Rotary petrol lawnmowers.
By far the most popular type of petrol lawnmower in the UK is the rotary mower. Rotary mowers have a single blade bolted to the underside of the machine which rotates at high speed cutting/tearing through the grass. The clippings can be collected in a rear collection box or returned to the lawn.
The two types of petrol rotary lawnmower.
Rear roller mowers. Instead of two rear wheels, these mowers employ a rear roller for a banded effect lawn. Rear roller lawnmowers are available in both self propelled and manual push versions.
Four wheeled mowers. These lawnmowers have 4 wheels and are either self propelled or manual push.
Why are rotary petrol lawnmowers so popular?
Versatility.
A rotary petrol lawnmower can cope with just about any type of lawn including rough areas, bumpy ground and long grass and weeds. With petrol versions, there is no electric cable to worry about and you are able roam unrestricted.
When it’s time to sharpen the mower blade, a rotary blade is easier to sharpen than a cylinder mower’s blades.
Rotary petrol lawnmowers are available with either rear wheels or a rear roller. A rear roller will produce a striped finish on your lawn and will also allow you to mow right up to and slightly over the edges of beds and borders because the roller will prevent the lawnmower from dropping to low and scalping the lawn.
Although electric rotary mowers are suitable for cutting smaller lawns regularly, petrol machines are built to provide a longer working life.
It’s important to sharpen the blades on any mower regularly to ensure a clean cut and avoid brown tips developing on the grass stems. Sharp blades also prevent the lawnmower engine from labouring.
Self propelled rotary petrol lawnmowers
A self propelled rotary petrol lawnmower will save you having to physically push the machine. With self propelled mowers, you simply need to steer the mower as the roller or rear wheels are powered by the engine.
It’s a good idea to buy a self propelled lawnmower with an adjustable speed control as this will allow you to set a comfortable walking pace.
Lawnmower size
For the average sized lawn, a 16-18” wide mower will be adequate. For medium sized lawns, up to the size of two tennis courts, a width of around 22’ will save you a lot of time. For lawns larger than this, it might be worth considering a ride-on mower.
High wheeled rotary petrol lawnmowers.
Many manufacturers now produce high wheeled rotary mowers specially designed for rougher terrain. These machines are either manual push or self propelled and offer a greater degree of manouverability than smaller wheeled lawnmowers.
Popular brands of petrol rotary lawnmower.
AL-KO
Honda
Hayter
Lawn King
Masport
Lawnflite
Ibea
Mountfield
Toro
MTD
Oleo-Mac
Victa
Atco
Qualcast
Allen
Flymo