By now, you've probably seen ads for lawn mowers, and they're definitely useful tools. Still, could or should they replace your lawn mower? We've taken an in-depth look at each lawn mower's design and purpose to help you decide which lawn mower compares.
On the surface, the comparison between lawn mowers and trimmers is straightforward. Lawn mowers use rotating blades to cut grass, and trimmers use thick lines of trimming.
There's more to each cut, though. Lawnmowers completely surround their blades with a deck, while trimmer mowers only partially surround their lines.
Then there's the drive system. Lawn mowers use four wheels, usually no larger than 8 or 10 inches in the rear and 6 inches in the front. The self-propelled drive system reduces your effort while mowing. Lawn mowers use only two wheels, and they're oversized to roll well over terrain that doesn't get as much attention as a typical lawn.
To adjust the mower's cutting height, you can turn the wheels so they raise or lower the deck. On a trimmer mower, you can change the trim line position with the head up or down.
One design feature that has a big impact on how these tools are used is engine placement. The mower's motor is direct drive and sits immediately above the blades. The trimmer lawnmower has an elongated front that extends the center of the head well in front of the engine.
Of course, the mower has ride-on options that take its design to a whole different level. The mowers themselves don't, but they do come in towed models that make your UTV or tractor a ride-on mower.
However, they have some things in common. Both have gas and battery-powered options available (although battery-powered lawn mowers are more common). You'll also find an electric start option for models with a gas engine.
Lawn mowers vs. fine-tuning the cutting characteristics of your lawn mower
Each mower cuts as broadly as it can cut. The blades of the lawn mower cut through the grass and produce clippings. The deck design creates airflow that lifts the clippings to a position where they can be cut multiple times before being discharged.
Many lawn mowers come in a three-in-one design. They can drain out the side (great when you miss a cut and your lawn gets too tall). You can bag to leave a clean lawn, or mulch to return nutrients to the soil. The mower also has the advantage of choosing between standard, high-lift and mulching blades to match your mowing style. In addition, there are weeding blades to make your lawn mower more flexible.
When the trimmer mows, the tip and edge of the cutting line passes through. Because of the open design of its deck, most grass is only mowed once before the line enthusiastically tosses it aside. This will leave you with a longer clipping.
While there are some wire options, they don't affect the uniformity or efficiency of the cut quality the way lawnmower blades do. It mostly comes down to the thickness and durability of the line you want and pairing it with the type of grass you're cutting.
When to Use a Lawn Mower
Use a lawn mower to cut designated lawns and other regularly maintained areas. If you need to cut more than 8 to 10 inches, then you are exceeding the range of what the mower was designed for.
Keep in mind the mower's side-to-side discharge capabilities if you're mowing overgrown grass. Once you have it under control, you can bag or mulch to keep your lawn looking even and cultivated.
When to Use a Trimmer Mower
The trimmer does its best to reclaim overgrown areas that are too tall for the mower's fully enclosed deck. The height of the grass is not an issue — just the thickness of the stems. Thanks to the open front, the trimmer is ideal for mowing under fences and for accessing areas inaccessible to mower decks and engine locations.
Trimmer mowers are better suited for fields than for maintained lawns. The trade-off for their greater cutting reach is a rougher finished cut than lawnmower blades.
Lawn Mowers & Trimmers Lawn Mower Prices
While this may come as a surprise, lawn mowers and trimmers have similar price ranges. You can find both in the $350 to $1,000 range, though there are some mowers running on its lower and higher sides.
One of the biggest differences is the availability of battery-powered options. You can find effective battery-operated lawn mowers in many options and price points, from the basic homeowner all the way up to the commercial level. Battery powered lawn mowers are less common at this stage.
Want to learn more about the lawn mowers we used in this comparison? Check them out on DR Power Equipment's website!