Discover the top features to look for in a rotary lawn mower, including cutting height, power type, blade quality and more to help you choose the right mower for your garden.
Choosing the Right Rotary Mower Made Easy
Start by thinking about your lawn’s size and how often you plan to cut the grass. Smaller lawns are best matched with compact, easy-to-use models, while larger areas may need more power and a wider cutting capacity. If you prefer to get the job done quickly, you’ll want a mower that makes light work of bigger spaces without sacrificing quality.
Also, consider how much time you want to spend mowing and whether features like self-propulsion, height adjustment, or a folding design would make the task simpler. If you're new to using a rotary lawnmower, a straightforward electric or cordless model might be ideal. If you’ve got trickier terrain or thicker grass, something with a bit more power, like a petrol model, will likely work better.
Cutting Width and Height Settings
The cutting width tells you how much grass the mower can trim in one pass. Wider models help you finish larger areas faster, while narrower ones are ideal for more detailed or confined spaces.
If you’ve got a lot of corners, flowerbeds, or awkward paths, a narrower machine may give you more control and better results.
Height adjustment is also an essential feature. Being able to change the cutting height means you can adapt to the seasons, weather, and the type of grass in your garden.
During the summer, longer grass holds moisture better, while in spring or early autumn, you may want a closer cut for a neater look. Some mowers come with a single-lever adjustment system that makes this quick and easy.
Power Type: Electric, Petrol or Battery-Powered
There are three main power options when it comes to rotary mowers—electric, petrol, and cordless. Each one suits a different type of garden and user. Electric mowers are usually lighter, quieter, and easier to handle. They're ideal for small to medium gardens, especially if you have access to a nearby plug socket.
Petrol mowers provide strong cutting performance and are better suited for large lawns, sloped ground, or thick grass. They do require more upkeep but deliver unmatched power and mobility. Cordless mowers, powered by rechargeable batteries, are becoming increasingly popular as they combine freedom of movement with low maintenance. Just charge them up and go with no cords to worry about.
Blade Quality and Cutting Performance
The blades are one of the most important parts of any lawnmower. A sharp, durable blade will give your grass a clean, even cut, reducing strain on the mower and helping to keep your lawn healthy.
Steel or hardened metal blades are usually best, as they stay sharp longer and handle tougher grass with ease.
Some mowers come with mulching options, which allow them to finely chop the grass clippings and spread them back onto the lawn. This acts as a natural fertiliser and saves you the trouble of emptying a collection box.
A mower with good cutting performance will leave your lawn looking neat and tidy, no matter the time of year.
Picking the Best Mower for Your Garden
When it comes to choosing the best rotary mower, the most important thing is finding one that suits your garden and how you like to work. Think about the layout of your space, the height and type of your grass, and how much storage room you have. A lightweight, folding model might be ideal for a small shed, while a larger petrol mower with a powerful engine could be better for long, uneven lawns.
Make sure the mower is comfortable to handle, easy to start, and feels like a good fit for you. Taking the time to choose the right machine will help ensure better results, a smoother mowing experience, and a lawn you can feel proud of.
Looking to upgrade your mower? Rotary mowers are a smart, reliable choice for most gardens—easy to use, low maintenance, and effective on all grass types.
At The Mower Shop Northampton, we stock a full range of rotary mowers and spare parts to suit every need. Whether you're replacing an old model or buying your first mower, our expert team can help you choose the right type for your lawn.