Grass is sacred. Every lawnmower model has pros and cons, but when you find the holy grail, you won’t be ashamed to yell: success!
Your lawnmower under scrutiny
Take a look at all the components of your lawnmower. Even if its mechanical system is relatively simple, every piece is important.
1. THE CUTTING DECK
The blades and adapters are flat or dome shaped, in metal or plastic. The dome-shaped blades are more efficient, because they leave more space for cutting grass. Hard metal blades last longer, but the plastic blades do not rust.
2. THE BLADES
Blades are made to cut or tear grass from one to four inches. The cutting blades require bags, whereas tearing blades shred grass when you mow.
3. THE WHEELS
The bigger the wheel, the easier it is to maneuver the lawnmower. The largest wheels at the back of the mower make it easier to push.
4. THE ENGINE
The size of the motor is measured in amps. It varies between 7 A to 17 A. The larger the number, the more powerful the motor, the longer it will last, but it is also heavier. Most owners opt for a lawnmower with a motor of 7 A to 9 A.
5. THE STARTER
If some prefer to show off their guns by using a traditional rope starter, others will opt for an electric starter model—some also being gas models. The electrical starter functions with a contact button or a key contact .
6. THE ERGONOMIC HANDLE
An ergonomic handle reduces fatigue and makes control easier thanks to its shape and design with an adjustable height. Many lawnmowers are made with handles that fold on the deck to make it easier to store.
7. THE BAG
We recommend using bags during mowing sessions with seedlings, after heavy rainfall, or when grass is cut too long for a shredding blade.
Main models
Overview of main models and their strengths.
GAS LAWNMOWER
A classic for several decades. Always popular, always efficient.
ADVANTAGE: Perfect for surfaces of up to 5000 ft.2.
GOOD TO KNOW: Requires more maintenance, but an annual tuning suffices to keep it sturdy for years.
If your yard is unequal, we recommend using two-stroke motors.
RECHARGEABLE ELECTRICAL LAWNMOWER
Enjoy the pleasure of mowing your lawn with a motor that roars without polluting. It suits yards no larger than 5000ft2.
ADVANTAGE: It enables more freedom of movement than an electrical rope lawnmower. It doesn’t require as much maintenance as a gas mower.
GOOD TO KNOW: Its batteries last 45 minutes. Having extra batteries is a good idea.
ELECTRICAL ROPE LAWNMOWER
Less loud than a gas lawnmower, it is a respectable and environmentally friendly choice—-just like the electrical lawnmower.
ADVANTAGE: It’s light, is easy to store and does not depend on a charge to function. It doesn’t require as much maintenance than a gas lawnmower.
GOOD TO KNOW: The surface area it covers is limited by the length of the wire and its extension cord.
REEL MOWER
The ideal tool for very small city yards. It’s the least loud and the most environmentally friendly, as it functions with elbow grease.
ADVANTAGE: It’s light and is easy to store in a small space.
GOOD TO KNOW: The grass cut might not be as perfect as with an engine lawnmower. It requires a certain physique effort. You must mow the lawn more frequently because if the grass is too long, the lawnmower will lose its effectiveness.
GARDEN TRACTOR
You have probably been dreaming about it since you were a kid! It’s a go-to for yards of half an acre or more.
ADVANTAGE: A small tractor allows you to save on time and to reduce physical effort without ruining the cut of your lawn.
GOOD TO KNOW: A cutting deck of less than 42 inches is enough for a yard of less than an acre. A cutting deck of over 42 inches is suitable for larger yards.
Pro tip
Two-stroke engines are built for yards with steep slopes. Their maintenance is easy because the engine’s mechanical system is simpler, with a mix of gas and oil. Note that lawnmower models with two-stroke engines are lighter than four-stroke models, but they are louder and more polluting.
4 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR LAWNMOWER AND YARD IN GOOD SHAPE
- TO OBTAIN THE CLEANEST CUT
Sharpen the blames every year. A clean cut will result in healthier grass.
- TO FIGHT WEEDS
You can halt their natural growth if you keep the grass at a height of three or four inches. Never cut more than a third of the height of the grass to keep it healthy.
- TO STOP GRASS FROM STICKING UNDER THE LAWNMOWER
Every spring, apply graphite lubricant under the cutting deck of your lawnmower.
- TO AVOID RUST
Keep lawnmower pieces clean and dry after every use.
No comment yet, add your voice below!