Our Wonderful One-Stop Guide to Every Type of Lawnmower

 

A beautiful lawn makes a great centrepiece for any garden, and the right lawnmower can make all the difference. But with so many different types of lawnmower now available, from the traditional to the high-tech, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your garden. With this in mind, we’re now going to introduce you to all of the main types of lawnmower, each with its own distinct benefits, to help you make an informed decision about which one is best for you.

Cordless Lawn Mowers: Freedom with Every Cut

Cordless lawn mowers are a great option if you want the convenience of electric power without being tied to a cable. These battery-powered machines are typically lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and ideal for gardens of most sizes. A cordless push mower gives you complete freedom to mow wherever you please without worrying about tangled cords or needing an extension lead. They’re also far quieter than petrol alternatives and emit no fumes, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious gardeners.

You can find all of our cordless mowers here.

Electric Lawnmowers: Simple, Clean, and Consistent

If you’ve got an outside plug socket and not too big a garden, an electric mower could be perfect. Electric lawnmowers start at the push of a button, are ultra reliable, and require minimal maintenance. These machines are quieter and more environmentally friendly than petrol mowers, and because they use mains electricity, they offer a consistent level of power throughout your mowing session. Lightweight and ideal for small to medium-sized lawns, they are a solid option for most British households.

View the best electric lawnmowers here.

Petrol Lawn Mowers: Power for Bigger Jobs

For lawns that need a bit more muscle, a petrol push mower or self propelled petrol mower could be your best bet. These machines are known for their power and performance, being capable of tackling thick grass and challenging terrain with ease. Whether you opt for a push style or self propelled petrol lawnmower, you’ll benefit from complete mobility and outstanding durability. They’re especially well-suited for larger gardens, where cable length or battery life could be restricting.

Shop premium petrol mowers now.

Self Propelled Mowers: Let the Mower Do the Work

A self propelled mower takes much of the physical effort out of lawn care. By using engine power to drive the wheels, it makes mowing far less strenuous, particularly on sloped or uneven ground. Many models allow you to adjust the speed to your natural walking pace, making the experience both efficient and comfortable. Whether electric or petrol, self propelled mowers are an excellent choice for larger lawns, and for people who like to see their mowers do the work.

Discover our full range of self propelled lawnmowers here.

Push Lawn Mowers: Lightweight and Budget-Friendly

For smaller lawns and simple jobs, a push lawn mower offers an affordable and practical solution. As opposed to being self propelled, these mowers require you to do the pushing, with the engine or motor driving only the blades.

They tend to be cheaper, lighter, and easier to store than self-propelled versions, making them ideal for compact gardens or anyone on a budget.

See our extensive range of push mowers here.

Manual Lawn Mowers: The Eco-Friendly Classic

A manual grass mower doesn’t rely on electricity or petrol—just your own energy to push it. These traditional mowers are ideal for small, well-maintained lawns. Their simple mechanism involves the wheels turning a set of blades as you push.

Without an engine, they’re quiet, eco-friendly, and extremely durable. A manual lawn mower might be old-school, but it still offers plenty of value for the right garden.

Lawn Mowers with Rear Rollers: For That Striped Finish

Lawn roller mowers are perfect for those who love that traditional striped lawn look. Featuring a rear roller, these mowers flatten the grass as they cut, creating that sought-after classic appearance.

The roller also provides additional stability, helping prevent the mower from tipping into flower beds and borders. A roller mower is ideal for flatter, well-tended lawns, where aesthetic appeal is a priority.

Find the perfect roller lawnmower here.

Hover Mowers: Glide Across the Grass

Hover mowers float on a cushion of air, so they’re incredibly light and manoeuvrable. This helps make them particularly useful for sloped or uneven gardens, especially as some models are designed to handle gradients up to 45 degrees.

If ease of use and agility are important to you, a hover mower is well worth considering.

Rotary Mowers: A Versatile Choice

Rotary mowers use a horizontally spinning blade and are suitable for most types of grass, including rougher patches. They’re widely available and come in many different styles, including push, self propelled, and with all types of power source.

Featuring a highly effective scything action, rotary mowers are the go-to choice for most casual gardeners.

Browse cordless, electric and petrol rotary lawnmowers now.

Cylinder Mowers: Precision for Perfect Lawns

For those who demand a pristine finish, a cylinder mower is the gold standard. These machines use a set of blades that work like scissors, cutting the grass with incredible precision. Typically used to mow palace gardens, golf courses and cricket pitches, they’re best used on short, fine lawns. If you want professional-level results, a cylinder mower is the way to go.

You can find top-quality cylinder lawnmowers here.

Ride-On Mowers: Efficiency for Larger Areas

When you have a lawn over a quarter of an acre, a sitting lawn mower can save you hours of time. These machines let you ride as you mow, offering comfort and convenience. Riding mowers are powerful, efficient, and ideal for expansive gardens where walk-behind models just won’t do.

Get an overview of our ride-on and tractor mowers here.

Let’s take a look at the main sub categories of riding mower now…

Lawn Tractors: The Multi-Tasking Mower

Lawn tractors, also known as ride-on tractors, are incredibly versatile. With cutting decks positioned centrally, they can collect, mulch or discharge clippings depending on the model. Many come with towing capabilities, making them useful for more than just mowing. A lawn tractor is a solid investment for anyone managing a larger property.

Find compact lawn tractors here.

Out Front Mowers: Visibility and Control Combined

These mowers place the cutting deck out in front of the seating position, giving you better visibility and more precise control. Their design allows easier access to tight corners and space-restricted areas. Many models feature rear-wheel steering for enhanced manoeuvrability.

Out front mowers are a practical choice for large gardens with intricate landscaping.

Shop out-front mowers now.

Zero Turn Mowers: Turn on a Sixpence

A zero turn lawn mower can spin on the spot, thanks to its dual independent rear wheels and front castors. This makes them highly efficient in gardens with lots of obstacles. Built for speed and precision, they are usually controlled by levers, as opposed to a steering wheel. The best zero turn mowers are perfect for commercial use, but they’re also a great choice for homeowners with larger or more complex lawns.

Our full range of zero turn mowers are here.

Robot Lawn Mowers: Hands-Free Lawn Perfection

Robot lawn mowers, also known as robot grass cutters or automatic lawn mowers, are revolutionising garden maintenance. They handle mowing duties on their own, following virtual boundaries or guide wires. These small lawn mowers return to their docking stations to recharge automatically, after they’ve cut the grass. A remote control lawn mower like this offers convenience, consistency, and better lawn health over time, as they cut frequently and finely. It’s worth noting, though, that robotic mowers do not have a grass collecting capability.

Find leading-edge robotic mowers here.

Find the Perfect Lawnmower at Ron Smith

No matter what your garden’s size, shape, or style, choosing the right lawnmower is essential for keeping it in peak condition. Whether you’re searching for the best cordless lawn mower, a reliable self propelled lawn mower, or the latest robot grass cutter, Ron Smith offers Britain’s best range of lawnmowers for sale.

With decades of experience and unrivalled product knowledge, our team of lawnmowing experts can help you find the ideal machine for your needs. Explore our extensive collection today to transform your lawn care routine.