Choose the best for your lawn

CHOOSE THE RIGHT MOWER FOR YOUR LAWN: Above, a robotic lawnmower. These mowers cut the lawn automatically, and return to their charging stations when they need to recharge. File picture

If there’s one thing homeowners take pride in, it is a well-kept lawn. When a lawn is well manicured and in good condition, it can provide an aesthetically pleasing finish that even the most reluctant gardener will be proud of. This guide from Mitre10 is going to look at the different types of lawnmowers available, as well as what you need to consider when choosing the best lawnmower for your yard . . .

If you’ve got a lawn, then you’ll need a lawnmower. There are a lot of different mowers available — here is a rundown on each different type so you can choose the right one. There are also some safety tips, and useful information on how to use it properly.

How to choose

• The main thing that’ll influence your decision is how big your lawn is. If you’ve got a big lawn, and your mower is going to be running for a longer period of time you might need something that’s a little more powerful. But if you’ve just got a small area, you can get away with a smaller mower.

• Another consideration is how hilly your section is — as there are some models that are self-propelled, which can be handy in these situations.

• Think about how many obstacles you have, like garden beds, trees, or trampolines. Lots of obstacles may eliminate the corded options for you.

• Some models are also mulching mowers, which means you don’t have to collect the clippings. Instead, the grass gets cut up nice and fine, and fed back into your grass — which is great fertiliser for your lawn. They require a plug in the back, to keep the grass in.

• The body can be made from steel, aluminium, or plastic. Aluminium is best in damp conditions, or if you’re in a coastal area — as a steel body may rust.

• Steel is by far the tougher material, and can handle the odd large rock.

• Plastic is lighter, and won’t corrode.

• Consider the width of the body. A wider body gives a wider cutting width, which means you’ll mow your lawn faster.

• Make sure the wheels are sturdy.

• A wash hole makes cleaning easier.

• Generally a plastic catcher is preferable, as a mesh one can blow dust through it onto you.

Types of mowers available:

Hand mower

• Suitable for very small lawns.

• They’re a cheap form of exercise and eco-friendly, because you’re not using petrol or power.

• Not suited for large or sloping lawns.

Petrol mower

• Available in different CC ratings — generally the higher the CCs the bigger the engine, and the longer it can run for. So if you have a smaller lawn, a smaller one will do, and vice versa for a bigger lawn.

• Runs on petrol, and also requires oil.

• Starts with a pull cord.

• Mulching options available

• Some models are self-propelled, which makes the job a little easier.

• Petrol mowers also require regular maintenance to keep them in top shape.

Electric mower

• Suitable for smaller obstacle-free areas.

• Available in different power ratings, or Watts — the higher the wattage, the more powerful the mower will be.

• Easy to start.

• Mulching options are available.

Battery powered mower

• These are gaining in popularity because the batteries available are quite powerful.

• Limited by the amount of time the battery will last, so make sure they are fully charged.

• Battery power can vary, so look at the AH, or Amp Hour, rating. The higher the AH, the longer it will last. And the higher the voltage, the more powerful it will be.

• Very quiet.

• Little maintenance required.

• Cheaper to run.

• Easy to start.

• Some models are self-propelled, making the mowing easier.

Robotic mower

• These mowers cut the lawn automatically, and return to their charging stations when they need to recharge.

• They can be programmed when to cut.

• Quiet operation.

• A boundary wire is installed around the perimeter of the garden, which guides the robot lawnmower where to cut the lawn.

Safety gear

• Ear protection, eye protection, and non-skid footwear should be worn.

• Use a Residual-Current Device (RCD) if you’re using a plug-in electric model.

Proper use

• Clear your lawn of any mess, cabbage tree leaves, branches, or toys before mowing.

• Trim edges first, and trim any long overgrown grass.

• Ensure the battery is charged, or it has petrol and oil.

• Make sure the blades are sharp, and replace them if necessary. Blunt blades give a ragged cut.

• Adjust the mowing height. The higher you can cut your grass is better, as keeping it higher stops the sunlight getting to any weeds, which stops them from growing.

• As a rule — never cut more than a third of your grass off in one go, as it can stress the grass.

• Cut your grass regularly to help thicken it up.

• Vary the direction you cut the lawn. Alternating the mowing pattern promotes upright, even growth.

• Push the mower across a slope rather than up and down, this’ll stop you losing control of the mower.

• If you need more petrol, stop the mower before filling it up.

• Generally in summer you’ll mow your lawn once a fortnight, and once a month in winter.

• Give the mower a good clean after every use.

• If you’re doing any maintenance underneath the mower, like changing blades, or giving it a clean — always remove the battery, unplug it, or disconnect the spark plug lead on petrol mowers.

— Courtesy of Mitre10