Small petrol lawn mower. Lawnmower buying guide: How to choose the best lawn mower
Petrol lawn mowers
Petrol lawn mowers are more powerful than electric mowers, can make much lighter work of a large lawn and give you a better finish at the same time.
Choosing the right lawn mower will save you time and frustration
The additional power of a petrol lawn mower can make them the better choice for most mid sized and bigger lawns. In this guide we explain what to consider when buying a petrol lawnmower, the pros and cons of each choice and reviews of websites where you can buy petrol lawn mowers. Choosing the right lawn mower will save you time and frustration, so we’ll also explain when you might want to consider an electric lawn mower or a larger ride on mower.
- Choosing a petrol mower
- Types of petrol mowers
- Rotary petrol mowers
- Cylinder petrol mowers
- Hover petrol mowers
- Lawn size mowing width
- Cutting height lawn finish
- Things to consider
- Rear rollers striped lawn
- Cheapest petrol mower?
- Alternatives
- Where to buy?
Choosing a petrol lawn mower
The same considerations apply to choosing a petrol lawn mower as to electric lawn mowers or manual ones, the main factors are the size of your lawn and the finish you require.
What size lawn do you have? Light, manoeuvrable lawn mowers are suited to small lawns while larger lawns will need a more substantial mower with a wider mowing width and more powerful engine. Choosing the right sized mower for your lawn will save you time and frustration.
Although large petrol mowers are available, if you have a very large lawn you may want to read our guides to ride on mowers and lawn tractors which aren’t covered here.
What finish do you require? If you have an uneven lawn or a utility lawn which sees considerable use over the year you’ll want a mower with higher cutting settings which leaves grass slightly longer.
Show lawns requiring a fine finish need a lawn mower that cuts the grass much shorter and you’ll probably want a cylinder mower for a clean cut and a rear roller to flatten the grass and create perfect stripes.
Additional factors such as a grass collection box, electric or pull cord ignition, maintenance and so on should also be considered but getting the right mower for your lawn size and required finish are key.
There are 3 types of petrol lawn mowers. rotary, cylinder and hover. The names refer to the way they cut grass, but broadly speaking each mower type is suitable for a particular type of lawn.
Types of petrol mower
There are rotary, cylinder and hover petrol mowers, each suitable for a different type of lawn.
Rotary petrol mowers
Rotary petrol lawn mowers are particularly suited for most family utility lawns that see a lot of use and lawns which are uneven. Since most lawns fit into this category you’ll find the vast majority of petrol lawn mowers are rotary mowers.
Rotary petrol mowers move on four wheels and are good for medium to large lawns. They are less manoeuvrable than hover mowers making them less suitable for small lawns or lawns with many intricately shaped edges.
Rotary blades rotate like a fan and spin parallel to the ground
Rotary mowers get their name from the movement of their blades which is very much like a fan rotating parallel to the ground. The cutting action results in a slightly more untidy cut than cylinder mowers but to most gardeners this difference is irrelevant and normally unnoticeable, especially if games like football are being played on the lawn.
A lot of petrol rotary mowers are available with a rear roller so a striped lawn is still easily achievable. However, the nature of the cut and the high cutting settings make rotary mowers less suitable for a very fine finish.
Almost all rotary petrol mowers have adjustable cutting heights with this feature missing from only the cheapest models.
The cutting height range on a rotary mower is normally 25mm to 100mm (1 to 4) compared to an average range of 6mm to 40mm (1/8 to 1.5 inches) on cylinder mowers.
Because the range they cut to is higher than cylinder mowers, rotary mowers are much more suitable for utility lawns (where the grass should be left longer) and for lawns where the ground is not bowling green flat.
In the UK Mountfield, Atco Admiral, Atco Viscount are leading brands. Compare petrol rotary mower in our shop section.
The 5 Best Petrol Lawn Mowers For 2023 UK
Cylinder petrol mowers
Cylinder petrol mowers are for those wanting the perfect lawn with a fine finish and Wimbledon stripes. They are available in widths to suit any lawn but aren’t suitable for everyone.
Rotating cylinder shaped blades
Cylinder mowers get their name from their set of rotating cylinder shaped blades that roll forward and cut the grass between two blades in a scissor-like action. This action creates a cleaner cut than a rotary mower resulting in a neater lawn.
They’re often used by professional green/lawn keepers on golf courses and tennis courts and give a better striped effect as the grass is always cut in the same direction and they have a heavy rear roller.
Professional cylinder mower
Cylinder mowers have adjustable cutting heights like rotary mowers but the ranges are much shorter. An average cylinder mower will have a height adjustment range of about 6mm to 40mm (1/8 to 1.5) compared to an average range of 25mm to 100mm (1 to 4) for rotary mowers. The shorter and neater cut makes cylinder mowers suitable for high quality lawns requiring a fine finish but makes them less suited to lawns that require longer grass and lawns which are uneven as they’re likely to ground.
There are far fewer cylinder petrol mowers to choose from than there are rotary ones and fewer manufacturers. The main brands are Atco Balmoral, Atco Club, Atco Royale, Masport, Lawnflite, Mountfield and Qualcast. You can browse petrol cylinder mower in our shop section.
Hover petrol mowers
Hover mowers use a rotary blade but get their name because their rotary blades create a cushion of air that lifts them off the ground much like a hovercraft. No wheels and the cushion of air allow the mower to be moved from side to side making them ideal for small lawns and complicated shaped borders.
Because they cut grass in the same way as rotary mowers, hover mowers also leave a slightly untidier finish than cylinder mowers. They have variable cutting heights normally ranging from 10mm to 40mm (1/2. 2), putting them between the low cylinder mowers and high rotary mowers.
There isn’t a wide selection of petrol hover mowers but they are available. The vast majority of hover mowers are electric mowers.
Compare petrol hover mower in our shop section.
Lawn size and mowing width
Lawn size is the biggest consideration when buying any lawn mower. It affects your choice of cutting width, power and whether to buy a self propelled or push mower.
The mowing width of a mower is the width of one stripe of mowed lawn. Choosing a width which is too narrow will result in you spending a lot of time going up and down your lawn. However, bigger is not necessarily better as trying to manoeuvre a very large mower around a small lawn is awkward and frustrating.
The product description for a mower usually has a recommended lawn size it is suitable for. These tend to be given in square metres (m 2 ), acres, or in relation to the size of a tennis court; to give a rough idea, one tennis court is about 640m 2 or 1/6 acre.
When you know the rough size of your lawn, bare in mind that the stated lawn size far a mower is often the maximum; if you find your lawn is close to the maximum you might want to consider a larger mower.
Cutting widths for rotary mowers range from around 40cm (16) to 53cm (21). However, cylinder mowers range from as narrow as 35cm (13) up to 75cm (30).
Lawn size will also affect how much power your lawn mower will need but it’s useful to have a rough guide to lawn size and a suitable mowing width:
| Less than 1/2 tennis court | 40cm. 45cm (16. 18) |
| Up to 2 tennis courts | 50cm. 55cm (20. 22) |
| 2-4 tennis courts | 52cm with more power (21) |
| than 4 tennis courts | Consider a ride on mower or lawn tractor |
Cutting height and finish
How long or short you mow your lawn depends on what finish you want and how you use your lawn.
Almost all petrol lawnmowers come with adjustable cutting heights. Given in millimetres, these represent the length they cut the grass to; a typical range would be 20mm to100mm (1 to 4) but these vary depending on whether it’s a rotary, cylinder or hover mower.
Rotary petrol mowers have the longest settings and a typical rotary mower will have a cutting height which can be adjusted from 25mm to 100mm (1 to 4). These are ideal for family utility lawns as the longer grass recovers better from heavy use and the high cutting height prevents the mower from grounding on bumps in the lawn.
A longer cut is also better for low maintenance lawns. Generally speaking you shouldn’t cut more than a third off your grass in one mow. Since grass doesn’t grow any slower if you cut it short, a shorter lawn means you need to cut it more often. up to 3 times a week in summer to maintain a very fine finish.
Cylinder mowers are intended to create a fine finish and have much lower cutting heights than rotary mowers. A typical cylinder mower can be adjusted from 5mm to 40mm (1/4 to 1.5). To keep a healthy lawn at lengths as short as 10mm means you need to mow your lawn very regularly. Cutting at such low heights doesn’t give your mower much clearance so you’ll need a smooth lawn and probably one which gets rolled.
Hover mowers have ranges slightly higher than cylinder mowers, typically between 10mm and 50mm (1/2 to 2) and can handle all but the most uneven lawn.
As well as choosing the right range of cutting heights, you also want a mower with a mowing height that is easily adjusted because grass should be cut to different lengths throughout the year.
Grass should be cut slightly longer in colder months when it doesn’t re-grow as quickly, and be cut shorter over summer. The exception to this is in drought when leaving your grass longer will help it retain moisture. If you’ve let your grass grow particularly long over winter, the first cut of the year should also be high.
Things to consider
Petrol engine power is stated in horsepower and is typically between two and seven horsepower, the higher the number the more power.
You’ll find that once you’ve chosen the right type of mower and cutting width, the range of powers available is narrowed down for you as larger mowers naturally need a more powerful engine.
Once you’ve decided on the mowing width and type of mower you need, buying one with more power will make mowing quicker and easier. especially for large lawns.
Self-propelled mowers
Self-propelled mowers use engine power to not only cut the grass but to move the mower forward as well. Most large mowers are self-propelled as they can weigh over 50kg (8 stone) and are much too large to be pushed.
Websites will clearly say in the product title or description if a mower is self-propelled. Even if you’re buying a smaller petrol mower, a self propelled one will make mowing easier and faster.
Some of the larger cylinder mowers have an optional seat attachment which turns a self-propelled lawn mower into a ride on mower.
Grass Collection Box
Mowers can come with or without grass box attachments to collect the grass clippings. Without a grass box the clippings will need to be collected. These days you can also get Mulching lawnmowers that chop the grass into fine bits that can be left on your lawn to be processed by worms, returning nutrients to the soil.
An attached rear grass box for collecting the cut grass
Grass boxes save time as you don’t have to clear the grass clippings after mowing. If your lawn hasn’t been cut for a while a grass box can fill up quickly but even with regular emptying they’re less hassle than raking up cuttings. Their sizes are stated in litres and range from 40 litre on smaller mowers up to 80 litres on some of the largest.
Almost all rotary and cylinder petrol mowers come with grass collection boxes, but none of the petrol hover mowers do. If you need a hover mower with a collection box, there are electric hover mowers that have them.
Fuel mixture
Petrol lawn mowers are going to need filling with petrol and oil. On the older 2-stroke engines you need to mix petrol and oil in a ratio of 25 to 1 (but this can vary so do read your manual) before filling your mower. These days most petrol mowers on the market are 4-stroke and have a separate oil sump so you no longer need to mix your petrol and oil.
This might sound obvious, but petrol mowers will need filling with petrol!
Some models will list having a throttle which is used to control the speed of the blades. Many models have fixed operational speeds which is said to improve the life of the mower by preventing over revving of the engine.
Starter cord
The engine on a petrol mower is usually started with a pull cord. Starting the mower with a pull cord can get more difficult as your mower gets older. Most size of mower is available with an electric ignition but normally on the more expensive models.
If you don’t want to pull a cord to start your petrol mower look out for electrical ignition
Rear rollers and striped lawns
The striped lawn effect is achieved when light reflects differently off grass mowed in different directions. The effect is caused by the rear roller of a mower flattening the grass as it’s mowed forcing to all lie in one direction.
Petrol mowers tend to be nice and heavy so you are more likely to get a nice striped effect because they flatten the grass more. Make sure you buy a model with a rear roller and stay away from the Hover models as although some have rollers, the effect is not as good. Cylinder mowers are said to give the best striped effect because the cylinder blades cut the grass blades in the same direction.
Cheapest petrol lawn mowers
The cheapest petrol lawn mowers we could find were both rotary mowers and were a McCulloch one at £149.99 and a Castel one for £137.99.
Alternatives
Petrol mowers are heavy, cost more to buy, cost more to run, are noisier and less environmentally friendly so don’t buy one if any of these reasons put you off. You may want to consider reading our electric lawnmower buying guide.
If you have a really big lawn you may want to consider a ride on mower or a lawn tractor.
Where to buy petrol lawn mowers
Mow direct offer some of the lowest we’ve seen on the internet and have a very easy to use website.
They have a wide range of petrol lawnmowers for all budgets and offer free delivery.
Top products
These products have been popular with our community. If you are the thorough type, browse and compare all Petrol Mowers from loads of different merchants.
Lawnmower buying guide: How to choose the best lawn mower
A lush, leafy green lawn is what many gardeners dream of having. And for that, you need a good lawnmower.
In fact, the lawn is often the largest area of the garden. So having a high-quality lawnmower that suits your grass and garden size is vital. In fact, I think it’s the most important gardening tool you can own.
But shopping for a lawnmower can feel overwhelming. There are so many different types and the jargon is confusing. Often the models get more expensive, but the added extras are hard to identify.
So I’ve put together a lawnmower buying guide. It is completely independent and objective. I am not reviewing or recommending specific models or brands, or trying to sell you anything.
The buying guide simply aims to explain the different features and show which type of lawnmower is best for different garden sizes, styles and power requirements.
Lawn mower types
Cylinder
Cylinder lawn mowers have cylindrical blades that rotate vertically at the front of the mower. They cut against a fixed blade at the bottom. The cylinder should have multiple blades – three or more is best.
Cylinder lawnmowers are best for flat lawns that you want to keep short and well-manicured. They can be electric, petrol-powered and push mowers.
Rotary
Rotary lawnmowers have a single blade that rotates horizontally underneath the mower, like the propellers of a plane.
Rotary lawn mowers are the most versatile type and will cope with most types of grass. They are better than cylinder mowers at cutting longer and rougher grass.
A rotary mower may be powered by mains electric, rechargeable battery or petrol engine.
Hover
Hover lawnmowers hover above the ground, making them easier to push and adept at mowing uneven surfaces. They are a good choice for unusual-shaped lawns and cheaper than other types.
However, hover lawnmowers are not always suitable for larger gardens. They are usually electric powered and have rotary blades.
Lawnmower power options
Electric lawnmowers
Most lawnmowers are powered by mains electricity. This is the best choice for small and medium-sized gardens. The mowers are smaller, cheaper to buy and easy to store.
Check that the cable will allow you to mow to the end of your garden before you buy.
You should expect to pay £100 to £200 for an electric mower. Hover lawnmowers are cheaper, starting at around £50.
Cordless lawnmowers
Cordless battery-powered lawn mowers are a hassle-free garden mower. They have all the benefits of an electric mower but you don’t need to worry about a cable.
However, they can be more expensive than mains electric models because of the battery. Modern lithium ion batteries are lighter and last much longer than traditional nickel-cadmium versions, but they are more costly.
You should expect to pay £300 to £500 for a cordless lawnmower.
Petrol lawnmowers
Petrol-powered lawn mowers are the best choice for large gardens where a mains cable would be unsuitable. They are bit more expensive but much more powerful and faster at cutting. They are also easier to manoeuvre around large objects.
However, bear in mind that petrol lawnmowers will need servicing like car engines, and you will need to check and top-up the oil.
You should expect to pay £150 to £500 for a petrol lawnmower, depending on your power requirements.
Push lawnmowers
These are generally small cylinder lawnmowers that you simply push along with your muscle power. They are best for small gardens and don’t use electricity or produce noise and emissions.
However, push lawnmowers are not suitable for larger or sloping gardens or people who have difficulty pushing.
You should expect to pay £40 to £100 for a push lawnmower.
Lawn mowers for different garden sizes
Think of your lawn as a tennis court. A full-size court would be a medium lawn, half the court or less would be a small lawn. Anything bigger is a large lawn.
- Small lawn (up to 100 sq m): electric and cordless lawn mowers.
- Medium lawn (100 – 250 sq m): electric, cordless and petrol lawn mowers.
- Large lawn (250 sq m): petrol lawn mowers.
Other lawnmower factors to consider
Self-propelled
Some electric and petrol lawnmowers are self-propelled. This means that you don’t need to push them – simply steer them in the right direction!
It makes mowing much easier, especially with large lawns and heavy machines. Some models come with adjustable speeds, so you can set it to a comfortable walking pace.
Grass box
It is generally advised to collect grass clippings rather than leaving them on the lawn. Most lawnmowers collect the clippings in a box at the back. This is better than mowers that leave you to rake them up afterwards!
If you have a medium or large lawn, look for a high-capacity grass box. This will cut down how often you need to stop mowing and empty the box.
Mulch mowers
You can also get lawn mowers that chop up the grass clippings very finely and push them back into the lawn as mulch. These are sometimes called recycling mowers. The mulch adds nutrients back into the lawn.
The fine shredding helps the clippings break down quickly so they don’t smother the rest of the grass. Mulching mowers are expensive but a good choice if you don’t have anywhere to dispose of grass clippings.
Cutting width
A lawn mower’s cutting width refers to how wide a stripe the lawnmower can cut. A larger cutting width will reduce how much time you spend mowing the lawn.
Here’s a handy guide using the lawn sizes from above.
- Small lawn: 300mm cutting width.
- Medium lawn: 350-400mm cutting width.
- Large lawn: 400mm cutting width.
Cutting height
Cutting height refers to how high the grass will be when you have cut it. Most lawnmowers have adjustable cutting heights – you simply move the blades up or down.
This helps you dictate the height of the grass, and leave it longer in autumn or during dry periods. Cutting height ranges are usually 20mm to 60mm – see my section on proper mowing technique below for advice.
Rear roller
If you want the striped lawn finish you see on football pitches, you need a lawnmower with a rear roller. The heavier the mower and its roller, the longer your stripes will last.
Rear rollers also allow you to mow right up to the edge of the lawn.
Mowing edges
If you have lots of lawn edges, it is worth looking for a model that can cut right up to the edge. Generally cylinder blades or versions with rear rollers are better at this.
Any mower with inset front wheels or a grass collection comb is also great for mowing edges – no need to go back round with a strimmer.
Robot lawn mowers
Robot lawn mowers are becoming more commonplace these days. The technology is getting better all the time and they can now recognise obstacles and lawn edges. And they are a lot more affordable, though still not cheap.
Robot lawnmowers are for you if you really, really hate mowing the lawn. There is some set-up involved as you have to lay a perimeter wire. Then just leave the mower to get on with cutting. Some models even ‘self-park’ into a charging station after mowing.
Proper mowing technique
Now you have the best lawnmower, you need to get your mowing technique sorted too. A great-looking lawn needs a regular mowing regime that encourages the grasses to develop fine leaves. It also keeps the growth lush and dense, and stops weeds and moss spreading.
The single biggest mistake most people make when cutting the lawn is to cut too low. This is known as ‘scalping’ the grass, and can seriously weaken it.
For normal lawns that get wear and foot traffic, keep the grass around 5cm high. For ornamental lawns that don’t get used much, you can go as low as 2.5cm.
Always remove leaves and grass clippings after mowing and feed the lawn in spring and autumn with special lawn fertiliser. Make sure you choose the right one – spring feeds encourage leafy growth and autumn mixtures build stronger roots.
Lawnmowers
AL-KO offer a comprehensive range of lawn mowers, whether you are looking for a petrol powered mower suitable for mowing in a large garden or a compact cordless or electric lawnmower for maintaining small garden lawns, you are sure to find the ideal mower to suit your needs. For fully automated lawncare, check out our Robolinho® robotic lawn mower.
With more than 50 years of experience in developing lawn mowers in Germany using high quality components and the latest manufacturing techniques, AL-KO lawn mowers are designed to deliver high performance and a long working life.
Cutting height adjustment
The cutting height can be conveniently adjusted with a single handle. Depending on the model, the adjustment is made for each individual wheel or centrally in up to 7 steps.
The mulch plug (included with some models) can be fitted without tools. The particularly fine grass cuttings are incorporated into the lawn as a natural fertiliser.
The tyres on AL-KO lawnmowers are gentle on the lawn and ensure optimum mowing comfort. The wheel drive of the XL or XXL rear wheels also guarantees the best traction on the lawn.
Lawn Mower Buying Guide | Consumer Reports
Full box, fewer breaks
The MaxAirflow-Technology ensures that the lawn cuttings reach the back of the collector box, which means that the box is filled to the top and needs emptying less often.
The aerodynamic plastic grass catcher box with large capacity indicates when the box needs to be emptied thanks to the integrated fill level indicator.
Mounting removal made easy
Goodbye to back pain and trapped fingers. Thanks to the EasyClick suspension with guide rail, removing and fitting the collector box box is child’s play.
Whether you prefer mowing and catching, mulching or side discharge, our innovative mower housings guarantee you the best results in lawn care. Our extensive range of accessories offers the right solution for every requirement.
Grip-optimised switch brackets and EasyDrive cockpit with soft handle (depending on model) make mowing enormously easier. Even more comfortable is lawn mowing with wheel drive or, depending on the model, with speed-regulating Vario Speed.
Thanks to their innovative design and optimised air cooling, Briggs Stratton Exi and InStart engines use significantly less oil than comparable 4-stroke engines. Due to a lower heating, the lubricating properties of the oil are also retained much longer, which means that refilling instead of replacing is sufficient.
The integrated front carrying handle is not only ideal when it comes to lifting the mower over steps or obstacles. It also makes it much easier to transport or stow away the mower.
A simple press of a button shows the current charge state of the AL-KO battery. Thanks to lithium-ion technology, it can be recharged quickly without any memory effect.
The safety key protects against unintentional starting on battery mowers. The engine only starts when the key is inserted and turned. After removal, the mower can be safely stored.
Engineered in Germany, made in Austria
In search of the optimum, with the aim of creating a piece of the future. The majority of our lawnmowers are manufactured in Austria. AL-KO, that means garden tools engineered in Germany. For more than 50 years we have been designing and developing garden tools that combine innovative spirit, highest quality and state-of-the-art technology. AL-KO, that means lawnmowers made in Austria and that since 1966.
Practical and comfortable electric lawn mowers
The grass box collects the cut material and thanks to its practical carrying handle as well as the large opening, allows for simple and complete emptying. So that you do not disturb your neighbours, we have placed great emphasis on extremely quiet, high quality induction motors in our electric lawnmowers.
Electric lawn mower: silent, fast and easy mowing
To achieve the dream of having of a well-kept lawn to simply sit outside and relax in can be possible using an AL-KO electric lawn mower. They are extremely lightweight and make lawn mowing very comfortable with an ergonomically shaped and height-adjustable handlebar. For the perfect cutting of your lawn, you can change the cutting height quickly and easily on our electric mowers.
Discover our wide range of lawnmowers
Petrol lawnmowers. in use for years, tried and tested for years
Petrol lawnmowers are the classics among mowers. They are used to mow large areas of grass, slopes, difficult terrain and gardens with many trees. AL-KO petrol lawnmowers are designed for garden sizes of up to 2,500 m². Thanks to the built-in wheel drive on some models, mowing hardly requires any muscle power.
| Petrol lawnmowers are independent: Petrol mowers ensure maximum independence, especially in larger gardens with fruit trees, electric mowers quickly reach their limits or are restricted in use by a cable.
| High grass is (almost) no problem: Lawnmowers will have problems at some point if the grass is taller. Thanks to powerful engines and aerodynamic housing shapes, this limit is clearly pushed up with AL-KO petrol lawnmowers.
| Rapid mowing of large lawns: Once started, the gardener can get started and create large areas in a very short time. As the mower is wirelessly independent, a high degree of freedom of movement is guaranteed.
| Large collecting boxes: The large, easy-to-fill collecting baskets, often even with a level indicator, ensure long mowing intervals.
Electric lawnmower. light and comfortable, ideal for small to medium-sized lawns
We use the advantages of the electric motor and combine them with proven mechanical components. Everything for your perfect lawn cut. Thanks to their quiet operation, electric lawnmowers are particularly suitable for the gardens of terraced houses with smaller gardens, or built up areas. As an electric cable is required, we recommend electric lawnmowers for small and medium-sized gardens up to 900 square metres with only a few trees and other obstacles. Their light weight, comfortable operation, low-maintenance, emission-free motor and beautiful lawn cut will also impress you.
| Mowing close to edges: Thanks to the special housing geometry, mow easily next to walls and fences.
| Mulching on request: the mulching wedge (included with some models) can be inserted without tools. The particularly fine grass cuttings are incorporated into the lawn as a natural fertiliser.
| Easy to transport: Thanks to the integrated carrying handle and recessed grip on the front of the housing (on some models), the lawn mower is easy to transport. The lawnmower can be stowed away to save space with a folding handlebar. The catcher basket can be removed for this purpose.
Battery-powered lawnmowers: no exhaust, no cable. but full mowing power in small to medium-sized gardens
Our battery-powered lawnmowers are ideal for gardens up to 700 square metres.
Opt for a battery-powered lawnmower if you want a light, handy device that you can use flexibly and easily with a high action radius. The heart of the AL-KO cordless lawnmowers is a high-quality Li-Ion battery. The lithium-ion technology ensures that the battery does not discharge itself and prevents the memory effect, which would reduce the effective capacity of the battery. In the case of the AL-KO battery family, light-emitting diodes provide reliable information about the current charge level. So you can always count on a powerful device.
Battery mowers are real lightweights that are both easy to transport and easy to store. For this purpose, some models have folding bars that fold up for easy storage.
It is very important: Before you start your petrol lawnmower, you should first check whether there is any petrol in the tank. If you have a 4-stroke petrol lawnmower, you must check the oil level (with the dipstick). This can be read off the dipstick.
To start, it is best to place the lawnmower on a level surface, naturally without stones. not yet on the lawn you want to mow. Grass can make starting more difficult.
The rule of thumb in Central Europe is: 4-6 cm lawn height is ideal. Whether you use a battery-powered, electric or petrol lawnmower. you should ideally shorten your lawn by 1/3, but be careful in the dry months, otherwise the grass edges will dry out.
The term sinks is used when too much fuel gets from the carburettor into the ignition chamber and gets wet in the process. The solution is simple: unscrew the spark plug, dry it carefully or, if necessary, use a second spark plug.
To prepare the engine of petrol lawnmowers ideally for the resting phase in winter, the first thing you should do is check the tank capacity. As fuel that has not been used for a long period of time carburettors and thus loses its ignition capability, the tank should be emptied. To remove the fuel down to the last drop, it is best to let the carburettor idle until the engine dies off on its own. Change the engine oil according to the engine manual. On petrol–powered mowers you should also check the spark plugs. If these are very dirty or the electrode gap does not fit, you should take the unit to your dealer.
Discover more about AL-KO lawnmowers in the videos
Decide freely according to your requirements and choose the right lawn mower for you from our large range. whether you are looking for a reasonably priced entry-level model, a convenient premium machine or an efficient all-rounder. They all convince you with sophisticated, innovative technology, well thought-out, comfortable equipment and an engine that meets all requirements. This makes lawn mowing a pleasure on any terrain and in any garden.
The housings are largely made of robust powder-coated steel or durable, hard-wearing aluminium which are processed in such a way to ensure that AL-KO lawn mowers are manoeuvrable and easy to operate. Some models can even mow close to the edge. Time-saving, practical and, above all, optimal for the lawn is the possibility of simultaneous mulching on many AL-KO machines. The included mulching plug shreds the clippings in the housing, which then fall back into the lawn.
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The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers in 2023 for Making Your Yard Work Easier
These lawn mowers drive themselves, taking the load off you in the process.
By Roy Berendsohn Published: Mar 21, 2023
One of the perks of the warm-weather season is getting to spend time outside. If you own your own home and have a yard, it’s very likely that in order to enjoy your outdoor space, you need to mow the lawn. The larger the yard, the more work it will be to maintain. If you have a lot of grass to cut, you’d be wise to consider a self-propelled lawn mower especially now that there are a ton of sales just in time for Memorial Day.
The primary difference between a standard push mower and a self-propelled mower is that the former moves when you push it, and the latter essentially moves itself with only your guidance. Once the engine is running, all you have to do is squeeze a handle or push a lever and the mower will start moving forward with you as you walk.
Turning the mower around is your job, but once you have your heading, just keep the drive handle squeezed and escort the mower down the path, no pushing necessary.
Self-propelled law mowers take power off the engine and route it via a belt to a pulley on the transmission and axle. When you move the drive control lever on the mower handle, you tension the belt, causing the pulley to turn, and this drives the transmission, moving the mower forward.
Move the drive control lever back and the tension is released, the pulley stops turning, and the mower stops moving forward. The belt-driven transmission is a time-tested design to power the mower and take the load off you in the process.
What to Consider
A mower is like many consumer products in that the more features a manufacturer adds, the more expensive it becomes. But a longer or more eye-catching list of features isn’t necessarily better. Sometimes less is more. Here are the most important to keep in mind.
Front-wheel drive mowers tend to be less expensive than rear-wheel drive units. They can be easier to turn because you don’t have to disengage the drive wheels to do so. Simply push down on the handlebar to raise the front wheels off the ground. However, their traction isn’t as strong on hills or when the bag is full, as there isn’t as much weight over the drive wheels.
Rear-wheel drive mowers do cost more and aren’t as easy to turn, as you do need to disengage the drive—but this isn’t too much of a hassle. Rear-wheel drive mowers shine on hills and inclines, and when the grass bag is full. In either scenario, weight is shifted rearward and over the drive wheels, which enables superior traction, thus making the self-propel more effective.
An engine as small as 125 cc can power a mower, but most are somewhere in the 140 cc to 190 cc range. A large engine helps when powering through tall, lush grass or in extreme conditions, such as with a side discharge chute in place and mowing tall weeds in a border area. Also, the extra torque provided by a larger engine can improve bagging when the going gets tough (tall, leaf-covered grass in the fall). But if you mow sensibly and pay attention to deck height—and especially if you don’t let your lawn get out of control—an engine between 140 and 160 cc has more than enough power to get the job done.
A mower can have all four wheels the same diameter (7 to 8 inches), or it may have rear wheels that range from 9.5 inches to 12 inches in diameter. Larger rear wheels help the mower roll more easily over bumpy ground.
With some mowers you can start the engine with the twist of a key or the press of a button. It’s a great option, but a luxury. Keep the mower engine tuned and use fresh fuel with stabilizer added to it, and you’ll never have trouble starting.
Any number of mechanisms can control a mower’s ground speed—a squeeze handle, a drive bar that you press forward, even a dial. There’s no single right answer here. Look at the design and think about how you like to work. For example, if more than one person will be using the mower (and not all of them are right-handed), a drive control like that on a Toro Personal Pace mower might be the answer. Just push down on the bar to make it go faster. Let up on the bar to slow down.
A mower that can bag, mulch, and side discharge is known as a three-function mower, the most versatile kind. Two-function mowers bag and mulch or mulch and side discharge.
Mowers will typically have one, two, or four levers to control the deck height. Single-lever adjustment is the easiest to use, but it requires more linkage, which adds weight and complexity. If, for some reason, you find yourself varying deck height frequently, it’s a good option. Otherwise, two or four levers work just fine.
Only Honda makes a gas-engine mower with a high-impact plastic deck (there are battery mowers that have plastic decks). Otherwise, mowers generally have a steel deck, and a few manufacturers—Toro, for one—offer a corrosion-resistant aluminum deck. An aluminum deck won’t rot the way a steel deck will, but you still need to keep it clean.
This is a hose fitting mounted on top of the mower’s deck. When you’re done mowing, hook up a hose and run the mower to power wash the underside of the deck. We’ve had mixed results with these, but they’re better than just letting a mass of dried grass clippings accumulate.
expensive mowers come with a more durable bag with more dust-blocking capability. If you bag a lot, especially leaves or other lawn debris in the fall, then you need a mower with a higher quality dust-blocking bag. Having said that, if you rarely bag, the standard one that comes with a mower will last you the life of the mower.
Also called wide-area mowers, machines in this subgroup help homeowners better reconcile their need for more power and speed with the fact that they may not have enough storage for a tractor or zero-turn mower. A typical residential walk mower has a single-blade deck that cuts a swath from 20 to 22 inches wide. Wide-cut mowers (built for homeowner use) have either a single blade or, more typically, a pair of blades, cutting from 26 to 30 inches with each pass. Some of these are rated for light commercial use and have larger decks, in the 32-inch range, and engines that start at 223 cc and go up to about 337 cc.
Wide-cut mowers typically employ gear or hydrostatic drive transmissions, and they have top speeds of about 4 to 6 miles per hour. At their fastest, they move so quickly you have to trot to keep up with them. Needless to say, they’re overkill for small yards; only opt for one of these if you’ve got a significant plot of land that you need to keep tidy, but not one so large that you’d be better off going with a full-on riding mower.
How We Tested and Selected
We compiled this list based on Popular Mechanics mower testing and our knowledge of the lawn mower market at large. For our testing, we put mowers through the paces using our standard Popular Mechanics methodology: We cut turf grasses such as fescues and blue grass and rougher non-turf grasses like Timothy, clover, orchard grass, and wild oats, all in both normal and shin-deep heights. We mow uphill, downhill, and across the faces of hills. The maximum slope we cut is about 30 degrees.
That may not sound like much, but it’s about all you can do to stand on it, let alone push a mower up it or across it. We mow damp and wet grass to test general cutting performance and whether clippings accumulate on the tires. And we cut dry and dusty surfaces to see how well the bag filters under less-than-optimal conditions.
Honda HRN 216VKA
Key Specs
Honda mowers enjoy a sterling reputation. Having tested their walk and self-propelled mowers for the last 30 years, we feel confident that Honda’s entry level mower is a great choice for homeowners looking for power and durability. The HRN features a GCV 170 gas engine that’s built to withstand long hours of operation.
If you do your own maintenance (and most owners who buy this class of product do), you’ll appreciate the easily accessible spark plug and the fuel shutoff valve that enables better winter storage. Close the fuel shutoff and run the mower until it sputters to a halt. This will clear the carburetor of any gasoline, which will prevent the ethanol in it from disintegrating and causing running issues later on. Open the shutoff valve in the spring, add some fresh gasoline, and the mower should start easily.
All this maintenance stuff is great, but we can also tell you that our past test findings on other Hondas prove that their cut quality is outstanding for cleanliness. Sharp blades deliver a velvet-like finish. And their bagging ability is also quite good, in the same league with other well-bagging mowers from Toro.
In all, if you take mowing seriously, you should enjoy this Honda. If you have a little wiggle room in your budget, consider the Honda HRX, which features a mower powerful engine and a composite deck that won’t rust and is renowned for its durability.
One note is that Honda has announced that it will cease selling lawn mowers in the United States after this year—so if you’re considering buying one, best do it sooner rather than later.
Toro Recycler 60-Volt Max Lithium-Ion
Key Specs
Toro mowers have garnered more recommendations from us than any other brand for two reasons: build quality and cut quality. These were amply demonstrated in our testing as the Recycler turned in the best ratio of cut area per amp-hour of battery in the self-propelled category, while at the same time not skimping on cutting, mulching, or bagging quality.
We attribute this outstanding mower performance to three features, all upgrades to the previous version of this machine. First, the air vent at the front of the mower deck seems to improve mulching and bagging performance. Toro calls it Vortex technology, a design that increases air flow under the deck. This helps to stand the grass for a cleaner cut, which improves mulching performance, and also allows better airflow into the bag when collecting the clippings.
Next, the company’s redesigned “Atomic” blade configuration appears to assist the air flow and clipping movement. Finally, the three-phase, 60-volt motor is exceptionally efficient, resulting in a large cut area for a single battery.
Toro has maintained features that make this mower work: rear wheel drive, a one-piece deck that’s all steel (no plastic nose), 11-inch wheels to help it roll over roots and crevices, and the same fold-forward handle that was an industry breakthrough when it was introduced some years ago.
Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Self-Propelled Mower
Key Specs
This is one of Ryobi’s top-of-the-line mowers, and it’s American-made construction is something we wish we saw more of. It delivers a tremendous cut area with its two 6-Ah batteries providing a total of 12-Ah of capacity, and its X-shaped blade leaves a pristine surface in its wake.
Ryobi estimates the design should provide 70 minutes of run time; we didn’t time our cut, but it strikes as plausible. Its rear-wheel drive and reasonably aggressive tire tread pattern provide good hill climbing and sidehill cutting performance, and its bagging on all surfaces (level, sidehill, and uphill) is also commendable.
Other ease-of-use features include an easily installed or removed bag that mounts and dismounts straight up and down through the handle; deck adjustment is quick and easy thanks to a single-level deck height adjustment. The straight edge deck is polypropylene; it will never rust and needs very little care other than basic cleaning.
Toro TimeMaster 30 in. Briggs Stratton Personal Pace
The Toro Timemaster 30-in. mower has been around for several years and has earned a reputation as a sturdy workhorse for homeowners who want to cut down on their mowing time. It’s also used by some professionals as well. A few years ago the Timemaster got a slightly more powerful Briggs and Stratton gas engine, so it should have no issues powering through most demanding mowing jobs.
The Timemaster is rear-wheel drive and features Toro’s Personal Pace drive system that’s used on many of its self-propelled mowers. This allows the mower to move at your speed by simply pushing down or releasing the handle, which is spring-tensioned.
With a 30-in. deck, Toro claims the Timemaster will help you reduce your mowing time by about 40% compared to using a standard-sized mower. You can mulch, back, or side discharge with the Timemaster, and the handlebar can be locked in a fully vertical position to reduce space consumption in storage.
If you have half an acre to a full acre of lawn to mow and prefer the experience of a walk-behind mower versus a tractor or zero-turn, the Timemaster is worth a look.
Craftsman M220
Key Specs
Craftsman mowers have been doing very well in our tests, so we can recommend this one because it’s so much like the many other of the brand’s models that we’ve tested. If you’re looking for a good blend of maneuverability and power, you’ll get it with this mower. Its front drive helps move it along and makes it easy to turn.
It’s important to note that front-drive mowers do lose some traction when running uphill, particularly with a full grass bag. But if your slope is less than 20 degrees, and you’re not bagging uphill, you’ll be fine. The side discharge will also help you handle tall grass. Adjust the two deck levers to bring the mower up to full height and have at the rough stuff.
The fact that this mower bags, mulches, and side discharges is a plus, enabling you to handle a wide range of mowing conditions, from early spring and late into the fall. Three-function mowers like this are our preference for that versatility.
Toro Super Recycler Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Key Specs
This is a beauty of a mower, with a cast-aluminum deck and a smooth-running Briggs Stratton 163-cc engine. We tested the Honda engine-equipped version, and it was effective at both bagging and mulching, even in moist grass.
Equipped with rear-wheel drive and the Personal Pace system (the farther you push the drive bar, the faster the mower goes), it’s an effective hill climber and moderately effective on sidehill cutting. It has relatively small 7.5-inch tires on all four corners, which causes this Toro to bump up and down a bit on washboard surfaces. But the good news is that it’s equipped with a far higher quality tire than we’re used to seeing these days. We didn’t notice them pick up any grass on moist surfaces.
Other features we like include its forward-fold handle that has a built-in shock absorber that Toro calls a Flex Handle Suspension, and a high-quality grass bag that loads through the handle, from the top.
QA
Are there special maintenance considerations with self-propelled mowers?
Yes. Both front- and rear-wheel drive mowers typically feature a drive belt, which can crack or wear out over time. Fortunately these belts are not difficult or particularly expensive to replace.
Secondly, you may have to replace the drive wheels occasionally. These wheels are driven with gears. there are typically teeth on the inside diameter of the drive wheel that line up with a gear on the axle. These teeth can wear out, especially if they are made of plastic. Higher-end mowers may feature drive wheels with a metal gear that meets the metal axle gear, which improves longevity of these components.
My lawnmower says I don’t ever have to change the oil, but just add oil when needed. Is this OK?
It’s not a good idea to never change the oil in your lawn mower. In a lawn mower, same as a car, oil degrades over time and is less effective at reducing heat and friction in metal components. Changing the oil in your lawn mower is easy to do and will significantly increase its service life. For most homeowners, changing the oil at the beginning or end of each mowing season should be sufficient, though there is certainly no harm in doing it more often.
Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.