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Gardening in the UK

Lawnmower recommendations

21 years ago

It is that time of year again.

My husband is going to expect me to cut the lawns, but I find his lawnmower really cumbersome to use. It is a flymo but I remember when he bought it that I said why are you buying the bigger version and he said because it had a bigger collection box.

Also that mower (and the old ones) spread grass all over the patio ( from the front of mower) and I hate having to then hoover or sweep up the clippings from the grooves between patio slabs.

I need a new mower that is easy to manoeuvre and collects ALL (or most) of the clippings.

Any suggestions ?

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Comments (6)

robert
21 years ago
I'd advise you to go to a specialist mower outlet where staff know what they are talking about and you can try the machines for weight and handling. Too many people end up with a mower that isn't up to coping with their size of lawn. A mower that struggles is a pain. Do make sure that the grass box is large enough so that emptying is not too frequent an event. It's difficult to make recommendations when you don't know a person - their size, strength etc. You I think will be the best judge of what is right for you. I hope you find the ideal machine.
flora_uk
21 years ago
How much grass do you have? If it's only a small lawn can I put in a plea for a push mower? My neighbour has a minute lawn and spends about 45 minutes whining and droning around it with a very inefficient electric mower, always on the nicest days of the summer. He could do it it well nigh silently in about 10 minutes with a hand mower AND get some exercise.
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I used a Black & Decker corded mower for over 12 years on Florida St. Augustine, 1500 sq ft front yard with about the same in the back. No mower maintenance at all 'cept sharpening the blade, just plug in and go. I'd second the opinion to skip the battery model. Start cutting closest to the outlet and go back and forth working away from the cord. I could cut all the grass in 30 min including take out & put back of equipment. I bought a new B&D electric after a dozen years just for the new style, the deck was plastic but I never had a problem with it. Nice green instead of the old almond metal. These mowers might cost a very little more than the cheapest Kmart gas unit but your break even point will be less than 18 months. Thinking about it, they have less maint than a vacuum cleaner. When I was a kid I pushed around a Sumbeam twin blade electric. Wonder what happened to it? Now that I'm all growed-up I spend 45 min cutting with the Lawnboys then hours and hours tinkering with them. If I was in your situation, and just wanted to do a good job of cutting the grass and be done with it, I'd go electric in a heartbeat, which is not quite as fast as a N.Y.Second.
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The starter wouldn't work so it couldn't start. Turns out the lawnmower doctor could fix it so I'm glad about that. It was something about the wires. It is a Yardworks electric, a lower end I think. In the meantime, I was sure looking at mowers and there is a wide variety out there. The replacement one I was looking at was a black and decker model so thanks for confirming it. I don't think at this time, I'll look at the electric ride on as there isn't any reviews on the RechargeMower and the Arien model has mixed reviews. Thanks again Cheers
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I have used a Dixon ZTR 5421 42" commercial hydrostat mower for ten years. It employs a Kohler Magnum 16 hp engine. I bought it used for $3500 when it was 3 years old. It has held up quite well, the engine doesn't even use any oil, with only the predictable deck maintenance (a few bearings, pulleys, & a belt or two). The only problems with the rest of the mower were 1) the fuel pump quit, and 2) the mower switch failed. I have excellent service, but this tends to be a function of the dealer. I bought my Dixon from a farm implement dealer, and they take service VERY seriously. Parts I can replace myself are easily obtained from Dixon through an 800 number, and delivered in a few days. I've been very satisfied with the Dixon, and believe it will outlive me. It is so much better than the two Snapper Comets that preceded it that they're not even in the same league. But, of course, you must realize that any such mower is going to cost a lot more to buy, and more in the care & feeding department than any push mower.
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Any full size cordless electric mowers Ego , Kobalt or Black & Decker would be suitable for your application . These units are a excellent choice for small to medium-sized yards and hills do not affect elect motors like gas engines . Also the light electric units will be much more convenient with your stair case situation. Your model is only 20 volt trimmer by comparision . I would advise you to visit Home Depot or Lowe's to familiarize your with the types of mowers prior to purchase .
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miranda_uk
21 years ago
I regret getting an electric mower and wouldn't buy one again. However careful I try to be, I always get tangled in the cable and seem to spend a lot of time moving the cable from where it has caught on plants. If you let go of the handle the mower switches off - a good and effective safety device, but also rather irritating.

Next time I'll go for a push mower like the one my neighbour uses. They're efficient, quiet and cheap. If we ever have a large lawn then I'd get a petrol mower.
barbaraj
21 years ago
I bought a rechargeable mower a couple of years ago - we have large lawns, but I particularly like to keep my formal/cottage garden area very tidy in summer and sometimes my husband is away. I couldn't manage his powerful petrol mower, and I got tangled up with the cable on the small electric one I had. So I now find that on one charge I can do all the part I want to, quickly, and surprisingly quietly. Recommended. I appreciate the comments about excersise, but my three dogs give me enough of that!
FISBEY
21 years ago
I bought a cheap elctric lawnmower from B & Q and it's absolute cack!

Will be looking for something a bit more substantial in the very near future.

If my experiences are anything to go by, buy the best you can!....
Goldcroft
21 years ago
I have a rotary petrol driven Honda mower which has been OK for three years now with minimal attention. But the collection box is plastic with holes in it and I find they get clogged up quite quickly and then the cut grass does not get taken in properly and I have to go over the same area again, just to pick up the cuttings. One trick is to make sure that the underside of the mower is kept clean. A layer of dried grass makes the sucking up less efficient.

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