How To Make A Lawn Mower Not Deaf

In this article, we will talk about how to make the right choice for the optimal lawn mower for a summer cottage and garden, what to look for, and also offer our own rating of popular models.

How to choose a lawn mower

First, we recommend deciding on the key technical differences between the models. Usually consumers do not see much difference between the categories presented below, but this will inevitably lead to the wrong choice.

The main types

The following categories of equipment are presented on the Russian market:

Based on the foregoing, we can draw the following conclusion – the lawn mower is the best solution for processing areas that have a flat landscape and simple geometry.

Source of energy

Developers are trying to satisfy the needs of a huge target audience with their individual needs. To perform this task, I had to release a lot of models with different drive options. They are discussed below.

    • Electric motor without battery. It is ecologically safe, it is not necessary to constantly purchase fuel and oil, it is characterized by low noise level. The disadvantages are the need to connect to the electrical network, you will have to use an extension cord, and the power remains very limited.
    • Electric motor with battery. The advantages are identical to those described above, but have high mobility. If we are talking about robotic lawnmowers, a person will not have to participate in the process. The disadvantages are the same, but to the list mentioned earlier it will be necessary to add a long charge and a limited operating time of the equipment from the battery.
    • Petrol engine. It has high performance, designed to operate in harsh conditions, works for a long period of time. Reliability has to be paid for by the constant purchase of fuel and oil, high noise and the need for timely maintenance.
    • Without engine, with muscle drive. Despite the complete absence of noise, the minimum price and the absence of restrictions in terms of weather, mowing them with thick or tall grass, alas, will not work.

    Drive unit

    According to the type of drive, the equipment is also divided into four categories.

      • Front wheels They can only be used on a flat lawn. Models with a similar design are characterized by ease of operation, maneuverability when making a turn / turn.
      • Rear wheels The rear axle drive provides easy operation on uneven areas with large elevations. Rear-wheel drive is very specific, as the turning radius is significantly increased. To quickly change the trajectory of movement, sometimes you have to stop.
      • All wheels. The presence of all-wheel drive allows you to work in any weather, such lawn mowers are easy to raise or lower from the hill. All-wheel drive equipment belongs to the premium segment. Due to the high cost, it is not accessible to everyone. Also, models weigh up to 50 kilograms, which complicates transportation and winter conservation.
      • Without drive. Weight averages about 15 kilograms, equipment is characterized by high efficiency. True, it will have to be constantly pushed, and the power leaves much to be desired.

      Performance

      The equipment is divided into three categories depending on the performance of the power unit.

      Low Power Class Lawn Mowers

      Electric models deliver power up to 1,500 watts, while gasoline engines – up to two and a half horsepower.

      It is a compact solution with minimal weight, which is great for processing a small, even garden lawn with flower beds. True, the cutting width is relatively small – no more than 40 centimeters. To mow the lawn, you have to prepare in advance for a great waste of time and effort. The equipment belonging to the low-power class cannot boast of high functionality in general.

      Medium Power Lawn Mowers

      The performance of electric models is from 1.5 to 2 kilowatts, gasoline engines from two and a half to six horsepower.

      Pay attention to this category if you have to process areas with irregularities and slight slopes of the surface. The equipment easily cuts weeds with a thick stem, significantly reducing the amount of time for cutting. Among the shortcomings, we note the relatively large dimensions and weight, as well as the increased cost against the background of a low-power class.

      High Power Class Lawn Mowers

      This is a premium equipment where only internal combustion engines act as a drive. Their performance starts at around 6 horsepower.

      This is a highly efficient reliable equipment, divided into two categories – professional and semi-professional. To match the level, manufacturers endow their equipment with various functional solutions. There are two drawbacks, and both of them are related to finance – the high cost of both the models themselves and their subsequent after-sales service.

      Rating of popular lawn mowers 2019

      So, above we examined the main parameters that you need to pay attention to when making a purchase. Now move on to the specifics.

      Husqvarna LC 140

      Model Husqvarna LC 140 is a practical solution for owners of country houses with a personal plot. Buyers note the simplicity and ease of use.

      The 125 cc 2.4-horsepower engine runs smoothly in all conditions – Briggs and Stratton technology fosters this. Grass flies into a soft grass catcher located at the rear of the structure. The tank has a volume of 800 milliliters, which is enough for an hour of intensive use.

      The only drawback, according to customers, is the large packaging, which will result in overpayments for delivery from other regions.

      CHAMPION LM4215

      Wheel lawn mower CHAMPION LM4215 belongs to the budget class. Equipped with a soft grass catcher of 40 liters. It is characterized by a small, as for its class, noise level – 96 dB. Lateral discharge is not provided.

      A distinctive advantage of the equipment against competitors is the presence of a separate tank for filling oil. This makes it easier to prepare for the next processing session. As necessary, the user can choose the optimal level of bevel height from five available.

      Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the lack of a power regulator, as well as the specificity of maneuvering in cramped conditions.

      GARDENA PowerMax 1400/34

      The GARDENA PowerMax 1400/34 is another budget-friendly machine equipped with a 1.4 kW electric motor. Grass catcher – hard type. It is located behind, under the handle, behind the wheelbase. Compared with competitors, it has a very low weight – only 9700 grams in a fully complete state.

      The manufacturer claims that the cord length is enough to handle a landscape area of ​​400 square meters. The presence of an electric motor significantly reduced the level of generated noise, bringing it to 79 dB.

      Oleo-Mac G 48 PK Comfort Plus

      The Oleo-Mac G 48 PK Comfort Plus Lawn Mower is professional-grade equipment designed to handle large areas.

      The model is equipped with a four-stroke gasoline engine with a volume of 140 cm³. One full tank of 1 liter is enough to process an area of ​​1400 square meters. Grass enters a soft-type container. Depending on personal preferences and features of the processed landscape, the owner can choose one of six cutting height modes. The total weight of the wheeled lawnmower is 25.4 kilograms.

      PATRIOT PT 42 LS

      Lawnmower PATRIOT PT 42 LS is one of the best mid-range models on the domestic market.

      The curb weight is 27 kilograms. It is justified by the presence of a self-propelled mechanism, thanks to which, the owner does not have to push the equipment.

      Video: How To Make A Lawn Mower Not Deaf


      The soft grass catcher does not absorb unpleasant odors, which makes the model one of the best for country houses and summer cottages. The gas engine has a power of three and a half horsepower.

      Hyundai L 4310

      The best option from the middle price range is the Hyundai L 4310. This lawn mower copes with terrain processing of any level of complexity. For only 13 thousand, the buyer receives reliable equipment that supports six options for adjusting the cutting height.

      The oil and gas tank make it unnecessary for the user to mix fuel and lubricant. The model is compatible with popular mulching nozzles. A fuel tank of one liter is enough to handle more than 1200 square meters of area. The engine has a long service life, therefore, does not require constant maintenance.

      BOSCH Rotak 43 LI (0.600.8A4.507)

      One of the most successful models from the German manufacturer. BOSCH Rotak 43 LI (0.600.8A4.507) is a professional-class model that does not require service maintenance of the motor and other components.

      The grass catcher is hard, has a large volume of 50 liters. Installation of a mulching nozzle is supported. There are six options for cutting height to choose from. The electric motor is powered by an integrated rechargeable battery with a capacity of 4 ampere hours and a voltage of 36 volts.

      Standard equipment consists of two rechargeable batteries, each of which is charged for two hours.

      Makita PLM4628N

      Makita PLM4628N is a self-propelled lawnmower equipped with rear-wheel drive. One full tank is enough to process an area of ​​1,400 square meters.

      Thanks to the use of new technologies, it was possible to reduce motor noise to 87 dB. Grass can be ejected in different directions – not only in the grass catcher, but also backward, to the left or right side.

      The power unit from Briggs and Stratton implements all the advanced technological solutions. There is a motor brake. Perhaps this is the best option for the money.

      Device description

      A home-made mower consists of an engine, knives and a convenient handle. Since the engine is powered from the mains, you will also need the longest cord with a plug and a switch. For convenience, wheels should be attached to the bottom of the mower. And in order to keep all this together, you need a frame.

      How To Make A Lawn Mower Not Deaf

      Parts selection

      The most important question is where to get the engine to assemble the lawn mower. Virtually any serviceable engine from an old household appliance or power tool will do: a drill, vacuum cleaner, angle grinder, chainsaw, even a washing machine. An engine with a power of five hundred watts is suitable, although a power of 1 kilowatt or more would be an ideal option – this will allow working at lower engine speeds and sharpening knives less often. In any case, the selection of the engine is interconnected with the diameter of the knife and the overall dimensions of the lawn mower. In short – the larger the area a homemade lawn mower should capture at a time – the more powerful the engine should be.

      The next important detail is the knife. This is almost the main working detail of the mechanism, and it depends on the quality of the knife how long your mower will work and whether it will please the results. Therefore, to make a knife, you need high-quality solid steel. In shape, the knife can be one continuous piece up to 50 centimeters long, with a hole for a screw in the center, and sharpened on both sides, possibly slightly curved, following the example of branded lawn mowers. Another option is a compound knife, when two small metal sharpened pieces are fastened to a strip of steel with bolts or by welding. Also, the strip of steel from which the knife is made can be curly, usually in the form of a trapezoid – this protects the knife from winding grass. And finally, the most unusual knife – a solid round sharpened disk.

      The craftsmen advise such a form for safety reasons – a knife made of a strip of steel can break and hurt when hit by a stone or a stick, and almost nothing threatens the whole metal disk. The handle for a lawn mower can be any. It is common practice to use the chassis from old strollers – this solves three problems at once – the wheels, the frame, and the handle. In the absence of an old stroller at hand, the handle can be welded from a metal pipe or even made from a shank from a shovel.

      The power cord can be taken from any household appliance that has failed. In principle, with a short cord length, it can be pulled to the network through extension cords. The wheels can be adapted from a pram or a large machine, or cut independently from a thick wooden board, or use the wheels of an old vacuum cleaner. For the frame you will need a piece of metal or thick plywood. It is also worthwhile to make a protective cover so that repairing the lawn mower with your own hands is required as little as possible. Good material for the casing is metal.

      Lawn mower assembly

      First of all, you need to make a frame for the engine. To do this, take a metal sheet with a thickness of at least three millimeters. The size of the frame is selected based on the length of the knife, but the maximum width of the lawn mower rarely exceeds sixty centimeters. Thus, you need to cut a square of metal with a side of 50 or 60 centimeters. In the center of the square you need to make a hole for the engine. The flange motor is attached to the frame with the shaft down. If the engine is with ears, then additional fastenings need to be welded to the frame.

      Such a frame can be made from boards or plywood, but metal is still preferable, since it is less prone to deformation. The casing is designed to protect the engine shaft from debris and grass clippings. The simplest casing can be made from a metal can. More complex options will have to tinker with. If the finished cover is high, it will protect the electric mechanism of the mower. If not, then to protect the connections with the wire, you need to make another casing.

      The casing is put on the motor shaft. Next, a sharpened knife is put on and the whole mechanism is fixed with a bolt. Next, wheels are attached to the frame. To do this, corners with holes drilled in them should be welded onto the frame. The diameter of the wheels is selected so that the knife passes at a height of five to seven centimeters above the ground. If the knife goes down, it is likely that it will get stuck in the ground. At a higher height, the grass is crushed, but not cut.

      Regardless of what the handle is made of, you need to straighten the growth of the one who will most often use the lawn mower. Usually the optimal handle length is about 90 centimeters. The final stage of work is the connection of the power cord. Do-it-yourself electric mower is ready, you can test it on your own summer cottage. In order to protect against cut grass, a net is mounted over the lawn mower.

      The second option is to make the frame a special curved shape. This technique described the assembly of a lawn mower to a standard shape. Options are a lawn mower from a drill, on which a wide knife is fixed instead of a drill. In this case, the drill itself needs to be attached to the frame with a handle – the advantages of such a home-made lawn mower are that you do not have to fool your head with the cord connected – the drill mechanism is used. Secondly, such lawn mowers can be used to cut grass under trees and near curbs.

      In a similar way, you can make a lawnmower from a chainsaw. For it, you need to prepare a special frame frame, for example, weld it from pieces of pipe. Next, move the chainsaw engine onto it. The network has both drawings and videos on fastening knives to such a lawn mower. Due to the power of the engine, a lawn mower from a chainsaw copes even with a small shrub.

      Video "Overview of the handmade lawn mower"

      Video review of a hand-made lawn mower.

      The advantages and disadvantages of a homemade option

      The main advantage of self-assembly of the lawn mower is its low cost and environmental friendliness, because for it you can use units of faulty equipment, starting from a chainsaw and ending with a table lamp. Otherwise, the advantages and disadvantages depend on the parts used. As for the engine, the masters actively recommend asynchronous – for low noise. But this is not an absolute option, for lack of asynchronous, anyone will do. After all, mechanical cleaning of the grass is much more convenient than manual, so that noise can occasionally be tolerated.

      Some craftsmen categorically do not advise taking the engine from a vacuum cleaner, because it quickly overheats, and in this case, they advise the engine from a chainsaw or angle grinder. The correct casing with holes or from a frequent metal mesh helps to combat engine overheating. The disadvantage of homemade mowers is the inability to control the height of the knife. Although, if desired, and skill, this flaw can be addressed.

      To make the knife happy and dull as rarely as possible, use stainless steel. To save the motor shaft from damage, the knife must be sharpened unevenly – make it sharp to the edge and not touch it in the place of contact with the shaft, since the grass near the attachment point of the knife and shaft is still poorly cut, but rather soaked and wound on the knife. Significantly improve the homemade lawn mower with additional options – an adjustable handle length, safety bumpers that prevent the knife from touching the ground or a grass catcher for mowed grass.

      Operational Safety

      A home-made lawn mower requires careful safety precautions. This is due to the fact that the tool is electric, and with the presence of knives. The first thing to do before turning on the mower to the power grid and starting work is to check its serviceability, the sharpness of the knives, the reliability of the fastening of all the bolts, the free wheeling. It is highly advisable to collect garbage on the site, as stones or wooden blocks can cause a breakdown of the lawn mower or injury to the mower. Children or pets must leave the work area.

      The proper use of the mower is to push it away from you. If there is a need to stop working with the lawn mower for a while, and then return to it, then it is necessary to disconnect the mechanism from the power supply, and not by the button near the engine, but unplug the plug. And most importantly, working with an electric lawnmower is strictly prohibited in the rain or on wet grass. Cleaning or repair can only be carried out with the mechanism turned off and cooled down. Subject to these simple rules, a self-assembled lawn mower will delight you for many years to come.

      Video “How a lawn mower from a juicer works”

      This video shows how a self-made lawn mower made from a juicer is excellent.