My Top 5 Lawn Mower Issues Discovered Through Years of Reviewing
As someone who has spent years testing various lawn mowers and creating video reviews to highlight their issues, I’ve encountered my fair share of frustrations. Here are my top five grievances with subpar lawn mowers:
- Grass Collect Box Design Flaws: There’s nothing more irritating than a grass collect box that bounces off mid-mow, particularly when it’s nearing full capacity. The added weight of accumulating grass should make the box more secure, not turn it into a projectile. It’s a design flaw that interrupts the mowing process and leaves me with a mess to clean up.
- Battery Runtime Exaggerations: Manufacturers love to tout the long runtimes of their battery-powered mowers, but I’ve found these claims to be wildly exaggerated. Even understanding that the stated runtime is based on no-load conditions, it’s frustrating when the battery power dwindles before I’ve had the chance to finish the lawn. It’s a common issue that leaves me questioning the integrity of these claims.
- Lack of Replacement Blades: A sharp blade is crucial for a clean cut, but what happens when that blade dulls or gets damaged? For too many mowers, the answer is nothing. The lack of available replacement blades – not even generic or third-party options – renders the mower useless. It’s a significant oversight that can shorten the lifespan of what could otherwise be a decent machine.
- Ineffective Clipping Pickup: A lawn mower that doesn’t pick up clippings effectively defeats half the purpose of mowing. In my experience, mowers with cloth mesh or hybrid collection boxes perform best due to better air circulation, compared to those with all-plastic boxes. It’s disheartening to finish mowing only to have to rake up the cuttings left behind.
- Poor Manoeuvrability and Wheel Design: A mower that’s tough to push around is a nightmare, especially in a garden with tight corners or lots of obstacles. I’ve encountered mowers with wheels that are too small or poorly designed, making it a Herculean task to navigate through the lawn. Additionally, wheels that lock up or don’t swivel properly can turn mowing into an exercise in frustration rather than a chore
- Misleading Mulching Features: A mower that offers mulching capabilities can be a huge benefit, recycling grass clippings back into the lawn to act as a natural fertiliser. However, I’ve encountered several so-called “mulching mowers” where the essential component, the mulching plug, isn’t included. What’s worse, upon attempting to purchase the plug separately, I’ve found it can be out of stock for months or, in some cases, never available at all. This lack of availability turns the promise of a mulching mower into a frustrating bait-and-switch scenario, leaving me with a feature I can’t use and a lawn that misses out on the nutrients it could have received.
In conclusion, navigating the world of lawn mowers and avoiding these common frustrations can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. To ensure you make an informed decision and choose a mower that meets your needs without the headache, I invite you to check out my in-depth lawn mower reviews. I cover a range of models including electric corded, cordless, petrol, push, and even robotic mowers. With my comprehensive analysis and hands-on experience, you’ll find the right mower that cuts through the noise and, more importantly, your grass with ease.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
