Mowers

Types of lawn mowers explained for Australian lawns: rotary vs cylinder, petrol vs battery, ride-on and robot, and which suits your grass and block.

Petrol vs electric lawn mower for Australian lawns: power, noise in dB(A), emissions, upkeep and battery safety, with a clear verdict by lawn size and grass.

Line trimmer vs whipper snipper: they’re the same tool. Here’s where the name came from, and how a trimmer differs from a brushcutter and an edger.

The best lawn mower for your block: seven Australian picks across battery, petrol, mulching and cylinder, with specs, owner ratings and real drawbacks.

How long should whipper snipper cord be? Spool lengths from 3 to 8 m by brand, the right line diameter, tail length, and why the guard blade sets the cut.

Key takeaway: Most whipper snipper cord breaks for one of four reasons. The line has dried out, it is the wrong diameter, it is hitting concrete, brick or fences, or … Read more

Key takeaway: A half-moon or manual edger cuts the cleanest, most formal line along paths and driveways, while a whipper snipper is faster for routine touch-ups but leaves a softer … Read more

Key takeaway: A rotary mower is the practical choice for most Australian lawns, since it copes with kikuyu, most buffalo and an uneven surface. A reel (cylinder) mower earns its … Read more

You can mow wet grass, but you shouldn’t make a habit of it — wet clippings clog the deck, tear rather than cut the leaf, and can help spread fungal disease. Read more

Sharpen a mower blade at whatever bevel angle it already has, commonly around 30 degrees, taking equal metal off both edges so the blade stays balanced. Read more

Lawn mower and power-tool noise hours are set by state law, not by choice, and most of Australia allows mowing from 7am on weekdays. Read more

The right mowing height for your grass type, how often to cut, and the honest answer on whether mowing in the heat actually damages your lawn. Read more