Rotary Lawn Mowers

 

Rotary lawn mowers cut the grass using a centrally mounted spinning blade. This can be metal, plastic or even a nylon thread, such as those on strimmers. The small electric rotary mowers tend to have the plastic blades, where as the larger petrol rotary mowers tend to use a larger metal blade. The plastic blades are easily damaged by small sticks or stones, so you should try to have some spare blades to hand. Otherwise you may not be able to finish the job ! However, the plastic blades are cheap and easy to replace. The metal blades do last longer and can be re-sharpened, but tend to be more expensive to replace. Rotary mowers come in all shapes and sizes, some have wheels, some dont, such as Hovers, some collect the grass cuttings and others do not have a box attached. The type and style you need does depend on the size and shape of your lawn, but mostly comes down to personal taste and budget.

Lawn Suitability

Rotary lawn mowers are the most common type of lawn mower and are also the most versatile. The rotary mower can cope with longer and rougher grass than other types of lawn mower. The rotary mower also copes better than other mowers with uneven, hilly lawns. Thus making them perhaps a better all rounder for most people who use their lawns and want it to look neat and tidy rather than be a bowling green. Due to the differing types of rotary mower, they can be used from the smallest of gardens through to the larger than average. A point to remember is power. If your lawn is small then an electric rotary lawn mower such as a hover would be fine. If your lawn is large, then you may be better off getting a petrol powered rotary mower so there is no need to worry about cable and power supply.

Safety Features

As mentioned the small electric rotary lawn mowers tend to have plastic blades, the advantage here is that they are less likely to cut through the electrical cable, where as if you run over this with a larger metal blade you may not be so lucky. When using an electrical lawn mower, of any sort always ensure that you use a Residual Current Device (RCD). This is available either as an adaptor which you simply plug the lawn mower plug into, or as a plug that is wired directly to the mower. In fact some extension leads autmatically come with RCDs attached as standard. All RCD's cut the current if there is any short circuit from a cut cable or moisture infiltration. With the electric lawn mower, when you let go of the power switch the lawn mower will stop, however, with a petrol powered mower this may not always be the case.

Maintenance

Rotary lawn mowers need very little maintenance, as long as you look after your mower they are relatively maintenance free. The main point to remember is to regularly clean the old grass from around the blade. Wet cut grass can easily build up in the body of the under side of the rotary mower, this then puts the motor under added stress and can burn your mower out. Make sure you clean the mower after each use. It is also advisable to change the blade/blades at least once a season. If your rotary mower is petrol powered, then it is advisable to get the lawn mower serviced each season as well.

Accessories

Rotary lawn mowers tend not to come with any accessories of any note.

Cost

From as little as £25 for a small hover type mower without a box to £450 for a well powered petrol rotary mower.

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