Our Guide to Choosing the Best Type of Mower for Your Lawn

 

The lawn is often the centrepiece of a garden, requiring regular care to stay lush and healthy. A great lawnmower makes maintaining it easy and efficient. However, with so many different models available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

This guide simplifies the process by helping you understand the different types of lawnmowers, their power options, and key features to consider. Whether you have a small patch of grass or acres of land, we’ll help you determine what type of lawnmower you need to keep your garden in tip-top condition.

How to Choose a Lawn Mower?

Lawnmowers come in various styles, each with its own advantages. If you’re wondering how to choose a lawn mower, your decision should be based on the size of your lawn, the type of grass you have, and the level of precision you require.

We’ll begin by considering the different ways lawnmowers can be powered. We’ll then examine various types of conventional mowers, ride-on mowers and robotic mowers, before rounding things off by explaining how to select a lawn mower based on lawn size and other important factors.

Choosing the Right Power Source

The power source of your lawnmower affects its ease of use, maintenance requirements, and environmental impact. Let’s explore the different options.

Choosing an Electric Lawn Mower (Including Cordless)

Electric lawnmowers, available in both corded and cordless varieties, are a convenient option for small to medium-sized gardens. If you’re wondering how to choose an electric lawn mower, consider whether you prefer the continuous power of a corded model or the freedom of a battery-powered option.

Battery-powered mowers offer greater mobility without being tethered to a power source. However, you’ll need to consider battery life and charging times.

Petrol Mowers

For those with larger gardens or tougher grass, petrol mowers provide a powerful solution. These machines do not rely on electrical cords or batteries, making them highly flexible. If you’re choosing a lawn mower for durability and performance, petrol models are a strong contender.

Types of Conventional Lawnmowers

If you’re wondering what sort of lawn mower do I need, consider these popular options:

Rotary Mowers

Rotary mowers have a single horizontal blade that rotates at high speed. They are ideal for a variety of lawn conditions and can handle uneven ground with ease. If you’re choosing a lawnmower for versatility, this is a great option.

Cylinder Mowers

Cylinder mowers use a set of cylindrical blades that cut against a fixed bottom blade, providing a clean and precise cut. They are best for flat surfaces and finer grass.

Hover Mowers

Hover mowers are lightweight and designed to glide on a cushion of air, making them highly manoeuvrable. If you’re wondering what type of mower do I need for sloped or uneven terrain, a hover mower is ideal.

Self-Propelled vs. Push Mowers

Self-propelled mowers move forwards on their own, while push mowers offer more control but require physical effort on your behalf.

Manual Push Mowers

Manual push mowers require no fuel or electricity, making them an environmentally sustainable option. They are quiet, easy to maintain, and ideal for small lawns.

Rear Rollers for Lawn Stripes

If you love the look of classic striped lawns, opt for a mower with a rear roller. These rollers press the grass in different directions as you mow, creating a beautifully defined striped effect.

Choosing a Riding Lawn Mower

If your property is large enough to warrant a ride-on mower, it’s important to understand the different types available. Here’s how to choose a riding lawn mower:

Lawn Tractors

Lawn tractors are powerful machines with cutting decks between 42 – 54 inches wide. They are well-suited to large properties and provide efficient mowing over broad areas. If you’re wondering what size riding mower do I need, consider the size of your lawn and the width of the mower deck.

Rear-Engine Riding Mowers

Rear-engine riding mowers are more compact than lawn tractors, typically with cutting decks of 30-33 inches. If you’re choosing the right riding lawn mower, this option is perfect for mid-sized lawns.

Zero-Turn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers offer exceptional manoeuvrability. Their wide cutting decks (32-60 inches) and ability to turn on the spot allow for quick and efficient mowing, even in complex garden layouts.

Robotic Mowers

Robot lawn mowers come in two main types: wired and GPS-enabled. If you’re thinking about how to choose a good lawn mower that requires minimal effort, robotic mowers could be the solution.

Wired Robotic Mowers

Wired robotic mowers operate using a perimeter wire that keeps them within a designated area.

GPS Robotic Mowers

GPS models use virtual boundaries, eliminating the need for physical wires. These are the easiest type of robomows to install.

Selecting a Lawn Mower Based on Lawn Size and Features

Small Lawns

For compact gardens, a hover mower, small electric mower, or manual push mower should suffice. Choosing an electric lawn mower or robotic mower is also a great option for easy maintenance.

Medium Lawns

For medium-sized lawns, a battery-powered, petrol rotary mower or robomow offers a balance of power and convenience.

Large Lawns

For expansive lawns, a petrol-powered mower, ride-on mower, or commercial robotic mower is the best choice. If you’re asking what size lawn mower do I need, larger decks and higher power engines are recommended.

Additional Features to Consider

How to Choose Lawn Mower Blades

Blade type can impact how efficiently your mower cuts grass. If you need to maintain a well-manicured lawn, sharp, high-quality blades are essential.

Cutting Width and Height Adjustments

A wider cutting width allows for faster mowing, especially on large lawns. Adjustable cutting height settings provide versatility, letting you change the length of your grass to suit different seasons.

Grass Collection Options

Many mowers offer different ways to manage grass clippings:

• Mulching mowers finely chop clippings and distribute them back onto the lawn.
• Bagging mowers collect grass clippings in a rear or side bag.
• Side discharge mowers expel clippings back onto the lawn for natural decomposition.

Britain’s Best Range of Lawnmowers for Sale

Here, at Garden Machinery Direct, we stock an unbeatable range of lawnmowers for sale. This includes conventional, ride-on and robotic mowers, all brought to you by the world’s leading lawnmower manufacturers.

Should you have any questions about any of these models, please don’t hesitate to contact our Garden Machinery Experts, who will be delighted to assist you in any way they can.