GARDEN LAWN MOWERS
Lawnmowers come in three types based on their power source: manual, electric, and gasoline. We won't dwell on the former, as they are not in as much demand as the others included in our nomenclature.
What are the factors for choosing a garden mower?
Some underestimate the choice of a lawn mower, thinking that any model will do the job. But they are wrong and remain disappointed. If your new assistant is to fully meet your expectations and serve you for at least several years, then when choosing it you should pay attention to the following factors: Size of the mowing area; Relief of the mowing area; Slope of the mowing area; Type of mowing area; Frequency of mowing; Physical strength of the worker.
Let's look at the factors individually.
Size of mowing area:
A key factor when choosing a lawn mower is the size of the area it will be used for. The recommended mowing width depends on this parameter, as well as the type of machine – electric or with a gasoline engine.
An electric lawnmower is perfectly adequate for smaller areas (up to 750 m2). The advantages of such a model are low weight, easier handling, minimal maintenance requirements, lower price and lower operating costs.
Unlike motorized lawnmowers, however, electric lawnmowers have a smaller grass collector, which means more frequent emptying and interruptions in mowing. Most often, these machines do not have the side discharge and mulching functions, and another disadvantage is that you are dependent on the power cord, which is especially impractical in hilly terrain and many fruit trees.
For larger areas (over 750 m2), it is more appropriate to choose a gasoline lawnmower. These lawnmowers usually have more power than electric ones, are not dependent on electricity supply and additionally have a number of improvements that will help you care for the lawn. Such improvements are the drive, side discharge of the mowed grass, mulching, a large basket, etc.
A significant factor when working on large areas can be the size of the grass catcher and the size of the fuel tank. Both factors can cause periodic interruptions in work, which will increase the mowing time.
Depending on the size of the area, attention should also be paid to the mowing width. On smaller or hillier terrains, it is better to have a narrower mowing width, and on larger and flatter terrains, it is better to have a wider mowing width.
Relief, slope and type of area to be mowed:
For hilly terrain with many trees, bushes or flower beds, it is appropriate to choose a lawnmower with a petrol engine. This eliminates the need to manipulate an electric power cable, which would be an obstacle for you on uneven surfaces and there would be a constant risk of tangling, stopping or cutting the cable. A narrower mowing range is also suitable for such areas. With a narrower lawnmower, you will turn easily and pass through narrow places where a wider machine cannot reach.
For sloping areas, it is best to invest in a mower with self-propelled wheel drive. Various models of both motorized and electric mowers are equipped with this extra.
Gasoline lawnmowers are generally limited to certain slopes up to 20°, due to the fuel in the tank. Electric lawnmowers can be used up to 35°. Areas with a slope greater than 35° can only be mowed with a motorized or electric grass trimmer.
Type of mowing area:
For lawns with a representative character, it is appropriate for the mower to have a height adjustment of about 20 mm. For such terrain, you do not need to use the mulching function, so you do not need to look for such a model. However, here you will additionally need another assistant - a trimmer or grass shears, to deal with the borders of the lawns, with the spaces between bushes, beds and trees.
Mowing lawns that are intended for recreation - cottages, country gardens and the like, can be done with any rotary mower. For lawns of this type, the best choice would be a machine with more height adjustment levels and a side discharge, mulching function.
For meadow-type lawns, you need to choose a powerful lawnmower with a gasoline engine, a large-capacity grass catcher, and the ability to adjust the cutting height. The side discharge function will also be suitable.
Mowing frequency:
If you mow at regular intervals so that the grass doesn't grow too much, a lower-powered machine may be enough. However, if you don't have the opportunity to regularly care for your lawn, so it often grows too much, you may want to consider purchasing a more powerful lawn mower that can handle thicker or taller grass.
ELECTRIC AND GASOLINE TRIMMERS FOR GRASS AND BRUSHES
Electric trimmers:
In electric trimmers, the maximum engine power is up to 1000 W, which in itself means that no model can be called a professional machine. Compared to gasoline trimmers, they are weaker, but they have their advantages and find a place in every garden.
Electric trimmers have the following advantages over motorized ones:
- Lightweight construction
- Easy maintenance
- Low noise level
- They don't leak gas money
Electric grass trimmers with a bottom-mounted engine: The advantage of trimmers with a bottom-mounted engine is that they are better balanced and you can easily work with them with one hand, unlike those with a top engine. Some models have a telescopic handle, very small dimensions, easy to store and move with a car. Low-mounted engines are smaller and less powerful - around and up to 650 W. These trimmers are never equipped with a blade, but only with a line.
Electric trimmers with a top-mounted motor: They are more powerful - up to 1000W and are for larger areas. More power is, of course, an advantage. Some such models can also be equipped with a grass blade.
Petrol trimmers:
The petrol trimmer is designed for larger areas and more remote locations where it is impossible to use a power cable. This device has the advantage of greater engine power, which makes it more productive. It can handle more vigorous grass and shoots. For this type of trimmer, you must have a spare can of petrol if you run out of fuel during the work. Another disadvantage is the high level of noise that the engine makes. The petrol fumes emitted are also not to be admired. Last but not least, the higher price of petrol trimmers should be noted.
ELECTRIC AND GASOLINE BRUSHCUTTERS
A brushcutter is a machine that is used on surfaces with obstacles (low walls, fences, stairs, etc.), as well as on uneven surfaces and sloping terrain.
Brushcutters are used for cutting grass, weeds and trimming bushes in places inaccessible to other machines. Some brushcutters, if equipped with special attachments, can be used for pruning high and low branches of trees and fruit trees, trimming medium-height hedges and cultivating small areas planted with vegetables.
Petrol-powered brushcutters:
This tool is designed for those who have serious work ahead of them. The powerful gasoline engine easily cuts even thick branches. You can work with the machine in remote places, as long as you carry a can of gasoline and oil. They are suitable for professional gardeners, but there are also lighter models for amateurs. In recent years, manufacturers have done a lot to overcome the traditional disadvantages of motorized brushcutters such as noise, vibration and "excess" weight, but they are still more difficult to control than electric ones.
Electric brushcutters:
For larger gardens, the presence of a cable is considered a disadvantage, but if your garden, fence and shrubbery are compact, buying an electric hedge trimmer is attractive, especially considering that the price of electric models is many times lower than that of motorized ones. During work, you should be careful not to get the cable between the teeth of the hedge trimmer! This is an inconvenience, but electric machines are lighter and quieter than gasoline ones.
