Adjusting reel mower height. How to Adjust Lawn Mower Height (It’s Super Simple)

How to Adjust Lawn Mower Height (It’s Super Simple)

As there isn’t one cutting height that suits all lawns and all grass types, it’s important that you can adjust the height yourself. Thankfully, residential lawn mowers have super simple cutting height adjustment mechanisms that enable you to adjust the cutting height in a matter of seconds.

Unfortunately, unless you know how to adjust your lawn mower height and how the different mechanisms work, it can be confusing to work it out. So, let’s take a look at the methods used to adjust different types of lawn mowers.

The Different Height Adjustment Systems Found on Mowers

Adjusting the cutting height is done using a selection of different mechanisms depending on the type of lawn mower. Here’s an overview of the different systems lawn mowers use.

How to Adjust Lawn Mower Height (Step By Step)

As you can see, there are many different methods used to adjust the mower cutting height, and what works for one doesn’t mean it will work for another. So, let’s take a look at how to adjust your lawn mower’s height.

Reel Lawn Mowers

There are usually three different methods used to adjust the cutting height on a reel lawn mower. The first is a lever that you click into different slots that are labeled with different cut heights. The second is hidden inside the wheel.

Reel lawn mowers, like the Scott Classic, require you to remove the wheel, make the adjustment, then reinstall the wheel.

Finally, reel mowers, like the American Reel Mower, use an adjustable rear roller that governs the angle at which the mower meets the ground.

Setting a Lever Adjuster

• Pull the Lever from its Slot
• Position the Lever at the Required Height
• Push the Lever into the Slot
• Repeat the Process on Each Side of the Mower

Setting an In-Wheel Adjuster

• Remove the Wheel Bolt Cover
• Remove the Bolt
• Remove the Wheel
• Rotate the Height Adjustment Disc to the Required Height
• Replace the Wheel
• Replace the Bolt
• Replace the Wheel Bolt Cover
• Repeat the Process on Each Side of the Mower

Setting a Rear Roller

• Remove Both Roller Mounting Bolts
• Adjust the Roller to the Required Height and Align Bolt Holes
• Reinstall Both Bolts

Hover Lawn Mower

Hover lawn mowers, like the Flymo Turbo Lite, are very different from any other mower when it comes to adjusting the cutting height. This is because these lawn mowers have no deck or wheels to adjust. To adjust the height of a hover lawn mower, you have to use spacers between the mower and the blade. So, let’s go over how to adjust a hover lawn mower’s height.

Steps to Adjust the Blade Height

• Disconnect the Lawn Mower
• Flip the Lawn Mower Upside Down
• Lock the Blade In Place
• Remove the Center Bolt
• Remove the Blade
• Add or Remove Blade Spacers as Required
• Position the Blade
• Install the Blade Bolt
• Remove the Blade Brace
• Upright the Lawn Mower

Push Lawn Mowers

Walk-behind lawn mowers, both self-propelled and push mowers, usually have height adjusters on each wheel. Again, these have levers that you position into specific slots to select the required cutting height.

An important thing to remember is that you need to slot all four wheels into the same cutting height. If you forget, you will end up getting an unlevel cut.

New push mowers, like the Husqvarna W Series and the Toro Recycler Series, use the same method, but they have opted for a single lever to adjust all four wheels at the same time. The good thing about these mechanisms is that it’s faster to adjust, and there is no chance of accidentally setting the wheels at different heights.

How to Adjust a Push Mower with Individual Levers

• Pull One Lever from its Slot
• Position the Lever at the Required Height
• Push the Lever into the Slot
• Repeat the Process on Each Wheel of the Mower

How to Adjust a Push Mower with a Single Lever

• Take Hold of the Height Adjustment Lever
• Pull the Trigger on the Height Adjustment Lever
• Push or Lift the Lever While Holding the Trigger and Set the Lawn Mower’s Height
• Release the Trigger Once the Correct Height is Set

Tractor Lawn Mowers

Tractors mowers, like the John Deere D Series and the Craftsman Turn Tight, use lever systems that fit into height selection slots. So, you pull the lever out of the slot, then either lift or lower the lever to the desired height, then push the lever into the required slot.

This is a very easy and convenient system that you can use even when you are on the go. Now, some people may need to use two hands to adjust the height as the decks can be a bit heavy, but these types of lawn mowers use pressed decks that are usually fairly light.

Setting a Lawn Tractor Cutting Height

• Take Hold of the Height Adjustment Lever
• Press/Hold the Safety Trigger on the Lever (If the Lawn Mower has One)
• Push/Pull the Lever Out of the Cut Height Slot
• Push/Lift the Lever to the Desired Cut Height
• Place the Lever Into the Required Cut Height Slot
• Release the Lever

Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers

Once you get to zero-turn lawn mowers, you start to get a bigger range of height adjustment mechanisms. So, to adjust the height on a zero-turn lawn mower, like on a Gravely ProTurn, you use a foot pedal. For mowers like the Husqvarna Z Series, you just have a lever like the ones found in tractor mowers.

A third method used on zero-turn lawn mowers is a combination of both levers and foot pedals. This means you can use both the strength of your leg and arm to lift the deck. This is especially helpful with heavy, fabricated decks.

A fourth method that seems to be a more modern solution to adjust your mower height is a dial instead of a pin. Mowers like the Cub Cadet Ultima use the same pedal setup and process, but instead of using a pin to select the cutting height, you just turn a dial. This means there is no more hunting around for a lost pin.

Zero-Turn Mowers with Cut Height Levers

• Pull the One Lever from its Slot
• Position the Lever at the Required Height by Lifting or Lowering the Lever
• Push the Lever into the Slot

Zero-Turn Mowers with Cut Height Pedals

• Press the Pedal with your Foot and Lift the Deck
• Position the Pin in the Desired Cut Height Section Hole
• Release the Pedal

Zero-Turn Mowers with Cut Height Pedals Levers

• Press the Pedal with your Foot and Lift the Deck
• Position the Lever in the Desired Cut Height Section Position
• Release the Pedal

Zero-Turn Mowers with Cut Height Pedals Rotary Dial

• Press the Pedal with Your Foot and Lift the Deck
• Turn the Dial to the Desired Cut Height
• Release the Pedal

Standing Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

Standing zero-turn lawn mowers are basically just a zero-turn without a seat. So, instead of sitting down, you stand on a foot plate at the rear of the lawn mower. Because their design is different to regular zero-turns, they use other types of mechanisms to adjust the cutting height.

The majority of standing zero-turn mowers use lever and pin systems that are positioned up on the mower’s dash. So, you set the pin to the required cutting height, then lower the deck.

Steps to Adjust the Cut Height on a Standing Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

• Pull the Height Adjustment Lever, and Lock in the Deck Store Position
• Adjust the Cutting Height Pin to the Desired Cut Height
• Lower the Height Adjustment Lever to Rest on the Pin

Robot Lawn Mower

Robot lawn mowers, like the Husqvarna Automower and the Worx Landroid, have a very simple dial that you just twist to set the height. Yep, that’s it, there’s nothing else to it. Turn the dial, set the height, and off goes the mower. Now, if turning a dial is too much, then manufacturers like LawnBa use digital systems which simply need to be programmed to adjust the cutting height.

Setting a Robot Lawn Mower Cut Height Dial

• Raise the Dial Cover (If your Lawn Mower Dial is Protected)
• Push/Pull the Dial (If Required)
• Twist the Dial to the Required Cut Height Setting
• Push/Pull the Dial to Lock (If Required)
• Close the Protective Cover

Setting a Robot Lawn Mower Cut Height Using the Digital Controls

• If your lawn mower uses a digital display and button to set the cut height, you’ll need to navigate the digital menu to set the required cutting height. This menu navigation varies between different robot lawn mowers.

About Tom Greene

I’ve always had a keen interest in lawn care as long as I can remember. Friends used to call me the lawn mower guru (hence the site name), but I’m anything but. I just enjoy cutting my lawn and spending time outdoors. I also love the well-deserved doughnuts and coffee afterward!

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How to Cut Tall Grass With a Reel Mower

A reel mower is different from other lawn mowers because of the vertical way its blades spin and the scissoring action it employs to chop grass. Typically, golf courses use a reel mower to cut grass, although it can also be used on lawns to give them a healthier and more attractive look.

Hence, if you are looking for ways to remove overgrown grass from your yard, a reel mower is a good option to consider.

One of the most common questions asked by people is whether a reel mower can cut tall grass. Well, let us find out.

Cutting Tall Grass With a Reel Mower: A Step-by-Step Guide

Reel mowers can be used to trim tall grass. Grass is considered tall if it is higher than four inches. This guide includes steps for cutting tall grass using a reel mower.

#1. Ensure That the Blades Are Sharp

Before starting your reel mower, make sure its blades are sharp. Having well-maintained and sharp blades will help you mow your lawn with ease and reduce the time required to cut grass. To keep your reel mower in top working condition, perform maintenance on a regular basis and spray some lubricant on all the moving parts.

#2. Increase the Height of the Blades

How high should the mower blade be? Before mowing your garden, make adjustments so that the mower blades are set to their maximum height. Most mowers can be raised up to three inches, while some can be adjusted even further by an inch or two.

#3. Check the Lawn for Debris

During autumn or windy weather conditions, you might find leaves, twigs, and other debris all over your lawn. If the debris isn’t removed, it can get stuck in the reel mower and affect its functioning. Unfortunately, leaves and twigs are frequently concealed by tall grass, making them difficult to find.

Before you start mowing your lawn, make sure to look for debris strewn about and remove it immediately.

#4. Increase the Overlap

The question ‘How do I know if my lawn is too tall?’ is generally asked by lawn owners and can be pretty confusing. Worry no more. Let us shed some light on the subject.

A lawn can be considered very tall if your grass is more than four inches in height. In this case, you will need to increase the size of your overlap. Make your first pass by mowing the length of your lawn and overlap your first pass by at least four or six inches.

If the grass clippings in previous overlaps were knocked down instead of trimmed, you will have to increase the overlap even more. If the grass is too long, the reel mower cutting height should also be adjusted accordingly.

#5. Wait Until the Grass Is Dry

This is the most critical step to keep in mind. Often, people mow their lawn when it is wet and then ask, ‘Why won’t my reel mower won’t cut tall grass?’

Why Should You Use a Reel Mower?

There are several advantages to using a reel mower for your lawn. Let us take a look at some of them.

Easy to Use

People who are unfamiliar with mowing grass might assume that reel mowers are difficult to use. However, with a reel mower, you don’t need to worry about things such as rope pulling, idle adjustment, oiling, filling gas, or remembering any keys. The only thing you need to do is push the reel mower through your lawn and chop off all the unwanted extra grass.

Reel mowers are also lightweight. They are usually between 19 and 34 pounds, making them convenient to carry and store.

Excellent Cutting Ability

With a reel mower, you don’t need to worry about your lawn being ripped or torn apart. The blades of a reel mower evenly trim all the grass and disperse the grass clippings as a fine spray over your property. These clippings then act as a natural fertilizer for your garden.

Low Maintenance

One of the best characteristics of a reel mower is it doesn’t require much maintenance. You do not need to worry about oil and other gas mower parts. The only thing to remember is to keep the blades maintained either by spraying them with lubricants, brushing them occasionally, or getting them sharpened from time to time.

Environment Friendly

A reel mower is eco-friendly since it produces less noise and does not need fuel. Cutting grass the natural way is a great way to reduce air and noise pollution while avoiding strain on the planet’s natural resources.

A reel mower is also more affordable compared to other mowers. It is relatively safe and helps you burn calories when you’re using it. For all you fitness freaks out there, mowing your lawn is great exercise!

Can you cut wet grass with a reel mower?

When the lawn is wet, the grass will be slippery, making it difficult for you to cut it. A lawn that’s cut while wet will be uneven, giving it a disorganized look.

There is also the chance that the wheels could lose their traction and end up injuring you in the process. Thus, it is best to wait for the grass to dry.

How to Maintain a Reel Mower

Maintaining a reel mower is not a difficult thing to do. Here are some tips to follow to keep your mower in good condition.

Wash Your Mower Regularly

Clean dirt and debris from your reel mower using a strong jet of water from a garden hose. Allow your mower to dry before using.

Sharpening the Blades

Sharpen the mower blades with cutting oil. Apply the oil to a coarse sharpening stone. Sharpen every blade with even and smooth strokes according to the direction of the angle. This can be dangerous, so wear gloves.

Checking the Blades

To check if your blades are sharp enough, place a sheet of paper on a cutting bar and rotate the reel cage. If the blades can slice through the paper smoothly, your blades are in good condition. If the blades don’t cut through the paper evenly, make adjustments to the cutting bar.

You can do so by rotating the nuts and screws clockwise or counterclockwise in equal measures to move them closer or further away from the cutting bar. Check for even cutting after each adjustment.

Lubricate the Wheel Drive Gear Assembly

You can lubricate the assembly of the wheel drive gear by either removing all the screws or undoing a hub nut with a wrench. This removes all the wheel covers and exposes the gear assembly. You can then lubricate the parts using wheel-bearing grease. Once done, reinstall the wheel or the wheel cover.

Can I Use a Reel Mower on Tall Fescue?

Reel mowers are generally not recommended for grass taller than three inches. Since grass varieties such as St Augustine, Bahia, or tall fescue require mowing above 3 inches, reel mowers are not recommended for cutting them in most cases.

How Often Should You Cut Grass With a Reel Mower?

Mowing a lawn once a week is usually enough. However, some lawns might need to be cut more often depending on the type of grass and much water they get. On the other hand, some lawns do not grow as quickly and may only need to be trimmed once every ten days or so.

What Is the Best Reel Mower for Tall Grass?

Although there are several high-quality reel mowers available, the best one depends on your specific needs.

Some of the best reel mower models include Scotts Outdoor 20-inch Swath, Fiskars 18-inch Swath, American Lawn 14-inch Swath, and Earthwise Push 16-inch Swath.

Conclusion

Reel lawn mowers can trim tall grass and are affordable, eco-friendly, low maintenance, and easy to use. While you’ll need to perform routine maintenance on its blades, you can do away with fuel, oil changes, and additional maintenance that a gas-powered mower requires.

With benefits that outweigh other mowers, you’ll be glad to have a reel mower for your lawn.

How to cut tall grass with a reel mower

Reel mowers have a number of benefits compared to the gas powered mowers. They tend to cut grass evenly as the reeling blade cuts in a scissor-like a manner leaving your yard looking manicured.

The grass is less prone to diseases as it cuts instead of ripping and tearing. You also get to exercise while pushing your lawn mower on the yard.

Reel mowers not only tend to be cheaper in comparison to auto mowers, but they do not use gas which makes them better for the environment. In addition, they are easier to use and maintain, safer than power mowers and quiet.

For you to get the most out of the benefits that they come with, you need to learn how to use a reel mower.

This is because cutting different types of grass requires different adjustments on the reel mower.

If your yard grows tall grass varieties such as pampas grass, Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, and St. Augustine grass; then you would be better off buying a reel mower for tall grass.

Reel mowers are also important when cutting tall grass. However, for you to do it well, take the following tips into consideration;

Adjust the height

The first thing you need to do is adjust the reel mower height. This will allow to cut grass that is at least 2 inches high. As the grass gets shorter, you can then adjust it downwards to cut the grass even shorter. Make sure the blade level is set at the highest cut level if you want an even lawn in one pass.

Wait for the grass to dry

Do not attempt to mow your lawn while the grass is wet. This will be wasted effort as the slippery grass will be difficult to mow. And you will end up with an uneven lawn. Additionally, the wheel might lose traction and end up injuring you. Wait till the grass is dry before you attempt to mow your lawn.

Sharpening the blades

Sharpen your mower blades prior to mowing overgrown grass. Sharper blades will make the process easier as you will be able to push the mower much easier and cut the grass without exerting yourself.

Additionally, it will be easier on your mower as the other parts of the mower do not have to make up for the blunt blades.

Clean up your yard

Clear the yard and pick up any rocks, twigs, branched, piece of plastic and any other items that may make it difficult to mow your lawn. Also, attach a grass catcher to your reel mower to collect the grass once it is cut. This will prevent it from being caught in the blades making it difficult to mow.

Last but not least, maintain your reel mower on a regular basis to make lawn care hassle-free.

Lawn Mower Height Settings (adjusting your mower deck)

Understanding your lawn mower height settings and how to adjust your mower deck properly will help you get the most from your lawn. Mowing your lawn at the correct height improves your lawn’s health and appearance. Proper mowing can also helps prevent weeds from germinating.

In this article, I’ll explore how you can find the right mower height for your mower (and grass type), and provide some basic instructions on how to change your mower deck height for different kinds of mowers. I’ll also explain why different height settings exist on mowers (and when you might need them). Finally, I’ll tell you exactly how to use your mower deck settings effectively to get the best results when using your lawn mower.

Let’s start with the absolute basics.

Inches or Taller is (Usually) the Best Setting

When choosing the right height for your mower, the time of year is one of the biggest factors that will determine the mower height setting you should use.

I recommend that most people increase the mower height to a minimum of 3-inches from the middle of April through September. Depending on your mower, this might be its highest setting.

Why would you keep your mower setting at 3-inches, which is often the tallest setting?

Keeping your mower set this high will:

• Help the lawn conserve water
• Promote the development of deep digging roots
• Boost turf density
• Improve turf color

The only times when you shouldn’t use this high setting is when you are doing the first and the final mow of the season. At these times, a 2.5-inch mowing height is best for most cool-season lawns (though at the end of the year I’ll sometimes go lower because of how I clean up my leaves).

Many homeowners imagine that the middle setting is best for their lawn, but this isn’t the case. In most cases, it’s too short. You should almost always go with the highest setting.

Some exceptions exist, however, based on your grass type. Some types of turfgrass look and grow best when mowed shorter than the recommendations I’ve detailed above. Bermuda is just one example. Often used for golf courses, Bermudagrass can thrive when mowed frequently at a low height.

There are several other warm season grass types grown in the southern US which will perform well when mowed at a shorter height. For many cool season lawns, mowing high will benefit the health and appearance of your lawn.

You can learn more about the different turfgrass growth habits and conditions unique to the three primary grass growing zones in the US right here.

Tall Grass Promotes Deep Roots

When your grass is allowed to grow taller, the plant will develop deeper roots. The roots of your grass will usually grow approximately three times as deep as how tall it is.

When grass is mown to one inch high, the roots will usually only extend to about 3-inches deep. At two inches high, the roots dig to about 6-inches deep. At three inches high, the grass roots can dig as deep as 9-inches.

Deep roots are the key to a dense and healthy lawn. Your grass will be able to access water deep in the soil between rainstorms, will retain its green color longer during the dog days of summer, and generally be more healthy and resilient.

Mowing Schedule for a Lawn Kept Tall

It’s best to mow your lawn once weekly and never take off more than 33% (or one-third) the height of the grass blade.

If you mow less frequently, you might find yourself taking off more and this, which is bad for the lawn.

Also, taking off only a little a time is good if you want to leave the clippings on your lawn for extra nutrition. If you leave too thick a layer of clippings on your lawn you can end up with thatch buildup, or even smother and suffocate your lawn.

Why Have You Seen So Many Short Lawns?

Given how important it is to keep your lawn relatively long, you may wonder why so many people go the opposite route and cut their lawns short. There are a few different reasons:

Appearance

Some people think a lawn that is cut on a short setting has better aesthetics than a taller lawn. Of course that’s subjective, and what’s attractive to one homeowner isn’t to the next.

But what’s universally true is that the preference for a short lawn will often negatively affect the health of that lawn.

When a lawn is cut short, it is thinner, needs more water, is more prone to weeds, and will have shorter roots. It will also probably not have that ideal green color we all want.

Confusion Over Lawn Mower Height Settings

As mentioned earlier, many homeowners assume that the middle height setting on their lawn mower must be best. If you don’t know the proper height setting, go with something average, right?

Wrong. The highest setting is often the best one for your grass. And remember that the numbers you see on the settings (if your mower has numbers) don’t link with the lawn cutting height.

Always remember to put your mower on the highest setting or to cut your grass at a minimum of 3″ to ensure your lawn stays healthy.

Golf Courses

Many people admire the look of green golf course grass and assume that if they cut their lawns the same way, they will have the same wonderful green color.

This is a mistake, as golf courses actually use special kinds of grass that allow them to keep their courses cut so short.

Most homes have lawns with grass that cannot thrive when mowed so close to the ground.

How to Change the Height Settings on Your Mower

The first step when you want to change your mower’s height settings is to consult with the manual.

The manufacturer’s manual will have information on how to increase and lower the setting of your mower. The way to adjust the mower and what the different adjustments mean vary from brand to brand of lawn mower.

A common mistake is to just assume that you understand all the ins and outs of your mower. You’d be surprised at the features and nuances you can learn when you take a few minutes to read the manual.

Once you understand the instructions in the manual about how to change the settings, do the adjustments on a flat surface. You will need to put the mower on a flat surface to see how low or high the mower is. A flat pavement surface (driveway) or a garage is a great place to do this.

And don’t make the mistake of thinking that the bottom of your mowing deck is the height at which your grass will be cut … your mower’s blade is usually higher.

Pick Settings Based On Your Grass

As we’ve already mentioned, most types of grass grow best with the highest setting on most mowers.

If you aren’t sure, or are unhappy with the results at this setting, I recommend starting high and then adjusting the deck lower one setting at a time until you get to a mowing deck height you’re happy with.

Before you start making your adjustments, ensure the mower is completely turned off and will not turn back on. That is an essential safety precaution and crucial for preventing injury.

If you have a gas mower, you will find a safety catch to hold down for the mower to run. Ensure that this is not being pressed by any kind of object. It’s best to remove the spark plug from the mower so that there’s absolutely no possibility it can start.

Many modern push mowers (and even some reel mowers) can make height adjustments just by moving a lever. Some types of mower may require adjustment of each wheel one at a time. If you have this kind of mower, ensure that you don’t inadvertently adjust each to a different height. If you do you’ll get an uneven mow job (or just go in circles).

You may need a wrench, screwdriver, and perhaps other tools to adjust wheel height.

Adjusting Height Settings on a Rotary Mower

As we mentioned earlier, the exact procedure for changing the setting on your mower will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and model to model.

However, there are certain things you can keep in mind if you have a rotary mower, be it a push mower or self propelled.

If you have a very inexpensive or entry-level mower, it will probably have a very basic procedure for height adjustment. If you have an expensive model, it will be easier and faster to adjust.

Axel Adjustment

One of the most basic kinds of height adjustment is axle adjustment. Using this method, you will physically take off the wheels and put them at a higher setting. This will usually involve a snap-in system. If you have a very inexpensive or entry-level mower, this is probably the system you will use for adjusting height.

Individual Wheel Levers

Another type of method some rotary mowers use involves individual levers.

Using this method, each of the mower’s wheels has an individual lever. You’ll use these to raise or lower the height. In order to level the mower, you will have to adjust each individual wheel to a uniform setting.

This is the type of mower deck adjustment my Honda self propelled mower has, and I find it very easy to use.

Single Lever System

If you have a high-end model or a riding mower, you might find it uses a single lever system.

This is easy to use and involves using one lever to raise the deck. You’ll find the lever to one side of the machine, frequently close to the axle.

The name of this system is often the “central single lever height adjustment system.”

Riding Mowers are Usually Complicated

Adjusting the height settings on a riding lawn mower is usually more complex and can vary considerably from model to model. My best advice is to thoroughly read the owner’s manual that came with the riding mower to make sure you know what you are doing.

If you can’t find your manual but have the manufacturer and model number of your mower you can find and download the manual with a quick Google search.

When in Doubt, Set Your Blade High for a Healthy Lawn

Many experts explain that keeping your lawn taller (three inches or higher) is best for grass health, and I agree with them.

Mowing high will put your grass in a better position for dealing with conditions such as drought or hot weather. It is also helpful if your lawn has to deal with shady conditions.

When the weather gets a little cooler, you can usually cut the grass a little bit shorter if you want to. If you don’t know what kind of grass you have, a good rule of thumb is to cut it at three inches or down to a minimum of 2 ½”, never removing more than one third of the grass blade at a time.

Understanding your model of lawn mower and how your lawn mower height settings work is important if you want to use it properly. Read the manual that came with your mower to understand how its height settings work and how to adjust them.

Once you understand what to do and how to do it, you will know how to customize your mower for the healthiest lawn.

What is the ideal cutting height for a robotic lawnmower?

The question of the ideal cutting height for a lawn drives many garden owners crazy. And yet it cannot be answered definitively because not all lawn types are the same. There are even special rules that apply in summer heat. This makes it all the more important to take the required flexibility into account when buying a robotic lawnmower.

Elegant ornamental lawns or robust commercial lawns, dry summer periods or the first cut after winter: there are many factors that influence the ideal cutting height of the lawn. Unfortunately, it is not always consistent after you have decided on a lawn type. In order to be prepared for all these situations, it seems quite reasonable to attach importance to maximum flexibility when buying the robotic lawnmower.

Adjusting the cutting height of the robotic lawnmower

The adjustment of the cutting height is not much different from that of a conventional lawn mower. Sometimes an adjustment knob is located under the cover, sometimes on the side or on the bottom of the device. With some robotic mowers, the cutting height can also be conveniently adjusted via a display. The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you where to find the cutting height setting on your model. The cutting height is adjusted either in steps or progressively. Manufacturers usually specify the minimum and maximum cutting height here. The larger the range, the more flexible your robotic lawnmower.

Often, many robotic lawnmowers only have a cutting height between 20 and 60 millimeters and are not necessarily suitable for shade lawns. Other models have a range between 20 and 100 millimeters, offer maximum flexibility during any season and work for any type of lawn. However, no robot on the market mows a lawn shorter than 15 millimeters.

Since frequent mowing by the robotic mower can slightly weaken a law, ideally a cutting length from 30-40 millimeters is recommended in practice.

Pendulum suspended mowing deck. perfect cutting results

Most ground areas are not completely level. A rigid mowing deck cannot follow the contours of the surface, so the lawn is not the same length everywhere. A robotic lawnmower with a pendulum-mounted cutting deck always follows the surface leaving the lawn evenly cut everywhere and is characterized by a perfect cutting pattern.

Which cutting height for which type of lawn?

In most gardens, a lawn should not only look fantastic, but it is also used for playing, sunbathing or barbecuing. Accordingly, at the time of sowing, choose a durable, robust commercial or play lawn. In order to avoid additional strain on your lawn, cutting heights of 35-55 millimeters are recommended. A lush green ornamental lawn, on the other hand, is characterized by its dense growth and fine grass blades. The green is only suitable for loading to a limited extent, as it is much more sensitive than a commercial lawn. Thus, the blades can tolerate extremely low cutting depths starting at 2 centimeters. Please note: let the lawn grow longer during dry periods. Otherwise the blades will turn brown very quickly. Ornamental lawns especially should be watered correctly.

Shade lawns are another type and should be kept particularly long with a cutting length of around 60 to 70 millimeters. This will ensure that photosynthesis takes place on leaf surface of the blades.

Special cutting heights for special occasions

In principle, the type of lawn serves as a good guideline for the choice of cutting height. However, there are always situations that require exceptions to this basic rule.

• Before dethatching, mow the lawn as low as possible, i.e. even commercial lawns may be cut down to 2 centimeters.
• During prolonged droughts in summer, lawns develop a natural protective layer to prevent excessive drying. You should not destroy this layer by excessively mowing your lawn. This practice will simultaneously protect the soil from drying out even more. over, choose a longer cutting length during this period.
• Cut the lawn back to about 40 to 50 millimeters during the last cut of fall/autumn. This way, the blades will not bend under the weight of snow in the winter.
• In spring, the lawn starts to grow when temperatures rise. Wait with the first cut until temperatures are permanently around 10°C or above. Then cut off no more than 1/3 of the blade length. The gradually work your way to the desired length.
• Freshly seeded lawns should first grow to a length of about 8-10 centimeters before you can mow them directly down to 5 centimeters.

Avoiding the wrong cutting height

Cutting the lawn too low or too high will inhibit its growth.

• If the blades grow too high and are cut infrequently, fewer side shoots will form. The lawn will then become less dense. Furthermore, there will be more room for weeds and moss to grow, which can spread particularly quickly.
• If cut too deeply, too much sunlight will reach the soil surface. Not only does this cause the soil to dry out faster, but it also encourages weed growth.

Regular cutting is therefore important and ideal for the use of a robotic mower.

If necessary, adjust the cutting intervals to the growth rate of the lawn. In spring, for example, lawns grow much faster than during a dry summer. From early to mid-November, on the other hand, the lawn hibernates and should not be mowed at all.

/3 rule for a healthy lawn

No matter how long the lawn is after vacations or winter breaks, it’s important that you remove no more than 1/3 of the blade length per mowing. If you go beyond that, grass clippings will remove too many nutrients from, and it will become more susceptible to disease.

There is no one ideal cutting height for lawns, but there is a perfect robotic lawnmower for all cutting heights. When buying, choose a model that offers maximum flexibility for every occasion so you can give your lawn what it needs in every situation.