Hello
We’re not quite there yet, but very soon.
We definitely need a lawn mower for the summer, but we’re not sure which one to get. I’ve done a bit of research but haven’t made much progress.
Lawn area: about 250m² (2700 sq ft), maximum 300m² (3200 sq ft)
Previously, as renters, we had an old corded electric mower. The advantage was that it was very quiet, didn’t require gasoline, and was easy to start (just push a lever and go). The downside, of course, is that you can’t run over the cable, which can also be annoying as it’s always in the way.
Then there are battery-powered mowers, which don’t have a cord. However, I have doubts about the battery life and the fact that after 2-3 years, the battery capacity tends to deteriorate significantly. Eventually, the battery may no longer be able to mow the entire lawn in one go. Also, battery mowers generally have less power than gas mowers.
That leaves the typical gas mower, preferably self-propelled. The advantage is that there are no cables to get in the way. The downside, in my opinion, is that starting often requires a strong pull on the cord (not ideal for women or children), and you have to store gasoline safely. On the plus side, it has the most power and can easily handle taller grass if you’ve been a bit lazy.
We haven’t really settled on a brand yet. I’d like to get a robotic mower in a few years, but my partner isn’t convinced. Still, 250m² (2700 sq ft) is manageable with a good traditional mower.
Do you have any recommendations? Is it worth buying these devices online in terms of price?
We’re not quite there yet, but very soon.
We definitely need a lawn mower for the summer, but we’re not sure which one to get. I’ve done a bit of research but haven’t made much progress.
Lawn area: about 250m² (2700 sq ft), maximum 300m² (3200 sq ft)
Previously, as renters, we had an old corded electric mower. The advantage was that it was very quiet, didn’t require gasoline, and was easy to start (just push a lever and go). The downside, of course, is that you can’t run over the cable, which can also be annoying as it’s always in the way.
Then there are battery-powered mowers, which don’t have a cord. However, I have doubts about the battery life and the fact that after 2-3 years, the battery capacity tends to deteriorate significantly. Eventually, the battery may no longer be able to mow the entire lawn in one go. Also, battery mowers generally have less power than gas mowers.
That leaves the typical gas mower, preferably self-propelled. The advantage is that there are no cables to get in the way. The downside, in my opinion, is that starting often requires a strong pull on the cord (not ideal for women or children), and you have to store gasoline safely. On the plus side, it has the most power and can easily handle taller grass if you’ve been a bit lazy.
We haven’t really settled on a brand yet. I’d like to get a robotic mower in a few years, but my partner isn’t convinced. Still, 250m² (2700 sq ft) is manageable with a good traditional mower.
Do you have any recommendations? Is it worth buying these devices online in terms of price?
Bauexperte schrieb:
Question ...
In 2015, we also bought a new lawn mower locally from a specialist dealer at a reasonable price. Nice to have: the first oil change after 5 mowing sessions is included in the purchase price, as part of the initial setup.
If it turns out that the hardworking helper has issues during the warranty period, I don’t have far to go and get a replacement device for the duration of the repair.
How will you handle possible faults since you bought it via Ebay?
Regards, Bauexperte As with any device bought online: contact the dealer (in this case, the manufacturer) and request repair or replacement.
After the warranty or in case of user damage:
Minor problems can often be fixed by yourself with some technical understanding of lawn mowers. Otherwise, your neighbor will be happy to help.
nasenmann schrieb:
not surprising for a Stihl fan. It’s part of the same group.As a Stihl fan – I think because of her (former) professional experience, she insisted on it.
That’s why it also had to be a double-handle scythe and not just a simple carrying strap.
As is often the case in life – if you have had professional experience with something, you can best assess its quality. What can I say to my wife about that?!
N
nasenmann28 Apr 2016 16:09That was not meant in a derogatory way.
And certainly, it is not a mistake to stick to what is proven.
And certainly, it is not a mistake to stick to what is proven.
B
Bauexperte28 Apr 2016 23:54@Jochen104
I definitely recognize the opportunities that the internet offers us users; however, I also see the downsides.
Just a few years ago, I could very conveniently in my town
What good is it if I paid 50 or even 100 less for a lawn mower but then have to deal with frustrating hotlines, packaging, and waiting without a replacement—if worst comes to worst?
I find this development worrying and do not want to be partly responsible for it.
We also bought a Viking and are very satisfied.
Regards, Bauexperte
I definitely recognize the opportunities that the internet offers us users; however, I also see the downsides.
Just a few years ago, I could very conveniently in my town
- bring my shoes to the cobbler
- run errands like taking a letter to the post office without having to go through a grocery store
- pursue my hobby (when I had time) and buy fabrics and related materials
- find a wider variety of products available (today, whether you shop at REWE or Aldi mainly depends on whether you want to buy vegetables)
- etc.
What good is it if I paid 50 or even 100 less for a lawn mower but then have to deal with frustrating hotlines, packaging, and waiting without a replacement—if worst comes to worst?
I find this development worrying and do not want to be partly responsible for it.
f-pNo schrieb:That wouldn’t have been wise
What am I supposed to say to my wife about that?!
We also bought a Viking and are very satisfied.
Regards, Bauexperte
I have a small Einhell petrol lawn mower and have been satisfied with it for 2 years, even though it is more of an "affordable" brand. It is the smallest model with self-propulsion. It starts quickly and is easy to maintain. For me, using a cord or recharging a battery occasionally is not an option.
@Bauexperte: I basically agree with you, but when it comes to "small petrol lawn mowers," I don’t believe there are major issues with repairs or defects. If you do minimal maintenance, the engines and mowers are quite durable. My father uses a 25-year-old machine and it still starts on the first pull. The spark plugs and oil were only ever changed occasionally, and it has been sharpened from time to time.
After the warranty expires, the dealer or local company will surely help, even if you bought it elsewhere.
@Bauexperte: I basically agree with you, but when it comes to "small petrol lawn mowers," I don’t believe there are major issues with repairs or defects. If you do minimal maintenance, the engines and mowers are quite durable. My father uses a 25-year-old machine and it still starts on the first pull. The spark plugs and oil were only ever changed occasionally, and it has been sharpened from time to time.
After the warranty expires, the dealer or local company will surely help, even if you bought it elsewhere.
@Bauexperte
I understand what you are trying to tell me.
I also like buying fresh vegetables at the market and am happy to pay for quality and advice.
I pay attention to quality when buying something online (or, for example, at Aldi) as well. In those cases, however, I am not willing to pay for advice that isn’t offered.
In this specific case (lawn mower), I knew exactly what I wanted and what to look out for. I did my research and saved about 150 euros (around $160) compared to a comparable model at a hardware store (not a specialty store). For me, that 150 euros was not worth the advice at the hardware store, so I decided to skip it right away.
I weigh this decision before every purchase and have managed quite well so far.
I understand what you are trying to tell me.
I also like buying fresh vegetables at the market and am happy to pay for quality and advice.
I pay attention to quality when buying something online (or, for example, at Aldi) as well. In those cases, however, I am not willing to pay for advice that isn’t offered.
In this specific case (lawn mower), I knew exactly what I wanted and what to look out for. I did my research and saved about 150 euros (around $160) compared to a comparable model at a hardware store (not a specialty store). For me, that 150 euros was not worth the advice at the hardware store, so I decided to skip it right away.
I weigh this decision before every purchase and have managed quite well so far.
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