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A self-propelled lawn mower is an irreplaceable thing when caring for a lawn, a plot in the country or in your own home. Thanks to the use of modern lawn care devices, there is no need to spend a lot of time and effort mowing the grass. The technique is constantly developing and improving, at the present time, some models of professional electric lawn mowers can move independently or using a remote control.
Features and working principle
A self-propelled mower is a model of a device that has a drive to certain wheels. Created to help a person to control and adjust the direction of movement of the device. This allows for a much more convenient and faster mowing and lawn maintenance. An automatic drive was added to make it easier to move the mower, which can weigh up to 50 kg.
Self-propelled lawn mower
According to the principle of operation, functionality and configuration, self-propelled devices practically do not differ from non-self-propelled ones. The only differences are slightly increased engine power and added drive to certain wheels in self-propelled vehicles.
Thanks to the drive, it is possible to maneuver more easily on uneven ground, achieve increased mowing speed and save time.
Types of self-propelled lawn mowers
Manufacturers produce a large number of grass mower models. They can be produced in different countries, but the general arrangement will be approximately the same. Self-propelled vehicles are divided into two types, depending on the type of engines: gasoline and electric. Electro has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the gasoline engine is more common.
Regardless of the type of engine, self-propelled vehicles are of three types. These types differ from each other only by the drive to certain wheels.
Rear wheel drive
It is a rear-wheel drive lawnmower. This is the undisputed leader in sales and the most convenient location. Since it is driven by the rear wheels, a balance is maintained between the front and rear axle weight distribution. The engine is closer to the front, so the balance is closest to ideal here. In this regard, these models are also more expensive in relation to models with front drive wheels.
Self-propelled rear wheel drive lawn mower
Front wheel drive
The leading wheels in this case are the front ones. This is convenient because it makes it easier to maneuver and move equipment on uneven terrain. However, a big disadvantage is the shift of the center of gravity towards the rear axle, in case of filling the grass catcher. In this case, you will have to deal with the difficulties of management, slipping of the driving wheels and weight. This negates all the advantages over rear-wheel drive. In this regard, these models are less popular and cheaper.
Self-propelled front wheel drive lawn mower
All-wheel drive
The most exotic model of a lawn mower in our conditions.It has a drive to all wheel axles, and therefore it is distinguished by increased maneuverability and ease of control and movement. All the disadvantages of uniaxial models are absent here. But there are other disadvantages, among which a very high cost and increased energy or fuel consumption can be distinguished. This scheme is used mainly on large and powerful models of equipment.
Self-propelled all-wheel drive lawn mower
The device of self-propelled mowers with different types of engines
If we do not take into account the engine, then the device for self-propelled mowers is approximately the same. The only differences are the need to start gasoline vehicles with an electric starter or pull the line in the mechanical case of the starting device. All electric models have electric start.
Self-propelled grass cutting equipment consists of:
- Engine. The gasoline engine also has a carburetor and a starter. An electric self-propelled lawnmower has only an electric motor, which is powered from an outlet through a cord or from a battery.
- Deca. It is the body of the cutting area, which contains knives for cutting and trimming grass. The deck body can be made of plastic, iron and aluminum.
- Grass collector. There are hard plastic and soft in the form of a bag.
- Control system. It is a set of buttons for selecting the operating mode, starting and stopping.
- Platform handle. Designed to control equipment.
Choice of self-propelled or non-self-propelled vehicles
It is difficult to unequivocally determine which type of mower is better. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Self-propelled vehicles have one but significant advantage: they can be used by people of any age. It does not need to be pushed, the only thing that needs to be done in the control is to steer the mower in the required trajectory. Among the disadvantages are the following:
- Increased cash costs for the maintenance of the self-propelled device. Regardless of the type of engine, some of the energy will additionally be expended to drive the wheels. To set the axis in motion, the energy consumption increases by about 30%, which is noticeable for the budget.
- Higher initial cost in the store. In addition to increased maintenance costs, you will also have to overpay when buying.
- Not suitable for small areas. Having a small area, it would be much more rational to purchase a non-self-propelled device.
If we compare gasoline and electric self-propelled equipment, then in this case it is better to purchase gasoline in the presence of large areas of lawns or lawns. Gasoline mowers have more power and productivity, therefore, they are originally designed for large volumes of work.
The best self-propelled lawn mowers
Self-propelled gasoline lawn mowers made in Germany and Sweden are very popular. These are manufacturers such as Bosch, Stiga, Husqvarna. Traditionally, they win in the product quality rating. The cost of models from these manufacturers is above average.
Japanese manufacturers offer good models of the Makita and Honda brands, which can adequately compete with German and Swedish ones.
Good Makita Brand Models
Chinese manufacturing companies produce a large number of models that are on the market, their price is one and a half times lower than the average European one. But the quality of these mowers is poor.
Self-propelled lawn mowers are widely represented in the technology market. These are models that can be driven by people of any age and in any physical form, thanks to the drive system on various wheels.
