I will try to educate you about lawn mowers and tell you everything you should know before buying them, how to use them and what to do after buying anyway, choosing the best lawn mower, that’s not that easy as it sounds. There are a lot of things you should know before purchasing a lawnmower. Also, for a longer lifespan, you should know how to maintain it. All information is here, so let’s begin.
The first and the biggest advantage of a lawnmower – beautiful and healthy lawn. Today lawn mowers have become a part of every house and not only for the house owners in the countryside but also for people who live in the city and have a very small yard. The fresh and green grass is always pleasing to our eyes, and it raises the beauty of the yard.
Who would know that a clean and well-maintained lawn is not good only for decoration, but also it’s good for your health? Yes, health – the smell of freshly cut grass has beneficial effects on physical health, and the green color is great for the psycho-emotional state of a person.
That’s the reason why people, who live in the city are more stressed and more negative compared to people who live in the countryside. Bright colors for brighter life 🙂 And green color relaxes your nerves and is good for the heart also. So mowing and maintaining your grass is not good only for your eyes, but for a lot of things.
The Best Electric Lawn Mowers
1. GreenWorks 25112 12 Amp 20-Inch
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3APrbEx” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]View Product![/su_button]
Great mower for small jobs. Not suitable for hardcore mowing, because the handles will not handle that. Easy to adjust the mowing height. It starts and stops easy, and is quieter than a gas mower. The deck of the mower is metal, not plastic! Very large rear tires, which makes them easy to maneuver. You can also use side-discharge so that you can mulch the grass. With this, you will be happy for at least 4 years.
| Cutting width | 20Â inches (48cm) |
| Cutting height | 1 1/2-Inch to 3 3/4 |
| Item Weight | 56 pounds ( 25Â kg) |
| Warranty | 4 Year Parts & Labor Warranty |
| Wheel size | 10-Inch rear wheels and 7-Inch front wheels |
| Item Dimensions | 18 x 16.13 x 26.88 inches |
| Price? | Check the best price here |
2. EGO Power+ 20-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Lawn Mower
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/2VpHfMM” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]View Product![/su_button]
One of the best cordless mowers in the market. It’s super compact when folded and very easy to use, just press the button, hold the handle and go. And the headlights of the mower look so good. The battery will be good for 40-45 minutes, which is OK and enough for quite big lawns.
You will need to walk faster if you want to mow a bigger lawn :). This mower has a 5-year warranty on all parts and a 3-year warranty on the battery, which is perfect. This mower mows very easily even it’s not self-propelled. And it’s so silent! The battery charges up in 30 minutes. Impressive.
| Cutting width | 20Â inches (48cm) |
| Cutting height | 1-1/2 inch to 4 inch high |
| Item Weight | 65.3 pounds ( 29 kg) |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty on all parts and 3-year warranty on the battery |
| Wheel size | 10-Inch rear wheels and 7-Inch front wheels |
| Item Dimensions | 17.4 x 23.1 x 44.7 inches |
| Price? | Check the best price here |
3. BLACK+DECKER CM1640 40V Lithium 3-in-1 Cordless Mower
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3r22xvQ” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]View Product![/su_button]
Good quality and good price. But you need to know these two things – the grass is not cutting right on level 7 (highest) so remember to put it lower. And the battery is not that good as EGO power. But otherwise – it starts excellent and easy, and it’s very lightweight. If you have a small lawn and not very easy grass, then this mower is for you!
| Cutting width | 20Â inches (48cm) |
| Cutting height | 1-1/2 inch to 4 inch high |
| Item Weight | 55 pounds ( 24Â kg) |
| Warranty | 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty |
| Wheel size | 10-Inch rear wheels and 7-Inch front wheels |
| Item Dimensions | 17.4 x 23.1 x 44.7 inches |
| Price? | Check the best price here |
4. Earthwise 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3e60eCr” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]View Product![/su_button]
From my personal experiences, I have used this one more than the other, and I can say that it’s small, lightweight, and full of power. This mower has a mulching function. It also can discharge grass on the side, mulch it or throw it in the rear bag. With a lever, you can adjust the height very comfortably. And the deck is of steel, very high quality! My favorite.
| Cutting width | 20Â inches (48cm) |
| Cutting height | 1.5″ to 4″ |
| Item Weight | 53 pounds ( 23 kg) |
| Warranty | 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty |
| Wheel size | 7-Inch rear wheels and 5-Inch front wheels |
| Item Dimensions | 52 x 21 x 42 inches |
| Price? | Check the best price here |
The Best Reel Push Lawn Mowers
Even they are very cheap, there is some competition, and some of them are better than others.
1. American Lawn Mower Company Push Mower
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/36vASKe” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]View Product![/su_button]
This model has 4 cutting blades, and it makes it a lot more expensive but cut much better and more even. This reel lawn mower is very simple. It has only 2 bolts! This mower is also good for lawns with some weeds or a little bit of overgrown grass.
Of course, this mower is not for large lawns, but for smaller ones – a must-have tool! It’s light, durable, easy to maneuver. But there is one con – you need to watch bearings because they get rusty pretty fast. I suggest you lubricate them twice per season.
| Cutting width | 14 inches (35cm) |
| Cutting height | 0.5 to 2.25 inches (1.2cm to 5.7cm) |
| Item Weight | 20.9 pounds ( 9.6 kg) |
| Warranty | 2 Year Parts & Labor Warranty |
| Wheel size | 8-inch |
| Item Dimensions | 23.6 x 13.9 x 9.4 inches |
| Price? | Check the best price here |
2. GreenWorks 25052 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3yPTY9U” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#b8ded9″ color=”#000000″ size=”11″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: line-chart” icon_color=”#000000″]View Product![/su_button]
GreenWorks 25052 is a superb reel lawn mower with five blades and a four-year warranty. All that you need. Compared to Husqvarna, this one is more complicated – it requires eight bolts.
This mower also has a grass catcher included, but it’s useless, don’t even bother putting it on. And it’s better to leave grass on the ground because it works as a fertilizer. This mower is not for tall grass, so you will need to cut it regularly. Â For this price, it’s pretty good. It’s not the best, but it does its job, and for this price-quality is excellent.
| Cutting width | 10 inches (34cm) |
| Cutting height | from 1 1/8″ to 2 1/4″ |
| Item Weight | 26 pounds (Â 13 kg) |
| Warranty | 4Â Year Parts & Labor Warranty |
| Wheel size | 10 inch |
| Item Dimensions | 22 x 47 x 29.8 inches |
| Price? | Check the best price here |
3. Great States 415-16 Push Reel Mower
My favorite reel lawnmower. It’s made from metal, not from aluminum or plastic, so it’s super durable. If you buy this, you can forget about blade sharpening or bent holders. Of course, it’s not meant for long grass, but that’s good, you will need to take care of the lawn more often.
Some people have had this mower for 4-5 years, and they did not sharpen a knife even once! Good quality plus good maintenance = long-living mower. Just remember, after each use put WD40 on blades.
| Cutting width | 16Â inches (41cm) |
| Cutting height | from 1/2-inch to 2-3/4-inch |
| Item Weight | 26 pounds (Â 13 kg) |
| Warranty | 1Â Year Parts & Labor Warranty |
| Wheel size | 10-inch ball bearing wheels |
| Item Dimensions | 23.1 x 10.6 x 13.8 inches |
| Price? | Check the best price here |
The quick basics of a lawnmower
A central element of the lawnmower. Mostly it’s made of plastic, steel, or aluminum. Housing material is one of the things that affect the price of the product. That’s why the cheapest lawn mowers have plastic housing. They are not bad, not at all, because:
Plastic housing weight almost nothing They resistant to corrosion (which is unavoidable because of the chemical activity of the grass). Perfect for electric lawn mowers because they don’t conduct electricity if there is a short circuit.
Steel housings are very durable and good for rough mowing but they are heavy, and corrosion loves steel housing. The typical lifetime of steel housings is for 4-5 seasons but depends on how you treat it. If you clean it after every mowing and repaint it time by time, then lifetime depends on the engine. Remember – wash your lawnmower after mowing!
Aluminum housing is the best, but they are expensive. Mostly aluminum housing manufacturer gives a 10-year guarantee. Aluminum housings are durable, resistant to corrosion and weigh less than steel housings. But yes, they are expensive.
Lawnmower engine
There are two types of engines – gas (petrol) and electric. Manual lawn mowers don’t have engines at all, so we will talk about them later.
Electric engine
They are environment-friendly, but cable length limits your mowing area. There are some lawnmowers with a battery inside, but they are few and expensive and I do not suggest buying them unless you need to mow where there is no electricity. If you decide to buy an electric lawn mower, then you should pay attention to the following factors:
- You can only work in dry weather and dry grass
- It’s recommended to wear rubber boots or shoes.
- Remember that if you want to increase cable length, it will also increase the loss of resistance of the cable. As a result, the output electric power may be insufficient for the engine. And in this case, you can damage the engine and the warranty will not cover that. So, before extending the cable, check the maximum length of it.
Always roll cable from extension reel straight and do not leave rolled in. Always straighten it out. Otherwise, you will burn your extension cord.
The best thing about electric engines is that you can work with them at any angle. It means that you can even mow vertically but can’t do that with gas lawnmowers.
Gas(petrol) engine
Best choice for medium to large lawns. To mow 2.5 acres of grass you will need only 5 quarts of petrol. The angle limit for regular mowing must not exceed 30 degrees otherwise you will damage your engine. Gas engines when getting older and if it’s not maintained right, start to leak oil so they are not really environmentally friendly. Also if you live close to other houses, you can forget about mowing grass at 5 a.m. Gas engines are loud.
Lawn mower blades
One of the most important details. Cheap lawn mowers sometimes don’t have well-balanced blades which leads to engine damage and more noise. Also, if you hit a blade on a stone or somewhere else and see a blunt then visit service and fix it, it’s better to pay extra bucks for blade fixing than later changing the whole engine.
Some people are trying to sharpen blades in a garage, but I suggest you bring it to a trusted service because after sharpening it needs to be balanced. And if it’s not balanced there will be an extra vibration in the motor shaft and can lead to shaft damage. Repairing or replacing is more expensive than buying a new lawn mower. For the best experience after buying a lawnmower, bring it to service and ask to check the balance of the blades.
Grass collector
A grass collector is a special container, mounted on the back or the side of the lawnmower. Mostly they are made of synthetic fabric, and they are fabric foldable or plastic non-foldable. Each type has advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic grass collector:
In the plastic grass collector, the grass is compacted more densely, and it’s easier to clean, but they are heavy, and you need to check time by time if it’s full or not. Some collectors have a “window” where you can see if it’s full or not.
Fabric grass collector:
The fabric collector is very light, but the grass is not compressed there, so you will need to clean it more times than a plastic container. There are also fabric collectors with a plastic top and can be up to 90 liters. It means that you can mow grass for a long time without cleaning it. Fabric container is easier to store because they are foldable.
Lawn mower wheels
Cheaper mowers have plastic wheels which are easy to break and the bearings are worn out after 2 seasons. I suggest you choose rubber wheels and the bigger radius of the wheels, the better. Also, you can check if the wheels have closed-type bearings. But wheels are not the main buying choice because they are cheap and easy to repair.
Reel Push Lawn Mower Buying Guide
Reel mower history goes back to 1830 when Edwin Budding invented a lawnmower so they can cut grass on sports grounds. That’s why if you look at old photos or in your grandmother’s stories you can hear about reel mowers. It took “only” 63 years to invent a new type of lawn mower. So reel mower is the father of all lawn mowers. After James Sumner invented the steam lawnmower in 1893 reel mowers did not lose their popularity because that’s what small lawn owners needed. A small, cheap, and easy-to-mow lawnmower.
Reel push lawn mowers are divided into two big groups
For small lawns – the average blade width 13.3inch (34cm). They are perfect for grass not longer than 1.7inch (4.5cm)
Professional – for larger areas. Average blade width – 15inch (40cm). Perfect for grass not longer than 1.9inch (5 cm).
Pros and cons of reel push lawn mowers
Pros:
- The quality of mowing depends on the user – the experienced gardener can mow the lawn very smoothly, leaving a beautiful looking grass but if you are a beginner, you will need to learn but after you learn, nothing can beat reel mower mowed grass quality.
- Reel mowers can cut the grass shorter than rotary mowers, and the shearing action makes a cleaner cut and leaves finer clippings.
- They don’t need fuel or electricity, so they are cheap to use.
- Environmentally friendly – because they don’t need fuel.
- Mowing with a reel lawn mower is good for grass – it grows thicker.
- Mulching – cut sprouts remain on the ground and works as a fertilizer
- They are quiet!
- They are good for your health – you will need to move a lot.
- No oil burnt
- No smoke
- No need for a power cord
- No carbon monoxide
- No shredded wood/plastic/metal
- Stop & it stops
- Light to carry
- Easy to push and maneuver
- Cheap ones are under $80
Cons:
- You need to cut grass more often because reel lawn mowers can’t cut long grass
- You need to get used to it – because if you go too slowly, it will not cut right and if you go too fast, it will also cut badly.
- Not suitable for old, overgrown grass and grass full of weeds.
Getting a Good Cut with a Reel Mower
To get a proper cut, it is crucial to adjust the blade properly. If the blade knife is too close to the blades, it will cause the reel to hang up. If it is too far away from the blade, it will make a ragged cut. Adjustments are made by turning the adjustment bolt or screw, and they are fairly easy to keep adjusted properly.
Different grasses grow differently, so you should experiment to find the best mowing direction and cutting height for your yard. Mowing your grass as early as possible will give you a better cut, and since the mowers are so quiet, you won’t disturb the neighbors.
The Downside of Reel Mowers
If your lawn has grass or weeds over 6 inches tall, the mower will not cut but roll over them. For weedy or overgrown lawns, it’s best to use a rotary mower, then finish up with the reel mower for a cleaner cut. Since they don’t mow tall grass well, you should mow at least once a week.
Mowing with a reel mower takes you longer than a rotary mower. If you have a normal city lot, this shouldn’t be a problem, but if you have a lawn over a half-acre, a rotary mower would be better for you. Cordless electric reel lawn mowers are also a good choice but can be expensive to buy and maintain.
So for a normal sized lawn, a reel mower is a good investment in the health of your lawn and the environment but It’s not equipped with a grass collector, and it’s not good for long grass.
How does it work?
You choose an even area with grass (how obvious) and push it. When you are pushing, the wheels are rotating, and wheel movement is transmitted to the shaft and a horizontal blade which is mounted in front of that. It means – when the wheels are moving, the blade also moves. When the blade moves, it’s cutting the grass. These lawn mowers are cutting excellent, even grass and lawn looks beautiful after mowing!
Using a Reel Lawnmower
Using a reel mower is easy. It does require energy to push, but not much more than a regular gas mower. Push models are about one-quarter to one-third the weight of gas lawnmowers. Although much lighter, they require more physical effort, especially at the beginning. Push reel lawnmowers are ideal for small lawns. Do not try to mow over wet grass, and do not let the grass grow too high, or mowing will be extremely difficult.
How is the yard affected by the use of an eco-friendly mower? With scissor-like blades, push mowers are gentle on the blades, creating clean cuts. As they do not harm a lawn in any way, grass becomes a rich texture, and healthy green color. Also, clippings are recycled back into the lawn, providing valuable nutrients, such as nitrogen.
Although a push lawnmower will require more physical work, the environmental and health benefits are well worth the labor. Cutting grass becomes a form of exercise; strengthen muscles, burn calories, and enjoy the clean, fresh air.
How to choose a reel push lawn mower
For a proper mowing you will need to know these parameters:
- The width and height of mowing. The wider the blade, the more grass you can cut. If you are lawn lover and you can mow often, then you don’t need to choose the height of mowing very high. Some people, who love reel lawn mowers but they are not able to mow too often have two of them – one for long grass and the second for shorter grass.
- Choose the right mower for your grass- there are different blades for different roughness.
- Check the wheel – higher wheels are suitable for a difficult lawn with bumps and rough places. Also, check how they are made, preferably choose wheels with bearings, they will be more expensive, but more durable. If you choose wheels with bearings, remember to lubricate them time by time. Otherwise, they will jam.
- Attachments (can live without them) – for example – is it possible to install grass collector.
The Green Benefits of the Push Lawnmower
Imagine having freshly cut grass, and clean air. Gas mowers have a huge impact on the environment, polluting the air and the earth. According to EPA statistics, they are responsible for as much as five percent of air pollution in the United States. Switching to a push lawnmower, also known as a reel mower, can not only reduce the negative environmental impact, but eliminate it. Try using a hand push mower for an eco-friendly lawn.
Air Pollution from Gas Mower Emissions
Traditional, gas-powered mowers are powerful, effective machines. Their use, however, is more detrimental to the environment than new cars. Industry researchers have found that an average horsepower mower pollutes the air as much as driving a car for one hundred miles.
Mower emissions include carbon monoxide, which poisons the bloodstream and aggravates heart problems, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), which affect respiratory health, and nitrogen oxides, which make breathing difficult and contribute to lung problems.
Before 1995, lawnmower emissions were not regulated. As a result, manufacturers designed mowers based on ease of use and durability, with no concern for the environment. Those strong engines were wasting a significant portion of fuel to the air, contributing to smog.
From twenty-five to thirty percent of gasoline put into a gas mower finds its way into the air. Also, the EPA estimates that seventeen million gallons of gasoline are spilled every year during lawn equipment fueling. This fuel pollutes the earth, groundwater, and the air, through evaporation.
An Eco-Friendly Lawn with Push Lawnmowers
A push lawnmower has absolutely no negative environmental impact. It is not fueled by gasoline, or even run by electricity. A push reel mower is powered by the human body. With initial force and the momentum of walking, the lawnmower blades cut grass with precision. There is no concern over gasoline or oil leaking into the ground or entering the air.
Because of the environmental benefits of switching to push lawnmowers, or even electric models, some states have offered tax benefits for trade-ins of gas mowers. The Sacramento Air Quality Management District has estimated a reduction of 132.9 tons of mower emissions since the inception of their trade-in program in 1997. In Portland, Oregon, 481 mowers were turned in in 1997; with carbon monoxide reductions of 31.3 tons.
Electric Lawn Mower Buying Guide
When the need to replace an old mower becomes unavoidable, there are many options to consider. There are new gas models, of course. Even old-style manual push mowers are purchased and used by some, especially those with smaller yards.
Electric lawn mowers, however, have become an increasingly popular alternative for people concerned about the environment. With zero emissions and no need to make a trip to the local service station for a gallon of gas on a Saturday morning, these machines also offer convenience and more power than they have in the past.
Electric lawn mowers come in different shapes and sizes. Another thing to consider when looking at these is the issue of power cords. Some electric lawnmowers require them, while others use batteries.
For those who may be considering a new lawnmower because of problems with their old one, there are several things to consider that could save them hundreds of dollars. Simple maintenance and repair in the form of oil changes, new spark plugs, and air filters may be all that is required to keep an old lawnmower running another year.
The electric lawn mower is powered by electricity, as the title says. Electric lawn mowers are perfect for flat and clean areas and no more than 10 acres.
There are few types of electric lawn mowers
- Engine power from 300 to 600w and the engine is located at the bottom
- Engine power from 400 to 1500 watts – and the engine is located at the top.
- Self-Propelled Electric lawn mower
- Rotary – powerful 4wheel mower. These kinds of mowers are massive, sometimes even up to 40KG. Rotary lawn mowers mostly are equipped with and additional options – mulching, trimmer, and so on. They have large engines, more than 1600w. It means it will use more electricity, but it can do so much, that it’s worth it.
- Cylinder – Unlike a rotary, this does not use a spinning propeller blade. A cylinder lawn mower uses blades, as same as a manual lawn mower, but electricity powers it. Properly maintained and properly sharpened blades plus cylinder lawn mower and the key to a perfect lawn. Even more perfect than mowing with a gas lawn mower.
- Self-Propelled Electric lawn mower – This mower, as the title says, is moving without pushing it. They are very easy to control, but mostly they are heavy. Great for larger lawns.
- Not self-propelled – This mower you will need to push. They weigh less than self-propelled. You will need an even lawn, if it’s uneven, mower wheels will get stuck in bumps, so you will need to work hard with it. Otherwise, they are easy to carry, store and maintain.
What I like the most about electric mowers is that they are silent (not as quiet as push lawn mowers), and they don’t produce co2, so it means that they are nature-friendly. Also, they are lightweight, so you don’t get tired too soon. Most of the time they are very compact, so they are easy to store and transport.
The only drawback of electricity is that you need a power cord. It means that it limits your mowing area. You need all the time to be careful about the cable, so you don’t roll over it. But if your garden is 65 and smaller, then it’s perfect for you! Remember – as I said at the beginning – don’t try to make the cable longer because you can kill the engine!
Some lawn mowers work on battery, but they can run only 30-40 minutes. So it’s almost impossible to mow all your lawn at one time.
There are two cutting blade types for electric lawn mower
Rotary – powerful 4wheel mower. These kinds of mowers are massive, sometimes even up to 40KG. Rotary lawn mowers mostly are equipped with and additional options – mulching, trimmer, and so on. They have large engines, more than 1600w. It means it will use more electricity, but it can do so much, that it’s worth it.
Cylinder – Unlike a rotary, this does not use spinning propeller blade. A cylinder lawn mower uses blades, as same as a manual lawn mower, but electricity powers it. Properly maintained and properly sharpened blades plus cylinder lawn mower and the key to a perfect lawn. Even more perfect than mowing with a gas lawn mower.
Pros of electric lawn mower
- Environment friendly
- Low noise
- Easy to use and maintain
- Ability to get perfectly flat lawn
- Easy to store and transport
- Can work in all levels and angles
Cons of Electric lawn mower
- Mowing area depends on electricity cable and access.
- Overheating engines (need more breaks)
- Not recommended to work in high humidity
- Can’t mow wet grass
- Cheaper mowers have very low-quality blades
- Lawn needs to be clean to prevent blade deforming
- You need to watch cable all the time
How to choose an electric lawn mower
Electric lawn mowers are quite complicated, but in my opinion, they are better for the average user than gas lawn mowers. So if you want to buy a good lawn mower, you will need to know these things.
To make this process much easier for you, I have prepared this article, and right now I will talk about electric lawnmowers – how to choose, which are the best, and what you should pay attention to before buying.
These kinds of lawn mowers are popular because of their low maintenance and low-cost power supply. Gas lawn mowers need regular maintenance, and you need to have fuel all the time, but for electric mowers it easy – if there is electricity, then it works. But in another hand mowing with an electric lawn mower is more unsafe. As you all know – electricity is not a joke and using an electric mower wrong can lead to injuries or even death.
In the market you can find all kinds of electric lawn mowers, there are even with a battery. And even more, there are some models with a battery who can mow area for 1 hour! I think that’s awesome. And no need to worry about the wires, because you don’t need them. Of course, they are perfect only for areas below 20 acres.
The major benefits of using a mower with a battery are that they do not make noise, so mowing with it is very comfortable for you, your neighbors, and animals.
Things you need to know before choosing an electric lawn mower
- The ability to adjust the height of the blades – this feature allows you to control the height of the grass, which is perfect in areas of various relief – this function will make your lawn look better.
- The built quality and material and the quality of blades. Blade definitely should be of high-quality metal and meant to cut a wide variety of plants.
- Is service for this brand available – can the services in your area sharpen your mower blades or fix other problems? This is very important because you don’t want to spend money and time to send a mower to a different country or the other side of the state. Time is money, and long grass is ugly.
- Cutting width – I prefer medium size ~14inch because too big is bad for small places and too small width will take more time to mow. If you have small walking tracks or other small places, then buy a small width mower, but if you have a big, clean lawn, then the bigger, the better.
- Grass collector – plastic one is good for faster cleaning and mowing, but if you want more capacity, then reconsider fabric grass collector. But remember, sometimes you will need to clean it with a vacuum cleaner.
- Wheels – choosing the wheels are the same as I mentioned above – the wider and bigger – the easier to mow. And don’t go for plastic ones. They will breakfast.
- Also, check the presence and type of wheel bearings – don’t even think about buying a lawn mower that has wheels without bearings. 3 months and they will break.
Corded versus Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers
Electric lawn mowers are:
- Environmentally friendly.
- Quiet.
- Easy to start, stop and restart.
- Easy to maintain and store.
However electric mowers are limited to small gardens, about a quarter acre.
- Corded mowers because of the cord.
- Cordless mowers because of the limited battery capacity (more batteries means more weight). They can usually run 30 to 60 minutes on one charge.
Electric mowers also have limited power and size, 18 or 19-inch cutting decks compared to 22 inches for gas mowers. Thick weeds and overgrown grass will require slow, careful mowing.
- Corded mowers are designed to work with the limited current capacity of household power supplies and power cords. They typically draw 6 to 12 amps at 120 volts.
- Cordless mowers are limited by their batteries. A more powerful motor means a shorter run time.
Homeowners who can work within these limitations will be rewarded with an easy-to-use machine and a pleasant mowing experience.
Corded Electric Lawn Mowers
Corded mowers should use standard electric cords that plug into the mower. This allows easy replacement if the cord is accidentally cut by mowing over the cord.
Some mowers come without a power cord. The owner needs to supply his own. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed when choosing a cord. Thick 12 or 14 gauge cords, with a maximum length of 100 feet, is usually specified.
Using a cord that is too thin or too long
- Is dangerous, possibly causing the cord to overheat.
- Could reduce the life of the motor.
Advantages of corded mowers
- Unlimited run time.
- Light.
Disadvantage
- Electric cord can get in the way, possibly getting run over and cut by the mower.
Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers
The batteries are the main issue with cordless mowers.
Batteries that can be easily swapped by the owner are convenient.
- This allows easy replacement of faulty batteries.
- More than one battery can be kept charged, allowing a larger area to be mowed.
- Batteries that can be charged separately from the mower allow the mower to be kept in an unelectrified shed, with the batteries charged in the house.
If not easily swapped by the user, the batteries should at least be replaceable at a service center. Mowers that do not have replaceable batteries, that need to be junked when the batteries go bad, should be avoided.
Advantages of cordless mowers
- No electric cord to worry about.
- Large lawns can be mowed, if done over a few days, on more than one battery charge.
Disadvantages
- Heavy, not suitable for steep slopes and soft ground.
- Batteries need to be replaced every few years.
- Long recharge time, 10 to 20 hours is common.
Electric Lawn Mower Safety
Electric mowers are quiet and may therefore seem safer than gas mowers but they are still powerful tools with fast-spinning blades. Pulling the mower backward could result in the mower running over the operator’s foot.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has a web page on lawn mower safety.
The mower should have a removable start key, just like an automobile. Keeping the key in a safe place prevents children, and thieves, from using the mower.
Electric Lawn mower power – why is it so important?
I know that in the shop, these 50$ lawn mowers do not look that bad, but the first thing you need to check is what’s inside of the lawn mower, not outside. The power of the lawn mower should be chosen based on the mowing area, grass type, and terrain.
And remember – it’s better to buy one, but higher quality and more expensive, than buy twice and cheap one. The lawn mower power is the key to a better lawn, easier mowing, less money for maintenance, more years of working, less stress for you.
It’s the same as for cars – a 4-liter petrol engine will work much longer and better than 1.4 liters. Also remember to check the electricity in your plug, because if the cable is too thin, it will start to heat up.
How To Increase the Life of Your Lawn Mower
Lawn mowers are getting cheaper and cheaper by the year. Quality and lifespan have declined in step with the price. Even with moderate use a basic ride-on or low-end push mower will rarely operate for more than five years before you will be forced to consign it to the recycler. They are simply not made to last.
Remember the previous generation of lawn mowers when the machine lasted years or decades before giving up the ghost – sometimes long after its owner’s soul had ascended to gardeners’ heaven. The cheaper modern lawn mowers are not really meant to be repaired when they fail. This has made the repairman almost an endangered species and made his services more expensive.
Replace Air Filters for Better Performance
One simple way to make sure a lawnmower is working as efficiently as it should is to replace its air filter. Dirty filters can cause mowers to gasp for air, which is necessary for gas engines to operate properly.
Compared to the cost of a new mower, this can be one of the cheapest ways to make sure a lawnmower does what it was designed to do. Even if a filter cannot be immediately replaced, some can still be cleaned with a brush or compressed air to the point that it will let the mower continue on for time being.
Replace Spark Plugs to Ensure Maximum Efficiency
Spark plugs can get damaged or fouled by many different factors. Old, worn-out or dirty spark plugs can rob a mower of its power or cause it to quit working altogether. Experts suggest that it’s a good idea to replace the plugs in mowers at least once a year.
Stabilize the Mower’s Fuel Supply
Gas can go bad over time. Gasoline that is stored in a lawnmower’s tank for months can degrade to the point where it is unusable. By using fresh gas or adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank before a long storage period, this problem can be avoided. typically, a couple of ounces is sufficient to treat the gallon or so of gas in the average walk-behind lawnmower.
Inspect the Cutting Blade for Sharpness, Cracks and Nicks
Very important: For your safety, disconnect the spark plug before ever turning over a mower or getting near the cutting blade. If this is not done, a blade that is rotated by hand could cause the mower to fire up on its own and injure the person inspecting it. For those who are not willing or able to do this, a small engine repair shop or other lawnmower repair shop is still a better, cheaper option than running out to buy a new mower.
One of the most important things to consider when tuning up or otherwise inspecting an old mower is the condition of the blade. Dull, worn-out, or damaged blades won’t cut as well as a new or well-maintained one. Does the blade have any nicks or cracks? Is it rusted? Is it sharp?
Oil – the Elixir of Lawn Mower Life
Some people will keep the same oil in their lawnmowers for years without ever changing it. But just like the oil in a car, the oil in a lawnmower should be changed due to viscosity breakdown and the buildup of contaminants. When changing the oil in a lawnmower, proper disposal is also an important consideration.
If it bothers you to be continually buying a new mower and contributing to the mounds of waste at your disposal depot there are several steps you can take that will add years of service to your machine.
First, always use fuel that meets the specifications of the manufacturer. If you have a two-cycle (two-stroke) engine when you mix the gas and oil according to the recommended recipe add a couple of extra dollops (a couple of tablespoons) of oil per gallon of gas. This works like vitamins do for the human engine – it increases life span.
Never start a lawn mower without first checking the oil level. Treat this step as you would stretching before undertaking serious exercise like mowing your lawn. If the motor is not properly lubricated it has to work harder and may even seize up. It doesn’t take long for the oil check stage to become a habit. Oil expands as the engine runs so when it’s cold the level should read just below full.
A little lubrication goes a long way. Be sure that the external moving parts on your mower are easy to manipulate. Anything that is stiff that shouldn’t need to be oiled or it will soon break. Modern lawn mowers have many plastic parts. These parts are more fragile than metal ones. And as the plastic ages, it becomes more and more brittle.
Clean the Deck
The deck of a lawn mower – the cover on top of the blades – is made from steel that rusts. You can’t see the rust because it’s forming on the underside of the deck. The top is always nicely painted. The cheapest mowers have decks made from thinner steel than the more expensive ones so they can be eaten up by rust faster.
The underside of mower decks has a particularly rough life. Stones and sticks kicked up by the blades knick the surface and wet grass that stubbornly sticks to the deck provides a perfect environment for rust. When you have finished mowing and shut off the engine it’s a good idea to clean the underside of the deck. A quick scraping with a screwdriver pr putty knife will increase the life of the deck.
Finally, it is worth the effort to ensure that your mower is stowed in a dry place and out of the sun between uses. Sun weakens plastic parts and rain just encourages rust.
These small, quick, and simple steps will add years to your lawn mower’s life and will go a long way to swell your pride in your lawn maintenance.
Lawn mower or a trimmer – which is better for mowing a lawn?
This question has asked many people. I have a place for a house, and it’s located in the countryside. It means, a lot of trees, uneven areas, a pile of sand there, a stack of bricks there, stones in one corner, wood in another. These are the reason why I have difficulties with a lawnmower. So for me the best, cases are trimmer.
It’s also much cheaper than a lawnmower, but the problem with it is that it’s impossible to cut grass even. But as I said above I have this countryside place, and the trimmer is perfect for that because you can get into any place, uneven areas are not a problem, and I can even cut small bushes with it.
Of course, it takes more time to cut grass with it, but going around the piles, stones, and woods is much better than with a lawnmower. Also, if you have a small yard with many smaller gardens and lawnmowers that is too big for walkways, then consider buying a trimmer.
Conclusion
I hope I covered all things you want/need to know. The choice for the best lawn mower should be easier now for you. If you have money, go for cordless lawn mowers, if you are on a budget, buy a manual lawn mower, but if your lawn is uneven and hilly, choose a gas lawn mower. Otherwise, check for some discounts and go for it 🙂
