Cutting Through Confusion: Choosing the Right Lawn Mower Width

 

When it comes to buying a new lawnmower, one of the most overlooked – yet essential – features to consider is the cutting width. It’s easy to get swept up in engine sizes, battery life, or whether you want a push or self-propelled model. But if you’re not paying attention to the mower cutting width, you might end up with a machine that’s unsuitable for your lawn and frustrating to use.

Understanding the difference between a 30 cm and a 53 cm cutting width lawn mower can make all the difference to your mowing experience – not just in terms of how long it takes, but also how easy it is to get the job done. So, let’s take a closer look at why mower width matters and how to pick the right one for your lawn…

What Does Cutting Width Actually Mean?

The lawnmower cutting width refers to the width of grass your mower can cut in a single pass. This isn’t the same as the width of the machine itself – rather, it’s determined by the size of the cutting blade underneath the deck.

In general, the wider the blade (and therefore the cutting width), the fewer passes you’ll need to make to mow your entire lawn. So, choosing the right mower cutting width can save you a significant amount of time – especially on larger plots – and reduce wear on the mower too.

But, as with many things in life, bigger isn’t always better. A wider push lawn mower width often means a heavier, bulkier machine. While this can be fine on an open, flat expanse of grass, it can become a bit of a wrestling match if your lawn is full of flowerbeds, trees or tight corners.

Measuring Your Lawn: The First Step

Before you even look at mower specifications, it’s worth getting an idea of your lawn size. This is a key factor in deciding what lawn mower cutting width will suit you best.

If you have a straightforward rectangular or square garden, you can simply measure the length and width in metres and multiply the two. For example, a lawn that’s 10 m by 20 m is 200 m².

For triangular or circular gardens, the formula is slightly different, but nothing too complicated. In terms of the former, multiply the lawns length by width and divide that figure by two. With the latter, measure the radius of your lawn (from its centre point to the edge), multiply this figure by itself and then by 3.14.

Even pacing it out can give you a decent estimate. A man’s stride is roughly 76 cm and a woman’s stride around 66 cm. So, if you don’t have a tape measure, just count your steps across the width and length of your garden and multiply the numbers accordingly.

Categorising Your Lawn Size

Once you’ve measured your lawn, you can classify it roughly into one of three categories:

• Small lawn – up to 500 m²
• Medium-sized lawn – 500 to 1,000 m²
• Large lawn – over 1,000 m²

For perspective, a standard tennis court is around 260 m². So, if your lawn is twice the size of that, it will count as a medium-sized lawn.

This categorisation will help guide your decision when looking at mower cutting width. Smaller lawns generally benefit from more compact machines, while larger areas demand wider cutting decks to make mowing less time-consuming.

Matching Mower Width to Lawn Size

Once you’ve worked out your lawn size, choosing the right cutting width becomes much simpler. Here’s a rough guide:

• Small Lawns (up to 500m²): Opt for a push mower cutting width of between 30 and 40 cm. These mowers are easy to manoeuvre and store, perfect for tight spaces and regular cutting.
• Medium Lawns (500 – 1,000 m²): A cutting width of 41 – 49 cm works well here. This range offers a good balance of efficiency and usability, cutting a decent swathe of grass without becoming too cumbersome.
• Large Lawns (over 1,000 m²): Look for models with a mower cutting width of 50 cm or more. In some cases, particularly if your garden is over 2,000 m² (about half an acre), a ride-on mower becomes not just a luxury, but an absolute necessity.

The Efficiency Factor

Let’s look at a practical example to understand the impact of mower width. Imagine your lawn is 20 metres wide. Using a mower with a 41 cm cutting width, you’d need to walk up and down it 49 times to cut the entire area. Switch to a mower with a 53 cm deck, and that number drops to just 38 passes – around 30% fewer. That’s a lot less effort, and a lot more time saved on a sunny weekend.

Another bonus with wider machines is the increased grass box capacity. You’ll spend less time stopping to empty clippings, which also helps you get the job done faster. However, as previously touched upon, this increase in size often means a heavier machine, so manoeuvrability can be an issue, especially around beds, borders or garden furniture.

Push Mowers and Cutting Width

If you’re considering a manual push lawn mower, the cutting width is even more important than if the mower is self-propelled. Since there’s no motor to help with movement, a wider push mower width can quickly become tiring to push, especially on uneven terrain.

For this reason, push mower cutting width tends to fall on the smaller side. That keeps the mower lightweight and manageable, even for extended sessions.

It’s All About Balance

When choosing the right mower, it’s crucial to balance cutting width with practicality. A wide lawn mower cutting width can be a game changer for larger gardens – slashing mowing times and reducing effort. But if your lawn is smaller or packed with obstacles, a more modest push mower cutting width may offer greater ease and control.

Also, remember that wider cutting decks usually come with a higher price tag. That’s not to say they’re not worth it – especially if you value your time – but it’s worth considering your priorities before investing.

Why Cutting Width Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought

It’s tempting to choose a lawnmower based on brand, looks, or added features, but ignoring the lawn mower width can lead to buyer’s remorse. The right mower width will make your mowing routine quicker, smoother and less stressful – while the wrong one can turn a relaxing garden task into a frustrating chore.

That’s why understanding your lawn’s size and layout, and matching it to the right lawnmower cutting width, is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

Ready to Choose the Perfect Mower?

Whether your garden is a small suburban plot or a rolling, rural expanse of greenery, choosing the right mower cutting width is key to maintaining it with ease. Here, at Ron Smith, we specialise in helping customers find exactly the right mower for their needs – whatever the size or shape of their lawn.

With Britain’s best range of lawnmowers for sale and unrivalled expertise, we are your go-to destination for lawncare advice and top-quality machines. From compact push mower width options to heavy-duty ride-on mowers with wide cutting decks, we have the perfect solution for your lawn.