Whether you are an experienced gardener or a beginner user, this buying guide will help you choose the lawn mower that will suit your garden and your needs. Let's take a closer look.

The first thing you need to keep in mind is that every yard and garden have different needs, so a lawn mower that is suitable for your friend or neighbor may not be ideal for your own garden.

So, starting off, you need to calculate the cutting area of the lawn, either by measuring your steps while walking or by using various modern tools and applications that are now available. Additionally, you need to consider how much time you will have for mowing the lawn, as you may need a mower that covers larger areas and has adjustable cutting height. To ensure that you will buy the best mower for you, you also need to calculate if your yard is sloping or flat, the number of trees or obstacles that may exist, as well as the physical condition of the person who will be primarily involved in mowing the grass.

But how will you choose the right lawn mower for you?

To help you further, we present below the advantages and disadvantages of each type and the points you should pay attention to, so that you do not choose one that will not suit you.

Classic lawn mower

This is the most popular type of lawn mower. The use of a classic lawn mower is recommended for relatively smooth surfaces of continuous grass, which does not exceed a few centimeters in height. An important advantage of these machines is that they provide a uniform result and are relatively easy and comfortable to use.

Lawn tractors 

Lawn tractors have a wider cutting width than standard mowers and can cover a larger area in a short amount of time. They are usually equipped with more power and larger blades, so they cut grass more efficiently. Unlike standard lawn mowers, they offer multiple cutting settings, allowing the cut to be adjusted to the user's needs. In addition, extra attachments such as baskets, etc. can be fitted, while they are made with more durable materials. Their use is recommended for mowing large areas (>800 sq.m).

Robotic lawn mower

The robotic lawn mower is a type of lawn mower that automatically cuts the grass, according to a work schedule you have decided on or a schedule set by the robot mower for you, after calculating the size of the lawn in your garden. Many times they use radio frequencies to communicate with their base and return to a charging point after cutting the grass. 

Most machines of this kind mow the lawn in a random pattern within the work area you have set. Some cut the grass by mowing back and forth in a controlled manner, just as you would with a regular lawn mower.

Under the machine there is usually a rotating disc - either equipped with a blade or with three smaller blades - that cuts the grass. The small cut pieces of grass decompose quickly and become natural fertilizer for your lawn.

The cutting blades in a robotic lawn mower are very light and small, which means that these lawn mowers will not work as efficiently on larger areas of grass. They are designed to cut it slowly and quietly every day or even several times a day and to keep it neat, while they are not intended for intensive or heavy use.

Aerator

A lawn aerator usually refers to a device used on lawns as part of an irrigation system. Its main purpose is to create holes in the soil so that the grass can breathe better and be supplied with water more easily. Soil aeration is important for the health of the lawn or other plants, as it improves air circulation and the absorption of water and nutrients by the plants.

After you decide on the type of lawn mower that suits your needs, focus on your comfort and budget. The more money you invest, the more durable and flexible the machine will be. However, remember to be careful not to spend money on features and functions that a machine intended for a small garden does not need.

Push or self-propelled lawn mower and why?

In a manually pushed lawn mower, you provide the driving power yourself. These machines are best suited for smaller yards, as they require more work to mow the lawn.

Benefits of manual push lawn mowers:

• Push mowers are more economical.
• They require more physical effort.
• They are lighter in weight.
• They require less maintenance.
• They produce less noise compared to self-propelled lawn mowers.

The self-propelled lawn mower has a drive system that moves the mower forward on its own. All you have to do is guide it. Self-propelled mowers usually have a button on the handle to change the mower's speed or disengage the drive system. 

A self-propelled or push lawn mower is a good choice if you have a lawn area larger than 500 sq.m. If the terrain is hilly or sloped, you may prefer a self-propelled lawn mower, without this meaning that their use is not also suitable on other terrains. 

Advantages of self-propelled lawn mowers: 

• Less effort is required for mowing.
• It can help you cut grass faster and on uneven terrain.
• They come with a larger and more powerful engine.

Lawnmower Fuel

The fuel of a lawnmower is another important factor that affects its operation and performance. Let's take a detailed look at the available options.

Hand Push Lawn Mower

The manual lawn mowers are environmentally friendly and require pushing by the user to move. They are suitable for simple and amateur use and usually have low purchase and maintenance costs, while they are easy to handle, as they are quite lightweight. Their disadvantages include the fact that they require more time to mow the lawn, have a high cutting height, and usually do not have a collection bag.

In general, manual lawn mowers are suitable for small gardens and are an ecological and economical choice.

Electric Lawn Mower

Electric lawn mowers have the advantage of quiet, emission-free operation and low usage and maintenance costs. Unlike manual mowers, electric mowers have adjustable cutting height. However, a major disadvantage is that your work depends on the availability of electricity at the site, and you need to keep the power cord with you at all times. In general, they are recommended for amateur use, but with greater requirements than manual mowers, specifically for areas up to 500 sq.m.

Electric lawn mowers are usually lighter and quieter compared to petrol-powered versions. They are also more environmentally friendly.

Battery-powered lawn mower

Battery lawn mowers operate using a rechargeable battery. They are recommended for lawn areas up to 500 sq.m.

As with electric motors, the advantages here are quiet, emission-free operation, low usage and maintenance costs, and the fact that your work does not depend on sockets and cables. Also, in this case too, you can choose the desired cutting height. Its main disadvantage is that your work is directly linked to the battery and its lifespan, since over time and with many uses its performance decreases.

Here, it should be noted that there are many solo lawn mowers on the market, which do not include a battery and charger in the package. In this case, do not forget to get the right battery and charger for your lawn mower. Before making a purchase, make sure that the battery and/or charger you choose is compatible with the mower you selected.

Gas-powered lawn mower

Gasoline lawn mowers are recommended for demanding amateur and professional use. Although their purchase and maintenance costs are relatively high and, compared with other types of lawn mowers, they are noisy, they offer high performance, durability, and mowing the lawn does not take much time. They are fully self-contained, and some of them feature a four-stroke engine. They are considered suitable for use on lawn areas from 100 to 2000 sq.m.

What is a four-stroke engine and what are its advantages/disadvantages in a lawn mower?

This is an internal combustion engine that operates with a circulation of fuel and air in four operating cycles.

Advantages:

• Lawn mowers with four-stroke engines do not require additional oil.
• They consume fuel only once every four strokes, making them a more economical choice.
• They are built to withstand more wear and tear.
• They produce less noise and vibration during operation.
• They are less polluting because they do not require mixing oils or lubricants with the fuel.

Disadvantages:

• Because lawn mowers with four-stroke engines have more components and valves, repairs and maintenance are more expensive.
• Since they get their power only as the piston rotates every four strokes, this design is less powerful than a machine with a similar two-stroke engine.

Also, many of the gasoline-powered lawn mowers feature a Euro 5 four-stroke engine. This is an internal combustion engine that meets Euro 5 exhaust emission standards, a set of regulations that impose stricter limits on vehicle emissions.

These engines are designed to reduce emissions through the use of more efficient combustion systems and fuels. This means that they emit less CO2 and other pollutants into the atmosphere compared with older generations of engines.

The following two tables present a summary of the information you need to consider in order to make your final purchase easily and without any problems.

Cutting Width

The cutting width of a lawn mower indicates the capabilities of the machine. Specifically, the larger the width, the faster the job is completed and the more suitable it is for large areas.

What cutting width should the ideal lawn mower have?

Choose the width of the cutting deck according to the dimensions of the grass area in your garden. More specifically:

• If the width is smaller or equal to 46 centimeters, then it is suitable for areas up to 500 square meters.
• If the width ranges between 47 and 50 centimeters, then it is suitable for areas ranging from 500 square meters to 800 square meters.
• Finally, if it is 51 centimeters and above, then it is recommended for areas larger than 800 square meters.

Additional features you should check before buying

Power: Regarding electric lawn mowers, the appropriate power for areas up to 300 sq.m. ranges from 1000W to 1400W, while for grass areas up to 500 sq.m., it is a good idea to choose a mower with power from 1600W to 2000W. For petrol lawn mowers, we recommend choosing options up to 3hp for home use.

Engine displacement: This refers to petrol lawn mowers and ranges between 125cc – 160cc for home use and from 160cc – 220cc for more demanding amateur use. In general, remember that the more demanding and professional the job is, the more the engine displacement should increase.

Collection bag: The mower you choose should have a collection bag with a capacity of 25 to 30 liters, as the smaller it is, the more often you will need to stop working to empty it.

Instructions for using a lawn mower

To safely and efficiently use a lawn mower, we advise you to follow the following instructions:

• Read the manufacturer's user manual carefully and follow all instructions for starting, using, and maintaining the mower.
• Before using it, check all functions and safety systems, such as brakes and engine operation, or if the battery is fully charged (if it is a battery-powered lawn mower).
• Before use, make sure the grass is dry.
• Get the appropriate clothing and protective equipment.
• Before starting the mower, make sure there are no children, pets, or other objects in its path.

General maintenance tips and instructions

Maintaining a lawn mower is important for its performance and lifespan. The following instructions provide general advice. However, it is important to always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer in the user manual of the mower you purchased.

• Change the oil according to the manufacturer's instructions. Usually, this should be done every 25 operating hours.
• Check all connections and screws and make sure everything is properly tightened.
• Check the engine operation and starting system. If there are any problems, contact a specialized technician.
• Clean or replace the air filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. This should be done regularly, as clean air is important for the proper operation of the mower's engine.
• Clean the mower and inspect the blades for any damage.
• Make sure the cutting settings are correct and adjust them if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I mow my lawn? The frequency of mowing depends on the type of grass, but it is generally recommended to mow the lawn every one to two weeks.
2. How can I maintain my machine in good condition? After each use, clean the bottom part of the machine, check the oil and the blades.
3. How can I store my machine during winter? What you need to remember is to clean the machine thoroughly and disconnect the battery (if there is one) or empty any remaining gasoline from the machine. Store it in a cool, dry place. It is also a good idea to use a protective cover for proper storage.
4. What additional accessories will I need for my personal safety during lawn mowing? You need to remember that choosing the right accessories provides safety and comfort during work. A more affordable machine, accompanied by the appropriate accessories, can provide more comfortable and efficient work compared to a more expensive machine without the proper protective equipment. The basic accessories include a mask or goggles for eye protection, earmuffs for noise reduction, protective helmets, and gloves that protect against vibrations. These accessories are not just optional, but necessary to ensure your safety and comfort during your work.