The two principal types of mowers available for use on home lawns include “reel” and “rotary” mowers. Regardless which type is chosen, it is very important to keep the mower blades as sharp as possible. Dull mowers tear grass blades rather than cutting them. This results in injured plants.

Reel mowers have a series of revolving blades that cut against a stationary bedknife, much like a scissors. While reel mowers provide the finest quality of cut available, they are expensive, not easily adjusted, and require specialized equipment for sharpening. Also, they can’t be used where stones, twigs, or other debris are a problem because of potential damage to the cutting units.

Rotary mowers have a whirling horizontal blade. Rotating blades have the potential for throwing stones or other small objects in the path of the mower. Therefore, rotary mowers are more dangerous than the reel mowers. They cut the grass by impact, similar to the way a machete works. This causes a rougher, more uneven cut than reel mowers. However, rotary mowers do an acceptable job on virtually any lawn. In addition, they are easier to maintain then reel mowers and can cut taller grass.
Mulching or recycling mowers are now available. A mulching mower recuts grass clippings into smaller pieces and redistributes them uniformly back into the lawn for rapid decay. When the turf is wet, clumping is common with mulching mowers because of the excess water present.

Modern mowers are equipped with certain safety devices which should not be removed or tampered with. One safety feature is a blade that stops turning when the operator’s hands are removed from the controls. Another is a rear-mounted rope pull for starting the mower. This reduces the chance of getting one’s foot caught in the blades during starting. Many rotary motors have bagging attachments which affect mower safety. The manufacturer may have a special attachment which is required for safe mowing without a bag. Similarly, discharge chute shields on nonbagging mowers should not be removed. All mowing equipment should be kept in good working condition. Mowers should be sharpened and adjusted frequently to assure a clean cut. A dull rotary mower frays the ends of grass blades and results in brown tips, which are unsightly and increase the plants’ susceptibility to certain plant diseases. Slopes greater than about four to one are both difficult and dangerous to mow. These slopes are good candidates for alternative ground covers that will stabilize the bank and eliminate the need for routine maintenance such as mowing. Pick up rocks, wires, and sticks before mowing to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles. Keep all spectators away from the mower while it is in operation. Young children should not be allowed to operate mowers until they can handle them easily. Use earplugs when operating noisy power mowers. Wear sturdy shoes that protect the feet. Always push the mower forward. Never pull it backward in a motion where a slip will allow your foot under the mower deck. Mow across a slope, not up and down for the same reason.Another safety tip is to delay mowing grass when it is wet. Dry grass is less apt to plug mowers. Footing is better on dry grass, and good footing is important in steep slopes.

Finally, there is a growing movement among people with small, easily managed yards, back to “old-fashioned” push-type reel mowers. Newer versions are smaller, lighter-weight, and easier to push than the old clunkers you may have used as a youngster. They have the advantage of quiet, fuel-free operation, and can provide good exercise at the same time. If your property isn’t too large, consider these mowers when shopping for a new one.

Source:
“Mowers and Mowing Safety,” University of Minnesota, Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series: http://www.sustland.umn.edu/maint/mowing.htm[accessed on May 6, 2008].