Need to buy a lawn mower for my garden - medium size, but don't know which one. What is the difference between a rotary and a hover, and which one is better? What is the minimum power I should go for? Which are the best brands.? Many thanks.
2007-04-07 11:11:46 · 13 answers · asked by rabcnesbit 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
I would recommend sticking with wheels, hover mowers are usually used on golf courses to keep the same height grass over mounds and hills, or when they don't want lines in the grass. Most people don't need them and they are heavy to carry around.
When I buy lawn mowers, I look for a few things. First, try adjusting the height. It shouldn't take much effort to change the mowing height. Next, try putting the grass catcher on and off; do this a few times. Make sure that it is simple and something you will be able to do easily with a full bag. I always check to make sure that the blade is not to much higher than the bottom of the deck. If it is, you will be dragging that deck through the lawn when you mow. You will also want at least 5 horse power. Finally, make sure it has ball bearing wheels, they roll better.
As far as brands go, it doesn't really matter as long as it is quality and meets the requirements above. I've had luck with Toro, tru-cut, Snapper (black hawk), Troy-Bilt, Murray, Lawn boy, and sensation.
Engine brands are more important to me than the brand of the mower. Toro, Briggs & Stratton, and Kohler are my favorites. I've had lots of problems in the past with Tecumseh and Honda engines.
You can also spring for a self-propelled mower. They are nice if you are mowing a large area or skip a week of mowing while you are on vacation.
2007-04-07 14:53:10 · answer #1 · answered by Jordan 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Been there done that. First check if any youngsters live in the area who's family already owns a mower that the youngster uses. Pay him/her a small fee which they will appreciate to mow on a periodic basis. This could be the start of a small business for the youngster. You save buying a mower, gas, storage and smell. Make sure they use a mower with catcher and dump it into the appropriate trash container. Do not store bags or grass clippings in garage as it is fire hazard. Otherwise buy a low priced (about $200) self propelled unit from Sears with a catcher. Make sure it is the easy start rope pull. Electric start units cost about the same as the down payment on a new Ford Focus so stay away from them. Also avoid those that require oil mixed with the fuel. You will need an approved plastic 2 gal (min) fuel container. Make sure to store the container outside which is easy, just keep the caps in place. Keep spouts clean with no sand or you will be back buying another mower. Remember it will cost you an arm and leg to have a mower repaired. Better to keep it in good condition and buy a new one when it wears out. By the way if you move plan on extra cost of moving and storing the mower as most public storage places do not accept anything with flamables. If you put the mower in a moving van the couches will smell of fumes for 20 years. Last tip. Lawn mowing is one of the highest rates of injuries of any home activity.
2016-04-01 02:41:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hayter are an excellent make. If you're on a budget Qualcast is pretty good.
Choosing between a rotary and a hover depends on whether you have an even or uneven surface, the rotary works best on the latter as the wheels follow the contours whereas the hover slices into soil if there's a bump. Petrol is better than electric as dragging a mains cable round with you is a) potentially dangerous and b) a real nuisance. Go for the most powerful and widest cut you can afford, otherwise its more work and you will regret it.
2007-04-07 11:20:45 · answer #3 · answered by tina k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was also going to recommend the Briggs & Stratton. Engines are the important part. Brand doesn't matter much. You are just paying for the name.
The only other thing I might look into in the newer electric mowers. Seems everyone is getting one in my neighborhood. They look at me funny when my old noisy lawnmower starts up.
2007-04-08 06:26:52 · answer #4 · answered by Jayda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honda engined mowers start the first or second pull everytime. I have seen Honda engines go through deep grasss and not bog down. I say by a Honda
2007-04-07 13:39:15 · answer #5 · answered by fortyninertu 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a flymo should suit you ..a rotary mower has a revolving blades and four wheels ..a hover mower has a revolving blade but it has no wheels ..much better for sloping land
2007-04-08 08:59:22 · answer #6 · answered by boy boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't get a hover or rotary; get one with a roller, so you can have stripes on your lawn.
Qualcast is a good make.
2007-04-07 11:20:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
John Deer Is the Best
2007-04-07 11:14:51 · answer #8 · answered by arenaimage 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a push mower saves on carbion dioxide
2007-04-08 09:28:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
john doe for your sort of grass
2007-04-07 11:27:34 · answer #10 · answered by handsome harry 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋