Lawnmowers are a part of every homeowners arsenal of lawn care equipment. And they have such a variety of makes and models that no homeowner has to have the same as their neighbors. A lawn mower is a major component in maintaining a beautiful and healthy lawn.
Basically there is three types of lawnmowers. The Push Mower (walk behind), the Robotic Mower and the Riding Lawn Mower.
The first lawnmower was invented by Edward Budding in 1827 in South West England. It was designed to cut the grass at sport grounds and extensive garden. It was quite an improvement over the scythe and granted a British patent in 1830. The mower was pushed from behind with the motive power coming from the rear land roller which drove gears to transfer the drive to the knives on the cutting cylinder at a ratio of 16:1. There was another roller placed in between the cutting cylinder and the land roller which adjusted to alter the height of the cut.
The Reel Mower
The reel mower is the most environmentally friendly of all lawnmowers. There are no carbon emission with this type of lawn mower. Unless you buy one of the gas powered ones.
The reel mower is the only type of mower that will cut the fine bladed grass like Bermuda and leave it with a sweet beautifully mowed lawn look. The rotary mower burn the top of the grass. If you haven’t noticed they use an assembly of reel mowers that are pulled behind a tractor, with sod tires, on golf courses. It’s critical that a golf courses grass is mowed properly.
The reel mower carries a fixed, horizontal cutting blade at the desired height of cut. Over fast-spinning reel of blades which force the grass past the cutting bar. Of all the mowers, a properly adjusted reel mower makes the cleanest cut, and this allows the grass to heal more quickly. This clean cut promotes healthier, thicker and more resilient lawn growth that is more resistant to disease, weeds and parasites.
If you decide to buy the environmentally friendly reel mower make sure that you also get a sharpening kit. You won’t need it right away but, if you keep sharp blades you will cut down your mowing time and energy you use to keep your lawn mowed. I have a link to one listed below.
The link above is the Scotts 2000-20 Classic Push Reel Lawnmower. It is light, maneuverable, economical and handles thick turf with ease and provides a quiet, pollution-free solution for any lawn. The mower's dual tracking wheels and ultra-sharp steel blades ensure easy, accurate cutting and efficient operation. Powered by you, the mower has a wide cutting path and quick-snap height adjusters that ensure effortless operation and keep you in complete control of your grass height.
The Rotary Mower
The rotary mower were developed when engines got small enough and powerful enough to run the blades at high speeds. They were experimenting with the rotary blades in the late 20s and early 30s.
One company that produced rotary mowers commercially was the Australian Victa company, in 1952: Their mowers were lighter and easier to use than the previous mowers. The first Victa mowers was made by a Sydney resident, Mervyn Victor Richardson. Mr. Richardson made that first mower out of scrap in his garage and then moved to a shed behind a local church. That was in September of 1952, by February of 1953, Victa Lawnmowers was incorporated.
The rotary mower rotates about a vertical axis with the blade spinning at high speed relying on impact to cut the grass. This results in a rougher cut and bruises and shreds the grass leaf. That’s the reason for your grass getting that yellowish brown look, a couple of days after you cut it. If this happens, sharpen and balance your blade. Keeping a sharp blade will help prevent thatch build-up.
The main parts of a rotary mower
The rotary push mower in the above link is a Husqvana with a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine which makes it ideal for the smaller yard, the compact, efficient 21-inch, gas-powered Husqvarna push lawn mower, is easy to maneuver in tight spaces and features three cutting systems--including side discharge option and mulching capability--plus a collection bag. It's powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine and the handle folds for easy storage and transportation.
Hover Mower
The hover mower is a powered rotary mower that uses an impeller above the spinning blades to drive air downwards, thereby creating a cushion that lifts the mower above the ground. The operator can then easily move the mower as it floats over the grass.
Hover mowers are built light in order to achieve the air cushion and typically have plastic bodies with an electric motor. The biggest downside, is the cumbersome usability in rough terrain or on the edges of lawns, as the lifting air-cushion is destroyed by wide gaps between the chassis and the ground.
Hover mowers are built to cut on steep slopes, waterfronts and high-weeded areas, so they are often used by golf courses and commercial landscapers. The quality of the cut can be inferior if the grass is pushed away from the blade by the cushion of air.
The hover mower is a type of lawnmower that I have never seen or used. I heard about it in the late 70s. But, could not find a link for one on Amazon
Helpful PDF -- RoboMow Operating and Owners Manual for RL Models
The robotic mower is an automatic lawn mower, which doesn't need you to push or ride on. For now they are a bit pricey. But they do cut your grass without you doing any work. And who knows with the dollar doing what it’s doing it might get so where it is cheaper than getting someone to cut it for you.
The robotic mower is contained by a perimeter wire. The wire tell the robotic mower where to cut. Robotic lawn mowers are capable of maintaining up to 5 acres of grass. Robotic mowers are increasingly sophisticated, are usually self-docking and contain rain sensors, nearly eliminating human interaction.
The link above is the cordless, 21 inch, electric robotic lawnmower. It is designed to mow entirely by itself. It will efficiently and safely mow your lawn, while you relax. This robotic lawn mower will cut up to 10,800 square feet on a single 24-hour charge. With on-board sensor and bumpers it avoids obstacles, has a build-in child safety lock and a powerful mulcher.
The riding lawnmower or lawn tractor is a popular choice for homeowner with medium to large lawns. As the name implies you sit on the lawn mower and ride it. The one in the image is the simplest riding lawnmower that I have ever use. It has one pedal to go forward and other pedal to go backwards. The more you push on the pedals the faster you go. (my mother has one)
Most riding lawn mower have horizontal rotating blades. They are designed to look like a farm tractor, with the cutting deck mounted between the front and back wheels.
The drives for these riding mowers are in several categories. The most common transmission for the lawn tractor is the manual transmission. The second most common transmission type is a form of continuously variable transmission (a transmission that can change seamlessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios) called the hydrostatic transmission.
Hydrostatic transmissions are more expensive than the mechanical transmission. But they are easier to use and transmit greater torque to the wheels. The least use and most expensive, is electric.
The riding lawnmower can often mount other devices, rototillers, snowplows and blowers, yard vacuums and some can even mount front-end loaders or fork-lifts.
The deck of lawn mowers are typically made of steel. Thinner steel is used on the less expensive models, and heavier on the more expensive ones for durability. Other deck materials are aluminum and hard composite plastic. Electric mowers typically have a plastic deck. There is usually an opening in the deck to get rid of the grass. Some models have a grass catching attachment.
John Regier was employed by the Hesston Corporation, which manufactured farm equipment, in 1963. At the time the corporation just engineered a device called the swather, which cut hay and laid them out in windrows. The operation of the belts and pulleys allowed for counter-rotation. A process that spiked Regier interest.
He wondered if he could incorporate the same technology into lawnmowers. So he went home and invented this thing that would operate on the zero-turn radius. He tried to market them but, no one knew the technology so no one wanted to buy it.
Regier sold his patent to Hesston, which became Excel Industries, the parent company of Hustler Turf. The lawnmower was called the Hustler. After Regier sold his patent he went to work for them. Excel Industries is the parent company of Hustler Turf Equipment, Inc. which manufacturers Hustler Turf and BigDog Mowers.
The zero turn lawn mower has two drive motors. One on each of the drive wheels. To go forward or backwards you push both levers forwards and pull both levers backwards. The more you push or pull the faster you go. If you push or pull one of the levers more than the other you will make the mower turn. Pushing one forward and pulling one backward will make you spin-on-a-dime. That’s what give it the zero-turn radius.
The only company that uses a steering wheel instead of levers is Husqvana.
With the two independently controlled drive motors, the zero turn mower can cut around all the obstacles in your yard and leave you with little or no trimming to do.
There are a number of attachments that you can add to your zero turn mower. The most popular is the bagger, you can also add a mulching kit. With the addition of a hitch, you can attach to a dumping cart, spreader, plug aerator, lawn dethatcher, roller or sprayer. On some models you can add front-mounted attachments, like the snow blade, blower or brush.
The zero turn mower in the image is backed by the power of 60+ years of design experience, the Swisher 54 in. 24 HP Briggs and Stratton Electric Start Zero Turn Riding Mower offers the ability to easily turn a full 360 degrees, as well as a low center of gravity for exceptional maneuverability.
The new Rapid Response Control System offers improved comfort and control. This well-made machine provides a manicured, professional-looking lawn in less time at an affordable price. This mower includes all the features you need including a powerful 24 HP Briggs and Stratton engine, 54 in. 11-gauge fabricated cutting deck with 3 Gator mulching blades, a commercial grade, heavy duty, welded steel frame, Hydro Gear 2800 transmissions and Ogura clutch.
The foot assisted deck lift allows for easy raising of the mower deck. Other features include a full engine wrap, composite fenders with integrated storage, battery compartment and cup holder, hour meter, 12-Volt adapter and a front and rear hitch. 8 gal. fuel capacity. 8 MPH forward and reverse. Not for sale in California. Made in the USA.
Basically there is three types of lawnmowers. The Push Mower (walk behind), the Robotic Mower and the Riding Lawn Mower.
The Push Mower or Walk-behind
The first lawnmower was invented by Edward Budding in 1827 in South West England. It was designed to cut the grass at sport grounds and extensive garden. It was quite an improvement over the scythe and granted a British patent in 1830. The mower was pushed from behind with the motive power coming from the rear land roller which drove gears to transfer the drive to the knives on the cutting cylinder at a ratio of 16:1. There was another roller placed in between the cutting cylinder and the land roller which adjusted to alter the height of the cut.
The Reel Mower
The reel mower is the most environmentally friendly of all lawnmowers. There are no carbon emission with this type of lawn mower. Unless you buy one of the gas powered ones.
The reel mower is the only type of mower that will cut the fine bladed grass like Bermuda and leave it with a sweet beautifully mowed lawn look. The rotary mower burn the top of the grass. If you haven’t noticed they use an assembly of reel mowers that are pulled behind a tractor, with sod tires, on golf courses. It’s critical that a golf courses grass is mowed properly.
The reel mower carries a fixed, horizontal cutting blade at the desired height of cut. Over fast-spinning reel of blades which force the grass past the cutting bar. Of all the mowers, a properly adjusted reel mower makes the cleanest cut, and this allows the grass to heal more quickly. This clean cut promotes healthier, thicker and more resilient lawn growth that is more resistant to disease, weeds and parasites.
If you decide to buy the environmentally friendly reel mower make sure that you also get a sharpening kit. You won’t need it right away but, if you keep sharp blades you will cut down your mowing time and energy you use to keep your lawn mowed. I have a link to one listed below.
The link above is the Scotts 2000-20 Classic Push Reel Lawnmower. It is light, maneuverable, economical and handles thick turf with ease and provides a quiet, pollution-free solution for any lawn. The mower's dual tracking wheels and ultra-sharp steel blades ensure easy, accurate cutting and efficient operation. Powered by you, the mower has a wide cutting path and quick-snap height adjusters that ensure effortless operation and keep you in complete control of your grass height.
The Rotary Mower
The rotary mower were developed when engines got small enough and powerful enough to run the blades at high speeds. They were experimenting with the rotary blades in the late 20s and early 30s.
One company that produced rotary mowers commercially was the Australian Victa company, in 1952: Their mowers were lighter and easier to use than the previous mowers. The first Victa mowers was made by a Sydney resident, Mervyn Victor Richardson. Mr. Richardson made that first mower out of scrap in his garage and then moved to a shed behind a local church. That was in September of 1952, by February of 1953, Victa Lawnmowers was incorporated.
The rotary mower rotates about a vertical axis with the blade spinning at high speed relying on impact to cut the grass. This results in a rougher cut and bruises and shreds the grass leaf. That’s the reason for your grass getting that yellowish brown look, a couple of days after you cut it. If this happens, sharpen and balance your blade. Keeping a sharp blade will help prevent thatch build-up.
The main parts of a rotary mower
- Cutter Deck Housing - this houses the blade and the drive system of the mower. It is shaped to effectively eject the grass clippings from the mower
- Blade Mounting and Drive Systems - the blade of a rotary mower is usually mounted directly to the crankshaft of its engine, but it can be propelled by a hydraulic motor or a belt pulley system
- Mower Blade - a rotary mower generally have one blade that rotates horizontally. The blade features edges that slightly curved up to generate a continuous air flow as the blade rotates, creating a sucking and tearing action
- Engine - may be powered by gasoline or electricity.
- Wheels - rotary mowers generally feature a set of four wheels; two front wheels and two rear wheels.
The rotary push mower in the above link is a Husqvana with a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine which makes it ideal for the smaller yard, the compact, efficient 21-inch, gas-powered Husqvarna push lawn mower, is easy to maneuver in tight spaces and features three cutting systems--including side discharge option and mulching capability--plus a collection bag. It's powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine and the handle folds for easy storage and transportation.
Hover Mower
The hover mower is a powered rotary mower that uses an impeller above the spinning blades to drive air downwards, thereby creating a cushion that lifts the mower above the ground. The operator can then easily move the mower as it floats over the grass.
Hover mowers are built light in order to achieve the air cushion and typically have plastic bodies with an electric motor. The biggest downside, is the cumbersome usability in rough terrain or on the edges of lawns, as the lifting air-cushion is destroyed by wide gaps between the chassis and the ground.
Hover mowers are built to cut on steep slopes, waterfronts and high-weeded areas, so they are often used by golf courses and commercial landscapers. The quality of the cut can be inferior if the grass is pushed away from the blade by the cushion of air.
The hover mower is a type of lawnmower that I have never seen or used. I heard about it in the late 70s. But, could not find a link for one on Amazon
The Robotic Mower
Helpful PDF -- RoboMow Operating and Owners Manual for RL Models
The robotic mower is an automatic lawn mower, which doesn't need you to push or ride on. For now they are a bit pricey. But they do cut your grass without you doing any work. And who knows with the dollar doing what it’s doing it might get so where it is cheaper than getting someone to cut it for you.
The robotic mower is contained by a perimeter wire. The wire tell the robotic mower where to cut. Robotic lawn mowers are capable of maintaining up to 5 acres of grass. Robotic mowers are increasingly sophisticated, are usually self-docking and contain rain sensors, nearly eliminating human interaction.
The link above is the cordless, 21 inch, electric robotic lawnmower. It is designed to mow entirely by itself. It will efficiently and safely mow your lawn, while you relax. This robotic lawn mower will cut up to 10,800 square feet on a single 24-hour charge. With on-board sensor and bumpers it avoids obstacles, has a build-in child safety lock and a powerful mulcher.
The Riding Lawn Mower
The riding lawnmower or lawn tractor is a popular choice for homeowner with medium to large lawns. As the name implies you sit on the lawn mower and ride it. The one in the image is the simplest riding lawnmower that I have ever use. It has one pedal to go forward and other pedal to go backwards. The more you push on the pedals the faster you go. (my mother has one)
Most riding lawn mower have horizontal rotating blades. They are designed to look like a farm tractor, with the cutting deck mounted between the front and back wheels.
The drives for these riding mowers are in several categories. The most common transmission for the lawn tractor is the manual transmission. The second most common transmission type is a form of continuously variable transmission (a transmission that can change seamlessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios) called the hydrostatic transmission.
Hydrostatic transmissions are more expensive than the mechanical transmission. But they are easier to use and transmit greater torque to the wheels. The least use and most expensive, is electric.
The riding lawnmower can often mount other devices, rototillers, snowplows and blowers, yard vacuums and some can even mount front-end loaders or fork-lifts.
The deck of lawn mowers are typically made of steel. Thinner steel is used on the less expensive models, and heavier on the more expensive ones for durability. Other deck materials are aluminum and hard composite plastic. Electric mowers typically have a plastic deck. There is usually an opening in the deck to get rid of the grass. Some models have a grass catching attachment.
Zero Turn Mower
John Regier was employed by the Hesston Corporation, which manufactured farm equipment, in 1963. At the time the corporation just engineered a device called the swather, which cut hay and laid them out in windrows. The operation of the belts and pulleys allowed for counter-rotation. A process that spiked Regier interest.
He wondered if he could incorporate the same technology into lawnmowers. So he went home and invented this thing that would operate on the zero-turn radius. He tried to market them but, no one knew the technology so no one wanted to buy it.
Regier sold his patent to Hesston, which became Excel Industries, the parent company of Hustler Turf. The lawnmower was called the Hustler. After Regier sold his patent he went to work for them. Excel Industries is the parent company of Hustler Turf Equipment, Inc. which manufacturers Hustler Turf and BigDog Mowers.
The zero turn lawn mower has two drive motors. One on each of the drive wheels. To go forward or backwards you push both levers forwards and pull both levers backwards. The more you push or pull the faster you go. If you push or pull one of the levers more than the other you will make the mower turn. Pushing one forward and pulling one backward will make you spin-on-a-dime. That’s what give it the zero-turn radius.
The only company that uses a steering wheel instead of levers is Husqvana.
With the two independently controlled drive motors, the zero turn mower can cut around all the obstacles in your yard and leave you with little or no trimming to do.
There are a number of attachments that you can add to your zero turn mower. The most popular is the bagger, you can also add a mulching kit. With the addition of a hitch, you can attach to a dumping cart, spreader, plug aerator, lawn dethatcher, roller or sprayer. On some models you can add front-mounted attachments, like the snow blade, blower or brush.
The zero turn mower in the image is backed by the power of 60+ years of design experience, the Swisher 54 in. 24 HP Briggs and Stratton Electric Start Zero Turn Riding Mower offers the ability to easily turn a full 360 degrees, as well as a low center of gravity for exceptional maneuverability.
The new Rapid Response Control System offers improved comfort and control. This well-made machine provides a manicured, professional-looking lawn in less time at an affordable price. This mower includes all the features you need including a powerful 24 HP Briggs and Stratton engine, 54 in. 11-gauge fabricated cutting deck with 3 Gator mulching blades, a commercial grade, heavy duty, welded steel frame, Hydro Gear 2800 transmissions and Ogura clutch.
The foot assisted deck lift allows for easy raising of the mower deck. Other features include a full engine wrap, composite fenders with integrated storage, battery compartment and cup holder, hour meter, 12-Volt adapter and a front and rear hitch. 8 gal. fuel capacity. 8 MPH forward and reverse. Not for sale in California. Made in the USA.
Advice on buying a lawn mower
Uploaded on May 23, 2011
Flymo explains the main types of lawn mower available on the market today and explains what to consider when choosing a lawn mower. You can also read their 'lawn mowers buyers guide' found on their blog;
Thank you for taking your time to read my post "Different Types of Lawn Mowers". I hoped that you found it informative. If you would like to check out some lawn mowers you can go to my eLawn Mower Page or my eZero Turn Lawn Mower Page. This pages are powered by Amazon. I would send you to my Lawn Mower Page but, I haven't talked about many lawnmowers. That is going to change. But you might be interested in some of my posts listed below, or on my sitemap page. If all else fails there might be something interesting in the related articles. Take your time and check out my site. With some feedback I could make it better
Thanks again and Y'all come back now.
Keep Smiling
reuben
Cool to find the types and the area of usage of all the lawn owner rovers.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Bruce Hammerson
Hydraulic Installation Kits