The Garden Network - spangles - Lawnmower advice? - I need help - there's just too much to choose from...We've just laid the turf in my first landscaping project, namely, my garden.� The lawn is somewhat smaller than when

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spangles's blog

Lawnmower advice?

7:24 PM on 2 July 2008

Filed under: My garden

I need help - there's just too much to choose from...

We've just laid the turf in my first landscaping project, namely, my garden. The lawn is somewhat smaller than when we started, about 50sqm now. It's circular (except where it merges with the fire pit) all flat and surrounded by a wall. I think we need something that will cut up to the wall and we're not sure if stripes will work? It's nice turf as there are no kids/animals/through traffic and everything I've read and been told so far recommends getting a cylinder 'v' a rotary but I thought the Bosch Lawn Mower Rotak 40 looked like it might do the job nicely - does anyone have any thoughts???

There are pics on my page so you can see what I mean.

We have a big petrol lawnmower (something like a Castelgarden from Lawn King with a Honda engine) lying at the back of the garage but I think it's a bit big for the job...can anyone recommend how I can sell it - obviously when I know all the details ;-)

I'd be grateful of any advice

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TimothyStiles - 4:18 PM on 7 July 2008

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If you have the time and want a high quality finish there is no debate, a cylinder mower wins hands down, it will also be quicker in the long run. No rotary can cut as short or as precisely. however 50m2 is probably not enough of an area to justify the work unless you want to do putting practice or some other sport . Most diy stores sell a rotary mower which would suit, but dont buy one that is too small. To keep your lawn looking good it needs very frequent cutting, feeding, watering and grooming; it just won't do to leave it till you are ready- like any other living plant it demands!!

spangles - 7:08 PM on 4 July 2008	[ message ]
I think I'll try the TGN Linette, the mower would probably be quite suitable for many of the network visitors. Thanks. PS. The Manor is looking very beautiful

spangles - 7:00 PM on 4 July 2008	[ message ]
Dale, thanks for the advice, it's good to get some reassurance from the experts. Looks like I have a mission this weekend the grass is growing superquick - can't even see the wall now!!! Great pics on your profile. I'm really loving your current work of the 'figure of eight' garden - stunning. Cheers

LinetteApplegate - 9:26 PM on 3 July 2008

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DalePellatt has posted the following on your great blog - a treat to see a well designed garden developing from scratch! You could try the classifieds on TGN for your old mower a buyer may be local to you? Dave gives some good advice, and as he says no mower will go right to the edge. As long as the rotary mower collects the clippings for your garden this is probably the most economical way to go. And the one you like also has a height adjustment so you can cut low too, unlike tradititional 'hover' mowers. From the photos of your lawn, I dont see many bumps for these to be a problem with scalping the lawn if its on a low setting!!!

"Cylinder is best but it means that you will not be allowed to let the lawn grow too long. Cylinder give a better cut, scissor like, where as a rotary tends to cut with speed. All said and done cylinders require more maintenance ie blades need to be sharp, correct settings and they tend to be self driven. Stripes - you love them or hate them. Stripes are derived from the grass blade being flattened as a roller passes over them once the blade has cut the grass. As you turn around and go back the other way it flattens the grass in the opposite direction. Probably teaching to suck eggs a bit. If you don't want stripes don't get a roller mower. Difficult to get a mower to cut up to the edge so a small striimer may be your only option. I use a hayter 14" cut. So far has been bullet proof. Starts second pull every time. For your size of lawn and the manourability required get a push along. Hope i have been of some help."

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