The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Lawnmower
Selecting the right lawnmower is more than just a matter of picking the most popular model; it’s about finding the tool that best suits your lawn’s specific needs and your personal preferences. With a variety of options available, from push mowers to ride-on mowers, the choice can be overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the key considerations to help you choose the perfect lawnmower for your needs.
1. Assess Your Lawn
Before diving into the specifics of different types of mowers, start by evaluating your lawn:
Size: How large is your lawn? A small, urban yard requires different equipment compared to a sprawling suburban or rural property.
Terrain: Is your lawn flat or hilly? Are there obstacles like trees, flower beds, or garden features?
Grass Type: Different grasses have different growth patterns and maintenance needs. The type of grass can influence your mower choice.
2. Types of Lawnmowers
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of lawnmowers and their best uses:
Hand Mowers: These manual mowers are ideal for small, flat lawns. They are eco-friendly, quiet, and provide a clean cut. Hand mowers are best for those who don’t mind a bit of physical exercise and want a more traditional approach to lawn care. Click here to see Masport’s Cleveland Mower.
Push Mowers: These are suitable for medium-sized lawns. They require manual effort but are easier to handle than hand mowers. Many push mowers come with features like adjustable cutting heights and easy-start engines, making them versatile and convenient. Click here to see Masport’s Petrol Push Mower Range or here for Masport’s Battery Powered Push Mower range.
Self-Propelled Mowers: Perfect for larger or uneven lawns, self-propelled mowers are driven by the engine, reducing the amount of physical effort required. They come with variable speed settings and can handle inclines and rough terrain with ease. Masport have a self-propelled mower in each push mower range. See here.
Ride-on Mowers: If you have a large lawn or acreage, ride-on mowers are the way to go. They are efficient, can cover a lot of ground quickly, and often come with added features like bagging systems, mulching capabilities, and even attachments for other gardening tasks. Have a look at Masport’s Ride-on Mower range here.
Electric Mowers: Available in both corded and battery-powered versions, they are best for small to medium-sized lawns and offer easy maintenance with no need for petrol. Find Masport’s Corded Mower here, and our 60V Max Battery Range here.
3. Key Features to Consider
When choosing a lawnmower, consider the following features:
Cutting Width: The width of the mower’s cutting deck determines how much grass you can cover in a single pass. Wider decks cover more ground but can be harder to maneuver, especially in tight spaces.
Cutting Height Adjustment: Look for mowers with adjustable cutting heights to accommodate different grass lengths and seasonal changes. This feature allows you to maintain the health of your lawn throughout the year.
Grass Collection and Mulching: All our mowers come with grass catchers, which can be handy for disposal and composting. Some have rear or side discharge or mulching capabilities. Mulching mowers chop grass finely and redistribute it as natural fertiliser.
Engine Power: For petrol mowers, engine power is a critical factor. Higher torque is beneficial for tougher terrains and thicker grass, while smaller engines are sufficient for flat, well-maintained lawns, where you are not putting the lawnmower under too much load.
Ease of Start: Electric start mowers offer the convenience of starting with a push-button. Pull-start models require a manual pull. Masport have a patented zone start system, where the pull start is located on the mower handle, eliminating the need to bend down to start the mower.
Comfort and Usability: Features like adjustable handles, cushioned grips, and ergonomic designs can make mowing more comfortable. For ride-on mowers, consider seat comfort and control placement.
Storage Space Saver: Masport and Briggs & Stratton have designed a concept to make storage easier and more efficient. The Masport crafted exclusive handle system folds upright and then back on itself to create a sturdy base. The Briggs & Stratton designed engine tips backwards up to 110 degrees without any fuel or oil leakage and is completely safe. Mow the grass, stow the mower - and save significant shed space!
4. Budget and Maintenance
Budget: Lawnmowers come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly models to high-end options. Determine your budget and balance it with the features you need. Remember, sometimes investing a bit more can save you money in the long run with better durability and performance.
Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of the mower. Petrol-powered mowers need regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter cleaning. Electric mowers generally require less maintenance, but battery life and charging time should be considered.
5. Brand and Warranty
Choose a reputable brand known for reliability and customer service. Check for warranties and read the terms carefully. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.
Lawnmower Engine Warranty: Masport branded push mowers featuring Briggs & Stratton, Kohler and Masport engines receive an industry leading 5 year comprehensive warranty on the entire lawnmower.* delivering additional confidence and longevity for these lawnmowers.
Lawnmower Chassis Warranty: Masport offers an impressive 10 year warranty on all aluminium chassis and a 5 year warranty on steel chassis. Both chassis come with a 5 year warranty on all parts*
Lawnmower Catcher Warranty: Look out for Masport’s High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastic Catcher, it comes with a Lifetime Warranty.
Choosing the right lawnmower involves evaluating your lawn’s needs, understanding the different types of mowers, and considering key features that will enhance your mowing experience. By taking into account factors such as lawn size, terrain, and budget, you can find a mower that not only meets your needs but also makes lawn care a more enjoyable task. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and find a lawnmower that suits your needs perfectly. Here’s to a beautifully manicured lawn and many happy hours of mowing ahead! Happy mowing!
*Conditions apply, see here for more information.