Types of Lawn Mowers

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The reel mower is a manually operated push mower. Reel mowers consist of a waist-high handle, a set of two wheels and a wheel-mounted set of blades. The reel mower`s blades run from wheel wheel, forming a cylindrical shape. As a landscaper pushes the reel mower across a lawn, the cylindrical set of blades rapidly rotates to shear through blades of grass. A mechanism attached to one of the wheels increases the rotation speed of the blades, causing the set of blades to rotate faster than the wheels. Compared to other types of mowers, reel mowers require the most effort to operate. Furthermore, reel mowers function properly only on smooth surfaces. However, because they lack engines and complex parts, reel mowers are generally the least expensive of all types of mowers.

The gas-powered push mower employs an engine to drive a rotating blade. Gas-powered push mowers, also called gas rotary mowers, have four wheels, a body assembly and a waist-high handle. The wheels attach to the side of the mower`s body assembly and raise the assembly several inches above the ground. The gas-powered push mowers sharpened blade protrudes from the underside of the body assembly. Most gas-powered push mowers do not have electric ignitions- they start by pull-string. Once started, the mower`s blade rapidly rotates and slices through grass as the landscaper pushes the machine across a lawn. Although gas-powered push mowers are heavier than reel mowers, they easily cut through tall clumps of grass and are suitable for uneven lawn surfaces.

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The electric push mower, also called an electric rotary mower, consists of the same parts as the gas-powered push mower. However, the electric push mower`s engine uses electricity as fuel, rather than gasoline. Electric push mowers are generally capable of mowing the same types of terrain as gas push mowers. However, the electric push mower`s electric motor is weaker than the gas push mower`s internal combustion engine and often struggles to cut through extremely thick clumps of grass and weeds.

Riding mowers are the most expensive and most capable of all types of lawn mowers. These machines look like tiny tractors and, similar to push mowers, have a set of rotating blades mounted to the underside of their bodies. As implied by the machine`s name, a cockpit rests upon the top side of the riding mower. The riding mower`s cockpit is complete with a seat, steering wheel, operational controls and ignition. Riding mowers cut through all types of grass on all types of terrain. Additionally, riding mowers require the least physical effort to operate. However, riding mowers routinely cost several thousand dollars.