Abroad, the neatness of the lawn around a house indicates how responsible and tidy the homeowner is. The tradition of lawn mowing has made its way to us as well. The most advanced tools for these tasks today are gas lawn mowers. The main advantage of a gas mower over an electric one is, first and foremost, the ability to work far from energy sources. There are battery-powered mowers available, but in practice, they face limitations such as low power, limited runtime, and lack of functionality, as the battery charge lasts for only a limited amount of time.
The market offers a wide selection of gas lawn mowers, making it easy for consumers to get confused by the various details, nuances, and features. We can categorize them into two main groups: functionality and structural differences, based on a few key parameters.
Type of Area to Be Mowed
When choosing a gas lawn mower, it’s important to consider the characteristics of the area being mowed—its terrain, type of grass, distance from the house, and size. Depending on the size of the lawn, there are three types of equipment: residential, semi-professional, and professional. The first is designed for small areas, the second for medium-sized areas up to 20 acres, and the third for large areas of more than 20 acres.
For hilly or uneven areas, choose a mower with large rear wheels, as it will have better mobility. If the lawn is large, pay attention to the mower’s cutting width; the larger it is, the faster the job will be and the fewer passes you’ll need to make. Typically, the cutting width ranges from 40 to 51 cm.
Self-Propelled or Push Models
Lawn mowers come in both self-propelled and push types. The former are much more convenient and easier to use, as they move on their own without the need for manual pushing.
Engine Specifications
We recommend considering the engine specifications, as they come in different power ratings and are made by various manufacturers. Chinese engines are the most common (and affordable), while Japanese and American engines (more expensive) tend to offer longer service life. The working principle of all gas lawn mowers is the same—the engine rotates the blade, which ensures an even cut.
Grass Collection System
Gas lawn mowers differ in their grass collection methods. Choose a mower with at least two or more options. Grass is collected in a grass catcher, which must be emptied as it fills up. Many models also offer side and rear discharge, where the cut grass is expelled outward rather than collected. Premium models come with a mulching function, where the mower finely chops the cut grass and leaves it on the soil as a natural fertilizer.
The grass catchers are typically located at the back of the mower, and depending on the material they’re made of, they come in three main types:
- Durable plastic: Easy to clean.
- Fabric: Lightweight and convenient for transport.
- Combined: A mix of the above, typically found on more expensive models.
Grass Catcher Capacity
The size of the grass catcher is often a deciding factor in the choice of gas lawn mowers. The larger it is, the less often it needs to be emptied. However, a very large catcher can make the mower heavier and more difficult to handle.
Ground Clearance and Cutting Height
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a gas lawn mower is the ability to adjust the ground clearance, which determines the height at which the grass is cut. Some mowers offer a smooth adjustment via a single lever, while others allow individual adjustment for each wheel or axle.
Opt for a mower with an adjustable handle. This will cost a bit more but will ensure greater comfort during use.
Body Material
The body of the mower, where the engine is mounted, can be made of impact-resistant plastic, aluminum, or steel, which affects the overall weight of the tool. By the way, the first lawn mowers had cast iron bodies.
When choosing a gas lawn mower, aim to get one that will make your gardening tasks as productive and convenient as possible. Also, don’t forget to use protective gear like goggles, gloves, special footwear, and ear protection.