Rotary Lawn Mower Basics

Rotary mowers use a flat, horizontal, blade that turns at the speed of the engine. The engine sits on a housing, which is referred to as the deck. The engine shaft protrudes through the deck. The blade is bolted to the underside of the engine shaft. The underside of the deck provides a measure of safety from the blade and also acts as a vacuum chamber that lifts up the grass, thus making a better cut.

There are now many varieties of rotary mulching mowers. Rotary mulching mowers cut grass into finer pieces than traditional rotary mowers. Mulching ‘systems’ vary from a single blade with non-traditional configuration to two non-traditional blades with a tricked-out deck.

They are popular because leaving grass cuttings on the lawn is becoming more popular. In addition, some municipalities have regulations that encourage homeowners to leave clippings on the lawn. Only cheaper rotary mowers still have a single ‘old fashioned’ blade.

Rotary mowers are easier to use on long grass, but do not mow as cleanly and evenly as reel mowers. The spinning horizontal blade, even with a deck ‘vacuum chamber,’ tends to bend the grass as it cuts. Rotary mower blades must be kept sharp in order to do a decent job of cutting the grass. However, maintenance is easier. The horizontal blades are easy to remove and sharpen or replace.

There is so much competition in the industry that there are many models and varieties to choose from. The only way to get a feeling for the staggering number of options is to visit a few garden centers. Look at the choices. Ask questions. Go home and look at information on the Internet. Look at your yard again and then go back and look at more mowers.

You will gradually become familiar with the various features and which ones seem right for you. You might also go to a rental yard and see if you can rent a mower of the type that interests you. If you need a mower right away, perhaps you should rent one or borrow a neighbor’s. There is no point in rushing into a buying decision before you are sure of what you need.

Even if you don’t think you need a riding mower, you should look at them. Every mower you look at and every sales person you talk to will give you more information on lawn mowers and lawns.

Each choice has its advantages and drawbacks. You should pick the attributes that are important to you.