Maintaining a green space is not an easy task, especially when you are one of the 8 out of 10 English people who want to live near a green space. As a result, the thermal mower is very useful to have a beautiful lawn well mowed throughout the year without having to get tired! Between towed and pushed versions, 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines, reel or electric starter, with a collection tray, mulching function... what should you choose? Follow this guide.
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Our selection
"The Einhell GC-PM 51/2 HW-E is without a doubt the best thermal mower of the moment. Suitable for both men and women, it stands out…"
"The EQ400 is easy to assemble and maintain, even for beginners. Being very durable, it lends itself well to heavy use while offering satisfactory handling…"
"The Hyundai 3-wheel towed mower is a robust and non-polluting mower powered by a powerful lithium battery. With its many features, comfort and speed are…"
"The McCulloch M46-160AWRPX is a high-performance, self-propelled walk-behind lawnmower that combines ease of maintenance, power, safety and speed. It makes gardening a real pleasure!"
The Einhell GC-PM 51/2 HW-E is without a doubt the best thermal mower of the moment. Suitable for both men and women, it stands out for its remarkable performance, its well thought-out ergonomics and its ease of use.
See priceThe GC-PM 51/2 HW-E is a rugged, self-propelled, high performance machine with a quiet 4-stroke engine and a 173 cm³ engine capacity. Reaching a mowing speed of 2900 rpm powered by a 2700 Watts engine, it mows up to 1800m2 of lawn in record time. Its guidance system and comfortable handles make it a machine that requires very little effort to start and drive. In addition, its lithium starter battery charges itself during use and requires no maintenance. In addition to the motorization of this mower, it has a multifunctional blade with a cutting height adjustable from 30 to 80 mm in diameter. Finally, its mulching function, which shreds the grass cuttings and transforms them into fertilizer, is a testament to its versatility.
The EQ400 is easy to assemble and maintain, even for beginners. Being very durable, it lends itself well to heavy use while offering satisfactory handling and good performance.
See priceThe EQ400 is a push lawnmower with a renowned Briggs and Stratton 450E Series 125cc engine and an ergonomic handlebar that can be adjusted to 3 different heights to fit the user. This ensures optimal comfort for the user. In addition to this advantage, the Murray also saves a lot of space during storage thanks to its folding design and is very easy to handle thanks to its 18 cm wheels. It has a cutting width of 46 cm and a height-adjustable deck in 6 positions, from 28 to 92 mm. During its work, it can either collect the grass in its 60-liter container or eject it from the back. Very durable, it is suitable for small and medium-sized areas and can mow up to 1000m2 of lawn without rest.
The Hyundai 3-wheel towed mower is a robust and non-polluting mower powered by a powerful lithium battery. With its many features, comfort and speed are the order of the day.
See the priceThe Hyundai thermal 3-wheel towed mower is a robust mower (steel frame) with a self-propelled system and a rechargeable LG dual 58V - 2.5Ah lithium-ion battery that requires little maintenance. Equipped with a powerful and quiet BRIGGS & STRATTON 161 cm³ engine, it is perfect for medium to large lawns (up to 2500m2 of surface). Ergonomics and comfort of use are emphasized thanks to the soft grip handlebar and the front wheel that can turn 360°. Indeed, the wheels of the Hyundai thermal mower allow it to mow even on sloping and uneven ground. Finally, with its large 75-liter grass catcher, the Hyundai Towed helps you spend less time emptying debris, giving you more time to mow.
The McCulloch M46-160AWRPX is a high-performance, self-propelled walk-behind lawnmower that combines ease of maintenance, power, safety and speed. It makes gardening a real pleasure!
See the priceThe McCulloch M46-160AWRPX is an ultra-powerful petrol mower with a 3400W, 190cc engine. With such power, no grass will resist its powerful PX3 blade running at 2900 rpm. Apart from that, at full power, the McCulloch is fully capable of mowing an area of more than 2500m2, even on slopes of 30 to 50%. In addition, its large 71 L collection container, adjustable and foldable handlebars, 9 cutting heights, ball bearings and large cutting width (56 cm) make the McCulloch M46-160AWRPX a powerful, safe and versatile machine. In short, an investment that is worth every penny!
Any specific needs?
The best thermal mower in 2021
The best entry-level thermal mower
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | EXCELLENT | VERY GOOD | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Einhell GC-PM 51/2 HW-E
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Murray EQ400
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Hyundai 3 roues tractée 56cm B&S 161cm3 Mulching
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McCulloch M46-160AWRPX
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The Einhell GC-PM 51/2 HW-E is without a doubt the best thermal mower of the moment. Suitable for both men and women, it stands out for its remarkable performance, its well thought-out ergonomics and its ease of use.
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The EQ400 is easy to assemble and maintain, even for beginners. Being very durable, it lends itself well to heavy use while offering satisfactory handling and good performance.
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The Hyundai 3-wheel towed mower is a robust and non-polluting mower powered by a powerful lithium battery. With its many features, comfort and speed are the order of the day.
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The McCulloch M46-160AWRPX is a high-performance, self-propelled walk-behind lawnmower that combines ease of maintenance, power, safety and speed. It makes gardening a real pleasure!
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4-stroke engine, 2700 W, 173 cm³
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Briggs and Stratton 450E Series 4-stroke 125cc engine
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Briggs and Stratton 4-stroke engine 161 cm³
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3400 W, 190 cm³ motor
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Lithium starting battery 12 V - 7 Ah self-rechargeable
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Recoil starter
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Lithium ion battery LG dual 58V - 2.5 Ah
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Functions: collection, side and rear discharge
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Electric start
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Range: 1,000 sq. m.
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Range : 2500 m²
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Cutting width: 56 cm
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Range : 1 800 m²
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Cutting width: 46 cm
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Cutting width : 56 cm
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Cutting height: 3-9 cm, adjustable on 9 positions
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Cutting width : 51 cm
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Cutting height: 28-92 mm adjustable in 6 positions
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Cutting height : 75 mm
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Collection bin capacity: 71 L
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If your lawn is less than 600m2, a thermal mower with a 148 cm3 to 158 cm3 engine is the perfect choice. Beyond this area, a 190 cc model is more suitable for optimal comfort of use. Depending on the power of your appliance, fuel consumption varies between 0.7 l and 1.2 l/hour.
To save time when maintaining your lawn, opt for a model with a cutting width of between 55 and 100 cm for a surface area of 1000 m². For a 300 m² lawn, a 30 cm cut is sufficient. The wider the cutting blade, the faster the mowing. As for the cutting height, the possibility of adjusting this height is a very practical aspect that adapts to your needs. The adjustment can be done manually at the wheels, or with a centralized system for a single lever.
For sloping surfaces of less than 10%, a thermal mower equipped with a 4-stroke engine will do. On the other hand, if the slope of your garden exceeds 10%, opt for 2-stroke engines because 4-stroke engines lose power on this type of terrain.
Any noisy gardening tool is forbidden to be used outside of these time slots: on working days: from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Saturdays: from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Sundays: from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you are unsure about this, please contact your local town hall to find out the time slots that are in effect for your town, especially on public holidays
Be aware
that the larger the diameter of the wheels, the better the traction and, consequently, your mower will be more pleasant and easier to use. You should also choose a thermal mower with large diameter rear wheels, and opt for wheels with ball bearings, which are easy to handle and very robust.
You can choose between two types of starters for your riding mower: the manual start, where you have to pull the handle with some force to get the engine running, and the electric start model, which is less tiring and easier to handle, where you just have to press a button. This model is battery-powered, and its price is often higher than the former.
Stiffness and lightness are real criteria to consider. A plastic casing is certainly light but provides less resistance to shocks and vibrations than a sheet metal casing, or even steel. For the housing, aluminum is the best option for good vibration resistance, although it also requires a lot of maintenance. Choose a thermal mower with a wide deck for more protection against the blades, but also for more aesthetics.
The level of noise pollution
You should know that on the market of thermal mowers, there are now versions with silent engines. As is the case with most 4-stroke engine models.
The towed or pushed function
For an area of less than 500 m², the push mower is less expensive, more suitable and allows you to do a little sport at the same time. Beyond 500 m², prefer the towed model of a thermal mower, mowing is done in better conditions for you, it is much easier and less tiring.
The storage capacity of the grassbox
You can choose between several capacities for collecting the grass clippings. Depending on the capacity you choose, you'll have to empty the bag a certain number of times. However, if your mower is equipped with the Mulching function, you can do without the grassbox. This is an option that allows the machine to grind the grass clippings into a natural fertilizer.
The handlebar
An ergonomic handlebar that can be adjusted to the size of the user will make it easy for the user to hold.
For its power
Powered by a 4-stroke engine, the thermal mower is very powerful. It will be of great help on difficult terrain. You can also use it on a larger surface if you opt for a cordless mower.
To optimize your effort
A thermal mower has larger blades. This means you won't have to go back and forth to cut the grass. You won't get tired quickly with it. It's a great choice if you have a large property, saving you from manual mowing and therefore keeping you in shape to better focus on a more important task.
For its great maneuverability
A thermal mower offers more freedom of movement. Indeed, it does not need to be attached to a wire as in the case of an electric model. Thanks to the power of its engine and with a little help from you, the mower can work on smooth surfaces as well as on slopes or difficult-to-reach areas.
For its flexibility
With a thermal mower, you can have the type of cut you want. You can choose the cutting height that suits you. In the end, you always get a perfect result. In addition, a thermal mower is easy to maintain since it only needs to be changed once a year, the spark plug replaced and the filter cleaned if it is clogged.
To take care of the lawn
The thermal mower can make all the cuts you want thanks to a small lever located next to the wheels. You can then use the waste obtained to fertilize. You will therefore benefit from a beautiful lawn.
In our opinion, the best brands of thermal mowers in 2022 are :
Einhell Germany AG is a medium-sized company based in Landau an der Isar. For more than 50 years, Einhell has been synonymous with solutions for do-it-yourselfers and craftsmen, for the home, garden and hobby. This is a reliable brand that offers quality products.
The Hyundai Motor Company, commonly known as Hyundai, is a South Korean multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Seoul. Hyundai Motor Company was founded in 1967. Since then, this brand has been known for its car models. With the expansion of business, Hyundai has entered into gardening products. It is a very reliable brand, its thermal mowers are particularly appreciated for their excellent quality/price ratio.
Since 1999, McCulloch is a brand of Husqvarna Group. Today, McCulloch offers a full range of gardening products: powerful chainsaws, heavy-duty hedge trimmers, garden tractors, hedge trimmers and lawn mowers, including thermal mowers. McCulloch's products perform well and have designs that also please the eye.
Greencut is a Spanish brand that specializes in designing power tools and appliances for gardening. It is still a relatively young brand, it was created in 2008, but it already offers a catalog worthy of the biggest brands, with a very wide range of products as efficient and reliable as each other.
Makita Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer of power tools. Founded on March 21, 1915, it is based in Anjō, Japan, and specializes in the design and manufacture of small power tools. It offers a wide range of professional and semi-professional appliances for DIY and gardening.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Adopt the right reflexes when handling a thermal mower
For your safety, follow the safety instructions in the manufacturer's user manual and wear closed, slip-resistant rubber boots before operating your thermal mower. Next, wear heavy gloves and avoid prolonged exposure to machine vibration if the machine is portable, to prevent "white finger" syndrome. The symptoms of this condition being sensations of numbness, loss of sensitivity, tickling, tingling, pain, loss of strength, changes in skin color or condition. So every 30 minutes, consider taking a break.
Remember to store your petrol mower correctly
Avoid
storing gasoline too long in your thermal mower, especially during the winter. Gasoline should not be left in your machine for more than 3 months. The limit is even 1 month for E10 unleaded. After that time, the gasoline will degrade and the mower will not start when you need it. Know that fresh gasoline guarantees a good longevity to your thermal mower.
What to do before mowing
Before
using your riding mower, make sure the engine oil level, which can be checked at the dipstick on the machine, is not too low. Then, check the ground and remove all types of obstacles: rocks, branches, wires, or any other object. Make sure the grass is not too wet or too dry. Also, check the gasket installation, blade tightness, handlebar and cutting height adjustment, plug in the spark plug, and mow.
Choose the right time to mow your lawn
To
reduce the carbon footprint of the thermal mower, it is highly recommended that you mow your lawn in the late afternoon rather than early morning
.
Clean your thermal mower thoroughly after use
As
the components of a thermal mower get dirty easily, remember to clean them thoroughly after each use. This cleaning process includes the engine hood, which is often soaked with engine oil or plant residue, the mower wheels, whose cleanliness ensures a consistent height of the cut lawn, the grass clipping tank, and the cutting element of the unit.
To
keep your thermal mower's cutting blade functional as long as possible, clean it with a damp cloth after each use. Lubricating the cables, the blades, the inside of the housing, but also on the engine ensures a better protection of your mower against corrosion. Lubricating the control and adjustment shafts, as well as the wheel hubs before storing your lawnmower, ensures better efficiency for the next mowing. Once a year, have a professional check the engine of your gas-powered mower. During this diagnosis, hoses, air filter and spark plug will be closely examined and eventually changed if necessary. Finally, the engine oil is changed.
In our opinion, the best thermal mower for most people is the Einhell GC-PM 51/2 HW-E. To find out more, read our buying guide.
You can opt for a two-stroke model, ideal for all surfaces with a slope that does not exceed 20%; or for a four-stroke model for better performance and less fuel consumption.
Yes, it is advisable to use a pressure washer to clean the underside of the deck of the thermal mower. You can also use a spatula and finish with a water jet to remove the residue of soil and grass stuck on it. To clean the holes of the tray, do not hesitate to pass the water jet for a better air circulation.
If you have a problem with your blade (worn or bent edges, etc.), especially before wintering, call in a professional to sharpen or replace it, as this is a dangerous operation that requires a good understanding of safety instructions.
To do this, store your thermal lawnmower in a place away from humidity and sunlight and where the temperature is between 10 and 20°.
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