Lawn Mowers

Frequently asked questions about Lawnmowers

• How do I choose the right lawnmower for my garden?

  To choose your perfect mower, first, consider the size of your lawn. The bigger it is, the larger your mower should be. A good indicator of this is the size of your grass collection box. If your existing box doesn't get filled, it's likely too big for your space. Some collection boxes also feature a window for convenience. Next, look at the cutting width. A greater width means fewer trips up and down your lawn.Then, you need to pick a power source; electricity or petrol. Electric lawn mowers are suitable for most garden sizes, whereas petrol mowers are better for large gardens because they don't require a cord, unlike most electric mowers. But being more powerful, petrol mowers are also more expensive to run. After choosing the power, it's time to pick your type of lawnmower:

  1. Hover – Designed for small to medium-sized lawns. These mowers are incredibly manoeuvrable and not limited to cutting in straight lines. Hover mowers are generally lightweight and compact, ideal for gardens on an incline or with an irregular shape. They're also the cheapest type of mower available.
  2. Rotary – Designed for medium to large-sized gardens, these wheeled mowers come in a wide range of prices and sizes. They're very versatile, handling tough grasses and weeds with ease. Some models can even create a striped lawn. Please note that rotary mowers can only travel in a straight line and are heavier than hover mowers.
  3. Cylinder – Designed for flat gardens that are medium or large. These mowers feature front cylinder blades for a neater finish than rotary or hover styles. They're perfect for manicured lawns, and some offer a striped finish. But they can't cut long grass, so you'll need to commit to a regular mowing schedule. Just so you know, cylinder mowers are more expensive than rotaries.
  4. Robotic – Designed to take the hassle out of regularly mowing large gardens; just set one up and watch it go. These mowers are automated and can handle inclines and different weathers. But they are more expensive than rotary and hover mowers.
  5. Ride-on – Designed for very large or commercial gardens, ride-on mowers cover lots of ground with ease. They are a considerable investment, and riders must be 16 or over.

• How long do lawnmowers last?

  Lawnmowers should last up to 10 years with proper maintenance and regular use. However, a large lawn may reduce that. Keep the cables, spark plugs, underside, and ventilation slots clean to care for your mower. You should also remove grass and soil from the blade and keep it sharp. Tighten the wheel bolts regularly. And, where possible, store your lawnmower inside – but if need be, it can be stored outside

• How often should you sharpen lawnmower blades?

  Microwaves range from 500 watts to 2,500 watts, and the higher You should sharpen the blades after every 25 hours of use, which is usually several times per year, depending on the size of your lawn. It's essential to keep the blades sharp, otherwise you risk uneven grass, diseases, and damage due to tearing rather than cutting. You should also remove any stones or debris from the lawn before mowing to extend the life of your blades.

• What size mower do I need?

  The larger your garden, the larger your lawnmower should be. The size of the grass collection box and cutting width are great indications of its compatibility. A large cutting width means fewer trips up and down your garden, but bigger mowers are trickier to manoeuvre. If you have a small garden, there's no need to buy a super-powerful mower, as this will cost you more.

  1. For small gardens, hover or compact rotary mowers are ideal. Look for cutting widths up to 34cm.
  2. For medium-sized gardens, rotary, cylinder, robotic and large hover mowers are perfect. Choose one with a cutting width above 30cm.
  3. For large gardens, look for rotary, robotic or ride-on mowers with a cutting width above 36cm.
• Which lawnmower is best for small gardens?

  Electric hover and compact rotary mowers are perfect for small gardens and are cheaper to run than petrol models. Check the size of the grass collection box for an indication of your garden's suitability. You don't need a large cutting width or lots of power, as this will just cost you more.

• What lawnmower makes stripes?

  Lawnmowers with rollers create striped lawns and are found on rotary and certain cylinder mowers. These rollers bend the grass, which reflects light in a different direction, to give the illusion of a darker shade. The further the grass is tilted, the darker the stripe will appear. For the perfect stripes, start with an empty collection box to lower the risk of clogging. Then set your mower to its highest setting. Next, position your mower in the direction you want your stripes to be, mow to the end of your lawn, and then turn 180°. Repeat until you have finished cutting your grass, and then use a strimmer to perfect the edges.

• Can lawnmowers get wet?

  Yes, lawnmowers can get wet, providing they don't get soaked. We don't advise leaving them outside in the rain, but an occasional shower won't cause any damage. We also recommend against mowing a wet lawn, as there is a greater risk of slipping and damaging the grass. However, some robotic lawnmowers can work in all weather.

• Can lawnmowers be left outside?

  Yes, a lawnmower can be left outside in the rain, but we don't recommend doing this as it will reduce the lifespan of your mower. If it must be stored outdoors, invest in a storage box or cover for protection. And as a minimum, keep it elevated for better air circulation and to keep the engine as dry as possible.