Choosing a lawn mower for your dacha: 17 important nuances or buying quality!

Types of lawn mowers

The entire range of mechanized mowers presented today on the domestic market can be divided into three groups: gasoline, electric, mechanical. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Gasoline

Lawn mowers of this type are equipped with an internal combustion engine, the fuel for which is a gasoline-oil mixture. Structurally, this technique consists of:

• a steel body with a wheelbase and a handle on which the controls are located;
• gasoline power plant and the elements necessary for its operation;
• Gearboxes and transmissions;
• fuel tank;
• cutting tool that provides the optimal (for a specific model) bevel width.

Design of a gasoline lawn mower

In addition to the required elements, lawn mowers can be equipped with a grass catcher, a device for chopping or discarding grass to the side. Gasoline lawn mowers are highly efficient. That is why experts recommend using this type of equipment in areas with an area of ​​500 m2 or more.

The power of household representatives of this group is limited to 6 liters. With. More powerful models are for professional use.

Electrical

Electric lawn mowers are characterized by quiet operation and comparatively (compared to gasoline models) low power and productivity. Main design elements:

• steel, aluminum or plastic body with wheelbase;
• electric motor;
• cutting knives;
• a handle with controls that is attached directly to the body;
• power cable.

The electric lawn mower is quiet

Electric mowers can be equipped with a bag for collecting grass, a device for mulching or discarding it. This type of technique is used in small areas, since the size of the treated area directly depends on the length of the electrical cable.

There is a subtype of electric mowers that do not require connection to a stationary power supply system - cordless lawn mowers. When the battery is fully charged, this technique allows you to work in autonomous mode for up to 2 hours. The cost of battery models is significantly higher than their counterparts operating from a household electrical outlet.

Mechanical

This type of mower does not have a power plant and is driven by the operator’s muscular efforts. Rotating, the wheels, with the help of a drive, drive the drum, which captures the grass and directs it to the knives. In such devices, the grass cutting height is adjustable from 10 to 50 mm. Depending on the design of the mechanical mower, the width of the mowing strip can vary from 300 to 450 mm.

This is what a mechanical lawn mower looks like

Advice! Models in this group are ideal for caring for young lawns; they do not require a power source, fuel, or complex maintenance and can work in almost any conditions.

The best models of electric lawn mowers presented on our website

Electric lawn mower Champion EM4216

The Champion EM4216 lawn mower is a productive and reliable unit for garden care. This model copes well with lawns of no more than 12 acres. The tool is equipped with a powerful 1600 W motor, as well as an impressive working width of 42 cm. A distinctive feature of the presented mower is the presence of centralized height adjustment. The minimum cutting height is 20 mm and the maximum is 70 mm. The mown grass is collected in a grass catcher made of polypropylene. The container holds up to 45 liters of grass. The engine consumes little electricity and does not make much noise.

Electric lawn mower Champion EM4118

The Champion EM4118 lawn mower is a device designed for cutting and trimming grass. The device has a single-lever adjustment of the knives, which allows you to quickly change their position to the required height of the stems. The power unit is an 1800 W engine. To put the mower into operation, you need to connect the power cord to a 220V power source.

The grass cut during operation ends up in a plastic grass catcher with a capacity of 50 liters. A special indicator will indicate to the owner when it is time to empty the container. The weight of the model is only 13 kg, which ensures its convenient transportation. The electric motor does not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere and does not require additional maintenance.

Electric lawn mower Gardena PowerMax 1600/37

The Gardena PowerMax 1600/37 lawn mower is a high-quality and convenient tool with an engine power of 1600 W. The unit is capable of mowing both tall and wet grass. The light weight and impressive size of the rear wheels create some maneuverability, allowing you to cut grass close to the edges of the lawn and other obstacles.

With the help of the modern Cut&Collect system, air circulation is improved during operation of the device. The cut grass falls into the grass catcher located between the handle posts. If desired, the container can be easily removed by pulling up. The ErgoTec Plus handle ensures a comfortable hand position.

Electric lawn mower Gardena PowerMax 1800/42

The Gardena PowerMax 1800/42 lawn mower is an ideal device for large lawns. The advanced CnC Plus mowing system will impress with the results. Improved air circulation and a convenient location of the grass catcher ensure efficient collection of grass clippings. The container capacity is 45 liters, which means that the gardener will not have to empty the container too often.

The ergonomic handle supports the natural position of the hands, which makes using the lawn mower as comfortable as possible. The telescopic handle can be resized for compact storage or transport. It is possible to mulch the soil without additional cash costs.

Electric lawn mower Husqvarna LC 141C

The Husqvarna LC 141C lawn mower is an easy-to-use unit that requires virtually no maintenance. The device is ideal for mowing both small areas and large lawns. The model is equipped with a spacious fabric grass catcher with a capacity of 50 liters. The height of the bevel can be easily changed using a special lever. If desired, you can install a BioClip kit designed for mulching on the device. For ease of storage and transportation, the model is equipped with an adjustable handle. Low noise level ensures comfortable work without annoying neighbors and residents.

Types of lawn mowers

Before you start choosing a lawn mower, you should decide on the type of device you need.

Today, three types of lawn mowers are widely represented on the domestic market of garden equipment: manual, wheeled and mower-raiders.

Manual mowers

Manual models or trimmers are equipped with an electric motor or a gasoline power plant. For the most part, this is a mobile, low-power and fairly compact tool designed for cutting grass on uneven surfaces or in hard-to-reach places.

Structurally, the trimmer consists of a power part, a rod with a cutting tool attached to its end, which is protected by a casing. Using a belt, the operator holds the mower in his hands and guides the cutting tool to the desired location.

Advantages:

• ease of operation;
• maneuverability;
• Possibility of use in maximum proximity to plantings and fences.

Flaws:

• need to hold in hands;
• difficulty in creating the same mowing height.

Wheel models

Wheeled lawn mowers are designed for cutting grass in areas with flat terrain and simple geometry.

The design of such equipment requires the presence of a wheelbase on which a power unit or mechanical cutting tool, as well as other elements of the device, are installed.

Advantages:

• the operator does not need to carry the device in his hands. To mow, just push the unit in front of you;
• installations of this type create an even cut of grass, which makes them indispensable for lawn care;
• wheeled mowers are equipped with additional options: a mulching system, a grass collector, etc.

The main disadvantages of wheeled equipment are the inability to work on uneven terrain and the difficulty of mowing near plantings and fences.

Mower Raiders

Raiders are self-propelled models that are distinguished by their highest performance and the ability to cover large areas. The operator does not carry or push the device in front of him, but sits directly in a chair mounted on the body of this machine.

Raiders are multifunctional. In addition to mowing, the unit shreds the grass and “stores” it in a special grass collector installed directly in the body of the device.

Advantages:

• high performance and functionality;
• ease of operation;
• possibility of servicing large areas.

All the disadvantages of wheeled mowers are also inherent in raiders. In addition, such equipment is difficult to maintain and has high initial and operating costs.

The best models of gasoline lawn mowers presented on our website

Self-propelled petrol lawn mower Husqvarna LC 247SP

The Husqvarna LC 247SP lawn mower is a self-propelled machine with an automatic choke. Equipped with a 4-stroke Briggs&Stratton 575EX Series engine with a power of 2100 W, the device is designed for collecting grass on flat garden plots. Simple adjustment of the cutting height makes the device easier to use during intensive work. Easy engine starting thanks to the automatic throttle.

The wheels and deck are made of wear-resistant composite materials. This ensures high cutting performance and excellent maneuverability. The grass catcher capacity is 55 liters. The folding handle makes it easy to store and transport the mower.

Petrol lawn mower Husqvarna LC 551SP

The Husqvarna LC 551SP lawn mower is a lightweight and compact tool with a powerful Kawasaki OHV FJ180 KAI 2900 W engine. Thanks to its high performance, this unit is ideal for frequent use. The mower is equipped with a spacious 1.9-liter fuel tank and rear-wheel drive, which allows it to move at a speed of 4.1 km/h.

The cutting deck is made of aluminum, which means it is not subject to corrosion. A spacious fabric grass catcher increases the operating life of the device. To increase maneuverability, the wheels are equipped with ball bearings. The cutting height can be adjusted in the range of 26-74 mm.

Petrol lawn mower McCulloch M51-150R Classic

The McCulloch M51-150R Classic gasoline lawn mower is a device designed to work over large areas. The durable powder coated housing ensures a long service life of the device. The model has a wide deck and a spacious grass catcher with a capacity of 55 liters. If desired, the mower can mulch rather than collect grass. The single-speed drive allows you to get the job done faster and more efficiently.

Durable, ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip, and hinges make them easy to adjust. You can change the cutting height using the levers on each wheel. Thanks to reliable ball bearings, the operation of the lawn mower becomes smoother.

Petrol lawn mower Champion LM4215

The Champion LM4215 petrol lawn mower is a device with a combined grass collector. The device is designed for cutting grass in small areas. The motor power of the Champion T100 is 1500 W. Light weight and simple design will allow even a fragile woman to operate a lawn mower. The wheels are equipped with durable bearings, making it easier to move the unit on the grass.

During operation, the mown grass ends up in the grass catcher. If desired, mowing and mulching can be done. The model’s comfortable handle has a soft pad that suppresses the mower’s shaking and also prevents the operator’s hands from slipping.

Petrol lawn mower Champion LM4627

The Champion LM4627 petrol lawn mower is designed for mowing grass on areas larger than 800 sq.m. The device is equipped with a four-stroke gasoline engine with a power of 2600 W. The device is capable of operating for a long time in intensive mode. The cutting elements are made of durable material that does not become dull or break over time. The knife consists of two blades, and the high position of the deck allows the device to suck up grass clippings and debris from the lawn. This feature makes lawn cleaning even more effective.

The lawn mower has an optimal cutting width of 46 cm, which allows it to work in areas planted with trees and shrubs. To set the cutting height, you only need to use one lever. A wide range of functions distinguishes this model from its analogues.

Basic criteria for choosing lawn mowers

How to choose the right lawn mower for your dacha? The only way to make a competent purchase of such gardening equipment is to choose the lawn mower you need according to the parameters.

The main parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing this technique include:

• power;
• type of drive;
• principle of operation;
• performance;
• dimensions and weight.

In addition, you should take into account the type of grass, the area of ​​the area being processed, the terrain, the design of the knives, the material of the body and wheels.

Advice! Depending on the type of device chosen, you should always pay attention to the availability of additional functions, optional features, maintainability, maintenance, cost and manufacturer of lawn mowers.

Power

This parameter affects the speed of processing the area. The more powerful the device, the easier it will be for it to cope with the thick stems of dense and tall forbs. As a rule, the cost of a mower is directly dependent on the power of the device.

Gasoline engine is more powerful than electric engine

Gasoline models are much more powerful and louder than their electric counterparts:

• The power of the simplest gasoline models varies at around 2.5 liters. With;
• medium power models - from 2.5 to 6 liters. With;
• high-power devices - from 6 l. With.

Household models of mowers can handle the processing of a summer cottage quite well. For gasoline engines this parameter is 5-6 liters. With.

How to choose an electric lawn mower for your dacha based on power? As for electric models, they are conventionally classified as low-power (up to 1.5 kW); medium power devices (from 1.5 to 2.2 kW). Each group has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are shown in the table.

type of drive

Wheeled non-self-propelled mower models, as a rule, are not equipped with a drive. The operator simply pushes the device in front of him. That is why such equipment is equipped with a relatively small and low-power motor.

Advantages of cordless mowers:

• relatively low cost;
• small (up to 15 kg) weight.

Flaws:

• low power;
• requires operator effort to move.

Self-propelled models can be rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. For ease of understanding, we have compiled a table of the advantages and disadvantages inherent in each type of drive.

Operating principle

Almost all wheeled lawn mowers use one of two cutting tool designs: drum or rotary type.

Another extremely rare type of mower is presented on the domestic market - hovercraft gardening equipment. These units belong to the wheelless type of equipment and have both a lot of advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages of such units: high maneuverability and maneuverability, the ability to work on any terrain.

The disadvantage can be considered the high cost and meager range of models.

Air Cushion Lawn Mower

Performance

This parameter is directly dependent on the power of the mower. More power means more productivity.

Advice! To care for large areas, you should choose gasoline models of lawn mowers; for small areas, electric and manual ones.

Dimensions and weight

Electric models are small in size and weight, quite maneuverable and easy to operate. Even older people can use electric mowers, which cannot be said about gasoline-powered gardening equipment.

In other words, when choosing, always consider who will be using the device.

Type of lawn grass

For young lawns with soft surfaces, electric equipment is suitable.

You should choose gasoline mowers if you have to work with tall and tough grass or forbs with tough stems.

Lawn area

1. Small areas can be trimmed with electric low-power trimmers, small hand-held and wheeled mowers;
2. Lawns with an area of ​​more than five acres are best entrusted to a more powerful wheeled model with an internal combustion engine;
3. If you have to work on a plot of more than a hectare, then a mower-raider would be the ideal choice.

Mower width and lawn area

Terrain

Operating conditions also influence the choice of gardening equipment:

1. It is better to mow areas with uneven terrain using hand mowers with a drum cutting mechanism;
2. For a smooth lawn, wheeled equipment with a rotary cutting mechanism is perfect.

Knife type

Modern lawn mowers can be equipped with several types of blades:

1. The lawn trimmer is a single-sided, wide blade made of high-strength steel that not only cuts the grass, but also creates an air flow to throw it aside. For each model, a cutting tool of a strictly defined length is selected, which is indicated in the technical specifications for the equipment;
2. A mulching knife not only cuts grass, but also chops it up. Mulching kits fit specific mower models;
3. Universal knives have come into use, since finding a knife for a specific model can be extremely difficult. The design feature of such a tool is the variability of attachment to the mower, which makes it possible to safely use it on many models at once;
4. The cord is used in gasoline and electric models of trimmers for cutting soft surfaces. The required trimmer line (cord) differs in thickness and shape, which is stated in the documentation for the device.

The mulching blade also shreds the grass

For information! For mowing tough and tall grass, three- or four-sided blade knives with one-sided sharpening are installed on the mower.

Housing material

Before making a decision on choosing a particular mower model, you should pay attention to the material of the body to which all the main elements of the device are attached:

• plastic is a lightweight and economical material that can withstand minor mechanical loads and light impacts. Not used on powerful devices designed to operate in harsh conditions;
• aluminum is a lightweight, fairly durable, corrosion-resistant material that can be used on both household and professional equipment;
• steel is a fairly common hull material that is used on heavy equipment designed to work in harsh conditions. When choosing equipment with a steel body, always pay attention to the quality of the anti-corrosion coating.

Lawnmower with plastic body Lawnmower with aluminum body Lawnmower with steel body

Wheel size and material

Professionals say that a good lawn mower cannot be equipped with small-diameter plastic wheels.

Large wheels on bearings are durable, reliable and make it easy to move equipment around the site, even with difficult terrain.

Trimmer

Trimmers are portable devices for cutting grass. The main manufacturers are Bosch, Stihl, Triton and others. With the help of such devices, you can maintain grass at the required height, mow stems along paths and in narrow passages, remove thickets and cut plants near fences.

They are inexpensive when compared to an electric lawn mower. Convenient and easy to use.

To start using it, it is necessary to put the device on the body of the worker and secure it with belts. The engine starts after the trimmer head is brought to the grass.

To protect against impacts against foreign elements and the ejection of sticks, a protective housing is installed that covers almost half of the cutting part.

Today two types of devices are in demand:

1. Electric - powered by 220 V. They are easy to use, make little noise, come with an adjustable handle and have an affordable price. Disadvantages: the need to connect a wire and limited action.
2. Rechargeable - operates from a power source. Such models are suitable for improving lawns in areas where there is no electrical network. Pros: noiselessness, lightness, no space restrictions, fast charging. Disadvantages: limited energy supply, high price.

When choosing a trimmer, the following parameters are taken into account:

1. Power. For household use, an electric device with a rating of 250-700 W is suitable. Utilities are choosing higher power products from 900 to 1800 watts.
2. Cutting width. When used on continuous lawns, trimmers with a cutting width of 30 to 42 cm are suitable. When processing small areas in a country house or near a multi-storey building, 25-27 cm is sufficient.
3. Weight. The ease of use and ability to work for a long time depend on the weight of the device. The weight of an electric trimmer ranges from 1.5 to 9 kg. When purchasing for a summer residence, models up to 5 kg are suitable. If there is no household network, the weight of the device increases to 7-9 kilograms.
4. Revolutions. The effectiveness of the trimmer depends on the number of revolutions. In low-power products, this parameter is up to 7,000 rpm. This is enough to treat country lawns. For frequent use, it is recommended to prefer professional models with a speed of 7,500 rpm or more.
5. Line diameter. This parameter ranges from 1.4 to 3.3 m. Products with a fishing line diameter of up to 2 mm are suitable for household purposes. When mowing thick grass and processing overgrown areas, models with thicker line from 2.4 to 3.3 mm are required.
6. Type of fastener. Trimmers are fixed on a person using one or two belts. The second type guarantees greater operator comfort and is suitable for long periods of work.
7. Cutting system. The device uses “hard” knives (plastic, metal) or a soft cutting element (fishing line). The first type is suitable for processing overgrown areas with grass with thick stems. Line trimmers are the best option for lumpy surfaces and areas near edges. Such knives are not afraid of hitting foreign objects.
8. Comfortable to hold. The indicator depends on the number and shape of the handles and the ability to balance the device. Models with a cross frame and two powerful handles are suitable for long-term work. An important point is the location of the motor. If it is located at the bottom, this increases the load on the operator, who will be able to work for several hours. If the motor is at the top, your back gets less tired.
9. Battery capacity. For devices with batteries, an important parameter is the battery capacity. It is measured in A/h. On average, 1 A/h lasts for 15 minutes. In this case, charging requires 45 minutes (three times longer).

When choosing a trimmer, like an electric lawn mower, you need to take into account the scope of its application and financial capabilities.

Additional functionality

Modern gardening equipment is equipped with a fairly rich functionality, which in some cases is necessary, and in others it is completely useless. However, the number of features is directly proportional to the cost of the device. Let's look at the most common functions of mowers.

Mulching

Mulching is the function of chopping the mown grass. This composition is a good fertilizer for lawns. However, if the grass is wet, then the crushed mass will lie unevenly on the lawn. The operator will need additional effort to distribute it over the surface of the area.

Container for collecting grass

A grass catcher is a special device into which the mown grass falls. In modern technology, two types of construction are used:

• plastic boxes are most often installed on budget models. Such a container is easy to clean, but the mown mass often blocks the ventilation holes, making aeration difficult. As a result, the operator has to stop the mowing process and clean the container. The volume of plastic grass catchers rarely exceeds 35 liters;
• fabric bags do not have such problems, as they are made of rigid, breathable material. The volume of the fabric container for collecting grass reaches 90 liters.

Plastic grass catcher Fabric grass catcher

Drive unit

Depending on the model and design of the lawn mower, one or two drives may be installed on it.

In the first case, the power unit drives only the knives. Such models require operator effort to move around the site.

In the second option, the engine rotates the knives and wheels. Thanks to two drives, the operator does not need to push the device, but only direct it in the desired direction.

Front-wheel drive self-propelled mowers are characterized by good maneuverability. Rear-wheel drive allows the vehicle to overcome uneven terrain, but makes turning while moving a rather difficult maneuver.

Front-wheel drive lawn mower offers good maneuverability

checkpoint

Typically, a gearbox is a sign of an expensive model. The presence of a gearbox greatly simplifies the movement of the mower around the site and increases the speed of its processing.

Advice! It is advisable to purchase gardening equipment equipped with a gearbox if you have to work on large areas.

Grass ejection direction

During lawn maintenance, grass clippings may become shredded, fall into the grass catcher, or be thrown to the side or back.

When choosing a device, you should take into account the position of the operator when moving across the lawn. If the operator operates the mower from the side of it, then preference should be given to models with rear discharge. If the operator pushes the mower from behind, it is with side discharge.

Side discharge lawnmower Rear discharge model

Additional options and features

There are minor, but also noteworthy parameters of lawn mowers. These include:

1. Mulching function. When crushed, the mown grass is evenly distributed over the lawn and fertilizes the soil.
2. Case material. A plastic body makes the mower lighter and more maneuverable, but a metal unit will last much longer.
3. Smooth ride. In budget models, this parameter is provided by plastic bushings, and in more expensive ones, by high-quality bearings.
4. Starting system. Cheap lawn mowers are equipped with a manual starting system. Expensive models have a Self Starter function, which starts the engine at the touch of a button.
5. Folding handles. The option allows you to change the dimensions of the device for convenient storage. No additional tools are required to fold the mechanism.
6. Knife drive. Many models are equipped with direct drive, i.e. connecting the knife directly to the motor. There is no belt drive here. This design is quite reliable and easy to use.

Before deciding which electric lawn mower to choose, you need to pay attention to the characteristics of the wheels. Models can be either two-wheeled, three- or four-wheeled. The size of the wheels affects the maneuverability - the wider they are, the better the mower moves over uneven lawns.

Safety and Maintenance

The operating principle of the mower is associated with the rotation of the blades at high speeds.

When choosing the most suitable model, first of all, pay attention to the quality of the knives. They must be well sharpened and free from mechanical damage, cracks and chips.

In addition, the lawn mower must have protection. If it is a wheeled model, then the protection is the deck itself (the bell-shaped body of the mower). If portable models (trimmers) are used, then protection should always be installed on the devices. Stones, branches and small children's toys can get under the knives, which can cause injury to the operator, and the knives themselves can change the geometry and cause damage to the device.

In electric models, you should pay attention to the quality and length of the cable. Do not work in rain or dew. If moisture gets into the electrical part, it can cause damage to the mower and injury to the operator.

Gasoline models produce a lot of noise and emit combustion products into the air. The operator should not neglect personal protective equipment (respirator, headphones).

The operator must use protective equipment

Attention! The basis for safe operation of a lawn mower is compliance with safety precautions and timely maintenance.

In gasoline models, maintenance is reduced to inspecting the device, checking the quality of fastening of the knives, checking the oil and fuel levels before starting work. Electric models require virtually no maintenance, except for inspection and cleaning of dirt.

Cutting height adjustment

This function is necessary if the operator has to process an area with uneven terrain or there is a need to mow lawns with different heights and quality of grass cover.

General parameters to consider in both cases

1. The deck is a structural element that covers the knives. The deeper it is, the better: when a strong air flow is formed, all the grass is collected in the grass catcher and does not fall apart. The aluminum deck has proven itself best; it is rust-resistant and more durable.
2. Types of grass discharge - most models are equipped with rear discharge (mown grass falls under the feet of the person operating the equipment), side discharge is also possible (useful when processing roadsides). In addition, grass may accumulate in the grass catcher or be mulched.
3. Grass catcher – thanks to the presence of a grass catcher, there is no need to collect grass from the area after mowing. Instead, you only need to empty the container occasionally while treating your lawn. The grass catcher can be plastic or made of durable fabric (mesh). It’s easier to clean a plastic container, but you can immediately see from the bag if it’s full.
4. Cutting width – the wider the width, the faster you can cut the grass. This indicator depends on the engine power. The average is 40-50 cm.
5. Cutting height – the ability to adjust the height of the lawn after mowing. The higher the wheels, the more operating modes. The minimum height is 0-110 mm. If you need a lawn mower for long grass, you should make sure that the cutting height can be adjusted from 7 to 150 mm.
6. Mulching is chopping the grass cut with a mower and then throwing it onto the lawn for the purpose of feeding, but it should be clarified that a high-quality mulching system can only be obtained from soft and completely dry grass. In addition, an excess of such fertilizer can interfere with the growth of the lawn.

Lawn mower rating

Almost all possible criteria for choosing a good mower were discussed above. However, the information cannot be called exhaustive without saying a few words about the manufacturers (brands) of lawn mowers that most of our compatriots trust.

So which lawn mower should you choose? Today, experts recommend products from the following manufacturers: Makita, Husqvarna, Al-ko, Champion, Stiga, Viking, Bosch and Hitachi.

Budget models

Below are the most popular budget models.

Mid-price lawn mowers

Premium mowers

Cutting height

Cutting height is a parameter that indicates the distance between the ground and the top of the grass after the lawn has been treated. There is no universal value for bevel height. The indicator is regulated independently. You can do this in three ways:

1. Change the position of the axis in the deck to the desired hole.
2. Increase or decrease the wheel height using a lever or button.
3. With a central adjustment that allows you to raise all the wheels at once.

The last method is considered the most convenient. However, lawn mowers with central adjustment are a little more expensive. If the lawn is mowed no more than twice a week, then it is better not to overpay and get by with the first two methods of adjusting the mowing height.

Tips for choosing

As a result, let’s combine the main criteria for choosing a good lawn mower:

• area, relief of the site. The rational choice of type (gasoline, electric, mechanical mower) and power of the device depends on this information;
• type and frequency of grass mowing. This data will help in determining the type of device, the required design of the cutting mechanism of the device;
• operator. The choice of device based on weight and size parameters directly depends on who will use the device;
• functional. The presence of additional functions simplifies the use of the device, but also significantly increases its cost. Determine which functions will be in demand by you, and do not overpay for unnecessary capabilities of the equipment;
• budget. The choice of mower manufacturer depends on the amount allocated for the purchase.

And lastly: do not pay attention to advertising, assurances from marketers and manufacturers. When choosing a lawn mower for your dacha, be guided by the main criteria listed in this publication, the technical characteristics of the equipment and reviews of real owners.

Video on how to choose a lawn mower

Which brand to choose a lawn mower

Instead of answering the question of which lawn mower company to choose, we will give a rating of the most popular and sought-after manufacturers that have proven themselves well in terms of price and quality:

• AL-KO
• Bosch
• Hyundai
• Makita

In 2021, these companies released the most successful models of lawn mowers: affordable, high-quality, functional. It is recommended to choose the model that is optimal in terms of parameters among the range of manufacturers presented in the rating.

What parameters are decisive?

There are situations when, when choosing an electric lawn mower, one or more parameters have to be sacrificed for the sake of others .
For example, if you need the lightest possible model, you will have to sacrifice either motor power or working width; in the first case, the device will not cope well with thick or tall grass, in the second its performance will decrease.

If there is a power limitation, you will either have to accept the impossibility or inefficiency of mowing tall, thick grass and take a mower with the maximum available working width, or accept a drop in performance for the sake of being able to mow thick, tall grass and take a model with a minimum working width.

Riders and mini tractors

They can be classified as professional-class equipment for grass mowing and lawn care. They are appropriate for areas of 0.5 hectares or more - in park areas, stadiums, gently sloping banks of reservoirs and other places where working with a regular lawn mower would be very tedious.

Riders and mini tractors differ in the location of the mowing unit - for the tractor it is located at the bottom, between the front and rear wheels, and for the rider it is in the front part. In addition to the mowing unit, a number of other equipment can be connected to the power take-off shaft of these machines, which allows them to be considered a fairly universal piece of equipment for which lawn care is only part of the scope of use.

For large areas

To mow large areas, you need a gasoline lawn mower that combines:

• powerful engine;
• wide grip;
• wheel drive;
• all types of grass discarding.

Moreover, mini-tractors and riders are best suited for this.

After all, sitting on a self-propelled unit and controlling it using the steering wheel and pedals is much easier than following it across the field, especially if small holes or irregularities are hidden under a layer of grass.

Therefore, we have prepared links to the most productive self-propelled models, as well as mini-tractors and riders.

a detailed description of each device , including its approximate cost, on the manufacturer’s or seller’s website, which you can access by following the link:

1. MTD WCM 84 E is a four-wheeled self-propelled vehicle with a derated (and therefore very reliable) 6.5 hp engine. s., working width 84 cm and piano front wheels.
2. DAEWOO DLM 6000SV is a four-wheel lawn mower and is equipped with an economical 7 hp engine. pp., working width 58 cm.
3. MTD SMART RC 125 is a mini garden tractor with a 12.5 hp engine. pp., cutting width 76 cm and maximum cutting height 95 mm.
4. McCulloch M165-97T is a mini tractor with a 12 hp engine. s., mowing width 107 cm, maximum mowing height 102 mm, the speed of movement is changed using a variator, which is controlled through a special pedal.
5. MasterYard CR2242 22 hp – lawn mower with 22 hp engine. pp., a working width of 102 mm, a maximum cutting height of 80 mm and the ability to install mulching equipment (not included in the standard package).
6. Husqvarna R 316T AWD.

Manufacturer

Another criterion that allows you to choose an electric lawn mower of good quality and with a long service life is the manufacturer of the device. To purchase the most functional and reliable model, you should look for products from the brands Bosch, Oleo-Mac, AL-KO or Gardena. Such equipment will last longer, and finding a service center to service it will be easier.

You can find a lawn mower of good quality in the budget segment, up to 10,000 rubles. One of them is the Makita DLM380Z model with a 620 W electric motor. However, its area of ​​service is small - only 270 square meters. m. This means that the buyer of the mower will have to make a compromise between its performance, costs and reliability.

Reviews

According to consumers and in accordance with the professional opinion of specialists, the preferred mower models are those produced by well-established manufacturers:

• Makita;
• Al-co;
• Нusqvarna;
• Champion;
• Viking;
• Stigа;
• Hitachi;
• Bosch.

The most expensive option will be powerful and high-performance, universal for all types of landscapes and work in any weather - all-wheel drive lawn mowers.

The best option for a small dacha would be to purchase a medium-power unit with a cutting height regulator, a fabric grass catcher, and an additional mulching function.

Container for collecting grass

Almost any modern model of lawn mower is equipped with a grass catcher - a container into which the mowed grass is collected. It can be hard or soft. The first type is stronger and more durable, requiring almost no maintenance - but adjusting the degree of filling is more difficult. Soft grass catchers will have to be washed periodically, and they last less - but the amount of grass filling such a bag is noticeable even while the mower is running.

Tank capacity matters when servicing large areas. In a small area, you will have to empty the grass catcher no more than 1-3 times during mowing. If it is necessary to mulch the grass, the bag or tank for it can be removed and worked without it.

Comparison table of the best lawn mowers