Walk-behind Mower Buyer Guide

Guide to chose your next lawnmower

Buying a lawn mower can be very challenging if it is your ­first time, or if you have a completely different lawn than you are used to. But everything is ok, it is not like trying to ­figure it out a Rubik's cube.

It is much easier.

It all comes down to whatever your needs may be. Do you need the convenience and freedom that cordless machines can offer or if you prefer the petrol operated machine for those really large areas or plots of land with really long grass? Do you need a machine that can cut really deep and at once? Or do you need a machine that practically reads your mind?

Follow our tips below and buy your perfect lawn mower for the perfect garden.

 

A good place to start is to ask yourself some questions:

  • How large is your lawn? 
  • How often I cut the grass? Go on be honest.
  • Are you looking for a mower that will quickly cut and tidy a small relatively flat area? Or do you want a more powerful lawnmower that can tackle long grass in a large area?
  • What kind of finish do you want on your lawn?
  • How much space do you have to store your mower?

 

The engine size and the cutting width of the machine and of course the size of your lawn can determine what type of model you will need, power is measured in cc’s and the cutting width is in centimetres and inches. If you have a small lawn, with fine grass, you won't need much power, but if you have a large lawn with thick, untamed grass, then you'll need to consider a more powerful model.

 

Before buying ask yourself: What size mower do I need? See images below to understand your lawn size.

     

    These are merely guidelines and you can use a larger width of cut to get the job done quicker, or a smaller width of cut on a larger area of grass. A smaller machine may be more beneficial for manoeuvrability. 

    The finish you are looking for your mower is also a good point to note. Some machines can create effects on the lawn and improve the looks of your garden. The famous ‘Wimbledon Stripes’ can be easily achieved with the correct machine.

    Storage can also be a feature you might consider. Some models with foldable handles can squeeze into tight spots and keep the space in your shed.

    Your requirements will ultimately decide which lawnmower you require. We are laying down below easy to understand explanations for the specifications in the walk mowers.

    Happy mowing!

     

    Types of lawnmowers

    Push lawnmowers

    Push Lawnmowers are ideal for smaller lawns with the flat ground or confined spaces. The rotary blade is powered by petrol and the user has to push the mower around the garden. Push mowers are lighter in weight and less expensive than self-propelled models while still providing an excellent cut for your lawn. 

    Self-propelled lawnmowers

    A self-propelled lawnmower travels under its own power meaning there is no great effort from the user apart from guiding the lawnmower, changing direction and avoiding obstacles. Ideal for larger lawns, these models have either variable or single-speed drive. 

    Cylinder mowers

    Give a very fine cut and beautiful finish. They have a rear roller creates beautiful lawn stripes. 

     

    Features

    Lawn mowers have lots of features and this can be confusing, so here is a quick explanation of some of the main features you may see when researching which lawn mower you want to buy:

    • Blades - blades cut cleanly through the grass.
    • Collectors - a fabric bag or plastic box that holds the grass clippings created by your mower. A big grass collector saves trips to the compost heap.
    • Rollers - give a striped finish to your lawn.
    • Cutting height - This is simply the height above the ground that the lawn mower will cut the grass. A lawn mower with a wide cutting range (e.g. from inch to inch) is useful if you have to cut more than one lawn of different qualities, or different heights at different times of the year. Is a useful feature and allows you to cut your lawn to the height you require. Some models offer a range of adjustable height settings incorporate these 2 as they are same
    • Mulching - recut the lawn clippings into tiny pieces and blow them back on to the lawn, where they break down and act as a fertiliser for your grass. This can be a standard feature or an optional extra?
    • Adjustable handle - An adjustable handle helps you to get a comfortable position for your height. It also makes your lawn mower easier to store, as handles take up a lot of space.
    • Wash-port-  Allows you to connect your garden hose to the lawnmower and cleans under the deck
    • Deck Types - steel or aluminium, Metal decks offer a more rigid platform compared to composite plastic decks. Steel decks will last years if properly maintained and should be cleaned of grass after every cut. Aluminium decks offer a weight reduction and are longer lasting and are very resistant to rust.

     

     

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