Cutting through the noise: key factors to consider when buying a lawnmower

To better understand what New Zealanders should consider when purchasing a new lawn mower, we spoke to Ashley Stilwell, owner of Gatmans Mowers & More. With 17 years of industry experience, Ashley gave valuable insights into the key factors that matter.

“Three of the most important things to consider when you’re buying a lawn mower are the build quality of the lawn mower, the mower's versatility and its functionality,” Ashley Stilwell, Gatmans Mowers & More.

Push lawnmowers encompass a broad category of lawnmowers, whether motorised or non-motorised, that rely on the user to provide forward motion and to navigate around obstacles and through varied terrains.

Self-propelled lawnmowers operate with a motor or engine that propels the machine forward. It works by engaging a drive system, which transfers power from the engine to the wheels. This type of mower requires the operator to walk behind the mower, guide its path and control the speed and direction with a handlebar or lever. 

Ride-on lawnmowers operate by someone sitting and driving the mower while it cuts the grass. They are operated with an engine to power the blades and the wheels, and due to their operational capabilities, they are well equipped to handle large lawns effectively and lawns with varied terrain.

Robotic lawnmowers are automated, battery-powered mowers designed to maintain a lawn with minimal or no human intervention. They operate within predefined boundary wires and trim the grass autonomously while adhering to a schedule or activation.

“The most popular type of lawnmower is still a ride-on mower. They are certainly the most versatile, and they help our customers save hours on their lawn care every year. That being said, we have started to see a large increase in robotic mower enquiries and sales.”

The different lawn mower power sources or modes of operation each have their pros and cons. Manually powered lawn mowers rely on the operator pushing the mower to rotate the blades. This mode is physically demanding yet energy efficient, and manual mowers are helpful for small, intricate lawn settings where space is at a premium. 

Petrol boasts a high energy density, which translates to a consistent and powerful performance. This inherent characteristic of petrol allows mowers to effectively tackle challenging tasks, such as cutting through dense patches of grass or covering extensive areas without frequent refuelling. 

Electric operation can be broken down into corded or cordless variants. Cord-operated lawn mowers require continuous connection to an electrical outlet, providing uninterrupted operation yet a limited operating range. Cordless models use rechargeable batteries and offer greater mobility. They provide greater freedom of movement but are limited by battery life and run time.

The best lawn mower power or operation source in terms of performance remains petrol, as Stillwell notes, “Battery power is certainly improving yet is not quite there yet. We live in a time-poor world; time is money. Efficiency and reliability get the job done, and petrol is still the winner at this stage.”

Other practical considerations, such as the size of your lawn, can impact your mower choice. The first thing to remember is to make sure you select a mower with appropriate power or battery life for your lawn size. If you have a smaller lawn, a manual mower or an electric mower will usually be sufficient because their compact and lightweight design makes them easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces, and they adequately meet the less demanding mowing needs of a smaller area. 

Larger spaces are more suited to the extended run times of petrol mowers, particularly petrol-powered ride-on mowers or high-end battery-powered options. These mower types are ideal because they can cover more ground without the need for refuelling or recharging as often, handle varying lawn densities and terrains with greater ease, and enable more comfortable operation over extended periods.

The terrain of your lawn also matters. Flat surfaces are easier to cut, and if your lawn is flat, you have the most extensive range of lawn mower choices, as most mowers are easily manoeuvrable on flat ground. For sloped surfaces or hills, self-propelled mowers can be a good choice as they require less physical exertion to push up an incline. 

For uneven surfaces, ride-on mowers are a popular choice; they are often equipped with specialist tyres, superior suspension and a robust build, which helps to provide stability and even weight distribution on uneven ground. This weight distribution helps minimise the risk of the blade cutting too close to the ground and reduces the risk of sensitive soil or plants being uprooted or exposed.

The style of lawn you’re looking to create will also play a role in the type of mower you choose. For small, intricate, highly stylised gardens, push mowers can be useful as they allow for a high level of control. If you have decorative items such as large stones or intricate flower beds, you’ll want to use a mower where you control the exact cutting path. 

Whereas if you have a larger lawn and you want to create a uniform appearance, a ride-on mower is much more practical and will handle the area in a fraction of the time that other mowers will. The most important thing to keep in mind, though, is that your lawn is your space to create a design and layout that reflects your tastes and practical and stylistic requirements. 

“Lawns are personal to some people; it’s their canvas to display the effort and work gone into the property. Not everyone has the same vision or desires for the same effect. Mowers don’t only make long grass short; they make it beautiful. It all comes down to what the individual wants from their property,” says Ashley.

Different types of grass have unique characteristics and needs. Understanding what kind of grass you have on your lawn can help you choose a mower that will best maintain the health and appearance of your lawn. Here in New Zealand, varieties like tall fescue, fine fescue, and Kikuyu grass are prevalent.

The presence of Kikuyu grass in many New Zealand lawns is a prime example of the need to factor in grass type when selecting a mower. As Stilwell points out, “We have a lot of kikuyu grass here in New Zealand, which is thick, yet hardy. The power source/engine is what helps make long grass beautiful, so for tough grasses, such as Kikuyu, an underpowered engine will not give the desired finish homeowners are seeking. If your grass is particularly thick, you need a mower such as a ride-on mower, with a reliable power source such as petrol, to adequately handle thick grasses and give you a lawn style that’s desirable.”

There are plenty of accessories available for different types of lawn mowers, such as grass catchers, mulching kits, and more, but the most important accessories to have will always be adequate safety equipment. 

“Safety equipment, such as safety goggles, ear protection and gloves, are the priority. But other accessories that can make mowing and landscaping quicker and easier, like blowers, pruners and trimmers, are all worth considering. Accessories like a lawn dethatcher, scraper, and dozer attachments are great for year-round lawn care.”

As with any machine, you need to maintain your lawn mower, by following a few simple steps, you can keep ongoing maintenance to a minimum.

“The best maintenance tips we recommend to customers is to regularly service your lawn mower and keep it covered to protect it from moisture and rust. After each use, let your mower cool down and then blow it with an airgun or blower to remove any excess grass that’s clinging on to reduce the chance of rust and to ensure your mower performs correctly the next time you use it.”

Last but not least, it's important to ensure the lawn mower you choose is a high-performance machine from a reputable manufacturer. "When you're looking to purchase a new lawn mower, stick to the known brands. They are well established across New Zealand and have local support available for your machine should a problem occur." 

Learn more about Gatman Mowers & More’s range of lawnmowers.