Think about the long summers we have in Australia and the overall pleasant weather that prevails. Now think about your yard and the beautiful grass laying on it. And then, I bet another not so pleasant thought comes to your mind – all the time you’ll need to spend mowing the lawn and maintaining its good looks because oh well, it is summer and one of your favourite things to do is host your loved ones once the sun goes down.
And once you realize that maintaining the lawn will be one of the more frequent tasks around the house during summer time, you’d want to invest in a high-quality machine; one that would make this easier and will be able to help you keep your lawn in a good shape in a minimum amount of time. Now here’s a bit of help to choose a mower that will make maintaining your greenery a breeze all summer long!
1. Decide on a type of lawn mower
There are basically three types of lawn mowers to consider:
- Manual reel mower – it has a cylinder attached to two wheels that simply rotate and cut the grass as it goes as you push it along. One important thing to look for when selecting this model of a lawn mower is the quality of the blades – look for ones that are self-sharpening. Most models come with a collection box so you don’t have to rake up the grass trimming. This lawnmower provides a quality cut and it is also a good way of exercise. However, for larger lawns, it might be too much of work to keep the grass looking neat and tidy with this unit.
- Electrical mower – this is most popular type of mowers in Australia. Electrical lawn mowers are easy, convenient and ideal for most types of gardens. Because the power cord that comes with the unit may restrict the operating area, you will need to get a suitable extension cord to make mowing large areas with trees or other obstructions possible.
- Gas mower – a powerful and versatile mower that doesn’t have cables but it does require higher maintenance. If you have a large garden and don’t want to rely on the length of a cable, it is certainly worth considering a gas mower.
2. Consider the mower’s functionality
Functionality implies what the equipment does in terms of grass cuttings. When cutting the grass, if you want the mower to collect the debris that’s left behind, opt for a lawn mower with a collection box grass. Grass boxes come in a range of sizes and shapes and it is important to consider how much the box holds and if the mower is a compacting mower. A compacting mower uses the airflow generated by the blades to force more grass into the collection box and that squashes it down so you have to empty it less often.
Some mowers, especially the more traditional types, can have grass boxes that are a bit difficult to put on and off the machine. Some modern models on the other hand, come with pop-up grass boxes that are really easy to handle.
3. Select a drive control
The drive system of mowers can be controlled in four ways:
- A lever that you push with your thumb;
- A metal rod that you squeeze against the handle;
- A lever that you squeeze against the handle like a bike hand brake;
- A telescoping handle that you push forward to increase speed or release pressure to decrease speed.
The right drive control for your needs will not only provide enhanced comfort but will also make the mower easier to operate with. If you will be doing a lot of maneuvering with back-and-forth motions to cut around plants, a lever-operated mower is a good option for you. The other mechanisms are recommended for mowing wide-open areas.
