Choosing a budget lawn mower
Consider the following points to help you choose the mower that’s right for you:
◾ Where are you cutting?
The size and type of lawn you’re cutting will dictate the mower and features you’ll need. Hand push mowers obviously require more effort than a powered mower, so are really only best for smaller lawns, but they are easier to push if the grass isn’t too long. They also need an even surface for the scissor action of the blades to work well, so your lawn must be fairly bump-free. All mowers with a wider cutting width will cut the lawn quicker than those with a smaller width, as more grass is cut with each pass. However, smaller cutting widths are great for steering around trees and beds and up and down little lawns. A low height of cut will give a sharp, neat look, but if you lack time to mow regularly, a higher height of cut will tackle longer grass. Rear rollers give neat stripes, and a mulching plug will save you emptying clippings but is only worth using if you mow regularly.
Electric mowers require a convenient power point or an extension lead and a cordless mower’s battery run-time must be checked to ensure it matches the size of your lawn. Ideally, a fully charged battery will last long enough for you to finish the job.
◾ Is it easy to use?
Most mowers need the handle attaching and the grass box putting together. Fabric bags are often simpler to construct than plastic box-style collectors and also flatten down, taking up less room in storage. Electric cables can be a safety hazard and if you’re worried about tripping over or cutting the cable look for a brightly coloured lead that’s easy to see. A cable safety clip will also help tuck it out of the way. The cylinder blades on hand push mowers need regular checking and adjusting to ensure a precise cut and although this isn’t difficult, it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re not mechanically minded. Almost all the grass collectors on the hand push mowers failed to catch clippings well, particularly when windy, although front collectors worked best.
◾ Is storage space limited?
If you lack room, see whether the handle folds just once in half or unscrews at the base as well to double-fold flat over the mower. If space is very limited, choose a model light enough to hang up. Check weight and look for a carry handle if you need to lift the mower up and down steps.
◾ What do you get for your money? Almost all mowers come with a grass collector and all the cordless mowers in our test come with the batteries and charger included. These are also interchangeable with other tools in their brand’s cordless systems, saving you money if you invest in other tools in the future. The quality of materials is often relative to the price. Lightweight plastic is unlikely to last as long as a metal deck and brushless motors are more powerful, efficient, and longer lasting. Also check warranty length, which does vary, with some brands also offering a longer warranty if the mower is registered.