Push Lawn Mowers

A push lawnmower is used to cut the grass of lawns and gardens. The operator pushes it along the lawn while the motor turns the blade. Petrol, battery, electric and self-propelled versions are available, so you can choose according to the area to be cut, whether a power socket is available and how much effort you want to avoid.

The petrol model does not need a socket and copes with large or uneven lawns, but it needs fuel and engine maintenance. The battery model is clean and quiet, and its run time depends on the battery capacity. The corded electric lawnmower suits small areas, provided the socket is nearby and the cable is kept away from the blade.

A self-propelled lawnmower has drive to the wheels: the machine moves forward by itself and the operator steers it, which reduces effort on larger lawns or on slopes. Product titles include Hyundai petrol self-propelled models, such as 65810, 65820, 65825 and 65830, and DeWalt 36 V battery self-propelled models. For a small, flat lawn, a push model is often enough.

The cutting width affects working time: a wider blade covers more area with each pass. DeWalt titles include cutting widths of 53 cm, while the electric and petrol models list different sizes on the data sheet. Compare the figure with the size of the lawn and with how easily the machine can move in narrow areas, such as flower beds and edges.

Product titles include lawnmowers at 18 V, at 36 V with two 18 V batteries and at 54 V FlexVolt. The voltage indicates the power available, while the run time depends on the capacity in Ah. Check whether the battery is compatible with the other tools you already own, because a shared platform reduces the number of batteries you need to keep.

Before cutting, remove stones, branches, wires and toys from the lawn, because the blade can throw them. Wear closed shoes and keep hands and feet away from the blade. To clean, adjust or unblock the blade, switch off the engine or remove the battery and wait until the blade has stopped. Avoid cutting when the grass is wet and slippery.

Run time depends on the battery capacity, the grass being cut and the area. On very large lawns it is worth considering a second battery to swap during the job, or a self-propelled model. For small and medium areas a battery is practical, because it needs neither fuel nor a cable. Check the run time stated on the technical data sheet.

The push lawnmower is used by homeowners with small and medium gardens, by those who look after the green areas of apartment blocks, houses and shared areas, and by gardeners who work on several gardens in a day. For professional work, choose a sturdier model, with a higher-capacity battery or a petrol engine, depending on the number of jobs.