Summary
The Bosch Rotak 32R is a corded mower that requires a 10-metre power cable to be connected to a mains socket, providing a very respectable 1200-watt motor. The build quality is what you would expect from Bosch, and being built in the UK makes it easier and cheaper to obtain parts if needed. The 32R uses a metal blade instead of plastic, resulting in a good cut and allowing for blade sharpening if necessary. The 32cm cutting width makes it ideal for smaller to medium lawns and takes up less storage space. There are three different cutting heights, which is standard for a mower of this size, ranging from 20mm to 60mm, adequately adjusting to the changing length and conditions of your lawn.
The Bosch Rotak 32R is a reliable and efficient lawn mower that offers great value for money. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use mower for a small to medium garden.
Bosch is a well-known brand for well-priced, hardworking, and reliable garden tools. The German-based company has been around since 1886 and is trusted and popular for its products’ ease of use.
So, how well does the Bosch Rotak 32R perform? Let’s take a closer look at its features and functions to see what’s good and what’s not so good with this mower.
Main Features
- Lawn size recommendations: Small to medium (ok for larger lawns but the box will need to be emptied more often)
- Power: 1200-watt Power-drive Electric Motor (Corded)
- Cut Width: 32cm
- Cut Height: 3 adjustments – 20mm to 60mm
- Capacity of grass box: 31 L
- Weight: 6.8 Kg
- Grass comb for easy edge cutting
- Roller for a professional striped lawn appearance
- Foldable handles for compact and easy storage
Difference Between the Bosch Rotak 32 and Rotak 32R
Before we dive into the review, I often get asked about the difference between the 32 and the 32R models. It’s actually quite simple – the Bosch Rotak 32 does not have a rear roller, while the Bosch Rotak 32R (R=Roller) does. This roller allows you to create professional-looking stripes on your lawn, if that’s something you’re interested in.
While the Rotak 32 and 32R have been around for a while, the new models now come with side fins and a slightly larger grass box. Additionally, the Rotak 32 range has replaced the older Rotak 320 model.
Power System
The Bosch Rotak 32R features a powerful 1200-watt Power-drive electric motor. That is plenty of power and will give you professional results with minimal effort. It is a decent sized motor so even if you have let the grass grow a bit on the long side, you will not have any difficulty.
While it is by no means the biggest and most powerful lawnmower around, unless you have a jungle to contend with it will do a perfectly good job with ease.
The cable that comes with the Rotak 32R is 10 metres long so ensure you have enough extension cord to cover the required area.
Also the power system is completely electric so it produces zero emissions and works extremely quietly.
Power Cable
The lawn mower comes with a 10 metre power cable. If more range is required an extension cord will be needed. This length of power cable is relatively standard for mowers in this class.
Features In Detail
Blades
The Bosch Rotak 32R has strong 32 cm steel blades. Whilst these will need to be sharpened occasionally, they will provide a clean, neat cut and they are extremely durable. If you ever need to replace them, parts are easily available and reasonably priced.
The 32 cm size is ideal for the small to medium gardens this mower is designed for as it gives a good combination of speed and efficiency whilst still being easy to manoeuvre.
- Sharpened metal blade for a 32 cm cutting width.
- For use with Rotak 32, Rotak 32 R
- 32 cm cutting width
- F016800340
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Bosch Rotak 32R is equipped with one blade that gives them two very effective benefits…
- Metal blades generally wear less quickly than plastic blades which results in you needing to replace the lawnmower blades on this model less often.
- Metal blades are generally sharper and provide a cleaner cut to the grass blade, resulting in a neater, tidier and superior finish to your lawn and garden. As stated above, the metal blades can be sharpened when needed unlike plastic blades.
So are the blades on the Bosch any better compared to its nearest competitors? Well, no not really. The blades on the Bosch are good but are no better across other mower brands in this size and class of mower.
As well as being able to sharpen the blades, it is also possible to purchase a replacement blade for the Bosch 32R for around £19 for a genuine replacement. Replacing the blade is relatively easy for anyone with basic DIY skills and tools.
Height Adjustment
It is essential that your lawn mower is highly adjustable to accommodate different lawn types as well as to accommodate for the different seasons. The Rotak 32R gives you a choice of 3 settings ranging from 20mm to 60mm on the rear wheels. No matter what type of lawn you have or what your seasonal requirements are, this mower will be perfectly adjustable for your needs.
If you have left your lawn to grow for a while, don’t rush in and cut it on a very low setting. Rather start on a higher setting and progressively cut it lower. This will avoid leaving an untidy patchy appearance.
Is 3 separate cutting lengths better than the competition, well no. Most mowers at this price point will have 5 height adjustments, so 3 is a little disappointing but not a show stopper!
There is no top height adjustment lever with this mower. You will need to turn the mower upside down (PLEASE MAKE SURE THE POWER IS OFF AND DISCONNECTED) and adjust the back wheels in any one of the 5 slots. The front wheels can also be adjusted into 3 separate slots. This does make height adjustment a little more difficult than some of its competitors such as the Flymo Speedi-Mo 360C that does have a rear height adjustment lever. Having said that you are not continuously adjusting the height of the mower so this is not such a big issue, but one worth noting.
Cutting Diameter
If you are cutting a sports field, the bigger the cutting diameter the better. With gardens, however, this is not the case.
The 32 cm cutting diameter of the Rotak 32R is ideal. It will allow you to zip around the garden in no time but still give the precision and ease of movement for curves and edges.
Remember 32 cm is one of the smaller deck sizes so if you have a large lawn, say over 300m², you may want to consider a larger deck size.
Grass Box Capacity
Having a large grass box is a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it means that all the trimmings are collected and you need to make less trips to empty it out. A smaller grass box or no grass box will make the lawn mower much lighter and easier to navigate.
Once again, Bosch has found a great compromise between the two. As this mower is designed for small to medium gardens the 31 litre capacity of the grass box is ideal. It will let you zip around the garden easily without dragging you down whilst still keeping the trimmings neat and easy to dump. Cutting a larger garden is no hassle, it just means more trips to empty the grass bin, not the end of the world.
The 31 litre size is a good balance of convenience and mobility. It is well designed to be effective at catching much of the grass trimmings, leaving very little, if any raking to be done afterwards. The design is also efficient and compacts the trimmings for maximum space use. While you mow, it will not slow you down or hinder your movement.
The grass box on the Bosch Rotak 32R is very easy to remove and the grass clippings empty from the box with no obstructions.
Practicalities
Bosch is known for delivering practical equipment, and the Rotak 32R is no exception. Their lawn mowers are convenient and easy to use, with many featuring the comfortable ‘Ergo flex’ handles. While the 32R does not have this feature, it is still well designed and nimble, making it easy for anyone to use. The ‘Ergo flex’ handles can be purchased separately, but it’s unlikely that you’ll need them.
One thing to keep in mind is that, like all corded lawn mowers, the cord may require an extension for larger lawns and care should be taken to avoid cutting it while mowing.
While I prefer the height adjustment lever to be centrally located on the mower, the 32R does not have one on top. Instead, the mower needs to be turned upside down to adjust the height. While this may be a little more awkward, it’s not difficult to do.
Compared to its closest competition, the 32R is more practical for people with smaller lawns and limited storage space. At only 9 kg, it’s also easy to carry to the garage or shed, thanks to a well-positioned central handle.
Safety Features
Another thing Bosch products are well known for is a great safety record. Obviously, if not used correctly, any lawn mower can be dangerous but Bosch has done everything they can to make the Rotak 32R as safe as possible without reducing its effectiveness.
The lawn mower comes with a detailed and clear safety guide and provided you follow these instructions you will not have any problems.
They have also kept vibrations and noise at extremely good levels for a mower of this power.
It conforms to all the main local and international quality and safety standards.
Another safety feature they have built in is double insulation to prevent any risk of electrical shock under normal conditions and use. It also has a protector to prevent the motor from overheating. When it reaches a certain temperature, the motor will shut off. Only once it has cooled down to acceptable levels can it be used again.
To get the most from your Bosch Rotak 32R, ensure it is kept clean and well maintained. Use only Bosch approved replacement parts for best results and safety.
As with all corded lawn mowers, there is a safety button that needs to be held in order for the starter grip to be activated. There is no additional removable saftey key with the Bosch 32R as with all the Bosch cordless lawn mowers.
Mulching
The Rotak 32R does not have mulching facilities. This is normal for lawn mowers in this price range and class.
What’s Included in the Box?
Included in the box is the following:
- Bosch Rotak 32R Lawn Mower
- 31 litre Grassbox
- Instruction manual
Bosch Rotak 32R User Manual Download
Click here to download the Bosch Rotak 32R User Manual
Downsides
While the positives of the Bosch Rotak 32R far outweigh any negatives, as with any product, there are some downsides to be aware of. Although we believe the price and easy manoeuvrability of the Rotak 32R make up for the minor negatives, it is important to be aware of them.
One downside is that there is no height adjustment lever on the top of the mower, which may be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, there is no grass box level indicator, unlike some other models.
While the Rotak 32R is ideally designed and suited for use in small gardens, some people may find the 10-metre power cable a bit short. This can be easily resolved with an extension cord.
Another issue that people with slightly larger gardens may have is that the 31-litre grass box will fill up rather quickly, requiring more frequent emptying.
The blade size may mean that it takes longer to cut large areas of lawn, but the advantage is that it makes the mower more precise and easier to move.
While the blade can be sharpened or replaced with ease, some customers may prefer a harder steel that lasts longer between sharpening or replacement.
While these downsides may sound trivial and are common to most mowers, they should still be taken into consideration before making a purchase. It is better to be aware of them beforehand than after.
Pros and Cons
Conclusion
If you’re in need of a reliable and dependable lawn mower for a small to medium garden, the Bosch Rotak 32R is an excellent choice. Bosch has a reputation for producing quality products, and this mower is no exception. Best of all, it offers great value for money.
Although the blade and grass box are not the largest available, they make the Rotak 32R incredibly lightweight and easy to use. It glides effortlessly around the lawn and is particularly good at corners and edges. The inset front wheels are also helpful for getting close to walls, edges, or tight areas.
The grass combs, sharp blade, and powerful motor provide a clean cut, and the rollers give the lawn a professional striped look. It also comes with a good range of cutting height options and a decent steel blade, as well as other standard features you would expect from a quality lawn mower.
The Rotak 32R comes with a standard 2-year guarantee, which can be extended to 3 years. After-sales service is good, and replacement parts are easy to find and reasonably priced.
Customer feedback for this model is overwhelmingly positive, with very few negative comments. Most people are very happy with their choice.
Overall, I highly recommend this mower to anyone looking for a simple, efficient mower that gets the job done quickly. In fact, I believe it is the best value wheeled corded small mower you can purchase right now!
Should You Buy This Model?
Before making this decision, you have to look at your garden and consider the amount of lawn space. A large garden will probably mean you should look at a mower with a slightly larger blade and grass box. If you do not have a vast lawn then this is an excellent option.
The main reasons are:
- Great value for money
- Reliable
- Easy to operate
- Sufficient power for most lawns, even longer grass
- Very agile and easy to move
- The option of rear rollers to make stripes in the lawn
- Good after-sales service
There is very little you will not like about this lawn mower.
Where Should I Purchase This Model?
Amazon have the best prices that are difficult to match and probably the most reliable delivery system on the web. Considering how valuable this piece of equipment is, you want the most for your money and the best service available making Amazon the best place to go.
- The Rotak 32 lawnmower is ideal for small and mid-sized gardens, height of cut 20 – 60 mm
- Thanks to its grass comb, the Rotak 32 cuts effortlessly along walls, flower beds and lawn edges
- Weighing just 6.8 kg, it is easy to steer around obstacles and transport. Handle type: Standard
- Also suitable for tall grass thanks to its hardened steel blade and powerful 1200 W motor
- Items included: Rotak 32, 31-litre grass box, cardboard box (3165140557450)
- Note : Blade has to be tightened before every use.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Not sure about this mower? Click here to see more Corded Lawn Mower Reviews.
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Bosch Rotak 32R Electric Rotary Lawn Mower Review PDF Download
Bosch Rotak 32R Electric Rotary Lawn Mower Review (1782 downloads )Specifications
| Additional Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Working Area | Small to Medium lawns |
| Cutting width | 32 cm |
| Cutting height steps | 3 |
| Cutting height max | 60 mm |
| Cutting height min | 20 mm |
| Cutting height adjustment | Manually – No Lever |
| Collector volume | 31 l |
| Battery Type | N/A |
| Cable Length | 10m |
| Motor power | 1200W |
| Vision Window | No |
| Right or left start switch | Right |
| Foldable handles | Yes |
| Battery power indicator | N/A |
| Grass bag filling indicator | No |
| Roller | Yes |
| Height | |
| Product size, folded handle height | |
| Length | |
| Product size, folded handle length | |
| Width | |
| Product Size LxWxH | |
| Weight | 7kg |
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.
I have the 32R and have put all the wheels to the lowest level. However, I cannot find anywhere how to change the roller setting. Because if this the mower does not do a short cut as the roller is below the level of the wheels. Do you know how the roller is raised, please?
Hi Lesley
The roller should be on a spring that adjusts to the height of the mower. I have just checked mine that is the cordless version, and the roller is not adjusted but just adapts to the height settings.
Hope this helps.
Mark
very well explained.
Thank you for the feedback, glad it helped.
Mark