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As a first-time gardener, you may feel overwhelmed by thousands of lawn mower options. Thus, it may be challenging to select the best-suited one.
Moreover, it would be best to consider many factors, like fuel options, machine dimensions, or shape.
This article will discuss the differences between the two common types: a wheeled lawn mower vs. hover.
If you are also confused between these models, let’s scroll down to get into the details!
Contents
The Difference Between Wheeled Vs. Hover Lawn Mower
It’s crucial to comprehend the slight functional variations between lawnmowers before choosing which to buy.
Let’s see how these two options differ based on a few key characteristics:
Weight
In theory, wheeled mowers are often heavier than their hover counterparts. You can quickly realize this difference if you carry them out of your shed.
However, this change isn’t particularly evident because the wheels bear the most additional weight when operating.
Nevertheless, because of their construction, hover mowers may be hefty if you attempt to move them side to side.
Swing a wheeled lawn mower in the opposite direction is also difficult or almost impossible.
Despite not having significant differences in this feature, carrying a hover lawn mower is still more manageable than a machine with wheels.
Weight differences
Construction
While hover lawn mowers are ready to use when you purchase them from the store, you must take some steps before using wheeled machines.
Maneuverability
Most experienced gardeners agree that when mowing in a single direction, there is no distinction between a hover lawn mower and its counterpart.
However, it’s easier to operate a hover lawn mower when trimming around obstacles or cutting on the yard with abnormal shapes, like curved edges.
Although you can still mow your garden with a machine with wheels, rapidly modifying the direction is more challenging.
In other words, completing the task may take longer than utilizing a hover lawn mower.
Cutting Performance
Most hover models provide an excellent cutting performance with a sharp blade. However, they do not feature the same cutting-length options.
On the other hand, wheeled mowers come with easy-to-use buttons near their blades or on their handles. Thus, you can select suitable presets and have more control.
Cutting performance
Working On Slopes
The truth is that not all gardens are flat. Some are on slope terrains, so using wheeled mowers is hard, especially for hefty petrol models.
If it’s a wheeled machine powered by petrol, be careful while moving it around, as oil may spill into other internal components.
Meanwhile, pushing hover mowers in every straight line or on slopes is easy. Therefore, they are an ideal option for any yards with troughs and peaks.
Moreover, when cutting downhill, you can find handling a machine without wheels running away more manageable.
Striping A Yard
Are you looking for a machine to create stripes on your lawn? You can’t go wrong with a wheeled mower instead of a hover mower.
With this option, you can easily add coveted stripes to your lawn thanks to its available roller attachments.
Shape
A hover mower could be preferable for homeowners with unevenly shaped lawns.
You can push this machine in almost any direction since it “floats” on an air cushion.
As a result, it’s easy and quick to mow your yard, especially for anyone who wants to trim the lawn rapidly.
However, if you use a wheeled machine to trim irregularly shaped yards, you must make several shorter movements to cut hard-to-reach regions. Therefore, you will need more time to complete your job.
Shape
Comparing And Contrasting Wheeled Vs. Hover Lawn Mower
If you’re in a hurry, you can take a peek at the following comparison table before deciding between the two options:
| Features | Wheeled Lawn Mower | Hover Lawn Mower |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Construction | Assembling requirements | Read to use when out of the box. |
| Maneuverability | More challenging | Easier |
| Cutting Performance | Bad | Good |
| Working On Slopes | More difficult | Easier |
| Striping A Yard | Doable | Impossible |
Moreover, the advantages and drawbacks of the two models below can help you pick the best-suited one. Let’s see!
Pros and cons of hover mowers
Pros:
- The lightweight design makes setup and handling simple.
- Ideal for smaller yards with nooks and crannies.
- Simple to take downstairs or hang up.
- Excellent for slopes.
- Ideal for uneven yards.
Cons:
- Tiring when swinging from side to side.
- Challenging to adjust trim heights.
- Shorter longevity.
Pros and cons of wheeled mowers
Pros:
- Powerful traction, as the wheels are set on the ground while mowing.
- Adjustable cutting heights
- Offering an option to create stripes on the lawn
- Ideal for large gardens
Cons:
- Heavy design
- Require assembly before operating
- Hard to control on slopes
Pros and cons of the two options
The Cost Of Owning A Wheeled Vs. Hover Lawn Mower
These models’ prices vary considerably depending on the mower type, but you often pay $80 – $3,200.
Besides, the cost of a machine changes based on its specs, even if it is the same brand, kind, and power source.
Below are a few crucial details that might affect a mower’s costs:
- Power source
- Cutting width
- Fuel capacity while operating
- Speed
- Brand name
- Ergonomics
- Easy operation
- Deck washing systems
The average cost
Which One Is Right For You?
It may be relatively challenging to point out the winner in this battle. The best option should depend on your garden’s shape and size and your requirements.
For instance, a hover mower will suit anyone looking for a ready-to-use machine. Besides, if you want a device to work on uneven areas or smaller gardens, look no further than hover models.
However, opting for a wheeled mower is best if you want to add stripes to your yard or a machine with adjustable trimming height.
Final verdict
FAQs
Do Hover Mowers Cut Well?
The short answer is Yes! Operating a hover mower is the easiest and most economical method for trimming grass.
These devices are more maneuverable, effective, safer, and quieter than traditional models.
Besides, these machines utilize engines that can raise themselves off the yard to trim grass more efficiently.
You can watch this video to learn how this machine works:
Are Hover Mowers Better For Long Grass?
Yes! These machines can be suitable for cutting long grass, but most experienced gardeners don’t recommend this way.
The blade will find it more complicated to cut longer grass. Thus, the engine must spin your mower’s blade to achieve the goal.
However, you can’t trim the longer grass evenly in your yard because of the mower’s compact design and small size.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, you can purchase the most suitable mower for your yard depending on your requirements and your garden’s size.
Investing in a wheeled mower is a good idea if you want to create stripes on your yard at desired trimming heights.
Otherwise, buy a hover for a more convenient and easy-to-use option.
Have other questions? Please comment below! Thank you for taking the time to read this post!
