Choose The Right Mower For Your Lawn
Posted on: 10 February 2015
Did you know that the type of lawn mower you use has an effect on the health and appearance of your grass? There are two main types of residential lawn mowers. First, you could choose a rotary lawn mower. These have a single blade that spins around in a circle. Second, you could use a cylinder or reel mower. These have many circular blades that cut the grass along a bottom plate, similar to how scissors work.
Rotary Mowers
Rotary mowers are engine powered and have the benefit of being able to change the height of the blade. They can cut very tall blades of grass. The blade for this type of mower chops, or tears the grass. It can leave the tips of the grass looking slightly yellow from the damage of the cut.
Rotary mowers are common in ride on mowers or tractor mowers. They are easy to use and provide an adequate cut. Because they can easily cut grass at different heights, you can limit your lawn maintenance to about once a week. However, you should never cut more than 1/3 of the length of the grass during a single cut. So if your grass is growing quickly because of optimal weather conditions, then you will need to trim your grass more often.
Cylinder or Reel Mower
The cylinder mower has anywhere between 5 and 12 blades that cut the grass against a plate along the bottom of the mower. It is possible to purchase a reel mower that uses either an engine or a battery to propel the mower, but they are less common. This type of mower gives a very fine cut. It will not tear the grass blades like the rotary mower. Many formal lawns or sports fields require a cylinder mower to give a more aesthetically pleasing look. However, some strength is required to use a reel mower. They are very difficult to use in tall grass. Reel mowers may require you to mow your lawn at least twice a week during the high growing season.
Bottom Line
You are the one that has to make the decision about which type of lawn mower is right for you. Consider the amount of time that you are willing to put in to taking care of the grass. Recognize that the visual difference between the cut of a rotary mower and a reel mower may not be noticeable except to serious lawn enthusiasts. Make the choice based on what is right for you.
Share