Lawn Mowers

Rotary lawn mowers are most often compared to reel lawn mowers, and have advantages and disadvantages as any other type of lawn mower would. However, the term “rotary” is often confusing to a prospective buyer. It is sometimes difficult to understand exactly what a rotary lawn mower is all about and why they are a popular type of lawn mower. It is important to understand things like the basic mechanics, which yards prefer the rotary, and what engine options it can come with.

What sets rotary lawn mowers apart from others is the way the blades cut the grass. A rotary mower has a completely horizontal fan-style blade that simultaneously straightens the grass with its air flow and cuts the grass off straight across. This is contrary to other mowers, like the reel, which lays grass flat and cuts downward into it to cut it. Rotary lawn mowers are always powered mowers (unlike reels) because it takes a motor to move the blade in a fan-like motion.

Larger yards, like those that measure over 8,000 square feet, are the yards that are more apt for rotary lawn mowers. This is because they are powered ones and are easier to use over large distances. Reel mowers are more popular for smaller yards because they are rarely powered and need to be pushed, making them less popular for large yards than rotary mowers.

There are two general types of motors used in rotary lawn mowers, simple power motors and self-propelled motors. The simple power motors are the kind that do not propel the lawn mower forward, but only cause the blade of the mower itself to circulate to cut the grass. This can be difficult because it makes the mower heavier without giving it any forward motion, making it more difficult for the operator to push it along. The other type of motor, the self-propelled motor, is very different from the simple power one because it not only causes the blade to circulate, it propels the mower itself along, making it easier for the operator to walk behind it or ride it, without having to push the rotary lawn mowers along themselves.