The Complete Guide to Lawn Mower Types In 2025


Today we are going to look at the complete guide to lawnmower types in 2025. Choosing the right lawn mower can make a huge difference in how your garden looks and how much effort it takes to maintain. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through all the main types of lawn mowers available in 2025, how they work, their strengths and weaknesses, and which situations they’re best suited for. Whether you’re after neat stripes, fast mowing, or a hands-off solution, there’s something here for everyone.
You Can Check Out My YouTube Videos Below To See The Various Types Of Lawnmowers.

Rear Roller Mowers
If you’re looking to create the classic striped lawn, rear roller mowers are the go-to choice. These mowers have a roller at the back which not only helps create stripes but also offers stability, allowing you to cut right to the edge of borders.
– Best For: Regular lawn cutting with a professional striped finish
– Drive: Most models are self-propelled, but some cheaper ones are push mowers
– Power: Available in petrol, electric, and battery-powered versions
– Note: Ideal for regular maintenance, not for long or rough grass

Four-Wheel Rotary Mowers
These are versatile, no-nonsense mowers great for everyday use. With four wheels and no rear roller, they won’t give you stripes, but they’re easy to use and great at collecting grass.
– Best For: General lawn cutting without the need for stripes
– Drive: Push or self-propelled
– Power: Petrol, electric, or battery
– Tip: Go for a self-propelled petrol version if you want to make life easier

Cylinder Mowers
For a bowling-green finish, cylinder mowers are unmatched. They use a scissor-like action to cut grass cleanly and precisely.
– Best For: Fine, formal lawns with regular upkeep
– Drive: Push or petrol-powered
– Precision: Excellent cut quality
– Caution: Not suitable for uneven lawns, pets, or rough use. Any damage to the blades can stop the mower from cutting properly

Mulching Mowers
Mulching mowers chop the clippings finely and return them to the lawn. This not only saves time by eliminating emptying but also feeds your lawn naturally.
– Best For: Regular lawn cutting without collection
– Drive: Push or self-propelled
– Power: Petrol, electric, or battery
– Maintenance: Requires weekly cutting for best results

Hover Mowers
Hover mowers float on a cushion of air, making them particularly good for awkward areas, slopes, or banks.
– Best For: Small, sloped, or uneven lawns
– Drive: Push (air cushion)
– Power: Petrol, electric, or battery
– Quirk: Often easier to pull than push due to the way they float

Push (Manual) Mowers
These are the old-fashioned cylinder mowers powered by you. Perfect for small gardens, they’re cheap, eco-friendly, and reliable.
– Best For: Small, flat lawns
– Drive: Manual
– Power: None (human-powered)
– Pros: Low cost, quiet, no fuel or charging needed

Ride-On Mowers
Ideal for large areas, ride-on mowers make short work of big lawns. They come in various sizes and power levels.
– Best For: Large gardens or estates
– Drive: Ride-on, petrol or battery
– Tip: Choose one that lets you empty the grass box from the seat
– Caution: Not as manoeuvrable as walk-behind mowers
Zero-Turn Mowers
Highly manoeuvrable and efficient, zero-turn mowers are commonly used by professionals. They have independent wheel motors and front caster wheels for tight turns.
– Best For: Large, complex lawns with trees and obstacles
– Drive: Ride-on with lever control
– Power: Petrol or battery
– Bonus: Often come with mulching capabilities
Scythe Mowers
Also known as Allen-type mowers, these scythe mowers are heavy-duty machines designed to tackle overgrown areas, brambles, and long grass.
– Best For: Rough, overgrown areas
– Drive: Self-propelled
– Cutting Action: Reciprocating blade, like a hedge cutter
– Note: They don’t mulch, so clippings must be cleared
Out-Front Articulated Mowers
These are ride-on machines or out front articulated mowers come with steering wheels and a front-mounted cutting deck, ideal for tight spaces with lots of obstacles.
– Best For: Medium-to-large gardens with complex layouts
– Drive: Articulated steering, petrol or battery
– Features: Mulching decks that lift up for blade access
– Advantage: Highly manoeuvrable, second only to zero-turn mowers
Robotic Mowers
Don’t want to mow at all? Robotic mowers are becoming increasingly popular. They automatically maintain your lawn and return to their base station when done.
– Best For: Busy homeowners with simple garden layouts
– Power: Battery (auto-charging)
– Navigation: Perimeter wire or GPS
– Setup: Careful installation of perimeter wire is key for good results
Final Thoughts on Price and Quality
When choosing a mower, consider how much time, effort, and money you’re willing to invest. Cheaper machines might be tempting, but they often lack durability and efficiency. Spending a bit more on a quality machine can save you time and money in the long run.
– Budget Tip: Buy the best quality you can afford for the task at hand
– General Rule: Well-made equipment lasts longer and performs better
Have Questions?
This guide is designed to give you an overview of the different types of lawn mowers and help you make the best choice for your garden. If you have questions or need advice, feel free to leave a comment on my YouTube video or visit GardenEquipmentReview.com.
Thanks for reading—and happy mowing!