How to Choose a Lawn Mower: Petrol or Electric, Push or Self-Propelled

Garden machinery in the garden department includes petrol and electric lawn mowers, in push and self-propelled versions. The right choice depends mainly on the size and shape of the lawn, the ground, and how much maintenance you are prepared to do. This guide explains the power types, the figures on the label, and what to measure before buying.

Start with the lawn

Estimate the lawn area in square metres. A rough guide is that small lawns up to about 200 square metres suit a compact electric or battery mower, medium lawns of 200 to 600 square metres suit a wider electric or petrol model, and larger lawns call for a wide-cut petrol mower or a self-propelled machine. Slopes, narrow paths between flower beds and many obstacles favour a lighter, more manoeuvrable mower. Long grass and rough ground favour power and larger wheels.

Petrol, mains electric or battery

Petrol mowers are independent of sockets and cables, have the power to handle thick or wet grass and larger areas, and run until the fuel tank is empty. They are heavier, louder and need maintenance: oil changes, spark plug, air filter and careful fuel storage. Mains electric mowers are lighter, quieter, start with a switch and need little maintenance, but are limited by the cable length, typically 10 to 20 metres plus an extension lead, and the cable must be kept clear of the blade. Battery mowers combine cable-free use with low noise. Their capacity depends on battery size, given in volts and ampere-hours, and the runtime per charge is stated in minutes or square metres. A larger battery or a second one is needed for larger lawns.

Push or self-propelled

A push mower is moved by your own effort, which is acceptable on small flat lawns and keeps cost and weight down. A self-propelled mower drives its rear or front wheels, so you steer while the machine pulls itself. This reduces effort on larger lawns, slopes and when the grass box is full and heavy. Look for variable speed control so that you can match your walking pace. Rear-wheel drive gives better traction uphill, while front-wheel drive is easier to turn at the end of rows.

Numbers on the specification sheet

• Cutting width: in centimetres. 32 to 38 cm is typical for small lawns, 40 to 46 cm for medium and 46 to 53 cm for large. A wider deck cuts fewer passes but is harder to turn and to fit between obstacles.
• Cutting height range: usually from about 20 to 70 mm, adjusted in several steps. A central lever sets all four wheels at once, which is quicker than adjusting each wheel.
• Motor power: in watts for electric, in cubic centimetres or kilowatts for petrol. Compare within the same power type, because watts and engine capacity are not directly comparable.
• Grass box volume: in litres, typically 30 to 70. A larger box means fewer stops but a heavier load to lift.
• Weight: matters when turning and lifting into storage.
• Noise level: given in decibels, often as a guaranteed sound power figure.

Grass disposal modes

Most mowers collect clippings in a box. Some also offer mulching, which cuts the grass finely and returns it to the lawn, and rear or side discharge. Mulching suits frequent cutting of short grass, while collection suits longer growth and lawns where thatch should be reduced. Check which modes the model supports and whether a plug or kit is needed to switch between them.

Deck material and build

The deck houses the blade and motor. Steel decks are strong and often used on petrol machines. Aluminium resists rust and is lighter. Plastic or composite decks are light, do not corrode and suit electric models, though they may be less impact resistant. Larger rear wheels roll more easily over uneven ground. A folding handle saves storage space and you should adjust the handle height to avoid stooping.

Edge cutting and finishing

Where the wheels sit relative to the deck edge decides how close to the edge of the lawn the mower can cut. Wheels set at the corners and a deck that reaches near them give better edge trim. Many gardeners still use a string trimmer along walls and borders. A lawn roller (rear roller) leaves stripes and suits a fine lawn, but costs more and weighs more.

Safety and maintenance

Read the manual before first use. Wear sturdy shoes and eye protection, keep children and pets away while mowing, and never clear a blockage or adjust the blade without stopping the engine and disconnecting the power source. With a mains mower, use a residual current device. Sharpen or replace the blade according to the manual and clean the underside of the deck after use. Store petrol in approved containers away from heat.

Pre-purchase checklist

• Measure the lawn area and note slopes, obstacles and the distance to the nearest socket.
• Choose the power type that fits your tolerance for noise, maintenance and cables.
• Decide between push and self-propelled, with variable speed if the latter.
• Match the cutting width to the lawn size.
• Check the cutting height range and grass box volume.
• Check battery capacity and runtime for cordless models.
• Confirm that the mower fits your storage space when folded.