Rotary Lawnmowers

A rotary lawnmower has a single blade which rotates around its central point. It cuts the lawn with a scythe like motion.  Rotary blades take little maintenance when compared to cylinder blades.  Rotary lawnmowers will generally handle uneven lawns as well as longer and rougher grass.  This makes rotary lawnmowers more versatile when compared with cylinder alternatives.  If you have a medium to large size lawn then it is usually recommended to choose a self propelled lawnmower as this requires less strength and exertion

Cylinder Lawnmowers

A cylinder lawnmower has a number of blades housed within a spiral cylinder.  As this cylinder rotates the grass is forced between the spinning blades and the fixed straight cutting blade.  These blades require a little more maintenance than rotary mowers as the blades need to be aligned correctly.  Cylinder lawnmowers tend to give a ‘scissor like’ cut to the grass and this is why they are often used in more formal and luxury gardens. These lawnmowers are suited to flat lawns, if your lawn is bumpy and uneven then you are best to look for a quality rotary mower instead.  However, if you’re looking to get the best possible finish to your lawn then choose a cylinder lawnmower.

Electric Lawnmowers

Electric lawnmowers are extremely popular in today’s market.  They are relatively light and are therefore easier to manoeuvre.  They are much quieter than a petrol lawnmower and need less maintenance.  However these luxuries come at a cost.  Electric lawnmowers will keep you tethered to the power supply so check the length of the cable. Using extension reels will lower the power of the machine.  There is also the danger of cutting through the cable so due care and attention is needed.  Finally whilst being suited to a smaller lawn, electric mowers are generally not as powerful as an equivalent petrol lawnmower.  Most electric machines will not cope with long/wet grass so make sure you keep the lawn cut regularly, or use a strimmer prior to cutting if it has been left to grow too long.

Petrol Lawn Mowers

Petrol lawnmowers benefit from not being tied to a power supply, which is ideal for large gardens.  They tend to be heavier and more expensive than electric lawnmowers but are more powerful therefore making mowing the lawn and easier experience.  A strong arm is often needed as many petrol mowers use a pull cord start.  There are models which offer an electric start, but expect to pay a premium for this.  If the lawnmower you need is heavy then look for a model that is self propelled.  Simple engine maintenance is needed on petrol lawnmowers to keep them running at their best.  If you feel your unable to do this then get your machine serviced by a professional.