Choosing a mower
It can mean a big decision in choosing what equipment
to use for your garden. There are hundreds of options to choose from,
and buyers can easily be daunted by the range of products on offer.
Use the guide below to help you decide what equipment is right for your garden.
What is the lawn size?
The main thing to think about when choosing your equipment is the size of your lawn.
- Small lawns are around 39' x 13.5' or 12m x 4m
That's about half the size of a tennis court
- Medium lawns can be 39-78' x 13.5-27' or 12-24m x 4-8m
Around half to one full tennis court in size
- Large lawns are at least 78' x 27' plus or 24m x 8m plus
That's about one tennis court or larger in size
With so many models of mowers available, knowing the size of your lawn - and it's shape, whether there are any slopes, and the type of cut you want - is very important in choosing the right equipment.
Cylinder Mowers
For high-quality finishes use a cylinder mower, also known as a reel mower.
FEATURES
- Smooth surfaces are easy to achieve
- You can even stripe your grass like a posh lawn!
- On some models the cylinder cutter can be replaced with scarifier
- Electricand push models are available from 10"/12" width
- Petrol mowers can reach 24" width
- If the grass is long or wet, or the ground you are mowing is uneven or rough, you should not choose a cylinder mower
POWER
- Push (you push the mower yourself)
- Electric (power is taken from an electricity socket, therefore the mower has a power lead)
- Cordless (electrically driven, but running from batteries - so no lead!)
- Petrol engine (larger cylinder mowers are petrol driven, you can even get keystart models to save starting with a ripcord)
Find a Product: Click here to find electric mowers, or click here for petrol mowers.
Rotary Lawnmowers - 4 Wheels
The ultimate all-rounder. Cuts the grass with a single revolving blade
or
disc with blades
FEATURES
- Can cope with long grass in the spring, but still provides a good finish during the summer
- Suitable for uneven ground
- Can be used with or without grass box
- Variable height of cutting blade adjustment
- Push or self-propelled options
POWER
- Electric (power is taken from an electricity socket, therefore the mower has a power lead)
- Cordless (electrically driven, but running from batteries - so no lead!)
- Petrol engine (mowers are petrol driven, you can even get keystart models to save starting with a ripcord)
Find a Product: Click here to find electric mowers, or click here for petrol mowers.
Rotary Lawnmowers - Rear Roller
As above, but with the advantage of a rear roller instead of two rear
wheels
FEATURES
- Versatile machine, cuts long grass and gives a good finish
- Will give your lawn a striped effect (similar to, but not as good as a cylinder mower)
- Can be used with or without box
- Available from 12" to 21" cut width
- Generally self-propelled only
POWER
- Electric (power is taken from an electricity socket, therefore the mower has a power lead)
- Petrol engine (mowers are petrol driven, you can even get keystart models to save starting with a ripcord)
Find a Product: Click here to find electric mowers, or click here for petrol mowers.
Hover Mowers
Best selling mowers, they cut grass with a single blade, many with grass
collecting
FEATURES
- No wheels, easy to push and control
- Ideal for rough grass
- Available as standard hover (non-box) or as hover collect (with box)
- Ideal on banks or steep areas
- Acceptable finish, not as good as cylinder
- No wheels, so they have to be picked up and carried
- Available from 12" to 19" cut width
- Push only, not self-propelled
POWER
- Electric (power is taken from an electricity socket, therefore the mower has a power lead)
- Petrol (mowers are petrol driven, you can even get keystart models to save starting with a ripcord)
Find a Product: Click here to find electric mowers, or click here for petrol mowers.
Lawntractors & Rideons
For the larger grass areas, enjoy the satisfaction of sitting down to mow
the grass!
FEATURES
- Normally available with mower deck as standard, as well as various attachments
- Will cope with formal lawns or with rough grass
- Choice of collecting systems
- Easy height of cut controls
- Available with standard or hydrostatic transmissions
- Can be fitted with mulching decks
- Electric start for ease of use
Find a Product: Click here for lawntractors and rideon mowers.