Hand
Ye olde of the lawnmower world but still ideal for postage stamp
gardens and along grass pathways.
Obviously better if your garden is relatively flat and the lighter the better.
Cylinder (Hand, Petrol or Electric)
These are most suitable for larger 'one piece' lawns where you want
the grass as short as possible and giving you the striped effect.
Widths are in all sizes. These are the types you see on the Cricket
wickets and Bowling Greens around the country and will give a nice
Wimbledon type finish
Rotary (Petrol or Electric)
A single bladed machine which spins around. Ideal for almost any lawn, especially where you've lots of nooks and crannies.Available with
blades from 12" - 36" (normal would be 18").
They give a nice even finish, can be set at varying heights, but
won't cut as short as the cylinder - good workhorses and very
versatile.
Electric or Petrol
For the smaller one piece lawn right outside your front and back door, an electric mower would probably be the best. Make sure you have an
For the larger area, petrol mowers come into there own. Electric can be quite a chore when you're forever having to protect the cable from being accidentially cut andsave yourself from falling over it. Ensure you have an RCD socket between the lawnmower cable and house socket. This will cut the electricity flow off should you cut the wires.
Overall, petrol would appear to be the winner. There's no cable to sort out before you start cutting and roll up at the end, albeit re-chargable mowers are now available). The only drawback would be storage, where if you haven't a shed, the smell of petrol and engine oil may be a factor.
Also petrol is more easily serviced, when an electric one burns out, you need a new one altogether.
Garden Lawnmowers
Speaking with 5 years experience of cutting grass in my own garden (one hours work) and also doing other peoples, I would always recommend buying brand new, unless someone gives you one for nothing that is.
There are many brands and types on the market, some manufacturers are better for petrol driven and others for electric etc., so compare notes with other people and make sure you read customer reviews on the Internet.
We're also going into the borders of manufacturers designing the 'Boys toys' type of machine, so don't be put off too much by looks, the lawnmower is a workhorse and not a gadget.
The types available are...
Follow manufacturers instructions closely
Make sure, if you buy electric, you have a plug with RCD protection
Wear protective shoes
Service on a regular basis
Maintain your lawnmower and it will last years.
Clean blades after each cut.
Brush off any grass from wheels and clear any pipes.
If petrol, ensure you check the spark plug and engine oils.
Avoid twists in any cables
Petrol Mowers
Self Propelled = Slightly more expensive, it has a 'clutch' and is driven along for you at a set speed (can be tweaked!!!)
Propelled = You push it.
Use your grass cuttings for mulch and compost.
You save money!
Cost effectiveness, saving money, reducing expenditure in the home and at play
