Which lawn mower is better, self-propelled or non-self-propelled: comparison, review

Characteristics and types of self-propelled lawn mowers

To choose the best option for yourself, suitable for your own specific area, you need to understand what types of lawn mowers there are and what each of them is intended for, what functions it is equipped with, and what the manufacturer’s emphasis is on.

When choosing which lawn mower is better, self-propelled or non-self-propelled, you need to know that each type presented has its own characteristics and varieties within the group. For example, self-propelled vehicles are divided into 3 main subclasses:

Gasoline.
Electrical.
Rechargeable.

Each variety, each model has its pros and cons.

When is it better to choose gasoline self-propelled lawn mowers:

If you need to tidy up large areas.
If the landscape is fairly flat, there are few hills.

Electric lawn mowers can be purchased if:

The cleaning area allows you to constantly be powered from the network.
Suitable for flat or hilly terrain.

Cordless self-propelled lawn mowers will be appropriate if:

The area for grass harvesting is medium or small. The battery usually lasts for 1 hour of operation. This needs to be taken into account.
Suitable for hilly or flat area.

Fact!

The operation of gasoline lawn mowers is accompanied by a characteristic odor, but allows you to mow large areas of grass. Electric or cordless mowers depend on the power supply or battery capacity, but are more environmentally friendly.

Self-propelled lawn mowers also have parameters that play an important role when choosing. You need to pay attention to:

Working width.
Wheel coating.
The material from which the deck is made.
Additional functions.
Noise level.

Interesting!

For many, the mulching function is an additional advantage, but experts advise taking a more careful and critical approach to it. The mulching function allows you to chop up the grass and leave it on the site for fertilization. But you can’t use it often, as it can ruin the lawn and it will become overgrown with moss.

Among self-propelled lawn mowers, battery-powered ones boast the lowest operating noise levels.

Self-propelled lawn mowers can often be used as a vacuum cleaner to remove debris after cutting grass or any other debris, such as dry leaves. You need to choose based on your own needs and each specific area.

Features of the robotic lawnmower

These modern units mow the grass independently without any human effort. They are fully automated and operate completely silently. In our country they are not yet widespread enough, but are gradually gaining popularity. Most models are equipped with rechargeable or solar batteries, from which they are charged. Some samples can work in the rain, but the quality of grass cutting does not suffer from this. A cable is laid along the entire perimeter of the lawn, which limits the mowing area. This cable carries a signal from the base to the mower itself. They are not suitable for mowing tall grass, as they cannot cope with it.

Robotic lawnmowers turn grass clippings into mulch, improving soil quality. Working width from 30 to 56 centimeters. They differ from other lawn mowers in their complete safety; the blades turn off instantly if the unit is lifted, turned over, etc. The cost of such a lawn device is high. Suitable for processing areas with a slight slope, no more than 35°. Different models are designed to cover different areas, so choose a robotic lawnmower based on the size of the area.

There is no need to clean the robotic lawnmower after mowing; the unit performs this function independently. But given the high cost, it is better to have the device serviced. Setting the required settings requires some knowledge from the user. If you don’t understand programming, then make the settings directly in the store where you purchase the mower. The quality guarantee must be at least 2 years. This equipment is new, so not every service center will undertake to repair it.

The choice of lawn mower is influenced by 3 main criteria that must be taken into account: the type of grass on the lawn, the topography of the area and its area. For the rest, be guided by your own preferences and availability of funds. The choice of lawn mowers today is so wide that choosing the one that is right for you will not be difficult.

7sadovnikov

Key points and types of non-propelled lawn mowers

Non-propelled lawn mowers can be:

electrical;
gasoline;
mechanical;
manual;
wheeled

Manual lawn mowers are mobile and allow you to mow the lawn on any landscape. The cost of such devices is more than attractive.

A wheeled non-self-propelled lawn mower is less mobile. It costs less than a self-propelled one.

In gasoline models, you will have to constantly monitor the oil and fuel levels, but they can work for a long time. Electric models need to run intermittently, but are easier to maintain.

A big plus of mechanical lawn mowers is silent operation. Plus, they cost less than any other option. The downside of this machine is that you will have to apply remarkable physical strength. This option is suitable only for small summer cottages.

Features and principle of operation

A self-propelled mower is a device model that has a drive on certain wheels. Designed to help a person control and adjust the direction of movement of the device. This makes grass cutting and lawn care much more convenient and quicker. An automatic drive was added to make it easier to move the mower, which can weigh up to 50 kg.

In terms of operating principle, functionality and configuration, self-propelled devices are practically no different from non-self-propelled ones. The only differences are slightly increased engine power and added drive to certain wheels for self-propelled vehicles.

Important ! The presence of such improvements as drive on certain wheels and increased power also affects the cost of a self-propelled lawn mower - it is an order of magnitude higher than that of other models.

Thanks to the drive, it becomes easier to maneuver on uneven ground, achieve increased mowing speed and save time.

Criterias of choice

You can decide for yourself which lawn mower is better to choose, self-propelled or non-self-propelled, by evaluating the models according to certain criteria.

The very first one can be called a criterion that evaluates the area that is planned to be processed with this technique. It should be assessed according to 2 parameters.

Square. If it is large, then it is better to use autonomous lawn mowers with gasoline or battery.
Slopes and terrain. Trimmers or electric shears for hilly areas, non-propelled lawn mowers.

Another important criterion is the cost of the mower:

Gasoline self-propelled lawn mowers, depending on the configuration and model, can cost about 40-60 thousand rubles.
Electric self-propelled lawn mowers, depending on the configuration and model, can cost from 20-30 thousand rubles.
Rechargeable ones cost from 18 to 40 thousand rubles.
Non-self-propelled electric lawn mowers can be purchased for an average of 7.5 thousand rubles.
Mechanical non-self-propelled mowers can cost from 4 thousand rubles.

If the decision on which lawn mower is better, self-propelled or non-self-propelled, does not depend on cost, since you can choose a relatively budget option among self-propelled ones, as well as an expensive non-self-propelled mower, then you should pay attention to the level of your own physical fitness. A non-propelled mower will have to be either carried or pushed using your hands.

Manufacturers of gasoline lawn mowers

Technical characteristics are not the only criterion for evaluating gas mowers. The reliability of the manufacturer is important, and it is determined by many years of presence on the market, stable sales and customer reviews. The best Russian brands:

"Caliber" - on the market since 2001, garden equipment is distinguished by an optimal price-quality ratio.
Champion – the leading position of the brand is due to reliability, high performance and reasonable cost of equipment.
Carver is a brand owned by . Garden equipment has been produced since 2007 and is sold on the Russian and foreign markets.
Zubr is a company that has been supplying garden equipment to the market for more than 20 years. Motto. The equipment is characterized by productivity and ergonomics.

Self-propelled petrol lawn mower BISON
World market leaders – foreign brands:

Hyundai, the largest Korean automaker, produces electric and gasoline garden mowers that are functional, reliable and compact.
Daewoo Power - South Korean household and garden equipment in the middle price segment is in demand all over the world due to its excellent quality.
Makita is a renowned Japanese brand with a century of experience in the professional tool market. Gasoline mowers of this brand are distinguished by expanded functionality, increased power and low price.
Huter is a German company operating on the Russian market since 2000. Popular with our customers due to its high quality and the availability of a large number of service centers for warranty repairs.
Patriot is an American company, one of the leaders in the professional gardening equipment market. The manufacturer provides a guarantee for its products for up to three years and provides the opportunity to undergo technical inspection at branded service centers.
DDE is an American manufacturer of motorcycle equipment, operating in the industrial and household equipment market since 1956. He uses innovative solutions to create durable and reliable lawn mowers.
Viking, part of the STIHL Corporation, has a reputation as a reliable manufacturer. More than 90 years of brand history and the use of advanced engineering solutions guarantee high quality, versatility and durability of garden equipment.
Stiga is a Swedish company that has been around since 1934. Petrol mowers of this brand are distinguished by power, high performance, convenience and versatility.
Husqvarna is the oldest Swedish manufacturer of industrial equipment. The history of the company goes back several centuries. The company's modern assortment is regularly updated with high-tech new garden equipment and tools.
Oleo-Mac is an Italian brand that has been supplying gardening equipment to the world market since 1972. Investments in the latest developments in professional equipment can reduce labor intensity and simplify garden care.

Lawn mower Oleo-Mac g 48 tk Allroad

What to look for when purchasing

It is impossible to say for sure which lawn mower is better. In each segment you can find models that are more than good for a particular area. You can listen to the opinions of experts and those who have already tried different types of lawn mowers.

Expert advice is as follows:

Pay attention to the wheels. It is better to choose one with a longitudinal tread to prevent dirt from sticking.
It is not necessary to choose a large, volumetric, longitudinally shaped grass catcher; it will not fill completely. It is better in the shape of a cube, with a crossbar, where the cast first goes to the far corner, then the filling.
Choose models with a plastic or aluminum deck. It is cast in the correct shape.
A wide grip will reduce the time needed to maintain the area.
When choosing a non-propelled mower, it is important to pay attention to the weight of the equipment.
For large areas, it is better to choose self-propelled lawn mowers. For a small yard area, you can opt for a non-self-propelled one.

Types of gasoline lawn mowers

Petrol mowers differ according to the type of stroke:

non-self-propelled;
self-propelled

And according to the type of wheelbase drive:

front-wheel drive;
rear wheel drive.

Non-self-propelled vehicles will have to be pushed yourself. And the mower weighs a lot plus the weight of the collected grass. Therefore, such models are only suitable for flat areas. Women and elderly people are not recommended to use these mowers due to their excessive weight and poor maneuverability. But for a small area of flat lawn, such as the area in front of the house, they are ideal. And the price of such models is much more favorable than that of self-propelled ones.

Self-propelled lawn mowers are real mini-cars with a mowing function. Their powerful two-stroke, and more often four-stroke engines significantly speed up the process of mowing the lawn. Front-wheel drive mowers are good for fairly simple terrain without strong slopes or uneven surfaces; they are maneuverable and suitable for women and the elderly. But now almost all brands use rear-wheel drive.

Models with rear-wheel drive are needed where the terrain has a large slope, there are bumps and holes, and weeds. These lawn mowers are powerful, heavy, and require men's hands to operate. Expensive brand mowers operate with a key or a start button, but pulling the cord a couple of times is also not a problem.