Need a new lawnmower? There are thousands of different models to choose from. To help you cut down your options, here are a few important factors to consider.
Petrol or electric?
First, it’s important to consider which fuel source is best suited to you and your garden.
Petrol mowers are the most traditional option. They are operated via a pull cord and tend to be viewed as a more heavy duty option. They run longer before having to refuel them and can be better suited to large lawns because of this. They also tend to be better on rough terrain than electric mowers.
Electric mowers have become a popular alternative to petrol mowers. They are lighter, quieter, more eco-friendly and often cheaper to run. Some electric mowers are wired, which can give them unlimited power but limited range. Battery-powered mowers are another option – these can be used anywhere without having to trail a cable, but have to be recharged after each use and may not be suitable for very large lawns (they may not have enough power to cut the entire lawn).
Manual, self-propelled or automated?
How the mower is operated is also important to consider.
Manual mowers tend to be cheaper to buy and require more manual labour to operate. They are not recommended if you are older or disabled, or if you have a large or steep sloped garden.
Self-propelled mowers help to take some of the effort out by moving on their own. They have become an increasingly popular option. Most are still pushed from behind, however you can also buy ride-on mowers that you sit on and steer.
Automated mowers are essentially robots that are able to mow your lawn for you. They use sensors to navigate your garden and move independently. Automatic mowers can save you huge amounts of time and effort spent on lawn care. However, they are often more expensive than other types of mower.
Grass collection?
Basic mowers cut the grass and then spray it back onto the lawn. However, some lawn mowers are able to collect the grass in a basket. Both can have their benefits.
Mowers that spray the grass back onto the lawn are better suited to no-fuss gardeners. You don’t have to keep emptying a grass basket. The grass clippings can also be healthier for your lawn – decomposing and returning their nutrients back into the soil.
Lawnmowers that collect grass can provide a neater finish with more visible stripes. You also won’t get clippings all over your shoes when you walk in the lawn afterwards. The clippings can also be collected and used as mulch for plant beds.
What’s the cutting width?
The cutting width of a lawnmower can be important to consider too. Some have a very wide cutting width, whereas others are very narrow.
The widest lawn mowers have a cutting width of 60 inches or more and are ideal for larger lawns. A wider cutting width means less journeys back and forth. Just be wary that a wide lawn mower won’t be able to get into any narrow spaces or trim around obstacles – you’ll likely need to also invest in a weed whacker for this.
Narrower lawn mowers are able to get into tighter spaces and are ideal for smaller lawns with lots of obstacles, or gardens with narrow lawn strips. 12 inches tends to be the minimum cutting width of most mowers.
Is the cutting height adjustable?
The most basic lawnmowers have a single fixed cutting height. Others allow you to adjust the height.
Adjustable cutting heights can be useful for giving you more flexibility as to how short to cut your lawn. The option of a higher cutting height could also be useful when tackling more rugged terrain. Make sure to check exactly what cutting heights are available when comparing mower models.
How noisy is it?
Some mowers are noisier than others. As already mentioned, electric mowers are generally the quietest option – between 65 and 85 decibels. Petrol mowers can produce between 85 and 100 decibels – which is enough to cause hearing damage if you regularly use them without ear defenders.
Buying a quieter mower could protect your hearing and could be more considerate to your neighbors. Unfortunately, the quietest mowers tend to be lower powered – they may struggle more on rough terrain and may have a reduced battery charge. This is why it’s important to compare all stats when buying a new mower, so that you’re compromising mowing efficiency for less noise.
