Petrol Mowers

Choosing the right lawnmower for your garden is based on several deciding factors - firstly, the size of your lawn. If you have a large lawn area you might want to consider looking at our petrol-powered mowers, simply because you don't want to be dragging tens of feet of heavy extension cable around the garden with you. The other advantage is that you don't have to look out for the trailing cable as you go.

Secondly, the power of your mower, which can be the deciding factor if some or all parts of your lawn can resemble the Amazon jungle in the flourishing months of the year. This can make petrol a worthy investment over the cheaper electric models.

Bear in mind, however, that noise can be a problem. A 4hp engine can make a din, especially when it's a meter from your ears, and neighbours won't be best please if you live in close quarters.

Mower Profile - Cylinder Design

There's little doubt about it; cylinder mowers are far more efficient at cutting your lawn than rotary or hover mowers. Ask any gardener and he's likely to agree. That's not to say that rotary and hover mowers don't have their advantages - it's simply a matter of what you're comfortable with.

Cylinder mowers are named so because of their horizontal cylinder of blades that rotates with forward motion, cutting the grass to the desired height. This forward motion can be either manual, i.e. pushed by you or by onboard propulsion, i.e. an engine or motor.

Basic models are just that - devoid of any grass collection facility or form of propulsion, ideal for simply garden trimming. Mid- to high-level models have all the bells and whistles and promise years of excellent service for larger garden or professional use.

If you see a lawn with neat looking stripes or cross-hatching then it's likely to be the work of a cylinder mower. Rotary mowers have the capability of making neat stripes too, but they must be fitted with a roller on the back.

Mower Profile - Rotary Mowers

Rotary mowers work by using a rotating blade that basically hacks the grass to the desired height. Less refined than a cylinder mower, it can nevertheless give you excellent results and has the advantage of being able to easily cut your grass even after the winter break when its a little too long. They are also available for less money than cylinder mowers, in both petrol and electric versions.

Cylinder & Rotary Mower Maintenance

Blunt or damaged blades will simply not cut the grass cleanly. The result will mean the grass will be bruised, leaving brown tips and making your lawn look worse than when you started. Couple this with blades that are out of balance and you'll be placing potentially huge stresses on your engine or motor, risking irreparable damage. Always make sure you have your mower serviced regularly.

If you own a petrol engine mower then the warranty conditions apply.

Petrol engines are simpler to deal with than electric ones but you must always follow the recommended safety procedures as laid out in your basic service manual. Always remove sparkplugs for maximum safety and regularly check and clean the air filter and ensure all fuel lines are secure. Changing the oil according to the manufacturer's recommendations will also ensure a smoother running engine and a longer service life.

Always make sure that the guards are in place and are in good condition and check the engine oil level. Finally, check and lubricate the controls, wheel bearings, swinging guards, roller bearings and chains.