Lawn mower options


What Type of Lawn Mower Works For You

Nothing kills the joy of a sunny day like the wrong type of lawn mower. Fortunately, the opposite is also true. The right type of lawn mower can make cutting your lawn a pleasure.

If you know you need a new lawn mower, but aren't sure how much mower you need or what features you might want, don't worry. We've got you covered. Use this guide to select the right machine, and happy mowing.

Step 1: Walk or Ride?

The first step is the choice between two basic types of lawn mowers: riding mower and a walk-behind. Any more ground to cover than a 1/4 acre, you'll want to ride if for no other reason than to get the lawn done faster.

First, make an approximation of your mowing surface. Simply walk off large rectangles , counting your steps as you go. Add up the areas of the rectangles. No need to get too precise here. An average man’s stride is about 30 inches and a woman’s stride is about 26 inches, or measure your own stride for the most accurate measurement.

An acre is 43,560 square feet, so one-fourth acre is 10,890 square feet. Anything above that threshold, and you'll likely want to get a riding mower. In fact, the vast majority of people wouldn’t dream of cutting a ¼ acre of grass with a 22-inch walk mower, but we have to start somewhere. So think realistically about how much time you have to mow your lawn on a busy weekend and select your equipment accordingly.

For lawns from ¼ of an acre to 2 acres, you'll most likely be most comfortable with a rear-engine riding mowers, light-duty lawn tractors, and residential-duty zero-turn mowers. Anything more than two acres and you'll want a commercial-duty zero turn mower.

Step 2: Selecting Your Features

Once you’ve selected whether you ride or walk, there are two factors that will drive your purchase—your budget and your comfort. The more you spend on a mower, the more durable, versatile, intuitive, and probably, the quicker you’ll get the job done. The opposite is also true.

It doesn’t make as much difference with a small, simple yard. But the larger and more complex the yard, the more thought you need to give to selecting mower features.

Walk Mowers

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We'll begin with walk mowers, one of the most versatile cutting machines out there.

Walk mowers are somewhat like cars in that they are available with a wide range of options, all of which increase cost and complexity. Look carefully at the product's hang tag and talk to the sales staff to get a better sense of whether the features are useful to you.

Let's break down all the major components and what lawnmowers use them:

Drive

Look it at this way: You can push a mower, or the mower can push itself, in which case it’s either a front-drive or a rear-drive mower (we’ll get to all-wheel drive in a moment). A self-propelled mower makes your life a lot easier when mowing hills, or when you mow and bag. There’s nothing like pushing a fully loaded mower uphill to make you appreciate a self-propelled machine.

The Lawn and the Short of it

Front-wheel drive is best for level ground with a lot of obstacles. This allows you to push down on the handle, reducing traction on the front wheels and pivot into and out of corners.

Rear-wheel drive works best for for uphill mowing and sidehill mowing. Rear wheel drive works better here because when you push down on the handle going up a hill, the front tires will not lose traction.

Yes, a handful of mowers are all-wheel drive, built for homeowners who cut across washboard surfaces, sidehill mowing, steep uphill and downhill mowing that makes good of AWD. We were dubious when these mowers were introduced several years ago, but when we cut some very rough ground, we were surprised at how much easier AWD made things.

Functions

In this section, we're talking about what the machines actually does with the grass. Mowers can mulch clippings (repeatedly cut and recut them), discharge them to the side or rear, or bag them.

Two-function is a mower that mulches and bags. Mulching is healthier for the lawn in that it returns nitrogen-rich grass clippings into the ground, but it doesn’t work particularly well for tall-grass conditions in the spring and early summer or early fall when the lawn bounces back from summer stress.

A three-function machine bags, mulches, and side discharges. Side discharging is useful for utility mowing (mowing areas with tall weeds and non-turf grasses). It also helps if the lawn gets away from you and you need to set the mower deck to its full height and take the grass down in stages.

Common Features

We've barely scratched the surface of mower features. These are the more common things you'll find on your average mower's spec list:

Deck levers come in groupings of one, two, or four. One lever is the most convenient, but it comes with a lot of linkage that adds weight and that you have to keep lubricated if you want it to work well. Two levers are a good compromise between one and four levers. Yes, these mowers have a bit more linkage than a four-lever mower, but it’s easier to get the height right. Four levers is the standard, time-tested design.

The only way to get a sense of whether you’ll like the ground speed control is to actually get your hands on a mower at a dealership, hardware store, or home center.

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The control may be integral with the handle. The harder you press forward on the drive control in the handle, the faster the mower goes. Or it may be a separate lever or even a bail (a metal rod). Squeeze the lever to increase ground speed or to activate the mower’s drive system for fixed-speed mowers.

Self-propelled mowers are equipped with three types of transmissions. Hydrostatic is the most expensive and the smoothest operating. It drives hydraulic fluid past an impeller that spins an output shaft, which controls ground speed. This is your smoothest running and most reliable transmission, but it’s also the most expensive.

The typical front or rear drive walk mower uses some form of belt-and-pulley arrangement to direct power from the engine’s output shaft to a gear box on a front or rear axle (or a gear at the wheel). There are several variations of this design, but all work well and are reasonably easy to maintain and repair.

Make Your Lawn Last

Gas engines sizes run from 140 cc to 190 cc. Larger engines produce more torque and are less likely to stall in tall grass at the beginning and end of the cutting season. A larger engine also helps drive self-propelled mowers more effectively uphill.

From least-expensive to most-expensive, mower engines may be traditional side valve design, overhead valve, or overhead cam. More expensive engines provide increased durability, reduced noise, and less oil consumption.

The rear wheel size of a walk mower may be larger than the diameter of the front wheels. The wheels’ increased diameter helps it more easily navigate ruts and rough ground.

Ball bearing wheels are easier to push than those with bushing-type wheels. The larger your yard, the more difficult its terrain, or if you're hauling around a bag of clippings or clippings mixed with mulched leaves, the more you want this option.

A blade-brake clutch is a feature found on high-end walk mowers. It allows you to completely release the operator control handle without stopping the engine. That way, you can pause your mowing, move whatever obstacle out of your way and continue mowing without having to restart the engine.

Unusual Features

A range of unusual features have been introduced in the last several years to make mowing easier or the whole mowing experience better.

Some engines require no oil change, like the small gas engines made by Briggs & Stratton. The feature is known as “Just Check and Add.” You just add oil periodically to replace the small amount of oil that’s slowly vaporized in the combustion process.

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Toro’s innovations have created mowers that have power-assisted reverse and a vertical-storage design that lets you fold the handle down, tip the mower back, and store it vertically against the wall.

Front caster wheels are great for elaborately-landscaped yards that require a lot of pivoting. Front caster wheels don’t track particularly well on bumpy ground or mowing sidehills. Mowox mowers have replaced dual front casters with a single front caster wheel, perhaps the most maneuverable form of mower you can get. But Cub Cadet has been among the mower manufacturers that pioneered the use of front caster wheels.

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Wash-out fittings enable you to hook up a garden hose to wash accumulated grass clippings from under the deck. A clean deck lasts longer because accumulated grass holds moisture and lawn chemical residue, which causes deck corrosion. Our tests show that these fittings do help considerably, but that you still need some under-deck scraping with a putty knife.

Wide-cut mowers with decks that range from 28 to 33 inches are a fast cutting alternative to a 22-inch mower. These are still comparatively rare products made by Cub Cadet, Toro, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman.

Finally, electric walk mowers are a perfect fit if you have a small yard (under 5,000 square feet of mowing surface) and one that’s quite manicured. However, there are three important things to keep in mind:

  1. Cordless electric mowers tend to have smaller decks (19 and 20-inch sizes are the most common, though a few have 21-inch decks). That means it takes you longer to mow.
  2. They tend to be less powerful than their gas engine counterparts. They can struggle with tall grass, wet grass, and thick grass with leaves. For intermediate mowing conditions, cordless mowers do just fine.
  3. The larger the lawn, the more batteries you need. Manufacturers make recommendations about run time, but that’s very difficult to do accurately. It varies widely depending on your mowing habits and the height or thickness of the grass. We recommend you buy extra batteries so that you’re not compelled to rush the cut.
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Ride Mowers

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If you can afford it, a riding mower is the way to go. Don’t get us wrong, we love walk mowers (goodness knows, we’ve used enough of them over the years here). But for speed and efficiency, there’s simply no comparison with a riding mower when you’re talking a large lawn.

When looking at riding mowers, you'll likely come across three versions—lawn tractor, rear-engine riding mower, and a zero-turn mower. Let's break them done one by one:

Lawn Tractor

Many people start out with a lawn tractor. With a steering wheel and a front-mounted engine, these look and feel familiar. Engine size range from 18-25 hp and most come with a single cylinder with step-up models having a V twin. Some fancier models also feature engines with electronic fuel injection.

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When it comes to transmissions, less expensive models tend to be lever-operated gear transmissions. But a step-up from there comes pedal hydrostatic or continuously variable transmission (CVT) operated by a shift-on-the-go hand lever. The CVT is an automatic transmission powered by pulley drive to a sealed and lubricated gear case. You know you're spending serious money if you're considering a more expensive tractor with a heavy-duty foot pedal hydrostatic transmission.

Finally, how much can it cut? Well, much more than a push mower. Deck widths range from 42 inches to 54 inches. To know what size you need, divide the mower deck size by 12 to get an approximation of the acreage the mower can handle. So residential-duty a mower with a 54-inch deck can mow up to 4.5 acres. That’s a lot of grass and would result in significant wear and tear on a residential-grade mower in the course of the season. Still, it could do it.

These kind of mowers range anywhere from $1,300 to $3,000.

Rear-Engine Riding Mower

Many people with larger lawns too big for a walk mower but too small for a tractor or a zero turn should go with a rear-engine riding mower. The specifications below apply to deck under the operator’s position and not rear-engine residential/commercial mowers with the deck in front of the operator.

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Most rear-engine mowers a single-cylinder engine ranging in size from 344 to 38 cc, estimated at 10 to 11 hp. The transmission is usually a CVT operated by a shift-on-the-go hand lever. Snapper’s famous rear-engine riding mower uses the company’s time-tested disc drive transmission, but a few rear-engine riders are offered with a hydrostatic transmission.

Deck sizes stretch anywhere from 30 to 33 inches, and operators use a manual hand lever for deck adjustment and deck engagement. That small cutting size also means a smaller price tag, ranging from $1,200 to $2,400.

Zero-Turn Mowers

In the last twenty years or so, zero-turn mowers have proved their worth to homeowners and landscape contractors alike. Their design enables forward speed and steering by means of dual hydrostatic transmissions at the rear wheels, each of which is controlled by a lap bar in front of the seat.

A pulley off the engine spins the impellers on the dual hydrostatic transmissions that power the rear wheels. When you move one of the lap bars farther forward than its neighbor, it acts as a throttle, allowing more hydraulic fluid to flow to the transmission at that wheel. This causes wheel to turn more rapidly than the opposite wheel, allowing you turn corners or pivot.

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Engine size can range from 452 cc up to 700 or more, with power estimated from 12 hp to 25 hp. This is powered by either a single cylinder or commercial-duty V twin, and transmissions are either hydrostatic or commercial-duty hydrostatic.

With deck sizes ranging from 32 inches to 60 inches, these mowers cut the most grass in the least amount of time. The decks are either stamped or heavy-duty fabricated, deck adjustment uses a manual hand lever or foot pedal, and deck engagement uses a manual hand lever or an electric PTO

All that grass-cutting power comes with a price, usually ranging between $1,200 to $6,000.

Roy Berendsohn

Senior Home Editor

Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.

15 Different Types of Lawn Mowers Explained

Lawnmowers are an essential piece of kit for yard maintenance and lawn care, and whether you merely want to keep your lawn from becoming an overgrown wild meadow or you want a neat and manicured lawn, the neighbors will envy, there are several things you will need to consider before making a purchase. To learn all about the different types of lawnmowers and which type will be best suited to your yard, your budget, and your specifications, read our comprehensive list of all of the types of lawnmowers available.

1. Ride-On Mowers

If you have a large lawn to cut, you might want to treat yourself to a ride-on mower. These make light work of mowing lawns, significantly cutting down the time it takes you to cut your grass, and usually making it an easier and more enjoyable experience. In terms of efficiency, ride-on mowers are far superior to walk-along mowers, but they have a price tag to match. There are also many different types to choose from, but most of these can be broken down into three categories. These are:

1.1. Lawn Tractor

Lawn tractors will be familiar to most people, and these front-mounted engines will be what many of us visualize when we think about ride-on mowers. They are a good choice of mower for large lawns, with deck widths typically ranging from between 42 and 54 inches. A good way to work out which size lawn tractor you need is to divide its deck width by 12, and the answer will be the maximum size of lawn it can handle. For example, a 42-inch deck width will be suitable for lawns of up to 4 acres.

When it comes to engine size, lawn tractors range from 18 to 25 horsepower, with entry-level models having a single cylinder and some pricier models benefitting from twin cylinders. Basic lawn tractors will have lever-operated gear transmissions, while upgraded models may have continuously variable transmission, which is a pulley drive powered automatic transmission managed by a shift-on-the-go hand lever.

If you want to really push your budget boundaries, you could choose a lawn tractor with a hydrostatic pedal transmission. Lawn tractors generally range in price from around $1000 to $3000, making them quite reasonably priced compared to other types of ride-on mowers. They are good all-rounders for large lawns, though their main drawback is limited maneuverability. They struggle to turn easily and can not tackle obstacles well, which often results in patches of grass that remain uncut when a lawn tractor has been unable to get tight enough to an edge or an obstacle.

1.

2. Zero Turn Mower

Zero-turn mowers, over the last few decades, have become the Ferrari’s of the lawn mowing world. They are controlled by lap bars in the front seat, which operate the dual hydrostatic transmissions at the rear wheels. Their design means that unlike other ride-on mowers, they offer unsurpassed maneuverability. They can pivot, make sharp turns, and give an excellent all-round cutting performance. Zero-turn mowers can get much closer to obstacles than other ride-on mowers, being able to cut tightly against landscaped edges, which will result in a better finish on most lawns. Their steering ability makes for a more efficient mowing experience, especially on lawns of irregular shapes. They typically offer the easiest mowing of all lawnmowers, with the capacity to cut the most grass in the shortest space of time.

Deck widths of zero-turn mowers generally range from 32 inches to 60 inches. They have estimated horsepower of between 12 and 25, from engine sizes ranging between 452 to 700 cc. The cost of a zero-turn mower varies depending on model and specification, with a price range of between $1000 and $6000.

1.3. Rear Engine Riding Mower

These ride-on mowers are a good choice for moderately sized lawns, which may be too small to warrant a lawn tractor, but too big to comfortably use a walk mower. These mowers, as the name suggests, hold the engine at the rear of the machine, underneath the driving seat, and the deck is under the driver’s position. They are typically controlled with a shift-on-the-go hand lever, which operates the continuously variable transmission, and has single-cylinder engines, which can range from 344 to 38 cc, with horsepower estimated to be between 10 and 11.

Deck sizes of rear engine riding mowers tend to range from 30 to 33 inches, making them most suitable for lawns, which are less than 2.5 acres in total. A lawn of this size would cause a fair amount of wear and tear to the mower over a season, so a good maintenance regime would be important, but the rear engine riding mower would be able to handle it. For a lawn much larger than 3 acres, you would need to be looking at a lawn tractor or zero turn mower.

2. Walk Mowers

Walk mowers encompass a range of lawnmowers that the user walks along behind. They are best suited to smaller lawns, generally anything up to half an acre in size (although a half-acre lawn might take you a good few hours to mow with a walk mower and you’d be forgiven for choosing a ride-on to tackle a lawn of this size.)Walk mowers offer the greatest variety and versatility when it comes to lawnmowers. They can vary wildly in price, quality, and offer numerous different features. Most walk mowers can be broken down into the following categories.

2.1. Cylinder Mower

Cylinder mowers, also known as reel mowers, have vertically rotating cylindrical blades at the front of the mower, which slices against a fixed blade. They trap the grass between the blades and slice it off, with action not dissimilar to scissors. The vertical blades on a cylinder mower can range in number from three to twelve, with a higher number of blades usually signaling a more precise cut. They are designed for use on flat lawns and don’t cope particularly well with uneven or rough surfaces. They give a neat cut, which works especially well for creating defined stripes on a lawn if this is a look you would like to achieve. They are best suited to soft grass types, as they don’t handle coarse grass well. They also struggle to cut long grass, so if you opt for a cylinder mower, you will need to keep on top of your mowing and cut your grass regularly, as the mower won’t perform well on grass that has become overgrown.

During the growing season, this will mean mowing your lawn at least once a week, ideally twice a week. These types of mowers have blades that are less accessible, making them more difficult to sharpen than a rotary mower, which is unfortunate because they do tend to require the most maintenance. If a cylinder mower is not serviced regularly, it’s blades will start to chew the grass, giving a very poor cut. For this reason, cylinder mowers are best suited to those who are mechanically skilled. They also tend to be less adjustable than other mowers, giving you fewer options when it comes to grass cutting height. They are also generally less common, so if they go wrong, you might struggle to find replacement parts. That being said, these mowers can be affordable and efficient when paired up with the right type of lawn and are enormously popular among those gardeners who take pride in a neat and short lawn cut. They also often come equipped with a roller on the back, offering the user a two-in-one tool. The grass box on a cylinder mower is usually at the front.

2.2. Rotary Mower

These are the most common types of walk-along mower you will find. They have a single blade that rotates at very high speed in a horizontal motion, cutting grass as it comes into contact with it, a lot like a food processor or blender. These mowers work best on medium to long grass, meaning you can leave longer in between mowing sessions without any negative impact. The cut you get from a rotary mower is less precise than a cylinder mower. It tends to bash and thrash the blades of grass around, slicing them on impact due to the high speed of rotation, which results in a less accurate and more uneven cut than you would get from a good cylinder mower. The difference of cut, however, probably wouldn’t be that noticeable to most people, especially on an average lawn with its slopes, bumps, and color and thickness variations. A more manicured lawn, however, may be able to tell the difference between the two cuts, with the cylinder mower offering the more superior cut of the two.

2.3. Push Mower

Push mowers, as the name suggests, requires the user to manually force the machine across the lawn. The motor turns the blades, but the wheel action is all you. These mowers are popular because they are usually the most inexpensive, and they are also lightweight and easy to handle. A push mower offers good maneuverability, allowing the user to direct exactly where it goes, steering around obstacles and corners, and even reversing. The fact that it is lightweight may be useful if you need to lift the mower into a trailer or truck bed, or if you need to carry it up and down steps.

These mowers take some physical exertion, which is great if you’re keen to add some extra exercise into your schedule, but may not be good for people with health complaints or anyone who doesn’t want to get a sweat on. It should be noted that push mowers work best for level lawns because having to push it up a hill can be very labor-intensive, as can chasing it down a hill! They are best suited to small yards due to their strenuous nature and are probably the most simple type of lawnmower you can get. For anyone concerned about the environmental impact of mowing their lawn, push mowers are the best option as they produce no emissions. They also don’t make noise pollution like powered lawnmowers.

2.4. Self Propelled Mower

Self-propelled lawnmowers have a transmission that propels the machine forward, so the user does not need to push it, and instead guides it. These mowers are generally simple to operate and make mowing a lawn a much easier and quicker job, even in small yards. The main advantage of a self-propelled mower is the fact that it doesn’t require any manpower, but there are other advantages too. These mowers tend to give a more consistent lawn cut compared to push mowers, as they are able to maintain a constant speed. Self-propelled mowers are more mechanically technical than push mowers, so they require more maintenance and can be more difficult to fix when things go wrong. These mowers are typically more expensive to buy than push mowers, but many people find that the extra expenditure is worth it to avoid having to manually propel a push mower.

2.5. Hover Mower

These lawnmowers hover a few inches above the ground, sitting on a cushion of air. Due to their reduced contact with the ground, and therefore reduced friction, they are very easy to guide around the lawn. They are able to move in any direction, including sideways, which makes them particularly useful for yards, which are awkward shapes, or for maneuvering around obstacles such as planters, trees, and garden features. They also give the user more control when it comes to edges of the lawn. Hover mowers tend to be fairly inexpensive, which is another factor that makes them quite popular. Though these types of mowers do have their advantages, they also have drawbacks. The main problem with hover mowers is that they lack power, presenting an issue for anyone with a larger sized lawn. They are most often electric-powered, and they are best suited to small lawns.

3. Power Types

The type of power source most appropriate for your mower will depend on the size of your lawn, your strength, and your own personal preferences. The options to choose from when it comes to lawnmower power types are:

3.1. Manual Powered Mower

Manual powered mowers essentially push mowers. Though they may have an engine, this only operates the blades and doesn’t provide any momentum. The user is the source of momentum with muscle power, as opposed to an electric, battery, or gas-powered mower, where the momentum is supplied by the engine, and the user just provides directional guidance. These mowers are the quietest, most environmentally friendly, and the most inexpensive. They are also the hardest to use, requiring a good amount of strength and energy to operate. They are best suited to small lawns.

3.2. Electric Powered Mower

These corded mowers are powered by electricity through a cable attached to the mower. They are enormously popular and account for the majority of lawnmowers purchased each year, being especially common in small to medium-sized yards. Their popularity is due to their many advantages. They are lightweight, therefore easy to handle and maneuver. They are smaller than gas-powered mowers, making them easier to store when not in use. They never have to be charged like battery-powered mowers, and they won’t run out of gas. This means that so long as you have electric power, you can run these mowers whenever you like, giving the user ultimate convenience. Electric mowers are simple to use and give good, consistent results. They are also very affordable, typically ranging from around $100 to $250.

The biggest disadvantage of electric mowers is the fact that they are tethered to an electrical outlet. This presents a few problems. The main problem is that if you have a yard that is longer than your cable, then the furthest part of your lawn is not going to cut. It’s vital you measure your lawn and compare it with the cable length of a mower before you buy it to avoid this issue. The second problem, which can be worked around, is having a cable trailing behind you everywhere you mow. You’ll need to be careful not to bring your mower blades into contact with the cable, and take care not to get tangled along the way. This is a minor inconvenience that can be worked around with a bit of practice, but many people find corded mowers too restrictive.

3.3. Gas-Powered Mower

Gas-powered lawnmowers have engines that run on petrol. They aren’t restricted by a cable and therefore are great for mowing large areas where corded mowers can’t reach. They are more powerful than electric mowers and will cut grass faster, resulting in shorter mowing time. Their power means they are suitable for cutting even dense, thick, or tall grass with ease. Gas-powered mowers are easy to steer and maneuver reasonably well around obstacles. In terms of use, one of the biggest differences you will notice when operating a gas mower is that it is much heavier and larger in size.

There are a few drawbacks of gas-powered mowers. Firstly, they have engines which, much like vehicle engines, are a cause of pollution. They also need to be regularly maintained and serviced to prevent them from going wrong. You will also need to keep on top of oil and fuel levels. Gas mowers are also very noisy and are typically the most expensive type of walk mower you can get. They generally range in price between $200 and $800.

3.4. Battery-Powered Mower

Battery-powered mowers run off a battery, usually, a lithium-ion battery, which is lightweight and long-lasting. These mowers give the user all the benefits of an electric mower, without the restriction of cable length. As these mowers are not tied down to a power source, they are well suited to gardens of any size. They tend to be slightly heavier than an electric mower, but much lighter than a gas-powered mower. These mowers offer excellent convenience, but this comes at a cost. They are more expensive than electric mowers, usually costing in excess of $500 for a good quality model.

The main drawback of a battery-powered mower is its run time. Many of these mowers will run for about an hour before they need to be re-charged, which could prove quite frustrating if you’re only halfway through mowing your lawn when the battery runs out. Batteries also do not last forever and will need to be replaced every few years.

4. Drive Types

The drive of your mower is an important consideration that can impact performance, depending on your terrain. Mowers will either be rear-wheel drive (RWD), front-wheel drive (FWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD), with each having pros and cons.

4.1. Rear Wheel Drive

These mowers are pushed forwards by the motion of the back wheels. They work well for wide-open spaces as they can be difficult to maneuver, and therefore you may struggle in small or awkwardly shaped gardens. They can be difficult to turn in order to change direction, and particularly struggle to reverse. However, they are excellent on rough or unsteady terrain, as they will push forward across any bumps or steep inclines.

4.2. Front-Wheel Drive

FWD mowers are propelled by the front wheels, which pull the mower along with their turning motion. These types of mowers work best for level lawns that don’t feature slopes or hills, as they don’t perform well on inclines. Front-wheel drive mowers are easy to steer, and they can be maneuvered well around obstacles or irregularly shaped lawns.

4.3. All Wheel Drive

These mowers have all four wheels connected to their source of power and are all propelled equally, moving together in unison. The main benefits of an all-wheel-drive mover are its speed and power, though it does lack the maneuverability of front-wheel drive mowers.

rating top 10 according to KP version

The trimmer looks like a handle, at the end of which a cutting element is fixed. The lawn mower is a large device on wheels, the cutting element is located at the bottom of the body. It does not have to be carried around, but only pushed (or pulled), which greatly simplifies use. There are self-propelled models, where the motor simultaneously with the cutting element drives the device itself, the user can only control the direction of movement.

It is impossible to trim the grass to the same length with a trimmer: in any case, there will be drops. The lawn mower, on the other hand, allows you to level the lawn to one length (usually from 3 to 7 cm, the user chooses the desired lawn length). Most often, lawn mowers are used on large and even areas of grass, as they do worse than a trimmer when mowing grass in hard-to-reach places.

Depending on the power source, the following types of lawn mowers are distinguished: electric, battery, gasoline and mechanical. In this rating, we will consider only the first three types of device.

Top 10 rating according to KP version

1. Bosch ARM 37

Bosch ARM 37. Photo: yandex.market.ru

The budget model of a well-known brand opens our rating. This model is powered by electricity, which limits its use at long distances from the outlet. However, this allows you not to worry about the presence of gasoline or the completeness of the charge.
Robust plastic housing, cutting height adjustment, 40 liter grass collector make this lawnmower one of the best options for tending a small area around the house.

Characteristics
Engine 10021
Grass outbreak in a hard grass collector (40 l), back
Weight 12 kg
Noise level
9000 9,000s of pluses and minus mowing, easy to handle, large grass container, light

Powered by mains cable, blades dull quickly, non-repairable motor

2.

Karcher LMO 18-33 Battery Set Karcher LMO 18-33 Battery Set. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Lightweight and compact lawnmower ideal for small areas. One of the main advantages can be called maneuverability, it can effectively mow the lawn of any shape. This model is equipped with a battery, which means that it does not require a constant connection to the network.
An additional advantage is the mulching function: the cut grass can be chopped immediately inside the device and spread over the lawn as a natural fertiliser. The combs on the edges allow you to grab the grass from the edges of the lawn and mow it efficiently. 9Ol000 Grass discharge to soft bag, rear Weight 11.3 kg Sound level 70 90 dB 20024

Pros and cons

Mulching function, easy operation, manoeuvrability, safety key as child lock, compact, fully charged in 2.4 hours, very quiet compared to many other models

Maximum operating time from a charge of only 24 minutes, quite a strong vibration during operation

3.

Champion LM5127 Champion LM5127. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Gasoline lawn mower with a wide grip from the Champion brand. A powerful and efficient option for cutting grass in medium-sized areas. Does not require access to electricity.
Thanks to its power, this lawnmower effectively copes with rough grass and uneven surfaces. It can remove an anthill from its path and will not break when touching the ground and stones. The mulching function will help to process the grass into natural fertilizer and distribute it over the area. However, there is no additional container for the cut grass.

Characteristics
Engine Petrol four-stroke 139 cm³, 3.5 hp
Power supply gasoline
Speasing width 51 cm
Speasing height 28-75 mm
9002
Noise level 94 dB
Pros and cons

Mulching function, power, wide cutting width, compact area, wet and thick grass can clog the discharge

4.

Gardena PowerMax Li-18/32 Gardena PowerMax Li-18/32. Photo: yandex.market.ru

A handy battery lawnmower suitable for small areas. When used over a large area, the battery charge may not be enough - the declared mowing area is 250 square meters, but in practice it depends on the length of the grass, its juiciness, as well as the state of the battery at a particular point in time.

Very light model with a solid grass bag, good for small areas. Easy replacement and low cost of batteries allows you to alternate them if necessary during mowing. 9Ol000 Grass discharge to the rigid grass bag, rear Weight 8.4 kg Noise level 96 dB

Pros and cons

Lightweight, mulch head and grass catcher, compact, ten levels of grass height adjustment, inexpensive batteries

Noisy, plastic body and wheels, comes without battery and charger

Carver LMG-2651DMS. Photo: yandex.market.ru

This model is well suited for uneven areas. Self-propelled, with a sufficiently powerful motor and wheels, it goes over any bumps. However, working on soft ground can be problematic: due to its weight, it can leave wheel marks on the grass.

This model is easy to assemble and start, the initial assembly will not take more than 20 minutes. However, it is difficult to maneuver due to its weight, which means it is not suitable for owners of complex-shaped plots.

Characteristics
Plusa and man Mulching function, large mowing width, self-cleaning, low fuel consumption

Heavy, difficult to maneuver, wet and thick grass can clog the discharge, inconvenient oil drain

6.

ZUBR ZGKE-42-1800 ZUBR ZGKE-42-1800. Photo: yandex.market.ru

A model of a domestic manufacturer is cheaper than many of its counterparts, but it does a good job of mowing grass. There may be problems with particularly thick grass or uneven ground, but overall a great option for small and level areas.

Powered by a mains cable, you don't have to think about the battery charge, but at the same time it does not allow you to take the device far from the power source. In addition, the cable must be constantly monitored so that it does not fall under the lawn mower blade. 96 dB

Engine petrol four-stroke 139 cm³, 3.5 hp
Power petrol
Cutting width 51 cm
Cutting height 25-75 mm
Grass outbreak in soft grass collector, on the side, back
Weight 37.3 kg
98 dB
Pros and cons

Large mowing grip, light, compact, low price

Difficult to find accessories, not suitable for uneven areas, small grass bag

7. AL-KO 112858 Comfort AL

-KO 112858 Comfort. Photo: yandex.market.ru

A stylish looking model powered by a network cable. The lawn mower is equipped with a capacious rigid tank for mowed grass, nozzles for mulching are also supplied.

This is a manoeuvrable machine that can be handled by anyone, but is too heavy for use on bumpy ground. If stones or hard branches hit, the knife becomes dull very quickly, the elements of the plastic case may crack.

Characteristics
900 and cons

Grass bag full indicator, quiet, no vibration, compact, large grass bank, manoeuvrable, convenient lawn cutting height adjustment, large grass accumulator

Plastic body, heavy, blade clogs when mowing thick grass

8. Champion LM4627

Champion LM4627. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Another representative of the Champion brand in our selection. This is a self-propelled model with a soft grass catcher. The lawn mower is easy to operate and does not require much effort to roll it forward. However, maneuverability is lower than other models, so it is inconvenient for lawns with complex shapes.

Handles thick grass and weeds. Two ways to eject the grass: to the side or into the grass box. A separate advantage is the self-washing function, just connect the hose and turn on the lawn mower for a few minutes, after which it will be clean and ready for storage.

Characteristics
Engine Electric Engine 1400 W
Power from the network cable
Speasing width cm
Speasing height 28-68 mm
Grass outbreak in hard grass collector, back
weight kg noise
Engine Petrol four-stroke 139 cm³, 3.5 hp
Power supply gasoline
Speaking width 46 cm
Speaking height 25-75 mm
in soft travic, back, back. Weight 32 kg
Noise level 96 dB
Pros and cons

7 cutting heights, takes up little storage space, easy to assemble

Grass can get stuck in side discharge, noisy, clogged with wet grass, low maneuverability, single travel speed 9003

9.

Makita PLM4626N Makita PLM4626N. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Petrol lawn mower is made in a metal case. It copes with mowing grass on uneven surfaces, large wheels allow you to go over almost any bumps. Although, due to the large weight on a bumpy surface, it is difficult to push it. Makita PLM4626N is a good option for medium sized plots. The brand is famous for its reliability and rare breakdowns.

Characteristics
9002 28.4 kg
Engine Petrol four-stroke 140 cm³, 2.6 hp
Power supply gasoline
Speaking width 46 cm
Speaking height 25-75 mm
Grass outbreak in the soft travated travis
Noise level 87 dB
Pros and cons

Easy to start, quiet, reliable, metal case

Heavy, no mulch hatch

10. Patriot PT 46S The One

The OneS PT 46. Photo: yandex.market.ru

A self-propelled lawn mower allows you to mow a medium-sized area without any extra effort. A lot of weight pays off by the fact that you don’t have to push it yourself, it’s enough to control the direction of movement. Large wheels make it easy to overcome obstacles and uneven terrain.

The mulching attachment is not included, but can be purchased and installed separately. Several options for ejection of grass allow you to choose the desired one in each case.

Characteristics
Engine Petrol four-stroke 139 cm³, 4.5 hp
Power petrol
Cutting width 46 cm
Cutting height 30 mm0024
Grass outbreak in soft grass collector, sideways, back
weight 35 kg
96 dB
Plus, and considerable cones of powerful, more power starts, manoeuvrable

Inconveniently located oil tank opening, difficult to do maintenance, noisy, may not mow grass at the edges of the site, it is difficult to get accessories, self-tapping screws and bolts are made of ordinary metal without coating and can rust over time

How to choose a lawn mower

The choice of lawn mowers is truly huge today. Maxim Sokolov, an expert at the online hypermarket VseInstrumenty.ru, told Komsomolskaya Pravda what parameters you should pay attention to in the first place.
So, the choice of a lawn mower depends on two factors. The first is the area of ​​the lawn. The second is an available power source. These are key questions to consider when buying. And then look at the convenience, functionality and additional options for technology.

We focus on the area of ​​the lawn

In our store, almost all models of lawn mowers indicate the area of ​​the territory for which they are suitable. If this parameter is not present, look at the bevel width. For example, models with a cutting width of 30 cm are suitable for areas up to 300 square meters. m; over 50 cm - for a lawn up to 1000 sq. m. Here is simple mathematics - the wider the grip in one pass, the faster you will process the entire area. Of course, you can take a lawn mower with a width of 30 cm and go to the football field with it, but then you have to work for a very long time.

Deciding on a power source

  • Electrical network - minimum noise, no harmful emissions, easy maintenance, but an extension cord is needed, which can sometimes limit freedom of movement.
  • Gasoline - maximum performance, long-term operation over long distances, no connection to the outlet, however, the equipment is heavy, requires regular maintenance and a supply of gasoline.
  • Battery is a compromise for those who want both sustainability and freedom of movement, but the run time depends on the battery charge.

What will be a plus in a lawn mower

  • Large grass catcher for cutting grass, so as not to remove it after work on the site.
  • Mulching mode for chopping up grass to become a useful organic lawn fertilizer.
  • Central cutting height adjustment is useful for quick adjustment to the type of terrain.
  • Wheel drive is useful for heavy equipment that is difficult to move manually.
  • Folding handle for compact storage of the mower and transportation to the job site.
  • Oversized rear wheels for confident traction on uneven terrain and hillocks.
  • Protective bumper to prevent accidental damage to the deck when hitting obstacles.

Of course, the combination of all the features in one model significantly increases its price. Therefore, decide what is a priority for you, and what functions you can refuse. Look for the exact lawn mower that meets your exact requirements. And then you do not have to overpay for extra, unnecessary features.

How to choose a lawn mower

How to choose a lawnmower


The lawn mower is irreplaceable when maintenance of the big seasonal dachas is required. Mowers perform best on flat, open terrain and large areas. How to choose a lawn mower with optimal characteristics and not miscalculate, we will analyze in our article.

Types of lawn mowers


The first thing you need to pay attention to is the type of power supply of the mower and the features of different types of engines.

Petrol

Advantages:

- Powerful and productive, suitable for intensive work.

- Designed for large plots (up to 24 acres).

— Reliable and durable.

- Autonomous operation.

Disadvantages:

- Fuel costs.

- Requires maintenance and attention.

- High noise level.

- Heavy weight.

Husqvarna LC 140 petrol lawnmower

Electrical

Advantages:

— Perfect for small areas (4-6 acres).

- Low noise level.

- Environmentally friendly device.

- Low power consumption.

Disadvantages:

- Low power.

- Wires and extensions reduce mobility and maneuverability and can be easily damaged.

- Electrical connection required.

— Unsafe to work in rain or dew.

Electric lawn mower Makita ELM 4110

Cordless

Advantages:

— Suitable for small areas.

- Mobile and manoeuvrable.

- No toxic exhaust.

- Minimum noise level.

- Practical to use.

Disadvantages:

- High cost of mower and batteries.

— Depending on the capacity of the batteries, the mower runs from 15 to 40 minutes, after which it needs to be recharged.

- Low power devices.

Viking MA 443C cordless lawnmower

Robotic lawnmowers

Advantages:

- Maneuverable and mobile

- Programmable for independent operation and recharging without user intervention.

— They work according to the schedule and at convenient times.

— Silent and compact.

Disadvantages:

— Not small areas with soft low grass are calculated.

- The price is much higher than gasoline and electric units.

- High risk of device theft.

- Complicated setting of operation parameters.

- Do not have a container for collecting grass.

Caiman Ambrogio L200 Basic 2.3 robotic lawn mower

Design features


Body material


- A metallic alloy of steel or aluminum. Metal mowers are more reliable, but their weight and cost are higher than those of impact-resistant plastic counterparts. Pay attention to the anti-corrosion properties of the metal, especially if the body is made of aluminum.

- Plastic is practical, lightweight and reduces the cost of the final price of the unit. It is not afraid of corrosion and has a long service life. However, plastic requires more careful and careful handling.

Additional information


Lawn mowers are equipped with a wheel base. To increase the cross-country ability, the wheels are equipped with durable tires with a pronounced tread.

The main handle can be adjusted to the user's height. The control levers are often located precisely on the handle due to easy access.

Lawn mower features


To carry out their direct duties - to cut the grass - different lawn mowers will be different. Our task is to choose the most suitable option for specific needs.

We select the mower according to the characteristics

Having decided on the type of lawn mower, you can proceed to the choice of model according to its characteristics.

Power. For use in summer cottages up to 6 acres, electric and battery lawn mowers with a power of up to 1.8 kW are perfect. For large areas, we can recommend gasoline models with a capacity of up to 5-6 hp.

Cutting width. The speed of processing depends on this parameter. The greater the width, the less movement is needed to process the area. Countryside lawn mowers mow a strip of lawn with a width of 32 to 56 cm in one rental.

Cutting height. As a rule, this parameter is adjusted in steps on most models. Average height varies from 3 to 10 cm.

Grass bag capacity (if equipped). With frequent and long-term work on the site, you can choose a model with an enlarged container - 60-80 liters. For small lawns, a volume of 30-50 liters is sufficient. The container can be fabric on a frame or made of plastic. Plastic is easier to wash and empty. The advantages of fabric - less weight, reduced dimensions of the product.

Travel type


Self propelled lawnmowers are popular due to low cost, less risk of breakage and easy handling. But such models are not suitable for everyone, as they require physical effort - the mower must be pushed forward during operation. When choosing a country lawn mower, pay attention to the weight of the product: the smaller it is, the easier it is to work.

Self-propelled lawn mower makes lawn mowing easy. The mower does not require effort from the user, moving independently. Models differ in the type of drive. For large flat areas, rear-wheel drive models are better suited. The front wheel drive facilitates maneuvers in areas with bushes, trees and various obstacles.

Self-propelled with CVT - a convenient option when the speed of a self-propelled lawn mower is not suitable or the equipment has many users. The variator allows you to smoothly adjust the speed while driving and optimally select the speed of movement. Among the shortcomings, the higher cost of the units can be noted.

Mowing principle


In a container or special cloth bag. A lawn mower with a container is very practical and handy when you want a clean and tidy lawn.

Side or rear discharge eliminates the problem of crop disposal. Lawnmowers without a container take up less space and are lighter.

Mulching - additional chopping of grass after mowing and subsequent release onto the lawn. Mulched grass and leaves make a great lawn fertilizer and give it a natural and tidy look. Mulching can be the main mode of the mower or can be connected additionally. There are also 3 in 1 models.

Other related articles

Lawn mulching: sorting out the garden question

A classic lawn mower or rider is not enough to create a well-groomed garden. The versatility of technology is often a competitive advantage over other brands. But it also happens the other way around: the model works in mono mode. One of these modes is mulching. Mulching equipment on the market is positioned as a novelty, but users have already managed to evaluate the benefits. Why is mulching necessary and is it worth buying this option for your garden?

Why you need a lawn aerator

Lawn aeration is a seasonal procedure that helps to rejuvenate and restore the freshness of the lawn. The easiest way to carry out processing is with the help of special garden equipment - an aerator, the design and capabilities of which will be discussed in the article.

CVT in garden equipment

A variety of garden lawn care equipment allows you to choose the model that will make your work on the ground as easy as possible. If you don't feel like pushing the lawn mower in front of you, you can choose a self-propelled model, which is much more convenient to operate. Additional comfort is provided by models with speed control, because the gearbox makes it possible to fully control the equipment. However, the gearbox complicates the design and increases the final price of the product, the way out of this dilemma is the variator.


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