Guide to garden power tools
Guide to garden power tools
Keeping a garden looking its best is a breeze with the right garden power tools. But, with so many to choose from, how do you know which ones are right for your needs?
This guide tells you everything you need to know about three of the most used garden power tools: lawn mowers, grass trimmers and hedge trimmers.
It covers how lawn mowers work, the different types, and what to look for when buying a lawn mower. In addition, we look at grass trimmer and hedge trimmer features and highlight some things to consider when buying these garden power tools. Finally, we give tips on the maintenance, cleaning and storage of garden power tools and answer some of your frequently asked questions.
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Key takeaways
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Lawn mowers: Are designed to cut larger areas of grass evenly.
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Grass trimmers (strimmers): Are ideal for cutting borders, edges and awkward hard-to-reach areas.
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Hedge trimmers: Are used to shape and maintain hedges and shrubs.
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Maintenance: Make sure to always clean tools after use, keep blades sharp and store appropriately.
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Safety: When using garden power tools, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions. Always wear appropriate PPE, follow manufacturers instructions and inspect tools before use.
Types of lawn mowers
Several types of lawn mowers are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. This section looks at the different kinds of lawn mowers and their pros and cons.
Rotary lawn mowers
Rotary lawn mowers have a single, easy to maintain blade that rotates underneath the machine horizontally to cut the grass. They come as hand-propelled (meaning the mower has to be pushed to make it move) or self-propelled (where the mower has a built-in driver that drives it forward).
Rotary lawn mower pros:
- Copes well with most types of grass and terrain.
- Easily mows over leaves and twigs.
- Wide range available in all power sources and power ratings.
Rotary lawn mower cons:
- Can be noisy.
- Blades need sharpening.
- Grass collection can be messy.
Ride-on lawn mowers
Ride-on lawn mowers are ideal for very large gardens or commercial spaces. Most models are petrol, but some have electric, battery powered motors.
Ride-on mower pros:
- Efficient – saving time and energy.
- Light steering provides quick movement around complex areas.
- Added features include automatic blade shut off, ensuring driver safety if the user dismounts while the machine is running.
Ride-on mower cons:
- Needs to be serviced by a professional annually.
- Ongoing fuel costs for petrol models.
- Needs a large space to store it.
Cylinder lawn mowers
Cylinder lawn mowers (also called push mowers) use blades that rotate on a cylinder to trap and slice grass. They don’t have an engine, so they are operated by manually pushing them. They’re designed for frequent cutting of short, fine, manicured grass.
Cylinder lawn mower pros:
- Low maintenance.
- Eco-friendly.
- Cost-effective.
Cylinder lawn mower cons:
- Doesn’t cope well with long grass or bumpy terrain.
- It can be hard work to physically push the mower.
- Usually requires more frequent mowing to maintain the best finish.
Robotic lawn mowers
Robotic lawn mowers cut grass independently without being pushed or driven. They’re battery powered and sit within a charging station. You simply pre-set them to work automatically on a schedule. They will cut the grass then return to their charging station. Some must be set up using boundary wires to ensure they only cut where you want them to. Others use beacon technology to recognise boundaries and obstacles.
Robotic lawn mower pros:
- Saves time and energy.
- Can be programmed to start at specific times.
- Smart robotic lawn mowers can be controlled using a smartphone.
Robotic lawn mower cons:
- More expensive than other mowers.
- Initial set up can be time-consuming.
- Not ideal for complex lawns.
Hover lawn mowers
Hover lawn mowers are rotary mowers that don’t have wheels. Instead, they glide over the grass on a cushion of air which raises them slightly off the ground. They’re designed to be used on short, regularly cut grass and come with or without a grass collection box.
Hover lawn mower pros:
- Light and easy to manoeuvre.
- Ideal for uneven lawns, slopes and irregularly shaped gardens.
- Compact models without a grass collection box can be hung on a wall for storage.
Hover lawn mower cons:
- Doesn’t cope well with long or damp grass.
- Less precise cutting.
- Grass collection can be limited (or not available).
Lawn mowers by fuel type
Petrol lawn mowers are perfect for tackling larger lawns and provide a cord-free solution. Their engines are measured in cubic capacity (cc) – the higher the cubic capacity, the more power they have. In addition, they have a petrol tank with a capacity measured in litres. A bigger tank means you can mow for longer before having to stop and fill it up, although a large cc engine will burn fuel quicker than a small cc engine.
Electric mowers can include rotary mowers, hover mowers and robotic mowers. They can be corded, connecting to the electricity supply through a cable. Or they can be cordless, where they’re powered with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Considerations when buying a lawn mower
Deciding which lawn mower to buy depends on the garden’s size. There are three things to consider:
Cutting width - The wider it is, the more grass it will cut, reducing the time the job takes. However, bear in mind that lawn mowers with large cutting widths are heavier, bulkier and harder to manoeuvre around corners and obstacles. So, a large cutting width isn’t ideal for small lawns.
Mower type - Electric mowers are best suited to lawns up to 700m2, while petrol or ride-on mowers are best for much larger gardens.
Power - Generally, the larger the lawn and mower cutting width, the more power you’ll need. Power on electric mowers is measured in watts (W). Cordless mowers with a lithium-ion battery measure power in volts (V). They also have an amp hour (Ah) rating, which tells you how long the battery lasts. Petrol mowers are measured on engine capacity (cc). The higher the capacity, the lower the effort the engine will output for the same performance.
Use the table below as a guide to help you determine which lawn mower is best for your needs:
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LAWN SIZE |
RECOMMENDED CUTTING WIDTH |
RECOMMENDED MOWER |
POWER/SPECIFICATION |
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Small - up to 100m2 |
Up to 32cm |
Electric mower - corded, cordless or robotic |
Corded: 1000–1300W |
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Medium - 100-400m2 |
32-40cm |
Electric mower – corded, cordless or robotic |
Corded: 1000–1300W |
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Large - 400-700m2 |
40cm+ |
Electric mower – corded, cordless or robotic |
Corded: 1400–1800W |
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Very large - 700-6000m2 |
48cm+ |
Petrol mower or ride-on mower |
Petrol mower: Up to 900m² |
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Extra large - 6000m2+ |
107cm+ |
Ride-on mower |
500cc |
Grass trimmer types
Grass trimmers (also called strimmers) are versatile garden tools useful for keeping weeds and long grass under control. They consist of a cutting device mounted at the end of a pole.
This section looks at the different types of grass trimmers and their pros and cons to help you decide which grass trimmer is best for your needs.
Electric grass trimmers
Electric grass trimmers use a power cable that is connected to a mains electricity socket to cut grass and tidy areas that a lawn mower cannot easily reach.
Electric grass trimmer pros:
- Unlimited run time.
- Easy to use.
- Low maintenance.
Electric grass trimmer cons:
- Limited by the length of the cable.
- Risk of cutting or damaging the cable.
- Less freedom of movement (than a cordless trimmer).
Cordless grass trimmers
Cordless grass trimmers can be powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or petrol.
Battery cordless grass trimmer pros:
- No trailing leads to worry about.
- Usually quiet to operate.
- Easy to start compared to petrol trimmers.
Battery cordless grass trimmer cons:
- Limited by battery running time.
- Extra batteries can be expensive.
- Heavier than some corded models.
Petrol grass trimmers
Petrol grass trimmers are powered by a small petrol engine rather than electricity or a battery. It uses a rotating nylon line, or sometimes a blade, to cut grass and weeds.
Petrol grass trimmer pros:
- No trailing leads to worry about.
- More powerful than other types of grass trimmer.
- Ideal for large gardens or where there’s no access to an outdoor power source.
Petrol grass trimmer cons:
- Heavier than electric and battery powered trimmers.
- Can be noisy.
- Ongoing fuel and maintenance costs.
Considerations when buying a grass trimmer
Cutting width - Grass trimmers are available in a variety of cutting widths. The wider the cutting width, the more grass and weeds it will get through in a faster time. But a wider cutting width isn’t always the best, as grass trimmers with small cutting widths are more able to get into tight areas. As a guide, a cutting width of 2-3cm is ideal for light grass and small to medium lawns. A 3-4cm cutting width is suitable for thick grass and medium to large lawns. Any cutting width above 4cm is best for thick grass and large gardens.
Weight and adjustability - If you’ll be using a grass trimmer for long periods, it’s essential to get one that’s comfortable and doesn’t put a strain on your back and muscles. First, think about the weight. Petrol grass trimmers tend to be the heaviest, so look for one with a second handle. Some heavy models also come with a strap to strap it over your shoulder. Next, think about the length of the pole. Some grass trimmers have telescopic handles that allow you to adjust the length to one that suits your height.
Flower guards - If you’re using a grass trimmer near flower beds, opt for one with a flower guard. This provides a barrier between the line or blade and the flowers to prevent them from getting cut.
Adjustable heads - Some grass trimmers have adjustable heads that can be swivelled at different angles. This can be useful if you need to trim in hard-to-reach areas. They can also turn the grass trimmer into an edger to give the sides of the lawn a neat finish.
Types of hedge trimmers
Hedge trimmers are an essential piece of equipment for keeping hedges tidy. They consist of the main body, housing the engine, and a long set of metal blades with sharp teeth on either side. When the hedge trimmer is switched on, the metal blades move back and forth to create a cutting action.
Electric hedge trimmers
Electric hedge trimmers are powered either by a mains cable (corded) or a rechargeable battery (cordless). They use a long, toothed blade to cut and shape hedges quickly and evenly.
Electric hedge trimmer pros:
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Quieter than petrol hedge trimmers.
- Low maintenance maintenance (than petrol).
Electric hedge trimmer cons:
- Replacement batteries (if applicable) can be expensive.
- Generally less powerful than petrol hedge trimmers.
- If corded, the power cable could get in the way.
Petrol hedge trimmers
Petrol hedge trimmers use a small petrol engine to power the cutting blades. They are designed for larger hedges, thicker branches and heavier-duty cutting where power and freedom of movement are important.
Petrol hedge trimmer pros:
- Powerful performance.
- Suited to thick, overgrown hedges.
- No battery limitations.
Petrol hedge trimmer cons:
- Can be more tiring to use.
- Louder than electric alternatives.
- Requires petrol.
Cordless hedge trimmers
Cordless hedge trimmers are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, giving you the freedom to move around the garden without a power cable.
Cordless hedge trimmer pros:
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Quieter than petrol models.
- No fuel or engine maintenance required.
Cordless hedge trimmer cons:
- Limited battery run time.
- Generally less powerful than petrol models.
- Replacement batteries can be expensive.
Considerations when buying a hedge trimmer
Blade length - The length of blades on hedge trimmers varies significantly, with the shortest blades available being around 12cm and the longest being 75cm. The size you need will depend on the size of hedges it needs to cut. A short blade is fine for small hedges, while a long blade makes cutting a large hedge quick work. Also, if you can only access a hedge from one side, you’ll need to ensure the blade is long enough to cover its width so you can trim the top.
Safety features - Hedge trimmers can cause nasty injuries, so look for models with safety features, such as wrap around handles and a dual-safety switch that stops it from turning on accidentally.
Height - If you need to cut tall hedges, look for a long reach hedge trimmer. They’re designed to cut hedges high up, safely and easily, without the use of a ladder. They’re also useful for trimming shrubs and low hedges without the need to bend down.
Accessories - Some garden power tools have detachable heads and come with multiple tools that allow you to complete many garden maintenance tasks. They are called garden multi-tools. The extra tool heads they come with vary but can include hedge trimmers, grass trimmers, brush cutters and pole saws.
Maintenance, cleaning and storage
To get the best out of your garden power tools and extend their life, it’s important to keep them well maintained. Of course, every garden power tool is different, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. But here are a few general tips across all three types of garden power tools:
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Store garden power tools in a dry place, such as a garage or shed, and use a protective cover.
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Clean grass and any other debris out of the cutting area after each use.
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On grass trimmers, inspect the nylon line and replace it if it’s damaged.
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Sharpen the blades regularly and replace them if they’re damaged.
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Spray the blades with care oil or maintenance spray after every use.
All petrol garden power tools
Petrol garden power tools should be serviced annually by a garden machinery specialist, but you should also regularly:
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Check oil and fuel levels.
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Lubricate the cables.
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Clean the air filters and spark plugs.
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Clean the carburettor with a spray of WD-40. Remove obstructions with a carburettor cleaning brush and a spray of compressed air.
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Don’t use fuel that’s more than 30 days old, and don’t leave petrol in the tank if the tool is going to be stored for 30 days or more.
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For tools with an electric start engine, disconnect the batteries to the engine when storing over winter.