Lawn Mower Terminology
A simple glossary of common lawnmower terms to help make technical features easier to understand.
We know that buying a lawnmower can be a confusing time especially with all of the different technical terms. To help, we have gathered a list of common terms that are related to most lawnmowers to try and clear up any confusion and ensure that you make the right choice for your garden.
Understanding your engine
The right power and torque is essential for effortless lawnmowing performance, which is why top manufacturers like Hayter use engines made by Briggs & Stratton®, a leading producer of outdoor power equipment engines. Quality engineering provides consistent high power at low speed, at an unbelievably quiet operating volume.
HEIGHT OF CUT (SINGLE POINT)
A mechanism that sets how high the grass will be cut. The majority of our machines use either a single counter-balanced lever or push button for quick adjustment.
AUTO-DRIVE (AD) / SELF-PROPELLED
A self-propelled lawnmower is a mower than can drive itself using engine power while you simply walk behind.
E10 PETROL
Containing up to 10% renewable ethanol, E10 fuel is compatible with all current production Hayter petrol lawnmowers.
CRANK-SHAFT
Responsible for converting a linear motion (piston) to a rotational motion within the engine to drive the blade. If a blade accidentally hits a solid object such as a stone or tree stump the crankshaft can get bent.
BLADE BRAKE CLUTCH (BBC)
Often referred to as the BBC. The blade brake clutch allows you to stop the blade from spinning whilst keeping the engine running.
RECOIL START
This pull cord allows you to start the engine easily while standing behind the lawnmower, away from the engine and blade. Here are some common terms for popular engine features.
CUTTER DECK
The main body of the lawnmower and can be referred to as the "lawnmower chassis". Can be made of either metal (steel or aluminium) or robust polymer.
VARIABLE SPEED (VS) / SENS-A-SPEED™
Forward travel speed can be adjusted to suit the operating conditions and the operator’s walking speed.
REAR-ROLLER LAWNMOWER
Designed to create a striped lawn effect. Split rear-rollers are easier to turn and ribbed rollers help with traction.
ELECTRIC START (ES) / BRIGGS & STRATTON® INSTART®
Electric start models offer effortless starting at the turn of a key or push of a button, so there’s no need to pull-start the engine.
GUARANTEED TO START / BRIGGS & STRATTON READYSTART®
This automatically recognises the temperature of the engine and calculates the right fuel-air mixture to get the lawnmower started.
TRIM SIDE
The cutter deck has been designed so that the edge is completely flush with the roller and wheels. Making it easier to go around raised edging.
VARI-PITCH
Automatically adjusts the cutter deck to increase airflow when set to cut longer grass.
MAXIMUM COLLECTION PERFORMANCE
Achieved with a highly unique deck underside and blade profile to lift the cut grass blades and throw them into the collection bag.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL (OPC) / BAIL ARM
The mechanism enables the engine to run and the blade to spin. When released it will stop the engine and blade.
WIDTH OF CUT
Refers to the width of the cutting blades. The wider the cutting width, the less time it will take to mow a given area.
PUSH LAWNMOWER
No driving force provided by an engine. Instead you will need to physically push the lawnmower for it to move.
EASY-WASH HOSE CONNECTOR
Allows you to connect a hose and easily clean the underside of your mower without getting your hands dirty.
