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By Lilydale Instant Lawn

January 7 2025

6 Minute(s) read

Cylinder Mowers For Your Lawn

If you're looking for that perfectly manicured lawn with a signature striped appearance, a cylinder mower is a tool to help you achieve it. Known for their precise cutting ability, cylinder mowers offer a cleaner, sharper finish, making them ideal for creating that professional look seen on golf courses and sports fields.

 

The video below covers the basics of cylinder mowers—how they work, which lawn varieties they suit best, and the optimal times to mow for the perfect finish.

 

What is a Cylinder Mower?

A cylinder mower operates differently from the more common rotary mower, offering a more precise cut and a finer finish. The rotating cylinder features horizontal blades that spin to cut the grass precisely. This design gives a cylinder mower an edge over rotary mowers for flat, well-maintained lawns.


The following table highlights the key differences between these two types of lawn mowers, helping you choose the right one for your lawn:

 

Feature

Cylinder Mower

Rotary Mower

Cutting Mechanism

Cut grass using a rotating cylinder with horizontal blades.

Cuts grass with a rotating blade underneath.

Best for

Flat, stone-free lawns and manicured grass.

Suitable for uneven surfaces or long grass.

Finish

Creates a clean, sharp cut (perfect for stripes).

Leaves a rougher cut.

Ideal for

Golf courses, sports fields, or homeowners who want a manicured look.

Generally used on most lawns, including bumpy areas.

Why Choose a Cylinder Mower?

Cylinder mowers offer several advantages that make them ideal for those who want a pristine, well-manicured lawn. Here are some key benefits:

 

  • Precise cutting: Cylinder mowers provide a cleaner, sharper cut, perfect for lawns that require a high level of neatness and precision.
  • Stripes and patterns: Achieve the signature striped effect seen on sports fields and manicured golf courses with the unique cutting style of a cylinder mower.
  • Better for the grass: The precise, scissor-like cutting action is gentler on the grass blades, reducing the risk of tearing and promoting healthier, stronger growth.
  • Perfect for flat lawns: Cylinder mowers are best suited for flat, debris-free lawns, where they can operate smoothly and deliver the best results.

How to Use a Cylinder Mower

Using a cylinder mower correctly is key to achieving that professional, manicured look. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the most of your cylinder mower:

Step 1: Prepare Your Lawn

  • Before mowing, ensure your lawn is flat and free of debris like rocks, twigs, and uneven patches. Debris can damage the mower’s blades or affect the quality of the cut.

Step 2: Adjust the Mower

  • Adjust the cylinder position carefully and ensure the cutting cylinder blades are sharp to maintain a clean cut. If the blades aren’t sharp, use a back-lapping compound to restore their edge.

Step 3: Mow the Lawn

  • Mow in straight lines, moving in one direction to create the iconic striped effect. The more consistent your lines, the better the visual impact.
  • Mow your lawn weekly to maintain a clean, manicured look. During the warmer months, when grass grows faster, more frequent mowing may be needed.

Step 4: Maintain the Blades

  • Regularly inspect the sharp blades to ensure they cut cleanly. Keeping the cylinder reel backwards wetting mechanism functioning smoothly is essential for maintaining cutting efficiency.

Best Lawn Varieties for Cylinder Mowers

Certain grass types respond better to the precision cutting of a cylinder mower. Here are the most suitable varieties for achieving a pristine, manicured lawn:

TifTuf

This fine-leaf grass thrives with regular, precise mowing. A cylinder mower is ideal for achieving that neat, striped look.

Buffalo Grass

While Buffalo Grass can be cut with a cylinder mower, it requires a bit more care due to its thicker blades. Regular maintenance is key to keeping it looking tidy.

Zoysia Grass

Known for its low-maintenance needs, Zoysia is perfect for manicured lawns. It works well with cylinder mowers and maintains its shape with minimal effort.

Kikuyu Grass

Kikuyu has a coarser grass variety and responds well to regular mowing with a cylinder mower. However, it may need annual scarifying to keep it looking its best and avoid thatch build-up.

 

Cylinder Mower Maintenance Tips

Keeping your cylinder mower in optimal condition requires regular upkeep. Follow these essential maintenance tips to ensure your mower continues to perform at its best.

Clean the Blades After Each Use

After every mowing session, clean the blades thoroughly to remove grass clippings and debris. This prevents buildup that can dull the blades and affect the quality of the cut.

Sharpen the Reel and Bedknife Regularly

Ensure your cutting cylinder blades are always sharp to avoid tearing the grass. You can also lap a cylinder mower periodically to keep the blades sharp and the mower in top shape.

Lubricate the Cylinder and Moving Parts

Lubrication is key whether you’re using a petrol-powered reel mower or a battery-powered model. Use lanolin spray or WD40 to prevent rust on the rotating cylinder.

Back-Lap the Cylinder Blades

Periodically back-lap the cylinder blades to maintain their sharpness and cutting efficiency. This process will extend the life of your blades and keep your mower performing like new.

Common Questions About Cylinder Mowers

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cylinder mowers:

Can I use a cylinder mower on any lawn?

Cylinder mowers work best on flat, debris-free lawns. They can struggle with uneven surfaces or lawns with stones, which can damage the cylinder's horizontal blades.

What height should I mow with a cylinder mower?

Keep your grass height at around 15-25mm for the best results. Cylinder mowers are designed for short, neat cuts, and they are not suitable for mowing long grass, as they may not cut cleanly.

 

Are cylinder mowers better than rotary mowers?

Cylinder mowers are ideal for homeowners seeking a precise, manicured finish and a clean cut, while rotary mowers are better for handling rougher, uneven terrain and longer grass.

 

Achieve a Pristine Lawn with a Cylinder Mower

A cylinder mower is the perfect tool for achieving a professional-looking lawn with clean, precise cuts and the ability to create patterns like the iconic striped effect. Its gentle cutting action promotes healthier grass while delivering a manicured finish that rotary mowers can’t match.

 

Watch the video above for more tips on using and maintaining a cylinder mower effectively. Explore additional lawn care products and expert advice at Lilydale Instant Lawn.