Rotary mowers are by far the more common choice these days, but as a category they be sub divided down into 4 wheeled machines and those with a rear roller.

 

The rear roller design usually serves two main functions:

 

1. As the mower passes over the cut grass the rear roller will leave a defined "Wembley" stripe pattern.

 

2. If you have an intricate lawn area with lots of border edges where the lawn falls away to a flower or vegetable border, then the rear roller will help you to balance the machine on the edges and prevent scalping the grass as the two wheels drop into the gulley.

 

Other questions that we get asked are answered below:

 

Are roller machines heavier?

 

Yes in general the design of the roller will add a couple of kilos (4-5lbs) in weight on a like for like basis.

 

Can I mulch with a roller machine?

 

We are not aware of any roller mowers that can mulch. This is because with mulching the grass is left behind and as the roller passes over the top the grass would stick to it causing it to clump and drop in patches all over the lawn.

 

Why are roller machines more expensive?

 

In general the roller mower is aimed at the premium sector, and most roller machines are built to top end specifications with heavy duty aluminium or ABS style bodies which accounts for their price. The roller in itself does not add a great deal to the price. The market for 4 wheel machine is also much larger worldwide so it offers more choice. Few other countries (outside of UK) have the weather conditions (rain!) to feed a lush green lawn that is capable of being striped, so only a handful of manufactures manufacturers now produce roller models.

 

If you have paddock/orchard areas or lawns that you wish to look cut rather than pristine then a 4 wheel machine will produce an excellent, albeit not striped finish. Furthermore if you cut into long or wet grass, then a 4 wheeled machine generally has a wider exit for the grass because it is not having to go up over the roller and this results in better collection performance with 4 wheeled mowers in general.