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How to choose a lawn mower ? Guide, advice, models and prices!

Thinking of investing in a lawn mower? Whether it is a first purchase or a replacement, it is important to choose your model according to your terrain, your expectations, your habits and your availability. Faced with the many models present on the market, it is indeed advisable to take these different elements into account; you will be able to choose the ideal model that will allow you to work with comfort, speed, efficiency and ease.

How to choose a lawn mower ? Guide, advice, models and prices!

The key elements to make your choice of mower

To mow your lawn comfortably and without major difficulty, choose the mower that suits your needs, your habits and your land. To do this, consider some key elements:

  • The type of motorization (manual, thermal, electric)
  • Power
  • Advancement (pulled or pushed)
  • The pass width

The different models of lawnmowers

There are several types of lawn mowers on the market.

The manual mower

The manual or hand mower is suitable for gardens with an area not exceeding 200 m². To use it properly, it is important that you are in good shape and ready to do some exercise because its use can be physical and mowing must be done regularly to avoid being overwhelmed. The cutting height is between 12 and 40 mm on average, for a width of 30 to 40 cm.

This model is simple. It consists of two wheels, a handlebar and blades which must be well sharpened so as not to tire you unnecessarily. It can be equipped with a collection box, but this is not systematic. Silent, this mower is ecological and economical for a purchase price between 50 and 150 euros.

The air cushion mower

These models are more rare and are suitable for gardens whose surface does not exceed 500 m². If they guarantee an impeccable and uniform lawn, they are only suitable for quality and straight lawns.

This type of mower follows the contours of the garden without leaving a trace. Its thrust is simple thanks to its lightness and maneuverability. On the other hand, to be effective, the blades must be well sharpened and the grass must not be too long.

The electric mower

If the surface of your garden does not exceed 700 m², the electric mower is ideal. Light, silent, easy to maintain and easy to handle, it works by means of a wire to be plugged in (and therefore an extension cord to cover the entire surface of the pitch) or a Lithium-Ion battery whose autonomy is variable. and you will need to recharge.

Choose your model according to the surface to be mowed:

  • 1000 to 1300 W or 18V-2 Ah for a garden whose area does not exceed 300 m²;
  • 1400 to 1800 W or 36V-3 Ah for a garden whose area does not exceed 700 m².

The cutting width is between 30 and 53 cm, for a height between 15 and 75 mm. Advancement can be push or self-propelled depending on the model. If you choose a corded mower, keep the cord over your shoulder while mowing to avoid cutting it; if you opt for a battery-powered model, make sure you always have one on charge in case of failure. Count between 50 and 250 euros for this model.

The thermal mower or petrol mower

If the surface of your land exceeds 700 m², it is advisable to opt for a thermal model. Robust, efficient and autonomous, they are however noisier than the others and require more maintenance. It is indeed advisable to regularly check the fuel and oil levels, to clean the filter and the spark plug, but also to protect it well in winter after having carried out the oil change.

The choice of model again depends on the area to be mowed:

  • A 1.8 kW or 2.4 hp model is suitable for gardens with an area of ​​up to 900 m²;
  • A 2.2 kW or 3 hp model is suitable for gardens up to 1500 m²;
  • A 2.6 kW or 3.5 hp model is suitable for gardens with an area of ​​up to 2000 m²;

The cutting width of these models varies between 40 and 84 cm, for 15 to 90 mm in height. Advancement can be push or self-propelled. As for starting, it can be manual – by means of a launcher – or electric – by means of a starter. These models cost between 200 and 1000 euros.

The lawn tractor

These models are designed to mow lawn areas larger than 6000 m². Comfortable to use and manoeuvrable, they are self-supporting and drive like a small vehicle. The cut is made on the front or under the seat thanks to a central device. The cutting width varies between 66 and 107 cm, for a height between 30 and 910 mm. The start is electric and the machine can have a collection box.

The robot mower

To maintain your land without getting tired, the robot lawn mower is ideal. He works alone on surfaces of up to 2000 m². On average, it mows up to 500 m² in one hour. The robot detects obstacles and returns to its charging station on its own when its battery reaches its limit.

These handy little contraptions are water resistant and can be locked to prevent theft. On the other hand, they cannot mow land with an inclination of more than 35%. Their cost varies between 700 and 4000 euros.

Make the right choice:features and options

Are you still hesitating? Here are some additional tips to help you decide.

  • If your terrain is uneven, opt for a self-propelled or self-propelled model; you will tire less. If your lawn is flat and small, an electric or push model is sufficient.
  • The cutting width should be proportional to the area of ​​your lawn. For large spaces, a large width will prevent you from multiplying the passages.
  • The cutting height depends on what you want in your garden. Most models achieve a correct classic height. On the other hand, if you want to have an English green (3 cm max height), choose a suitable model.
  • Mulching is the breaking up of mowed grass into very small pieces. The grass is not harvested in a container, it is redeposited in the lawn and nourishes it. On the other hand, this natural fertilizer tends to make the grass grow faster.
  • Disengaging the blade allows you to block it without reaching your mower.
  • The grass catcher collects the grass clippings. Its volume varies from one model to another, but the larger it is, the less you will need to empty it.
  • Starting of thermal models can be manual or electric. The pull-out launcher allows manual starting; it can be physical and difficult for people lacking arm strength or suffering from back pain. The electric starter is simpler and starts in an instant, without effort.
  • The handlebars of some models are foldable and adjustable. This allows the machine to be adjusted and adjusted to the size of the user. In addition, the device takes up less space when stored.