Cutting width
The capture width provided by the unit, in other words, the width of the strip of land cultivated in one pass. In fact, this size corresponds to the width of the working nozzle.
The large working width is useful when processing large open spaces, as it allows you to finish the job in a small number of passes. On the other hand, for hard-to-reach places, relatively narrow tools are better suited, able to go where a wider unit will not fit. In addition, the width of the tool directly affects the weight and price.
In general, it makes sense to compare in terms of working width only units of the same type (see above). However, it is worth noting here that trimmers do not differ so much from each other — most models capture from 25 to 45 cm (and a wide processing band is provided by moving the nozzle from side to side). As for the other types, in the most modest models the capture width
does not exceed 40 cm, in the heaviest and most powerful it can be
56 – 60 cm or even
more(in mini tractors — up to 1.5 m).
Min. cutting height
The minimum cutting height provided by the lawnmower — that is, the smallest height of grass that can remain after the passage of the machine. It makes sense to pay attention to this indicator mainly in cases where the lawn is planned to be cut as short as possible. In addition, the lower the minimum height (with the same maximum), the wider the height adjustment range of this model.
Number of height settings
The number of cutting height settings provided by the lawn mower. The more such settings (with the same adjustment range) — the more accurately you can choose the mowing height. Note that in some robots (see "Type") this number reaches 30 or more with a range of 30 to 60 mm; in other words, you can select the height to the nearest millimetre.
Recommended area
The area of the site for which the lawn mower is designed. It cannot be argued that this parameter is critical when choosing a device, these are only manufacturer's recommendations and are very conditional. However, they are more than justified and generally show the available front of work based on the heating of the motor, the capacity of the tank or battery, and other factors that affect the duration of work.
Mulching
Possibility of work of a lawn-mower in the mode of a mulching.
Mulching is the chopping and automatic spreading of mowed grass over the site. This is one of the most convenient and at the same time practical methods of vegetation disposal. So, it does not need to be collected, and the resulting coating (mulch) performs a number of useful functions: it fertilizes the soil, reduces its heating and evaporation of moisture in hot weather, and also keeps the top layer loose.
Note that some lawn mowers allow you to use a nozzle purchased separately for mulching. However, such models are not included in this category: mulching in our catalog is indicated only for models that support this function out of the box.
Bag type
A type of bag used in a lawn mower to collect grass clippings.
—
Hard. Bags (containers) made of a hard material, usually plastic. Such a container is more convenient to unload than a soft one, it is more durable and reliable, but it weighs a little more.
—
Soft. The advantages of soft fabric bags are primarily low weight and the ability to fold after hours, which can facilitate storage. In addition, the degree of fullness of such a bag can be controlled by eye without any special indicators. On the other hand, soft bags are very inconvenient to unload.
—
Combined. Bags that combine soft and hard materials in construction; the upper part is usually made solid. This combination makes it easier to unload the bag and at the same time allows it to be rolled up quite compactly for storage.
— Is absent. The absence of a bag is characteristic of some varieties of mowing units — in particular, mowers and trimmers (see "Type"). In classic lawn mowers, it usually means that this model does not involve collecting grass — all cut vegetation remains on the ground. At the same time, most of these models have the function of mulching (see above), however, there are exceptions.
Speed adjustment
The ability
to change the speed of the self-propelled unit (see "Features"). In the absence of this function, you need to pay special attention to the maximum speed, since "non-adjustable" lawnmowers have, in fact, two modes — parking and full speed. But if there is an adjustment, you can adjust the speed of movement to the specifics of the situation. For example, slow motion will be the best mode for dense, long-term uncut grass (or if the operator for some reason cannot follow the mower quickly); and high speed will allow you to quickly cope with a large volume of relatively simple work.
Motor power
Lawnmower engine power expressed in watts. This designation is used absolutely for all electric models (see "Engine type"), and it is also often found in gasoline and diesel units along with horsepower (these units are clearly related, 1 hp is about 735 watts).
In general, the more powerful the engine, the more performant the mower and the better it will cope with heavy work such as cutting thick grass, bushes, etc. On the other hand, high power has a corresponding effect on fuel / electricity consumption, as well as the weight and price of the engine. In addition, note that the power requirements depend on the type of mower itself and its engine (see above for both). For example, for most
robots, the power
does not exceed 500 W — more, taking into account specialization, is not required, besides, otherwise the devices would turn out to be too bulky and heavy. Trimmers and lawn mowers of similar power are only electric, and the power limit for power tools is
2500 – 3000 W when powered from the mains and
1500 – 2000 W for battery models. But in gasoline tools, the minimum power is about
500 – 1000 W for trimmers and
1000 – 1500 W for mowers; the maximum value can exceed
4 kW.
Detailed recommendations for choosing a lawn mower d
...epending on its type and features of the planned work can be found in special sources.Deck material
The material from which the deck is made is a protective casing that covers the cutting tool of a lawn mower or trimmer. In modern mowers there are such options:
— Plastic. The cheapest and at the same time the least durable material.
— Aluminium alloy. The most advanced option: these decks are durable, lightweight and less prone to corrosion, but quite expensive.
— Steel. It has greater strength than aluminium alloy and costs less, but is heavier and more prone to corrosion.