Compared to electric lawnmowers, petrol lawnmowers provide higher performance, greater grass catcher capacity, and don’t tie you to a power cord. The downside is their higher weight, noise, and difficult maintenance. They are suitable for regular use and can handle tall and thick grass.
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What to focus on when choosing a petrol lawnmower
Engine power
Listed in HP (horsepower) or watts (W) and it determines the overall performance of the lawnmower. Normally ranges between 3 and 6 HP. 1 HP corresponds to about 750 W. More powerful lawnmowers can handle larger areas and rougher terrain.
- 1500–2250 W - for gardens up to 1000 m² in size. More suited for mowing well-kept lawns.
- 2250-3000 W - for medium-sized gardens up to 1750 m in size². Suitable for taller and thicker vegetation.
- 3000 W and more - for large gardens over 1750 m² in size that get mowed 2-3 times a year and tend to be overgrown with tall and thick grass.
If your garden has many hard to reach places (ditches, dense trees, etc.) or you have very tall or thick grass or unwanted shrubs, we recommended buying a string trimmer.
Height adjustment range
Usually 20-70 mm. A larger height setting range allows you to better adjust the lawnmower for different mowing conditions. A maintained lawn, for example, can be mowed on the lowest mowing height. If you have neglected to mow it for several weeks, however, then you may want to give it a rough, higher cut first and then mow it again at a lower mowing height.
Cutting width
For petrol lawnmowers, it ranges between 400 and 560 mm. A wider lawnmower is better suited for mowing lawns that don’t have any obstacles you would have to avoid obstacles (trees, shrubs etc.). A narrower mower is better for mowing difficult to reach places, such as between tree trunks.
Weight and grass catcher capacity
- Weight (30-40 kg) - lighter mowers tend to be less powerful, but are easier to handle.
- Grass catcher capacity (40-80 l) - a larger capacity means you don’t have to empty it as often. They can be rather heavy when full, however.
Useful petrol lawnmower properties
- Automatic electric start - you start the lawnmower by pressing a button (instead of fussing over a pull-cord).
- Central height adjustment - a single lever is used to adjust the height of all wheels at once.
- Height-adjustable handles - can be set for both taller and shorter people.
- Ride-on mowers - these have their own propulsion system, so you don’t have to walk behind them and push. Some models even allow you to adjust the speed.
- Mulching function - the mulching blade clips grass into small pieces, which can serve as fertiliser.
- Edge cutting - a structural solution where the rotating blade is almost as wide as the mower itself. This means it can mow grass very close to a wall, fence, or curb.
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