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