Mower buying guide

A mower is a motorized garden tool designed for mowing.

Comprised of a 2 or 4 strokeengine, its power is expressed in horsepower (hP) and its cylinder capacity in cubic centimeters (cc or cm 3).

The mower has two agricultural wheels (wheels for agricultural use), adjustable handlebars and a sickle bar or rotating cutting system.

Modern mowers are more often equipped with a 4-stroke engine and agricultural wheels, which are of similar dimensions from one model to another. The most important factor for mowers is the cutting system and its width. In general there are two different types of cutting systems for mowers:

Cylinder mower 

The cylinder mower has a sickle bar with interlocking teeth attached at the front. The bar's width determines the cutting width.Here's a tip: a bar of approximately 90 cmwide is suitable for surfaces with a maximum area of 3,000 m². This sickel bar's teeth being completely exposed, the risks of accidents are higher. The potential width of these sickle bars is a major asset for the mowing even the most extensive of land.

Rotary mower

The rotary mower's cutting system, located at the front of the machine, is effective due to one very high speed rotating blade, housed under the protective cover. The width of the affected area is linked to the size of the blade. A 50 cm blade should be able to handle a 3 000 m² plot of land. Its relatively small cutting width increases the number of passes needed considerably.

The current trend is to replace two-stroke engines in favor of the more durable 4-stroke because of its higher power (hP) and bigger cylinder (cc).

Without needing to enroll in a mechanic's course, remember that the bigger the engine is, the more torque it has. That implies that there is no need to run at full speed in order to expect a good performance. Due to this, the engine is better preserved since it's not used to it's full potential and benefits from an increased comfort level.

The generated power is generally 6 hp for 200 cc engines. Mower engines are usually started by pulling a starting cord. 

Most mowers have one single front-drive gear.

The blades can be disengaged and the cutting system removed so that it can be replaced by a lawn mower blade or even a snow blade.

The rotary cutting system can  also be replaced by a sickle bar.

Like any combustion engine, maintenance is needed (oil, fuses, filters, wintering etc.).

Have a good mow and be sure to avoid roots and stones if you do not want to have to re-sharpen your blade too soon!

For passionate gardeners and DIY-lovers, follow the links below for gardening-related accessories, advice from our editors and more helpful guides:

• How to choose your lawnmower?

• How to choose your weeding tools?

• How to choose your weed killer?

• How to choose your hedge shears?

• How to decorate your garden?

• How to prepare your garden in the spring?

• How to choose your garden shed?

• How to maintain your garden shed?

• How to choose your hand tools for mowing?

• How to trim your hedges?