Buying a new lawn mower that’s perfect for you and your garden can be a minefield with so many varieties, makes, and choices out there these days. Do you pick petrol or electric? How about a hand or ride-on? Which is more powerful? And what’s a good value price point?
To help you make an informed decision, we cover all the different types of lawnmowers in this guide, from unpowered push mowers to lawn tractors. Don't view this as the top ten of any category—as, in this article, we only include:
- Three battery-powered lawnmowers
- Two robotic lawnmowers
- Three petrol-powered mowers
- Two of the best ride-on lawnmowers
- Two corded electric lawn mowers
- One unpowered manual lawn mower
If you know what type of mower you want, explore more options from the more detailed reviews linked above. If you want a general overview, continue reading for a curated selection of lawnmowers carefully chosen for their standout qualities.
Our Top Picks
Need to make a quick purchase? Here are our top picks from each category of lawnmowers:
EGO LM2135E-SP Cordless Mower
Best battery-powered lawnmower with a 52 cm cutting width, adjustable cutting heights, a dual-blade system, and a 70-litre grass bag.
MoeBot S10 Robot Lawn Mower
Best robot lawnmower with an 18 cm cutting width, adjustable cutting height (25-55 mm), and a dedicated app for lawns up to 1,400 sqm.
PowerBlade VS900 Petrol Mower
Best petrol mower for most people. It packs a 225cc 4-stroke engine, a 51 cm cutting width, adjustable cutting height, and a 65 L catcher.
EGO ZT4204E-L Ride-On Mower
Best ride-on lawnmower with a 42-inch cutting deck and a 10-step height adjustment. You can mow up to two acres on a single charge.
Bosch ARM 37 Electric Mower
Best corded electric lawnmower with a 37 cm cutting deck, five height adjustment positions (20-70 cm), and a 40-litre grass catcher.
Bosch AHM 38G Mower
Best manual garden lawnmower with a 38 cm cutting reel, cutting heights adjustable between 15 and 43 mm, and a 25 L grass catcher.
Top 13 Lawn Mowers for Australians
Our review and evaluation of the best lawn mowers considered a number of factors depending on the type of mower being reviewed. However, each mower was generally assessed on its performance, durability, ease of use, cutting efficiency, safety features, and overall value for money.
1. EGO LM2135E-SP Cordless Mower
Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mower
If you want an efficient and easy-to-use lawnmower, the Ego Cordless Lawn Mower is a great choice, especially if you have a medium-sized lawn. It's the top battery-powered lawn mower in Australia, with a wide cutting range and adjustable cutting heights to handle complex mowing tasks. It's also a 2-in-1 mower with a dual-blade system, perfect for mulching and bagging. The lawn mower has a large 70-litre bag.
EGO's battery-powered lawnmower uses a 56V 7.5 Ah lithium battery that works with other Ego Power devices. It charges in an hour and can run for up to 50 minutes. While powerful, this self-propelled mower is simple to use and take care of. It starts easily with a push button and features a Touch Drive to control the mower easily and efficiently. There's also a dial within easy reach to control the speed safely and conveniently.
Pros
- Large 70-litre grass bag
- Charges quickly
- Can mulch and bag
- Comes with accessories
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- It's quite pricey
2. Makita 18V Lawn Mower Kit
Best High-Performance Battery Mower
The Makita 18V battery-powered lawnmower makes lawn mowing easy. It comes with 2 x 5.0Ah batteries for small to medium-sized lawns. The battery-powered model has a no-load speed of 3,600 RPM and a 13-stage height adjustment between 20 and 75 mm. Combined with a 50L grass catcher capacity, lawn owners can mow for a considerable area before emptying their catch.
Makita's lawnmower also includes a generous 430mm (17-inch) cutting width, a socket wrench, and a bar blade set. Its rotary type 2 tooth blade ensures a good cut, and the supplied blower skin makes the mowing process as convenient as possible. With ball-bearing wheels that help ensure better manoeuvrability across various terrains, the Makita 18V Lawn Mower is a high-performance battery mower for Australian homeowners.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Perfect for small to medium-sized lawns
- Thirteen-stage height adjustment
- Includes 2 x 5.0Ah batteries
Cons
- Limited run time
3. Ryobi 36V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Best Battery Mower for Large Lawns
The Ryobi 36V 6.0Ah 20" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower packs a powerful 36V Brushless motor and a wide 46cm cutting path that ensures efficient and quick mowing. Its innovative load-sensing technology optimises power delivery, providing extra power. Combined with its SMART BOOST function, you can efficiently handle longer, thicker grass for extended runtimes.
Ryobi also features an LED dashboard with three cutting modes tailored to your specific needs. You also get foldable handles, making it portable, storage, a fast charger, and a 10-step height adjustment system for various cutting heights. For safety, Ryobi has LEDs that indicate improper catcher or mulch plug fittings and timely blade replacement. We recommend it for large lawn areas and light-duty lawn mowing tasks.
Pros
- Vertical storage
- 6A fast charger
- 46 cm cutting path
- Variable speed control
Cons
- Relatively pricey
4. MoeBot S10 Robot Lawn Mower
Best Robot Lawn Mower
The MoeBot S10 Robot Lawn Mower blends technology and user-friendly features with a good price point. You get a robust 5200 mAh battery, adjustable cutting height (25-55 mm), and an 18 cm cutting width for lawns up to 1,400 sqm. It also has a high-speed motor to handle various grass types, including the more resilient buffalo grass and zeon zoysia.
MoeBot's S10 navigates concrete edges seamlessly and can work for two hours on a full charge—it recharges in 60 minutes. For convenience, it has a dedicated app for remote control and push notifications for any operational hiccups. Security-wise, MoeBot's PIN code requirement and notification system ensure peace of mind. On purchase, you get a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Resilient robot mower
- Quiet operation
- Enhanced safety and anti-theft measures
- Mobile app connectivity
- Easy control and scheduling
Cons
- Not for large lawn areas
5. Moebot S20 Robot Lawn Mower
Best Robotic Mower for Large Lawns
The MoeBot s20 robotic lawn mower comes with a 5200 mAh battery. It cuts up to 2,500 sqm and can work at up to 30 degrees lawn angles. The difference between the S10 and S20 robot mowers is their capacity—the S10 cuts 1,400 sqm, whereas the S20 can cut up to 2,500 sqm.
Like the S10, the MoeBot S20 is user-friendly and has a dedicated app. You can operate the lawn mower from a distance with the mobile app. It offers push notification functionalities that alert you of any issues it encounters during operation. The lawnmower is programmable and can follow a schedule to complete the work with minimal interference.
The S20 has three blades that cut grass into fine mulch, making great fertiliser and removing the need to pick up clippings. It automatically recharges when the battery runs low, working for up to two hours on a single charge and taking 60 minutes for a full charge. Its smooth operation and lawn mowing area make it the best-value robotic mower in Australia.
Pros
- 5200 mAh battery
- Automatic recharge
- Programmable schedule
- Large coverage area- 2,500 sqm
Cons
- Pricey
6. PowerBlade VS900 Petrol Mower
Best Petrol Mower for Most People
The PowerBlade VS900 offers a blend of power, efficiency, and convenience. At the core of it is a class-leading 225cc 4-stroke engine with a four-stroke overhead valve technology for reliable power output, easy starting, and economical operation. Its versatile 4-in-1 functionality offers the flexibility to catch, mulch, perform a direct side discharge, or opt for direct rear discharge.
PowerBlade's VS900 has a seven-stage central lever height adjustment system to customise the cutting height easily. You also get a generous cutting width of 51 cm and a cutting height range from 25 to 75 mm. It's self-propelled, durable, and features a high-grade steel deck and a spacious 65L catcher. Other features include an integrated drink holder and quick-release folding handles for convenient storage.
Pros
- Durable high-grade steel deck
- Built-in drink holder
- Folding handles with a rapid-release
- Roomy 65-liter grass catcher
Cons
- Robust steel deck adds to the mower's weight
- Gas engine is noisy
7. Victa Classic Cut and Catch Lawn Mower
Best Petrol Mower for Medium Lawns
The Victa Classic Cut 18” Cut and Catch Lawn Mower is excellent for less complicated and medium-sized lawns. It has an easy-start ignition system, a quiet Briggs & Stratton 500E Series USA-built OHV engine, and a dual swing-back blade cutting system for robust and steady performance. The Victa Classic Cut 18" also offers mulching capabilities.
The Australian-manufactured lawnmower has a steel chassis optimised for catching, a comfortable grip with foldable handles, and ball-bearing wheels for comfortable and manoeuvrable mowing. With a blade length of 450 mm and a cutting width of 457 mm, you can also cover larger lawns quickly.
Pros
- Dual swing-back blades
- Optimised for catching
- Easy-start ignition
- Ball-bearing wheels
Cons
- Not for large lawns
8. Masport 19" Contractor Lawn Mower
Best Alternative Petrol Lawn Mower
The Masport 19" Contractor is a professional lawnmower with a commercial grade Kawasaki 179cc OHV Series FJ 180V IC 4-stroke engine designed for harsh conditions. Its high arch-heavy, duty steel chassis can withstand sandblasting and hard impacts. Combined with a 4-blade cutting system that results in supreme cutting, mulching, and catching performance, Masport's lawn mower gets the work done regardless of lawn size or shape.
For durability and optimal performance, the steel front bumper and engine guard provide essential protection for the cutting chassis. The front axle, secured with steel bearing plates directly to the chassis, adds stability and strength to the structure. Likewise, the large, professional-grade cast aluminium wheels, measuring 200mm (8") in both the front and rear, have synthetic rubber tires and precision 6202 sealed ball bearings for smooth operation.
You also get a 3-position handle locking system that allows for easy adjustment to different height settings, a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic catcher with a 'full' indicator, a steel rear flap, and a convenient zone start for a comfortable starting position.
Pros
- Professional-grade performance
- Heavy-duty steel chassis
- Powerful Kawasaki engine
- Wide cutting range
Cons
- Not self-propelled
- Heavy at 47.7kg
9. EGO ZT4204E-L Ride-On Mower
Best Ride-On Lawn Mower
For a complete lawnmower that features all the essential functionalities expected of a ride-on mower, the Ego ZT4204E-L checks all the boxes. It is a battery-powered lawn mower that takes up to six 10Ah batteries. It ships with four batteries and can mow up to two acres on a single charge. Lawn owners with more than two acres of lawn area to maintain can get two additional batteries to increase the mower's capacity. Fortunately, the Ego ZT4204E-L battery is compatible with all Ego battery-powered devices.
Ego's ZT4204E-L is one of few ride-on lawn mowers that lets you boost its capabilities through battery extension, making it ideal for both small and large lawn areas. It also has a charging speed of two hours, which is quite fast compared to other ride-on mowers. You also get a 42-inch cutting deck with 10-position cutting heights adjustable between 25mm and 100mm. Ego offers a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery and charger warranty.
Pros
- Adjustable comfort
- Fast charging
- Durable construction
Cons
- Pricey
- Limited speed range
10. BBT Apache 52" Ride-on Mower
Best Ride-On Mower for Commercial Use
The BBT Apache 52" Ride-on Mower effectively meets large-scale mowing requirements, suitable for commercial use and roomy residential yards measuring at least three acres. Its expansive 52-inch cutting deck, zero-turn capabilities, and mulching ability are some of its standout features, offering versatility for a range of lawn care duties.
The ride-on mower can spin 360 degrees, thanks to the Hydro-Gear ZT3100 twin drives, which improve maneuverability and make it more effective when maneuvering around obstacles. The 4mm fabricated deck of the mower guarantees durability and meets the needs of large-scale commercial projects.
BBT's Apache Ride-On Mower also features a triple-bladed cutting mechanism, a combination of dual 34-litre capacity tanks, and a 5-hour running time for extensive lawn care.
Pros
- Durable build
- Wide 52-inch cutting deck
- 2-year limited warranty
- Zero-turn and mulching capabilities
Cons
- Bulky for smaller lawns
- Mower parts covered for only one year
11. Bosch ARM 37 Electric Lawn Mower
Best Corded Electric Lawn Mower
At a very modest price that by no means reflects its quality, the Bosch ARM 37 Electric Lawn Mower offers excellent agility for a thorough sharp cut of your lawn. It's lightweight with a 1400W motor to complete the job of mowing whilst protecting the environment from petrol fumes or decaying batteries. You get five height adjustment positions, ranging from 20 to 70cm, and an easily adjustable cutting height, making the mower incredibly versatile.
Bosch's ARM 37 is a low-maintenance lawn mower with quiet operation, a safety switch for protected mowing, and an impressive 40-litre grass catcher. It has a 37 cm or 14.5-inch cutting deck; thus, we do not recommend it for large lawns. The ergonomic Ergoflex handlebar also provides comfortable steering and improves posture, which reduces muscular fatigue during use. To top it off, Bosh offers a generous 2-year warranty.
Pros
- 1400 W motor
- 40L grassbox
- Lightweight and durable
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Limited coverage
- No automation
12. Flymo SimpliGlide 360 Hover Mower
Best Corded Electric Mower for Small Lawns
Introducing the Flymo SimpliGlide 360 Hover Mower — a dream electric lawn mower for a small lawn. Thanks to its 1800W motor, it provides extra power compared to the Bosch model. However, the 360 mm cutting width is smaller and a little more expensive than the Bosch model.
As a lightweight lawn mower, Flymo's mower floats on a cushion of air with a hovering design to not flatten the grass before it is cut. It's portable and folds easily for easy carrying and storage. The lawn mower also offers four cutting height levels between 10 and 30 mm. And its dual-lever system ensures easy and comfortable use for both right and left-handed users.
Pros
- Durable build
- Good motor power
- 4-position cutting height
- Maneuverable design
Cons
- More expensive
- No automation
13. Bosch AHM 38G Mower
Best Manual Garden Lawn Mower
The Bosch Manual Garden Lawn Mower AHM 38G is a hand lawn mower. Thanks to its high-geared side wheels, it's easy to manoeuvre to hard-to-reach areas of your lawn. The handle is adjustable, ensuring comfortable usage, and features an ergonomic cushioned grip that helps to get the job done smoothly.
The manual lawn mower is perfect for small, flat lawns requiring minimal effort to keep, trim, and maintain. It boasts a 38cm cutting reel, a cylinder cut system featuring 5 curved blades, and compact dimensions for easy maneuverability in tight spaces and convenient storage in your garage or tool shed.
You enjoy multiple cutting heights, adjustable between 15 and 43 mm, catering to various lawn preferences. Additionally, the package includes a 25 L grass catcher for extra convenience when mowing.
Pros
- 25 L grassbox
- Lightweight and geared wheels
- Suitable for small lawns
Cons
- No advanced functionalities
Types of Lawn Mowers
Lawn mowers are categorised mostly by their source of power. Here are the common types in the Australian market.
1. Battery-Powered Electric Lawn Mowers
Battery-powered electric lawn mowers are also referred to as cordless electric lawn mowers. Unlike corded electric lawn mowers, cordless electric lawn mowers are rechargeable and need a battery. They are eco-friendly and less noisy during operations.
One key feature of battery-powered mowers is that they are easy to start; you only require a key or push a button to begin operation. But while battery-powered lawn mowers are less sophisticated than gas lawn mowers, it's essential to take proper care of them, especially their batteries, to prevent damage.
2. Robotic Lawn Mowers
Robotic lawn mowers must only be charged and programmed to get your lawn neatly mowed. They are a very convenient device to invest in as they don't require any human effort. You do not need to spend hours on your lawn, perfecting the length and edges and ensuring you don’t miss a spot when a machine can do an excellent job.
Robotic lawnmowers are available for lawns of all shapes or sizes. They are super quiet and are friendly devices to use in more peaceful environments. Check out Australia's best robotic lawnmowers in our comprehensive guide.
3. Petrol Lawn Mowers
Petrol lawn mowers offer more power than electric lawn mowers and run longer than cordless electric mowers. They are ideal for more extensive lawns, uneven fields, and sloppy surfaces. Petrol lawnmowers have many moving parts and require more regular maintenance.
Most petrol lawnmowers are self-propelled and feature an easy-start functionality that eases the difficulties of working with them. Read our extensive guide on the best petrol mowers in Australia for a long list of what is suitable for domestic and commercial use.
4. Ride-On Lawn Mowers
Ride-on lawnmowers are made for bigger lawns that would be extremely tedious to mow with a walk-behind lawn mower. They have a dedicated seat that lets you sit and mow your yard, almost like driving a mini tractor.
Ride-on lawnmowers are powered mainly by gas, with fewer electrically powered options available on the market. If mowing your lawn currently takes you more than two hours, consider one of these or a professional lawn mowing service to do it for you.
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5. Corded Electric Lawn Mowers
Corded electric lawn mowers are powered by a consistent electrical supply, hence the cord (cable). You do not need to charge them; they require minimal maintenance due to their less sophisticated build. They are lightweight, portable, manoeuvrable, and mostly walk-behind lawnmowers.
The disadvantage? Corded lawnmowers can not be moved farther than the cable connecting them to an electric supply. This is the primary reason they are ideal for smaller lawns. Here are two of the best corded electric lawnmowers available in Australia.
6. Unpowered Reel Lawn Mowers
Reel lawnmowers are inexpensive manual lawnmowers designed for small and flat lawns that require special attention and care. They require effort to push around with no need for power cords, batteries, or gas to run, leaving no trace of carbon footprints behind.
If you have a small lawn, it is worth considering the eco-friendly reel lawnmower that gets you some exercise as you mow. Reel lawnmowers offer a precise scissor cut, which benefits the health of your lawn, unlike rotary mowers. They are additionally silent during operation and require minimal maintenance.
How to Choose a Lawn Mower (Step-By-Step Guide)
When choosing a lawnmower, it's essential to consider the criteria that make a particular type of lawnmower exceptional. For example, battery power might be a necessary check for battery-powered electric lawn mowers but isn't a factor to consider for corded electric lawn mowers. The guide below highlights general requirements for an ideal lawn mower but is not an exhaustive list.
Step 1: Pick a budget range
The first step in choosing a lawnmower for your lawn is considering your budget. This is to ensure you're not overspending on the lawnmower you decide to purchase. Albeit crucial, always prioritise value over money. Picking the ideal option, regardless of your initial budget, gives you value in the long run.
Step 2: Consider the size of your lawn
The next important factor to consider is the size of your lawn, terrain, and surface level. It can help you choose the appropriate type of lawnmower and the ideal cutting widths. Wider cutting widths mean you'll spend less time cutting the grass. Homeowners with up to an acre of lawn size should choose between 16 and 30 inches.
Step 3: Pick your type of lawnmower
Depending on your lawn's size and surface level, you'll also have to decide which type of lawnmower best suits you. Petrol-powered or electrically powered? Traditional or robotic? Walk-behind or ride-on? You need to consider these. Petrol-powered lawn mowers are ideal for tougher, medium to larger lawns and offer more power than electrically powered lawn mowers. Where you have flat, smaller lawns, choose electric mowers.
Step 4: Check for your features
Most homeowners rarely consider other features available to their ideal lawnmowers. Some lawnmowers come with cup holders, others have mulching capabilities, some have easy-start functionalities, and others come with a specific design to complement various lawn types. Consider what features best suit your lawn and mode of work when evaluating lawnmowers.
Step 5: Evaluate your options
The final step to choosing an ideal lawnmower is to evaluate your shortlisted options. This can easily become a very tedious task with the many products on the market. We considered this and created this guide to help you shortlist and evaluate the best lawnmowers available.
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower
Great, you’ve chosen your perfect lawnmower! Now what? Look at this informative video from Bunnings or read our guide on maintaining your lawnmower for years of great mowing.
Keeping your lawnmower in good condition is essential to maintain its durability and efficiency over a long period. Regardless of your lawn mower's type or build quality, poor maintenance practices will cause it to deteriorate in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions on using and maintaining lawnmowers in Australia.
How long do lawnmowers last?
On average, lawnmowers can last 8 to 10 years with good use and proper maintenance. Most brands measure the life expectancy of their models in hours. Typically, low-quality models may last up to 500 hours, whereas high-end lawnmowers may last up to 1,500 hours. Still, these figures depend on the use and maintenance of the machine.
How many times should you mow your lawn?
How often you should mow your lawn depends on your location and the health of your lawn. Here's how to gauge how frequently you should mow your lawn. If you have to remove more than one-third of the grass blade in any single mowing, then you are not mowing enough.
Similarly, if you cut 50 percent or more of the grass blades when mowing weekly, you're again not mowing enough. In this case, mowing every 3 or 4 days is ideal. But do not overdo it either—do not stress the grass plant too much, and you will have a healthy lawn every day.
What mower is best for cutting long grass?
While it is not recommended to use lawnmowers on very tall grass, a rotary lawnmower is best if you must. Why? Rotary mowers are versatile and can cope with various grass types. The machine, however, may not be able to handle the excessive clippings. We advise trimming the grass to an ideal height that your mower can handle before using the rotary mower.
What mower cuts grass fastest?
Lawnmowers come in two common types—reel and rotary. A reel lawn mower operates effectively regardless of whether the blade is spinning slowly or fast. A rotary mower, on the other hand, has a single blade that is horizontally mounted and spins at speeds of up to 4,000 revolutions per minute. For a fast cut, choose a powered reel lawnmower as they slice through the grass more efficiently and are better for your grass than the cut of a rotary unit.
Which lawn mower brand is most reliable?
The most reliable lawnmower brands are Makita, Ryobi, Moebot, Victa, Masport, EGO, Bosch, and Flymo. These are our recommendations, but it’s always wise to research each lawn mower model before making a purchase.
Some common lawn mower problems to look for in any brand include motor failure, electrical failure, broken blades, jammed starter rope, the engine not turning over, and the battery not charging or being unable to hold a charge.
Wrapping Up!
Every lawn is unique; what works for your neighbour might not work for you. Take the time to understand the needs of your lawn, and pick a fitting option to care for it. The lawnmowers on this list are some of the best across the various types available. Hopefully, you found an option that suits you.
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