In this article, we will talk about how to make the right choice for the optimal lawn mower for a summer cottage and garden, what to look for, and also offer our own rating of popular models.
How to choose a lawn mower
First, we recommend deciding on the key technical differences between the models. Usually consumers do not see much difference between the categories presented below, but this will inevitably lead to the wrong choice.
The main types
The following categories of equipment are presented on the Russian market:
Based on the foregoing, we can draw the following conclusion. the lawn mower is the best solution for processing areas that have a flat landscape and simple geometry.
Source of energy
Developers are trying to satisfy the needs of a huge target audience with their individual needs. To perform this task, I had to release a lot of models with different drive options. They are discussed below.
- Electric motor without battery. It is ecologically safe, it is not necessary to constantly purchase fuel and oil, it is characterized by low noise level. The disadvantages are the need to connect to the electrical network, you will have to use an extension cord, and the power remains very limited.
- Electric motor with battery. The advantages are identical to those described above, but have high mobility. If we are talking about robotic lawnmowers, a person will not have to participate in the process. The disadvantages are the same, but to the list mentioned earlier it will be necessary to add a long charge and a limited operating time of the equipment from the battery.
- Petrol engine. It has high performance, designed to operate in harsh conditions, works for a long period of time. Reliability has to be paid for by the constant purchase of fuel and oil, high noise and the need for timely maintenance.
- Without engine, with muscle drive. Despite the complete absence of noise, the minimum price and the absence of restrictions in terms of weather, mowing them with thick or tall grass, alas, will not work.
Drive unit
According to the type of drive, the equipment is also divided into four categories.
- Front wheels They can only be used on a flat lawn. Models with a similar design are characterized by ease of operation, maneuverability when making a turn / turn.
- Rear wheels The rear axle drive provides easy operation on uneven areas with large elevations. Rear-wheel drive is very specific, as the turning radius is significantly increased. To quickly change the trajectory of movement, sometimes you have to stop.
- All wheels. The presence of all-wheel drive allows you to work in any weather, such lawn mowers are easy to raise or lower from the hill. All-wheel drive equipment belongs to the premium segment. Due to the high cost, it is not accessible to everyone. Also, models weigh up to 50 kilograms, which complicates transportation and winter conservation.
- Without drive. Weight averages about 15 kilograms, equipment is characterized by high efficiency. True, it will have to be constantly pushed, and the power leaves much to be desired.
Performance
The equipment is divided into three categories depending on the performance of the power unit.
Low Power Class Lawn Mowers
Electric models deliver power up to 1,500 watts, while gasoline engines. up to two and a half horsepower.
It is a compact solution with minimal weight, which is great for processing a small, even garden lawn with flower beds. True, the cutting width is relatively small. no more than 40 centimeters. To mow the lawn, you have to prepare in advance for a great waste of time and effort. The equipment belonging to the low-power class cannot boast of high functionality in general.
Medium Power Lawn Mowers
The performance of electric models is from 1.5 to 2 kilowatts, gasoline engines from two and a half to six horsepower.
Pay attention to this category if you have to process areas with irregularities and slight slopes of the surface. The equipment easily cuts weeds with a thick stem, significantly reducing the amount of time for cutting. Among the shortcomings, we note the relatively large dimensions and weight, as well as the increased cost against the background of a low-power class.
High Power Class Lawn Mowers
This is a premium equipment where only internal combustion engines act as a drive. Their performance starts at around 6 horsepower.
This is a highly efficient reliable equipment, divided into two categories. professional and semi-professional. To match the level, manufacturers endow their equipment with various functional solutions. There are two drawbacks, and both of them are related to finance. the high cost of both the models themselves and their subsequent after-sales service.
Rating of popular lawn mowers 2019
So, above we examined the main parameters that you need to pay attention to when making a purchase. Now move on to the specifics.
Husqvarna LC 140
Model Husqvarna LC 140 is a practical solution for owners of country houses with a personal plot. Buyers note the simplicity and ease of use.
The 125 cc 2.4-horsepower engine runs smoothly in all conditions. Briggs and Stratton technology fosters this. Grass flies into a soft grass catcher located at the rear of the structure. The tank has a volume of 800 milliliters, which is enough for an hour of intensive use.
The only drawback, according to customers, is the large packaging, which will result in overpayments for delivery from other regions.
CHAMPION LM4215
Wheel lawn mower CHAMPION LM4215 belongs to the budget class. Equipped with a soft grass catcher of 40 liters. It is characterized by a small, as for its class, noise level. 96 dB. Lateral discharge is not provided.
A distinctive advantage of the equipment against competitors is the presence of a separate tank for filling oil. This makes it easier to prepare for the next processing session. As necessary, the user can choose the optimal level of bevel height from five available.
Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the lack of a power regulator, as well as the specificity of maneuvering in cramped conditions.
GARDENA PowerMax 1400/34
The GARDENA PowerMax 1400/34 is another budget-friendly machine equipped with a 1.4 kW electric motor. Grass catcher. hard type. It is located behind, under the handle, behind the wheelbase. Compared with competitors, it has a very low weight. only 9700 grams in a fully complete state.
The manufacturer claims that the cord length is enough to handle a landscape area of 400 square meters. The presence of an electric motor significantly reduced the level of generated noise, bringing it to 79 dB.
Video: Choosing a Lawn Mower For a Small Plot
Oleo-Mac G 48 PK Comfort Plus
The Oleo-Mac G 48 PK Comfort Plus Lawn Mower is professional-grade equipment designed to handle large areas.
The model is equipped with a four-stroke gasoline engine with a volume of 140 cm³. One full tank of 1 liter is enough to process an area of 1400 square meters. Grass enters a soft-type container. Depending on personal preferences and features of the processed landscape, the owner can choose one of six cutting height modes. The total weight of the wheeled lawnmower is 25.4 kilograms.
PATRIOT PT 42 LS
Lawnmower PATRIOT PT 42 LS is one of the best mid-range models on the domestic market.
The curb weight is 27 kilograms. It is justified by the presence of a self-propelled mechanism, thanks to which, the owner does not have to push the equipment.
The soft grass catcher does not absorb unpleasant odors, which makes the model one of the best for country houses and summer cottages. The gas engine has a power of three and a half horsepower.
Hyundai L 4310
The best option from the middle price range is the Hyundai L 4310. This lawn mower copes with terrain processing of any level of complexity. For only 13 thousand, the buyer receives reliable equipment that supports six options for adjusting the cutting height.
The oil and gas tank make it unnecessary for the user to mix fuel and lubricant. The model is compatible with popular mulching nozzles. A fuel tank of one liter is enough to handle more than 1200 square meters of area. The engine has a long service life, therefore, does not require constant maintenance.
BOSCH Rotak 43 LI (0.600.8A4.507)
One of the most successful models from the German manufacturer. BOSCH Rotak 43 LI (0.600.8A4.507) is a professional-class model that does not require service maintenance of the motor and other components.
The grass catcher is hard, has a large volume of 50 liters. Installation of a mulching nozzle is supported. There are six options for cutting height to choose from. The electric motor is powered by an integrated rechargeable battery with a capacity of 4 ampere hours and a voltage of 36 volts.
Standard equipment consists of two rechargeable batteries, each of which is charged for two hours.
Makita PLM4628N
Makita PLM4628N is a self-propelled lawnmower equipped with rear-wheel drive. One full tank is enough to process an area of 1,400 square meters.
Thanks to the use of new technologies, it was possible to reduce motor noise to 87 dB. Grass can be ejected in different directions. not only in the grass catcher, but also backward, to the left or right side.
The power unit from Briggs and Stratton implements all the advanced technological solutions. There is a motor brake. Perhaps this is the best option for the money.
What you need to know when choosing a lawn mower?
To begin with, you should pay attention to the biggest mistake of buyers. they think that any device that cuts grass is called a lawn mower. According to this assumption, it turns out that lawn mowers and mowers are also lawn mowers, although this is not so, because they just mow hay / grass, and the lawn mower performs a complex set of work to care for the lawn.
It is also worth emphasizing another common mistake. many buyers take too multifunctional, expensive and powerful lawn mowers for their small garden plot. This is stupid, because such an aggregate costs a lot of money, and it’s unlikely that you can use all the functions, and then why pay more?
Another tip. choose a lawn mower in an aluminum case, as aluminum is corrosion resistant, quite durable and lightweight.
About the favorite question of customers: “Which lawn mower is better, gasoline or electric?” we’ll talk a little later, and now we’ll analyze a few more important nuances of choosing this device.
Cutting part
Usually, the cutting part of a lawn mower has a two-blade or four-blade knife rotating in a horizontal plane. Therefore, the longer the capture length, the greater the efficiency of the unit, and therefore less human labor.
Grass mowing height
Grass mowing height is a very important indicator to consider when buying a lawn mower. Most models are equipped with a special mechanism that is able to adjust the cutting height. New lawn mowers appear with a central height setting that makes the job easier.
Principle of operation
An ideal lawnmower operation algorithm is as follows: the device mows the grass, then throws it to the right, collecting it in the grass catcher. Next, the cut grass is mulching and is thrown on the lawn in a crushed form. Discarded grass can hold moisture for several days, after which it serves as fertilizer. It is important to know that in no case should you mulch raw grass, as the mower can quickly fail.
Grass catcher types
There are three types of containers for the grass catcher: fabric, hard and plastic.
A fabric container is a very convenient option, as it passes air well, as a result of which a powerful air stream is created, which ensures the discharge of grass.
The advantage of a tough grass catcher is that it is much easier to clean and easier to clean from mowed grass.
A plastic container for a grass catcher is a budget option. It has a huge drawback. it gets clogged with grass, resulting in problems with ventilation and the discharge of grass is difficult.
Lawn mower grass catcher
Based on this, you can easily understand how high-quality a lawn mower is, because the elite manufacturers of such garden equipment do not in any case put a plastic container, as a rule, a fabric container is installed. As for the importance of grass discharge, it can be said that this is one of the main functions of the lawn mower, so if the work is carried out in difficult conditions (for example, if the garden area is filled with tall dense grass), the container will fill up very quickly.
Technical parameters of the lawn mower that you should pay attention to when buying
Lawn mower for summer cottage
Before buying a lawn mower, it is necessary to arm yourself with at least not a large supply of knowledge about the technical part of such an aggregate. To begin with, as mentioned earlier, you should compare the size of the lawn and the amount of work to mow the grass with the characteristics of various lawn mowers, so as not to throw money down the drain due to useless additional functions.
One of the most important technical parameters of the mower is the location of the drive. If the lawn has significant obstacles (fences, flower beds, trees), it is recommended to choose devices with front-wheel drive.
The width and diameter of the wheels also play an important role: the wider the wheels, the less dents they leave in the soil, and the large diameter of the wheels serves to work on uneven lawns with high grass. The expensive elite lawnmowers have bearings in the wheels, with which the mowing process becomes much easier.
Another important parameter is the width of the mower: the larger it is, the more terrain can be processed in less time. However, the disadvantage is the large weight and low maneuverability of the unit, so its use is not recommended in a small area.
Well, the “heart of the lawn mower” is the engine. When buying, do not choose devices with a weak engine, as in bad weather, it does not work stably and harms the general appearance of the lawn, because instead of cutting the knives, they pull out the grass. If the mower is equipped with a powerful engine, there will be no such problems and mowing is allowed not only wet but also hard tall grass.
Which lawn mower is better: gasoline or electric?
Very often, buyers for a long time can not decide between choosing a lawn mower by engine type (gasoline or electric). In fact, if you buy a device from high-quality leading manufacturers, then the wrong option will not fail.
To begin with, we’ll deal with the advantages and disadvantages of an electric lawn mower. It is ideal if your lawn is placed on level ground. If the area has many stones, ditches and other irregularities, the lawn mower quickly breaks down and breaks. Another disadvantage of this type of engine is that the lawn mower will not be able to work during rain or at a large distance from the energy source (since the cable length is not unlimited). The most important drawback is that it is not possible to mow grass continuously for a long time. As for the advantages of the lawn mower, it is, of course, environmental friendliness and noiselessness of the device. Also, unlike gasoline competitors, electrical units are relatively lightweight. recently, a model of an electric lawn mower has appeared on the market of gardening equipment, which is able to work independently.
A gas mower is much better because it does not need stationary power. Since the engine power reaches 6 hp, then the productivity, respectively, is greater than that of an electric lawn mower. The working width of such an aggregate is, on average, 46 cm, which is enough for a large garden. The disadvantages are the following:
- Harmful air emissions
- High noise level
- A large amount of grass catcher, as a result of which the weight of the lawn mower is not small, which means that not everyone can move it.
We also recommend that you read the article on how to choose the right snow blower and tiller for your summer cottage!