Although very easy to use and maintain, the manual mower, or
helical mower
, performs efficient, very precise and aesthetic cutting work.
However, there are various elements to take into account before choosing the one you need.
How does a manual lawn mower work?
A manual mower is a mower without an engine.
She is composed :
a horizontal cylinder formed by parallel and helical blades;
two wheels and a chain which turn the cylinder of blades;
a fixed horizontal blade;
a long handle allowing you to push the mower.
When pushing, the activation of the wheels causes
the rotation of the helical blade cylinder.
When a moving blade comes into contact with the fixed blade, the grass stuck in the middle is cut, like between the blades of a pair of scissors.
The cut is precise and clean.
Also read: Spiral mowers: 5 good deals to equip you
A manual mower is a mower without an engine.
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No use without permission.
Why buy a manual lawn mower?
The manual mower combines the advantages:
above all, it is silent, which is appreciated for yourself but also for the neighbors;
it does not consume any energy (electricity or gasoline), apart from of course, yours, to push it;
It is therefore economical and non-polluting.
On the practical side, the manual mower is very handy and easy to use (no extension cord to plug in, refueling or starting problems).
In addition,
its maintenance is relatively low:
cleaning the blades with a water jet after use and, from time to time, tightening the fixed blade screws as well as greasing the chain.
In terms of cutting quality, it is clean, precise and aesthetic.
The grass is cut well and not torn, as is the case with rotary blade mowers.
The purchase price is also much cheaper than a classic mower: between 60 and 300 euros depending on the brands and options.
Despite everything, the manual mower also has some disadvantages:
Firstly, because it only works with the strength of your arms, you must have a minimum of physical condition, as well as a plot of land to mow that is not too large.
Generally, it is recommended for areas less than
600 m2
, but depending on the options, it can be suitable for up to 1,000 m2;
Secondly, the use of a reel mower should be frequent, especially in the spring, because it has difficulty cutting the grass when it is too tall.
It is therefore suitable for a maintained lawn.
Also readRolled grass: aesthetic and practical, it transforms your outdoor space in the blink of an eye!
How to choose a manual mower?
Classic models have two wheels, but it is possible to find models with 4 wheels to make pushing easier.
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No use without permission.
Not all manual lawn mowers are the same.
Several important points must be taken into account in your choice.
Cutting height:
adjustable (between 3 and 7 possibilities), it can vary between 12 and 100 mm in height, some models being specialized for flush cuts;
The cutting width:
depending on the mowers, it is between 30 and 45 cm.
The larger the land, the more it is preferable to opt for a large cylinder width;
The number of blades:
the cylinder can consist of 4 to 7 blades.
A high number (greater than or equal to 5) is suitable for a low cut, while a low number will be more effective for a high cut;
The wheels:
they determine the maneuverability of the machine.
Classic models have two wheels, but it is possible to find models with 4 wheels to make pushing easier.
A large wheel diameter also improves thrust, while making it easier to use the mower on uneven terrain;
The tillering roller:
many models are equipped with a roller whose objective is to lay the grass on the ground to improve tillering and thus obtain a denser lawn;
The collection box:
practical when you want to reuse cut grass as natural mulch for plants;
Various other comfort details:
the adjustable handlebars, the positioning of the levers, etc.
The smallest details count for your comfort!