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A person wearing ear and eye protection mowing grass with a Victa Power Mulcher
To keep your lawn looking its best, you need the right mower. But which one do you choose?

Different types to suit any job

There are five main types of lawn mowers. Each have their pros and cons depending of the type of yard you need to mow. Which one you choose can be determined by a number of factors, including the size of your yard, the terrain it needs to cover, and how much power you need.

Hand lawn mowers

Ideal for small, flat lawns, hand lawn mowers are inexpensive, easy to use, and better for the environment. Designs have come a long way, making them a convenient choice that won't take up much storage space.

Electric lawn mowers

Better suited to smaller areas, electric lawn mowers are light, portable, easy to store away, and simple to maintain. They do have a cord, which can be a minor hassle to drag around, and you'll need easy access to a power source.

Cordless lawn mowers

Because they're battery powered, cordless lawn mowers are a convenient way to mow small and medium sized lawns. There's no petrol to mix and no cords to drag around, plus they're a lot lighter for portability and smaller for ease of storage. Batteries generally last up to 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to get your mowing job done.

Petrol lawn mowers

If you have a big lawn to cover, then a petrol mower should be top of your list. They're more powerful than electric or cordless, and have a wider cutting diameter. Some are also self-propelled, making them easier to push around large lawns.

There are two types of petrol mower, 2-stroke and 4-stroke. The 2-stroke works best in small to medium areas. It's lighter to push and needs less maintenance. The 4-stroke needs a little more care. However, it's more reliable, easier to start and can handle much bigger lawns.

Ride-on mowers

For really big areas, like a paddock or oval, a ride-on mower will get the job done. They run on petrol and are a fast, comfortable way to mow. When choosing a ride-on, think about the turning circle, especially if you need to mow tighter areas. If you're mowing uphill then choose an engine with a bit more horsepower.

Important considerations

Not every mower within each category is the same. Features can vary between different models. Choosing the right technology for the job will make your mowing more enjoyable.

Ease

Consider whether you want a push or self-propelled mower. Push models are easier to maintain while self-propelled are easier to handle and have variable speed control to suit your walking pace.

Convenience

Major controls should be close to hand and easy to see. For example, the engine control lever should be on the handle bar and easy to operate. Also, make sure the cutting height is easily adjustable with several height options.

Also, think about the size of the mower's catcher. A bigger box means you won't have to empty grass clippings as often, especially if you have a larger lawn.

 

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.