Summary
What Does A Variable Speed Mower Mean?
A variable speed mower means that you can adjust the speed of the mower to suit your walking pace and specific needs. For example, if you have a self-propelled mower without this option, you may feel that the mower is too slow or is running away from you. This will not create a pleasant or desired mowing experience.
With variable speed you can adjust the speed of either the front or rear wheels (depending if your mower is front or rear wheel drive) to match your pace or the speed at which you want to mow the lawn. Also, if you are mowing steep inclines you are likely to want to reduce the speed further to provide more stability and better grip, resulting in a safer mowing session.
There is another self-propelled method that some higher end petrol mowers use, that basically senses the speed at which you are walking and adjusts the mower’s speed accordingly. This can be seen, for example, on some Hayter Harrier mowers.
Best Variable Speed Petrol Mower
Best Variable Speed Cordless Mower
How Do You Adjust The Speed On A Variable Speed Mower?
Is A Variable Speed Self-Propelled Mower Worth the Investment?
Once you have used a self-propelled mower with variable speed you will most probably never want to operate anything else. Self-propelled mowers remove the physical effort from each mowing session compared to push mowers, what’s more they are easy to operate. The variable speed will allow you to quickly and effortlessly change the speed up or down at the flick/push of a button/lever.
Can You Manually Push A Self-Propelled Lawn Mower?
The majority of self-propelled mowers will allow you to disengage the drive, meaning the mower will be freewheeling and can be pushed with little or no resistance or cause any damage. It is also worth noting that some self-propelled mowers will allow you to also disengage the blades, this allows you to manoeuvre the mower across paths without the blade spinning and without having to stop the engine.
Remember self-propelled mowers are heavier compared to non-self-propelled mowers, so if you are going to manually push them it will require more physical strength.
Which Is Better A Front or Rear Propelled Mower?
Most self-propelled rear roller mowers are powered by the ribbed roller itself. The powered rear roller is sometimes split in two parts to allow them to rotate in opposite directions for easy turning.
With rear-wheel-drive mowers, you can sometimes experience the front wheels lifting when you start mowing. This doesn’t happen with front wheel drive mowers.
In summary, a front or rear wheel drive self-propelled mower is a personal preference, as opposed to one being significantly better than the other, as the engine is normally centrally mounted on the deck.
Do You Need Help With Choosing The Perfect Lawn Mower?
If you are still unsure about what is the perfect mower for you and your lawn, why not head over to my best mower selection tool, by clicking the link below. It will select the perfect mower in seconds, based on your specific requirements.
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.
