Types of cut and finish

Cylinder mowers (with a scissor-like cutting action between the cylinder of revolving blades and a fixed bottom blade) are OK if the grass is never allowed to get too long. Rotaries (including hovers) can cope with long and short grass.

For a striped finish, choose a machine (cylinder or rotary) with a roller.

Cylinder mowers can collect the mowings, usually in a rear-fitting grassbox. Some rotaries have optional grass collection. Mulching rotaries cut and recut mowings and drop them on ground where invisible. These save time because there's no box to empty. Some have optional grass collection for versatility.

Power source

Modern, well maintained hand mowers (always cylinder) are much easier to push than the old-fashioned ones - quiet, use no fuel, compact for storage, but hard work on slopes.

Electric ones are lightweight, usable on slopes, can be stored in the house too, but their use is limited to dry weather for safety. The cable can be a nuisance to keep out of the way, and easy to cut through accidentally if the mower has metal cutting blades rather than nylon or plastic blades. For safety, use electric mowers plugged into a residual current device (if not incorporated into the house wiring) which can be bought from the electrical section of most High Street shops as well as from specialists.

Or you could do away with the problem by using a cordless machine. These run on rechargeable batteries - cordless cylinder and rotary mowers are now available.

Petrol mowers are versatile but need servicing and outside storage. Choose 2-stroke or special 4-stroke engines for slopes; 4-strokes for level ground.

Find more information in our mower guide.