Lawn Mowers UK

Choosing the Right Lawnmower

Mowing the lawn can seem like a chore if your mower is not suited to your garden type or to your individual needs. However, with the right choice of lawnmower, spending time in the garden can be a joy once again, and mowing the lawn should be a breeze. Here we outline some of the factors that should be considered when choosing the perfect mower for your garden.

Lawn size – Those with smaller lawns are likely to find electric mowers a convenient option, as there isn’t the need for fuel. Cordless electric mowers are perfect for very small lawns provided the whole lawn can be cut within the battery’s life. Corded electric mowers give you all the time you need but the far side of the lawn must be within a cables reach. And gardeners with smaller lawns (or lots of energy!) might also consider a manual mower. Larger lawns will tend to require a petrol mower, as the cable or battery life of an electric machine will generally be an obstacle to getting the job done in one. If you garden is really big you may want to consider buying a ride-on mower for the ultimate in comfort and efficiency!

Budget – If budget is an issue and an absolutely immaculate lawn is not essential then a rotary mower is an ideal choice as they are quick and easy to use, and often make a better job of wet, straggly or weed-filled lawns. Manual mowers give a great quality finish, whilst also being a very affordable (and environmentally friendly) choice, but they do require a bit of physical exertion!

Quality of cut – A high quality cut tends to go hand in hand with a higher price, when it comes to powered walk-behind mowers at least. Cylinder mowers give the best finish and are therefore the most expensive walk-behind machines; amongst cylinder mowers you can also opt for more blades to get a finer cut (which will also cost you more). Manual machines also tend to employ a cylinder action and therefore represent a high-quality and low-cost alternative.

Physical ability – If the physical exertion of pushing and pulling a heavy mower is too much for you, or you simply prefer the easy life, then either a hover mower or a ride-on machine will be well worth bearing in mind. Hover mowers will suit those with a smaller lawn as they are lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and come in petrol or electric powered varieties, depending on your preference. Alternatively, ride-on machines will make short work of even the largest of lawns, all from the comfort of your seat!

So, whether you have an unkempt jungle or a high maintenance green, with the range of mowers available there will certainly be a machine that is equal to the task. And choosing a lawnmower that is comfortable and convenient to use will help make regular mowing a pleasure, ensuring that your garden stays healthy and looks fantastic all year round.

Types of Lawnmower

A healthy and attractive lawn is ideally kept at a constant height throughout the year; it should be short enough to look neat, but not so short that the grass is starved. The type of lawnmower best suited to keeping you lawn in great condition will depend on the size and shape of your garden, the budget you are on and your own personal requirements and preferences. The main types of mower include:

Cylinder – Cylinder lawnmowers can be considered to give the best quality finish to your lawn, as the grass is cut cleanly with minimal tearing, and for this reason they are generally the most expensive. Cylinder size is an important consideration as a bigger cylinder will cut your lawn more quickly, but will have reduced manoeuvrability. The number of blades is also worth taking into account: the higher the number, the finer the cut.

Rotary – Rotary lawnmowers will not give quite the same finish as a cylinder but they are arguably more robust, tackling long or wet grass and troublesome weeds. They are also quick and easy to use, an ideal option if you are on a budget and do not need your lawn to be immaculate.

Hover – Hover lawnmowers are definitely the low-effort option as they literally hover on a cushion of air, making them feel extremely lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. The mechanism is similar to a rotary lawnmower and so the finish that you get might not be quite the high standard of a cylinder mower.

Ride-on – Ride-on lawnmowers are ideal if you have a vast expanse of lawn to contend with. The action is usually rotary and the gardener has the comfort of a seat and steering wheel, instead of having to push. Naturally, this option comes with a much higher price tag and additional fuel is required to power the vehicle as well as the blades.

Manual – Manual lawnmowers are a good option if your lawn is small and you are willing to put in a little extra effort. The advantages include having a mower which is low-priced, environmentally friendly and provides a high-quality finish, as manual mowers generally have a cylinder mechanism.

Petrol – Petrol lawnmowers are the more powerful option and have the added benefit of being free from cables. Larger gardens or lawns that are far from the house will most likely require a petrol lawnmower.

Corded electric – Corded electric lawnmowers are convenient to use with no need to refuel, recharge, etc. and are well suited to small lawns that are close to the house.

Cordless electric – Cordless lawnmowers are powered by a battery that requires charging before use. For small lawns this option is ideal as it allows mowing without the inconvenience of petrol or extension cables. Cordless mowers may not have the battery life to cut larger lawns and charging time can be fairly substantial.

Whatever size and shape your garden, mowing it needn’t be a chore with such a variety of options on offer.