Best Power Lawn Mowers 2020 Ranking

Mechanical (reel, wheel trimmer, drum) mowers are not suitable for everyone. They are designed for small, level mowing areas and require a lot of effort to manage. At the same time, exceptional cutting quality and convenience are ensured - hand-held devices offer something that no other machine can.

Our review will provide recommendations for choosing the best manufacturers, guide you at average prices, tell you what to look for in order not to make a mistake when buying a power lawn mower.

How to choose the right garden equipment, its functions

Before purchasing a drum mower, you should know its pros and cons. Inadequate inventory will be a frustration, pulling the grass out by the roots, and you will feel yearning for the days of using more traditional motorized machines. Simply put, the reel machine is not a direct replacement for the conventional one.

Mechanical technique is good not only for the general condition of the lawn, but also useful for a person who works on it independently, since its use will successfully replace going to the gym. It does not require much personal care, however, it is necessary to put a lot of diligence, observing the schedule of haircuts, because the product is not suitable for tall grass.

The main criterion for choosing a home drum is the size and quality of your site, and is best suited to small, flat lawns. Any deviation from this can cause problems. Using a reel-to-reel machine is more like spending time outdoors rather than hard work, but not everyone likes this mower. Some homeowners, after long-term trials, say they regret the purchase and are often considering selling it in order to purchase an inexpensive electric or ICE powered car with a portable trimmer.

Compared to a brushcutter equipped with conventional cutting elements (line), an upper or lower engine, the functionality of the drum units is better suited for the "health" of the lawn. They cut the grass like a pair of scissors, unlike motorized machines, which tend to mulch the grass, damaging the leaf tissue, which in turn puts more stress on the plants. The use of reel-to-reel machines allows the lawn to lose less water, be more disease resistant and look better overall.

By pushing the drum apparatus, you simultaneously rotate the blade-knives, which increases the resistance. This is not an easy job, like, say, driving an empty cart, where you only push the wheels. A 79 kg person burns approximately 251 calories by operating a drum machine for 30 minutes.This is 51 calories more than a worker weighing 84 kg pushing a lawn mower with a powered blade for the same time. Anyone with more than 10 acres will find mowing weekly with a reel tiring.

Rotary mowers require minimal maintenance and are much quieter than conventional machines. Apart from lubricating, sharpening knives every few years, you don't need any other maintenance. When it comes to noise, many reel users cite the quiet, cutting sound of the tool as a key benefit. On the other hand, gasoline cars require fuel, regular repairs, oil changes, winter preparation, they are noisy and have an unpleasant smell.

In addition to the indisputable advantages of using this equipment, there are disadvantages, let's summarize them:

• First, for a hand-held mower to be practical, you must have a small lawn (up to 10 acres). It can be especially tiring in the spring when the grass is growing quickly and may need to be mowed twice a week.
• Second, it takes a lot of diligence and adherence to a regular haircut schedule. If the grass is overgrown, the drum mower will not cope, it will simply roll over the vegetation, so if you take a long break between mowing, you should use a regular mower.
• Third, reel mowers are uncomfortable on sloping or bumpy lawns. The torque that turns the blade blades comes from the wheels as you roll them on the ground. On an uneven surface or slope, contact with the ground is lost, which will lead to unmown grass.

In fact, the overall results may not be what you expect. The device often skips higher areas of the grass, you have to go back and cut them with scissors. In addition, on most drum machines, the blades are inside the wheels, so you will have a wide strip of uncut grass against a fence or stone wall.

Experts recommend never pruning vegetation too close to the ground, which can dry out and burn in summer. This means that a minimum cutting height is not a useful equipment option as you are unlikely to use it.

Service Tips

After use, simply rinse off any grass and dirt from the hose and let the machine dry in the sun, it is a good idea to wipe the blades with an oiled rag once a season to prevent rust.

Pay attention to the blade adjustment, which can shift over time. In most handheld machines, the rotating blades pass over a fixed bed, which is where the shearing takes place. If you do not adjust the gap, the knives will stop mowing, it can happen that the blades come too close to each other, and they will collide, which will make the mower more difficult to push and the blades will quickly become dull. Adjustment is simple and usually requires turning a pair of set screws, depending on the model. In addition to correct adjustment, homemade sharpening will be required, once every several seasons.

Where can I buy

Low-cost products can be purchased at the nearest specialized supermarket, managers will tell you which company is the best to look after the device, how much they cost, what they are, will provide a description of all types. The model you like can be ordered online in the online store.

Ranking of quality power-driven lawn mowers for 2020

Our top list is compiled on the basis of real reviews, it takes into account the opinion of buyers who have purchased the equipment, photos and comparative tables are presented.

Inexpensive

Bosch "AHM 30"

The 3rd place is taken by the "Bosch AHM 30" - a manual machine that will help when cutting small household plots. Despite the fact that this equipment does not have its own motor, with its help you will achieve a neat, high-quality haircut.

The spindle system with 4 rotating blades made of hardened steel will allow you to work the area cleanly, quickly.The cutting height is adjustable, it can be easily adjusted without the use of auxiliary tools, which makes it possible to choose the appropriate mowing option for your taste.

Environmental friendliness, ergonomics will be an excellent gift for a homeowner who appreciates respect for nature. This device is self-driven, as a result, it does not emit harmful waste, does not create noise. The important advantages of the model are:

• little weight;
• movable wheels, allowing you to successfully handle the area without load;
• compact dimensions will help to work in hard-to-reach places.
• the spindle shaft, mounted on bearings, does not require maintenance;
• adjustment of the cutting height - smooth, made by "click".

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Max. idle speed, rpm	11000
Item weight, g	6400
Grass cut, cm	1.2-4.
Brand name	Bosch
Colour	Green, black
Guarantee	24 months
Packing size, cm	65 x 45 x 40
Lawn mower type	Non-self-propelled
Manufacturer country	China
Package weight, g	7180

• easy operation;
• no cord needed;
• no smell of gasoline;
• quiet.

• cope only with small grass on a flat surface.

AL-KO Soft Touch 38 HM Comfort

Silver for "Soft Touch 38 HM Comfort", this model is not noisy, lightweight, suitable for a small personal plot. The mechanical spindle design works without any harmful emissions to the atmosphere, there is no need to connect a battery or to an outlet. It is important to note that this ensures a clean, crisp cut and a respectful lawn.

AL-KO Soft Touch 38 HM Comfort is equipped with a contactless spindle with five strong metal blades, which ensure mowing of vegetation 38 cm wide. electric motor. The mechanism can be switched to one of four grass cutting heights (1.4-3.5 cm). The adjustment is very easy, taking no more than two minutes.

With the help of large diameter tires with high-quality tread, the equipment has a small specific pressure on the lawn, leaving no marks when driving. Due to the wide wheels, it is easier to control the device on hilly areas.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Drive type	Manual
Spindle	128 mm / 5 steel knives
Ø wheels front / rear, mm	220
For areas up to, m2	250
Cutting technology	Contactless
Capture width, cm	38
Slice	14-35 mm
Cut adjustment	4-stage
Weight, kg (approximately)	7.9

• no noise, no emissions;
• easy operation;
• four options for height adjustment;
• little weight;
• rubber bumper that protects the body from impacts;
• integrated grass catcher.

• not detected.

Bosch AHM 38 C

The winner is the Bosch AHM 38 C, a manual grass mowing machine. The Japanese machine is equipped with a 5-blade spindle that will evenly cut the vegetation on your backyard. A grass-catcher (optional) can be attached to the equipment, it fits cut vegetation.

The clever design of the "Bosch AHM 38 C" blade adjustment allows you to cut the grass of the required height. Due to its small size, the model is easily transported, and the presence of a gearbox ensures smooth wheel travel.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Weight	7 kg
Working width	38 cm
Mulching	+
Grass collector	-
Slice	15-43 mm
Packaged goods weight, kg	7.7
The birthplace of the brand	Germany
Country of Origin	China

• spindle system - 5 blades;
• ergonomic holder;
• “click” fixation of the lower knife;
• the spindle shaft is fixed on bearings, does not require regular maintenance.

• not detected.

Average

Gardena 400 Comfort

The 4th place is taken by the reel-to-reel model "Gardena 400 Comfort". Using this design, you can quickly and accurately create the perfect lawn.The principle of its operation is quite simple, pushing the device forward, you, together with the wheels, rotate the cutting cylinder, which, in turn, cuts off the vegetation. The mechanism is similar to scissors, it first lifts the grass, then cuts it off.

The cutting drum and the bed do not touch, which makes the work pleasant and quiet. The blades are made of strong hardened steel, which is additionally coated with a layer that provides protection against adhesion of dirt. It is important to mention the sharpening of the knife, which guarantees a neat, safe mowing, making your site perfectly groomed.

Gardena 400 Comfort has a large number of elements that make work easy and comfortable. It is worth mentioning wheels with a special profile protector; rubberized, plastic elements; and an ergonomic holder that folds up for compact storage. A simple adjustment system allows you to easily set the desired cutting height.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Working width	40 cm
Recommended cutting area	250 sq.m
Grass collector	-
Mowing	12-42 mm
Adjusting the cutting height	Central
A pen	Foldable
Deck material	Steel
Body material	Steel
Anti-vibration system	-
Number of wheels	2
Disc material	Plastic
Weight	8.1 kg
Package volume	0.072 m3

• pleasant work;
• ergonomics;
• comfortable transportation;
• simple adjustment;
• handling, excellent grip.

• high price.

Husqvarna 54 Exclusive

Bronze on the Husqvarna 54 Exclusive drum structure, it is used for trimming vegetation in small areas. The wheels of the device are made of strong polypropylene, which guarantees a long service life. Cutting height and blade adjustment can be done without tools. Sharpened steel blades increase work efficiency.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Working width	40 cm
Recommended cutting area	250 sq.m
Grass collector	-
Mowing	12-42 mm
Adjusting the cutting height	Central
A pen	Foldable
Deck material	Steel
Body material	Steel
Anti-vibration system	-
Number of wheels	2
Disc material	Plastic
Weight	8.1 kg
Package volume	0.072 m3

• strong wheels;
• durable, easy to move design for maximum comfort;
• wear-resistant blades;
• grass catcher (optional).

• high price.

Gardena 330 Classic

The main advantage of the “Gardena 330 Classic”, which occupies the 3rd place on our list, is the knives that provide a neat cut of vegetation in your area. The machine is an environmentally friendly solution for the perfect lawn.

The basis for the successful functioning of the structure is ease of operation and maintenance. The knife moves, resembling the movement of scissors, it cuts the grass neatly, evenly. Features of "Gardena 330 Classic":

• the cutter drum and lower blade do not touch, ensuring a quiet and easy cut, while the effort required to work is low enough.
• large-sized wheels increase handling, traction;
• the cutting height has four options and is easily adjustable.

Folding handle provides more storage, transportation.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Net weight, kg	8
Body material	Plastic
Mowing width, cm	33
Slice, cm	1.2-4,2
Grass collector	Optional
Area	150 m2
Number of adjustment modes	4
Net dimensions (LxWxH), cm	56*30*31

• simple operation;
• does not make noise.

• poorly cuts uneven areas;
• the drive is purchased separately;
• does not cope with long vegetation.

Gardena 400 Classic

In second place is the Gardena 400 Classic, with its help you can successfully equip an English lawn with an area of ​​up to two acres. By pushing the machine forward, you spin the drum blade that cuts the vegetation.

The principle of operation of the structure resembles a pair of scissors that lift the grass, then cut it off. Features of the machine:

• cutting blades made of high-strength hardened steel with a protective coating against adhesion of dirt, do not come into contact with the bed, making the work comfortable and quiet.
• "Gardena 400 Classic" has a well thought-out design with a large number of auxiliary elements, thanks to which the work becomes easy and convenient.

Large tires, ergonomic grip, comfortable adjuster make this model worthy of your attention.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Working width	40 cm
Area	200 sq.m
Grass collector	-
Slice	12-42 mm
Adjustment	+
Number of levels	4
A pen	Foldable, adjustable
Deck material	Steel
Body material	Steel
Number of wheels	2
Disc material	Plastic
Weight	8.9 kg
Life time	2 g
Guarantee period	730 days.

• controllability;
• noiselessness;
• environmental friendliness;
• folding design.

• will not cope with long, damp vegetation.

Expensive

Stiga SCM 440 FS

On the 3rd place is the original model, it is perfect for the owners of small areas that constantly live outside the city. The Stiga SCM 440 FS has no motor, the cutting structure is built on a spindle system that functions like a shear, it mows vegetation much more accurately than a rotary apparatus.

"SCM 440 FS" is a very easy-to-use model, it works quietly, efficiently, made of aluminum, which makes it strong, lightweight, and durable. The machine has a hardened steel non-contact blades, a cutting width of 0.4 m, in the amount of five pieces, an ergonomic holder, a lever that allows you to easily adjust the cutting height, back cushions that smooth the lawn surface.

Cut vegetation is thrown forward, leaving the worker's feet clean. Drive sold separately. It is necessary to process the site with such a model more often than usual, because she is unable to handle tall grass.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Mowing width	40 cm
Grass collector	-
Adjusting the cutting height	Central
Number of levels	9
Throwing grass	Back to
A pen	Height adjustable
Deck material	Aluminium alloy
Body material	Aluminium alloy
Number of wheels	2
Disc material	Plastic
Weight	19.4 kg
Dimensions (WxDxH)	54x59x28 cm

• the noise of the motor will not disturb neighbors, relatives, only a crunch is slightly audible when the knives cut the stems;
• maintenance consists only in cleaning the device after work;
• the aluminum casing is rust resistant;
• the model is lightweight, easy to operate;
• step by step assembly instructions.

• high price.

Husqvarna 64

Silver for Husqvarna 64 equipped with Novocut clipping system. The machine is the most comfortable when working with tall vegetation, has a long service life due to the steel body. This design is suitable for areas that do not require regular mowing.

Features of "Husqvarna 64":

• ergonomic high-comfort control handle;
• there are 4 options for setting the cutting height.

The equipment can optionally be equipped with a grass catcher, which will provide more convenient work.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Mowing width	40 cm
Grass collector	-
Cutting height	12-55 mm
Adjusting the cutting height	+
Number of levels	4
Deck material	Steel
Body material	Steel
Number of wheels	2
Weight	8.7 kg
Manufacturer	Sweden

• wheels are made of strong polypropylene;
• steel body;
• compactness.

• some of the grass flies past the storage.

Husqvarna 540 Novolette

The winner is the Husqvarna 540 Novolette, which has the quietest trimmer in its class. This is achieved by successfully overcoming friction between parts of the cutting elements. The device can be used in conjunction with a storage device (available as an option), the working width of the blades is 0.41 m, they are made of steel, and are distinguished by super-strong cutting edges.

"Husqvarna 540 Novolette" is mobile, has the easiest control due to large wheels measuring 20.3 cm. Polymer tires with high-quality tread are equipped with wear-resistant discs, closed-type metal bearings.

The rubberized handle provides a comfortable grip with two hands, it is possible to dismantle it, which is important for more convenient transportation and storage of the product.

Husqvarna 540 Novolette has rear discharge of mowed vegetation, the structure is equipped with a 4-stage cutting height adjustment (12-38 mm). Adjustment is carried out with two screws, within a few minutes.

Technical indicators:

Parameters	Specifications
Haircut modes	Heavy-duty cutting knives
Working width	40.64 cm
Number of cutting height positions	4
Adjusting the cutting height	Individual
Height, mm	12.7-38.1
Movement principle	Pushing
Storage device	Soft
Handle type	Loop-shaped
Soft grip	+
Front / rear wheel dimensions	203.2 mm
Weight	9.07 kg
Cutting deck material	Steel

• quiet, light;
• does not require electricity, gasoline, while maintaining excellent power;
• poorly cuts vegetation from 20 cm.

• high price;
• the grass is wound onto the shaft.

We hope our article will help you make your lawn perfect and will answer the question: "how to choose the right product".