A lush green lawn is every home owner’s dream. To maintain a perfect carpet of grass, you need to cut and trim it at regular intervals, thus making lawn mowing an important part of the lawn care process.
At a Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Best Hover Mowers
- Sun Joe MJ-HVR12E Electric Hover Mower – Our Top Pick
- Bluebird Turf Products HM200 Hover Mower
- Bluebird Turf Products HM160 Hover Mower
- Air Force Honda Hover Mower
- California Trimmer RC190 Hover Mower
Regularly mowing your lawn is essential to prevent it from seeming unkempt and unattractive. In the present day, there is a myriad of lawn mowing equipment available in the market, and each has its advantage. Keep in mind, in the case of mowers, for large or moderately sized lawns, you will need a riding mower or a self-propelled mower.
But when it comes to maintaining a small-sized lawn, a hover mower is the one that fits the bill. It is easy to be moved in multiple directions and is particularly suited for grooming awkwardly-shaped lawns.
You might want to read our guide on choosing the best lawn mower for more knowledge on this subject.
We have reviewed the 5 best hover mowers available for purchase to help you find the one that suits your needs in the most apt manner. Our analysis focuses on power, maneuverability, and advantages offered for the price.
Detailed Reviews of the 5 Best Hover Mowers
1. Sun Joe MJ-HVR12E Electric Hover Mower
With its robust motor delivering 10 amps of power and 7000 rounds per minute of blade spins, the Sun Joe MJ-HVR12E is the leading candidate among the best hover mowers.
Design
This hover mower is built with comfortable maneuverability and ease of use in mind. Its blade hub is 11-inches wide and has three blades attached at the base. These blades spin fast to create a cushion of air below the hub. This makes the hub extremely lightweight and thus easy to move around as well as easy to store.
Furthermore, starting the machine is fairly straightforward. You only have to push the safety button at the top of the machine before engaging the trigger switch. And turning it off is even simpler. Releasing the trigger will do the trick.
The safety button is a vital addition to the machine. When released, it functions to stop the rotation of the blades quickly. This reduces the risk of accidental cuts both to the turf as well as injury to people who operate it.
As for the handles, they are lightweight and adjustable. They are attached to the base with a flexible joint which allows the machine to be angled up and down slopes up to 45 degrees with relative ease.
Performance
Having a powerful 10 amp motor means that the mower will never come up short in terms of performance. The blades rotate at a speed of 7000 rpm, which allows you to cut the grass at a remarkably fast speed.
It receives its power supply from an electric cord that can be connected with an extension for a greater reach around the lawn. While this does limit its ease of movement around obstacles, such as trees and shrubs, it is something you can compromise on, given its reasonably low price and the rest of the features.
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What We Liked
- Extremely nimble with a lightweight frame
- Ergonomic construction
- Easy start and stop with a safety switch
- Ships with 30 replacement blades
- Highly affordable price tag
- Can be used on sloped turfs with ease
What We Didn’t Like
- Electric cord could have been longer
- Cutting height is not adjustable
2. Bluebird Turf Products HM200 Hover Mower
The first of two hover mowers by Bluebird Turf Products, the HM200 is suitable for use not only for homeowners but also commercial contractors. Its several features are discussed below.
Design
The HM200 Hover Mower is a highly capable machine that features a combination of a feather-light floating deck and sturdy steel handles. Additionally, the working width of the mower is 20 inches. This makes for a truly durable and versatile machine.
It has three flail blades at the base of the spinning hub that is resistant to ordinary wear and tear. These come in three options. You can choose between reversible stainless steel blades, reversible nylon swing blades, and triple-edged copolymer string.
Since the deck is made of high-density polyethylene, it adds minimal weight to the machine.
Performance
The standout feature of this mower is the option to switch between three speeds. While the low-speed setting is suitable for starting the machine, the highest speed allows you to manage your turf quickly.
With its sharp steel blades, the machine delivers precise cuts even on difficult-to-trim terrains. And its engine is powerful enough to help the blades spin at a high speed. If you are worried about trimming grass around hard-to-reach places, this hover mower should be your go-to product. It skims smoothly over uneven and bumpy surfaces, cutting as it goes.
As for the cutting range, it can be adjusted in increments of 0.5 inches and goes from 0.5 inches to 3 inches. With this, you can change the height of the hub based on your need so that you can achieve an even trim no matter which surface you tend to. Such features make this machine one of the best hover mowers available in the market.
What We Liked
- Lightweight frame with sturdy construction
- Ample working width of 20 inches
- Adjustable cutting range
- Three optional blade types to choose from
- Powerful engine for commercial and home use
What We Didn’t Like
- Engine start-off is a little noisy
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3. Bluebird Turf Products HM160 Hover Mower
The HM160 Hover Mower is another powerful product by the Bluebird company. It has similar features as that of the HM200, but the difference lies in the size of the hub. While the hub of the HM200 is 20 inches wide, that of the HM160 is smaller at 16 inches.
Design
Similar to the HM200, this machine also has 3 stainless steel blades that are replaceable. However, you will not need to replace them frequently. This is because their sharp edges are hard-wearing and do not get damaged through everyday use. On the whole, this machine is constructed to last for a long time.
A smaller hub means that the weight of this product is almost 10 pounds lower than that of the HM200. On the other hand, the cutting range is the same, that is 0.5 inches to 3 inches.
Again, there are three choices of blades, a stainless steel blade, a nylon swing blade, and a triple-edged copolymer string. These convenient options help you arrive at the right combination based on the type and height of grass you are dealing with.
Performance
With a 2 HP Honda GXV57 engine, this mower delivers ample power to finish most cutting tasks with ease. Its fast-spinning blades are perfect to achieve cuts with high precision.
What We Liked
- Easy-to-maneuver frame
- Safety lever on handle is easy to engage
- Adjustable cutting range
- Three choices of blades
- Durable construction
What We Didn’t Like
- Engine could have been more powerful
4. Air Force Honda Hover Mower
Air Force Honda Hover Mower is among the best hover mowers and an ideal choice for someone who wants a small machine that delivers superior performance.
Design
What impressed us about the engineering behind this design is the position of the engine. To maximize oil delivery to the engine, it has been placed in reverse on top of the hub. In addition to this, an efficient fuel pump ensures constant delivery of fuel to the engine so you can enjoy a lag-free performance.
To make the machine durable, a host of nifty features have been provided. These include a steel insert reinforcement that latches the engine securely to the deck. As for the mounts for the handle, they are placed lower on the sides of the deck to provide maximum stability. In addition to this, the deck is UV and chemical resistant and hence lasts several days under the sun.
Speaking of the handles, they are 53 inches long and have a comfortable padded grip to allow you to operate the machine for long durations without getting fatigued.
Performance
A Honda GCV160 4-cycle engine powers the mower. The fuel tank that supplies fuel to the machine has a capacity of 0.24 gallons, so one refilling of the tank will last through a day’s worth of cutting.
The 19-inch hub is wide and with its adjustable cutting height, it gives you enough room to adjust the mower depending on how tall the grass is.
What We Liked
- Good build quality
- Adequately long handle
- Powerful engine delivers high performance
- Padded handles are comfortable to hold
- Cutting height is adjustable from 0.5 to 2.5 inches
What We Didn’t Like
- Weighs more than the other mowers on this list
5. California Trimmer RC190 Hover Mower
A 19-inch hub below a Briggs & Stratton 550EX engine that is specially designed for this product makes the California Trimmer RC190 one of the most powerful and best hover mowers in the market.
Design
The RC190 has stainless steel flail blades that are razor sharp to give a nice and even cut. At the same time, these blades are durable and hence last considerably longer than plastic blades or strings that are being used in other hover mowers. Because of this, you do not need to worry about your blades getting damaged when they hit sticks and stones on your turf while mowing.
Moving on, the deck is made of plastic that is heavy grade and durable. Even so, at 32 pounds it is lightweight and easy to move around. The 52-inch long handles are made of steel and are extendable thanks to the 18-inch height extension kit being shipped with the product. For those of you who are taller and need ergonomic handles comfortable for your height, this is a highly useful feature. Plus, the handles move freely from ground level to an upright position, awarding the user a higher degree of flexibility when it comes to usability.
Performance
There are two versions of the product available for purchase. The original version is powered by a Honda GCV160 4-stroke engine, while the latest version has a Briggs & Stratton engine. Both of these are powerful, the advantage with the Briggs engine being its lighter weight. What’s more, these engines start quickly without much hassle and receive their power from fuel.
A notable feature of this device is its engine braking system that can be engaged by releasing an easy-to-access lever. This provides additional safety and stops the high-speed motion of the blades during pauses between cutting sessions.
What We Liked
- 19-inch hub for wide cutting range
- Available in two variants, a Honda engine powered and a Briggs & Stratton engine powered
- Ships with 18-inch handle extension kit
- Cutting height is adjustable from 1.25 inches to 2 inches
- 2-year residential and 1-year commercial warranty
- Convenient lever for engine braking
What We Didn’t Like
- Some users complain that the machine feels heavy on wet grass
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Hover Mowers
Understanding a lawnmower’s benefits and drawbacks is crucial before choosing which one to buy. A hover mower separates the lawn from the mower with an air cushion. These lawnmowers lack wheels, enabling the operator to move the mower in any orientation. Although most hover mowers are sold as electric models solely, certain gas hover mowers are also offered.
Lawns with slopes are also a good fit for hover mowers. This kind of mower is usually maneuverable. Hover mowers do, however, have significant drawbacks as well. So, let us shine some light on the benefits and drawbacks of these lawnmowers.
Advantages
- Maneuverability
- Fit for Slopping Lands
- Great for Thick Grasses
- No Assembly Needed
- Affordable
Disadvantages
- Heavy Weight
- No Stripes
- Build Quality is Not the Best
- The Power Cable
- Won’t work on Long Grass
Advantages
- Maneuverability
A hover mower can be maneuvered in any direction because it puts an air cushion between itself and the grass. In other words, a hover mower provides greater agility, making it ideal for yards with unusual shapes. Users can access all the corners of their yards using this hover mower.
- Fit for Slopping Lands
Lawns with slopes are also a good fit for hover mowers. The air cushion beneath this mower makes it much simpler to drive it up and down hills. In addition, a hover mower is frequently simpler to push or drag up and down slopes.
- Great for Thick Grasses
The best grass for hover mowers is heavy, thick, and overgrown. Therefore, choose a hover mower if your lawn has this type of grass because it may be much simpler to push a hover mower. Also, remember that a hover mower offers additional maneuverability, increasing the benefit.
- No Assembly Needed
Hover mowers come pre-assembled. So, you can save time setting it up and using them right out of the box.
- Affordable
Hover mowers are generally inexpensive. There are, however, some exceptions, such as the Flymo XL500. Nevertheless, the entire line of hover lawnmowers is frequently placed at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, making them a cheaper way of keeping your lawn in good condition.
Disadvantages
- Weight
Despite their reputation for being lightweight, hover mowers can weigh more than wheeled mowers. However, there is good news: the weight is typically evenly distributed. Furthermore, these mowers might feel hefty when they have to be pushed from side to side. Those who are older or have back problems may find this to be especially true.
- No Stripes
A hover mower is not the best option for adding stripes to your grass. Hover mowers lack rollers because they would hinder the lawnmower from floating on the cushion of air they create and need to cut the grass. And without a roller, there will be no stripes.
- Build Quality is Not the Best
Hover mowers float over the surface. So they need to be lightweight and are almost always made of plastic. Unfortunately, a plastic body may be lightweight but cannot be relied upon for durability. So hover mowers may not last as long as a mower with wheels because they are not normally the most robust.
- The Power Cable
Nearly all hover mowers are powered by electricity. As a result, they are powered via an electric line away from the mains. This may restrict your range of motion.
- Won’t work on Long Grass
With a few exceptions, most hover mowers won’t cut through long grass or weeds. It will also be harder to drive a hover mower if the lawn’s surface isn’t even. Therefore, it’s important to routinely mow your lawn and keep the grass at a manageable length if you own a hover mower.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Hover Mower
If you properly handle and care for hover mowers, they can endure very long. You may use your lawnmower for eight to 10 years if you give it the correct care. Additionally, if you manage your hover mower cautiously and consider a few criteria, you may get the most use out of it.
So, do not skip the section below if you have already decided to buy a hover mower. Here we will discuss tips enabling you to make the most of your hover mower.
- Before purchasing a hover mower, make sure to measure your yard. It should be noted that hover mowers work best in small-sized lawns.
- It is important to consider the terrain of your yard. This is important because you can get the best performance of a hover mower if the land is level and flat.
- Never ever operate an electric hover mower on wet grass, as it may make you susceptible to electrocution. Also, the chances of the mower getting clogged increase.
- It is always a good idea to get a hover mower that comes with a long cord. It will offer more freedom of movement, and you can cover more areas to mow at once.
- If you are bothered by the limitation of movement caused by the mower power cord, you can choose battery-power versions of hover mowers.
- Getting a hover mower with a grass-collecting box is a good idea. It will reduce the extra task of raking the lawn after mowing. But remember to clean the grass-collecting box after emptying it.
- The width of the blades on the mower also plays a vital role in determining how much you will get from your mower. Going for a wider deck size is a good idea.
- Choose one with an adjustable handle and a good grip to get the best out of your hover mower. An ergonomically designed mower will offer you a fatigue-free experience.
- If the mower is durable, everything will be fine. So, for long-term usage, always go for the renowned brands in the market. Brands like Sun Joe, Ego, Worx, Greenwood, Bluebird, and Flymo are some popular brands.
- Choose a brand of hover mower that offers after-sale services and a longer warranty.
- The blade of your hover mower is one of its most important components. So, keeping the blades sharp is crucial. That said, your mower’s blade should be sharpened twice a year.
- If the blades are bent, you will need to hammer them to get back into shape or replace them.
- It is essential to replace the mower’s spark plug once a year in the spring month.
- Check the oil with the dipstick before you use it for the first time in the season.
- The air filter must be cleaned or changed because it can have accumulated dirt and debris from the previous mowing season.
- Before storing the mower for the season, clean it to eliminate any debris. Check the mower underneath to see if any debris or dirt is stuck in the blades.
- If you own a gas mower, make sure to empty the tank of any remaining fuel before putting it in the store for the winter.
Never leave your hover mower outdoors when not in use. Instead, clean it and store it in a cool place.
Things To Consider When Buying A Hover Mower
When you set out to buy a hover mower, there are a few things you should consider. These include the following:
1. Grass Collection
Some lawnmowers include a box for gathering grass. On the other hand, some mowers have blades that will dispense grass clippings to the side as you move forward. If you mow every week, you might not need to spend money on mowers with grass collectors. It is said that leaving freshly cut grass on your lawn can replenish its nutrients and maintain its health and greenness.
However, remember that mowers with the grass-collecting box typically cost more.
2. Lawn Size
When choosing a mower, consideration of the size of the grass is essential. Hover mowers are best suited for smaller lawns, though. These mowers are excellent for those smaller grassy areas and are reasonably priced. Hover mowers are easy to maneuver, and it gets easy to navigate them through nooks and crannies easily. Measuring your yard before going to the store is best because many sized mowers are available.
3. Cutting Width
Your mower’s deck size is a gauge for the size of the cutting area. The width of the mower is used to calculate the size of the deck. There is a direct connection between the deck size and the time taken for mowing. The larger the deck size, the less time it will take to mow the lawn. That said, depending on the type, a mower’s deck can be 20 to 70 inches long.
4. The Design
The backache brought on by mowing is not at all ideal. Therefore, it is essential to look closely at the design of the hover mower you intend to purchase. For instance, the mower’s grip needs to be firm. You should have little trouble grasping the mower. Additionally, watch out that the handle doesn’t elude your grasp while you operate it. Furthermore, the handle’s height needs to be adjustable. While mowing your grass, your back should be as straight as possible.
FAQs
Conclusion
Hover mowers have been around for many years as popular lawn mowing machines. They provide certain advantages over traditional lawnmowers, such as being light in weight and also easy to carry over sloped turf.
Choosing a suitable hover mower for you can be overwhelming given the number of options available for purchase. For this reason, we have selected the 5 best hover mowers you can buy and provided detailed reviews of each. There is also a handy buying guide at the end to help you decide which mower would best suit your requirements.
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