Making the wrong decision when buying a new lawn mower can be a costly error and can be detrimental to the health of your lawn and any surrounding features like flower beds and rockery.

This guide will provide you with the necessary information to decide which type of lawnmower is right for you by outlining some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Walk Behind Lawnmowers

Walk behind lawnmowers are the most popular option for a reason. Depending on your specific requirements, there are many options to choose from which range from a two-figure to a four-figure price tag. 

The main factor to bear in mind is whether to buy an electric or a petrol model. Electric mowers are cordless which is much safer and more convenient but it’s also an extra thing you need to remember to charge! Petrol options may have a stronger cut because of their powerful engines but they are much louder, generally heavier, and come with the added expense of fuel.

Ride On Lawnmowers

Ride on lawnmowers may seem a gimmick to some people but face those people with endless mind-numbing pushing, which also increases the risk of injury, and they’ll soon change their mind! The general rule of thumb is a ¼ acre (11,000 square feet) threshold to warrant needing a ride on lawnmower, but this is by no means gospel.

Petrol options don’t have a cord which is a neat safety feature but this does result in the added expense of fuel. On the topic of price, even the cheapest ride on lawnmowers are an expensive option, so it’s important to carefully consider your requirements before purchasing one.

Robotic Lawnmowers

Whilst they might look like a Sci-Fi bot or a hotwheels car, robotic lawnmowers are very convenient. Not only are they cordless, which is much safer regarding trip-hazards and wire snagging, you don’t need to actually mow the lawn yourself which gives them a clear edge over electric walk-behind alternatives.

Their main downside is that they are an expensive option, though this should change as technology improves. Plus they require a boundary wire which means some extra setup labour, but once again, the trade-off is that you don’t need to actually mow the lawn! Some models even return to a charging station when they have finished, removing yet another task to worry about - next they’ll be refilling drinks!

Strimmers

Similar to walk behind lawnmowers, strimmers are available at different price points and as either electric or petrol variations. Strimmers are a great way to neaten the edges of your lawn and to mow awkward places around the garden. Plus if your lawn borders flower beds or rockery then a strimmer reduces the risk of damaging the flowers (and the lawnmower too, of course)! They have no serious drawbacks but that’s because they should be used as a supplementary tool rather than as a primary cutter.

Having outlined the functionality of the four main types of lawnmowers and spelled out some advantages and disadvantages, it should be more straightforward for you to consider which option aligns best with your requirements.

For more information on types of lawnmowers or any other farming or gardening supplies, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Downpatrick Farm & Garden Supplies today!