Small rotary mower

Types of Small Rotary Mowers

A small rotary mower is an outdoor lawn care machine that trims grass by rotating a horizontal blade. It is usually applicable in small-scale farming areas and homes where grass and bushes need frequent trimming and maintenance. There are various types of small rotary mowers, each with unique features.

• Push Rotary Mower

  A push rotary lawn mower is a machine that is designed to be pushed manually across the lawn to cut grass. It typically has a single horizontal blade that is mounted underneath a deck. The configuration and design of a push rotary mower allow the machine to trim grass effectively by skimming the lawn surface. Most push rotary mowers are designed to cut grass at varying heights. This is achieved by adjusting the mower's height through the wheels or deck positioning. Push rotary mowers come in two main blade types: horizontal and vertical blades. Vertical blade push mowers are also known as reel mowers.

• Self-Propelled Rotary Mowers

  Self-propelled rotary mowers operate similarly to push mowers, but they have their own power supply units. Thus, they are easier to maneuver compared to push mowers. Self-propelled rotary mowers come in two main configurations: front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Front-wheel self-propelled mowers are driven by the front wheels, which are responsible for steering and propelling the mower. On the other hand, all-wheel drive mowers transmit power to all four wheels, providing better traction and control, particularly in challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions.

• Decked Rotary Mowers

  Decked rotary mowers exist in two main forms: zero-turn mowers and standard riding mowers. A zero-turn rotary mower has a unique steering system that allows the mower to turn on an imaginary point. Standard riding mowers, on the other hand, are large lawn maintenance machines that have multiple mowing blades, typically three. They are designed to take care of large open areas such as sports fields and golf courses.

• Flail Mowers

  Flail mowers cut grass and vegetation using a series of small blades attached to horizontal revolving shafts. The blades are usually mounted on a vertical shaft. Besides cutting grass, flail mowers are also capable of chopping and shredding organic material such as small branches and leaves. This feature makes them suitable for areas where such organic material is common.

Specification & Maintenance

Small rotary lawn mowers mainly have the following specifications.

• Cutting Width: 35-45cm cutting widths are common, equivalent to 14-18 inches. A mower with a larger cutting width often means higher efficiency. For example, a 45cm (or 18-inch) cutting width can reduce time by approximately 10% when compared to a 40cm (or 16-inch) cutting width.
• Power: For small rotary mowers that run on domestic power, the mower's wattage needs to be higher. For example, a 40-45cm cutting width requires about 1,500 watts. Mowers running on gas or diesel engines have their power represented by engine displacement. Small rotary mower engine displacement ranges from 150cc to 250cc. A 160cc gas-powered mower, for instance, would be suitable for a cutting width of around 42cm.
• Net Weight: The weight of small electric rotary mowers typically falls within the range of 15-25 kg. In contrast, gas-powered rotary mowers are slightly heavier, with weights ranging from 25 kg to approximately 35 kg.
• Cutting Height: The rotary mower cutting height is the grass height that the mower can maintain after mowing. This height is typically within the range of 25 to 70 mm, with intervals of around 5 mm.
• Battery: Some battery-powered rotary mowers use lead-acid batteries, while others use lithium batteries. Specifications such as 12V/70Ah indicate that it's a lithium battery system.
• Charger: For example, some rotary mowers come with a charger that has a specification of 1.5A/24V.

Daily Maintenances

A small push rotary mower doesn't need special maintenance, but the following frequent checks will keep it running smoothly and safely.

• Check the blades: Inspect the mower blades for damage, such as dents or gouges. Check for signs of rust and any loose or missing bolts holding the blades in place. A damaged blade can tear rather than cut the grass, leaving a rough lawn. Blades that are tarnished with rust can cause their rotary lawn mowers to leave behind ugly brown splodges on the lawn. Weak or broken bolts can lead to the blade coming away from the mower entirely. Use a wrench to give the bolts a gentle twist to check for looseness. Get a replacement blade if the damage is too severe.
• Clean under the deck: Cleaning grass clippings and debris that build up under the mower deck helps prevent corrosion and rust.
• Bolts and fasteners: Check all bolts and fasteners, including the mower handles and wheel fasteners, to ensure security. Remember to replace any parts that are damaged or broken.
• Fluid levels: Gas-powered rotary mower engines are similar to small vehicle engines. It's crucial to check the engine oil level and add new oil if required. This practice helps preserve the engine's longevity.

Scenarios of small rotary mowers

Because of their simplicity and efficiency, small rotary mowers have a wide range of usage scenarios.

• Domestic lawn care

  For average homeowners taking care of their lawns, a small rotary mower is a popular choice. It can be used to easily trim grass to an ideal height without the use of complex techniques or equipment. This helps to keep the lawn level, beautiful, and well-kept. Also, for households that don't occupy a large area, a small rotary mower allows them to take care of a small lawn efficiently.

• Lawn service

  For professional lawn maintenance companies, small rotary mowers are also an essential piece of equipment. They can service a large number of clients in a short period. An efficient trimming process can raise the quality of service and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, professional lawn maintenance companies often take care of relatively small areas, such as residential communities, green spaces, etc. Equipped with small rotary mowers, they can skillfully handle their work.

• Public green spaces

  For public parks and other green space managers, small rotary mower also serves as an important tool. It can be used to maintain the grass in these areas and keep the entire park looking tidy and beautiful. This enhances the overall experience for visitors. Additionally, the small mower's ability to trim grass in confined spaces makes it well-suited for use in public parks and green spaces.

• Golf courses

  A small rotary mower can be used to precisely trim the grass on a golf course. This ensures that the beautiful lawns and playing surfaces of the course remain in top condition. Furthermore, the small mower's versatility allows it to reach the fringes and tricky-to-reach areas of a golf course. Rotary mowers can be employed to maintain the entire course effectively.

• Agricultural applications

  A small rotary mower can also be used to mow the grass between rows on a farm. It provides assistance in the maintenance of orchards. Furthermore, the mower can handle a wide range of vegetation, such as weeds. This helps to reduce vegetation competition and promotes the growth of economic crops.

• Other venues

  The small rotary mower can also be used in other locations, such as sports fields, cemeteries, and roadside embankments. A small mower can help maintain, trim, and beautify various types of green space.

How to Choose Small Rotary Mowers

Both lawn care service providers and DIY gardeners can benefit from understanding what to look for when selecting a small rotary mower for their needs. One of the main things to look for is a mower that makes it easy to cover the intended area in the usual length of time without becoming fatigued. Weight and adjustability are two features that can help with this.

Consider the size and weight of the mower to be used, particularly its handle height and whether its handles can be detatched or folded down. Look for models with lightweight materials such as aluminum decks so that they are not too heavy to lift at the end of any mowing session. A mower whose handle height can be adjusted means it may not need to be lifted at all, as it can be adjusted to match the user's height. Another way to reduce the amount of mower that needs to be lifted is to choose a mower with a self-propelled option.

Self-propelled mowers reduce the amount of effort needed to move a rotary mower around by powering the mower's wheels, and they are quite helpful in supporting areas of overgrowth. Another way to reduce fatigue is to select a mower with a variable speed setting so that the speed can be adjusted to suit different terrains. If the mowing area includes a lot of obstacles, it is worth considering a model that allows the blades to be disengaged while keeping the engine on. Another useful feature to have in a smaller rotary mower is the ability to fine-tune the cutting height. Being able to quickly drop the blades and fully engage them is also helpful.

Those who need to spend a lot of time mowing routinely should look for extra damage protection features like heavy-duty bumpers, reinforced decks, and blade guards. A heavy-duty bumper can help protect the mower's body from damage due to accidental bumps, while a blade guard can prevent debris from entering the mower and protect the blades from damage. A protective deck guard can also prevent debris from getting into the deck to extend its life.

A gas rotary mower is generally more powerful than an electric one, and those who need more power should look for mowers with higher horsepower ratings. However, this power is usually sufficient in most cases, and a suitable electric mower may be a better choice for lower maintenance.

Q&A

Q1: What are the latest trends in small rotary mower technology?

A1: One trend is the move toward electric-powered mowers. Battery power, in particular, is getting better and lasting longer. Another trend is the use of smart features, like self-driving capabilities and smartphone apps, that let people monitor and control the mower remotely.

Q2: How can business buyers ensure the quality of small rotary mowers?

A2: They should look at products carefully and see how well they are made. Checking for quality materials and strong features is important. Buying from well-known brands with good reputations is smart. Buyers should also read user reviews to find out if others are happy with their rotary mower.

Q3: What are the safety precautions for using a small rotary mower?

A3: Before using a small rotary mower, people should follow the safety instructions given by the manufacturer. Wearing safety glasses and hearing protection is a must. Check the mower to make sure everything is working well. Never put their hands near the blades, even if they are stopped. Be careful and watch for any hidden objects in the grass that could hit and damage the mower.

Q4: Can small rotary mowers handle uneven terrain and slopes?

A4: Generally, small rotary mowers are made for even, smooth ground. The mower may tip over, and the parts may get worn out or damaged if the terrain is very rough. Slopes that are too steep also pose risks. But small rotary mower models with a rear wheel drive system provide better traction and stability on light slopes compared to frog drive models. It's best to avoid very steep grounds with small mowers.