Electronics & Gadgets Blog
The Ultimate Guide to Petrol Lawn Mowers, Powering Your Perfect Lawn
by Samuel Kalenga on Sep 26, 2024
Do you have an extensive lawn or garden? If you do, then a petrol garden lawn mower is the most effective way to cut through and groom the thickest and the most stubborn of grass, even on the hill without you breaking a sweat! There are many different types of petrol garden mowers on the market, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. This guide to petrol lawnmowers should help you make an informed decision: from the advantages of using a petrol mower to important features and features you just can’t live without, you’ll find it all here.
Why Choose a Petrol Lawn Mower?
Sure, electricity is fine – if you have an electric mower – but for serious gardens, or those where the cut requires something above and beyond the everyday, there really is only one choice: petrol. Here’s why.- Unsurpassed Power: Petrol engines are simply unbeatable, far superior to cutting power of an electric mower. They handle thick, high grass, ragged terrain with power and ease. Take care of thicker, taller spots or unwanted vegetation with thick growth that’s simply out of the question for your electric mower.
- Cordless freedom: An electric model running off a mains outlet is tethered. A petrol model is not. Mow acres as long as there’s petrol to power the machine. There are no power-outlet runs or the nasty intrusions of cords that you have to mow around.
- Single-Task Performer or Versatile Mower: Petrol mowers cut through the lawn like a scythe. They’re good to mow and mulch, blade the grass into the mower and spit it out, go to the side of the mower, or spew it back up into a bag that you can take out and spray in your neighbours’ yards, or haul away or use as fertiliser, or just simply rip up your lawn and practice double dutching with the grass. Have at it! a-mulching it’s all your lawn and gas in a world of…mine.
- Long-lasting: Petrol mowers are designed to have a lengthy service, and purchasing one means investing in something you might use for years. With proper care, they can last.
Understanding Key Features: Selecting the Right Petrol Lawn Mower
It all comes down to your property size, terrain and your own proclivities! Here are some features to consider when buying a petrol lawn mower:Engine Size: Powering Through Your Garden
The mower’s engine size is given in cubic centimeters (cc) and, naturally, the bigger the engine, the more power (and thus efficiency) the mower exerts. Thicker grass and trickier terrain is no challenge for bigger engines. A good rule of thumb would be the following:- Smaller lawns (ie, under 500 sq m): a 120-140cc engine is usually enough for you. For a small lawn, you will probably be looking for a particularly light, easy-to-manoeuvre model, and so even a smaller engine is enough to provide all the power you need without creating an unduly bulky, noisy machine.
- Medium-Sized Lawns (500-1000 square metres): 150-170cc (a 50/50 blend of power and fuel economy; you can handle moderate grass growth and terrain without taxing the engine).
- Large Lawns (greater than 1000 square metres): Go for a strong engine of 180cc or more. The thicker the lawn grass and the larger the lawn space, the more power you need to move the lawn efficiently. Larger engines generally use more fuel, so keep that in mind.
Cutting Width: Efficiently Covering Ground
The cutting width is the width of land that is cut by the mower. It can be measured in centimetres. The wider the deck, the faster the lawn gets mowed, and the job gets done faster. For a large lawn, the wider cutting width of the mower, the better. However, for a smaller garden and tighter spots, maneuverability becomes more important. Here’s what that looks like in practice.- Small Lawns (under 500 square metres) 41-46cm Cutting Widths — your clippings will be handled just fine.For smaller lawns you want to have the option to make a tight turn. A more nimble cutting width allows you to get around those tight corners and other obstacles in the lawn. 46-51cm
- Medium-Sized Lawns, 500-1000 Square Metres: Aim for a good compromise between speed and manoeuvring capabilities, but not losing too much with the latter. Medium-sized lawns are almost 2,000 feet wide and two-thirds that long.
- Large Lawns (more than 1000 sq m): Wider: 53cm or more cutting widths are recommended for large lawns. Large lawns save the most amount of time in mowing with a wider cutting width, and reduces amount of time spent for mowing and fatigue.
Self-Propelled vs. Manual: Effortless Mowing or Hands-On Control
For people who have large lawns, or who live on a hilly terrain, a self-propelled mower is a great choice since it allows easy coasting (no pushing!) up or down hills, over uneven ground, and generally makes mowing a lot easier. On the other hand, manual-push models are a bit cheaper, but they require a certain level of physical fitness – especially when mowing larger areas. Think about your physical abilities and your yard’s terrain when you are making this choice.Mulching Capability: Enriching Your Lawn Naturally
Mulching mowers mow grass clippings to the tiniest of winds which speeds up decomposition of the clippings. As these clippings decompose, they release nutrients. The pressed grass turns to “grass clippings tea” that supplies nutrients back into the soil. Think mulching mowers are good for the environment? Not only that, lawns that get some mulching mowed clippings during mowing are beautiful.
A mulching mower eliminates the need to bag grass clippings so that you add a load of waste to your automobile and the landfill. But why bag the nutrient rich clippings in the first place? Use a mulching mower, press those clippings into the soil with the next mowing, and you will return those important nutrients back to the soil. Your lawn will thank you! A stunning lawn is only a mulching mower and healthy dose of patience away.
Electric Start: Effortless Ignition
Convenience too. An electric start mower makes it so easy to get going, you just turn a key or push a button. The mower starts cleanly as opposed to pulling the recoil cord. Especially, if it’s too much effort to pull the cord or you prefer to keep both hands on the handle, an electric start mower eliminates this step altogether. But there’s more! You’ll also be keeping the recoil system in good shape as you’ll be using it less. Instead of winding up 20 yards of cord, you’ll be stretching it a couple inches.Roller Mowers: Achieving That Classic Striped Look
Petrol lawnmowers with rollers create the classic striped effect seen on lawns, rolling the grass, which creates the visible stripes, important for those chasing the ‘perfect’ manicured lawn look. Rollers evoke associations of plush, grand lawns and add to the elegance of your outdoor space.Where to Buy Petrol Lawn Mowers: Finding the Best Deals
Looking for a new petrol lawn mower? Here’s how to get the best prices:- Online Retailers: These include Amazon, eBay and Screwfix. All offer a good selection of petrol mowers, often at competitive prices and with next-day delivery if available; the selection is larger than what’s available in physical stores. When shopping online, it’s simple to switch between different sites and compare prices and features available for each model, and you often get free delivery or a cashback.
- Garden Centres: Local garden centres, as well as the larger DIY chains like B&Qand Homebase, have petrol lawnmowers on sale. If you choose this option,you can go and see models in person, test-drive them if your garden centre allows this, andalso talk to staff who will be able to offer more advice about a particular model. You will alsobe able to see them next to one another.
- Specialist Dealers: If you want to find specialist models and have a large purchasing decision with lawn care equipment, it would be a good idea to visit a specialist dealer. The specialist dealers have specialist knowledge about their products to help you make the correct choice to fit your needs, rather than a general garden centre job
Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Petrol Lawn Mower
To ensure optimal performance and longevity for your petrol lawnmower, follow these essential tips:
- Read the Manual: The most important thing to do with your brand-new petrol lawn mower is to read the owner’s manual. It will tell you all the complex stuff about how to operate it safely, and what to do when you’ve finished mowing. This is obviously very important. Learning how to use your lawn mower safely and effectively will be based on the specific instructions for your model.
- Fuel Up Right: Always run your mower with the recommended fuel, mix old with new fuel, and prevent engine maintenance problems from starting.
- Do maintenance on your mower as a regular practice This includes keeping a good level of oil, cleaning your air filter regularly, and sharpening your blades. Maintain your mower so it will continue to give you great service for a long time to come.
- Safety first: Make sure you use your petrol lawnmower only with protective gear on – eye protection, good footwear and protection against high noises (ears).You need to use your mower safe, because you do not want to get hurt by the machine. A good way to be safe while you cut your lawn is to use protective gears which will lower the risk for injuries.
- Store properly: Store your petrol lawn mower safely and securely away from moisture. Drain of fuel to help prevent spillages and damage. Then cover your mower over to stop it from getting dusty. Storing your mower properly protects it from damage and means it will be ready for use when you need it.
