Top 10 Mower Brand & Manufacturers

What is Mower

A mower is a mechanical device designed to cut grass and other vegetation. It is a crucial tool for maintaining lawns, gardens, parks, and sports fields. Mowers use a cutting mechanism, such as a rotating blade or a reel, to trim the grass to a desired height, leaving a neat and even surface.

History of Mower

• Early Manual Tools: Before the invention of mechanical mowers, grass was cut using manual tools like scythes. These required a significant amount of physical labor and were time - consuming. The scythe consisted of a long, curved blade attached to a handle, and the operator had to swing it in a rhythmic motion to cut the grass.
• Emergence of the First Mechanical Mowers: The first mechanical mower was patented in the 19th century. It was a reel mower, which had a set of blades on a cylinder that rotated as the mower was pushed forward. The reel mower was a significant improvement over manual methods as it reduced the labor required and provided a more even cut. These early mowers were mainly used on large estates and formal gardens.
• Modern Developments: In the 20th century, with the advent of the internal combustion engine and electric motors, mowers became more powerful and efficient. Rotary mowers were developed, which had a single, high - speed rotating blade. Gasoline - powered rotary mowers are now commonly used for larger areas, while electric mowers are popular for smaller lawns due to their quieter operation and ease of use. Additionally, there have been advancements in features such as self - propelled mechanisms, adjustable cutting heights, and mulching capabilities.

Purpose of Mower

• Lawn and Garden Maintenance: The primary purpose of a mower is to keep grass at a desired length for aesthetic and functional reasons. A well - maintained lawn enhances the appearance of a property, whether it's a residential home, a commercial building, or a public space. It also provides a safe and comfortable area for activities such as picnics, sports, and children's play.
• Grass Health and Growth: Regular mowing helps to promote healthy grass growth. By cutting the grass to the appropriate height, it encourages the grass to grow thicker and more evenly. Mowing also removes dead or damaged grass blades, allowing sunlight and nutrients to reach the healthy parts of the grass more effectively.
• Weed Control: Mowing can help in controlling weeds. By keeping the grass at a healthy height, it can outcompete many weeds for sunlight and space. Additionally, mowers can cut down young weed seedlings before they have a chance to establish and spread.

Principle of Mower

• Reel Mowers: Reel mowers operate on the principle of a rotating cylinder with multiple blades. As the mower is pushed forward, the wheels turn a series of gears that rotate the reel. The blades on the reel cut the grass in a scissor - like action as they pass over a stationary blade at the bottom of the mower. The height of the cut can be adjusted by changing the position of the wheels relative to the cutting reel.
• Rotary Mowers: Rotary mowers have a single, horizontal blade that rotates at high speed. The engine or electric motor powers the rotation of the blade. As the mower moves forward, the spinning blade cuts the grass by impact. The grass is drawn up into the mower deck by the vacuum created by the rotating blade, and the cut grass is then either discharged out of the side, rear, or mulched back into the lawn, depending on the mower's design and settings.

Features of Mower

• Cutting Width: Mowers come in different cutting widths, which determine the area they can cover in a single pass. Wider - cutting mowers are more efficient for larger lawns as they can cover more ground quickly. The cutting width can range from around 14 inches for small push mowers to over 50 inches for large, ride - on mowers.
• Cutting Height Adjustment: Most mowers allow the user to adjust the cutting height. This is important as different types of grass and different usage scenarios require different grass heights. The adjustment mechanism can be a simple lever or a more complex dial - based system, and it enables the user to set the grass height anywhere from a very short cut (around 1/2 inch) to a taller cut (up to 4 inches or more).
• Power Source: Mowers can be powered by different sources. Gasoline - powered mowers are known for their high power and are suitable for large areas and thick grass. Electric mowers, either corded or cordless, are quieter, more environmentally friendly, and easier to start. Corded electric mowers have unlimited runtime as long as they are connected to a power outlet, while cordless models offer more mobility but have a limited battery life.[!--empirenews.page--]
• Self - Propelled Feature: Some mowers are self - propelled, meaning they have a drive system that moves the mower forward without the user having to push it. This is a useful feature, especially for larger mowers and on hilly terrain. The speed of self - propelled mowers can usually be adjusted to match the user's walking pace.
• Mulching and Bagging Options: Many mowers have the option to either mulch the cut grass, which means chopping it into fine pieces and returning it to the lawn as a natural fertilizer, or bagging it for disposal. Mulching can improve soil health and reduce the need for additional fertilizers. The bagging option is useful when a clean - cut lawn is desired or when the cut grass needs to be removed for other reasons, such as composting.

Types of Mower

• Push Reel Mowers: These are the simplest and most basic type of mower. They are human - powered and rely on the user pushing the mower forward. They are best suited for small, flat lawns and are known for their quiet operation and precise cutting. They are also environmentally friendly as they don't require any fuel or electricity.
• Self - Propelled Reel Mowers: Similar to push reel mowers, but with a self - propelled drive system. This makes them easier to use, especially for larger lawns or for those who may have difficulty pushing a mower. They are still relatively quiet and provide a high - quality cut.
• Push Rotary Mowers: These mowers have a single, rotating blade and are usually powered by gasoline or electricity. They are easy to operate and are a popular choice for medium - sized lawns. The user simply pushes the mower forward, and the rotating blade cuts the grass.
• Self - Propelled Rotary Mowers: With a self - propelled feature, these mowers are more powerful and can handle larger areas and thicker grass. They are suitable for hilly lawns as well, as the self - propulsion helps the user maintain control and a consistent cutting speed.
• Ride - On Mowers: Designed for large lawns and fields, ride - on mowers are like small vehicles. They have a seat for the operator and can cover a large area quickly. They come in different sizes and power levels and are usually gasoline - powered. Some ride - on mowers have additional features such as a cutting deck that can be adjusted to different widths and a powerful engine for heavy - duty mowing.

Precautions for using Mower

• Operator Training: Before using a mower, it's essential to read the user manual and understand the controls and operation of the machine. Training is important to ensure safe and efficient use. The operator should know how to start and stop the mower, adjust the cutting height and other settings, and handle any potential problems such as blade jams or engine issues.
• Pre - Operation Inspection: Always inspect the mower before each use. Check the condition of the blades for sharpness and damage, the fuel level (for gasoline - powered mowers), the battery charge (for electric mowers), and the overall condition of the mower deck and wheels. Make sure all safety guards and shields are in place and properly attached.
• Lawn Conditions: Consider the condition of the lawn. Remove any large debris such as rocks, sticks, and toys from the area to be mowed to prevent damage to the mower blades. Avoid mowing wet grass as it can clog the mower and make the cutting less efficient. Also, be aware of any uneven or hilly areas, as these can affect the stability of the mower.
• Mowing Speed and Direction: Operate the mower at a safe and appropriate speed. Mowing too fast can lead to an uneven cut and may cause the mower to bounce or become unstable. When mowing slopes, it's important to mow across the slope rather than up and down to reduce the risk of the mower tipping over. Also, vary the mowing direction each time you mow to promote more even grass growth.
• Maintenance and Cleaning: Regular maintenance is crucial to keep the mower in good working condition. After each use, clean the mower to remove grass clippings and debris from the blades, deck, and other parts. For gasoline - powered mowers, follow the recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, air filter cleaning, and spark plug replacement. Electric mowers should be kept dry and the battery (if cordless) should be charged and stored properly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Things to consider when purchasing Mower

• Lawn Size and Terrain: Consider the size of your lawn and the type of terrain. For a small, flat lawn, a push mower (either reel or rotary) may be sufficient. For larger or hilly lawns, a self - propelled or ride - on mower might be a better choice. The size and slope of the lawn will also affect the power and cutting width requirements of the mower.[!--empirenews.page--]
• Power Source: Decide whether you prefer a gasoline - powered, corded electric, or cordless electric mower. Gasoline - powered mowers are more powerful and have longer runtimes but are louder and require more maintenance. Corded electric mowers are quiet and have unlimited runtime but are limited by the length of the power cord. Cordless electric mowers offer mobility but have a limited battery life and may need to be recharged during use for larger lawns.
• Budget: Establish a budget for your mower purchase. The cost can vary significantly depending on the type, size, and features of the mower. Consider not only the initial purchase price but also the long - term costs such as fuel (for gasoline - powered mowers), electricity (for electric mowers), and maintenance costs. Look for a mower that offers good value for money within your budget.
• Brand and Reputation: Choose a reputable brand with a good track record in manufacturing mowers. Read customer reviews and ask for recommendations from other lawn - care enthusiasts or professionals to assess the quality, durability, and performance of different mowers. A well - known brand is more likely to provide reliable customer service and replacement parts.
• Features and Safety: Look at the features of the mower such as cutting width, height adjustment, mulching and bagging options, and self - propelled capabilities. Consider whether these features are important for your lawn - care needs. Also, check for safety features like a dead - man's switch, blade - stopping mechanisms, and protective guards to ensure a safe mowing experience.

Terms of Mower

• Cutting Capacity: The amount of grass the mower can cut in a given time or area. It is related to the cutting width and the speed of the mower. A mower with a larger cutting capacity can cover more ground quickly and is more suitable for larger lawns.
• Blade Speed: For rotary mowers, the speed at which the blade rotates is an important factor. Higher blade speeds generally result in a cleaner and more efficient cut. The blade speed is usually measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) and can vary depending on the mower's design and power source.
• Deck Material and Design: The mower deck is the housing that encloses the cutting blades. The material of the deck (such as steel or plastic) affects its durability and weight. The design of the deck also influences the grass - cutting performance, as it determines how the grass is drawn in and cut, and how the clippings are discharged.
• Warranty and Service Agreement: The warranty offered by the manufacturer and the terms of the service agreement, including what is covered, for how long, and the availability of technical support and replacement parts. A comprehensive warranty and service agreement can protect your investment and provide peace of mind during the operation of the mower.
• Noise Level: The noise produced by the mower is an important consideration, especially for residential areas. Electric mowers are generally quieter than gasoline - powered mowers. The noise level is usually measured in decibels (dB), and a lower noise level indicates a quieter mower.