How to Choose a Lawn Mower

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Aktualizováno

The lawn mower is an indispensable helper in any garden. But choosing the right one may not be easy. There are several types of lawn mowers that differ in drive, size and function. We will advise you on how to choose the mower that is ideal for your needs and what to look out for so that mowing is efficient and comfortable at the same time.

How to choose a mower - CONTENTS

Tips for choosing a lawn mower

  1. The best lawn mower for large gardens is a gas lawn mower, alternatively an electric lawn mower which is more suitable for small gardens.
  2. If you don't want to deal with petrol, choose an electric lawn mower for easier maintenance.
  3. If you don't want to disturb your neighbours, consider a quiet cordless mower. They can be charged even at night and have a relatively long life.
  4. The cylinder mower is the best for the English lawn. It works easily and is gentle on the lawn.
  5. Robotic lawnmowers are suitable even for small gardens. They are fully autonomous and you don't need to worry about mowing your lawn anymore.
  6. A string trimmer is the best choice for sidewalks and hard-to-reach places in the garden.
Zahradní sekačka
Benzínová sekačka

Petrol Mowers

  • Suitable for gardens larger than 1 000 m2
  • Extended mower type
  • Many performance options

Petrol mowers are powerful and can easily mow a large garden with dense vegetation. Thanks to the unlimited movement, they are the best lawn mowers for large gardens. They usually also have a collection bin, so you don't have to empty the load too often. However, they are relatively noisy, heavy and they pollute the surrounding air. The need to refuel can also be considered a disadvantage. It costs a lot of money and you have to drive to the gas station to get it.

Advantages and Disadvantages
  • They are powerful
  • Many models are self-propelled for easier manipulation
  • They don't depend on local energy sources
  • They are heavy with a full tank
  • Need to refuel
  • They pollute the surrounding
  • They are noisy

What is important when choosing a petrol mower?

Engine power

Engine performance is an important aspect when choosing a petrol mower. It's range is usually:

  • 1 500–2 250 W – such mowers are ideal for gardens up to 1000 m2.
  • 2 250–3 000 W – they can handle an area of about 1 750 m2 even with a dense vegetation.
  • 3,000 W and higher - such mowers can easily handle densely overgrown large lawns.

Cutting width

The cutting width tells us how wide strip of lawn the mower can cut at once. For petrol mowers, it ranges from 40 to 56 cm .

Cutting height

The more cutting height adjustment options the mower has, the better. It usually ranges from 2 to 7 cm.

Weight and volume of the collection basket

The weight and volume of the collection basket will tell you how strenuous the work with the mower will be.

  • The weight is around 30 to 40 kg.
  • The volume of the collection basket is usually from 40 to 80 liters .

You won't have to empty the load too often, but once it's full, it will be heavy and hard to handle. If you have a large garden and you are physically fit, choose a mower with a larger basket. If you will use the lawn mower for a smaller area or it will be often used by a woman, we recommend a petrol lawn mower with a smaller collection bin.

Useful tips

These tips can make the work easier. They will also help you choose the right lawn mower.

  • Central height adjustment - the distance of the rotary disc from the lawn is adjusted by the height of the mower wheels using one lever.
  • Height-adjustable handles - holding the mower is suitable for people of different heights.
  • Wheel movement - wheels are self-propelled, there is no need to push the mower, some mowers also offer different speeds.
  • Grass mulching - the mower includes a special mulching knife that finely cuts the grass, which can then serve as fertilizer or weed protection.
  • Edge Cutting - the blade inside the mower is right next to the cover, so it is easy to mow the grass next to the sidewalk or fence.

Frequently asked questions about petrol mowers

Is it worth paying extra for a self-propelled mower?

If you are going to use your petrol lawn mower to mow larger grassy areas, then it's definitely worth it. The movement of the mower wheels will make mowing much easier for you and you will not be so tired from the long pushing of a heavy machine. A self-propelled mower also pays off if you mow a flat and regular area with flowerbeds, trees and shrubs. In such gardens, it is hard to move around with a basic push-mower.

How large area is a petrol mower suitable for?

Petrol mowers are the best mowers for larger areas. They might be a bit more difficult to handle on smaller areas. In smaller gardens, the lawn mower is also more likely to bother someone with the engine noise and smell. Petrol lawnmowers are therefore most suitable for areas larger than 500 m2.

Elektrická sekačka

Electric Mowers

  • Suitable for areas of 750–1 000 m2
  • Cheaper than petrol
  • Suitable even for quieter places thanks to low noise

The advantage of electric mowers is that they are not as noisy compared to petrol mowers. But they are also a little less powerful. They are practically maintenance-free, you don't have to take too much care of them or refuel. However, someone might find the power cable annoying and there is a risk of it being damaged when accidentaly mowing over it.

Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Low purchase price
  • Maintenance-free
  • Minimal noise compared to petrol mowers
  • Easy operation, no need to start te machine manually
  • Lower performance
  • Dependence on electricity sources
  • Risk of cutting the power cord

What is important when choosing an electric mower?

Engine power

The higher the input power, the larger area you will be able to mow. A more powerful mower can handle a denser and taller grass.

  • Input power up to 1400 W - the mower is suitable for maintenance of smaller lawns, e.g. around family houses.
  • Input power over 1500 W - ideal for less frequent mowing of larger areas.

Cutting width

Although a wider cutting range allows you to mow a wider strip of grass at once (the maximum width of electric mowers is 480 mm ), it can be a problem to mow the lawn in narrow areas, or around flower beds or tree trunks.

Cutting height

The more options for adjusting the cutting height, the better your mower adapts to the terrain and the result you want to achieve. For electric mowers, the cutting height ranges from 2 to 7 cm. You can also set the lowest level if you mow regularly. However, if you mow once every few weeks, we recommend to do the rough cut first and then set the lowest level.

Weight and volume of the collection basket

Just like with petrol mowers, the heavier the mower, the more difficult it is to handle. On the other hand, its movement is stable, it copes with unexpected terrain irregularities. The volume of the collection basket also has a significant effect on the weight.

  • The weight of electric mowers ranges from 12 to 30 kg.
  • You can choose from collection baskets with a volume from 25 to 65 liters.

Useful features of electric mowers

If you're still not sure how to choose the mower, these features could help you make your choice:

  • Height-adjustable handles - come in handy if the mower is used by more than one person.
  • Self-propelled - the mower is able to move on its own, so mowing doesn't require that much effort. You will appreciate this feature especially on larger and uneven terrain.
  • Mulching - consider this function if you need to fertilize the lawn and you prefer natural practices.

Frequently asked questions about electric mowers

How large area will I mow with an electric mower?

Thanks to its more compact dimensions, they are the best lawn mowers for small plots. The best way to use them is in the classic gardens of family houses. Electric mowers are smaller than petrol mowers, which means that they are also much easier to handle. You can easily mow the grass around flower beds or tree trunks.

What is the length of the power cables of electric mowers?

Electric mowers are usually equipped with only a short power cord. However, you can easily extend the radius by connecting a separately purchased extension cable. This will slightly increase the total amount of money invested in the mower. There are cables on the market in the length of 20 to 50 meters, which is a sufficient length to cover an average garden around a family house.

Akumulátorové sekačky

Cordless Mowers

  • Suitable for lawns up to 500 m2
  • Practically noiseless
  • They don't have a power cord
  • Recharging required

Cordless mowers are similar to electric mowers. Unlike them, however, they are not powered from the mains, but from the built-in battery. This type of mower must therefore be recharged regularly. Although they provide lower power than electric and petrol, they are quieter and do not need a power cord when mowing. They are suitable for regular mowing and maintenance of smaller gardens. This is due to the fact that the mower's battery life is limited and so is the area that can be cut in one go.

Advantages and Disadvantages
  • They are light and agile
  • They run on battery power and therefore do not need a power cord
  • Minimal noise compared to petrol mowers
  • Low purchase price
  • Less power
  • Necessity of recharging the battery

What is important when choosing a cordless mower?

Battery life

Battery capacity determines how long you can mow in one go. Manufacturers often state the capacity of the battery in manuals and promotional materials, together with information how large area can be mown on a single charge. However, this information can be misleading, as the size of the mown area is also affected by the density of the lawn and the difficulty of the terrain. Charging speed is also important, usually ranging from one to three hours.

Cutting width

The cutting width of cordless mowers ranges from 32 to 43 centimeters, so it is slightly smaller than the range of electric and petrol lawn mowers.

Cutting height

When it comes to adjusting the cutting height, look for a machine that will have as many adjustment options and levels as possible. You will definitely appreciate it because it makes the mower adapt to your land better. Usually the range is from 2 to 8 centimeters .

Volume of the collection basket

The capacity of the collection basket of cordless mowers starts at 30 and ends at 65 liters. Larger baskets are suitable for physically fit individuals and larger lawns.

Useful little things

It is advisable to look for a mower which contains a pair of batteries in the package. You can use one while the other one is charging. Also consider purchasing a quick charger, which can reduce the charging time to as short as half an hour.

  • Capacity 2 to 3 Ah - you will be able to mow about 350 square meters of lawn.
  • Capacity 4 Ah - you will cut approximately 500 square meters.

Frequently asked questions about cordless mowers

How large area will I mow with a cordless mower?

Cordless mowers are suitable for maintenance of smaller lawns up to 500 m2. After all, their performance is not so great. Their big advantage is their dimensions, which predetermine them for precise trimming of the grass around tree trunks, flower beds and garden decorations.

How long will a cordless mower last on a single charge?

In this case, it very much depends on how often and what kind of grass you mow. If you do lawn maintenance regularly and the grass is not too tall, you can easily mow a square kilometer in one go. The higher the grass, the more energy the mower consumes and the battery discharges faster.

There is also a big difference in battery life whether you mow dry or wet grass. Wet grass is heavier and more difficult for the mower to mow, so the battery discharges faster when mowing after the rain.

Sekačky s pojezdem

Riding Mowers

  • Mowing the grass with minimal effort
  • Mostly petrol driven
  • The mower moves on it's own, you just choose the direction
  • Suitable even for uneven terrain

Riding mowers make mowing grass so much easier. Just pull the handle and the mower starts moving. Then all you have to do is control the direction. Mowing the grass is thus much easier and less physically demanding. Boring activity suddenly becomes fun, for example if you play music at the same time. Another advantage of ride-on mowers is that they can deal with slightly uneven terrain.

Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Minimum physical effort
  • Mowing large areas without difficulty
  • Suitable for uneven surfaces
  • Higher purchase price
  • Heavy and difficult to carry

What to focus on when choosing a ride-on mower?

Travel speed

Some ride-on mowers have an adjustable speed. If the speed can be changed, you can use different settings for different terrain and grass height. If the grass is taller, the mower may need more time to cut the grass. In that case, you would choose a lower speed. If the mower doesn't have an adjustable speed, the travel speed is usually set within a comfortable range.

Cutting width

The cutting width of the ride-on mowers ranges from 40 to 56 centimeters. They are often petrol mowers, so their characteristics are very similar.

Cutting height

We have already talked about the cutting height a bit. If you don't know which lawn mower to choose, try to find one that has the widest possible range. In the case of ride-on mowers, the height can be adjusted approximately from 20 to 75 millimeters.

Collection bin volume

The basket volume of ride-on mowers ranges from 40 to 70 liters. The size of the basket depends mainly on the size of the garden. However, you have to take into account that the larger the basket your mower has, the harder it will be to handle.

Frequently asked questions about ride-on mowers

What are the advantages of a ride-on mower?

The advantage is clear, mowing with a ride-on mower is noticeably less physically demanding than with basic mower. Furthermore, riding the mower can make the work a little more enjoyable. You and probably even your teens will have one less thing to worry about. And when you are less worried, there is much more space for fun, relaxation or just time to think.

Is speed control important?

This question depends mainly on two facts. First, the size and the terrain of your garden. If the garden is small, mostly flat and maintained, speed control is not necessary. For uneven terrain, however, we highly recommend to get a mower with speed adjustment.

The second thing is your comfort. It may not be comfortable to drive tens of meters in a straight line at the same slow speed, when you know the mower would be able to do it much faster with no problems. Then, it's up to you which ride-on mower you'll choose.

Vřetenová sekačka

Cylinder Mowers

  • Suitable for English-style lawns
  • Manual and motor-driven mowers
  • Wheel movement is required for the mower to mow
  • Variable cutting speed

Cylinder mowers are mostly manufactured as manual mowers. With manual mower you can achieve a beautiful English lawn or grass surface similar to green on golf courses. Cylinder mowers are gentle on the grass, as they don't mow it, they cut it. The grass doesn't fray at its edges and it doesn't tend to turn yellow. The blades of the mower won't rotate until you start moving the mower. Besides mowers with manual drive, there are also petrol, electric and cordless cylinder mowers. A huge advantage of these mowers is that they ensure very precise mowing.


Advantages and Disadvantages
  • A gentle way to mow the lawn
  • Light weight and easy handling
  • Minimal noise compared to petrol mowers
  • Not suitable for large areas
  • They usually don't have a collection basket

What is important when choosing a cylinder mower?

Cutting width

Depending on the cutting width (for larger cylinder mowers, it can be up to 50 cm), you can precisely mow around each flower bed and tree and mowing in narrow spaces will also be easy.

Cutting height

Cylinder mowers offer certainly the most precise adjustment of the cutting height of all mower types. It starts at 6 mm. This precision is necessary because cylinder mowers are used to trim English lawns and golf course surfaces. And that is where every millimeter makes a difference.

Useful little things

We definitely recommend to look for the cylinder mower with a collection basket. However, it doesn't always come with the machine, it often has to be purchased separately. If the cylinder mower doesn't have a collection basket, the cut grass will fall down on the ground, so you will need to collect it manually afterwards. And if you mow often and thus cutting just very small pieces of grass, it won't be easy to collect them manually.

Frequently asked questions about cylinder mowers

Who is the cylinder mower suitable for?

Especially for those who want to have a perfect lawn, such as English lawns or greens on golf courses. They are ideal for precise trimming of grass areas near a family house, around flower beds or trees.

How large area is the cylinder mower suitable for?

Due to the fact that cylinder mowers are usually driven only by the power of the person using it, they are not suitable for large lawns. It very depends on your physical condition, but using a cylinder mower on a grass area larger than 150 m2 is not really comfortable anymore. It is the type of mower perfect for mini-gardens maintenance and a stylish arrangement of small areas.

How to achieve the English lawn?

You can only achieve the perfect English lawn with a cylinder mower. But this is only the first step. The English lawn requires constant care, and this involves frequent mowing. If you don't want to have a higher lawn than six millimeters, you will have to mow it daily. If a height of one centimeter is ok for you, mow it every other day. In addition to mowing, you must also aerate the lawn (remove the old, dry grass), irrigate thoroughly - ideally 25 to 40 liters of water per square meter per week - and sow regularly. This is the only way to achieve the perfect green carpet.

Rotační sekačka

Rotary Mowers

  • Universal use
  • Petrol, battery and electric mowers
  • For medium-sized lawns
  • Wide price range

Rotary mowers are a happy medium among all mowers. They are offered in all petrol, battery and electric variants and can be used for almost any grass area. Probably anyone who is looking for a lawn mower for a good price will choose from this category. But even those who want something extra will find their perfect machine here. Rotary mowers work on the principle of rotary cutter blades. The blades rotate and either collect the grass in a basket or throw it on the ground.


Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Wide range of mowers
  • Ideal for general use
  • Suitable for various types of gardens
  • Some mowers may be noisy
  • Rotary blades can occasionally become clogged

What to focus on when choosing a rotary mower?

Cutting width

The cutting width is as diverse as the range of rotary mowers. It starts around 30 cm, but among more expensive models you can find mowers with 50cm or even more. It is mainly your own preferences and size of the garden that decide.

Cutting height

The cutting height of rotary mowers is set for medium-sized grass. The range is often from 25 to 75 mm. However, there are exceptions that exceed this range by five to ten millimeters. Rotary mowers once again prove their versatility, but if you want to achieve an English lawn, look for a different mower.

Frequently asked questions about rotary mowers

Who is the rotary mower suitable for?

Rotary mowers are universal. If you have a small garden and you are not very demanding of its maintanance, you can choose a small, electric mower. Petrol lawn mowers are suitable for family houses at a favorable price, and even the more demanding customers can choose their mower in the higher price range.

How to avoid clogging the cutter blades? What to do when it happens?

Especially with cheaper or older mowers, it can sometimes happen that the blades get clogged and get stuck. You can prevent this partially by using the ideal travel speed or by not walking too fast with the mower. It is also important to set the ideal height.

However, the blades can clog even if you do everything correctly. In this case, tilt the mower slightly to the side, never upside down ! When you do, you should see the blade itself. Then simply use a tool or your hands to carefully remove the excess grass and you can continue mowing without any problems.

Robotická sekačka

Robotic Mowers

  • Suitable for lawns without obstacles
  • A great option for automatic mowing
  • Autonomous system mows the grass itself
  • The mower must be recharged
  • They usually have lower performance

Robotic lawnmowers work on a similar principle as cordless lawnmowers, so they need to be recharged regularly. It is suitable for the maintenance of regular lawn with no significant obstacles such as trees or elements of garden architecture. It can handle even wet lawns up to a height of about ten centimeters without any problems. Their operation is completely automatic, they even come to the charging station on their own. You can be sure that your lawn will always be maintained with no need to devote your precious time to it. It is more suitable for regular and long-term maintenance, rather than one-time lawn mowing.

Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Completely autonomous operation during mowing mowing
  • They travel and charge on their own
  • Less power
  • Longer lawn mowing time
  • Need regular charging
  • Risk of injury when moving around carelessly

What to focus on when choosing a robotic lawnmower?

Mower power

Take notice of how long the mower lasts and how much time it spends charging. The values declared by the manufacturer range from 45 to 250 minutes of mowing, and the machine spends one to three hours recharging itself. Fortunately, the mower will know when it needs recharging, so you don't have to worry about that. It simply drives to the docking station, where it recharges, and then returns to work.

Cutting width

The cutting width starts at 17 centimeters. Such machines are very agile, but it takes them much longer to mow the whole garden. If your garden area is large, look for a mower with a cutting width of about 50 cm.

Cutting height

You can adjust the cutting height of robotic lawnmowers either stepwise or continuously. The second option is naturally more convenient and more accurate, but in the end it always depends on the lawn you mow. The height ranges from 1.5 to 10 cm.

Noise of the robotic lawnmower

Due to the fact that the robotic lawnmower mows the grass almost constantly, its noise also plays a role. There are very quiet models available on the market that you will hardly hear, but there are machines that will disturb you and your neighbors.

  • From 55 to 60 dB - very quiet robotic lawnmowers that will not disturb you.
  • 60 to 70 dB - medium-noise mowers, their noise level can be compared to a loud call.
  • From 70 dB upwards - very noisy mowers that will disturb you and maybe even your neighbors.

Weight and volume of the collection basket

Robotic lawnmowers tend to be relatively heavy, ranging from approximately 7 kg for smaller models to 12 kilograms for larger models. This ensures greater stability and the mower does not overturn.

Useful little things
Robotic lawnmowers can have some useful little features that make your work easier.

  • GPS module - allows you to perfectly plan the mowing route.
  • Alarm - warns you in case that someone would try to steal the mower.
  • Safety sensors - improves the detection of an obstacle when mowing or requires entering a PIN code in case you want to change the program.
  • Safety system - at the moment when the mower's wheels are lifted off the ground, the mowing will automatically stop.

Frequently asked questions about robotic lawnmowers

Who is the robotic lawnmower ideal for?

Do you always admire the perfect green lawns but at the same time you realize that there is a lot of time behind it, which you simply don't have? If your answer is yes, then the robotic lawnmower is perfect for you. It will do all the mowing while you are at work.

What type of garden is the robotic lawnmower suitable for?

It is important to know that not every garden is suitable for robotic lawnmowers. It does the best job on flat, not much sloping terrain, which is not too structured. Meaning that there are not many trees, flower beds, rock gardens and other obstacles that would prevent the robotic lawnmower from moving around.

Another factor is the shape of the lawn, which should be ideally regular. If you want to cut tall grass around trees or mow on steeper slopes, it is good to consider buying a string mower.

Strunová sekačka

String Mowers

  • Suitable for small gardens and steeper slopes
  • Small, undemanding mowers
  • They also mow hard-to-reach places
  • Easy to use and easy to clean

String mowers (also called trimmers) work, as the name suggests, with a string that spins at high speed at cuts the grass around it. It is not suitable for larger areas because it leaves the ends of the grass frayed, causing it to turn yellow faster - which doesn't look good on a flat lawn. Some string mowers don't have a collection basket, which means you have to come back to collect the cut grass manually. But if you don't know which mower to choose in hard-to-reach areas, you've found what you were looking for. Then you would use the string trimmer mainly for finishing.

Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Cutting the grass in hard-to-reach places
  • Simple control
  • Ideal for finishing works
  • High noise
  • Need to change strings regularly
  • Risk of injury

What is important when choosing a string trimmer?

Engine power

On the market we can find string mowers with all types of drive - petrol, electric and those with a battery. Power consumption usually ranges from 250 to 1,000 W.

  • Mowers with lower power - suitable for minor modifications, finalization. Ideal for smaller lawns and ornamental gardens.
  • Lawn mowers with higher performance - they can handle even more neglected lawns with taller, denser bush.

Unwinding the string from the spool

There are two types of string mowers that differ in how the string is unwound from the spool:

  • Single-string mowers - only one end of the string unwinds from the spool, this system is suitable for mowing softer types of grass.
  • Double-sided mowers - two ends of the string are unwound from the spool, the advantage is the better work efficiency.

Cutting width

Since these are machines designed more for finishing the cut, do not expect them to have a wide range of the cut. For string mowers with lower power, expect a width of around 25 centimeters, the more powerful ones can handle up to 35 cm.

Types of mowing systems

You have a choice of two cutting systems, automatic and semi-automatic - which means that the string unwinds once you give it a signal, by tapping the bottom of the trimmer to the ground.

Useful little things

Even with string mowers, it is worth looking for accessories that can make your work easier.

  • Telescopic handle - you can easily adjust the mower to your height.
  • Rolling wheels - suitable for mowing larger areas. The weight of the mower will not be just on you and the movement of the mower will be very precise. Of course, this will also have a positive effect on the appearance of the lawn itself.
  • Swivel mowing head - a great helper for vertical lawn cutting, for example on garden paths.

Frequently asked questions about string mowers

Is it necessary to replace the string at the mower?

Unfortunately yes. Due to the use of string mowers in narrow places, where you cannot get with a conventional mower, you have to consider it will wear out faster. In these places, the string of the mower hits walls and stones, it gradually frays, breaks, and thus reduces the efficiency of mowing. Occasional replacement depending on the condition of the string is therefore necessary. However, it is quite a simple thing that anyone can do.

What situations are string trimmers suitable for?

You will appreciate the string trimmer the most during finishing works. You can easily fit into narrower spaces with it or cut the grass at the edges of the sidewalks. On the other hand, you will not use the string mower too much when mowing larger open lawns. Electric or petrol mowers, with much larger cutting range are more suitable for this.

The most popular manufacturers of mowers

sekačky Bosch sekačky Gardena sekačky Stiga           sekačky Hecht           sekačky Fieldmann sekačky Vega sekačky Riwall sekačky Mtd

How to choose a mower according to the type of lawn?

The size of the mowed area

In the case of a really large area of lawn that you want to mow regularly, we recommend classic petrol mowers. They can easily mow areas larger than 1,000 m². In small gardens in quiet areas, you will certainly appreciate cordless mowers, which have a lower power but they are quiet and they don't need a power cable.

Structure of the terrain

If you have a garden with various flower beds with garden paths around them, string trimmers will be suitable for the maintenance of these places. They can get even to very narrow places and mow the lawn almost anywhere. In the case of sloping terrain, an electric mower will come in handy, which (unlike petrol) does not have a problem with elevation or mowing in a slope.

Type of lawn

Manual cylinder mowers are perfect for English-style lawns. Thanks to the fact that they do not mow the grass, but only cut it, you will achieve much better results in the appearance of the lawn. After such pruning, the grass doesn't fray or turn yellow.

In the case of dense lawns, we recommend conventional petrol mowers. Despite their noise, they provide maximum engine power, so they can handle basically any lawn.

iAccessories for lawn mowers
You can buy a whole range of useful accessories for lawn mowers, which can make your work very easy. Take a look at the collection bins. Most mowers already have one, but you may want to get a bigger one. Occasionally it is necessary to replace the cutting blades. A quality docking station for robotic lawnmowers is also available, you can equip the lawnmower with better wheels for more demanding terrain. You can also get separate mulching sets . In the case of cordless mowers, a spare battery might be useful. For string mowers, it will be necessary to buy new strings from time to time.

How to take care of the mower and lawn?

Lawn mower maintenance

The mowers need regular maintenance. In addition to common things, such as changing the fuel (for petrol mowers) or oil, there may be other situations that a skilled handyman should be able to handle without any problems. We have prepared a brief guide for you on how to deal with some situations that may arise. In case of more serious troubles, you should call a professional service, non-professional intervention could cause more harm than good.

Cleaning the carburetor and mower tank

A carburetor is a device that is used to prepare a mixture for internal combustion engines. Therefore, it is also in petrol mowers. The most common problem with a carburetor is that it gets clogged from time to time. Cleaning it is a relatively simple activity. You shouldn't neglect the adjustment of the carburetor either, but that work should be done by a professional service. As for the above cleaning, with our instructions you can do it easily by yourself:

  • Loosen the screws on the mower cover. Release the hand pump cover. Remove it and check its surface for cracks or other damage.
  • Locate the carburetor vent and unscrew it. Disconnect the springs from the mower cover and remove the last remaining screws around the carburetor. There should be three or four.
  • The carburetor and tank are connected by L-shaped tubes. Take them out. This will allow the carburetor and petrol tank to be removed. Locate the gasket and other spring on the tank. Remove the spring, leaving the gasket in place.
  • Put all the parts you have removed (screws, springs) in a can of petrol and rinse them.
  • Check the strainer at the underside of the carburetor. If it is worn or damaged, replace it.
  • Put the carburetor in a bucket of petrol and wash it thoroughly until you have got rid of all sediments and dirt. Take the carburetor out and dry it carefully.
  • Check the function of the choke, it should move easily without high pressure.
  • Pour out the old petrol from the tank. Pour new petrol into it to cover the bottom of the tank. Shake the tank well. This will clean the tank.
  • Open the tank, pour out the petrol and check the tank if it is clean. If not, clean it with a brush.
  • Assemble all components in reverse order. Tighten the screws carefully. Before installing the cover, start the mower and check that it runs smoothly. If not, the whole procedure must be repeated. If everything works well, all you have to do is put the cover back on and you are ready to go.

What to do if the mower does not start?

There can be several reasons why the mower does not start. Therefore, follow the instructions below :

  • Check that the spark plug is OK. If it is damp, it means that petrol is getting in it, but the spark plug itself may be defective. Replace it.
  • Check the power cord and its connection.
  • Check the engine shutdown control for an open circuit.
  • Check if there is a current in the mower.
  • Check choke switching.
  • Is the float stuck in the tank? That could also prevent a mower to start.

Straightening of the power crankshaft

A bent crankshaft is always caused by its incorrect use. It is identified by a bigger noise and increased vibrations during mowing. Eventually, the engine may seize up. It most often occurs if we encounter a solid object (usually a stone or curb) while mowing. So the only advice here is to avoid hitting obstacles. If the shaft is already distorted, it must be professionally serviced. In this case, being a skilled handyman is not enough.

Replacing the starter cord at the mower

The starting mechanism works the same for mowers, brush cutters and chainsaws - by pulling the starter cord. It pulls the pulley that spins the flywheel and starts the machine. What can happen is that the cord breaks due to careless handling, or that the whole mechanism gets stuck. What to do in that situation?


  • Locate and open the starter cover.
  • Find and grab the pulley. Pull the starter cord fifteen to twenty inches long and bend it into a loop between the cover and the pulley. Tighten the loop in the bend. Then pull the loop to disconnect the spring.
  • Pull the string out of the pulley. At this point, you can replace the string with a new one.
  • Remove the locking screw or pin from the metal rod securing the manual starter to the cover. Also take out the pulley and spring.
  • Use a screwdriver to release the end of the spring from the pulley, making sure that the spring does not jump out. Check the spring for damage and replace if necessary.
  • Also, carefully check the pulley. Clean it.
  • Apply grease to the rod and slide the spring back into the pulley. Use a screwdriver to help, slowly bend the end of the spring until it is inside.
  • Slide the pulley and spring back onto the rod. Replace the starting pin or screw. Wind the cord in the same direction as before, leaving fifteen to twenty centimeters free again.
  • Bend this unwound part into a loop. Hold the loop and turn the pulley around until you reconnect the spring. Now all you have to do is close the cover and screw it back on.

Replacing the string on the string trimmer

Replacing the string on the mower is not difficult, but certain rules must be followed. First of all, always use the string recommended by the manufacturer. Stronger ones could cause unwinding problems, while thinner ones could wear out quickly. Also observe the winding direction, it is usually marked with arrows. The winding should be as careful as possible, the individual threads should not go over each other, the string must unwind freely. When it comes to securing the string, follow how the previous one was wound.

Mower travel adjustment

If the mower travels poorly uphill and you feel that it wouldn't carry a full basket of grass, the gear belt may be worn. It should also be well adjusted, but this is something that requires precision and care, which are difficult to provide at home. We therefore recommend having the mower wheel drive adjusted by a specialist.

Lawn maintenance

Soil preparation

The foundation of a beautiful green carpet is well-prepared soil. And that's nothing you can do overnight. If you are going to sow the lawn, thoroughly clean the land from rubble, stones, large pieces of wood and debris after construction. Then level the surface as much as possible and make good topsoil. Align it again.

At this point, you need to wait a few weeks. The soil settles, the moisture stabilizes, but the seeds of unwanted weeds also germinate. Dispose of it continuously with herbicides.

Which grass mixture to choose?

There is a large number of different grass-seed mixtures on the market. Before you choose one, consider several factors, especially the climatic conditions of the place where you live (altitude, humidity, total precipitation, wind intensity), the type and quality of the soil and especially the purpose of the lawn. Some mixtures are only decorative, others serve better as a rug for children and for playing with pets. Pay attention to the product labels and check the shelf life of individual grass mixtures. Those that have been on the shelves for more than two years are practically unusable because they lose their germination capacity.

Sowing the lawn

The grass mixture is sown in spring or autumn, the exact time is influenced by climatic conditions. But always sow when there is no wind. The ideal amount is approximately 20 to 30 g of seed per square meter. Definitely don't overdo it, it wouldn't do any good to the quality of the lawn. After sowing the seeds, slightly cover them with soil using rakes. Finally, roll the whole area.

Regular care

The lawn needs to be supplied with sufficient nutrients. These are mainly minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium. Regular irrigation is also necessary, in this case automatic irrigators are a great help, which supply the lawn with the ideal amount of water at precise time intervals. Mowing with one of the above types of mowers is also important. It is also good to think of aeration and scarification (pruning), which helps to remove dead parts of the plant, especially during its growing season.  


Tip : Want to know more about how to take care of your lawn? Take a look at the article Lawn and garden care (TIPS AND TRICKS) .

Glossary - garden mowers

Edge Cutting

With conventional mowers, the cutting blade does not reach the full edge of the mower chassis. A ten-inch strip of uncut grass may remain between the edge of the mower and the place where the knife can actually reach. Edge cutting mowers minimize this strip and actually mow across the entire width of the mower. It is therefore suitable for mowing grass along walls or curbs.

Wheel drive

Self-propelled wheel drive. It is not necessary to push the mower in front of you, because it travels by itself. Some models offer speed adjustment.

Autonomous mower

A mower with its own control system, which is able to automatically mow the grass and move in defined areas.

Glossary

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