The 11 Best Mechanical Lawn Mowers

*Best lawn mowers according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and is not a guide to purchase. Before you buy, you need to consult with an expert.

Push lawn mowers work by pushing on the side of the operator. The wheels rotate the blades and the higher the force of the push, the faster the vegetation is cut. Although the use of such garden devices involves some effort on the part of man, the absence of a fuel or electric motor makes the device fully autonomous and allows you to work indefinitely away from civilization. What to look for when choosing a lawn mower and which models are in high demand, determined our experts.

How to choose a lawn mower

Don’t be in a hurry to buy the mower that your neighbor has or the one “that everyone takes.”. Here are some key parameters, knowing which you will be able to choose the mechanical device that best suits your needs:

1. Mowing width. It varies from 30 to 54 cm and does not change. For spacious areas, it is better to take a lawnmower with a cutting width of 40 cm, otherwise you will have to bother every time you mow the lawn for a long time. If the green area is up to 100 m² and there are obstacles on it, it will be more convenient to maneuver with models 38 cm or less in width.
2. Height range. The manual lawnmowers are capable of cutting from 12 mm to 76 mm and more. Here it all depends on the desired type of lawn (for sports games, resting on the blanket, just for beauty). Models with a tread of up to 38 mm just won’t take up crowded lawns. Other height adjustment of blades is stepwise and smooth. The last one gives you more pruning possibilities.
3. Wheels. Large wheels with deep tread are great for uneven terrain or high grass. Small and smooth chassis should be chosen only for even, short mowed lawns.
4. Handle adjustment. Changing the height of the handles is useful for alternating between several operators, e.g. when a father and his teenage son are mowing.
5. Grass box.It allows you to immediately collect the grass in a container and pour it into a bag, saving you time on cleaning the area after the mowing. Some mowers are sold with it, others will have to buy it separately.
6. Weight. Comes in 6-18kg. The smaller it is, the easier it is to push the machine in front of you or load it into the trunk for transportation. But the low weight may indicate a flimsy construction, so it’s worth checking the strength in place before you buy.

Rating of the best mechanical mowers

As you know the importance of a mechanic lawnmower in your arsenal and have the right characteristics, we will now take a closer look at the individual models. They are in active use in the Russian Federation and have earned a positive reputation. You may already find what you need among them.

STIGA SCM 440 FS

Rating: 4.9

Mechanical garden machine with a cutting width of 40 cm for excellent performance. The spindle system works like a shear, accurately cutting the stalks and making minimal noise. The five blades are made of hardened steel and are permanently sharpened. The cuttings are thrown to the front during mowing, so your feet stay clean. Lawn mower can be equipped with a grass catcher box, but it has to be purchased separately. Weighs 17.2 kg, so it is possible to carry it over an obstacle, but it is difficult. Comfortable grip with rubber-coated U-shaped handle. It is adjusted to the operator’s height by clamping the boom with “wing-bars”. According to reviews, the mechanical model is appreciated for its rugged aluminum body, which is resistant to corrosion, and easy cutting of the stems.

We singled out the lawnmower for its ability to adjust the cutting height in 9 positions. You can set the height from 25 to 76mm with a central lever. This variety of values allows you to accurately select the parameter, depending on the type of grass and growth rate, so that the lawn does not look “bald”, but also not overgrown after a couple of days.

Advantages

• Mowers a strip of 40 cm at a time;
• great spindle shear system;
• Deck and hood made of aluminum, so it will not rust;
• knives made of hardened steel;
• Grass cuttings are thrown forward.

Disadvantages

• high cost;
• Weighs 17 kg;
• Not good for tall vegetation;
• Grass catcher box to be purchased separately.

GARDENA 400 C Comfort

Rating: 4.8

Gardena premium brand lawnmower is made of steel, which provides increased durability deck and body. But the manufacturer has tried to use thin metal, so that the mechanical device does not turn out very heavy. In the end, the weight of the device is 9.4 kg, so it’s easy even for a woman to drive. But this product is inferior to the above-described leader by the number of adjustment steps – here instead of 9 positions only 4. In one pass, the lawnmower cuts a strip 40 cm wide. According to reviews, the mower is very quiet and can be operated even at night when everyone is asleep. Because of its light weight, it can be handled by a child of 7 years. But when the lawn is wet, the blades begin to slip, so it is better not to mow in the early morning, when dew, or after rain.

In our opinion, the mechanical device is remarkable for its ability to mow high vegetation. Although the manufacturer has set the indicator to 42 mm, but in practice the device confidently cuts even 120 mm. Of course, it takes effort, but other mechanical competitors just get tangled in such grass, while with this mower you can clear untended lawns.

Advantages

• 2 years warranty;
• Height adjustable handles;
• Lightweight steel construction 9.4 kg;
• assembled in the Czech Republic;
• Thick anti-slip pads on the frame.

Disadvantages

• Cuts only when moving forward;
• The track is slipping on the wet grass;
• high cost.

Husqvarna 540

Rating: 4.7

For working with grass up to 12-38 mm height, which can be adjusted with a 4-position switch. All key elements are made of steel, so they will not bend or crack under load. But the weight of the mechanical unit is 9.1 kg, which makes it convenient for people of all ages. Inside, a spindle blade system is implemented. From reviews, it seems that with a good physical shape mower, to trim one hundred acres of lawn takes 5-10 minutes (depending on the desolateness of the grass). Buyers emphasize the sharp blades and easy cutting, but they warn that vegetation over 20 cm is cut worse. At this point, the wheels lose traction with the ground, which does not allow to turn the blades and skips begin.

Experts single out the mechanical model for its interestingly shaped handle. It is perpendicular to the uprights and is designed as a large loop. Unlike classic U or Y handles, you can hold the mower by both the crossbar and the side bars. The latter is especially handy for a better control of the slope angle.

Advantages

• Perfectly trims stems with sharp blades;
• can be used with the grass catcher box;
• low weight 9.1 kg;
• fully rubber coated handle.

Disadvantages

• In vegetation over 20 cm, the wheels begin to slip, making it difficult to transfer rotation to the blades.

WOLF-Garten TT 380 DL

Rating: 4.7

Lawn mowers of the mechanical type for lawns up to 200 m². It can simulate a lawn height of 13 to 38 mm. It has a steel deck and cover and a U-shaped handle. Rubber padding on its horizontal part makes it easier to grip. Two wingtips allow you to quickly change the height of the frame. The flat shield over the working part provides a directional flight of the cut material downwards, which means that you can work with the mower without safety glasses. This mechanical model is designed with a 25L grass catcher box, to immediately collect debris in a container, but this accessory is purchased separately. The low weight of 9 kg makes it easy to work with the unit, especially when it needs to be pushed down a slope. In a single pass of this mechanical technique can mow a strip width of 38 cm.

Experts distinguish the lawnmower for the high aggressive tread pattern on the wheels. This design gives the undercarriage better grip on green vegetation and prevents the blade shaft from sitting idle.

Advantages

• There is height adjustment of the handle;
• made of powder-coated metal;
• high tread on the wheels;
• Low weight of 9 kg.

disadvantages

• quite a slim design.

GARDENA 400 Classic

Rating: 4.7

Another mechanical lawnmower from the German brand Gardena comes in the Classic version. No large rubber grip on the handle, as compared to the Comfort model, resulting in a low weight of 8 cm.9 kg. This is quite a small figure, making the lawnmower practical for the elderly and teenagers. Handlebar mounting system allows quick adjustment of handle height to user height. Shield over cutter bar protects operator from flying grass. Mowing width is 40 cm and height is adjustable in 4 positions from 12-42 mm. With these features, this lawn mower is best suited for lawns up to 200 m². This model is assembled in the Czech Republic and is characterized by excellent quality. The manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty on the entire line of lawn mowers, while competitors give only a one-year warranty.

According to customer reviews, the mechanical mower gives excellent cuts at a minimum height of 1 kg.2 cm. The result is a lawn that looks like a soccer field – striped and with a clear view of the ground. It gives a beautiful view of the green area and allows you to mow it less often.

Advantages

• manufacturer’s warranty of 2 years;
• Czech build;
• Perfectly cuts under 1.2 cm;
• Handles even cherry trees.

Disadvantages

• Bites the vegetation on bumps and has to pull back.

Husqvarna 64

Rating: 4.6

The mechanical, wheel-driven attachment is designed to cut grass with a height of 1.2 to 5.5. see. It outperforms most competitors and allows you to use it on more neglected lawns. Design features a T-handle with rubber grips and a crimped collar for height adjustment. The mechanical model weighs only 8.7 kg. Testimonials show that if you have 2 to 3 cm of vegetation, you can cut the excess from the first pass – you won’t have to go back and rove over the same spot again.

The lawnmower is popular because of the larger cutting width of 54 cm in one pass. This rate contributes to higher productivity.Recommended for large, flat lawns.

Advantages

• low weight 8.7 kg;
• The cutting width is 54 cm;
• Can cut stems up to 55 mm high.

Disadvantages

• not the most comfortable handles, like a bicycle.

WOLF-Garten TT 350 S

Rating: 4.5

Relatively inexpensive and simple mower is available from American WOLF-Garten – TT 350 S, capable of mowing to a height of 1.3 to 3.8 cm. The mechanics are based on a rotary cutting system with rotating and stationary blade. It’s very simple and practically indestructible. The 20-litre grass catcher box is available as an option, for immediate collection and disposal. Weight of 8 kg is not difficult to push, even for children. As with the “older” models, the wheels have a high tread that prevents the blade from slipping. But the economy has affected the rubber overlay and the lack of handle height adjustment.

Among the manual lawnmowers of the Wolf-Garten brand, this one stands out with its 35 cm narrow body. On a flat area, it does not provide any advantages, but on a lawn with trees, columns and statues, it is much more maneuverable – it is easier to get around obstacles. Recommended product for owners of combined green areas.

Advantages

• Supports operation with 20 l grass catcher box;
• high tread on the wheels;
• low weight of 8 kg.

Disadvantages

• Narrow mowing width of 35 cm slows down performance on a flat, spacious area;
• no rubber pads on the handle.

Husqvarna 54

Rating: 4.5

Another popular mechanical device from Husqvarna is a lawn mower with the number 54. It has a steel deck and body that work well against occasional twigs and rocks. Mows 40 cm wide at a time. You can set the height of the lawn with a central switch with a four-position mechanism. Height range is 12-38mm. Thick rubber pads prevent the handlebar from slipping during long hours of work. When lawn care is finished, the handle folds in half, which reduces the storage space.

Reviews praise the product for acceptable bump work. To mow the lawn on uneven ground, owners advise setting the height of the blade to maximum. This makes the green mat easy to care for and avoids ground leveling.

Advantages

• steel deck;
• weight 8.6 kg;
• The handle folds down for compact storage;
• Runs optimally over bumps.

Disadvantages

• uncomfortable bike handlebars;
• After mowing high grass, the grass gets caught between the frame and the wheels.

GARDENA 330 Classic

Rating: 4.4

Among the compact lawnmowers of the mechanical type, the GARDENA Classic 330 is very popular. It has a cutting height of 12 to 42 mm and is best suited for lawn areas up to 150 m². The grass is ejected to the rear. To prevent the wheels from clogging up, they have solid discs. Because the machine weighs 8 cm.2 kg, it is easy to push in front of you. The handle can be folded in two taps for compact storage. According to reviews, owners like the two-wheeled mower with its quiet chirping noise when cutting and the sharpness of the blades. The lawn looks great after the pass. But if you buy a grass catcher box of the same brand, for some it pops out of the holders.

This is another mechanical narrow mower, optimal for the care of lawns with many shrubs, decorative objects (stones, lantern lights, columns, statues) or fountains. You will be comfortable to maneuver among obstacles due to the 37 cm wide body, providing a 330 mm mowing width.

Advantages

• Handle can be folded and unfolded in two taps;
• it is easy to push in front of you;
• affordable price;
• Easy to carry, thanks to its weight of 8.2 kg.

Disadvantages

• The handle slips in the hands.

BOSCH AHM 30 (0.600.886.001)

Rating: 4.4

The mechanical grass mower from the German Bosch brand is suitable for smaller lawns up to 80 m², because it only cuts a strip of grass of 30 cm at a time. But inside it has a reliable spindle cutting system with a rotating shaft with 4 knives. The hardened steel is stone-proof and maintenance-free. The manufacturer issues a 2-year warranty on the product, confirming the quality of the lawnmower and the assurance of performance. The big difference from the models described above is the stepless setting of the cutting height from 12 to 40 mm, while most competitors have it stepwise.

The mower is also extremely lightweight, weighing only 6.4 kg. It can be loaded into the trunk of a car with one hand. If the area to be mowed is far from the place of unloading/storing – it is not difficult to carry the mower in hands.

Advantages

• Folding handle;
• spindle system;
• low weight 6.4 kg
• Infinite height adjustment system for cutting stalks;
• the knives are made of hardened steel;
• 2-year warranty.

Disadvantages

• No anti-slip pad on the handle;
• The height of the U-shaped handle is not adjustable;
• for small lawns only.

CHAMPION MM4026

Rating: 4.3

One of the most affordable mechanical units is the CHAMPION MM4026. Mowers up to 40 cm at a time and cuts 25 to 40 mm of grass. The cut material is thrown back and the operator has a clear view of where to continue working. The tool weighs 7 kg, so it can be pushed forwards and backwards.5 knives on the shaft It weighs 7.5 kg, so it’s not at all difficult to push it forward. When the work is done and you want to fold the mower into the pantry or garage, the handle is shortened by a factor of three, but you have to unscrew 6 bolts to do this. Optionally, you can attach a grass catcher box for as much as 30 liters, but it is purchased separately. Testimonials show that the blades are sharp from the factory and the machine can handle not only soft grass, but also couch grass.

This is another lawn mower, optimal for the care of lawns with uneven surfaces. Thanks to the tractor tread on the wheels, the mechanical model rides comfortably over bumps and doesn’t skid in tall grass.

Advantages

• can be quickly folded up for transport;
• “The tractor tread on the wheels;
• low weight 7.5 kg;
• 5 blades on a shaft.

Disadvantages

• handles are not adjustable in height;
• the blade holders on the front stop are plastic – could break if pushed hard.