What to look for when choosing a lawn mower
To choose a lawn mower that can work productively for many seasons, you need to pay attention to the basic technical characteristics. They are described in detail in the instructions for using the devices. In addition to functionality and fuel efficiency, keep an eye on five more key parameters:
- The drive type can be electric or gasoline;
- power ranges between 1 or 1.5 kW, and for gasoline engines - from 3.5 to 7 horsepower;
- The recommended mowing area is from 200 to 400 square meters, but more powerful models can be found;
- The number of wheels varies from 3 to 4 pieces, which creates a strong support for the device on uneven spaces;
- The weight of lawn mowers is from 5 to 35 kilograms; the smaller it is, the more mobile the garden device will be.
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Top 4 lawn mowers in the inexpensive price segment
Hammer KMT145SB
Our rating opens with a self-propelled model, which belongs to the semi-professional line and is well suited for constant use. It is powered by a four-stroke engine with a power of 3.5 hp and a displacement of 145 cc. cm. The valves are located on top, which ensures good air cooling. In addition, this design feature significantly reduces fuel consumption and prevents the formation of large amounts of emissions harmful to the environment. The air filter here is double - made of foam rubber and paper. The cylinder liner is made of cast iron, the crankshaft is cast iron. The design includes a muffler that reduces noise pollution.
The device is capable of operating in one of three modes: side discharge, collection of mowed grass into a grass catcher, and mulching. The cutting width is 46 cm. The cutting height is adjusted using a seven-position lever ranging from 25 to 75 mm. The grass catcher capacity is 60 liters. It is made of fabric and is attached to a metal frame. The wheels are plastic, the diameter of the front is 200 mm, the rear is 255 mm. This reduces the turning radius and increases the maneuverability of the device. The handle can be adjusted in height and is foldable for easy storage and transportation. The handle has a neoprene pad that will reduce vibration and allow for the tightest grip possible.
Advantages:
- Quite a strong and comfortable design that does not cause any complaints;
- Sufficiently voluminous grass catcher;
- Easily passes through uneven areas - no additional effort required.
Flaws:
- It is not advisable to mow wet grass - the blades quickly become clogged.
Hammer KMT145SB
Champion LM4630
Another self-propelled model with a fairly reasonable price. It is designed to care for a medium-sized lawn - no more than 16 acres. The design is quite reliable, durable and easy to use. The model is equipped with a four-stroke engine with high environmental performance; the engine power is 4.1 hp. The cutting width is 46 cm - this parameter is ideally matched to the motor power, due to which you can cut the grass at high speed. The central system for adjusting the cutting height level is represented by one lever - the range is from 25 to 75 mm. The knife is made from high strength material. It does not become dull or wear out over a long period of time. Accordingly, it will not have to be changed often. The blade consists of two specially shaped blades that will also pump air, creating good suction force. Thanks to this design solution, not only cut grass, but also leaves and even small twigs will be sent to the grass collector.
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The volume of the grass catcher is 60 liters, it is made from high-quality fabric-type materials, the upper part is plastic, and is equipped with a very comfortable handle. The maximum speed of the lawn mower is 3.5 km/h - this is quite a good indicator for a 173 cc engine. see. The gas tank is designed for one liter of gasoline. The design is quite heavy - with an empty gas tank and an empty grass catcher, it will weigh about 34 kg.
Advantages:
- Decent power;
- Long service life;
- Low fuel consumption;
- Self-propelled.
Flaws:
- Significant vibration;
- The handle is made of polyurethane foam, which wears out quite quickly.
Champion LM4630
Huter GLM-5.0 S
This model performs ideally on relatively flat surface areas. The device operates thanks to a single-cylinder four-stroke engine with an air cooling system and manual start. The maximum power of the model is 5 hp. The two main handles, responsible for accelerating and braking, are located on the handle, made in the shape of an arc. It is height adjustable and can be removed completely if necessary for transportation.
The lawn mower is equipped with four plastic wheels with polymer treads that will not harm the lawn grass. The model is completely self-propelled, rear-wheel drive. The user can only give it the required direction. The cutting width is 46 cm, and the body is designed in such a way that the cutting is larger compared to the width of the wheel axle. This allows you to easily process areas adjacent to a fence, house wall or tree. As with previous models, the cutting height ranges from 25 to 75 mm. The cut grass goes into the grass catcher. All the main elements are located very conveniently, so they are very convenient to reach in case their maintenance or repair is required. The engine is equipped with a durable air filter, which reduces the toxicity of exhaust gases, making the equipment safe for the environment.
Advantages:
- The engine starts very easily;
- A full gas tank will be enough to treat a 1000 square meter lawn. m;
- High maneuverability.
Flaws:
- The oil filler neck is not very conveniently located.
Huter GLM-5.0 S
AL-KO 119617 Highline 46.5 SP-A
This model is rightfully considered the best in its price segment. It copes excellently even with tall and wet grass thanks to the latest technologies used in its development and production. The model operates in three modes – grass cutting, mulching and collecting grass in a container. The lawn mower has a self-propelled wheeled chassis and is rear-wheel drive. They are quite large in size and use reliable, low wear bearings. Thanks to them, a smooth ride and good grip on the ground are ensured. In addition, rear-wheel drive allows you to easily cope with minor ground unevenness. During the work process, the device does not in any way violate the integrity of the grass catcher.
The grass catcher itself has a rigid design and has a full indicator that will promptly inform the user about the need to empty the container. Of course, the cutting height can be adjusted. The handle can also change its height depending on the height of the user. The ejection channel has a significant diameter, so it will never become clogged. The blades are reliable, well-hardened, do not become dull for a long time, and will not need to be replaced throughout the entire period of operation of the model. The product removes tough and tall growth well. If necessary, the handle can be folded.
Advantages:
- Easy to use;
- Low fuel consumption;
- The blades resist wear well;
- Excellent maneuverability of the model;
- Long period of operation;
- High speed and performance.
Flaws:
- One of the lowest engine powers among all the models already reviewed - only 2.7 hp. with an engine capacity of 123 cc. cm.
We test the AL-KO Highline 46.8 SP-A lawn mower in action
AL-KO 119617 Highline 46.5 SP-A
The best lawn mower manufacturers
Before comparing the technical characteristics of lawn mowers, you need to decide which manufacturers you can trust. Good brands have been developing gardening equipment for many years. They also have official factories that assemble according to European, domestic or even international standards. Feel free to trust the following:
- Makita is a well-known Japanese brand that gained a foothold in the market at the beginning of the 20th century;
- Husqvarna is a leading Swedish manufacturer dedicated to creating items for the garden and home;
- GARDEN is a German company founded in 1961 that supplies equipment to 120 countries;
- AL-KO is a German company that has existed for over 80 years and has grown from a simple family business into a global one;
- Hyundai is a Korean company that focuses on developing private vehicles and garden tools.
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Which lawn mower is better to choose?
When looking for the perfect lawn mower, you need to understand exactly what you plan to use it for. For seasonal grass mowing at the dacha, not the most expensive models are suitable. It's great if they run on electricity. But then be sure to check the length of the cord or stock up on extension cords. You can also take a gasoline-powered device for your dacha. They have low fuel consumption, but still have enough horsepower to handle large or medium-sized areas. Well, for use on private property, it is better to buy high-quality models, for example, robotic or self-propelled.
The best self-propelled models in terms of price and quality ratio
Makita PLM 5113
This model has several operating modes and is equipped with the latest Briggs&Stratton 6755EX SERIES engine, which is characterized by excellent reliability. The model has three travel speeds – 3, 3.5 and 4.5 km/h. The cutting height range is from 20 to 75 mm. The volume of the grass clipping container is 65 liters, so the product can be used without interruption for a long time without stopping to empty the grass catcher. The wheels have reliable bearings; the wheels themselves are made of durable plastic with a polymer coating, which can move gently over the surface of the lawn without crushing it. The body is made of powder-painted steel, it does not rust for a long time.
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The engine is started using the so-called easy start system - ReadyStart. For this, an ordinary starting cable is used; there is no need to make any unnecessary movements. The engine speed is adjusted automatically - for example, the number increases with increased load, when you have to work with tall, dense or damp grass. Maintenance is simple and can be done on your own. If necessary, the air filter is changed manually, without the use of special tools. The Super Lo-Tone muffler significantly reduces noise pollution.
Advantages:
- Quite a powerful device with three speeds of movement;
- Works relatively quietly and quickly;
- High quality metal case.
Flaws:
- Plastic clips are fragile and can quickly break if handled carelessly.
Makita PLM 5113
CAIMAN Athena 60S
It is a structure whose body is made of stainless steel, which makes it absolutely protected from corrosion processes. The model is quite heavy - its weight is 55 kg. If necessary, the height of the case can be slightly adjusted using a special handle located on the side of the product. This constructive approach will allow you to trim the grass without paying attention to even serious uneven terrain. In the front part there is a metal apron that protects the blades from stones. This metal plate is securely fastened with four bolts. The wheels are also made of stainless steel. The handle has an ergonomic shape, it fits comfortably in the hand, thanks to which the user can work with this tool for a long time.
The grass catcher itself is soft, but has a hard top, its volume is 70 liters. The engine is manufactured by Subaru. The model is perfect for both beautiful well-groomed lawns and areas completely overgrown with weeds and weeds, the height of which is over one and a half meters. The largest processing area for this product is 10 thousand square meters. The kit includes a nozzle for side discharge of grass. To install it, you will have to remove the protective front panel.
Advantages:
- Easily copes with both lawn grass and thick weeds;
- Feels great on uneven ground surfaces;
- It is possible to collect grass either in a container or use a side discharge system.
Flaws:
- High cost, but with such a set of useful characteristics this is not surprising.
CAIMAN Athena 60S
Husqvarna LC 348V
In the production of this model, the latest AfTech system was used, which was expressed in the design of the cutting knife. It initially lifts the grass with air and then cuts it at a height of between 20mm and 75mm depending on the settings selected. The air flow is subsequently directed to the grass catcher, further compressing the mown grass. This allows you to make the most of this design and prolong non-stop operation. The cutting element is made of high-quality galvanized steel. The model is self-propelled, rear-wheel drive, the wheels have an aggressive tread that carefully interacts with the lawn grass without damaging or crushing it. The cutting height is adjusted using a single lever.
Each wheel has a double pair of bearings, which reduces vibration levels. Behind the back cover there is a service compartment where you will have to look during routine maintenance of the equipment, which you can easily do on your own.
Advantages:
- The outgoing air flow is first directed into the ground, and then, together with the mowed grass, goes into the container for the cut grass;
- The grass catcher is very easy to clean;
- The handle is foldable;
- Thoroughly chopping the grass allows it to be used as mulch.
Flaws:
- Adjusting the speed of movement is not very convenient.
Husqvarna LC 348V Review (1080p 60fps)
Husqvarna LC 348V
KRÜGER GLMK-173
The Kruger self-propelled petrol lawn mower from the German brand is easy to use and has high performance, making it suitable for processing large areas. The model has a self-cleaning system. To clean the deck, just connect a water hose. There is also a grass catcher full indicator, which notifies you in time that it is time to empty the container. The grass catcher has a capacity of 60 liters, so it does not need frequent cleaning. Grass is discharged from the side or rear.
The Kruger petrol mower is equipped with a mulching function, easy start, and central adjustment of the cutting height. Large wheels on the body improve the maneuverability of the device, so it can easily move through weeds and wet grass. The handle is adjustable in height and tilt, smoothes out vibrations, so you can use the lawn mower for any amount of time - the operator’s hands will not get tired. The air cooling system prevents engine overheating. Motor power is 4 hp. The manufacturer also has a lawn mower model GLMK-173E, which is equipped with an electric start button. More details about its characteristics can be found on the official website of the brand.
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Advantages:
- Durable metal case with anti-corrosion coating;
- Adjustable handle for ease of use;
- High cross-country ability due to the increased diameter of the wheels;
- Large cutting width (5.01 cm) and height (25-75 mm).
- Acceptable price.
Flaws:
- Not detected during operation.
KRÜGER GLMK-173