Handy Tips

As anyone who has previously purchased a mower will know, there are a lot of things that you need to consider when making your selection. In this Honda lawn mowers buying guide, we have taken a closer look at four of the most important things that you need to consider. These include the housing, the engine, the blades and the wheels. Making the right choices in these areas will go a long way towards ensuring that your purchase has a long life expectancy.

1. Housing
A central element of a mower, the type of material that the housing is made from will have a direct impact on the cost of the machine. You will generally have three choices:

• Plastic, which is lightweight and is resistant to corrosion (which is caused by exposure to the chemical activity of the grass and to weather conditions). It’s the perfect choice for electric engines, as the plastic won’t conduct electricity in the case of a short circuit.
   
• Steel, which is very durable and good for rough mowing. They are, however,prone to corrosion, depending on how well you look after it – wash it down after use.
   
• Aluminium is often considered the best choice, but can be slightly more expensive. These housings are durable, resistant to corrosion and weigh more thanthe steel option. Most manufacturers offer a 10 year guarantee, so you know it will last at least this long.

2. Engine
Responsible for powering your lawn mower, there are two types of engine to choose from (note that manual machines don’t have engines at all – they rely on human power):

• Electric engines are environmentally friendly and are perfect for a smaller, more compact area – deal for those who do not wish to deal with fuel or oil. Some people do find that they are not as powerful as their fuel-powered counterparts, and cords can be a hassle.
   
• Petrol engines are generally more powerful and are better suited to larger areas. It is important that they are properly maintained to ensure trouble free mowing and a longer lifespan for your engine. You do, however, have the freedom to take the mower wherever you like.

3. Blades
One of the most important details that many people fail to carefully consider the blades that their Honda lawn mower comes with. Honda mowers are fitted with either a single bar blade, or a disc with swing back blades. Both are well priced when it comes time to replace them.If you hit a rock and notice that the blade or blades have become bent or if you notice you’re not getting a satisfactory cutting result, ensure that you have them replaced or sharpened professionally.

4. Wheels
Cheaper machines are often fitted with plastic wheels, which are easy to break and you will often find the bearings have worn out after only a few seasons. Honda mowers are fitted with larger style, good quality ball bearing wheels. Keep in mind that wheels are relatively cheap and easy to replace.

Whilst there are certainly other considerations that must be made during any mower purchase, we hope that the information provided above has shown you the importance of focusing on the housing, the engine, the blades and the wheels – all of the things that your machine needs to run efficiently. If you’re interested in a Honda lawn mower for keeping your lawns in check, make sure you get in touch with the team at Hastings Mowers for more information.