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When deciding on which sort of mower to buy, there’s yet another decision you have to make. Is a petrol or electric mower the best one to go for? To be frank, it will most likely come down to the size of your lawn. Other considerations will apply, but the size of the lawn and its distance from a power supply will usually decide the matter. What are the main things to be borne in mind?

For small or medium sized lawns, it’s hard to beat an electric mower. They are light, so easy to push round (they are usually pushed rather than self-drive) and quiet too. You can get both rotary and cylinder designs, both needing less in the way of maintenance than a petrol mower. Maintenance is even less of an issue with an electric rotary, which apart from cleaning and sharpening are just about maintenance-free.

The main nuisance is the mains cord – you’ve got to be alert to avoid running over it even on a small lawn. In a big garden the lead can become a real pain in the neck. An RCB in the circuit is a wise precaution of course.

The Bosch Rotak collection of electric rotaries is well worth looking at. These are available in a range of sizes, from 32 to 43cm as mains-powered mowers, and in three sizes, from 34 to 43cm as rechargeable cordless versions.

A cordless mower avoids of course the big disadvantage of electrics – the power lead, while retaining the lightness and low maintenance of an electric mower.

If you like the great striped finish that a cylinder mower will give, but like the idea of an electric mower, check out the Atco Windsor.

A petrol mower generally has more power and is more robustly built than an electric machine. As with electrics, you can get both cylinder and rotary models. Their greater weight means that they will usually be self-drive. Rotaries, being rather lighter can be push only.

They are more heavily engineered and built, using more metal in their design, and so will endure heavier use. A quality machine, properly maintained can last a lifetime.

The upkeep involved in running a petrol engine – servicing, lubrication, filter changes etc must be remembered. Petrol cylinder mowers (thought by many to be the finest) will need particularly careful upkeep. An twelve-monthly service is always advisable – just don’t leave it until just before the season when everyone will have the same idea!

McCulloch is well worth looking at for their collection of petrol rotary mowers – both manual and self-drive versions are available, in sizes from 40 to 53cm.

So the decision is yours. There are advantages and drawbacks to each category – just think carefully and buy the best you can afford.