with a side ejection option, allowing you to collect the grass later and eliminating frequent spills in the trash can
- For lawn mowers that do not represent a representative or recreational function (e.g., Kits) and are not expected to be mowed regularly. In addition to a very large swath, suitable for larger areas, it can also mow weeds because it has no problem with stalks 8 mm thick.
Type of grassland
- For a representative type of lawn, a spindle mower is the most suitable, which is very gentle on the lawn due to its clean cut. In this case, you will not make the mistake of choosing a rotary mower, but it must have height adjustment ok. 20 mm. It is not recommended to use mulching in a representative lawn, so you can do without this feature. On the contrary, you probably can't do without a suitable assistant to level the edges of the lawn, which can become a suitable trimmer or scissors.
- All rotary mowers can mow regular recreational lawns. For lawns of this type, a mower with multiple cutting height adjustment and mulching function will be a good choice.
- For a grass lawn, choose a powerful gasoline engine, a spacious basket and the ability to set a higher cutting height, as well as a machine with a side discharge option.
Physical disposition of the operator
- If the mower is to be operated by a less physically fit person, it is recommended to choose a machine with the easiest possible operation. For example, an electric lawn mower, which is relatively lightweight, meets this requirement and only a switch button is required to start the engine. For a model with a gasoline engine, choose a machine with an automatic starter, thus eliminating the necessary use of force to overcome the resistance of the starter.
- Of course, a machine with automatic driving function and central mowing height adjustment is also an ideal choice for less skilled users. To choose a machine without driving, it is recommended to choose at least a mower equipped with ball bearings in all wheels.
- It is also advisable to assess the volume of the grass garbage can - the larger the garbage can, the more difficult it is to handle when it is full.
Storage options
- If storage space is limited, focus on machines that offer easy folding of handles into storage positions.
- Due to operating fluids, the gasoline mower must be stored only in a horizontal position.
Hand mowers with spindle | Electric rotary mowers | Gasoline rotary mowers | Garden tractors | |
Benefits | - Mechanical drive independent of energy or fuel supply - zero operating costs - quality of clean cut - gentle mowing - lightweight - low noise level | - low purchase price - low operating costs - minimum maintenance requirements - lightweight - easy start - zero emissions - low vibration - mowing more sloping surfaces | - High performance - Suitable for larger or uneven areas - Also suitable for dense or overgrown grass - Wide mowing - Suitable for plots without power supply - Long life | - Extra wide handle - Very high performance - Minimal effort - Work comfort - Collection garbage can - Speed of operation |
Disadvantages | - exercise - difficult to adjust - suitable only for small, flat and well-maintained areas - unsuitable for tall grasses | - limited by power cable - less power - not suitable for overgrown grass or uneven terrain | - regular maintenance - emissions - heavier weight - less comfortable starting | - purchase price - suitable only for larger areas - large storage space required |
Surface | up to 250 m 3 | 500 m 3 | 750 m 2 | 1000 m 2 | 1500 m 2 | 2000 m2 and over |
Flat surface | Close-up of the 32 cm electric mower Hand mower | Close-up of the 32 cm electric mower | Close-up of a 42 cm electric mower Internal combustion mower width 40 cm | Electric mower with a travel width of 46 cm Gasoline mower with a travel width of 46 cm | Internal combustion mower with a travel width of 48 cm | Rider Garden tractor |
Sloped or uneven surface | Close-up of the 32 cm electric mower Electric trimmer for inclination above 35 ° | Close-up of the 32 cm electric mower Motorized trim for inclination above 35 ° | Close-up of a 42 cm electric mower Mower for inclination above 35 ° | Electric mower with a travel width of 46 cm Petrol mower with a travel width of 46 cm * | Lawn mower with sliding 48 cm * | Rider * Garden Tractor * |
Rugged area with many trees and other obstacles | Close-up of the 32 cm electric mower Electric trimmer | Close-up of the 32 cm electric mower Engine trim | Close-up of a 42 cm electric mower Lawnmower | Electric mower with a travel width of 46 cm | Internal combustion mower with a travel width of 48 cm | Rider Garden tractor |
* Note: For machines with internal combustion engines, do not exceed the maximum allowable tilt of the machine |
Approximate time required to mow the area in relation to turning on the mower
The exact time depends on the roughness of the area, the height of the grass cut, the volume of the basket and how often it is unloaded, etc.
400 m 2 | 800 m 2 | 1200 m 2 | 1600 m 2 | |
width 32 cm | 41 min. | 1 hour 22 min. | 2 hrs. 4 min | 2 hrs. 46 min |
38 cm | 30 min. | 1 hour 3 min. | 1 hour 36 min. | 2 hrs. 7 min |
42 cm | 28 min. | 55 min. | 1 hr. 23 min | 1 hr. 50 min |
46 cm | 24 min. | 48 min. | 1 hr. 13 min | 1 hr. 37 min |
51 cm | 20 min. | 43 min. | 1 hour 3 min. | 1 hour 24 min. |
56 cm | 20 min. | 38 min | 57 min. | 1 hour 15 min. |