Comparison STIHL FSA 57 vs STIHL FSA 56 Set

Additional accessories included with the lawn mower. This point is mainly relevant for robotic mowers (see “Type”), they are most often equipped with the mentioned accessories, such as:

— Boundary wire. A wire designed to limit the working area of the robotic mower. Such a wire is laid along the perimeter of the work area (taking into account all permanent obstacles such as trees, flower beds, etc.) and is connected to the charging station in a special way. If everything is done correctly, when approaching the border of the site, the mower will change the direction of movement in such a way as not to go beyond the established perimeter - this is more convenient and safer than relying on collision, tilt sensors, etc. Note also that the absence of a wire in included in the kit may mean either the need to purchase it separately, or the fact that the mower, in principle, is not designed to use this function.

- Remote control. A remote control that allows you to control the robotic mower from a distance. Remote control is especially convenient during operation: the user does not need to chase a moving device, just press the desired button while at a fairly close distance. The operating principle of the remote controls may be different (infrared, radio), but they all have a range of at least several meters.

— Charger (charger). Device for charging batteries used in lawn mowers wi...th appropriate power supply. For models supplied with such a device, the charger model may be further specified in the specifications. This information can be useful not only for finding a spare or replacement charger, but also in case the household has other cordless tools and/or batteries for them. The fact is that many manufacturers nowadays use universal batteries that are compatible with a whole set of tools from the same brand; so, for example, the included charger for a mower may be quite suitable for a cordless saw from the same manufacturer.
On the other hand, the package may not contain a charger at all. This option will be optimal primarily if a compatible memory device is already available, and there is simply no need to overpay for a second device. In addition, the absence of a charger will be appreciated by those who want to choose this accessory separately, without relying on the manufacturer’s decision.


- Charging station. Cordless robotic lawnmowers (see Type) may be supplied with a charging station. Such units independently return to the base after completion of work or when a low battery level is detected. Automating the charging processor allows robotic lawn mowers to operate autonomously and makes them more convenient to use. Typically, a charging station contains a “parking” platform (base plate) and special docking contacts for replenishing energy reserves in the battery cells. The base can serve as a place to store the lawn mower during periods of inactivity, and in advanced implementations, the charging station is integrated with smart control systems, making it possible to control the operation of the lawn mower through mobile applications (see “Control from a smartphone”).

Please note that the above list is not complete - other additional items may be included in the kit.

Features of the battery-powered lawn mower (see "Engine type"). Most modern models of this type are initially equipped with one battery, but there are exceptions. They are indicated in this case, the options can be as follows:

- Without battery. This option is intended primarily for tech who do not want to rely on the choice of the manufacturer and would like to choose a lawn mower battery of their own choice. Theoretically, this may be associated with additional troubles, however, in practice, batteries are often sold literally "next to" the tools - on the nearest rack or in the next section of the online store. In addition, many brands make batteries universal - for example, a battery from a drill can be put in an electric trimmer. So such equipment will also come in handy for tech who already have a cordless tool on the farm - the main thing is to clarify compatibility before buying.

— 2 pieces in a set. Includes two replaceable batteries. The most obvious advantage of this configuration is the increased battery life: when the charge is exhausted, it is enough to change the dead battery for a fresh one. However, in addition to this, this option provides other advantages. So, it allows you to reduce interruptions for charging: one of the batteries can be charged at a time when the second is used for work. In addition, even if one battery fails, the s...econd will remain operational; and the probability of simultaneous failure of both batteries is extremely low (and definitely lower than that of a single battery). On the other hand, you will have to pay extra for a second power source - although often its cost is less than if a spare battery was purchased separately.

Nominal capacity of the battery, nominally installed in the unit of the corresponding design (see "Engine type").

In general, the higher this indicator, the more energy the battery can store and the longer it can power the electric motor. At the same time, we recall that the actual battery life of the lawn mower will depend not only on the characteristics of the battery, but also on the power consumption of the unit — and this, in turn, is determined by the engine power, nozzle type, operating mode, grass density, etc. In addition , capacity is usually specified in ampere-hours; and the features of these units of measurement are such that only batteries with the same nominal voltage can be compared by them (see above).

Thus, the battery capacity when choosing is more of a reference and advertising parameter than practically significant, and only models with similar performance characteristics can be compared by it. To assess the actual battery life, it is better to pay attention to the operating time directly stated in the characteristics (see below).

The operating time of a battery-powered device (see "Motor type") on a single battery charge.

This indicator allows, to a certain extent, to assess the battery life of the unit. However note that the characteristics usually indicate the operating time under certain conditions, usually very favorable: low load on the nozzle, low and constant engine speed, etc. Therefore, in fact, battery life may differ from the claimed one — usually in a smaller direction, but vice versa is also possible. Nevertheless, according to the claimed operating time, it is quite possible to compare different models of cordless tools: the difference in official characteristics usually corresponds to the difference in actual battery life.

The level of noise produced by the device during operation. Usually, a certain average indicator is indicated in the characteristics — in the standard mode of operation; however, the actual values usually do not differ much from the claimed ones.

The lower the noise level, the more convenient the unit to use and the less tired the operator. In the case of lawn mowers, this is especially true, since such equipment is quite noisy — even the quietest models (some robots) give out about 47 – 48 dB, which is comparable to talking at an average volume. Note that the decibel is a non-linear quantity, and it is easiest to evaluate the actual loudness using comparative tables. Here is the simplest table for the values found in modern lawn mowers:

— 60 – 65 dB — talking in raised tones at a distance of about 1 m;
70 dB — loud conversation of several people at the same distance;
75 dB — loud laughter at a distance of 1 m;
80 dB — motorcycle engine, medium power vacuum cleaner.
90 dB — loud screams, freight car at a distance of 7 – 10 m;
100 dB — a subway train or a loud car signal at a distance of 5 – 7 m, an industrial workshop;
110 dB — tractor engine at a distance of about 1 m.

In addition to subjective sensations, there are specific sanitary standards that limit the impact of strong noise. So, according to European standards, noise of 85 dB is allowed to be heard without protective equipment for 8 hours, 91 dB — 2 hours, 97...dB — half an hour, and 103 dB — only 7 minutes. So when choosing a unit, you should take into account the duration of work with it — with high noise, you may need protective headphones.