Lawn mowers: varieties, brands, selection and use

The lawn can look very nice and beautiful. However, a lot depends on how properly they are looked after. An important role here is played by a rational choice of mowing equipment and its competent use.

A lawn mower, as the name suggests, has at least two parts: a body and cutting elements. But in practice, such a simple device is not enough, since the “push” models have long been discontinued. The complete set of parts depends on the type of actuator and on the particular model. A lawn mower device often includes a belt that transfers power from the engine to the wheels.

Some models, however, rely on battery connection. In this case, special terminals are provided for taking current from the battery. Regardless of this, the inductor plays an important role. It is imperative that these coils have reliable electrical insulation. If the mower is equipped with a gasoline engine, then it will definitely include:

• spark plug;
• air filter (ensuring the reliability of the combustion chamber itself);
• piston;
• cylinder (main working part);
• valve assemblies;
• piston rings;
• crankshafts and camshafts;
• connecting rods;
• hydraulic compensators.

There are several types of mowers, each of them has both indisputable advantages and a number of disadvantages that must be taken into account.

The modern electric grass mower is a commonly used device. It is simple, compact and easy to use. This lightweight technique does not boast much power. However, electric devices do not create any harm, no dangerous emissions, which is already excellent. Consumers can choose from both expensive and budget electric mowers. These garden assistants are usually divided into battery and wired (network) options.

Devices with batteries deserve a separate discussion. As for network models, they have a very important advantage over battery-powered devices - low cost. However, when working in hard-to-reach places, extension cords have to be used. Still, the mobility of the devices is severely limited. However, experts point out that such a problem is compensated by the long duration of the continuous haircut.

The presence of propellers allows you to avoid the typical problem of trimmers: you do not need to keep the mower suspended. Some of the wheeled versions are even declared suitable for cutting wet grass. It hardly makes sense to trust such information from manufacturers. After all, even when powered by wire, the danger of electric shock still remains. Electric mowers do not require special maintenance, there is no need to replace spark plugs, engine oil.

Combustion mowers are more mobile than their electric counterparts. However, starting them is somewhat more difficult. Even if an electric ignition system is provided, it still only initiates the start of the gasoline engine. And much depends on the serviceability of this very motor. In addition, any gasoline device has such a serious drawback as the release of pollution into the environment.

Petrol segment lawn mowers deserve special attention. These are non-self-propelled devices attached to tractors and diesel or gasoline motoblocks. Such devices are used to:

• tidy up the local area;
• process virgin soil, preparing it for use;
• prepare hay and put it in bolsters;
• mow crops on small farms.

Having a battery on your device is usually considered a sign of increased mobility. But lawn mowers do things a little differently than mobile phones or laptops. A very capacious battery, despite all the technological advances, cannot be completely light. Therefore, in order to keep the total mass of the device within acceptable limits, the charge is very severely limited. And the current consumption in mowing equipment is quite high.

The significant popularity of battery models is due to the fact that they allow you to do without wires, but they work much quieter than gasoline ones. In modern models, lithium-ion batteries are used more often. Lead energy sources are gradually becoming obsolete due to their bulkiness. Battery lawn mowers include both true mowers and hand trimmers. In most cases, battery technology is not self-propelled. These are carts with 2 or 4 wheels. Four-wheel versions are more common than 2-wheel models. The cutting section of non-self-propelled devices is called a deck, mowing knives are attached to it. Deku can be made from a variety of materials.

An important feature of the cylindrical lawn mower is that it cuts the grass very efficiently and soundly. Even professional landscape designers approve of such devices. Knives are located around the cylinder in a horizontal plane. They will cut the grass as soon as the cylinder starts spinning. An important feature of the device is its suitability for cleaning up a large lawn.

Rotary models are much more common than cylindrical mowers. The reason for this popularity is the low cost of manufacturing the working mechanism. By choosing it, manufacturers minimize costs. The rotary lawnmower uses a disc-shaped blade that fits directly onto the work shaft. The high spinning speed compensates for the partial dullness of the blades, but the quality of the cut of the grass is reduced.

Of course, in this case, an air cushion is not needed for moving in shallow water and going ashore, as is the case with water transport. On the other hand, the mowers equipped with an air cushion are very effective on uneven areas covered with hills and hollows. The engine creates a special jet of air that lifts the device off the surface. Therefore, small obstacles are overcome very successfully and without consequences for the cutting parts. Hover mowers can be either electric or petrol driven.

It is the rider mowers that are very often used when it is necessary to put things in order on a large, densely covered with stubborn grass area. Outwardly, they are more like mini-tractors and have a very high performance. Technically speaking, it really is a combination of a miniature tractor and a carriage lawnmower. But, unlike tractors, the transmission has no steps, and the operator's seat is always very low.

Mowing grass is a fairly simple operation, it can be robotic. This is exactly what many of the leading manufacturers have done. Gradually, the number of robotic lawn mowers is growing, and the prices for these models are decreasing. Almost all existing versions of this kind require the laying of a special boundary cable around the perimeter of the site. The contour of the cable must be continuous, which greatly complicates the matter.

A rare dacha or adjoining territory is devoid of interfering objects. These are trees, and shrubs, and beds, and various kinds of buildings. Rather, the automation recognizes stones and bushes, but flowers are unlikely. And a fall into the pond is quite likely. Therefore, you should not rush to buy a robotic mower - it is better to wait until prices decrease, and engineers improve their products and algorithms.

As mentioned above, most mowers are equipped with 2 or even 4 wheels. But three-wheeled vehicles do not stand idle either. Its important feature is the mobility of the front wheel. Sometimes it can even be rotated around its axis. Therefore, the mower is maneuverable like no other device. With its help, it is convenient to put things in order in a very small area, where other models simply will not unfold.

It is ideal for clearing complex-shaped lawns and mowing "in patches", in corners, for trimming edges, for mowing grass along fences or beds, flower beds. But if you need to mow the grass not on a small, but on a large area, it is much more correct to choose models without a grass catcher. Then you don't have to constantly collect and take out, empty it. Therefore, the work will not be slowed down once again.

But if you have to put things in order in a relatively small area without complex obstacles, it is better to give preference to spindle technology. These are mostly hand-held mowers. Their name is due to the fact that the main working element is the spindle drum. It is imperative that a step-up gearbox is used, which ensures the fastest possible rotation of the shaft. In contact spindle mowers, the spindle is in contact with the lower blade, in non-contact mowers there is a very small gap between them. In the non-contact versions, the height of the cut grass can be adjusted. The most advanced modifications even allow you to set 4-5 height positions.

The next option, which must be taken apart, is the hybrid lawn mower. Such devices combine network and battery modes of operation. Hybrids with electric and gasoline drives do not occur at the same time. It is usually assumed that the main work is done when connected to the network. The finishing and cleaning of hard-to-reach, remote places is usually done with the use of batteries.

Typically, starting only requires pressing one button. But you need to understand that due to the addition of a starter:

• the cost of the device is growing;
• its dimensions are increasing;
• the mower becomes heavier.

Many people who are fond of self-made technology take an engine designed for an ATV for homemade lawn mowers. "DIYers" will have to carefully select the power of the motor and take care of the use of sharp knives. To pick up and even sharpen them is not as easy as it seems. And in any case, the finished structure assembled at the factory will be more functional and more reliable than a self-made device. There is almost no point in home construction, it is simply impossible to save in this way.

The designers think over the mowing on the left in such a way that the so-called dead zone does not appear. Side dumping is optimal for mowing any area, regardless of its area. Both conventional corded and cordless lawnmowers can have similar controls. Many people choose radio-controlled models. Such devices can handle grass very efficiently.

They can be used even in the most difficult areas. For example, on slopes with a steepness of up to 55 degrees. By pressing the buttons on the control panel, the operator can give commands just as accurately as when directly manipulating the handles. It is noted that radio-controlled devices:

• more productive;
• reduce the risk of injury;
• allow you to reduce the cost of plant care by several times.

The dimensions of the devices are also of great importance in practice. The compact mini-mower is suitable mainly for personal backyards and small summer cottages. But on a farm, in a park, and in similar places, she is unlikely to cope. But it is important to understand that even a small lawn mower can be equipped with motors of different powers. The performance of a particular device directly depends on this.

Now is the time to review the products of the American by DDE, which has been working for about half a century. In the line of this manufacturer there are both electric and gasoline models. Good results can be shown DDE LME3109. The designers provided for:

• protection against unintentional start;
• the ability to mow grass directly at obstacles;
• the ability to adjust the mowing height (from 0.02 to 0.06 m);
• electric motor with a power of 0.98 kW.

An alternative can be considered LME3614... This model can clean cut grass using the PCG system. Convenient carrying handles are provided. When the grass catcher is full, a special indicator notifies. The engine power is 1.4 kW, and the total weight of the device is 10.4 kg.

An example of a DDE gasoline product is LM 46-60... The body of this mower is made of steel sheet 0.18 cm thick. The grass will be ejected to the side. A fitting is provided for easy cleaning of the housing. Thanks to the wide wheels, there will be no ruts on the lawn.

If you are not limited to just budget models, then you can pay attention to McCulloch products... To understand the quality: this very brand is one of the famous brands by Husqvarna. Model M53-150AWFP has a cutting width of 0.53 m. Users can choose from three mowing options:

• loading the grass into the collection box;
• with dumping of mown plants;
• with mulching.

The device is equipped with a reliable motor Briggs & Stratton brands with a working volume of a cylinder of 150 cc. cm. The capacity of the gasoline tank is 1.5 liters. The air filter is made of paper. The transmission is equipped with a speed variator. The cutting deck is made of steel and can be set to one of five cutting height positions.

Alternatively, you can consider M40-125... Once again, the designers have provided a motor Briggs & Stratton... The cylinder size is 125 cc. cm. At working speed, the nominal power indicator reaches 1.6 kW. The gasoline tank has a capacity of 0.8 liters.

Those wishing to purchase German lawn mowers, and not imitations, which are credited with Germanic origin, should be given preference Bosch technology... A prime example is Advanced Rotak 760... This lawnmower is advertised as the lowest volume device. The cutting height ranges from 0.02 to 0.08 m in 7 levels. The knife can both cut the grass and collect the foliage encountered.

Hammer - another reputable and respected manufacturer. An excellent choice can be considered a model such as Flex ETK1200. Its main characteristics are as follows:

• power - 1.1 kW;
• grass tank capacity - 30 l;
• processing strip - 0.32 m.

Black & Decker products also deserve attention. For example, the CLM5448PC2-QW cordless mower. Among the advantages of the design, the manufacturer calls the handle with a soft coating. There is also a handle for transportation. The sound volume during operation is no more than 83 dB. The mowing strip is 0.48 m wide and the collector capacity is up to 50 liters.

Wheeled electric lawn mower BEMW471ES-QS manifests itself in no way worse than the previous model. The designers have provided an indication of the filling of the grass-catcher. The internal combustion engine power is 2.2 l / s. The volume of this four-wheel lawnmower is 95 dB.

Japanese decent lawn mowers are presented, above all, Makita brand... From the novelties of this brand, an attractive choice becomes ELM4121... The power of the device is 1.6 kW. Steel deck is provided. The total weight is 14.5 kg. The designers took care of the indication of the grass catcher's fullness and the mulching mode.

Lawn mowers from CMI. This brand is an offshoot from Obi - the one that owns building materials supermarkets. And it is appropriate to start acquaintance with her models with C-ERM-1200/32 3791084... With a power of 1.2 kW, this mower removes grass in strips of 0.32 m. The cuttings are laid in a 30 liter tank. The total weight of the mower is 9.4 kg. The handle can be adjusted individually in height.

If you like gasoline devices more, it will come in handy C / B-RT25 / 38 D1... The mower has a power of 1 l / s and a weight of 5.5 kg. The rotary cutting system and curved bar work very well. But it may turn out to be quite good lawn mower MacAllister... For example, the 125 CC model has, as you might guess, a 125 cc engine. see. The body is made of selected plastic. The mowing strip is 0.46 m wide and the grass is stored in a 55 liter fabric collector.

The self-propelled one also deserves attention. lawn mower MEGA 5650 XQT... This is a rotary gasoline engine with a total capacity of 6 l / s. It is capable of mowing grass in strips of 0.53 m. The capacity of the grass catcher reaches 75 liters. The total weight is 45 kg.

For comparison, consider the characteristics of the MEGA 4120 XAS:

• mowing height - 0.02-0.065 m;
• power 4.5 l / s;
• mowing width - 0.465 m;
• grass accumulator - 50 l.

Of course, technology is also a decent choice. brand "Stavr"... For example, "GKE-1400M". This lawn mower has 3 mowing levels. At idle speed, the car develops 3100 rpm. The grass catcher has a capacity of 20 liters, and the electrical protection class is IP20. The total weight of the device is 8.4 kg and the cutting strip is 0.32 m.

At "GKE-1700" the mowing strip is slightly wider and reaches 0.38 m. At idle speed, the engine easily produces 3300 rpm. The grass is cut with a knife. The grass catcher has a capacity of 35 liters. Important: the length of the network cable is short - only 0.35 m.

Complete the review pertinent to the product by Wolf-Garten... The assortment is very diverse - along with simple electric and gasoline devices, there are also robotic models. Well proven model "А4200" with an engine with a working volume of 140 cc. see Starting the motor only manually.Fuel will come from a 1 liter tank.

There are several criteria for choosing a product.

Perhaps, it is this indicator that is most fundamental and makes it possible to distinguish between professional and amateur models. Very powerful devices will certainly help you clean up faster. However, they are heavier and less agile. And the cumbersomeness of a very powerful lawn mower will please very few people. The most important, however, is not the power itself, but a partly related parameter - the width of the mowing strip.

The larger it is, the sooner it will be possible to complete the improvement of the lawn or the preparation of hay. When the mower mows from 0.3-0.4 m in one pass, it is ideal for an ordinary suburban summer cottage or the area around a private house. But for large areas (at least 10 acres), it is necessary that the grass be mowed in strips of 0.5 m or more. But it is better not to focus on some ready-made proportions, but also take into account the frequency with which the work will be performed, and how much time you can devote to it. For a summer cottage where the grass is mowed once or twice a season, you can do even with a low-power model.

When choosing a mower, attention is also paid to its weight. Do not think that this requirement is relevant only for women, children and the elderly. Even adults and strong men get tired: both at work and when doing housework. Therefore, excess fatigue is categorically contraindicated. Hence the conclusion: the lighter (all other things being equal) the lawn mower, the more practical and convenient it is.

The maximum weight of the home lawn mower is 35 kg. But it is better that it be limited to 30-32 kg. At first, these numbers may not seem very significant to the user. However, everything will become clear later, when the time comes to mow down bushes and trees, to do other difficult work. Important: electric models, all other things being equal, are lighter than gasoline counterparts.

For a medium-sized plot, a bevel width of 0.45 m will suffice.It is worth remembering that each additional centimeter adds both weight and price. As for the mowing height, everything is simple: it should be of interest mainly to professional landscape designers. It is only for them that it is important what the height of the grass remaining after the passage will be. You shouldn't chase a wide variety of height adjustments either - it is unlikely that you will be able to feel the difference by eye.

No matter what the sellers of hovercraft lawn mowers may say, wheeled mowers will be the most popular and convenient option for a long time to come. Systems with exotic propulsion systems will have a purely supporting role. As already mentioned, three-wheel mowers are preferable for work in hard-to-reach places where maneuver is especially important. The rest of the requirements are as follows:

• two-wheeled and four-wheeled models are equivalent, only according to personal taste and you can navigate;
• for frequent driving in open areas, you need to choose models with the same diameter of the front and rear propellers;
• for frequent changes in direction of travel, vehicles with enlarged rear wheels are better suited;
• plastic wheels are chosen when lightness comes first;
• aluminum propellers are needed to balance mass and strength;
• steel wheels allow you to save money and provide the highest strength, but are unnecessarily heavy.

The grass accumulator is only really useful when working in a small space.If the area to be mowed is large, models without a collector perform much better. There will be no need to frequently interrupt work and empty the tank. As for mulching, it can be implemented in both gasoline and electrified lawn mowers. Vegetation shredding solves 3 important tasks at once:

• suppression of the development of weeds;
• more efficient use of the collection box;
• replenishment of the soil and useful plants with the necessary organic substances.

Besides, mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil... In areas of risky farming, where an unstable climate constantly harms people, this is very important. However, with a power of less than 4 liters per second, the chopping function will not be of any use. On the contrary, most of the mower's power will be spent on secondary work. In addition to the decrease in productivity, there will be a noticeable deterioration in the quality of the mowing of the grass.

Having the aeration option is very helpful. In any case, it is practical and allows you to cope with both the lack of air in the soil and weeds. Additional aerators can be used on both gasoline and electric mowers equally. Important: it is not recommended to purchase very cheap mowers in any case - they are still impractical. And such machines are not reliable in principle.

The capacitor must also be mentioned. It is this device that allows you to solve many problems with starting a lawn mower. Usually a capacitor is needed to make a single-phase asynchronous motor work. When connected to a conventional three-phase network, the motor simply will not turn on. Connection can be practiced:

• launcher;
• worker;
• working and starting capacitors together.

The attachments for lawn mowers and trimmers definitely deserve a separate conversation. A special drill will allow you to drill various objects even in the absence of power supply. Cultivators will help to loosen a flower garden, flower bed or garden bed. Loppers work just as efficiently as a hand hacksaw, but they also save energy. Brushes and rollers are designed to sweep the surrounding area. Can also be used:

• running wheels;
• gardening scissors;
• reducers;
• pumps for water;
• support wheels;
• blowers;
• edge cutters.

Almost all experienced farmers know exactly what fuel should be used for lawn mowers. But just in case, it should be borne in mind that only a mixture of gasoline and lubricating oil can be used in two-stroke engines. And what kind of gasoline to take for the mixture depends on the engine parameters. Engine oil is taken from a strictly special sample recommended by the manufacturer. Four-stroke engines are fueled with clean gasoline; it is unacceptable to add oil to it.

It is advised to mow lawns no earlier than the grass reaches a height of 0.12-0.14 m. In summer, it is not recommended to cut the plants too short, otherwise they will dry out. When passing each next strip, the haircut is carried out at an angle to the previous strip. Be sure to check that the knife is thoroughly sharpened. The best time for a haircut is a cloudy but not wet day. Before starting work, you must make sure that the mower is in full working order. Gasoline lawn mowers warm up for 5 to 7 minutes before starting work. The height of the knives in relation to the ground is checked and reset each time before starting work. Do not apply too much force to any part of the mower when mowing. And, of course, it is best to go out on the lawn or on the field early in the morning.

Gasoline lawn mowers refuel very carefully and accurately. This should be done away from places where fuel and other flammable substances are stored. Do not drain or add fuel on the go. This can only be done in a completely cooled engine. There are a few more mandatory rules:

• you can not mow the grass after drinking even a small amount of alcohol;
• at the slightest sign of poor health, it is better to give up work for a while;
• you must do the same if some stress or business does not allow you to fully focus on mowing;
• an electric mower should not be mowed in the rain;
• The petrol lawn mower can only be used in wet weather when absolutely necessary;
• while working on an electrical apparatus, care must be taken that the blades are away from the supply wire;
• regardless of the type of drive, it is better to collect stones and sticks, bottles and broken glass, pieces of brick and thread, and other foreign objects from the site in advance;
• during the work itself, you can only touch the handles and buttons, regulators.

Like any other complex, capricious equipment, it is better to pack the lawn mower in a cover for long-term storage or transportation. The mower blades should be sharpened in accordance with the instructions, otherwise it will be inconvenient to use. When the haircut is over, you need to immediately rinse the knife and wait for it to dry. It is advisable to use anti-corrosion sprays after washing. Even if there are no particular complaints, the blade should be sharpened at the beginning of each season. Having felt the blow, you need to immediately stop work and make sure that the cutting parts are in good condition and that they are securely fastened. The knife is replaced on average every 2 years (or when it has worked for 50 hours). It is better not even to rely on memory, but to have a special notebook for this. Air filters on gasoline engines are changed annually.

Model Oleo-Mac G53TBX ALLROAD EXA4 6607-9102E1A appreciated for the easy launch option. The weight of this product is relatively low. It is also praised for its value for money. The versions also give good marks. PATRIOT PT 1634E 512309224... This lawn mower works simply and neatly without noticeable problems.

The situation with Oleo-Mac G48PE COMFORT PLUS 6613-9060P... The device is well suited for mowing slopes and small spaces. The engine is powerful enough to meet the needs of most consumers. However, users will have to get used to working with an extension cord. Judging by the reviews, the device is not inferior to the leading gasoline models.

For information on how to choose the right lawn mower, see the next video.