Maintaining a pristine and healthy lawn requires the right equipment, and one of the most fundamental tools in a homeowner’s arsenal is the lawn mower. Among the various types of lawn mowers, the push lawn mower stands out for its simplicity, eco-friendliness, and effectiveness. In this article, we will explore what a push lawn mower is, how it works, its benefits, and important considerations when using one.
What is a Push Lawn Mower?
A push lawn mower, as the name suggests, is a type of lawn mower that requires the user to push it manually to cut the grass. Unlike motorized lawn mowers, which rely on an engine or a motor to power the cutting mechanism, push mowers are entirely human-powered. This makes them lighter and less expensive, offering a more hands-on approach to lawn care.
Push lawn mowers are ideal for small to medium-sized lawns, and they are highly valued for their low environmental impact and relatively low maintenance requirements compared to their gas or electric counterparts. These mowers can be broadly classified into two categories: reel mowers and rotary mowers, with each offering unique benefits and characteristics.
Types of Push Lawn Mowers
1. Reel Mowers
Reel mowers are the classic, traditional type of push lawn mower. They consist of a set of blades mounted on a rotating drum, which cuts the grass as it passes over the blades. The cutting action is similar to a pair of scissors, where the blades shear the grass rather than chopping it. Reel mowers are quieter, more environmentally friendly, and require minimal maintenance.
Advantages of Reel Mowers:
Eco-friendly: No fuel or electricity is needed.
Low maintenance: There are fewer moving parts, and they do not require frequent servicing.
Quiet operation: They produce very little noise during operation.
Precision cutting: The scissor-like action offers a clean, sharp cut that is healthier for the grass.
Disadvantages of Reel Mowers:
Limited cutting height: Reel mowers typically have a lower range of height adjustments, which may not be suitable for all grass types.
Labor-intensive: Pushing the mower can be strenuous, especially in tall or thick grass.
Not ideal for uneven terrain: Reel mowers work best on flat lawns.
2. Rotary Mowers
Rotary mowers, another form of push lawn mowers, use a horizontally rotating blade that spins at high speeds to cut the grass. The blade is mounted under the mower’s deck, and as the mower moves forward, the blade cuts the grass by chopping it into smaller pieces. Unlike reel mowers, rotary mowers are more versatile and can handle a variety of grass types and lawn conditions.
Advantages of Rotary Mowers:
Versatility: They can cut through thicker, longer grass, making them suitable for a variety of lawns.
Higher cutting capacity: They generally have a higher cutting height, allowing for greater flexibility.
Ease of use: Rotary mowers can be easier to push on uneven terrain or tall grass.
Disadvantages of Rotary Mowers:
More noise: Rotary mowers are noisier compared to reel mowers.
Higher maintenance: With more moving parts, rotary mowers require more maintenance.
Not as clean a cut: While effective, the cutting action can be less precise than that of reel mowers, leading to potential damage to the grass.
How Does a Push Lawn Mower Work?
At its core, a push lawn mower uses mechanical energy generated by the user to move the blades across the grass. The working principles differ depending on whether the mower is a reel or a rotary type. Let’s take a closer look at how each type operates.
1. How a Reel Mower Works
A reel mower consists of several spiral-shaped blades that rotate as the mower moves forward. These blades are housed in a cylindrical drum that spins when the mower is pushed. The key to a reel mower’s action is the relative movement between the blades and the stationary “bedknife,” a flat blade positioned just in front of the rotating blades. As the rotating blades pass by the bedknife, the grass is cut cleanly in a scissor-like action.
Key Components of a Reel Mower:
Blades: Several curved blades arranged in a cylinder.
Bedknife: A stationary, flat blade that works in conjunction with the rotating blades.
Handle: A long bar that the user pushes to drive the mower forward.
Cutting Mechanism: As the mower moves forward, the blades rotate and shear the grass between the rotating blades and the bedknife, making the cut.
2. How a Rotary Mower Works
A rotary mower uses a single horizontal blade that rotates at high speed beneath the mower deck. This blade is powered either by a gas engine or an electric motor, depending on the mower’s design. When the mower is pushed forward, the rotating blade slices through the grass, cutting it into smaller pieces that are either ejected from the mower or collected in a grass bag.
Key Components of a Rotary Mower:
Rotary Blade: A single spinning blade mounted under the mower deck.
Deck: The housing that encloses the rotating blade and helps direct the grass clippings.
Wheels: These provide stability and allow the mower to be pushed across the lawn.
Handle: Like a reel mower, the handle is used to control the mower’s movement.
Cutting Mechanism: The rotary blade spins rapidly, cutting the grass as the mower moves forward. The high-speed rotation creates a suction effect that lifts the grass before it is chopped by the blade. The clippings are then expelled through a chute or collected in a bag.
Advantages of Using a Push Lawn Mower
Push lawn mowers are preferred by many homeowners for several reasons, especially when compared to powered lawn mowers. Some of the primary advantages include:
Eco-Friendly: Push lawn mowers do not rely on gasoline or electricity, making them an environmentally friendly option for lawn care.
Low Maintenance: With fewer moving parts, push mowers require minimal maintenance, saving time and money on repairs.
Exercise: Pushing a lawn mower provides a moderate level of physical activity, making it a good form of exercise.
Quiet Operation: Push mowers produce little noise compared to gas-powered mowers, making them ideal for residential areas.
Cost-Effective: Push mowers are generally more affordable than motorized mowers, both in terms of initial cost and ongoing operating expenses.
Disadvantages of Push Lawn Mowers
While push mowers offer many benefits, there are also some limitations that should be considered:
Labor-Intensive: Pushing the mower, especially on a large or hilly lawn, can be physically demanding.
Limited Power: Push mowers are less effective at cutting through thick or tall grass compared to gas-powered mowers.
Not Suitable for Large Lawns: For very large lawns, a push mower may be impractical due to the amount of time and effort required to complete the job.
Uneven Terrain: Push mowers, especially reel mowers, may struggle on uneven or sloped terrain, making them less ideal for certain lawns.
Important Considerations When Using a Push Lawn Mower
To ensure that your push lawn mower operates efficiently and lasts for many years, it’s important to follow a few key tips and practices:
Adjust the Cutting Height: Most push mowers have adjustable cutting heights, so make sure to set it according to the type of grass you’re cutting. Grass should generally be cut to a height of about 2-3 inches for optimal health.
Keep the Blades Sharp: A dull blade can tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leading to a ragged appearance and potentially damaging the grass. Regularly sharpen the blades to maintain a clean cut.
Check for Obstructions: Before using your push mower, check the lawn for any large objects like rocks, sticks, or debris that could damage the blades or interfere with the mower’s operation.
Store Properly: After each use, clean the mower to remove grass clippings and debris. Store it in a dry place to prevent rusting and other damage.
Conclusion
A push lawn mower is a reliable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective tool for maintaining a well-kept lawn. Whether you choose a reel mower for its eco-friendly design and precision cut, or a rotary mower for its versatility and ease of use, a push mower can meet the needs of most homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns. By understanding how a push mower works, its advantages and disadvantages, and the best practices for maintaining it, you can ensure that your mower provides years of efficient service and a healthy, attractive lawn.
If you’re considering investing in a push lawn mower, it’s essential to evaluate the specific needs of your lawn, including the terrain, grass type, and size of the area to be mowed. Ultimately, the push mower remains an excellent choice for homeowners looking for an efficient, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance way to manage their lawn care needs.