Lawn mowers have long been in the service of utility companies, and they are also in demand by owners of country houses. The choice of model depends on the area being treated. If a large area is located far from the house, then a self-propelled gasoline lawn mower will be the best option for solving the problem of mowing the grass.
Features of self-propelled mowers
The comfort of using a self-propelled lawn mower lies in the fact that you do not need to push it in front of you while working. The car drives itself, and the operator only directs it in the right direction. In self-propelled mowers, the torque from the gasoline engine is transmitted to the wheels. Thanks to this, the equipment can be operated by a person who does not have great physical strength.
All self-propelled models are divided into two groups:
- Rear-wheel drive mowers do not slip. The vehicles are characterized by high cross-country ability and drive well over bumps and potholes.
- Front-wheel drive mowers are more maneuverable, but they need flat terrain to ride well. The machines are convenient to use on lawns where there are trees, flower beds, sidewalks and other obstacles.
Self-propelled petrol lawn mowers with metal and plastic bodies are produced. Components have been added to the plastic to increase its strength. This case is resistant to corrosion, does not fade in the sun and is lightweight. But even the most durable plastic cannot withstand strong impacts. And they often happen when the knife catches stones on the lawn.
The most reliable is a gasoline lawn mower with a metal body. Moreover, aluminum alloys have a longer service life. The steel body is susceptible to corrosion and is heavier.
The track width of a petrol lawn mower depends on the model. For domestic needs, it is optimal to choose a model in which this figure is in the range of 30–43 cm. Professional self-propelled mowers are designed for mowing large lawns. Naturally, their track width has also been increased by more than 50 cm.
When choosing a self-propelled lawn mower, you need to consider its features. There are models equipped with a mulching function. It is typical for each mower to have a certain number of switching stages that regulate the height of mowing green vegetation.Grass catchers come in hard and soft types. The plastic basket is easier to clean, and the fabric bag is lightweight.
Grass catchers are also available with or without a fullness indicator. The first option is more convenient, since the operator will not have to stop the machine often to check the basket.
The video provides an overview of a self-propelled mower for mowing tall vegetation:
Rating of popular gasoline lawn mowers
Our rating is based on reviews from users who determined for themselves the best gasoline lawn mower in terms of performance and other parameters.
Self-propelled model Husqvarna R 152SV
The popularity rating is topped by a rear-wheel drive car, which can rightfully be called a jewel. The mower maneuvers well on lawns with complex geometric shapes. The maximum speed is 5 km/h, but smooth regulation allows the lawn mower to approach flowerbeds with delicate vegetation and shrubs.
The self-propelled mower is equipped with a 3.8 horsepower gasoline engine. The special sharpening of the knife allows you to chop not only grass, but also small branches that get in the way. The grass can be discharged to the side, backwards, or using a grass catcher. The fabric bag has a capacity of 70 liters. The cutting height is adjusted by an eight-speed switch and has a range from 3.3 to 10.8 cm. The cutting width of the knife is 53 cm. There is a mulching function.
User reviews indicate only one drawback - sometimes the pipe through which the grass is released into the bag gets clogged.
Powerful Husqvarna LB 448S
In second position, our popularity rating is headed by a powerful front-wheel drive model designed for frequent and continuous use. In terms of cost, the mower falls into the middle category. Most of the positive reviews concern the engine. The gasoline engine from the Honda manufacturer is characterized by fast and smooth starting.
A knife made of silumin can withstand impacts from stones found on the lawn. This allows you to use the lawn mower in difficult and heavily polluted areas. The cutting height regulator has 6 steps. The grass is thrown backwards. There is a mulching function. The cutting width is 48 cm. The rubber wheel tread with a deep pattern provides reliable grip on the ground.
Many users consider the lack of a speed controller and a grass catcher to be a disadvantage.
McCULLOCH M46-125R Compact Mower
The American self-propelled mower weighs 28 kg. The front-wheel drive car is characterized by maneuverability, which makes it easy to avoid many obstacles on lawns and lawns. The mower runs on a 3.5 horsepower gasoline engine. The motor is characterized by quick start. There is only one speed – 3.6 km/h and it is not adjustable.
The lawn mower is equipped with a six-stage mowing height regulator with a range of 3–8 cm. The cut grass is ejected to the side or a grass catcher with a capacity of 50 liters is used. The basket can be fabric or plastic. The grass cutting width is 46 cm.
Among the disadvantages, users highlight the gluttony of oil, as well as the lack of a mulching function. The advantages are considered to be modern design and affordable cost.
Simple and inexpensive HYUNDAI L 4300S
A lightweight lawn mower suitable for private use.The rear-wheel drive car is equipped with a 4 horsepower engine. The weight of the unit is about 27 kg. A big plus is the presence of an anti-vibration and noise suppression system. The machine is easy to move and practically does not tire your hands during long-term operation. The cutting height adjustment range is 2.5–7.5 cm. The cutting element is a knife made of four blades. The flaps create an air flow that throws the cut vegetation into the fabric grass catcher.
Among the positive qualities, users highlight economical fuel consumption, as well as easy and smooth engine starting. The main disadvantage is the lack of speed control. The maneuverable mower with a powerful motor moves quickly on a flat lawn, forcing the operator to keep up with it.
Super-powerful CRAFTSMAN 37093
If the rating of lawn mowers is based on traction force, then this model will take a leading position. The car has a 7 horsepower engine. An even bigger plus is rear-wheel drive. With these characteristics, the mower will handle large areas with difficult terrain without rest.
A powerful motor is not an obstacle to comfortable movement. The speed controller allows you to adjust the machine to the operator's requirements. The large radius of the wheels contributes to maneuverability and minimal damage to the lawn grass. An eight-stage mowing regulator allows you to set the height in the range from 3 to 9 cm. The mowing width is 56 cm. The volumetric grass catcher is designed for 83 liters.
Users consider the small volume of the fuel tank to be a disadvantage, because 1.5 liters is not enough for such a powerful engine. The lawn mower weighs 44 kg, which is also quite a lot.But the machine is self-propelled, so its large mass does not create problems in operation.
Sports AL-KO Highline 525 VS
The lawn mower has a modern, sporty design. The model is equipped with a 3.4 horsepower gasoline engine. Thanks to its rear-wheel drive and large wheel diameter, the mower has excellent stability on uneven lawns. The mown grass is thrown out to the side or backwards. The rigid grass catcher has a capacity of 70 liters. A big plus is the presence of a cart full indicator. The cutting width of the knife is 51 cm. The seven-stage mowing control has a range from 3 to 8 cm.
The steel body has a good shape, which increases the air flow that throws the grass into the basket. In addition, the car can be driven close to any obstacle.
Users consider the low mowing height to be a disadvantage. For such a powerful engine, this range could be expanded.
Reviews
Concluding our rating, let's read user reviews of self-propelled gasoline mowers.
