Cutting width
The capture width provided by the unit, in other words, the width of the strip of land cultivated in one pass. In fact, this size corresponds to the width of the working nozzle.
The large working width is useful when processing large open spaces, as it allows you to finish the job in a small number of passes. On the other hand, for hard-to-reach places, relatively narrow tools are better suited, able to go where a wider unit will not fit. In addition, the width of the tool directly affects the weight and price.
In general, it makes sense to compare in terms of working width only units of the same type (see above). However, it is worth noting here that trimmers do not differ so much from each other — most models capture from 25 to 45 cm (and a wide processing band is provided by moving the nozzle from side to side). As for the other types, in the most modest models the capture width
does not exceed 40 cm, in the heaviest and most powerful it can be
56 – 60 cm or even
more(in mini tractors — up to 1.5 m).
Max. cutting height
The maximum cutting height that the lawn mower can achieve is the maximum height of grass that can be left after the machine has passed.
This parameter is relevant mainly for those cases when you want to leave the grass on the lawn relatively long. In addition,
lawn mowers with high cutting heights have a wide range of mowing adjustments.
Number of height settings
The number of cutting height settings provided by the lawn mower. The more such settings (with the same adjustment range) — the more accurately you can choose the mowing height. Note that in some robots (see "Type") this number reaches 30 or more with a range of 30 to 60 mm; in other words, you can select the height to the nearest millimetre.
Cutting height adjustment
The cutting height adjustment method provided in the machine.
—
Synchronous. Adjustment carried out "in one movement" — as opposed to the manual described below. In traditional lawn mowers, it is usually carried out by a lever that changes the height of all wheels at the same time; in other units, not the wheels, but the cutting tool itself, can be adjusted in height. Anyway, synchronous adjustment is much more convenient than manual adjustment, and for some devices (for example, robots and riders, see "Type") this is generally the only technically possible option. However, in classic mowers, such a system complicates and increases the cost of construction.
— Manual. The meaning of this type of adjustment depends on the type of device. So, for trimmers, this is almost the only possible way by definition: in them, the cutting height is regulated by how high the operator holds the working nozzle. In lawn mowers, manual adjustment means that you need to separately adjust the height of each axle, and even each individual wheel. Such systems are simpler and cheaper than synchronous systems, but less convenient to use.
Allowable tilt
The highest angle of ascent or descent at which the mower maintains normal operation.
This parameter is indicated mainly for autonomous robotic mowers (see "Type") — it is for them that it is most relevant (in traditional models, everything depends mainly on whether the operator can keep the mower on the slope). In this case, the angle is indicated as a percentage, similar to how it is done on road signs: the number of percent corresponds to how many metres the terrain rises every 100 m of the road. For example, an angle of 25% means an ascent of 25 metres every 100 metres (or 25 cm every metre).
The most advanced modern robots are able to overcome slopes of 50% (that's about 30°) and even more. It is worth choosing according to this indicator, taking into account the characteristics of the area where the unit is planned to be operated: for example, for a flat lawn without ups and downs, you can not look at the permissible slope at all.
Recommended area
The area of the site for which the lawn mower is designed. It cannot be argued that this parameter is critical when choosing a device, these are only manufacturer's recommendations and are very conditional. However, they are more than justified and generally show the available front of work based on the heating of the motor, the capacity of the tank or battery, and other factors that affect the duration of work.
Max. speed (self-propelled)
The maximum travel speed of the self-propelled lawnmower (see "Features") during operation.
Other things being equal, a faster model spends less time on work, especially when it comes to simple tasks. On the other hand, fast movement requires appropriate engine power, which in turn affects weight, cost, and electricity/fuel consumption. In addition, if we are talking about a traditional design lawn mower, when choosing, you need to sensibly evaluate your ability to “keep up” with the device. However, such models rarely reach speeds above 7 km/h — this is a quick step that is not a problem for a more or less healthy person. In addition, self-propelled units often provide speed adjustment (see above). But riders (see "Type"), where the operator rides on the unit, can reach higher speeds — about 13 – 14 km/h.
Note also that for the same engine power, higher speed means less power at the working head. So if speed is not of particular importance, it is better not to make a margin for speed, but to take a relatively slow, but “high-torque” device.
Сontrol via smartphone
The ability to control the operation of a robotic lawn mower
from a smartphone or tablet, and in some implementations, even from a computer. Communication can be established via a wireless Bluetooth channel or via a
Wi-Fi network. Features of this control may vary depending on the model of lawn mower. So, in some instances you need to use a proprietary mobile application, for others it is enough to open a special page in an Internet browser. In any case, this function allows you to remotely access the control of the robotic lawn mower using mobile devices. And via a Wi-Fi network, control can be carried out from any corner of the globe where there is Internet coverage. This will come in handy when you are away from home - for example, on vacation or on a business trip.
Mowing zones
The maximum number of mowing areas that can be memorized by the robotic lawnmower (see "Type").
The meaning of having
several mowing zones is that for each separate zone you can set your own mode of operation of the robot. For example, the grass in front of the entrance to the house can be cut every two or three days, maintaining its neat appearance, and the area behind the house, which is not so visible, can be processed once a week. Similarly, for different zones, you can set your own processing time — for example, during the day, “keep” the mower out of the area where children can play, and at night keep it away from the bedroom windows so that the noise does not disturb the sleepers.
In modern robotic mowers, the number of mowing zones usually does not exceed three — this is quite enough in most cases.