How to Choose and Buy a Lawnmower

There are a wide range of lawnmowers available to buy online, to suit a variety of lawns and mowing needs. Here are some useful hints and tips to consider when choosing a lawnmower.

How to Choose and Buy a Lawnmower - Introduction

A lawnmower is an easy to use and convenient machine to keep lawns looking neat and tidy. Over the years, technology and innovation in lawnmower design has led to a range of lawnmowers, including manual lawnmowers and machines that are powered by electricity or petrol, being created for different uses.

How to Choose and Buy a Lawnmower - Types

The first decision that you need to make is to decide on the type of lawnmower that's best for you. This will depend on the size and shape of your lawn, and how much of the work you want to do yourself.

You may prefer the convenience of electric mowers, with no fuel or oil to add and less mess, but petrol mowers are better suited to larger lawns, with no cable to worry about and with the extra power and ease of use for longer grass.

These are the main types of lawnmower:

Cylinder mowers - With scissor action blades, the cylinder mower is ideal for flat lawns, both large and small. Whilst cylinder lawnmowers are less suitable for lawns that are uneven, models that come with a rear roller will give the lawn an appealing striped finish. Cylinder mowers can be electric or petrol powered.
Rotary mowers - Durable and easy to use, rotary lawnmowers use a rotating scythe blade to coarsely chop grass. Because they are wheeled, rotary mowers are easier to push in a straight line. Great for mowing medium to large sized lawns, the wheels also help over uneven surfaces. Rotary mowers with an in-built roller can leave a striped finish to your lawn. Models of rotary mower can be electric or petrol powered.
Hover mowers - The most manoeuvrable type of lawnmower on the market, hover mowers push air downwards via a turbine above spinning blades, and float over the lawn as they mow. Hover mowers are light in order for them to hover, so the cushion of air makes them even easier to move. Powered by electricity, hover mowers are ideal for long and short grass, and for both flat and sloping lawns.
Riding mowers - Looking like a small tractor, the riding mower is one of the most comfortable ways of mowing a lawn. You simply sit on the lawnmower, on a specially designed seat, while the horizontal rotating blades chop the grass underneath as you drive across the lawn. Either electric or petrol powered, riding mowers are more expensive than standard mowers, but are ideal for large lawns.
Robotic mowers - Becoming increasingly popular as a convenient and time-saving way to keep lawns in shape, the robotic lawnmower uses a variety of sensors for the minimum of human interaction. Mostly electric powered, robotic mowers use an incredibly low amount of energy. Robotic lawnmowers can come with a recharging dock, and often feature programmes to detect grass growing speed and rain sensors.

How to Choose and Buy a Lawnmower - Other Points

Most models of lawnmower can be fitted with a grass collector. Dead grass is ideal for compost as it contains many important nutrients for gardening, so don't throw it away!

Before you choose your lawnmower carefully check your lawn for obstacles (as you may need a mower with good manoeuvrability), uneven surfaces, damp areas and steep slopes (a self-propelled mower will be better for going uphill).

Lawnmowers need to be regularly maintained. Read the manual carefully, as keeping the lawnmower in good condition will ensure that it will last for many years.

How to Choose and Buy a Lawnmower - Warranty and Budget

A lawnmower can be an expensive investment, so it's important to make sure you have a warranty that covers you for repairs and, if necessary, a replacement. The longer the warranty for your lawnmower the better, so it may be worthwhile considering paying a bit more to extend the warranty. By browsing the various online retailers, you could find a better type of warranty for the same or similar model of lawnmower.

Think carefully about what type of mower you will need, and avoid paying extra for functions that you aren't likely to use. By shopping around online, comparing prices between different lawnmower retailers and taking advantage of special offers or discounts, you may be able to get a better model of lawnmower for your money.