If you are of average height, there's not much to worry about, but if you are taller or shorter than average, make sure that the handle height is correct or can be adjusted to avoid backache. Mowing is also much easier if the handles are in the right place.

Check that you can easily reach and use the various controls because some are difficult to use with small hands. If your lawn is overhung by shrubs or close to a high wall or fence, look for controls fitted centrally so that they won't catch on the obstacle, or trap your hand.

Self-propelled mowers may have separate controls for the blades and the forward drive. This enables you to push the machine when mowing in awkward areas, where the forward drive is too fast. It also enables you to use the power drive to take the mower across gravel with the blades safely stationary.

Forward speed on self-propelled mowers can be excruciatingly slow for some people and too fast for others. A faster machine is fine for wide open spaces, but a slower machine gives more control in confined areas. Some mowers have a choice of forward speeds, but these are amongst the more expensive ranges.