Lawn mower types

There are four basic types of lawn mower, all tailored specifically for different types of lawn and garden use.

The rotary lawn mower

The rotary lawn mower is a widely used mower which is suitable for general garden use. Its key feature is a horizontally rotating blade. This allows the mower to be used on uneven areas of thee garden but because of the scythe action, has a tendency to tear the grass as it cuts. The height of the lawn mower blade therefore needs to be higher than it would with a cylinder lawn mower.

The cylinder lawn mower

The cylinder lawn mower can produce a very fine lawn by being able to cut to a low height. These mowers consist of a spiral blade wrapping around a cylinder. This cut against a fixed blade in a scissor action. The result is a very clean cut.

Lawn mowers are very suitable for even lawns where the ground is level, and there is no danger of debris damaging the blades. They are used for putting greens and ornamental lawns. Atco's Balmoral is a range of high quality cylinder lawn mowers.

The hover lawn mower

The hover lawn mower has become very popular at the low cost end of the market. Qualcast and Castor produce such products which can be useful in the small garden. However, this should not put off those with larger lawns to tend.

The hover has a rotating blade, but rather than being mounted on wheels, it rides on the cushion of air generated by the rotating blade. This makes it a good mower for uneven lawns and difficult corners.

Allen produce a range of high quality hover mowers, often used professionally.

The ride on lawn mower

For the large garden a ride on is often the most practical solution. They are able to cover large lawns, quickly. Whilst often considered expensive, over recent years lower cost models have become available, giving them a wider market appeal.

It should be noted, however, that a ride on lawn mower will not be ideal for reaching into confined areas. For this you may need to combine with a trimmer or small hover mower.