enter value/s in increments of 1 between 269 and 2309
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Drive type
Push: The lawnmower is pushed manually.
Self-propelled: The motor also drives the wheels to make pushing easier – useful for large lawns or hilly areas. These are usually single-speed but some allow you to select between two or three speeds.
Cut type
Catcher: No mulching option.
Catcher/mulcher: Can be used in either mode.
Width of cut (cm)
The width of the cutting blades – the wider the cut, the fewer passes needed to mow the lawn.
enter value/s in increments of i between 37 and 76
Year tested
The scores between tests in different years are not always strictly comparable due to the need to use different testing sites. However, the test method is same, so a model that performs well at one test site would be expected to perform similarly at a different site.
Grass cutting score – catcher
We test lawnmowers for cutting short- and medium-length grass with a catcher, and long grass without a catcher. Our testers also rate the appearance of the grass after the short and medium-grass tests.
enter value/s in increments of i between 80 and 98
Grass cutting score – mulching
We test lawnmowers that have a mulching mode on short and medium length grass, and rate them on cutting performance and the appearance of the lawn afterwards. 'NA' or 'Not applicable' means that model has no mulching mode.
enter value/s in increments of i between 45 and 100
Noise level at user's position (dB)
Noise measured at the operator's ear level.
enter value/s in increments of i between 79 and 94
Cutting positions
Number of cutting positions. A higher number offers greater versatility.
enter value/s in increments of i between 5 and 13
Weight (kg)
enter value/s in increments of i between 20 and 74
Main body material
Steel; durable but can be more prone to rusting.
Alloy; can be more expensive but tends to be more rust-resistant and may be lighter.
Plastic; lighter and won't corrode, but may not be as durable.
Starter toggle location
All petrol mowers can be started via a pull cord mounted on the handle or motor body. Some also have electric ignition, which makes starting easier. Look for the key start filter to narrow those down.
Origin
Where the manufacturer claims it was put together.
Wash nozzle
Lets you clean the underside of the mower without turning it on its side.
Key start
The mower is started with a key, toggle or button rather than a pull cord.
Rear deflector
Deflects clippings and debris to one side so they don't fly straight back at the user. Useful if you want to want to mow without mulching and without the catcher.
Fuel tap
Extra chute
Whether the mower comes standard with an extra side chute attachment.
Availability
A Similar model is identical in most aspects except for a few. This means that a majority of its test results are identical so you can reasonably expect to get the same results from the model we tested, but for those aspects which aren't identical, we'll note these as "Not Tested" in the Compare tables.
A Tested model refers to a model that is still current and available in the Australian market. You should be able to order this model through your local retailer, or find it online.
These models can't be found in retailers or online or are no longer manufactured. You may still find them on second-hand websites, or in second-hand dealers. Test methods may change over time, so criteria which can't be directly compared will contain an N/A.
An Identical model is exactly that. Performance characteristics will be identical and the only difference will be something trivial such as colour, which won't have an impact on performance.
These are models we haven't yet tested but that are available.
Included in this review
- CHOICE Expert Rating
- Reliability score
- Origin
- Satisfaction score
- Recommended
- Cutting score with catcher
- Cutting score mulching
- Ease of use score
- Vibration score
- Pushing score
- Handle score
- Controls score
- Height adjustment score
- Starter score
- Catcher score
- Noise at 7.5 metres (dB)
- Noise level at user's position (dB)
- Closeness of cut to a vertical edge (mm)
- Good points
- Bad points
- Price
- Year tested
- Drive type
- Cut type
- Main body material
- Starter toggle location
- Motor
- Cutting positions
- Lowest cutting height (mm)
- Highest cutting height (mm)
- Width of cut (cm)
- Wash nozzle
- Quick release handle
- Blade control lever
- Rear deflector
- Key start
- Self start
- Snorkel for air filter
- Chipper
- Extra chute
- Tilt adjustable deck
- Fuel tap
- Weight (kg)
- Warranty