Buyers Guide To Choose A Lawn Mower

What you should look for when buying a lawn mower for your backyard and the pros and cons of different types of mowers. Lawn mowers are available in an ever expanding selection, but there are a few things that will determine what mower you should buy. The size of your garden, ongoing costs, ease of use, and environmental and safety concerns are all things to consider when you're looking at lawn mowers.

Features to consider

Ignition system
A major consideration when buying a mower is how easy it is to start. Electric mowers are relatively hassle free - a simple switch - however petrol mowers have a variety of mechanisms with different claims to ease of use. The most common and traditional type is a ripcord which pulls the motor into life. This can be back-breaking and frustrating on some models, however moving the cord up the handlebar can be even more awkward.

Always test the ignition yourself before you buy to make sure you'll have no problems starting the motor yourself

Blades
Look for blades made from a strong material such as hardened steel. They will cut cleaner and last longer. Also, look for a mower with a four-blade system, to ensure it can cut through thicker grass.

The width of the cutting area is important. A good petrol mower will be able to cut right to the edge of the unit, but electric mowers generally have a smaller 'cutting deck' - the circle within which the blades spin. This means it takes longer to mow the lawn, and there's more twisting and turning involved.

Collection Bag
A catcher is often not standard equipment on a mower, but if you want to avoid having to rake up the grass, you'll want one. Look for one with properly located handles that make it easy to detach, hoist up, and empty into a bin.

Mulch Mower
Some mowers are able to process cut grass into a mulch that is then spread over your lawn. This is a great option that lets you nourish your grass while you mow it.

Cutting height
The more height settings, the more freedom you'll have to work with rough terrain and patchy or regenerating grass. Electric mowers generally have less flexibility and are harder to raise and lower than petrol models. Test out the adjustment for yourself, and see if it's easy to do before you buy.

Handles
Handles should not be underestimated. Height-adjustable handles allow for better comfort, but at a minimum your handles should be able to fold over for more compact storage. Upswept handles have a curve in them to allow for better ergonomics and easier pushing.