Lawn Mowers
Lawn Mowers are an important part of lawn care and general garden maintenance. They come in many flavours, and can either help your lawn flourish or turn it into a war zone depending on the type of terrain, grass, and climate.
There are several types of Lawn Mowers;
Reel Mowers: These were the first type of mower available, and of all the different types of mowers can make the cleanest cut of the grass, which in turn allows the it to heal quicker. The Reel mower cutting action is similar to a scissor cut, with a spinning reel comes into contact with a horizontal cutting bar.
There are several types of Reel mower. The push mowers have no motor and are more suited to small lawns. A gasoline engine or electric motor can be added to power the reel. Most residential lawn use either an electric reel mower (corded or cordless) or have a gasoline engine.
Rotary Mowers: These have several blades that spin in a vertical direction. They come in a large range of motorised forms;
Gasoline powered: These are driven by a 2 or 4 stroke engine, and tend to be the noisiest of all Lawn Mowers. They are not restricted by cords, and generally have a longer life than electric mowers due to the ability to replace parts and provide easy maintenance. There are issues with transporting the fuel and storing the mower, as it needs to remain flat.
Electric Powered: these have several subclasses, and are generally much lighter and quieter than the gasoline powered mowers. They also offer a Greener alternative to gasoline mowers.
Corded Electric – the length of the power cords, as well as the risks of running over it, which could eventuate in an electric shock go against this type of mower, however they are generally more reliable and have a much smaller carbon footprint.
Cordless Electric – These are rare due to the cost and the problem of having to recharge batteries or replacing the battery. They provide the benefits of a corded and the freedom to move of a gasoline powered mower.
Hover Mowers – These push air downwards to lift the mower up, whilst the blades cut the grass. This makes it light and manoeuvrable, but bad on poor terrain.
Robotic Mowers – A much more modern technology using an unmanned programmable mower that is battery powered and use a docking station to recharge. They are capable of maintaining up to 5 acres of grass, and a great idea for part time gardener.
Riding (Ride-on) Mowers: These are a great alternative for large areas of lawn, and offer a much faster way to maintain your garden. They have many varieties of quality and price, and research should be done in order to select the correct mower for your terrain and environment.
After you have mown the lawn for the first time after winter, it is a good idea to add fertilizer in order to help it heal quicker and assist with growth.
Whatever the type of Lawn Mowers, make sure you match your garden and Lawn Care requirements to the mower you buy. Do your research and visit your local hardware store to discuss the best option for you. Spending time on finding the best fit for your garden and potential future garden, will save money later on.

