Lawn mower in the garden: how to choose?

To figure out which lawn mower is better, you should identify the necessary device features:

• volume of the collector for grass;
• Will you need equipment with a side discharge option?
• whether it is planned to mulch the soil;
• what working width will be optimal, etc.

Consider the main categories of devices.

Types of Lawn Mowers

The lawn mower is electric, gasoline and mechanical. Each type of model has the best parameters, which help to cope even with incredibly complex areas of grass. You just need to decide which power source is more profitable and convenient.

Electric lawn mower

The best models of such analogues do not weigh very much, they do not need to be refueled regularly. However, garden tools can ideally trim grass only on a flat area. The presence of differences in height, ditches or pits will impede quality processing. The main advantage of the unit is their low noise, maneuverability and environmental friendliness. A number of models are equipped with an overheat protection function.

It is not always convenient to use electric lawn mowers for a summer residence. For example, you can only process vegetation where there is enough wire length. In addition, the unit must not be operated if it rains outside. Such garden tools are designed for small areas with a flat surface, as they are equipped with motors of medium and low power. Their weight is small, so the operation will be comfortable for women, elderly consumers and adolescents.

A number of devices are equipped with a battery for autonomous operation. Such aggregates can become assistants for the processing of small areas, since the charge time for a large area is not enough. The advantage here is the absence of exhaust gases and the need to monitor the power cable.

Gas mower

The technical characteristics of this unit are much higher. The manufacturer’s description indicates that the device has a wide grip (more than 40 cm). However, gasoline appliances are very noisy. The operation of lawn mowers involves the emission of exhaust gases.

During one run, this type of equipment shears about 50 cm of weed. The fuel tank is enough for about 1 hour of continuous operation. Many models include headphones. The weight of this unit is considerable, due to the presence of a large collection of grass. The mowing procedure is more difficult, and the maintenance of gasoline powered vehicles is more troublesome.

Mechanical lawn mower

This is the quietest model that does not need any power sources. The work is due to the efforts of the user without any noise. If the site is constantly looked after, then the use of such equipment will not be difficult.

When the area is not wide, and the terrain is suitable, the acquisition of electrical analogues will be the best solution. Battery lawn mowers are also suitable.

Choosing a lawn mower

For regular maintenance, a lawn mower for the garden is a must. Its use is relevant for urban alleys, parks and personal plots. Of course, you can handle the usual scythe. However, processing large areas with such a tool would be too exhausting.

For a beautiful lawn, the grass should be the same height. The use of a bulky unit can not afford all the owners. In this case, the optimal model is a mechanical lawn mower.

A scythe or trimmer cannot provide uniform processing. The characteristics of such a device allow even a novice to master its use. If the usual mowing takes all day, then the same amount of work will be done in a couple of hours.

Manual lawn mower is positively characterized by customers. The simple design cuts the grass efficiently and evenly. The only difference between the unit is that it requires physical effort to operate. A mechanical lawn mower is great if you need to handle a small lawn.

Comparative characteristics of gasoline and electrical devices

Consider the capabilities of each unit and compare them.

• Moving. The self-propelled lawn mower is designed to handle large areas. Its movement is carried out using a motor, and the user simply directs the unit in the right direction. If the engine only rotates the blades, you must move the device yourself.
• The width of the work surface. The operation of lawn mowers depends on their parameters. For even rectangular or square sections, the optimal model is the one with the maximum cutting width. When processing near shrubs, beds and borders, it is worth taking a closer look at narrower analogues.
• Performance. Powerful lawn mower can easily cope with tall and tough grass. It is necessary for large areas. Using a weaker electrical device will cause the mower to malfunction. The gas appliance will simply stall.
• Security. In terms of safety, both types of units have drawbacks. For a device that runs on fuel, the minus is due to exhaust fumes. The disadvantage of the electrical analogue is the inability to use in wet weather conditions. If you handle the device carelessly, there is a chance of cable damage. Nevertheless, if you follow the instructions, then when using electrical equipment, processing must be carried out in rubber boots.
• Durability. The robotic lawnmower lasts longer. When choosing between metal and plastic, preference should be given to the first type of material, since plastic is less resistant to mechanical damage. However, such a unit needs regular maintenance, which eliminates the occurrence of corrosion.
• Features of operation. The choice of lawn mower should also take into account the mode of operation. Mowed grass can simply be discarded. In this case, additional cleaning is required. Equipping a grass catcher will avoid this. Plastic containers are easier to clean and a fabric bag takes up less space.
• Mulching. The option of grinding the cut grass allows you to evenly cover the cultivated area with natural and high-quality fertilizer.

Undoubtedly, fuel equipment has much more features. It will cope where electrical counterparts cannot.

Rating of gas mowers

Most country house owners dream of a beautiful lawn. The best option that is on sale is a self-propelled gasoline-powered mower. Rating of the best garden units will allow you to understand all the nuances.

Noise

When considering models, it is important to focus on the power level. An increase in this characteristic means that the mower will be more productive.However, such devices emit impressive noise, which becomes a hindrance.

Power

Maximum power level increases the risk of breakage. If, for example, a stone gets into the engine, and the control of jammed blades continues, this will result from deformation of the shaft and breaking of the sleeve, and consequently, the unsuitability of the mechanism.

A lawn mower for tall grass with a maximum power level of 6-7 liters. from. - A very effective tool for domestic use.

Mowing level

To process the countryside, you should choose units with the function of regulating the height of the bevel. Wheel tools may have the option of manual or mechanical shifting. The first option involves performing actions with the engine turned off. In a self-propelled lawnmower wheels are rearranged or levers which correspond to them are regulated. In the second case, a change in height occurs when the unit is turned on by pressing a special lever.

Price

The cost of gasoline tools is different. The brand has a huge impact on her. Obviously, the purchase of a product from a well-known manufacturer guarantees the quality and absence of breakdowns. Among them are trusted companies such as Bosch, Makita, Honda and Husqvarna. The leaders in terms of sales, which are included in the ranking of the best lawn mowers, are the Viking, Craftsman and Stig brands. Their difference from Chinese suppliers is the ubiquity of service centers.

The lower price limit for devices is approximately 12 thousand rubles. The cost depends on the engine size and power, width and mowing area directly.

How to choose a lawn mower for a summer residence?

Choosing a model for use in the country should take into account the criteria by which a review of lawn mowers is compiled:

• A kind of grass. If the vegetation is soft on the plot, then a regular trimmer-lawn mower is suitable for mowing it. For processing tall and strong weeds, it is optimal to use a powerful gasoline appliance.
• Relief. If there are many recesses, bumps and trees on the site, it is worth choosing a trimmer. Fast processing of flat and large areas is ensured by wheel units.
• The size. To work on small lawns do not need a powerful device. A mechanical lawnmower does an excellent job of this. To quickly mow a large amount of grass, a model equipped with wheels is needed.
• Fertilizer. If the soil in the country is mulched, to facilitate the process, it is provided with a grinder. To use grass to feed livestock, a grass catcher is needed.
• Cutting elements. Units can be equipped with various types of knives. They come with two and four blades. The blade moves in a horizontal plane. The length of the cutting parts is directly related to the cutting width. The larger it is, the higher the productivity. The best lawn mowers minimize owner energy consumption due to this parameter.

To obtain warranty service and replacement, you should purchase a tool at specialized points of sale. It is important to remember that you do not need to try to cut all the weeds at a time. Safe mowing means mowing 1/3 of the height of the grass. The lawn does not deteriorate only if this condition is met. Ignoring the recommendation often leads to yellowing of the coverage area.