Choosing the Right Mower - The Basics

If you have a lawn, you need a lawnmower. (Otherwise you won’t have a lawn, you’ll have a meadow – not that there’s anything wrong with that...)

But which mower is right for you and your lawn?  There are obviously lots of different types available, and some are objectively better than others.

In this How To Choose we’re going to give you a rundown on the all things to consider before you race out and buy (the wrong) one.

Which type of mower is best suited for my lawn size and terrain in NZ?

The number one consideration is the size of your lawn. If it’s relatively small, then a relatively small mower will probably do a very good job. No surprise there.

But as the lawn gets larger – well, you’re going to be out there mowing for longer, cutting more grass, the engine’s going to be running longer... you’ll need something that’s a bit bigger, more powerful, and able to go the distance.

Lawn size is also something that might ultimately decide whether you opt for a battery, or DC mower, or go with a petrol-powered model.

(Any lawn larger than 700 square metres is likely to be too much for a battery-powered mower – but we’ll go into more details about that in Part 2, Battery or Petrol.)

Which mower types are best for flat or sloped terrain?

Alongside the lawn area, another basic to consider is the gradient. A lot of quite big lawns are pretty flat. And some small lawns aren’t very flat at all.  If you have a lawn that slopes off in one direction or is a bit hilly overall, then ease of handling is going to become a factor.

Large, sloping lawns can be a bit of a workout. So can smaller flat lawns, for some of us. That’s why many mowers are now self-propelled ­– they’re going to make the job easier simply because you don’t have to push them. Ideal for steep hills and uneven terrain. They are also great for larger lawns to conserve some energy. 

How big a mower do I need?

This is the part of the mower that does the business. Cutting decks vary in size and width and also in the material they’re made from.

The bigger it is, the more grass it’s going to mow on each pass. A small cutting deck is suitable for a small lawn, but the larger your mowing area, the larger the cutting deck should be be for efficiency, handling and workflow.

Cutting decks range from something compact like a 14 inch deck to 21 inch+ contractor model's designed for big spaces and all day, every day work.

How light do you need it to be?

Different mowers are made from different materials. But basically, the bigger the machine, the heavier it’ll be.

Weight is definitely a consideration if you’re going to have to lift the mower to store it away, or hoist it on the back of the ute by yourself to use at another property. (Battery models are generally lighter than petrol models, but not always.)

Weight can also influence the ease of handling, especially on tricky slopes. If you’re on the lighter side yourself, then it’s something you might want to factor in.

Honda wide range of mower models means you’ll be able to find just the right fit, for you and your lawn.   

So now you have a rough idea of the size of mower you need, let’s look at what power system will be best for your needs – petrol engine, or battery motor.