Image via Tim in Sydney on flickr.
When you go lawnmower shopping it can seem that there’s no end of different features, materials and other options. Let’s take a look at some of the different options available and what they all mean!
Mulching
This is where there are an extra set of blades in your machine which cut the grass into tiny pieces. These are designed to be left on your lawn and can cut down on the need to fertilize and also on the waste cuttings to get rid of.
Mulching is highly recommended and is extremely advantageous to your lawn. Grass clipping contain nitrogen, which your lawn needs. By allowing the clippings to decompose on the lawn the nitrogen is returned to the growing grass.
Bagging
This gives you the option to attach a bag to your lawnmower and the grass clippings are automatically deposited in it. This means all you need to do is lift out the bag for disposal.
Side Discharge
This is exactly as it sounds, and the grass clippings literally shoot out of the side of the mower onto the lawn. They typically won’t be cut up as finely as mulching, but can still be left on the lawn to decompose for the same effect.
Steel Decks
Steel is one of the most common materials for lawnmower decks to be constructed from due to its strength and durability. However, steel is heavy and can rust if not cared for.
Cast Aluminum Decks
The advantages of an aluminum deck are that it is more resistant to rusting and is lighter than aluminum. More expensive mowers usually have aluminum decks.
Plastic Decks
Lightweight and durable, plastic decks are only found on electric mowers. It’s not possible to use them in the construction of gas mowers due to the heat involved when the gas motor is running.
Xenoy Decks
This is a feature of Honda mowers and is a product used in the production of automobiles. Honda now uses Xenoy in the construction of some of their mower decks. Xenoy is rust resistant and Honda gives a 5 year guaranteed for these decks.
Pull Starts versus Electric Start
With gas mowers, most are started by pulling a cord. However, the more expensive mowers may have an electric, push button start. Whilst pulling a cord is the cheaper option, some smaller ladies, or people lacking in strength may find these a bit hard going.
Self-Propelled
This is an option on mowers which means it moves along by itself when you pull a lever. Self-propelled are generally a little more expensive than mowers which you have to push along yourself. However, a self-propelled does not give you such a good workout when mowing the lawn!
Some self-propelled mowers have an option whereby you can set the speed at which it moves. This is the ideal because you can then go as fast or as slow as you want.
