Which lawnmowers to use for which areas? An overview

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author
Mandy
9 minutes
Lawnmower in a hardware store

Table of contents

  • Small lawns
  • Medium lawns
  • Large lawns
  • Very large lawns
  • Lawn mower models
  • Manual cylinder mowers
  • Cordless mower
  • Electric mower
  • Petrol mower
  • Riding mower
  • cutting widths
  • speeds
  • Area performance
  • frequently asked Questions

Finding the right lawnmower for your own lawn is not always easy. Type of drive, range, follow-up costs and all other advantages and disadvantages must be taken into account when making your selection. The following overview shows what is important when making a purchase decision.

Video tip

Small lawns

Lawns of up to 400 square meters are considered small. Since mowing doesn't take much time, the lawn mower doesn't have to be very powerful. A long range is also not necessary. For this reason, different models are possible. These are:

  • manual cylinder mowers
  • Cordless mower
  • Electric mower
Mowing the lawn in a small garden

If the small lawn is a garden that is planted with trees or bushes, the most important thing when choosing the right lawn mower is maneuverability. Versions with narrow cutting widths meet this requirement.

Medium lawns

We are talking about medium-sized lawns ranging in size from 400 to 800 square meters. These can be gardens or small meadows in parks. Several types of lawnmowers are suitable for trimming the grass. These include:

  • Wheel drive cylinder mower
  • Cordless mower
  • Electric mower
  • Petrol mower
Lawn mower on meadow

Battery-operated lawn mowers can reach their limits with this lawn size. When making your selection, it is therefore important to take into account the operating time or to already have a replacement battery. High-quality models can mow over 2,000 square meters with one battery charge, making them suitable for large lawns.

For cheaper versions, the maximum is usually reached at around 800 square meters. To avoid unwanted forced breaks, the battery power should exceed the size of the lawn by at least 100 to 200 square meters.

Large lawns

From 800 square meters the lawn area is considered large. If you don't want to spend several hours mowing, you should use a powerful lawn mower with high performance. Models with a battery are only suitable if they are designed for large areas or if the battery can be replaced if necessary.

Mowing the lawn with a lawnmower

Electric lawn mowers have no duration limit, but are corded. On the one hand, this can be a hindrance. On the other hand, it poses a risk if the cutting blades cut the cable. They are partially suitable for large lawns.

Petrol lawn mowers and Riding lawn mowers are the most practical and comfortable models for spacious lawns. Since the tank can be refilled, there is no limit to the range. They are therefore the first choice for large and very large lawns.

Very large lawns

An area of ​​approximately 2,000 square meters is considered to be a very large lawn. For comparison: a football field is around 7,000 square meters.

Such lawns to mow regularly is only possible with a ride-on lawn mower or a lawn tractor. Push models do not achieve high mowing speeds, so cutting the grass takes a lot of time. Powerful mowers with maximum speeds of 25 kilometers per hour only need a few hours to do the same job.

Lawn mower models

There is more than one for almost every lawn suitable lawnmower. When selecting a suitable model, all advantages and disadvantages should be compared with regard to your own needs. It should also be taken into account that there can be significant differences within one type of drive.

Manual cylinder mowers

Manual cylinder mowers do not require any additional drive. They cut the grass gently, very low and without fraying the cutting surfaces. They are ideal for small lawns.

Who is a cylinder mower worthwhile for?
  • extremely quiet
  • cheap to buy
  • no follow-up costs
  • precise cutting image
  • environmentally friendly use

Tip:

Cylinder mowers are also available with a drive and as a riding mower. They can therefore also be suitable for larger lawns.

Cordless mower

Cordless lawnmowers are operated electrically and do not require cables. Their operating life and therefore their suitability for different lawn sizes can vary greatly. What is potentially limiting is that the operating time is limited to the battery charge.

Cordless lawnmower
  • Suitable for small to large lawns
  • wide range of services
  • no exhaust fumes
  • quiet operation
  • low maintenance

Electric mower

Corded electric mowers are ideal for small to medium-sized lawns and can also be suitable for larger sections with the appropriate extension cord. They do not need to be charged, but they do generate follow-up costs due to the electricity consumption. The cable can also be restrictive and disruptive.

Electric lawnmower
  • Suitable for small to large lawns
  • no exhaust fumes
  • quiet operation
  • unlimited operating time
  • low maintenance

Petrol mower

Push petrol mowers are suitable for larger areas. Because you can refuel, there are only short breaks when mowing. However, the development of exhaust gases and the loud noise levels are unpleasant and even stressful.

  • Restriction only through tank filling
  • Generation of exhaust gases
  • high follow-up costs
  • very loud
  • comprehensive maintenance

Riding mower

Until a few years ago, ride-on mowers and lawn tractors were exclusively powered by gasoline. There are now models with batteries that are just as powerful. Due to their high performance, ride-on mowers are ideal for large to very large lawns and are the most convenient way to mow the lawn.

Riding lawnmower
  • also available as a cylinder mower
  • large area performance
  • High acquisition costs
  • higher speeds possible
  • comfortable mowing

cutting widths

A crucial point for the suitability of the lawn mower is the cutting width of the device. The smaller the area, the narrower the mower can be. If it is a planted garden, the model must be maneuverable so that tree sections and areas around bushes can be easily avoided. The recommended width is 30 to 48 centimeters.

Riding lawnmower mowing from below

For large, open lawns, lawn mowers with longer cutting areas are the better choice. They draw wider paths and thus enable the grass to be trimmed more efficiently. In the case of ride-on mowers, cutting widths of up to 150 centimeters are possible.

Tip:

Due to the immense differences in widths, it may make sense to purchase two lawn mowers. Large cutting widths for open, wide lawns and a small number of models for planted or angled sections result in the optimal combination and make work noticeably easier.

speeds

Lawn mowers are basically divided into three types based on speed. The most common models for private use are models that can travel at a maximum of 6 km/h. Variants without wheel or axle drive, such as manual cylinder mowers, are becoming increasingly popular due to growing environmental and cost awareness. Both types are suitable for small and medium-sized lawns. If necessary, you can use a slow drive large sections of lawn mowing. However, the work takes significantly longer.

The third type is lawn mowers that can travel at least 6 and a maximum of 25 km/h. Due to their higher speed, they are ideal for large and very large lawns. No special permit is required for them as long as they are only used on your own property. However, these devices only really make sense if the property is at least 1,000 square meters in size and the lawn allows for largely unobstructed travel.

Area performance

The area performance is made up of the cutting width and the speed. The larger the two values, the better the performance. The information can refer to the area per hour or per battery charge and is an important value when purchasing.

Mowing the lawn

The spectrum is very large when it comes to cordless lawnmowers alone. There are small, lightweight devices for up to 170 square meters, as well as ride-on lawn mowers that can cover 18,000 square meters per hour. Using this information, you can easily find the right model for your lawn size.

frequently asked Questions

Is a cordless, electric or petrol lawnmower better?

Electric and cordless lawnmowers are much quieter than petrol-powered models, they are more environmentally friendly and make working more pleasant. In terms of performance, operating time and range, there are now cordless lawnmowers that are no longer inferior to petrol models. Which lawn mower is best for each lawn depends on size, height differences, local conditions and personal preference.

Which lawn mower for the front garden?

A simple cordless or manual reel mower is ideal for small lawns. Both variants are also worthwhile for gardens in which the lawns are partially planted. Another advantage of cylinder mowers is that they are very quiet to use. They can also be used during rest periods, on Sundays and public holidays.

Which lawn mower requires the least maintenance?

Manual cylinder mowers are by far the best choice in terms of maintenance and noise. Cleaning the knives, sharpening them occasionally and lubricating the bearings is sufficient to maintain functionality. Effort and expenses are kept low.

author Mandy

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