The Normal Lawn Mower
Normal mowers are the traditional walk behind power lawnmowers. They are a common sight around the world. There are two basic types of power lawn mower: rotary and reel. Both offer you choices between gas and electric; both are easy to use. The two different types also offer similar attachments such as baggers to store cut grass or leaves and mulchers (side or rear). The most common power lawn mower, however, is the rotary lawn mower.
Rotary mowers did not become popular on the mowing scene until the 1950s, coinciding with the move towards suburbia and the cult of the lawn. They put the word "power" into the term power lawnmower. It is something the manufacturers have continued to do ever since. All rotary mowers are power or "normal" mowers. There are no push varieties.
Rotary mowers became the dominant mower in the market for a number of reasons. Originally, the appeal was price. Rotary mowers cost less than reel mowers. There was also the selling point of maintenance. Companies repeatedly claimed the mowers required less repairs and daily maintenance than their reel counterpart did.
Another point in favour of rotary mowers is their ability to cut tall swards. They mow through tall grass and weeds with minimal effort. They are also good on rougher terrain. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of blade sizes to choose from - though none reach as close to the ground as reel mowers. The cutting width of a rotary mower can range from 16 to 22 inches.
Rotary mowers operate on a different cutting principle than reel mowers. The blade of a rotary machine spins on a vertical axis. In a scythe-like motion, the sharp blade strikes the grass and slices off the tips. Rotary mowers, however, are also, a little harder on the grass, tearing and not cutting the greenery. This is why many professionals prefer reel mowers.
Rotary mowers operate on both electric or gas. These small power mowers also allow you the opportunity to use electric in two forms - corded or rechargeable battery. This increases your mobility to be comparable to a gas-powered mower while reducing both noise and pollution. The noise factor is worth considering if you have noise sensitive neighbours. Electric mowers require slightly less maintenance than gas mowers. The disadvantage is lawn size. They are only suitable for small to mid-sized lawns.
Also on the market are larger walk-behind rotary power lawn mowers. These are not riding machines but their manufacturers have designed them specifically for large lawns and landscapes. These professional models are big, powerful lawnmowers. Their wide decks conceal formidable engines.
Two of the more recent fashions in rotary lawn mowers are zero-turn capability and recycling mowers. The former means the mower can turn on a dime. The latter is a means by which the grass cuttings return or are recycled. Although, mowers do mulch or replace grass cuttings, the current models distribute the grass cuttings so completely you cannot see them.
Popular changes over the years include angled handles allowing you to push the mower forward and not direct your energy into the ground. Rotary models now have wheels of a lighter plastic or steel and padded handles. All these changes intend to make you feel mowing a rotary model is more of like a walk in the park than a push up a slope.