Hand push lawn mowers are considered to be more fun and of less fuse when it comes to tending a smaller lawn. Since their inception in 1830s, different designs have been embraced, thanks to innovation. Most designs feature gear wheels connected to rear rollers. The cylinder blades move over the lawn surface cutting grass as its being pushed over.
At around 1890s, the hand push lawn mowers were motorised and wheels added. Since they were made to be hand pushed, they are said to be ‘powered by the user’. Other than adjusting blades and cleaning, maintenance is very easy and provided the operator is fit, they are very easy to use.
Hand push mowers are very effective when used on a fairly level lawn free of bumps and holes. This is because the scissors’ like cutting blades are enclosed in a cutting cylinder that rolls over the lawn to provide a desired and precise cut.
The only disadvantage of hand push lawn mowers is that they do not cut long grass well. They only tend to flatten long leaves since the blades cannot reach them. They are therefore only recommended on regularly cut lawns. During warm or wet weather when grass grows very quickly, it is advisable to cut the lawn up to three times in one week so as to obtain a fine-quality cut.
As a precautionary measure, the lawn should be kept free of any debris e.g. twigs, leaves, plastics, stones and even sticks as they will jam the cylinder. It is also advisable not to mow very close to the fence or places with electric cables.
PURCHASING A HAND-PUSH LAWNMOWER
When purchasing a hand-push lawn mower, consider a reconditioned old model. Old models are engineered with high grade materials and are built to last for a long time. Most of them are warrantied and have operational and maintenance regulations from the original manufacture.
Other important factors to consider include;
- Cutting heights; this is the up and down height range of blade adjustment
- The weight; of the mower when pushing
- Cutting width; this is determined by the length and size of the mower. Bigger and longer mowers result to lesser back and forth trips when mowing and therefore less time for much work.
- Grass spray direction; clippings can be sprayed in front or behind the mower. Spraying in front mowers are recommended since your feet will not be covered with the cut clippings.
However, a hand-push mower will not be of any benefit to you if;
- Your yard is bigger; hand push mowers are best considered if the yard is small. The mower can be cumbersome since a lot of energy will be required to push it.
- You don’t prefer bagging clippings; most hand push mowers are built with clipping catchers or baskets. However some people will prefer to leave clippings on grass as advised by experts. This is because clippings contain free nutrients i.e. potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus and are also considered as fertilizer for your lawn.
- Your yard is overgrown and bumpy; hand push lawn mowers are not very effective on sloppy or bumpy lawns. This is because the wheels do not get a good traction for better blade movement. Also, push mowers do not cut long grass well. If therefore you prefer letting your yard overgrow before trimming, a hand push mower might not be a good option for you.
- Your yard is not well maintained; hand manual mowers don’t cut long grass well and are therefore preferred in well maintained yards.
- Your grass is Zoysia or Bermuda; This type of grass is extra thick and will therefore not be cut well by a hand mower unless it’s the heavier and more powerful type with adjustable blades e.g. Fiskars.
MANUAL LAWN MOWER Vs ELECTRIC MOWERS
To choose between manual and electric mowers, consider the following pro and cons;
Manual Lawn Mower
Pros:
With a manual lawn mower, pollution (both noise and air) is never a worry. Consequently, they not only leave your lawn healthier and green but also provide an extra exercise to your body. They cut grass blades cleanly for healthy re-growing unlike gas and electric mowers that tear grass blades. Again, they are hustle free i.e.no starter cords to pull and no engine priming before mowing.The newer models are also light weight thus less effort for pushing them through when mowing.
Cons:
Are only recommended for use on lawns that are regularly maintained. Most people save their mowing work for weekends and for a whole week, grass may sometimes overgrow especially during spring. Again, manual lawn mowers can be cumbersome if one is not physically fit, are efficient on smaller yards and most of them bag clippings against experts’ advice.
Electric Mowers
Pros: In as much as they require electricity that generates unhealthy carbon dioxide gas to operate, electric mowers are less far polluting compared to gas mowers. They are also efficient despite the type the grass on your yard and can be relied upon on thick, long or any type of weeds.
Cons: Electric mowers are battery powered. It is frustrating when batteries run down. Their movement and manoeuvrability is also restricted by a cord that covers only a specific distance. Electricity power also comes from burning fossil fuels thus degrades the environment. All these problems can never be linked to manual lawn mowers.
Choosing Between Manual Lawn Mowers and Electric Mowers
Both choices can be preferred to gas powered mowers not only to cut air and noise pollution but also to reduce risks associated with spilled oil or gasoline. Otherwise, other factors may come into play;
Consider an ELECTRIC MOWER if;
- Your lawn size exceeds 4500 square feet
- You cannot be committed to mowing up to three times a week
- Your lawn is of uneven terrain with holes
- Your lawn grass is extra thick. e.g. Bermuda and Zoysia
Consequently, Consider a MANUAL LAWN MOWER if;
- Your lawn size is less than 4500 square feet
- You can be committed to mowing your lawn a few more times a week
- Your yard is of even terrain free of bumps and holes
- You prefer best quality cut finish
Having reviewed a large number of lawn mowers it’s safe to say that the recommendations made on this site are reputable. Check out the latest and greatest mowers in time for this summer. Manual lawn mowers and electric lawn mowers.