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).
Min. cutting height
The minimum cutting height provided by the lawnmower — that is, the smallest height of grass that can remain after the passage of the machine. It makes sense to pay attention to this indicator mainly in cases where the lawn is planned to be cut as short as possible. In addition, the lower the minimum height (with the same maximum), the wider the height adjustment range of this model.
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.
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.
Bag volume
The volume of the grass clipping bag supplied with the lawn mower. Manufacturers select this volume depending on the power, performance and overall level of the unit, however, similar models may differ in this indicator. In such cases, it is worth considering that a larger bag takes longer to fill and needs to be unloaded less often, but it weighs more and takes up more space (even when empty). Mostly the difference in the volume of the bag is 5 liters and there are
lawn mowers for 35,
40,
45,
50, 55,
60,
65,
70 and more liters.
Full bag indicator
Indicator indicating the degree of filling of the bag. The design and capabilities of such an indicator can be different: for example, in some models it only gives an overflow signal, in others it allows you to determine the amount of grass in the bag at any time. However, anyway, this function provides additional convenience: it allows you to evaluate the fullness without removing the bag and without interrupting work.
Features
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Self-propelled. In self-propelled lawn mowers, the engine rotates not only the cutting tool, but also the wheels of the lawn mower; thus, the user does not need to push it in front of him - it is enough just to set and control the direction of movement. This is convenient, but such models are more expensive than non-self-propelled ones. This is due not only to the complexity of the design, but also to the fact that such devices require more powerful engines - after all, power must be divided between the cutting nozzle and the chassis. For the same reason, a self-propelled unit will be less productive and efficient than a non-self-propelled analogue of the same power. However, some types of lawn mowers are by definition self-propelled - in particular, these are heavy professional models that would be difficult to push with your hands, as well as
mini tractor riders(see "Type").
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Height adjustable handle. Possibility of height adjustment of the lawn mower handle, which allows to optimally adjust the device to the height of the user. This feature is especially useful for short or, conversely, tall people - by default, lawn mower handles are made for medium height, and it would be inconvenient to work with the unit without height adjustment.
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Piano wheels. The lawn mower has special, so-called. caster wheels (s
...imilar to those used, for example, in supermarket carts). These wheels automatically turn in the direction of movement of the device, which significantly reduces the turning radius of the lawn mower and increases its maneuverability. At the same time, it is worth noting that this design is usually used only for the front wheels, while the rear ones remain rigidly fixed to the axle. So moving such a structure sideways still does not work.
- Flushing fitting. The presence of a fitting in the lawn mower for connecting a garden hose; usually such a fitting is located on the deck and is designed for a standard connector used in hoses. In accordance with the name, this function allows you to rinse the deck and blade of the unit, removing grass residues and other contaminants from them: just connect the hose, turn on the working nozzle and give water. This is much more convenient than removing the deck and washer blade by hand - especially when it comes to a heavy professional mower or rider (see "Type").
- Cup holder. The presence of a cup holder in the design of the lawn mower - a specialized stand for glasses and relatively small bottles. Such a stand usually has a characteristic recess where a container with a drink for the operator is installed. Often, cupholders are made in pairs, they are placed on a separate panel between the tubes of the handle of the unit. There are coasters in traditional lawn mowers and riders (mini tractors).More features
Additional accessories included with the lawn mower. This point is mainly relevant for robotic mowers (see “Type”), they are most often equipped with the mentioned accessories, such as:
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Boundary wire. A wire designed to limit the working area of the robotic mower. Such a wire is laid along the perimeter of the work area (taking into account all permanent obstacles such as trees, flower beds, etc.) and is connected to the charging station in a special way. If everything is done correctly, when approaching the border of the site, the mower will change the direction of movement in such a way as not to go beyond the established perimeter - this is more convenient and safer than relying on collision, tilt sensors, etc. Note also that the absence of a wire in included in the kit may mean either the need to purchase it separately, or the fact that the mower, in principle, is not designed to use this function.
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Remote control. A remote control that allows you to control the robotic mower from a distance. Remote control is especially convenient during operation: the user does not need to chase a moving device, just press the desired button while at a fairly close distance. The operating principle of the remote controls may be different (infrared, radio), but they all have a range of at least several meters.
— Charger (charger). Device for charging batteries used in lawn mow
...ers with appropriate power supply. For models supplied with such a device, the charger model may be further specified in the specifications. This information can be useful not only for finding a spare or replacement charger, but also in case the household has other cordless tools and/or batteries for them. The fact is that many manufacturers nowadays use universal batteries that are compatible with a whole set of tools from the same brand; so, for example, the included charger for a mower may be quite suitable for a cordless saw from the same manufacturer.
On the other hand, the package may not contain a charger at all. This option will be optimal primarily if a compatible memory device is already available, and there is simply no need to overpay for a second device. In addition, the absence of a charger will be appreciated by those who want to choose this accessory separately, without relying on the manufacturer’s decision.
- Charging station. Cordless robotic lawnmowers (see Type) may be supplied with a charging station. Such units independently return to the base after completion of work or when a low battery level is detected. Automating the charging processor allows robotic lawn mowers to operate autonomously and makes them more convenient to use. Typically, a charging station contains a “parking” platform (base plate) and special docking contacts for replenishing energy reserves in the battery cells. The base can serve as a place to store the lawn mower during periods of inactivity, and in advanced implementations, the charging station is integrated with smart control systems, making it possible to control the operation of the lawn mower through mobile applications (see “Control from a smartphone”).
Please note that the above list is not complete - other additional items may be included in the kit.