Purchasing a hover lawn mower can be a daunting task but our experience and extensive research will simplify this process. We will guide you to select the best hover mower for your needs.
Hover mowers are a blessing as they are light, easy to move, can be used by anyone with minimal effort, and are simple to maintain. They are generally an affordable option. They are an awesome option for small to medium lawn spaces.
We rate the Flymo Turbo Lite 260 Electric Hover Lawn Mower as the best hover mower for most gardens. It is easy to use, super light, great value for money and has decent power.
Our Top Picks
Best Hover Mowers to Buy
- Flymo TurboLite 260 Lightweight Hover Mower
- LawnMaster 33cm Hover Lawnmower
- Flymo Hover Vac 270 Hover Mower with Grass Box
- LawnMaster 1800W 36cm Electric Hover Mower
- BLACK + DECKER BEMWH551-GB Hover Mower
- Flymo SimpliGlide 330 Hover Lawn Mower
- Flymo XL500 Petrol Hover Lawn Mower Honda 160 cc Engine
- Mountfield Typhoon 30Li Cordless Hover Lawnmower
Let’s take a closer look at the features and benefits of our top-rated hover mowers
1. Flymo TurboLite 260 Lightweight Hover Mower
This is a compact, extremely lightweight, and easy-to-use hover mower. We rate it at the top of our list and find it to be the best electric hover mower UK offers. Flymo is a trusted brand and is a market leader in the hover mower market.
Key Features:
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Power rating: 1400W
- Cutting width: 26cm
- Cutting height: 11-31mm
- Cable length: 10m
- Weight: 5kg
- Grass Box: No
- Warranty: 2-Years
This model is also available with a 25cm cutting width, the Turbo Lite 250. It has the same power and comes at a slightly lower price than the Turbo Lite 260.
2. LawnMaster 33cm Hover Lawnmower
LawnMaster is another popular brand. This model is affordable and gives you 1500w of power. It is ideal for small gardens and can be used with ease by the young and old.
The LawnMaster 33cm Hover Lawnmower is comfortable to use thanks to handles covered in foam and a breeze to operate. It is undoubtedly one of the best small hover mower options available.
Key Features:
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Power rating: 1500W
- Cutting width: 33cm
- Cutting height: 12-33mm
- Cable length: 10m
- Weight: 7.5kg
- Grass Box: No
- Warranty: 2-Years
3. Flymo Hover Vac 270 Hover Mower with Grass Box
The Hover Vac 270 delivers an excellent combination of power and weight making it ideal for small gardens even if they have a few slopes or banks. It also has a handy 15 L grass box that compacts the clippings for easy disposal. We rank it as the best hover mower for steep banks.
Key Features:
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Power rating: 1400W
- Cutting width: 27cm
- Cutting height: 11-31mm
- Cable length: 10m
- Weight: 8.2kg
- Grass Box: 15 L
- Warranty: 2-Years
4. LawnMaster 1800W 36cm Electric Hover Mower
Another great option from LawnMaster is the 1800W 36cm Electric Hover Mower. It is our choice for the best hover mower for medium gardens. Although it has excellent power it is still amazingly light.
It also has the convenience of a grass box making it also one of the best hover mowers with grass box UK options. Another advantage is the 15m cable length which is more than the average 10m offered by most other options. This means less hassle with extension cords.
Key Features:
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Power rating: 1800W
- Cutting width: 36cm
- Cutting height: 12mm-33mm
- Cable length: 15m
- Weight: 8kg
- Grass Box: 26L
- Warranty: 2-Years
5. BLACK + DECKER BEMWH551-GB Hover Mower
BLACK + DECKER is a trusted brand that has become a household name. The BEMWH551-GB is a reliable and affordable option.
It is light and agile yet remarkably durable. It comes with 10 replacement blades. Although plastic, they are strong and effective.
Given the features and price of this option, we rate it as the best price hover mower. This is a winner for those wanting a quality mower on a budget.
Key Features:
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Power rating: 1200W
- Cutting width: 30cm
- Cutting height: 20-40mm
- Cable length: 10m
- Weight: 5.2kg
- Grass Box: No
- Warranty: 2-Years
6. Flymo SimpliGlide 330 Hover Lawn Mower
If you have a sloped or tricky garden, the SimpliGlide 330, with a powerful 1700W motor, is a good option. Despite the decent power is it still light and nimble and can be used by anyone, young or old. It is one of the best hover mowers for uneven ground.
Key Features:
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Power rating: 1700W
- Cutting width: 33cm
- Cutting height: 10-30 mm
- Cable length: 10m
- Weight: 3kg
- Grass Box: No
- Warranty: 2-Years
This model is also available with a 30cm or 36cm cutting width. The latter will be suitable for medium lawns.
7. Flymo XL500 Petrol Hover Lawn Mower Honda 160 cc Engine
If you have a large garden, this is the one for you. It has a high-powered 160cc 4-stroke petrol engine and an impressive 51cm cutting width. We rate this as the best petrol hover mower UK has to offer. This falls into two categories as, given the cutting width and power, it is also the best hover mower for large gardens.
Given that it is made from alloy steel, it is robust and will last many years. This and the fact that it has a petrol engine makes it considerably heavier than the electric options. It is still easy enough to operate for the average person but if you are getting on in years, this is probably too heavy.
It is one of the few hover mowers that mulch the grass effectively. This will enhance your lawn by returning nutrients to the soil after the small clippings break down.
Key Features:
- Power source: Petrol
- Power rating: 160cc
- Cutting width: 51cm
- Cutting height: 10 -40 mm
- Cable length: N/A
- Weight: 2kg
- Grass Box: No but does mulch effectively
- Warranty: 2-Years
8. Mountfield Typhoon 30Li Cordless Hover Lawnmower
This is our choice for the best cordless hover mower. It comes with not 1 but 2 4Ah 20V batteries so you can swop them out when one runs out of juice. It is suitable for gardens up to 100m².
Being cordless, it is slightly more expensive than the corded electric options, but you have great freedom and no cables to worry about. It also has a decent cutting width of 30mm and is a cinch to use.
It is super light and can be used by anyone with ease.
Key Features:
- Power source: Cordless, battery-powered
- Power rating: 2 by 20V 4Ah Lithium Ion Batteries
- Cutting width: 30mm
- Cutting height: No height adjustment
- Cable length: N/A
- Weight: 8.5kg
- Grass Box: No
- Warranty: 2-Years
Which Is the Best Flymo Hover Mower?
As you can see, we are big fans of Flymo hover mowers. We are not alone and they are a well-loved brand in this segment of the market. They were trailblazers in hover mowers and many other manufacturers have tried to emulate their style and design.
They are part of the Husqvarna group.
We stand by our top choice, the Flymo Turbo Lite 260 Electric Hover Lawn Mower. Provided you do not have a large garden, this is the best lightweight hover lawn mower. It comes in at an incredible price and could not be easier to use thanks to the weight and design.
That being said, different gardens might need an alternative style of hover mower. We have covered the best of the best and there is something for everyone.
How to Buy the Best Hover Lawn Mower
Before deciding on the best hover mower it is important to consider your needs. Here are the main things to look at before making your investment:
Garden size
Anything under 200m² would be considered a small garden, 200 to 350m² is medium, and more than 350m² is a large patch of lawn. This needs to be factored in when deciding on the hover mower you decide on.
Cutting width
The cutting width you need is determined by the size of your lawn area.
The recommendations are:
- Small garden 26cm to 34cm
- Medium garden 35cm to 40cm
- Large garden 40cm or larger
Power
Power is measured in watts (w) on electric mowers and cc (cubic centimeters) on petrol engines. Cordless mowers have batteries and these are measured in volts (v).
You want more power for larger gardens but more importantly, you need power for slopes and steep banks. Power is also needed when your grass is long or wet.
Power source
The two main options are corded electric or cordless mowers. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Corded electric mowers
Pros:
- Unlimited run time
- Deliver decent power
- Lighter than cordless mowers
- Lower cost
Cons:
- More effort is needed to keep control of the cord
- Limited by the distance from the power source (30m is the maximum for optimal performance)
- Some risks involved with power cords when mowing
Cordless mowers
Pros:
- No hassle with cables
- Freedom of movement
- Slightly less noise output
Cons:
- Limited run time
- Batteries need to be replaced every few years
- One has to remember to charge the batteries
- Slightly more expensive than electric corded mowers
- A bit heavier than cordless models
Weight
Low weight means the mower is easier to move and more agile. This is especially important in complex gardens with twists and turns. It makes it easier for the average person, even teens or the elderly to manoeuvre.
You will find that most corded electric and cordless hover mowers are ultra-light. The petrol options are somewhat heavier. On the upside, petrol mowers are more powerful and durable.
Build quality
Most hover mowers are plastic as they need to be light and easy to manoeuvre. Modern plastics are tough and durable. Most are made of polypropylene which is not only light but also flexible and tough.
If you invest in a quality brand and look after your mower you should not have any issues.
Height adjustment
With the changing seasons and, depending on the type of grass you have, you will want to adjust the cutting height from time to time. Most models allow for this.
Grass collection box
A grass box is a handy feature, particularly for larger areas. It saves you the time and effort of raking up and disposing of the cut grass. Only some models have this feature.
While most hover mowers do not mulch effectively, if you mow often, you can still leave the grass clippings on the lawn. They will break down over time and return nutrients to the soil to improve your grass.
Price
You will have to consider your budget when investing in a hover mower. There are many affordable options but those with more power and features will be more expensive.
Warranty and service
Look at the warranty on offer as well as reports on service from the manufacturer. A good warranty illustrates that the brand has faith in the quality, workmanship, and durability of its products.
Hover vs Rotary Mowers
Hover mowers have many advantages but are not for everyone. Here is the difference between the two options.
Advantages of Hover Mowers
- Light
- Easy to manoeuvre
- Simple to operate
- Easy to clean
- Compact to store
- Value for money
- Effective on uneven surfaces
- Low noise output
- Economical to operate
- Low maintenance requirements
Cons
- Not suitable for large gardens
- No rear roller for creating a striped lawn
- Few if any height adjustment options
How to Maintain and Care for your Hover Mower
Good maintenance will extend the lifespan and performance of your mower. Fortunately, hover mowers are easy to look after. Here is what you need to do.
- Clean and dry the hover mower after every use
- Keep the blades sharp
- Replace the blades when necessary
- Store in a safe dry area when not in use
- Check that all nuts and bolts tight
- Lubricate nuts and bolts every 3 months
Safety is important when maintaining your mower. I have heard many stories of people that have injured themselves when not practicing basic safety logic during maintenance.
The main thing is to ensure that the power to the mower is off. You should wear protective gloves.
Cleaning is best done as soon as you have finished mowing. Remove the grass box if the mower has one and tilt the mower onto its side. Clean with a dry cloth. Use a soft brush to clean all other areas that you cannot get to with the cloth.
Ensure you get all the grass and debris away from the air inlets and the motor. Then wipe again with a slightly damp cloth and then dry thoroughly. Return the mower to the upright position and wipe the top as well as the wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a large lawn?
A lawn that is larger than 350m² would be large.
Are hover lawnmowers good at mulching?
No, most do not have this feature. If you mow regularly and have sharp blades, this should not be an issue.
How long do the batteries last on a cordless mower?
This largely depends on the power of the battery, the amp hours, as well as the condition of the grass. Cordless mowers are only recommended for smaller areas, under 350m².
Can you adjust the height of a hover mower?
Some models have this feature but not all of them.
Can you create a striped lawn with a hover mower?
No, hover mowers do not have a rear roller so lack this feature.
Conclusion
There is little doubt that hover lawnmowers are great for small to medium gardens. They are light, easy to use, and a breeze to maintain.
We have given you the lowdown on some of the best options available and what to look for on a hover mower. There is something for all budgets and needs.
If you are looking for a hover mower you cannot go wrong with any of the above options. They are all highly recommended provided you select the one that suits your garden size.
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Charl is a full-time writer with a range of passions and expertise in lawn mowers and other garden power tools. After many years in the corporate rat race, he decided to follow these passions. When not writing, Charl can be found in his garden, tending to or propagating plants, keeping the lawn near perfect, and enjoying the outdoors with his dogs. He is also fascinated by emerging technology and tries to squeeze in a round of golf as often as possible.
