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Lawn mowers - what to ask before you buy
If you want to buy a lawnmower, but you don't know what questions to ask, here are some of the questions you'll want answered. The questions will help you to choose the right lawnmower. Note that the questions here relate to power mowers - if you want a bit more exercise, and have a small, well maintained lawn, you could consider a push mower, or a lawn trimmer.
Click on a question below for more information.
- Type: What type of lawn mower should I get?
- Starting: Is the lawn mower easy to start?
- Blades: What about the lawn mower blades?
- Cutting area: What about the lawn mower cutting area?
- Adjustability: Is the lawn mower handle adjustable?
- Ease of use: Is the lawn mower easy to use?
- Noise: How noisy is the lawn mower?
- Grass catcher: Does the lawn mower have a grass catcher?
- Maintenance: What maintenance is required for the lawn mower?
If you want to buy a lawnmower, but you don't know what questions to ask, here are some of the questions you'll want answered. The questions will help you to choose the right lawnmower.
1. What type of lawn mower should I get? 
- Electric lawn mowers suit small to medium lawns. They can be either the plug in type, or they can have re-chargeable batteries, allowing their energy to be sourced from 'green' energy suppliers. They are light weight and generally considered very reliable. Corded versions tend to have a smaller cutting area, and the safety risk associated with the cord. Battery versions need regular charging.
- Two-troke lawn mowers require a mix of fuel and oil to run - which means they don't need to have their oil changed.
- Four-stroke lawn mowers tend to run quieter, with more torque, and use normal motor vehicle fuel, with significantly less associated air pollution. They also tend to have larger cutting areas, making the job of mowing quicker.
2. Is the lawn mower easy to start?
The electric mowers are generally easy to start. Some petrol mowers can be really difficult to start, so try to start the mower before you buy.
3. What about the lawn mower blades?
- Make sure the blades are good quality. Hardened steel is preferable.
- Also, four blades will cut through thick grass better than two or three.
Never try to adjust the blades while the mower is running (even slowly) or while it is hot. A hot mower can sometimes fire spontaneously and the blades may start spinning again.
4. What about the lawn mower cutting area?
- With a larger cutting area, it will be quicker to mow your lawn.
- Also, determine if the machine will mow right up to walls, fences etc., or if you will need to trim these areas separately.
5. Is the lawn mower handle adjustable?
Make sure the handle height and angle can be adjusted to suit.
6. Is the lawn mower easy to use?
- Check that you can manage the weight of the machine. Four stroke and battery powered mowers tend to weigh more than the two stroke or plug-in electric mowers.
- Also check the wheel size - bigger wheels tend to make the mower easier to direct around the garden.
- The controls should be easy to use, and easy to access - even if you're wearing gardening gloves
7. How noisy is the lawn mower?
Electric mowers are generally quieter than petrol mowers. It is recommended that appropriate ear (and eye) protection gear be worn when using a lawn mower.
8. Does the lawn mower need a grass catcher?
This is often and 'optional extra'. If you want to collect the grass, it sure beats raking. Just make sure it's easy to take off and put back, and that it is easy to carry when full.
Some mowers will disperse the grass cuttings as they mow, removing the need to rake. If you like this idea, check that it really works - it may be less effective on damp grass.
9. What maintenance is required for the lawn mower?
Four stroke mowers will require the occasional oil change - find out how often this is needed. Ask about other parts that may need replacing - blades, fan belts etc.
