Trimmer blade width
The width (diameter) of the trimmer knife characterizes the size of the paddle knife (or saw blade). Such a nozzle has a smaller capture width than a fishing line, however, it allows you to mow more dense thickets, including shrubs.
Motor power
Lawnmower engine power expressed in horsepower. The common unit of power these days is the watt, but gasoline and diesel engines (see "Engine Type") are traditionally referred to as hp. Some units are easy to convert to others: 1 hp. approximately equal to 735 watts.
In general, the more powerful the engine, the more performant the mower is and the better it handles with heavy work such as cutting thick grass, bushes, etc. On the other hand, high power has a corresponding effect on fuel consumption, as well as the weight and price of the engine. In addition, it should be taken into account that different types of mowers (see "Type") differ in terms of power requirements. For example, among trimmers there are many models with a capacity of
0.7 – 1.3 hp., for gasoline lawn mowers, the minimum power is already in the range of
1.3 – 2 hp., and for
mowers,
at least 2.5 hp is required. . So you can only compare units of the same type in terms of power. Detailed recommendations for choosing a mower depending on its type and features of the planned work can be found in special sources.
Motor power
Lawnmower engine power expressed in watts. This designation is used absolutely for all electric models (see "Engine type"), and it is also often found in gasoline and diesel units along with horsepower (these units are clearly related, 1 hp is about 735 watts).
In general, the more powerful the engine, the more performant the mower and the better it will cope with heavy work such as cutting thick grass, bushes, etc. On the other hand, high power has a corresponding effect on fuel / electricity consumption, as well as the weight and price of the engine. In addition, note that the power requirements depend on the type of mower itself and its engine (see above for both). For example, for most
robots, the power
does not exceed 500 W — more, taking into account specialization, is not required, besides, otherwise the devices would turn out to be too bulky and heavy. Trimmers and lawn mowers of similar power are only electric, and the power limit for power tools is
2500 – 3000 W when powered from the mains and
1500 – 2000 W for battery models. But in gasoline tools, the minimum power is about
500 – 1000 W for trimmers and
1000 – 1500 W for mowers; the maximum value can exceed
4 kW.
Detailed recommendations for choosing a lawn mower d
...epending on its type and features of the planned work can be found in special sources.Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption of the mower's petrol or diesel engine (see "Engine type"). Usually, the characteristics indicate a certain average value, in the standard mode of operation; the actual consumption may differ in one direction or another, depending on the features of operation. Nevertheless, this indicator quite accurately characterizes the "voracity" of the engine as a whole.
More power usually means more fuel consumption, but engines with similar performance can differ in fuel consumption. And here it is worth bearing in mind that a more economical unit is likely to cost more, but this difference pays off by reducing consumption. Also note that knowing this indicator and the capacity of the tank (see below), you can determine the approximate operating time on a single refill.
Fuel tank volume
The volume of the fuel tank in a gasoline or diesel mower (see "Engine type").
A large tank allows you to work longer without refueling, but an excessive increase in capacity affects the dimensions and weight of the entire unit. So manufacturers usually select this indicator taking into account the power and fuel consumption of a particular engine, and in general, the volume of the tank is not critical when choosing. However, knowing the tank capacity and fuel consumption (see above), you can estimate how much one refueling will approximately last.
Noise level
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.