When choosing which lawnmower to buy, you will see most brands advertising a variety of features and benefits of their machines - but what do they really mean? Below explains some of the most common added features, available on the market today.
Grass Collection
Think this is simple? Think again! There are a number of things to consider before purchasing your new lawn mower.
To collect or not to collect – that is the question. Most grass collection boxes are detachable; however some aren’t, so you should check before buying.
If you buy a lawnmower with a built-in collection box, you will need to take into account how often you will need to stop and empty the box when it’s full. This will require additional time if you are cutting large lawns, however it will leave the garden looking better, as there will be no cut grass lying on the ground. Boxes with a larger capacity will help reduce the number of trips you will be required to make to the compost bin, saving you time. However look out for lawnmowers that compact the grass in their collection box, like those in the FLYMO hover range.
Alternatively, if you do not wish to collect the cut grass, some lawn mowers offer what is called mulching action. This is where the lawn mower cuts the grass into much smaller pieces before it’s released back onto the lawn. This allows the grass to break down quicker, ensuring the nutrients enter your lawn faster, helping it stay healthy and green.
Cutting height
Most rotary and hover mowers, allow the user to adjust the cutting height of the lawn mower. One key feature to look for is the number of cutting heights available. Lawn mowers that allow you to adjust the height at which the grass is cut makes the machine suitable to use all year round.
During the spring/autumn and winter months when it’s wetter, you will want to maintain the grass at a longer length. When it’s warmer and dryer during the summer, you will want to cut the grass much shorter. In periods of extreme heat, it’s recommended that you allow the grass to grow longer to protect the soil from the heat and retain moisture. By having adjustable cutting heights you will be able to maintain your lawn better and ensure the grass remains green all year round.
Blade type
There are generally two types of blade that rotary and hover mowers come with; metal or plastic. If you are planning on cutting long or wet grass, metal blades should be used, as plastic blades may struggle to cut through the grass. Metal blades do provide a much sharper and cleaner cut. Plastic blades should be used on shorter dry grass, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on which lawn mower blade to use.
Length of cable
If you have decided to buy an electric mower, you need to think about whether the cable provided will reach from your plug socket to the farthest point in your garden. If not you will need to use an extension cable.