Rating of the best mechanical lawn mowers of 2022

Mechanical (reel, wheel trimmer, drum) mowers are not suitable for everyone. They are designed for small flat mowing areas and require a lot of effort to manage them. At the same time, exceptional cutting quality and convenience are ensured – hand-held machines offer something that no other machine can.

Our review will provide recommendations on choosing the best manufacturers, guide you at average prices, and tell you what to look for so as not to make a mistake when buying a mechanical lawn mower.

How to choose the right garden equipment, its functions

Before purchasing a drum mower, you should know its pros and cons. Lack of skillful inventory will be an uprooting disappointment and you will feel longing for the days when you used more traditional powered vehicles. Simply put, the coil machine is not a direct replacement for the conventional one.

Mechanical technique is not only good for the general condition of the lawn, but also useful for a person who works on it independently, since its use will successfully replace a trip to the gym. It does not require much grooming, however, it is necessary to put a lot of diligence into following the haircut schedule, because. the product is not intended for tall grass.

The main criterion for choosing a drum machine for the home is the size and quality of your site, it is best suited for small flat lawns. Any deviation from this can cause problems. The use of a reel mower is more like a pleasant pastime in the fresh air, rather than hard work, but not everyone likes such a mower. Some homeowners, after long-term testing, say they regret the purchase and often consider selling it in order to purchase an inexpensive electric or combustion engine equipped machine with a portable trimmer.

Compared to a brushcutter provided with conventional cutting elements (line), top or bottom engine, the functionality of drum units is better suited for the “health” of the lawn.They cut grass like scissors, unlike motorized machines that tend to mulch, damaging leaf tissue, which in turn puts more stress on the plants. The use of reel machines allows the lawn to lose less water, be more disease resistant and look better overall.

By pushing the drum apparatus, you simultaneously rotate the blades-knives, which increases the resistance. It's not an easy job, like, say, pushing an empty cart where you're only pushing the wheels. A person weighing 79 kg burns approximately 251 calories operating a drum machine for 30 minutes. That's 51 calories more than an 84kg worker pushing a powered lawnmower for the same amount of time. Anyone with more than 10 acres will find weekly mowing with a reel tedious.

Rotary mowers require minimal maintenance, much quieter than conventional machines. Other than lubrication, sharpening knives every few years, you don't need any other maintenance. As far as noise is concerned, many users of reel assemblies cite the low cutting sound of the tool as a key benefit. On the other hand, gasoline cars require fuel, regular repairs, oil changes, winterization, they are noisy, have an unpleasant smell.

In addition to the undeniable advantages of using this equipment, there are disadvantages, we summarize them:

• Firstly, for a manual mower to be practical, you must have a small lawn (up to 10 acres). It can be especially tiring in the spring when the grass grows quickly and you may need to mow twice a week.
• Secondly, a lot of diligence and strict adherence to a regular haircut schedule is necessary.If the grass is overgrown, the drum mower will not cope, it will simply roll over the vegetation, so if you have taken a long break between mowing, you should use a regular mower.
• Third, reel mowers are uncomfortable on sloping or bumpy lawns. The torque that turns the blades comes from the wheels as you roll them on the ground. On an uneven surface or slope, contact with the ground is lost, resulting in uncut grass.

In fact, the overall results may not be what you expect. The device often misses higher grass areas, you have to go back and cut them with scissors. Also, on most drum machines, the blades are inside the wheels, so you'll have a wide swath of uncut grass against a fence or stone wall.

Experts recommend never cutting vegetation too close to the ground, which can cause it to dry out and scorch in the summer. This means that the minimum cutting height is not a useful equipment option as you are unlikely to use it.

Maintenance Tips

After work, simply hose off any grass and dirt that has stuck to it and let the machine dry in the sun, it is a good idea to wipe the blades with an oiled rag once a season to prevent rust.

You should pay attention to the adjustment of the knives, which can shift over time. In most manual machines, rotating blades pass over a fixed bed, due to this, shearing occurs.If the clearance is not adjusted, the blades will stop mowing, the blades may come too close together, causing them to collide, making it harder to push the mower and the blades becoming dull quickly. Adjustment is simple and usually requires turning a couple of set screws, depending on the model. In addition to proper adjustment, homemade sharpening will be required, once every few seasons.

Where could I buy

Budget products can be purchased at the nearest specialized supermarket, managers will tell you which company the device is better to look at, how much they cost, what they are, and provide a description of all types. The model you like can be ordered online in the online store.

Rating of quality mechanical lawn mowers for 2022

Our top list is based on real reviews, it takes into account the opinion of buyers who purchased equipment, there are photos and a comparison table.

Inexpensive

Bosch "AHM 30"

3rd place is occupied by "Bosch AHM 30" - a manual machine that will help when cutting small household plots. Despite the fact that this equipment does not have its own engine, with its help you will achieve a neat, high-quality haircut.

Spindle system with 4 rotating blades made of hardened steel for a clean, fast finish. The cutting height is adjustable, it can be easily adjusted without the use of auxiliary tools, which makes it possible to choose the right mowing option for your taste.

Environmental friendliness, ergonomics will be an excellent gift for a homeowner who appreciates respect for nature.This device is driven by its own hands, as a result, it does not emit harmful waste, does not create noise. Important advantages of the model are:

• little weight;
• movable wheels that allow you to successfully process the area without load;
• compact dimensions will help to work in hard-to-reach places.
• spindle shaft mounted on bearings does not require maintenance;
• cutting height adjustment - smooth, made by "click".

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Max. idle speed, rpm	11000
Product weight, g	6400
Grass cut, cm	1.2-4.
Brand	Bosch
Color	Green, black
Guarantee	24 months
Package size, cm	65x45x40
Type of lawn mower	Non-self-propelled
Manufacturer country	China
Packed weight, g	7180

• easy operation;
• no cord needed
• no smell of gasoline;
• quiet.

• will cope only with small grass on a flat surface.

AL-KO Soft Touch 38 HM Comfort

Silver at "Soft Touch 38 HM Comfort", this model is not noisy, light, suitable for a small personal plot. The mechanical spindle design works without producing harmful emissions into the atmosphere, there is no need to connect a battery or power outlet. It is important to note that this provides a clean, clear cut and respect for the lawn.

"AL-KO Soft Touch 38 HM Comfort" is equipped with a non-contact spindle with five blades made of strong metal, providing mowing of vegetation 38 cm wide. electric motor.The mechanism can switch to one of four grass cutting heights (1.4-3.5 cm). The adjustment is very easy, taking no more than two minutes.

With the help of large-diameter tires with high-quality tread, the equipment has a small specific pressure on the lawn, leaving no marks when driving. Due to the wide wheels, the control of the device on hilly areas is facilitated.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Drive type	Manual
Spindle	128 mm / 5 steel knives
Wheel Ø front / rear, mm	220
For areas up to, m²	250
Cutting technology	Contactless
Capture width, cm	38
slice	14-35mm
Cut adjustment	4-speed
Weight, kg (approx.)	7.9

• no noise, no emissions;
• easy operation;
• four height adjustment options;
• little weight;
• rubber bumper that protects the body from impacts;
• integrated grass catcher.

• not detected.

Bosch AHM 38C

The winner is Bosch AHM 38 C, a manual grass mowing machine. The Japanese machine is equipped with a spindle with 5 blades that will evenly cut the vegetation in your garden. A grass catcher can be attached to the equipment (optional), cut vegetation can fit into it.

The thoughtful design of the Bosch AHM 38 C blade setting allows you to mow the grass of the required height. Due to its small dimensions, the model is easily transported, and the presence of a gearbox ensures smooth running of the wheels.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
The weight	7 kg
Working width	38 cm
Mulching	+
grass catcher	-
slice	15-43 mm
Weight of packed goods, kg	7.7
Home of the brand	Germany
Country of Origin	China

• spindle system - 5 blades;
• ergonomic holder;
• fixation of the lower knife by a “click”;
• the spindle shaft is mounted on bearings, does not require regular maintenance.

• not detected.

Medium

Gardena 400 Comfort

4th place is occupied by the reel model "Gardena 400 Comfort". Using this design, you can accurately, quickly create the perfect lawn. The principle of its operation is quite simple, pushing the device forward, you, along with the wheels, scroll the cutting cylinder, which, in turn, cuts the vegetation. The mechanism is similar to scissors, it first lifts the grass, then cuts it.

The cutting drum and the bed do not touch, which makes the work pleasant, silent. The blades are made of strong hardened steel, which is additionally covered with a layer that provides protection against dirt sticking. It is important to mention the sharpening of the knife, which guarantees a neat, safe mowing, leaving your yard perfectly groomed.

"Gardena 400 Comfort" has a large number of elements that make work easy and comfortable. It is worth mentioning the wheels with a special profile tread; rubberized, plastic elements, as well as an ergonomic holder that folds for compact storage. A simple adjustment system makes it easy to set the required cutting height.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Working width	40 cm
Recommended mowing area	250 sq.m
grass catcher	-
mowing	12-42mm
Cutting height adjustment	Central
A pen	folding
deck material	Steel
Housing material	Steel
Anti-vibration system	-
Number of wheels	2
Disc material	Plastic
The weight	8.1 kg
Packed volume	0.072 m3

• pleasant work;
• ergonomics;
• comfortable transportation;
• simple adjustment;
• handling, excellent grip.

• high price.

Husqvarna 54 Exclusive

Bronze at the drum design "Husqvarna 54 Exclusive", it is used for cutting vegetation in small areas. The wheels of the device are made of strong polypropylene, which guarantees a long service life. Cutting height and blade adjustment can be done without additional tools. Sharpened steel blades increase work efficiency.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Working width	40 cm
Recommended mowing area	250 sq.m
grass catcher	-
mowing	12-42mm
Cutting height adjustment	Central
A pen	folding
deck material	Steel
Housing material	Steel
Anti-vibration system	-
Number of wheels	2
Disc material	Plastic
The weight	8.1 kg
Packed volume	0.072 m3

• strong wheels;
• durable, easy to move design for maximum comfort;
• wear-resistant blades;
• grass catcher (optional).

• high price.

Gardena 330 Classic

The main advantage of the "Gardena 330 Classic", which occupies the 3rd place in our list, are knives that provide a neat cut of vegetation on your site. The machine is an environmentally friendly solution for a perfect lawn.

The basis for the successful functioning of the structure is ease of operation and maintenance. The knife moves like scissors, it cuts the grass neatly and evenly. Features "Gardena 330 Classic":

• the cutting drum and the lower blade do not touch, providing a silent and easy cutting, while the forces required for work are quite low.
• large-sized wheels increase handling, grip;
• mowing height has four options, easy to adjust.

Folding handle provides more space for storage, transportation.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Net weight, kg	8
Housing material	Plastic
Cutting width, cm	33
Slice, cm	1.2-4,2
grass catcher	Optional
Square	150 m2
Number of adjustment modes	4
NET dimensions (LxWxH), cm	56*30*31

• simple operation;
• doesn't make noise.

• does not cut uneven areas well;
• drive sold separately;
• does not cope with long vegetation.

Gardena 400 Classic

In second place is the Gardena 400 Classic, with its help you can successfully equip an English lawn with an area of ​​​​up to two acres. By pushing the machine forward, you spin the drum blade cutting through the vegetation.

The principle of operation of the design resembles scissors that lift the grass, then cut it. Machine features:

• cutting blades made of high-strength hardened steel with a protective coating against dirt sticking, do not come into contact with the bed, making the work comfortable and silent.
• "Gardena 400 Classic" has a well-thought-out design with a large number of auxiliary elements, thanks to which the work becomes easy and convenient.

Large tires, ergonomic holder, convenient regulator make this model worthy of your attention.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Working width	40 cm
Square	200 sq.m
grass catcher	-
slice	12-42mm
Adjustment	+
Number of levels	4
A pen	Foldable, adjustable
deck material	Steel
Housing material	Steel
Number of wheels	2
Disc material	Plastic
The weight	8.9 kg
Life time	2 y.
Guarantee period	730 days

• controllability;
• noiselessness;
• environmental friendliness;
• folding design.

• will not overpower long, damp vegetation.

Expensive

Stiga SCM 440FS

In 3rd place is the original model, it is perfect for owners of small plots that constantly live outside the city. The Stiga SCM 440 FS does not have an engine, the cutting structure is built on a spindle system that functions like scissors, it cuts the vegetation much more accurately than a rotary machine.

"SCM 440 FS" is a very easy-to-use model, it works silently, efficiently, it is made of aluminum, which makes it strong, light, wear-resistant. The unit has five non-contact blades made of hardened steel, a cutting width of 0.4 m, an ergonomic holder, a lever that provides the ability to easily adjust the cutting height, and rear cushions that smooth the surface of the lawn.

Mowed vegetation is thrown forward, leaving the worker's feet clean. Drive sold separately. It is necessary to process the site with such a model more often than usual, because. she is not able to overpower the tall grass.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Cutting width	40 cm
grass catcher	-
Cutting height adjustment	Central
Number of levels	9
grass ejection	Back
A pen	Height adjustable
deck material	Aluminium alloy
Housing material	Aluminium alloy
Number of wheels	2
Disc material	Plastic
The weight	19.4 kg
Dimensions (WxDxH)	54x59x28 cm

• the noise of the motor will not disturb the neighbors, relatives, only a crunch is slightly audible when the knives cut the stems;
• maintenance consists only in cleaning the device after work;
• aluminum casing is rust resistant;
• the model is light, easy to operate;
• step by step assembly instructions.

• high price.

Husqvarna 64

Silver for the Husqvarna 64 equipped with the Novocut cutting system. The machine is as comfortable as possible when working with high vegetation, has a long service life due to the steel body. This design is suitable for areas that do not require regular mowing.

Husqvarna 64 features:

• ergonomic handle of management of the increased comfort;
• There are 4 options for setting the cutting height.

The equipment, in addition, can be equipped with a grass catcher, which will provide more convenient work.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Cutting width	40 cm
grass catcher	-
Cutting height	12-55mm
Cutting height adjustment	+
Number of levels	4
deck material	Steel
Housing material	Steel
Number of wheels	2
The weight	8.7 kg
Manufacturer	Sweden

• wheels are made of strong polypropylene;
• steel case;
• compactness.

• part of the grass flies past the drive.

Husqvarna 540 Novolette

The Husqvarna 540 Novolette wins, with the quietest trimmer type in its class. This is achieved by successfully overcoming the friction between the parts of the cutting elements. The device can be used in conjunction with a drive (optional), the working width of the blades is 0.41 m, they are made of steel, they are distinguished by super-strong cutting edges.

"Husqvarna 540 Novolette" is mobile, has the easiest control, due to large wheels, 20.3 cm in size. Polymer tires with high-quality tread are equipped with wear-resistant discs, closed-type metal bearings.

The rubberized handle provides a comfortable grip with two hands, it is possible to dismantle it, which is important for more convenient transportation and storage of the product.

The Husqvarna 540 Novolette has a rear mow discharge, the design is equipped with a 4-step cutting height adjustment (12-38 mm). Adjustment is carried out with the help of two screws, within a few minutes.

Technical indicators:

Options	Characteristics
Cutting modes	Heavy duty cutting blades
Working width	40.64 cm
Number of cutting height positions	4
Cutting height adjustment	Individual
Height, mm	12.7-38.1
Principle of movement	pushing
Storage device	Soft
Handle type	Loop-shaped
Soft grip	+
Front/rear wheel dimensions	203.2 mm
The weight	9.07 kg
Cutting deck material	Steel

• quiet, easy;
• does not require electricity, gasoline, while maintaining excellent power;
• badly cuts vegetation from 20 cm.

• high price;
• grass is wound onto a shaft.

We hope our article will help you make your lawn perfect and answer the question: "how to choose the right product."